The Tigers are a slight favorite. Who knows what to expect in this game. Michael Dyer is gone. Coach Chizik is acting as defensive coordinator. Virginia is 8 & 4 on the season. This is all I know about them.
FIRST QUARTER
The two teams swap possessions to start the game, Virgina picking up a couple of first downs, Auburn going 3 and out from their 7. Mosely at QB looks like the same old Mosely---not good.
On their second possession Virginia gets a 27-yd TD on a post route. So far the Cavaliers look like the better team. Their offense looks quick and efficient. 5 plays 64 yards. There is certainly no improvement in our defense. We are getting no pressure on their quarterback.
Auburn 0 Virginia 7
Starting from the 40 after an out-of-bounds kickoff the Tigers get one first down on a 12-yd. run by McCalebb, but have to punt into the end zone. We can't throw the ball with Mosely, who hobbles off the field before the punt. Mosely is horrible. Their defense is whipping our offense. Virgina starts on their 20.
Virginia finally goes 3 and out and the Tigers block the punt!
Auburn is first and ten on the Virginia 15.
McCalebb runs it to the 3 on a burst.
Frazier runs it in from there.
Auburn gets a big special teams play and ties the game still in the first quarter.
Auburn 7 Virginia 7
We get a fumble recovery on the Virginia 32 but can't score. Parkey misses the 44-yd. FG attempt. Trotter plays the series. I feel better with him in there than Mosely at this point in time.
The Cavaliers drive to the Auburn 19 as the quarter ends helped by 2 personal foul penalities against Auburn, one of which was a terrible call.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Virginia 7
Virginia is dominating but the score is tied. The Tigers have done nothing on offense.
SECOND QUARTER
There's a run to the 5 right up the middle, a gain of 14.
There is a loss to the 9 on a complete pass.
There's a gain to the 5 and we're at 3rd and goal.
There's another wide open receiver for the touchdown. An easy pitch and catch. We give their receivers too much room just as we have all year. Their receivers have been wide open on critical downs. Evans doesn't properly cover his man. We had zone coverage with no pressure on their quarterback.
Auburn 7 Virginia 14
From the AU 15 McCalebb runs down the field to the Virginia 25 for a big 60-yrd gain. A pass to Blake moves us to a first and goal at the 5. McCalebb scores on the statue-of-liberty play and this game is tied. Barrett Trotter is in the game and is in charge. There was a great fake by Trotter on the scoring play.
Auburn 14 Virgina 14
Auburn executes the onside kick! I mean there was no Virginia player around the ball as Parkey recovers his own kick. This is the 6th straight sucessful onside kick by Auburn.
There is a long pass from Trotter to Blake to the 5! Now we're in business.
Frazier crashes thru from the 1 and Auburn takes the lead.
Auburn 21 Virginia 14
Virginia fakes a FG attempt but Auburn stuffs it.
The Tigers go 88 yards for the touchdown. Trotter hits McCalebb for the 25 yd. TD pass. Trotter and McCalebb are putting on an offensive show! Trotter is 6 of 10 so far for 130 yards. McCalebb has 6 rushes for 93 yards plus some big catches.
Auburn 28 Virginia 14
Unfortunately we let Virginia drive for a short FG in the waning seconds of the half. So many times they have wide-open receivers. I don't understand this. I know it's happened all year so maybe it's our personnel.
END OF FIRST HALF
Auburn 28 Virginia 17
THIRD QUARTER
It should be a wild second half. The game is very much up for grabs. Both teams have shown that they can move the ball. We are once again giving up too many big plays on defense. We leave so many opposing receivers wide open. Our defense needs to improve in this second half. We've given up 6 of 9 third conversions.
The Tigers get the ball to start the half.
The Tigers make a statement driving 80 yards right down the field for the touchdown. Tre Mason runs it in. Mason is running wild. Mike Dyer who?
Everything changed when Barrett Trotter came into the game.
Auburn 35 Virginia 17
Just when you thought we might have the game in hand Virginia drives 79 yards for a touchdown.
Auburn 35 Virginia 24
We mount a drive but Emory Blake drops a wide-open first down pass and we have to punt. At least we back them up to the 5 on the punt.
On third down we get the sack pinning the Cavaliers inside the one yard line!
We block the punt on a rugby kick for a safety! Why would you do a rugby punt from close formation in the end zone? That's a boner by Virginia.
Auburn 37 Virgina 24
Quan Bray makes a big return of 62 yards to the Virginia 15, but after another personal foul penalty we have to kick a 45 yard FG. We've ha 3 critical personal foul penalities in this football game so far. That's enough. Virginia has had no major distance penalities.
Auburn 40 Virginia 24
The Tigers take a 16 point lead into the 4th quarter.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 40 Virginia 24
I hope we can do more than just hang on and win this game going away.
FOURTH QUARTER
What is going to happen in the final quarter? I really wonder.
Virginia drives to a first down to midfield.
There is an open receiver and Virginia is at the Auburn 31.
We've done a pretty good job stopping the run but they continue to have open receivers.
We move to 3rd and long for Virginia on the Auburn 33.
Incomplete pass with pressure on their QB from Gabe Wright.
Virginia will go for it on 4th and long.
Incomplete pass and Auburn holds. Once again we got pressure on their QB. That is the difference on these last plays---pressure, pressure, pressure.
With 12;41 left Auburn takes the ball on their 33.
The Tigers drive for a 37-yd FG and with 8:07 to go it's a 3 score game.
Auburn 43 Virginia 24
Virginia starts at their 21.
We get the interception as the ball bounces off their receiver and Jake Holland catches it.
The Tigers move the ball down to the Cavalier 5 and we have the pleasure of taking a knee as the game ends. Auburn wins their 5th straight bowl game.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 43 Virginia 24
Freddy and I enjoy talking after the game. We have to feel good about Barrett Trotter. This is the feel good story of the game. Makes you wonder why they didn't play when Mosely struggled. The defense only gave up 7 points in the second half. We had some big special team plays with two blocked punts, one for a safety, and a successful onside kick.
We get to feel good tonight about the future of Auburn football.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Dyer to Arkansas State?
"Auburn also may be without Mike Dyer, who was suspended indefinitely earlier this month. Two different Arkansas State players tweeted Thursday that Dyer will be transferring there to join Malzahn, but there was no confirmation from any official source."
Kevin Scarbinsky
Birmingham News
30 December 2011
Kevin Scarbinsky
Birmingham News
30 December 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Waiting
This week we wait on the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. This is Tuesday and it will be here Saturday night. Auburn seems something like a 3-point favorite over Virginia. I know nothing about the Cavaliers and I don't plan on learning anything about them before the game. What happens will happen. Speculation continues on who our next coordinators will be. As far as I know, it IS all speculation. Only one man knows anything for sure, and he isn't talking.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Forget the Rose Bowl
I tire every year of the jabbering about the Rose Bowl. People chatter about the importance of the game. Brent Musburger calls it the "granddaddy" of them all. Who cares? I am not a Pac 12 or Big 10 fan. So, I could not care less. It is just another bowl game.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Chizik versus Roof
From Charles Goldberg:
Defensive back Demetruce McNeal joined the chorus of players who like Gene Chizik's intensity at practice while moonlighting as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
"It has been so much up-tempo with him," McNeal said. "You can see the big difference between him and Coach (Ted) Roof. Roof was kind of calm and tried to set things down. Coach Chizik comes in the meeting room and everybody just stops. You just stop and listen because he's the head coach and now he's the defensive coordinator.
"We're making sure we don't do anything wrong because if we do something wrong, it doesn't end well."
Defensive back Demetruce McNeal joined the chorus of players who like Gene Chizik's intensity at practice while moonlighting as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.
"It has been so much up-tempo with him," McNeal said. "You can see the big difference between him and Coach (Ted) Roof. Roof was kind of calm and tried to set things down. Coach Chizik comes in the meeting room and everybody just stops. You just stop and listen because he's the head coach and now he's the defensive coordinator.
"We're making sure we don't do anything wrong because if we do something wrong, it doesn't end well."
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Malzahn Moves On
I wake up this morning to the news that Gus Malzahn will be new head coach at Arkansas State. Well, well, well.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
At This Point Time Will Soon Tell
It's too early to know what kind of basketball team we have for there are a lot of new faces and we've played so few early season games. Time will soon tell.
Mike Dyer has been suspended for the bowl game. He may or may not be back on the team. We are looking to hire a DC after Ted Roof left for UCF. Most of the speculation so far has centered on Mark Stoops of FSU. Time will soon tell.
Will Mosely or Frazier play the most in the bowl game? Time will soon tell.
And time will soon tell whether Auburn will get its 8th win of the year. It sure would be nice.
Mike Dyer has been suspended for the bowl game. He may or may not be back on the team. We are looking to hire a DC after Ted Roof left for UCF. Most of the speculation so far has centered on Mark Stoops of FSU. Time will soon tell.
Will Mosely or Frazier play the most in the bowl game? Time will soon tell.
And time will soon tell whether Auburn will get its 8th win of the year. It sure would be nice.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
The Day After
The game went exactly as one would expect. In a situation like this, where Auburn was a 21 point underdog at home and the team had already suffered four blowout losses, there is always the fantasy that Auburn would come out and put it all together and make it a game to the end. In the 12th game of the season, this never happens. In this game, what you have seen before is what you will see in this game. That's the way it was this time as always.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The 2011 Alabama Game
For me it will always be the Auburn-Alabama game, never the Iron Bowl. I have never cared for that nickname for this game. The game is at Jordan-Hare for a 2:30 kickoff on CBS.
