Auburn 33 Ole Miss 20

We are all together to watch the game at home. It's the early game. At first it seemed it was going to be Auburn's typical performance in a morning game as the Rebels drive 94 yard to take an early 7 to 0 lead after the kick returner fumbled and Auburn should have recovered but didn't.

The Auburn defense stiffened the rest of the half and Auburn led 10 to 7 at intermission. The Auburn offense exploded in the third quarter and the Tigers led 31 to 7 in the middle of the third. But Ole Miss runs a kickoff back and quickly it's 31 to 14. Our offense stalls and it's 33 to 20 after Mississippi scores another TD but we block the point after and run it back for 2 points.

That's the way it ends as our defense gets a late interception as Ole Miss was driving and we run out the clock.

Our defense looks the best it's looked all year. We got pressure on their QB Jevan Snead, our tackeling was better, and our secondary played well. The offense improved certainly over the last 3 games.

Our kickoff coverage is still terrible. Chris Todd is always capable of a bonehead play at any time. We get little out of punt and kickoff returns.

Auburn is 6 & 3. I suppose we will win next week. We could finish 9 and 3 or 7 and 5.

Scoreboard (8)

For the week:

Fred 12-8
Freddy 12-8
Moyna 12-8

For the season:

Fred 89-50-1
Freddy 87-51-1
Moyna 92-47-1

Pick 'Em (9)

Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.

1. Mississippi (6) vs. AUBURN
2. Purdue vs. WISCONSIN (7)
3. Nebraska (13) vs. BAYLOR
4. UAB vs. UTEP (7)
5. Michigan (7) vs. ILLINOIS
6. Kansas vs. TEXAS TECH (6 1/2)
7. Miami (6 1/2) vs. WAKE FOREST
8. Iowa State vs. TEXAS A&M (6)
9. California (6) vs. ARIZONA STATE
10. Georgia vs. FLORIDA (14 1/2)
11. Mississippi State vs. KENTUCKY (3 1/2)
12. Georgia Tech (11) vs. VANDERBILT
13. South Carolina vs. TENNESSEE (6)
14. USC (3) vs. OREGON
15. Air Force (6 1/2) vs. COLORADO STATE
16. Duke vs. VIRGINIA (7)
17. Arkansas State vs. LOUISVILLE (2 1/2)
18. Western Michigan vs. KENT STATE (2 1/2)
19. Indiana vs. IOWA (17 1/2)
20. Texas (9 1/2) vs. OKLAHOMA STATE

Freddy's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Wisconsin
3. Baylor
4. UTEP
5. Michigan
6. Texas Tech
7. Miami
8. A&M
9. Cal
10.Georgia
11.Kentucky
12.Tech
13.Tennessee
14.Oregon
15.Air Force
16.Duke
17.Arkansas State
18.Kent State
19.Iowa
20.Texas

Fred's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Wisconsin
3. Nebraska
4. UAB
5. Michigan
6. Kansas
7. Miami
8. Texas A & M
9. Cal
10.Florida
11.Kentucky
12.Ga. Tech
13.Tennessee
14.USC
15.Colorado State
16.Virginia
17.Louisville
18.Kent State
19.Iowa
20.Texas

Moyna's Picks

1. Ole Miss
2. Wisconsin
3. Nebraska
4. UTEP
5. Illinois
6. Texas Tech
7. Miami
8. Iowa State
9. Cal
10.Florida
11.MSU
12.Tech
13.Tennessee
14.USC
15.Colorado State
16.Virginia
17.Louisville
18.Western Michigan
19.Iowa
20.Texas

Auburn Vocabulary

Tradition, History, and Legend

Here's a quick look at what makes the Auburn football phenomena uniquely "Auburn."

All-America x 11
Jimmy "Red" Phillips made 11 All-America teams in 1957 before becoming an All-Pro with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings and leading the NFL in receiving in 1961.

Aubie
Auburn's award-winning mascot is a favorite for Tiger fans, both young and old. On the job since 1979, Aubie's existence began as a cartoon character drawn by Birmingham Post-Herald artist Phil Neel in 1959 for the Oct. 3, football game program.

Bacardi Bowl
Auburn's first bowl trip and the only bowl game to ever be played outside the United States. Auburn and Villanova battled to a 7-7 tie in Havana, Cuba on New Year's day in 1937. Billy Hitchcock scored the Tigers' only touchdown of the game on a 40-yard run.

