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.”