FIRST QUARTER
After an exchange of 3 and outs, Alabama mounts a drive mainly on short passes, which we have struggled defending all year. The TD pass comes on a handoff to Richardson and then back to the QB to a wide open receiver as Chris Davis gets fooled. Can't let that happen. Also, our defensive tackles are not getting any pressure on their quarterback. We are giving their QB all the time in the world to complete passes. We are going to have to blitz and take our chances.
Auburn 0 Alabama 7
Quan Bray misplays the kickoff and lets the ball go into the end zone. The Tigers go 3 and out again. Our punt goes 10 yards. We are losing the special teams game. From the 35 Alabama strikes on the first play to a wide-open receiver. Just like that still in the first period we are down by two touchdowns.
Auburn 0 Alabama 14
This game is getting out-of-hand quickly. Alabama has some well-conceived passing plays. Both scoring plays were to two uncovered receivers while we are getting no pressure on their QB.
Auburn starts on the 30. This is our 3rd possession with no first downs yet.
Our offense has no rhythm against a very good defense.
Finally a first down on the Auburn 44.
Trovon Reed trips on his own feet and loses 3.
We go to 3rd and 9.
But after a short pass to read it's 4th and 3.
The punt by Mosely dies on the Alabama 10 with 13 seconds to go in the first.
First play lightning strikes!
Lemonoir drills the QB, the ball comes loose, and Kenneth Carter recovers in the end zone. Touchdown Auburn! What a turnaround. A turnover and a TD.
Auburn 7 Alabama 14
The kickoff goes to the end zone with 4 seconds to go in the quarter.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Alabama 14
The second quarter starts with Alabama 2nd and 6 on their 24.
The Tide drives 80 yards for the touchdown. We can't stop them.
Auburn 7 Alabama 21
Auburn goes 3 and out. After the punt Alabama starts on their 36.
An unfortunate late hit call gives Alabama 15 yards. The refs are not helping us.
That was a bad call.
Alabama is driving again. If we don't stop them here, it's probably over.
Alabama has converted 6 of 7 third downs.
Neiko Thorpe goes down.
First down on the AU 20.
We can't stop them. It's lots of little things with our defense---nothing new.
Alabama converts one 3rd down after another.
Finally we do stop them on 3rd down in the Red Zone.
Alabama settles for the field goal.
Auburn 7 Alabama 24
Our defense yields and yields & our offense simply can't move the ball. This would be the same halftime score as last year, but this team is not last year's team.
With a minute 44 left in the second quarter this game looks out of reach barring some strange happenings.
The Tigers start on the 23. At least Bray correctly fields a kickoff.
Dyer gains 5.
Dyers loses the 5 back on a draw play.
No blocking by AJ Greene our announcers say.
We're 3 and out. Our offense looks helpless. Mosely is pressured on every pass attempt. Auburn has to punt on the last play of the game. Alabama takes the same lead into the locker room as last year. There won't be any comeback this year.
FIRST HALF
Auburn 7 Alabama 24
THIRD QUARTER
McCalebb returns the second half kickoff 83 yards for the touchdown!!! We take points today any way we can. What a way to start the second half!
Auburn 14 Alabama 24
If only we could stop their offense. The first long run by Richardson takes Alabama down to the Auburn 34.
We move to another third and short.
3rd and 4 and Richardson runs up the middle for the first to the 12. This man is hard to tackle as we miss tackles.
With a delay penalty Alabama moves to a 3rd and 11.
Will we ever stop them on third? This time we as we stuff a screen play.
But the short FG attempt is good.
Auburn 14 Alabama 27
It's time for our offense to do something. That was something of a stop for the defense as we held them to a field goal, but unless our offense does something, and it doesn't look likely, it won't matter.
Our only scores have come from the defense and from a kickoff return.
8:47 to go in the third.
We get another good return as McCalebb almost breaks another one.
AU is at their 44
After one first down we go backwards when McCalebb drops a pitchback when Mosely misses a read to Dyer up the middle. That was a very bad sequence of plays after the first down crossing midfield. That was on our offense, not their defense.
Clarks punt to the Alabama 3. Great punt and recovery by Auburn McCalebb falling on the ball at the 3.
Richardson gains 2.
Richardson to the 10. Alabama is good at pushing the pile forward.
Finally we hold them to a 3 and out.
After the punt we have the makings of a drive, but a Tre mason lunge for the apparent first down is nullified when the ref says his foot hit the line before reaching for the first down. Our announcers are unbelieving that the play is not reviewed. They say it was a first down.
We hold Alabama to another 3 and out before they punt and we start on our 8 as the third quarter ends.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 14 Alabama 27
It's amazing that we are still in this game given that we have way less than a hundred yards of total offense.
Oh, for a big play on offense. We have playmakers, but as has been the case all year, we can't get a big play from any of them.
A pass down the field to Blake goes incomplete. We are on our 8.
Another pass goes incomplete to Lutzkirchen as the throw was a little high.
There is another over throw, interception, and Alaama runs it back for the touchdown.
The pass was way too high and the sad thing is that the receiver was open and Mosely had time.
Alabama makes an easy two point conversion to a wide-open receiver and Alabama ices the game.
Auburn 14 Alabama 35
Well, there you go. Our defense kept us in the game until the start of the fourth quarter, givinng up only a field goal in the third, but our offense cannot get it going. Mosely can't hit open receivers from our 8, throws the pick, and that's that.
Our passing is 5 for 13 and an interception for a TD. Mosely floats the ball down the middle of the field and you can't do that Stan White says. Bad things will happen floating the ball down the middle of the field.
After the short kick AU starts on our 40 with 14:34 to go in the game.
Frazier comes in. Runs for the first down on the first play.
The Tigers push to a first and goal on the 10 but we are pushed back from there. Mosely can't get it done. On third down he goes down when he keeps retreating rather than stepping up in the pocket. Our rushing can't get it done.
Alabama is a better team, and their defense beats our offense most of the game, but we needed above average play from our quarterback, and we didn't get it. With a good QB, we would have been in this game even with their good defense. Our defense has played well in the second half. They may give way here late in the game, but still they've played well enough to win if our offense had anything at all.
Alabama takes ball and I'm sure they will lean on us the rest of the game.
But there's a big run by Richardson to the Auburn 16.
Late in the game our tired defense starts to give way as you would expect.
Saban is giving Richardson a chance to strut for the Heisman.
Alabama runs it in the touchdown.
Alabama 14 Alabama 42
Late in the game their power running is over powering our defense, which did play so well in the 3rd quarter.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 14 Alabama 42
FIRST QUARTER
After an exchange of 3 and outs, Alabama mounts a drive mainly on short passes, which we have struggled defending all year. The TD pass comes on a handoff to Richardson and then back to the QB to a wide open receiver as Chris Davis gets fooled. Can't let that happen. Also, our defensive tackles are not getting any pressure on their quarterback. We are giving their QB all the time in the world to complete passes. We are going to have to blitz and take our chances.
Auburn 0 Alabama 7
Quan Bray misplays the kickoff and lets the ball go into the end zone. The Tigers go 3 and out again. Our punt goes 10 yards. We are losing the special teams game. From the 35 Alabama strikes on the first play to a wide-open receiver. Just like that still in the first period we are down by two touchdowns.
Auburn 0 Alabama 14
This game is getting out-of-hand quickly. Alabama has some well-conceived passing plays. Both scoring plays were to two uncovered receivers while we are getting no pressure on their QB.
Auburn starts on the 30. This is our 3rd possession with no first downs yet.
Our offense has no rhythm against a very good defense.
Finally a first down on the Auburn 44.
Trovon Reed trips on his own feet and loses 3.
We go to 3rd and 9.
But after a short pass to read it's 4th and 3.
The punt by Mosely dies on the Alabama 10 with 13 seconds to go in the first.
First play lightning strikes!
Lemonoir drills the QB, the ball comes loose, and Kenneth Carter recovers in the end zone. Touchdown Auburn! What a turnaround. A turnover and a TD.
Auburn 7 Alabama 14
The kickoff goes to the end zone with 4 seconds to go in the quarter.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Alabama 14
The second quarter starts with Alabama 2nd and 6 on their 24.
The Tide drives 80 yards for the touchdown. We can't stop them.
Auburn 7 Alabama 21
Auburn goes 3 and out. After the punt Alabama starts on their 36.
An unfortunate late hit call gives Alabama 15 yards. The refs are not helping us.
That was a bad call.
Alabama is driving again. If we don't stop them here, it's probably over.
Alabama has converted 6 of 7 third downs.
Neiko Thorpe goes down.
First down on the AU 20.
We can't stop them. It's lots of little things with our defense---nothing new.
Alabama converts one 3rd down after another.
Finally we do stop them on 3rd down in the Red Zone.
Alabama settles for the field goal.
Auburn 7 Alabama 24
Our defense yields and yields & our offense simply can't move the ball. This would be the same halftime score as last year, but this team is not last year's team.
With a minute 44 left in the second quarter this game looks out of reach barring some strange happenings.
The Tigers start on the 23. At least Bray correctly fields a kickoff.
Dyer gains 5.
Dyers loses the 5 back on a draw play.
No blocking by AJ Greene our announcers say.