Beard, Jeff
Garland Washington "Jeff" Beard could generally be considered the father of modern Auburn athletics. Serving as athletic director from 1951 through 1972, Beard hired legendary coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan, increased the capacity of what is now Jordan-Hare Stadium from 21,500 to 61,500 seats and is responsible for bringing Auburn's football games with Georgia Tech, Georgia and Tennessee to campus. His tenure also produced the basketball arena now named in his honor, the Wilbur Hutsell Track and Field complex and Sewell Hall. Beard is one of only six Auburn athletic directors who didn't serve as head football coach.

Bo over the top
The climax to a 23-22 Auburn victory over Alabama in 1982 which broke a nine-year losing skid to the Crimson Tide. Bo Jackson's 1-yard leap over the Alabama goal line capped a 66-yard drive and set the stage for what Auburn people consider the Tigers' "coming out" party in the 1980s.

December 2, 1989
Alabama came to Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time in the history of the rivalry. Prior to that, all games in the series had been played at Birmingham's Legion Field since the series was resumed in 1948. A 30-20 Auburn victory settled the score of the game, but the cross-state journey for the Tide settled a score which had brewed for nearly a century in the hearts of Auburn people. Alabama coach Ray Perkins once said "it won't happen". On Dec. 2, 1989, it did.

The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry
Auburn and Georgia. It began on Feb. 20, 1892 at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Since 1898 the Tigers and the Bulldogs have played every year, 106 meetings total, with the exception of 1943, when Auburn didn't field a team due to World War II. To date, Auburn leads the series 52-48-8.

Donahue, Mike
"Iron" Mike Donahue won 99 games in two different stints as Auburn's head coach, tying him with Pat Dye for second on the all-time Auburn victories list. Donahue's 1913 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship team not only went undefeated at 8-0, but did not allow a single point to be scored on them. On the flip side, his 1920 team averaged 42.5 points per game, despite being shut out twice. During his tenure, 38 players were named as All-Southern Conference. Donahue also served as the basketball, baseball and track coach as well athletic director.

Don't Make us go there
For years some of Auburn's chief rivals - Georgia, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Alabama - never made it to The Plains. Auburn's "home" games with those schools were played in Montgomery, Mobile, Columbus and Birmingham. Athletic Director Jeff Beard changed all that starting in 1960. The Auburn-Georgia game was played in Columbus, Athens, Atlanta, Macon or Savannah from 1892 through 1959. In 1960 the Bulldogs finally came to Auburn and lost, 9-6. From 1906 until 1970 Auburn and Georgia Tech played in either Atlanta or Birmingham - 53 straight times in Atlanta - before the Yellow Jackets finally gave in and came to Auburn to lose 31-7. In a series that began in 1900, Tennessee finally played at Auburn in 1974, losing 21-0. In 1989, cross-state rival Alabama made the trip and left with a 30-20 defeat and dreams of an undefeated season ended.

Dye, Pat
Patrick Fain Dye won 99 games and four Southeastern Conference championships in 12 years as Auburn's head coach, but perhaps he will be remembered most for bringing Auburn's "home" game with Alabama to the Auburn campus on Dec. 2, 1989, a 30-20 Tiger victory. He also fielded such superstars as Bo Jackson, Kurt Crain and Tracy Rocker. Under his leadership as athletic director, Auburn football facilities were elevated to some of the finest in the nation with additions to Jordan-Hare Stadium increasing the seating capacity to 85,214 and 70 luxury suites.

Eleven and Ohhhhh!!!!!
In 1993, first-year coach Terry Bowden directed Auburn to its first undefeated, 11-win season while the Tigers suffered through the first year of NCAA imposed sanctions which kept AU off television and out of the bowl scene. The 11 wins in 1993 were the opening act of a 20-game winning streak which would set the Auburn record for consecutive victories.

The Entrance
The Auburn team began a new tradition in 2000, entering the field from the middle of the south end zone through a cloud of smoke.

Four in '05
Auburn set a team and Southeastern Conference record when four Tigers were selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Ronnie Brown went second overall to Miami, Carnell Williams fifth to Tampa Bay, Carlos Rogers ninth to Washington and Jason Campbell 25th to the Redskins. Auburn became just the 11th school to have four players selected in the first round of the same draft. Meanwhile, the backfield of Brown, Campbell and Williams became the first to all be selected in the first round in the same year.

Hare, Cliff
Cliff Hare was a member of Auburn's first football team who went on to serve as chair of the Auburn Faculty Athletic Committee. Auburn's football stadium is named for the longtime professor and dean of the School of Chemistry. He served as president of the Southern Conference before the formation of the Southeastern Conference.

Heisman, John
The legendary coach for which college football's top honor is named coached at Auburn from 1895-99, posting a 12-4-2 record. Auburn is the only school where John Heisman coached to have a Heisman Trophy winner. Heisman left Auburn for Clemson and then Georgia Tech, where he lost 10 of 15 meetings with Auburn.

Heisman Trophy
Auburn has two. Pat Sullivan won the coveted award in 1971. Bo Jackson did the same in 1985.

Jordan, Ralph
Over the years no name has been more synonymous with Auburn football than Ralph "Shug" Jordan. The all-time winningest football coach at Auburn, Jordan won 176 games over a 25-year career on The Plains. A four-time Southeastern Conference coach of the year, he was also named national coach of the year in 1957 after leading Auburn to its only football out-right national championship.

Jordan-Hare Stadium
Auburn's showcase football stadium which seats 87,451 with 70 luxury suites located between the lower level and upper deck on the East side of the stadium. The stadium was dedicated Nov. 30, 1939 with 7,500 seats that are now incorporated into the West stands. Ten years later 14,000 more seats were added and the stadium was named Cliff Hare Stadium, although only 12 home games were played there over that 10-year span. Additional seats were added in 1955, 1960 and 1970. The West upper deck was completed in 1980 and the East upper deck and suites were finished for the 1987 season. The facility was renamed Jordan-Hare Stadium in 1973.

Kick It Again
In September 2004, on its way to a perfect 13-0 season, Auburn played host to LSU just days after Hurricane Ivan swept through Alabama. The game, close until the end, came to a climax when Jason Campbell connected with Courtney Taylor with 1:14 to play. The ensuing extra point was missed, but an LSU penalty allowed for another attempt. John Vaughn promptly nailed the second chance, giving the Tigers the 10-9 advantage and ensuring Auburn's place in the record books.

Lovelace Museum
Auburn's showcase of a rich athletic history is located off the lobby area of the Auburn Athletic Complex. Opened in April 1996, the John B. Lovelace Museum and Hall of Honor features displays and interactive exhibits which takes visitors from the training table to the Olympic games with Auburn athletes past and present. The museum is open during regular business hours, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and during most campus Auburn athletic events. Admission is free.

Lupton, Frank
Frank Lupton, a halfback and captain of the 1892 football squad, scored the first touchdown and kicked the first conversion in Auburn football history in a 10-0 Auburn victory over Georgia on Feb. 20, 1892.

Nicknames
There is only one ... Tigers. There is no such thing as an Auburn War Eagle, an Auburn Plainsman or Plainsmen or an Auburn Lady Tiger. It is simply Tigers. "War Eagle" is a battle cry and The Plainsman is the of name Auburn's student newspaper.

Nix-to-Sanders
With starting quarterback Stan White lying in pain on the turf of Jordan-Hare Stadium and Auburn's undefeated season hanging in the balance against Alabama in 1993, sophomore quarterback Patrick Nix was summoned to the huddle to face a 4th-and-15 at the Alabama 35-yard line with Auburn trailing 14-5 and 6:09 left on the third quarter clock. Offensive coordinator Tommy Bowden relayed the call to the sidelines and "278Z Takeoff" would become a part of Auburn football lore. Nix, without a chance to loosen up, hung the ball up and receiver Frank Sanders pulled it down for a touchdown. Auburn went on to win 22-14.

Outland Trophy
Auburn players have won two. Zeke Smith won the first in 1958, Tracy Rocker the second in 1988. Rocker made it a clean sweep in 1988 by also winning the Lombardi Award.

The Perfect Season
It began with a 31-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe and culminated with a 16-13 victory over Virginia Tech in the NOKIA Sugar Bowl. The 2004 season will be forever known as Auburn's Perfect Season, a year in which the Tigers defeated four top 10 teams en route to a No. 2 national finish, their highest since ending the season No. 1 in 1957. Auburn rode one of the nation's top offenses and a dominating defense to its sixth-ever Southeastern Conference Championship and third straight bowl victory.