We're 3 and out. Our offense looks helpless. Mosely is pressured on every pass attempt. Auburn has to punt on the last play of the game. Alabama takes the same lead into the locker room as last year. There won't be any comeback this year.
FIRST HALF
Auburn 7 Alabama 24
THIRD QUARTER
McCalebb returns the second half kickoff 83 yards for the touchdown!!! We take points today any way we can. What a way to start the second half!
Auburn 14 Alabama 24
If only we could stop their offense. The first long run by Richardson takes Alabama down to the Auburn 34.
We move to another third and short.
3rd and 4 and Richardson runs up the middle for the first to the 12. This man is hard to tackle as we miss tackles.
With a delay penalty Alabama moves to a 3rd and 11.
Will we ever stop them on third? This time we as we stuff a screen play.
But the short FG attempt is good.
Auburn 14 Alabama 27
It's time for our offense to do something. That was something of a stop for the defense as we held them to a field goal, but unless our offense does something, and it doesn't look likely, it won't matter.
Our only scores have come from the defense and from a kickoff return.
8:47 to go in the third.
We get another good return as McCalebb almost breaks another one.
AU is at their 44
After one first down we go backwards when McCalebb drops a pitchback when Mosely misses a read to Dyer up the middle. That was a very bad sequence of plays after the first down crossing midfield. That was on our offense, not their defense.
Clarks punt to the Alabama 3. Great punt and recovery by Auburn McCalebb falling on the ball at the 3.
Richardson gains 2.
Richardson to the 10. Alabama is good at pushing the pile forward.
Finally we hold them to a 3 and out.
After the punt we have the makings of a drive, but a Tre mason lunge for the apparent first down is nullified when the ref says his foot hit the line before reaching for the first down. Our announcers are unbelieving that the play is not reviewed. They say it was a first down.
We hold Alabama to another 3 and out before they punt and we start on our 8 as the third quarter ends.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 14 Alabama 27
It's amazing that we are still in this game given that we have way less than a hundred yards of total offense.
Oh, for a big play on offense. We have playmakers, but as has been the case all year, we can't get a big play from any of them.
A pass down the field to Blake goes incomplete. We are on our 8.
Another pass goes incomplete to Lutzkirchen as the throw was a little high.
There is another over throw, interception, and Alaama runs it back for the touchdown.
The pass was way too high and the sad thing is that the receiver was open and Mosely had time.
Alabama makes an easy two point conversion to a wide-open receiver and Alabama ices the game.
Auburn 14 Alabama 35
Well, there you go. Our defense kept us in the game until the start of the fourth quarter, givinng up only a field goal in the third, but our offense cannot get it going. Mosely can't hit open receivers from our 8, throws the pick, and that's that.
Our passing is 5 for 13 and an interception for a TD. Mosely floats the ball down the middle of the field and you can't do that Stan White says. Bad things will happen floating the ball down the middle of the field.
After the short kick AU starts on our 40 with 14:34 to go in the game.
Frazier comes in. Runs for the first down on the first play.
The Tigers push to a first and goal on the 10 but we are pushed back from there. Mosely can't get it done. On third down he goes down when he keeps retreating rather than stepping up in the pocket. Our rushing can't get it done.
Alabama is a better team, and their defense beats our offense most of the game, but we needed above average play from our quarterback, and we didn't get it. With a good QB, we would have been in this game even with their good defense. Our defense has played well in the second half. They may give way here late in the game, but still they've played well enough to win if our offense had anything at all.
Alabama takes ball and I'm sure they will lean on us the rest of the game.
But there's a big run by Richardson to the Auburn 16.
Late in the game our tired defense starts to give way as you would expect.
Saban is giving Richardson a chance to strut for the Heisman.
Alabama runs it in the touchdown.
Alabama 14 Alabama 42
Late in the game their power running is over powering our defense, which did play so well in the 3rd quarter.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 14 Alabama 42
Saturday, November 19, 2011
The 2011 Samford Game
With 6 wins on the season, Auburn needs to win this game as expected to get to at least 7 wins. The Samford Bulldogs are 6 & 4 in the Southern Conference. I expect the usual Auburn homecoming sloppy game with the Tigers probably giving up some points but finally winning.
The first half goes as I expected with the Tigers leading 14 to 10 at the intermission. We have two lost fumbles leading to Samford's two scores. Our offense continues to be disheveled. Our defense gives up yardage even to Samford. We miss a short FG attempt. This Auburn team is not capable of putting the hammer down on anybody this year. It continues to surprise me that we are so poor running the football. Auburn is not playing good football right now. The Tigers are very sloppy all over the field.
The Tigers get the ball to start the second half. We start from the 20. After a couple of good runs by Dyer, the Tigers have to punt from the 40. Samford starts on their 19. Samford starts marching right down the field. Our defense continues to yield ground. I don't understand what I am hearing on the radio. The Bulldogs are outplaying Auburn by a mile. The Bulldogs drive for a short field goal and about midway thru the third quarter Auburn lead drops to 14 to 13. This is as scary as it gets.
From a young team seeming to be getting better, this Auburn team has markedly gone downhill in these last few games. We are playing mostly sophomores and freshmen and we've had a lot of injuries, but still this is very bad.
We drive to a first down at the Bulldog 38 after a reversal on a called fumble by Dyer. Dyer runs to the 21. Dyer runs to the 16. On the second running play from the 5 Dyer powers it in. That was pure power football, the kind of football I love.
Auburn leads 21 to 13 with 3:25 to go in the third.
The third quarter ends with Samford at the Auburn 26. Our defense just cannot rise to the occasion. This game will go down to the last play.
Going into the 4th quarter, I am not surprised that Samford is moving the ball and has 13 points, but I continue to be dismayed at the ineptitude of our offense. The 3turnovers by our offense gives Samford a chance.
Samford gets the 37-yd. FG. It's 21-16 with 13:22 to go. Sheesh.
What will our offense do now? I wouldn't bet on us scoring again but having to hold on with 21 points.
After a short kickoff and run by McCalebb Auburn starts on the Samford 37. First down pass to the 24. Dyer to the 22. I don't understand why we can't run the ball better. Our offensive linemen aren't getting any push. Clint Mosely fakes a handoff and runs up the middle for the touchdown! Auburn 28 Samford 16. Whew! That helps. The Tigers take advantage of the short field.
Can our defense make a stand before this game is over? We'll see.
After one first down, Samford is forced to punt. That's better. With 9:17 left, Auburn starts on their 27.
McCalebb runs for the first down. Another first down. But the drive stalls after a trick play backfires and Mosely loses 10. There's a 48-yrd punt and Samford starts on their 7 yard line.
The Bulldogs are 3 and out and Samford punts from their 12.
Bray fair catches at the Samford 45. One more score would be nice.
McCalebb for a 4-yd. gain. Frazier to the Samford 30. Dyer to the 23 for 7 yards. Dyer for 15 to the 8. Dyer loses 2. McCalebb sweeps on a quick pitch and reaches out for the touchdown. The Tigers finally get rolling with 2:17 left. Auburn finally gets it done. The Tigers lead 35 to 16.
That's how it ends. The Tigers slop around but finally get Samford by the throat late. This game went exactly as I expected.
The 2011 Auburn Tigers are 7 & 4 with one big game left.
The first half goes as I expected with the Tigers leading 14 to 10 at the intermission. We have two lost fumbles leading to Samford's two scores. Our offense continues to be disheveled. Our defense gives up yardage even to Samford. We miss a short FG attempt. This Auburn team is not capable of putting the hammer down on anybody this year. It continues to surprise me that we are so poor running the football. Auburn is not playing good football right now. The Tigers are very sloppy all over the field.
The Tigers get the ball to start the second half. We start from the 20. After a couple of good runs by Dyer, the Tigers have to punt from the 40. Samford starts on their 19. Samford starts marching right down the field. Our defense continues to yield ground. I don't understand what I am hearing on the radio. The Bulldogs are outplaying Auburn by a mile. The Bulldogs drive for a short field goal and about midway thru the third quarter Auburn lead drops to 14 to 13. This is as scary as it gets.
From a young team seeming to be getting better, this Auburn team has markedly gone downhill in these last few games. We are playing mostly sophomores and freshmen and we've had a lot of injuries, but still this is very bad.
We drive to a first down at the Bulldog 38 after a reversal on a called fumble by Dyer. Dyer runs to the 21. Dyer runs to the 16. On the second running play from the 5 Dyer powers it in. That was pure power football, the kind of football I love.
Auburn leads 21 to 13 with 3:25 to go in the third.
The third quarter ends with Samford at the Auburn 26. Our defense just cannot rise to the occasion. This game will go down to the last play.
Going into the 4th quarter, I am not surprised that Samford is moving the ball and has 13 points, but I continue to be dismayed at the ineptitude of our offense. The 3turnovers by our offense gives Samford a chance.
Samford gets the 37-yd. FG. It's 21-16 with 13:22 to go. Sheesh.
What will our offense do now? I wouldn't bet on us scoring again but having to hold on with 21 points.
After a short kickoff and run by McCalebb Auburn starts on the Samford 37. First down pass to the 24. Dyer to the 22. I don't understand why we can't run the ball better. Our offensive linemen aren't getting any push. Clint Mosely fakes a handoff and runs up the middle for the touchdown! Auburn 28 Samford 16. Whew! That helps. The Tigers take advantage of the short field.