"Phantom of Union Springs"
Jimmy Hitchcock, a Union Springs, Ala., native, was Auburn's first football All-American. The "Phantom of Union Springs" was also a baseball All-American who later returned to coach and hold a position on the Auburn University Board of Trustees. He earned his nickname, The Phantom, from his speed and ability to elude defenders on the football field. Auburn's baseball facility, Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park, is named in honor of Jimmy and Billy Hitchcock, brothers who made a lasting impact on Auburn.

Picked off
Those who witnessed Auburn's 30-26 victory over LSU in 1994 saw one of the most bizarre finishes ever to a college football game. With LSU leading 23-9 going into the fourth quarter, Auburn safety Ken Alvis picked off an LSU pass and rambled 42 yards for a touchdown. Before the final horn had sounded Fred Smith followed suit for 32 yards and a score, then Brian Robinson returned yet another pickoff for a 41-yard TD. In all, the Tigers intercepted five LSU passes in the fourth quarter to keep a 14-game winning streak alive.

Piedmont Park
The site of the first Auburn football game on Feb. 20, 1892 in Atlanta. Auburn defeated Georgia, 10-0, in that game, kicking off the oldest rivalry in the South. The Auburn and Georgia athletic departments held a joint ceremony at Piedmont Park on February 20, 1992 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of football at both universities.

Petrie, Dr. George
Dr. George Petrie, a faculty member in the Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1892, organized and was the coach of Auburn's first football team. One of Auburn's academic buildings, Petrie Hall, was named in his honor.

"Punt Bama Punt"
Maybe the most famous and easily the most talked about Auburn-Alabama football game. Trailing 16-0 heading into the fourth quarter in the 1972 contest, Auburn's Gardner Jett made a field goal. Then lightning struck - twice. Bill Newton blocked an Alabama punt and David Langner returned it 25 yards for an Auburn touchdown. Three minutes later Newton blocked another punt and Langner ran 20 yards for the score. The Tigers defeated the Tide 17-16.

Retired Jerseys
There are only three at Auburn; Pat Sullivan's 7, Terry Beasley's 88 and Bo Jackson's 34. Sullivan and Beasley's jerseys were retired following Sullivan's 1971 Heisman Trophy season and Jackson's jersey was retired as part of Auburn's football centennial celebration in 1992.

Sullivan-to-Beasley
Auburn's most prolific passing combination. From 1969 to 1971 Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley connected for more than 2,500 passing yards and nearly 30 touchdowns. Thirty-four years after the end of their careers, both Sullivan and Beasley still hold Auburn's career passing and receiving records, respectively.

Tiger
The name of Auburn's golden eagle mascot. Not to be confused with "Tigers", which is the correct and only nickname for Auburn athletic teams.

Tiger Walk
An Auburn tradition which began in the early 1960s when Auburn players would walk from Sewell Hall to the football stadium and fans would line Donahue Drive to wish them well. Over the years the Tiger Walk has grown into a major part of game day at Auburn, so much so that it is listed on the players' game weekend itinerary. The largest Tiger Walk is believed to have taken place prior to the 1989 Alabama game when more than 20,000 well wishers lined the street. Every Tiger Walk prior to home games draws thousands and over the last couple of years the Tiger Walk has become a standard as Auburn football players enter stadiums on the road. Tiger Walk is two hours before kickoff for every game.

Toomer's Corner
The center of town, where the Auburn University campus meets the City of Auburn. Toomer's Corner, where College Street intersects Magnolia Avenue, has long been the gathering place for Auburn athletic celebrations. After any football win, and significant victories in other sports, Auburn students and citizens alike join forces to "roll" the trees (and anything else that doesn't move) at Toomer's Corner with toilet tissue. Celebrations after significant football victories can go on for hours and leave the heart of town looking like a blizzard passed through.

Toomer's Drug Store
An Auburn landmark at the corner of College and Magnolia reputed to serve the best lemonade in the country. It is Auburn legend that John Heisman used to frequent Toomer's Drugs for a taste of the now famous lemonade.

Walk-ons
Auburn has a long and storied past of football walk-ons who have gone on to very successful football careers. One success story belongs to former three-time All-Pro and Defensive MVP (1995) defensive end Kevin Greene. After being cut once, Greene walked on at Auburn a second time and made the team. He went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL.