Can our defense make a stand before this game is over? We'll see.
After one first down, Samford is forced to punt. That's better. With 9:17 left, Auburn starts on their 27.
McCalebb runs for the first down. Another first down. But the drive stalls after a trick play backfires and Mosely loses 10. There's a 48-yrd punt and Samford starts on their 7 yard line.
The Bulldogs are 3 and out and Samford punts from their 12.
Bray fair catches at the Samford 45. One more score would be nice.
McCalebb for a 4-yd. gain. Frazier to the Samford 30. Dyer to the 23 for 7 yards. Dyer for 15 to the 8. Dyer loses 2. McCalebb sweeps on a quick pitch and reaches out for the touchdown. The Tigers finally get rolling with 2:17 left. Auburn finally gets it done. The Tigers lead 35 to 16.
That's how it ends. The Tigers slop around but finally get Samford by the throat late. This game went exactly as I expected.
The 2011 Auburn Tigers are 7 & 4 with one big game left.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The 2011 Georgia Game
The South's oldest rivalry starts again. It's a big game for both teams as usual. Georgia can clinch the SEC East with a win. The Tigers need a 7th win to move into better bowl territory. Auburn comes off an off-week. Georgia might as well have since they blew out New Mexico State last week. After losing their first 2 games, the Bulldogs have won 7 straight. The game is a 2:30 kickoff on CBS from Athens.
FIRST QUARTER
Georgia receives from their 30 drive 70 yards for the touchdown. They get a good spot on a 3rd and 1, convert a 3rd and 16 when our safety didn't get over to the ball, and get the 8-yrd. TD pass when their receiver beats T'Sharvan Bell in the end zone. The Dogs were 4 of 4 on third downs. We've had a problem all year on third down of course.
Auburn 0 Georgia 7
That's OK if our DBs will get in the game and our offense has come to play 4 quarters. We stopped Crowell on that first poasession.
AU starts on their 24.
First down pass to Blake to the 36.
First down pass to Lutzenkirchen.
There is a play-action 45 yd. pass to Blake.
Then we go 3rd and goal from the 10.
Offside Georgia.
3rd and goal from the 5.
Wow!
Mosely to Uzomah who passes to Lutz for the touchdown!
What a play!
Auburn 7 Georgia 7
Bam, bam. The Tigers answer the Bulldogs. Here we go for another typical Auburn-Georgia game.
From their 23 the Bulldogs drive for the TD again the score coming from a 27-yd. pass with 3:02 left in the first quarter.
Auburn 7 Georgia 14
After one first down, the Tigers go to 4th and punt as the first quarter ends.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Georgia 14
So far Georgia certainly looks like the better team. We can't run the ball. Georgia hasn't gotten their running game going either, but they are 8 of 10 passing. We are -8 yards rushing. So far we cannot run the football, and if we can't run, we certainly will not win this football game.
Georgia fair catches the punt on the Ga 14.
Georgia is out to their 46 on the second play.
Georgia runs down to our 41.
Our defense is getting whipped.
Crowell fumbles unmolested and Freeman recovers!!!
Auburn is on their 45 first down trailing 14 to 7 with 13:16 left in the first half.
THEN we turn around fumble right back to Georgia halfback to halfback in the backfield. So sloppy and stupid. That was an ugly looking turnover by our offense.
Georgia is on our 40.
Georgia is on our 23.
Loss of one.
Incomplete pass.
Their QB scrambles for the first down at the 12 on 3rd and 11. Our defense is porous.
Their QB is in control. Nobody open,easy run for a first down.
Plenty of time. No one open. Murray scrambles for an easy first down.
TD pass. The Georgia is abusing our defense. No one covers their receiver on a flat route. The Bulldogs are dominating. Georgia is abusing Auburn.
Auburn 7 Georgia 21
Auburn better get its act together in a hurry or this will get ugly. Georgia has scored on all 3 possessions.
Auburn is not playing well on defense. That was a flat route with a missed assignment.
Auburn looks beaten already.
The Tigers have not played well. Georgia is much more efficient and posed.
We start inside our 20. This does not look good at all. We could be looking at a route.
Georgia intercepts and runs it in. Touchdown Georgia.
Poor pass by Mosely. Auburn is coming apart. You wouldn't expect this with a week off to prepare for this game. We've had two consecutive turnovers.
This game is already almost out-of-hand.
Georgia is not 28 to 7 better than Auburn. The Tigers are not playing well. This is not to be expected given that we had a week off. How could we be this discombulated.
Auburn 7 Georgia 28
Georgia has 238 yards of total offense vs. 92 for Auburn.
AU starts on the 38 with 9:34 to go in the half. Something good needs to happen for Auburn soon!
No go. Mosely is sacked on 3rd down at the Auburn 38.
Auburn is getting whipped all around
After the punt Georgia fair catches on their 30 after just a 31-yd. punt.
It's do or die with our defense. There is no hope at this point. We have not stopped their offense yet.
There is a long pass to the Auburn 35 as their QB has all day to throw the ball.
The pass was short but Bell never looked.
There's a run and a first down to the Auburn 25. Our defense looks awful. But then so does our offense.
The Bulldogs have their foot on our throat.
There's a touchdown pass. Easy pitch and catch. Chris Davis is asleep.
Georgia is killing us. No other way to put it. Auburn will not win this game.
Auburn 7 Georgia 35
This is as bad as Auburn has looked in a long time. LSU was a superior team. Georgia may better but they shouldn't be this much better. Georgia is eating us up on first and third downs. Georgia will run up the score if they can and that's fine. Stan White says he's never seen a domination like this in this game before. At this point Auburn looks helpless.
No help on this possession. We can't get a first down. As the clock winds down we have to punt. It's as if Georgia knows every play we are going to run. We have no answers on offense or defense. This is as bad as Auburn has looked in Chizik's time on the Plains. Georgia is executing and Auburn looks helpless.
Georgia is on the loose again on their 29.
On 3rd and very long we finally hold.
Georgia finally punts from their 24.
A short punt and we start on the Georgia 41.
The Tigers get pushed back going 3 and out.
The Dogs have the ball back on their 46.
Mercifully the clock runs out and we are in big, big hole.
What a horrible first half for Auburn.
There is no way we will win this game. We've had better first halves than second halves, but this is a mountain we can't climb. We look pitiful.
END OF HALF
Auburn 7 Georgia 35
Going into the second half, our only hope is to keep the score respectable. This is the worst Auburn effort of the year. Makes you wonder since we had a week off.
Auburn has 89 total yards in the first half.
Let's see if Auburn can play well for the next 30 minutes in the most adverse circumstances I've seen in the history of Auburn football. We need something, anything, positive to happen.
AU starts on the 20 on the touchback.
Dyer goes to the 36.
McCalebb gets roughed up in a head-to-head blow on the play, but no penalty.
After that one play, we are 3 and out. Auburn looks horrible. That's all there is to it. Georgia is putting pressure on our QB at will. We have no deep threat.
The Tigers punt. How bad can it get??? We have no offense, and Georgia is making no mistakes except for the one fumble, and then we give it right back to them.
On a third and 8 Georgia runs out to the 45 for a first down on a draw play.
There is a gain of 17.
Our defense is being totally dominated.
Georgia is threatening to score again. This is embarassing.
This is as bad I've seen Auburn get beat in the Chizik era.
The Bulldogs are moving the ball at will. Missed tackle after missed tackle.
This is as bad I've seen Auburn beaten in a long time. LSU was bad, but this is much worse because we are getting beat physically.
Georgia takes it down to our 9.
The FG is good. This is embarassing.
Auburn 7 Georgia 38
Well, I didn't expect this. To lose is one thing; to lose this badly is embarassing.
Finally we start moving the ball.
But we fumble and Georgia recovers.
What can you say except that with a little bit of momentum we fumble. Georgia takes the ball on their 38 leading by 31. This is as bad an Auburn loss as I remember seeing in a long time. We getting totally whipped.
Georgia mounts another drive. The quarter ends with the Bulldogs in complete control. Except for the 7-7 score early, Auburn has never been in this game.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 7 Georgia 38
Georgia scores again in the final quarter.
Auburn 7 Georgia 45
There is no silver lining in this game. We are whipped from start to finish. Our team looks like it's sleep-walking.
Georgia drives down the field to lead 7 to 0.
Auburn responds to make it 7 to 7 and it looked like a shootout early.
But Georgia kept going and the game got ugly after that.
Georgia took it to us. Auburn could not respond in kind. That about sums it up.
This looks like boys against men.
This is as bad as Auburn has looked in a long time. Very, very bad.
Georgia out-hit Auburn all night long. The best team wins.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 7 Georgia 45
FIRST QUARTER
Georgia receives from their 30 drive 70 yards for the touchdown. They get a good spot on a 3rd and 1, convert a 3rd and 16 when our safety didn't get over to the ball, and get the 8-yrd. TD pass when their receiver beats T'Sharvan Bell in the end zone. The Dogs were 4 of 4 on third downs. We've had a problem all year on third down of course.
Auburn 0 Georgia 7
That's OK if our DBs will get in the game and our offense has come to play 4 quarters. We stopped Crowell on that first poasession.
AU starts on their 24.
First down pass to Blake to the 36.
First down pass to Lutzenkirchen.
There is a play-action 45 yd. pass to Blake.
Then we go 3rd and goal from the 10.
Offside Georgia.
3rd and goal from the 5.
Wow!
Mosely to Uzomah who passes to Lutz for the touchdown!
What a play!
Auburn 7 Georgia 7
Bam, bam. The Tigers answer the Bulldogs. Here we go for another typical Auburn-Georgia game.
From their 23 the Bulldogs drive for the TD again the score coming from a 27-yd. pass with 3:02 left in the first quarter.
Auburn 7 Georgia 14
After one first down, the Tigers go to 4th and punt as the first quarter ends.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Georgia 14
So far Georgia certainly looks like the better team. We can't run the ball. Georgia hasn't gotten their running game going either, but they are 8 of 10 passing. We are -8 yards rushing. So far we cannot run the football, and if we can't run, we certainly will not win this football game.
Georgia fair catches the punt on the Ga 14.
Georgia is out to their 46 on the second play.
Georgia runs down to our 41.
Our defense is getting whipped.
Crowell fumbles unmolested and Freeman recovers!!!
Auburn is on their 45 first down trailing 14 to 7 with 13:16 left in the first half.
THEN we turn around fumble right back to Georgia halfback to halfback in the backfield. So sloppy and stupid. That was an ugly looking turnover by our offense.
Georgia is on our 40.
Georgia is on our 23.
Loss of one.
Incomplete pass.
Their QB scrambles for the first down at the 12 on 3rd and 11. Our defense is porous.
Their QB is in control. Nobody open,easy run for a first down.
Plenty of time. No one open. Murray scrambles for an easy first down.
TD pass. The Georgia is abusing our defense. No one covers their receiver on a flat route. The Bulldogs are dominating. Georgia is abusing Auburn.
Auburn 7 Georgia 21
Auburn better get its act together in a hurry or this will get ugly. Georgia has scored on all 3 possessions.
Auburn is not playing well on defense. That was a flat route with a missed assignment.
Auburn looks beaten already.
The Tigers have not played well. Georgia is much more efficient and posed.
We start inside our 20. This does not look good at all. We could be looking at a route.
Georgia intercepts and runs it in. Touchdown Georgia.
Poor pass by Mosely. Auburn is coming apart. You wouldn't expect this with a week off to prepare for this game. We've had two consecutive turnovers.
This game is already almost out-of-hand.
Georgia is not 28 to 7 better than Auburn. The Tigers are not playing well. This is not to be expected given that we had a week off. How could we be this discombulated.
Auburn 7 Georgia 28
Georgia has 238 yards of total offense vs. 92 for Auburn.
AU starts on the 38 with 9:34 to go in the half. Something good needs to happen for Auburn soon!
No go. Mosely is sacked on 3rd down at the Auburn 38.
Auburn is getting whipped all around
After the punt Georgia fair catches on their 30 after just a 31-yd. punt.
It's do or die with our defense. There is no hope at this point. We have not stopped their offense yet.
There is a long pass to the Auburn 35 as their QB has all day to throw the ball.
The pass was short but Bell never looked.
There's a run and a first down to the Auburn 25. Our defense looks awful. But then so does our offense.
The Bulldogs have their foot on our throat.
There's a touchdown pass. Easy pitch and catch. Chris Davis is asleep.
Georgia is killing us. No other way to put it. Auburn will not win this game.
Auburn 7 Georgia 35
This is as bad as Auburn has looked in a long time. LSU was a superior team. Georgia may better but they shouldn't be this much better. Georgia is eating us up on first and third downs. Georgia will run up the score if they can and that's fine. Stan White says he's never seen a domination like this in this game before. At this point Auburn looks helpless.
No help on this possession. We can't get a first down. As the clock winds down we have to punt. It's as if Georgia knows every play we are going to run. We have no answers on offense or defense. This is as bad as Auburn has looked in Chizik's time on the Plains. Georgia is executing and Auburn looks helpless.
Georgia is on the loose again on their 29.
On 3rd and very long we finally hold.
Georgia finally punts from their 24.
A short punt and we start on the Georgia 41.
The Tigers get pushed back going 3 and out.
The Dogs have the ball back on their 46.
Mercifully the clock runs out and we are in big, big hole.
What a horrible first half for Auburn.
There is no way we will win this game. We've had better first halves than second halves, but this is a mountain we can't climb. We look pitiful.
END OF HALF
Auburn 7 Georgia 35
Going into the second half, our only hope is to keep the score respectable. This is the worst Auburn effort of the year. Makes you wonder since we had a week off.
Auburn has 89 total yards in the first half.
Let's see if Auburn can play well for the next 30 minutes in the most adverse circumstances I've seen in the history of Auburn football. We need something, anything, positive to happen.
AU starts on the 20 on the touchback.
Dyer goes to the 36.
McCalebb gets roughed up in a head-to-head blow on the play, but no penalty.
After that one play, we are 3 and out. Auburn looks horrible. That's all there is to it. Georgia is putting pressure on our QB at will. We have no deep threat.
The Tigers punt. How bad can it get??? We have no offense, and Georgia is making no mistakes except for the one fumble, and then we give it right back to them.
On a third and 8 Georgia runs out to the 45 for a first down on a draw play.
There is a gain of 17.
Our defense is being totally dominated.
Georgia is threatening to score again. This is embarassing.
This is as bad I've seen Auburn get beat in the Chizik era.
The Bulldogs are moving the ball at will. Missed tackle after missed tackle.
This is as bad I've seen Auburn beaten in a long time. LSU was bad, but this is much worse because we are getting beat physically.
Georgia takes it down to our 9.
The FG is good. This is embarassing.
Auburn 7 Georgia 38
Well, I didn't expect this. To lose is one thing; to lose this badly is embarassing.
Finally we start moving the ball.
But we fumble and Georgia recovers.
What can you say except that with a little bit of momentum we fumble. Georgia takes the ball on their 38 leading by 31. This is as bad an Auburn loss as I remember seeing in a long time. We getting totally whipped.
Georgia mounts another drive. The quarter ends with the Bulldogs in complete control. Except for the 7-7 score early, Auburn has never been in this game.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 7 Georgia 38
Georgia scores again in the final quarter.
Auburn 7 Georgia 45
There is no silver lining in this game. We are whipped from start to finish. Our team looks like it's sleep-walking.
Georgia drives down the field to lead 7 to 0.
Auburn responds to make it 7 to 7 and it looked like a shootout early.
But Georgia kept going and the game got ugly after that.
Georgia took it to us. Auburn could not respond in kind. That about sums it up.
This looks like boys against men.
This is as bad as Auburn has looked in a long time. Very, very bad.
Georgia out-hit Auburn all night long. The best team wins.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 7 Georgia 45
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Georgia Game
This game brings back many memories. Auburn has played these Bulldogs since the 1890's. In recent years they gotten the best of us except for last year. This year needs to be different. Even though the visiting team tends to win over the long haul in this series, I don't put much stock in that. I'd always rather be playing them at home. Georgia is a 12 or 13 point favorite. The thing naysayers point out is that we have played a much stronger schedule than Georgia. We beat South Carolina on the road whereas Georgia lost to Spurrier's bunch. A win tomorrow would sure improve our bowl prospects.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
The 2011 Ole Miss Game
We need to win this game. The 5 & 3 Tigers take on the Mississippi Rebels at Jordan Hare with a 6 p.m. kickoff on ESPNU.
FIRST QUARTER
Ole Miss receives and starts moving the ball from their 20 but their receiver fumbles and Auburn recovers at the Ole Miss 40. A few plays later Mosely hits Lutz for the 19-yd. TD pass.
Auburn 7 Ole Miss 0
Despite the early lead, I am concerned already about how Ole Miss is able to move the ball on offense.
The Rebels push the ball out to their 44 but have to punt from there.
A short punt with a big bounce pins AU at the 8.
We haven't had many long drives this year. Can we mount one here?
The Tigers drive. There are 2 complete passes to Emory Blake---so good to see!
The drive is capped by a 45-yd TD pass to Carr! Touchdown Auburn! Great pass to Quindarius Carr. Mosely is 4 of 5 for 86 yards so far.
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 0
Once again for the third time tonight Ole Miss starts from their 20.
The Rebels drive out to midfield. They are moving the ball too easily.
First down at the 40.
There is a run to the one yard line. Holy cow. 39 yard run. Like I said, the Rebels are moving the ball too easily. Neiko Thorpe is the victim as their back runs right by Thorpe. We are giving too many big plays as we give up 3rd and longs like we were doing early in the season. We give up 3rd and long twice on this Ole Miss series.
Touchdown Ole Miss on the next play as the first quarter winds down. This is going to be one scary game before it's over. The Rebels look quicker than the Tigers.
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 7
AU starts at the 24.
On the first play Dyer fumbles and Ole Miss recovers at our 26. This is our first fumble turnover by the offense this year.
Ole Miss goes to a 3rd and 5 at the 21 as the quarter ends.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 7
SECOND QUARTER
Incomplete pass.
The FG is good.
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 10
The offense better get it going again.
AU starts at the 24.
Incomplete pass.
9 yard run by Mason.
Then Frazier is stuffed. Bad play. The day is over when Auburn can bring Frazier in when the defense knows he's going to run the football. 3rd and one and we can't convert. Auburn has to punt.
Another short punt. Clark is in a bigtime slump kicking the football.
Ole Miss is at their 36. The punt is only 34 yards.
The Rebels are in control of this game at the moment.
But then there is a big interception by the Tigers.
AU takes the ball at the Ole Miss 37 after the runback.