"War Eagle"
Auburn's battle cry, not Auburn's nickname. There are several legends concerning the origin of the War Eagle battle cry, dating back to 1864 and the Civil War at the Battle of the Wilderness in Virginia.

The Ole Miss Game (2)

Philip Marshall picks Auburn to beat Ole Miss on a hunch. I've never had any hunches when it comes picking college football winners. I'd rather look at the facts as best I can. It would take a miraculous turnaround for Auburn to rebound from the last 3 games and win Saturday. This is a fact which is bigger than any hunch I might have.

The Ole Miss Game

I think about the game Saturday and I can't convince myself that anything is going to change. I read about what is going on with what Chizik says and what some of the players say and I still don't think anything will be different come this Saturday. We will play a better team and we will get beat and it won't be close. I hope I'm wrong but this is the way I see it today.

I'm Disappointed

I'm disappointed that we are sticking with Chris Todd. You'd think they would give Neil Caudle a chance. We will likely lose again decisively to Ole Miss. Will Caudle get a chance in the second half of this game? What will Chizik do after we lose big again? Everyone assumes we will beat Furman. Can we be sure of that?

The LSU Game (2)

Scoreboard (7)

For the week:

Fred 13-7
Freddy 13-7
Moyna 15-5

For the year:

Fred 77-42-1
Freddy 75-44-1
Moyna 80-39-1

Pick 'Em (8)

Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.

1. Auburn vs. LSU* (8)

2. ALABAMA (15 1/2)* vs. Tennessee

3. Florida (23)* vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE

4. MISSISSIPPI (6 1/2)* vs. Arkansas

5. SOUTH CAROLINA (12 1/2)* vs. Vanderbilt

6. KENTUCKY (17)* vs. La. Monroe

7. DUKE (5 1/2)* vs. Maryland

8. Georgia Tech (5 1/2)* vs. VIRGINIA

9. NEBRASKA (17) vs. Iowa State*

10. TEXAS TECH (21) vs. Texas A & M*

11. Iowa* vs. MICHIGAN STATE (Pick 'em)

12. TROY (18 1/2)* vs. North Texas

13. MARSHALL (7)* vs. UAB

14. MIAMI (4 1/2) vs. Clemson*

15. UTAH STATE (2)* vs. La. Tech

16. PITTSBURGH (7)* vs. South Florida

17. Oklahoma (7 1/2)* vs. KANSAS

18. Texas (13)* vs. MISSOURI

19. NOTRE DAME* (8) vs. Boston College

20. Oregon (10)* vs. WASHINGTON

Fred's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Michigan State
12.Troy
13.Marshall
14.Miami
15.Utah State
16.Pittsburgh
17.Oklahoma
18.Texas
19.Notre Dame
20.Washington

Moyna's Picks

1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Duke
8. Ga. Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Michigan State
12.Troy
13.UAB
14.Miami
15.La. Tech
16.Pittsburgh
17.Oklahoma
18.Texas
19.Boston College
20.Oregon

Freddy's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Tennessee
3. Florida
4. Arkansas
5. South Carolina
6. Kentucky
7. Maryland
8. Georgia Tech
9. Nebraska
10.Texas Tech
11.Iowa
12.Troy
13.Marshall
14.Miami
15.Utah State
16.Pitt
17.Kansas
18.Texas
19.BC
20.Oregon

Auburn-LSU Videos

Here are a few videos to ready for tonight's rumble in Baton Rouge:

Officiating

The SEC reprimanded Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino for criticizing the officials following his team's loss to Florida. Petrino was rebuked for these comments:

1) "It's unfortunate that in the fourth quarter there's probably three plays that the officials made the difference in the game."

2) "When they hit you when you're on the white, it's supposed to be a late hit, a 15-yard penalty. Unfortunately, in Florida, they don't call it that way."

I am disgusted that the SEC reprimanded Petrino. Obviously, his comments seem to violate SEC Bylaw 10.5.4, which prohibits coaches and players from criticizing officials. However, I think Petrino's comments were mild. Additionally, I think officials should be criticized when warranted, and I think head coaches should be allowed to speak their mind about officials without penalty. If the officials make a mistake, then coaches should be able to say so. If the officials deserve criticism, then coaches should be able to criticize them. I do not understand the conference's protection of officials to the point of censorship. The officials are not that special. They are not untouchable or infallible: They are just officials.