Dyer runs for a first down with authority.
We have to settle for the 38-yd. field goal.
Auburn 17 Ole Miss 10
So far the Tigers have taken advantage of two Rebel turnovers.
Ole Miss has shown,though, that it can move the ball on our defense.
The Rebels start on their 40 after a short kickoff and poor tackling by Auburn.
There's a 20 yard run to the Auburn 40. Sheesh. Their offense looks quicker than our defense.
Too much reaching and grabbing by our defense like we were doing earlier in the season.
Now it's 3rd and 10 for Ole Miss at the Auburn 40.
Then it becomes 3rd and 5 on a delay call against the defense. How could that happen?
First down pass to the 22. Oh, my.
First down to the 11. Oh, my.
First down at the half yard line on a run up the middle by their QB.
Our defensive line is getting gashed big time. Auburn is getting whipped at the line of scrimmage, and we thought our defense was getting better. Stan White says our defense is just getting beat.
Touchdown Ole Miss from inside the one.
Auburn 17 Ole Miss 17
This is going to be hairy. As of right now, we are going to lose this game. Ole Miss looks like the better team for sure. This is an Ole Miss team that has not been very good on offense, but they look great tonight against our defense.
With over 6 minutes to go in the half there is plenty of time for our offense to do something.
AU starts on the 30.
There is a loss on first down.
There is another loss on second down.
We back on our 21.
There is a first down pass to Blake.
Then McCalebb fumbles and Ole Miss recovers. Totally sloppy.
Ole Miss is at their 48.
Ole Miss goes to 4th and 3 at the Auburn 45.
After the punt AU has the ball on the 7 with 1:34 left.
Two fumbles by Auburn running backs tonight when we have not fumbled all year.
First down to the 22.
But then there is a big sack on Mosely inside the 10. Mosely seems totally incapable of moving up in the pocket.
3rd and 21 and Mississippi gets a TO.
The half ends mercifully for Auburn.
END OF FIRST HALF
Auburn 17 Ole Miss 17
Auburn is not playing well. We will be very fortunate to win this football game. I hear boos on the radio. I don't like that. This is painful to see. If this team doesn't come firing on all cylinders in the second half we will surely lose this game. We're seeing poor play by Auburn on both sides of the ball.
Auburn receives to start the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
AU starts on the 33 and goes 3 and out. There is no evidence that our offense is in this game.
Ole Miss starts on their 26.
The Rebs go 3 and out.
AU starts on their 34 after a short kick.
Is our offense going to show up in the second half?
Dyer for only 2. Not much room.
Freeze play penalty picks up 5 yards for the offsides.
First down run by Dyer to the 45.
There is a good run by McCalebb to the Ole Miss 39.
Dyer for 5 to the 34.
Dyer in a powerful run for the first down. Dyer has to come to play.
We move to a third and 8.
There is a 25-yd. TD pass to a wide-open Blake in the end zone!
Emory Blake makes a dramatic difference in our offense.
We regain the lead midway thru the 3rd quarter.
Auburn 24 Ole Miss 17
Ole Miss starts on their 21.
The Rebels start running down the field. For a team that has struggled to run the ball, our defense is making them lood good.
Our defense stiffens at midfield and Ole Miss punts.
AU starts at their 30.
Dyer for 5 to the 35.
Dyer explodes to the Ole Miss 17! That's a 48-yd. carry.
Auburn power runs to a first and goal at the 4.
Dyer for the touchdown! Impressive touchdown drive by the Tigers as the 3rd quarter ends. Power, power, power. I like it!
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 31 Ole Miss 17
FOURTH QUARTER
Auburn won the first quarter. Mississippi won the second stanza. Auburn wins the third quarter. We need to finish strong and win the 4th quarter.
On a 3rd and 1 from the 29 Auburn recovers a fumble by the OM quarterback.
Auburn is on the Ole Miss 22.
Running the ball exclusively we have to settle for a 31-yd. field goal. Auburn has 3scores tonight off turnovers.
Auburn 34 Ole Miss 17
It's still early in the 4th. This game is far from over.
Ole Miss starts at their 22.
The Rebs are 3 and punt on a 4th and 8.
The Tigers start on their 43. Good job of catching the ball in the wind by Mason.
With 9:56 to go another score sure would be nice but I'm betting we'll run the ball to run the clock and end up punting.
There's first down toss to Lutz.
Dyer runs for 9 to the 36.
A run by Dyer to the 25.
To the 19.
McCalebb to the 4. Almost to the end zone!
Touchdown pass to Lutz who makes a one-handed catch and reaches the ball over the line! That's a highlight play.
Auburn 41 Ole Miss 17
This is the second half we needed. This is the win we needed going into the off-week. The offense gets it going. With less than 5 minutes to go, the Tigers put this one away.
Clint Mosely has 4 touchdown passes in this game. He is 12 for 15 and 160 yards.
Auburn has 403 total yards.
Ole Miss drives to a first down to the Auburn 13 but then there are 4 straight incomplete passes.
As the clock winds down Houston Nutt, being a jerk, calls two timeouts.
We punt with 1:26 left for the Rebels. Why did Nutt call timeouts down by 24 points.
Ole Miss gets a short TD pass on the last play of the game---Houston Nutt gets his meaningless touchdown at the end. Good for him. Auburn people have no use for Coach Nutt. He is a totally classless individual.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 41 Ole Miss 23
The Tigers rally for a needed dominant second half. We get it going on both sides of the ball in the second half.
FIRST QUARTER
Ole Miss receives and starts moving the ball from their 20 but their receiver fumbles and Auburn recovers at the Ole Miss 40. A few plays later Mosely hits Lutz for the 19-yd. TD pass.
Auburn 7 Ole Miss 0
Despite the early lead, I am concerned already about how Ole Miss is able to move the ball on offense.
The Rebels push the ball out to their 44 but have to punt from there.
A short punt with a big bounce pins AU at the 8.
We haven't had many long drives this year. Can we mount one here?
The Tigers drive. There are 2 complete passes to Emory Blake---so good to see!
The drive is capped by a 45-yd TD pass to Carr! Touchdown Auburn! Great pass to Quindarius Carr. Mosely is 4 of 5 for 86 yards so far.
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 0
Once again for the third time tonight Ole Miss starts from their 20.
The Rebels drive out to midfield. They are moving the ball too easily.
First down at the 40.
There is a run to the one yard line. Holy cow. 39 yard run. Like I said, the Rebels are moving the ball too easily. Neiko Thorpe is the victim as their back runs right by Thorpe. We are giving too many big plays as we give up 3rd and longs like we were doing early in the season. We give up 3rd and long twice on this Ole Miss series.
Touchdown Ole Miss on the next play as the first quarter winds down. This is going to be one scary game before it's over. The Rebels look quicker than the Tigers.
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 7
AU starts at the 24.
On the first play Dyer fumbles and Ole Miss recovers at our 26. This is our first fumble turnover by the offense this year.
Ole Miss goes to a 3rd and 5 at the 21 as the quarter ends.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 7
SECOND QUARTER
Incomplete pass.
The FG is good.
Auburn 14 Ole Miss 10
The offense better get it going again.
AU starts at the 24.
Incomplete pass.
9 yard run by Mason.
Then Frazier is stuffed. Bad play. The day is over when Auburn can bring Frazier in when the defense knows he's going to run the football. 3rd and one and we can't convert. Auburn has to punt.
Another short punt. Clark is in a bigtime slump kicking the football.
Ole Miss is at their 36. The punt is only 34 yards.
The Rebels are in control of this game at the moment.
But then there is a big interception by the Tigers.
AU takes the ball at the Ole Miss 37 after the runback.
Dyer runs for a first down with authority.
We have to settle for the 38-yd. field goal.
Auburn 17 Ole Miss 10
So far the Tigers have taken advantage of two Rebel turnovers.
Ole Miss has shown,though, that it can move the ball on our defense.
The Rebels start on their 40 after a short kickoff and poor tackling by Auburn.
There's a 20 yard run to the Auburn 40. Sheesh. Their offense looks quicker than our defense.
Too much reaching and grabbing by our defense like we were doing earlier in the season.
Now it's 3rd and 10 for Ole Miss at the Auburn 40.
Then it becomes 3rd and 5 on a delay call against the defense. How could that happen?
First down pass to the 22. Oh, my.
First down to the 11. Oh, my.
First down at the half yard line on a run up the middle by their QB.
Our defensive line is getting gashed big time. Auburn is getting whipped at the line of scrimmage, and we thought our defense was getting better. Stan White says our defense is just getting beat.
Touchdown Ole Miss from inside the one.
Auburn 17 Ole Miss 17
This is going to be hairy. As of right now, we are going to lose this game. Ole Miss looks like the better team for sure. This is an Ole Miss team that has not been very good on offense, but they look great tonight against our defense.
With over 6 minutes to go in the half there is plenty of time for our offense to do something.
AU starts on the 30.
There is a loss on first down.
There is another loss on second down.
We back on our 21.
There is a first down pass to Blake.
Then McCalebb fumbles and Ole Miss recovers. Totally sloppy.
Ole Miss is at their 48.
Ole Miss goes to 4th and 3 at the Auburn 45.
After the punt AU has the ball on the 7 with 1:34 left.
Two fumbles by Auburn running backs tonight when we have not fumbled all year.
First down to the 22.
But then there is a big sack on Mosely inside the 10. Mosely seems totally incapable of moving up in the pocket.
3rd and 21 and Mississippi gets a TO.
The half ends mercifully for Auburn.
END OF FIRST HALF
Auburn 17 Ole Miss 17
Auburn is not playing well. We will be very fortunate to win this football game. I hear boos on the radio. I don't like that. This is painful to see. If this team doesn't come firing on all cylinders in the second half we will surely lose this game. We're seeing poor play by Auburn on both sides of the ball.
Auburn receives to start the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
AU starts on the 33 and goes 3 and out. There is no evidence that our offense is in this game.
Ole Miss starts on their 26.
The Rebs go 3 and out.
AU starts on their 34 after a short kick.
Is our offense going to show up in the second half?
Dyer for only 2. Not much room.
Freeze play penalty picks up 5 yards for the offsides.
First down run by Dyer to the 45.
There is a good run by McCalebb to the Ole Miss 39.
Dyer for 5 to the 34.
Dyer in a powerful run for the first down. Dyer has to come to play.
We move to a third and 8.
There is a 25-yd. TD pass to a wide-open Blake in the end zone!
Emory Blake makes a dramatic difference in our offense.
We regain the lead midway thru the 3rd quarter.
Auburn 24 Ole Miss 17
Ole Miss starts on their 21.
The Rebels start running down the field. For a team that has struggled to run the ball, our defense is making them lood good.
Our defense stiffens at midfield and Ole Miss punts.
AU starts at their 30.
Dyer for 5 to the 35.
Dyer explodes to the Ole Miss 17! That's a 48-yd. carry.
Auburn power runs to a first and goal at the 4.
Dyer for the touchdown! Impressive touchdown drive by the Tigers as the 3rd quarter ends. Power, power, power. I like it!
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 31 Ole Miss 17
FOURTH QUARTER
Auburn won the first quarter. Mississippi won the second stanza. Auburn wins the third quarter. We need to finish strong and win the 4th quarter.
On a 3rd and 1 from the 29 Auburn recovers a fumble by the OM quarterback.
Auburn is on the Ole Miss 22.
Running the ball exclusively we have to settle for a 31-yd. field goal. Auburn has 3scores tonight off turnovers.
Auburn 34 Ole Miss 17
It's still early in the 4th. This game is far from over.
Ole Miss starts at their 22.
The Rebs are 3 and punt on a 4th and 8.
The Tigers start on their 43. Good job of catching the ball in the wind by Mason.
With 9:56 to go another score sure would be nice but I'm betting we'll run the ball to run the clock and end up punting.
There's first down toss to Lutz.
Dyer runs for 9 to the 36.
A run by Dyer to the 25.
To the 19.
McCalebb to the 4. Almost to the end zone!
Touchdown pass to Lutz who makes a one-handed catch and reaches the ball over the line! That's a highlight play.
Auburn 41 Ole Miss 17
This is the second half we needed. This is the win we needed going into the off-week. The offense gets it going. With less than 5 minutes to go, the Tigers put this one away.
Clint Mosely has 4 touchdown passes in this game. He is 12 for 15 and 160 yards.
Auburn has 403 total yards.
Ole Miss drives to a first down to the Auburn 13 but then there are 4 straight incomplete passes.
As the clock winds down Houston Nutt, being a jerk, calls two timeouts.
We punt with 1:26 left for the Rebels. Why did Nutt call timeouts down by 24 points.
Ole Miss gets a short TD pass on the last play of the game---Houston Nutt gets his meaningless touchdown at the end. Good for him. Auburn people have no use for Coach Nutt. He is a totally classless individual.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 41 Ole Miss 23
The Tigers rally for a needed dominant second half. We get it going on both sides of the ball in the second half.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Ole Miss
This is obviously a critical game. It could be the difference between 6 & 6 and 7 & 5. We need to win this game. The Rebels of Houston Nutt have lost 10 straight SEC games. They last lost to Arkansas, but only by the score of 29 to 24. Ole Miss has improved. It won't be easy. We just need to win this game.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The 2011 LSU Game
Once again we are getting ready to watch that annual bloodletting called the Auburn-LSU game. This year LSU is ranked #1 and is undefeated at 7 & 0. Our Tigers are 5 & 2. Clint Mosely will be starting his first game at QB as a Tiger. The game is at LSU with a 2:30 kickoff on CBS.
FIRST QUARTER
The game does not start out well.
LSU receives and drives right down the field almost unimpeded, gashing our defense, helped by 2 AU penalities. That was hard smash-mouth football. Nothing fancy needed. Bread and butter running and short passes. Our defense needs to regroup right off the bat. That's a 76 yd. drive on 8 plays. Stan White says LSU is running at our undersized defensive ends. Quentin Riggins says our DEs are going to have to grow up in a hurry.
Auburn 0 LSU 7
The Tigers start what looks to be a promising drive but it dies on the LSU 49 when Mosely is dropped for a loss on 3rd and 2.
LSU starts their second possession on their 15.
After one first down LSU punts.
The Tigers start on our 33.
A procedure penalty moves it back 5 yards.
A good run and a penalty on LSU moves the ball to the LSU 31.
AU is first down at the LSU 21.
First down a the LSU 9.
Frazier has a wide-open Stallworth in the end zone but he doesn't put enough air in the ball and the LSU defender knocks the ball away.
Then a big loss as Mosely is sacked but time all back to the 25. Huge loss to say the least.
After a penalty we're at the 19 but Mosely is buried again at the 26.
Cody Parkey hits the 42-yd. field goal. Late in the first quarter we get points. We have shown we can move the ball but we have to protect the quarterback much better.
Auburn 3 LSU 7
The kickoff is a touchback so LSU starts on the 20.
The first quarter ends with LSU at 3rd and 6 on their 24.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 3 LSU 7
There is a short pass completion.
4th and 1 and LSU is punting again. Our defense has picked it up after giving up that opening drive.
AU starts on the 19.
We need to do something to counteract their strong pass rush and not turn the ball over and do something on first down. We don't do anything on first down on this series. It seems like we always run between the tackles on first down.
AU is 3 and out.
There is a short 33 yd. punt and LSU starts on their 40.
LSU is 3 and out.
The punt rolls dead at the 4. Not so good with a 30 yard punt & about a 17-yd. roll. We need to flip the field at least.
From our 4 yard line Frazier gets back to the line of scrimmage. There is an incomplete pass. Timeout Auburn with 9:42 left. Auburn is not getting anything done on first down and that puts us behind and we won't much success like that. First down pass to the Lutz at the 20!
Big run by Dyer to the 35.
That's as far as we can get and we punt from the 30.
Once again Clark puts up a short 30-yd. punt. All of s sudden our punter is hurting us.
LSU starts on their 40.
We get a face mask penalty which nullifies holding LSU on 3rd down. Penalties are killing us. We can't have these penalities!!!
LSU is on our 45.
But there is the TD pass on play action. Their receiver has steps on our defenders. Good play by their QB. The useless facemask penalty set it up and special games short punting is giving LSU the field position game. LSU's offense plays field position football. They don't get alot of long drives. No personal foul and this wouldn't have happened. We stop their run but then give up the long scoring pass.
Auburn 3 LSU 14
AU starts on the 23 with Therezie running it back.
There is another running play on first down that goes nowhere.
Oh my.
Now there is a long completion to Reed plus 15 for a late hit.
AU at the LSU 38.
Two pass attempts go awry.
A screen pass goes awry.
LSU gets pressure on us whenever they desire and we have to punt with 3:13 to go in the half. We had one big play but that was it.
Fair catch on the LSU 13 with 3:06 to go.
LSU is a team with a strong defense and a team that utilizes field position on offense.
We need to stop them here but LSU has two quick first downs with 2:03 to go.
LSU is very poised and methodical on offense.
I'm afraid we're going to let them move to a FG attempt although our defene has played pretty well but our defense is not getting any help form our offense.
Little mistakes kill you against a good team like LSU.
Last year we could overcome mistakes but not this year.
Disaster strikes as Jaret Lee floats another long TD pass to their ace receiver Randle as Chris Davis and Neiko Thorpe let a receiver get behind them.
It's not so much LSU executing as it is Auburn mistakes.
Auburn 3 LSU 21
With seconds to go Auburn will go into the locker room trailing by 18. There is no way we can overcome this kind of deficit against a good defense.
So there you go with AU receiving to start the second half but with a huge mountain to climb.
END OF HALF
Auburn 3 LSU 21
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers receive and move out to midfield but as usual we have to punt from there. Clark gets off another bad punt to the LSU 26 whereupon the Bengal Tigers move right down the field just like they did on their first drive of the game. LSU is flexing its muscle over the Auburn Tigers. This game is over early in the third quarter. LSU is completely dominating Auburn---men against boys. Period.
Auburn 3 LSU 28
Tre Mason fumbles the kickoff---our first lost fumble of the year. LSU recovers on the 22. It's going from worse to worser.
After a 10-yd. holding penalty the LSU runner is all the way down the 6 yard line, a 25-yd. run.
We are getting pounded.
The TD run comes from the one.
Auburn 3 LSU 35
Well, it can't get any worse than this, can it?
How will Auburn finish this game? We haven't been pounded like this in a while. This is far worse than Arkansas.
Quentin Riggins says LSU is running with abandon to the weak side of our line and defense is not adjusting.
LSU looks like a bigger, stronger, more mature team.