The LSU Game

While driving through Montgomery today I was able to listen to some of the Auburn radio show. By the way, the show is available on http://www.sportscallonline.com.

They talked to a sportswriter from Baton Rouge. He says the LSU people are not happy. The Bengal Tigers are 5 and 1 and 9th in the BCS yet nobody is happy. They should have lost to Mississippi State. They squeezed by lowly Washington. Their offense is 11th in the conference. Such a poor offense so far. Their running game is poor. You're going to have their struggling running game vs. our struggling run defense.

I am reminded that this is probably Auburn's strangest series. Weird things have happened over the years in this storied series. The weirdness may work in our favor. We need something to work in our favor!

Scoreboard (6)

For the week:

Fred 13-7
Freddy 14-6
Moyna 12-8

For the season:

Fred 64-35-1
Freddy 62-37-1
Moyna 65-34-1

So close!

PIck 'em (7)

Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.

1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs. Kentucky*

2. ALABAMA (17)* vs. South Carolina

3. OLE MISS (22)* vs. UAB

4. Troy (9)* vs. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL

5. FLORIDA (25)* vs. Arkansas

6. Texas (3)* vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl)

7. IOWA (2)* vs. Baylor

8. Southern Cal (10)* vs. NOTRE DAME

9. California (3 1/2)* vs. UCLA

10. NEBRASKA (10) vs. Texas Tech*

11. Georgia (8 1/2)* vs. VANDERBILT

12. Miami (14 1/2)* vs. CENTRAL FLORIDA

13. PENN ST. (16 1/2)* vs. Minnesota

14. WEST VIRGINA* (20) vs. Marshall

15. Texas A & M (5 1/2) vs. KANSAS STATE*

16. Illinois (3)* vs. INDIANA

17. Virginia (4)* vs. MARYLAND

18. Louisiana Tech (20)* vs. New Mexico State

19. SOUTHERN MISS (13 1/2)* vs. Memphis

20. Houston* (17) vs. TULANE

Fred's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Texas*
7. Iowa*
8. Notre Dame
9. UCLA
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia*
12. Miami*
13. Penn. St.*
14. West Virginia*
15. Texas A & M
16. Indiana
17. Maryland
18. La Tech*
19. Southern Miss*
20. Houston*

Moyna's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Oklahoma*
7. Iowa*
8. USC*
9. Cal*
10. Nebraska
11. Georgia*
12. Central Florida
13. Penn. St.*
14. WVU*
15. Texas A & M
16. Indiana
17. Virginia*
18. La. Tech*
19. Southern Miss*
20. Houston*

Freddy's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Alabama*
3. Ole Miss*
4. Troy*
5. Florida*
6. Texas*
7. Iowa*
8. USC*
9. Cal*
10.Nebraska
11.Georgia*
12.Miami*
13.PSU*
14.WVU*
15.A & M
16.Indiana
17.Maryland
18.Tech*
19.Memphis
20.Tulane

Arkansas

Nothing makes me fret more than playing Arkansas. I would rather play LSU, Georgia, or Alabama, or even USC or Texas, than play Arkansas.

I knew coming in this was a setup. Besides the inherent trepidation of playing Arkansas, consider the following: 1) It was a road game, 2) Tuberville predicted an easy Auburn win, 3) We jumped into the Top 25, 4) It was a morning game, and 5) We were receiving more recognition.

Fate was swirling against us today. I thought we would at least play better, however.

The Arkansas Game (3)

The Tigers are dominated 44 to 23. Early in the 3rd quarter, Ben Tate fumbles inside the Razorback 5. At the end of the quarter, the Tigers close to 34 to 23 after 20 unanaswered points and we have the momentum. But then we give up a long kickoff return; Arkansas scores and that's the game.

The Arkansas Game (2)

The Tigers have a first half meltdown. Arkansas completely dominates, leading 27 to 3 at intermission. We have no pass rush. We struggle with the same poor tackling that we've seen all year. Fanin fumbles a kickoff to set up one Arkansas touchdown. Todd overthrows receivers. We had Zachary open on what would have been a TD, but Todd overthrows him. A play like that might have a big difference in the game. Auburn has played from behind all year, but not from this far back. It looks hopeless at the half. The deficit is too great.

Pick 'Em (6)

Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.

1. Auburn (2) vs. ARKANSAS *

2. Alabama (5)* vs. OLE MISS

3. TENNESSEE (1 1/2)* vs. Georgia

4. FLORIDA STATE (3) vs. Georgia Tech *

5. OHIO STATE (16)* vs. Wisconsin

6. Oregon (3 1/2) * vs. UCLA

7. SOUTH CAROLINA (9 1/2)* vs. Kentucky

8. Florida (8)* vs. LSU

9. IOWA (8)* vs. Michigan

10. Nebraska (4)* vs. MISSOURI

11. West Virginia (10)* vs. SYRACUSE

12. Vanderbilt (10 1/2) vs. ARMY *

13. NORTH CAROLINA STATE (14 1/2) vs. Duke *

14. TEXAS (33)* vs. Colorado

15. Southern Miss (3) vs. LOUISVILLE *

16. VIRGINIA (7) * vs. Indiana

17. TEXAS TECH (16)* vs. Kansas State

18. OKLAHOMA (25)* vs. Baylor

19. KANSAS (19 1/2)* vs. Iowa St.

20. MISSISSIPPI STATE (1 1/2) vs. Houston *

Fred's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Georgia
4. Georgia Tech *
5. Ohio State *
6. UCLA
7. South Carolina *
8. Florida *
9. Iowa *
10.Nebraska *
11. West Virginia *
12.Vanderbilt
13.Duke *
14.Texas *
15.Southern Miss
16.Indiana
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.Mississippi State

Moyna's Picks

1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Georgia
4. Florida St
5. Ohio St. *
6, Oregon *
7. South Carolina *
8. Florida *
9. Michigan
10.Nebraska *
11.West Virginia *
12.Vanderbilt
13.North Carolina St.
14.Texas *
15.Southern MIss
16.Virginia *
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.Mississippi State

Freddy's Picks:

1. Auburn
2. Alabama *
3. Tennessee *
4. FSU
5. OSU *
6. Oregon *
7. SC *
8. Florida *
9. Iowa *
10.Nebraska *
11.WVU *
12.Vandy
13.NC State
14.Texas *
15.Louisville *
16.Indiana
17.Texas Tech *
18.Oklahoma *
19.Kansas *
20.MSU

Scoreboard (5)

For the week:

Moyna 16-4

Freddy 13-7

Fred 10-10

For the season:

Moyna 53-26-1

Freddy 48-31-1

Fred 51-28-1

Tuberville says Auburn will win by three TDs

BY Chris Low
7 October 2009
ESPN

Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville isn’t much of a believer in Arkansas.

Appearing Wednesday on WJOX Radio in Birmingham, Ala., Tuberville said Auburn would beat Arkansas “by three touchdowns” this Saturday.

Tuberville said he attended the Arkansas-Texas A&M game last weekend and wasn’t impressed with the Hogs’ defense.

“Arkansas can’t stop a cold, but they’ll try to score some points,” said Tuberville, predicting that Auburn would win by three touchdowns, yet warning that this also sets up as a trap game for the Tigers.

Of course, there is a history between Tuberville and Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino, although both men have said there are no ill feelings.

Petrino was Tuberville’s offensive coordinator at Auburn in 2002 before taking the Louisville head job following the season. That next year, Petrino was at the center of “Jetgate” when Auburn officials secretly flew to meet with Petrino about replacing Tuberville before the season was even over.

Tuberville said he remains a big Auburn fan and complimented the job offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn has done with the offense.

“I love these kids,” Tuberville said. “They laid it on the line for me last year. That’s why I’m so excited for them, especially the seniors and what they went through last year and what they’re having an opportunity to go through this year. They deserve it. I put them in a tough situation. Now they’re in a very good situation for them. They just need to keep it going.”

The Arkansas Game

There seems to be a broad consensus on this game. To wit:

1) It will be a "shootout." Meaning: a high scoring game.

2) Auburn will have to find some way to pressure Arkansas QB Ryan Mallet. No doubt he is very good. Arkansas leads the league in passing. They haven't done much running so far this year. I think Mallet is averaging 281 yards passing a game. If he gets more than that, we're in trouble.

3) The Auburn defense will have to play some people. Do we have the necessary defensive depth? Maybe that's why Coach Roof has been playing so many people in the second halves which has had the negative effect of so many points being given up in the 4th quarter.

Sometimes football games do not go according to predictions. In this instance, I find no reason to question the convention wisdom.

Malzahn Links

Here is an interesting dissection of the Malzahn offense.

And another discussion of Malzahn from Sports Illustrated.

DeWanna Bonner

I am happy for DeWanna Bonner. The former Auburn star is playing in the WNBA Finals for the Phoenix Mercury. She was named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, and I read that she could be named Rookie of the Year too.

It is too bad the WNBA is apparently not making any money and the league may fold soon.

Pick 'Em (5)

Pick the winner. Home team in CAPS.

1. Auburn * vs. TENNESSEE (2)

2. Alabama * (10) vs. KENTUCKY

3. Arkansas (1) *k vs. Texas A & M (in Arlington, Tx)

4. GEORGIA (3) vs. LSU *

5. Georgia Tech (6) * vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE

6. Ohio State (17)* vs. INDIANA

7. STANFORD (5) * vs. UCLA

8. Southern Miss (9) vs. UAB *

9. Clemson (13) vs. MARYLAND *

10.NOTRE DAME (13) * vs. Washington

11.Florida State (4 1/2) vs. BOSTON COLLEGE *

12. Oklahoma (7) vs. MIAMI *

13.Penn. State (7) * vs. ILLINOIS

14.USC (5) * vs. CALIFORNIA

15.Ole Miss (9) * vs. VANDERBILT

16.PURDUE (7) vs. Northwestern *

17.Pittsburgh (6 1/2) * vs. LOUISVILLE

18.NORTH CAROLINA (13) vs. Virginia *

19.IOWA (21) * vs. Arkansas State

20.CENTRAL FLORIDA (7) *vs. Memphis

Fred's Picks

1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Texas A & M
4. Georgia
5. Mississippi State
6. Ohio State *
7. UCLA
8. Southern Miss
9. Clemson
10.Notre Dame *
11.Florida State
12.Miami *
13.Penn. St. *
14. USC *
15.Vanderbilt
16.Purdue
17.Pittsburgh *
18.North Carolina
19.Iowa *
20.Central Florida *

Moyna's Picks

1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Arkansas *
4. LSU *
5. Georgia Tech *
6. Ohio State *
7. Stanford *
8. Southern Miss
9. Clemson
10.Notre Dame *
11.Florida State
12.Oklahoma
13.Penn.St. *
14.USC *
15.Ole Miss *
16.Northwestern *
17.Pittsburgh *
18.Virginia *
19.Iowa *
20.Central Florida *

Freddy's Picks

1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. A & M
4. Georgia
5. Tech *
6. Ohio State *
7. Stanford *
8. Southern Miss
9. Maryland *
10. Notre Dame *
11. BC *
12. Oklahoma
13. PSU *
14. Cal
15. Ole Miss *
16. Purdue
17. Pitt *
18. NC
19. Iowa *
20. Central Florida*

Scoreboard (4)

FOR THE WEEK:

Freddy 15-5

Fred 17-3

Moyna 15-5

FOR THE YEAR:

Freddy 35-24-1

Fred 41-18-1

Moyna 37-22-1

Back to Knoxville

It will be glorious to return to Knoxville where we haven't been since 1999. We hope that this time the Tigers will be better equipped than we were 10 years ago. Of course, we've won 4 in a row against the Vols since then.

This rivalry looms large in my Auburn football memories. We used to play every year before 1992 and so there are lots of those memories.

My first Auburn-Tennessee memory was 1968, my freshman year, when we won (I think) 28 to 14 in Legion Field. I was there for that first one in my time.

I remember the 1970 game in Legion Field. We won but I do not remember the score without looking it up.

There was 1972 also in Legion Field, one of the most satifying Auburn wins in my lifetime. Auburn opened the season beating Mississippi State and then squeaking by Chattanoga 14 to 7. There wasn't a sole in this universe that thought Auburn would be Tennessee, but we did beat them 10 to 6. I remember to this day leaving the Legion Field as proud of an Auburn team as I've been for winning a game that NO ONE thought we would win. That '72 team would go on to distinguish itself by losing only one game all year.

I remember Freddy and I going to the 1998 game in Auburn when we lost. Little did we know at that time that Terry Bowden would be gone before the end of the year.

I'm hoping for additional great memories come this Saturday.