Mosely throws a Pick 6 just like that on the second play from Auburn's scrimmage.
This game is so out-of-hand it's ridiculous.
Auburn has back-to-back turnovers that lead to touchdowns.
Auburn 3 LSU 42
With 7:27 to go in the third quarter what can we do? What can you say?
This is beyond LSU stepping on our throat.
In the last 8:13 LSU has scored 28 points.
LSU is obviously the much better football team.
I'll be surprised if we make another first down in this game.
Mosely doesn't have a chance throwing the football with so much pressure.
He is pressured almost from the second he receives the snap.
There is a good completion to Benton on this possession but we know it won't do any good.
We get out to around midfield but then we get pushed way back on two consecutive sacks. There is NO time for Mosely to throw and he can't step up in the pocket.
The Tigers punt and once again LSU is back on offense.
What a horrible football game. So many negative plays on offense. WE get a good gain and then Mosely gets sacked.
We get SOME pressure on their QB but never enough it seems.
LSU is pounding again. We can't stop them.
Our defense is tired and battered.
Our offense is MIA.
It amazes me how we get some pressure on their quarterback but he gets the pass off just in time.
Their QB is 14 of 18 so far.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 3 LSU 42
FOURTH QUARTER
In the final quarter LSU adds a field goal and Auburn gets a late TD on a short run by McCalebb. Auburn is overrun by a better team.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 10 LSU 45
FIRST QUARTER
The game does not start out well.
LSU receives and drives right down the field almost unimpeded, gashing our defense, helped by 2 AU penalities. That was hard smash-mouth football. Nothing fancy needed. Bread and butter running and short passes. Our defense needs to regroup right off the bat. That's a 76 yd. drive on 8 plays. Stan White says LSU is running at our undersized defensive ends. Quentin Riggins says our DEs are going to have to grow up in a hurry.
Auburn 0 LSU 7
The Tigers start what looks to be a promising drive but it dies on the LSU 49 when Mosely is dropped for a loss on 3rd and 2.
LSU starts their second possession on their 15.
After one first down LSU punts.
The Tigers start on our 33.
A procedure penalty moves it back 5 yards.
A good run and a penalty on LSU moves the ball to the LSU 31.
AU is first down at the LSU 21.
First down a the LSU 9.
Frazier has a wide-open Stallworth in the end zone but he doesn't put enough air in the ball and the LSU defender knocks the ball away.
Then a big loss as Mosely is sacked but time all back to the 25. Huge loss to say the least.
After a penalty we're at the 19 but Mosely is buried again at the 26.
Cody Parkey hits the 42-yd. field goal. Late in the first quarter we get points. We have shown we can move the ball but we have to protect the quarterback much better.
Auburn 3 LSU 7
The kickoff is a touchback so LSU starts on the 20.
The first quarter ends with LSU at 3rd and 6 on their 24.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 3 LSU 7
There is a short pass completion.
4th and 1 and LSU is punting again. Our defense has picked it up after giving up that opening drive.
AU starts on the 19.
We need to do something to counteract their strong pass rush and not turn the ball over and do something on first down. We don't do anything on first down on this series. It seems like we always run between the tackles on first down.
AU is 3 and out.
There is a short 33 yd. punt and LSU starts on their 40.
LSU is 3 and out.
The punt rolls dead at the 4. Not so good with a 30 yard punt & about a 17-yd. roll. We need to flip the field at least.
From our 4 yard line Frazier gets back to the line of scrimmage. There is an incomplete pass. Timeout Auburn with 9:42 left. Auburn is not getting anything done on first down and that puts us behind and we won't much success like that. First down pass to the Lutz at the 20!
Big run by Dyer to the 35.
That's as far as we can get and we punt from the 30.
Once again Clark puts up a short 30-yd. punt. All of s sudden our punter is hurting us.
LSU starts on their 40.
We get a face mask penalty which nullifies holding LSU on 3rd down. Penalties are killing us. We can't have these penalities!!!
LSU is on our 45.
But there is the TD pass on play action. Their receiver has steps on our defenders. Good play by their QB. The useless facemask penalty set it up and special games short punting is giving LSU the field position game. LSU's offense plays field position football. They don't get alot of long drives. No personal foul and this wouldn't have happened. We stop their run but then give up the long scoring pass.
Auburn 3 LSU 14
AU starts on the 23 with Therezie running it back.
There is another running play on first down that goes nowhere.
Oh my.
Now there is a long completion to Reed plus 15 for a late hit.
AU at the LSU 38.
Two pass attempts go awry.
A screen pass goes awry.
LSU gets pressure on us whenever they desire and we have to punt with 3:13 to go in the half. We had one big play but that was it.
Fair catch on the LSU 13 with 3:06 to go.
LSU is a team with a strong defense and a team that utilizes field position on offense.
We need to stop them here but LSU has two quick first downs with 2:03 to go.
LSU is very poised and methodical on offense.
I'm afraid we're going to let them move to a FG attempt although our defene has played pretty well but our defense is not getting any help form our offense.
Little mistakes kill you against a good team like LSU.
Last year we could overcome mistakes but not this year.
Disaster strikes as Jaret Lee floats another long TD pass to their ace receiver Randle as Chris Davis and Neiko Thorpe let a receiver get behind them.
It's not so much LSU executing as it is Auburn mistakes.
Auburn 3 LSU 21
With seconds to go Auburn will go into the locker room trailing by 18. There is no way we can overcome this kind of deficit against a good defense.
So there you go with AU receiving to start the second half but with a huge mountain to climb.
END OF HALF
Auburn 3 LSU 21
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers receive and move out to midfield but as usual we have to punt from there. Clark gets off another bad punt to the LSU 26 whereupon the Bengal Tigers move right down the field just like they did on their first drive of the game. LSU is flexing its muscle over the Auburn Tigers. This game is over early in the third quarter. LSU is completely dominating Auburn---men against boys. Period.
Auburn 3 LSU 28
Tre Mason fumbles the kickoff---our first lost fumble of the year. LSU recovers on the 22. It's going from worse to worser.
After a 10-yd. holding penalty the LSU runner is all the way down the 6 yard line, a 25-yd. run.
We are getting pounded.
The TD run comes from the one.
Auburn 3 LSU 35
Well, it can't get any worse than this, can it?
How will Auburn finish this game? We haven't been pounded like this in a while. This is far worse than Arkansas.
Quentin Riggins says LSU is running with abandon to the weak side of our line and defense is not adjusting.
LSU looks like a bigger, stronger, more mature team.
Mosely throws a Pick 6 just like that on the second play from Auburn's scrimmage.
This game is so out-of-hand it's ridiculous.
Auburn has back-to-back turnovers that lead to touchdowns.
Auburn 3 LSU 42
With 7:27 to go in the third quarter what can we do? What can you say?
This is beyond LSU stepping on our throat.
In the last 8:13 LSU has scored 28 points.
LSU is obviously the much better football team.
I'll be surprised if we make another first down in this game.
Mosely doesn't have a chance throwing the football with so much pressure.
He is pressured almost from the second he receives the snap.
There is a good completion to Benton on this possession but we know it won't do any good.
We get out to around midfield but then we get pushed way back on two consecutive sacks. There is NO time for Mosely to throw and he can't step up in the pocket.
The Tigers punt and once again LSU is back on offense.
What a horrible football game. So many negative plays on offense. WE get a good gain and then Mosely gets sacked.
We get SOME pressure on their QB but never enough it seems.
LSU is pounding again. We can't stop them.
Our defense is tired and battered.
Our offense is MIA.
It amazes me how we get some pressure on their quarterback but he gets the pass off just in time.
Their QB is 14 of 18 so far.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 3 LSU 42
FOURTH QUARTER
In the final quarter LSU adds a field goal and Auburn gets a late TD on a short run by McCalebb. Auburn is overrun by a better team.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 10 LSU 45
Friday, October 21, 2011
The LSU Game 2011
It's hard to believe now but there was a time when Auburn & LSU seldom played each other. That was before divisions and therefore before regular conference opponents. For a long time we played them in September and this was one of the early season bellweather games in the conference.
Does Auburn have a chance? Sure, but I think it's unlikely we will win. Alot of things will have to go our way for us to have a chance. I do like that it's an afternoon game. Somehow psychologically I think this is better than playing a night game in Baton Rouge.
How great it WOULD be to win this game. We can hope, can't we?
Does Auburn have a chance? Sure, but I think it's unlikely we will win. Alot of things will have to go our way for us to have a chance. I do like that it's an afternoon game. Somehow psychologically I think this is better than playing a night game in Baton Rouge.
How great it WOULD be to win this game. We can hope, can't we?
Sunday, October 16, 2011
After the Florida Game
I admit it's not as much fun beating Florida as it used to be. Not as much fun as it was beating Spurrier and Meyer. But it's still Florida, and that's good enough.
The best thing that can happen is for Roof to build a dominating defense. I hope it's coming one day.
I hope Mosely gets the start at LSU. If it's Trotter then the reason may be that he's had the experience on the road at South Carolina and Arkansas.
Malzahn has done it before---building a high-scoring offense---so he should be able to do it again.
The best thing that can happen is for Roof to build a dominating defense. I hope it's coming one day.
I hope Mosely gets the start at LSU. If it's Trotter then the reason may be that he's had the experience on the road at South Carolina and Arkansas.
Malzahn has done it before---building a high-scoring offense---so he should be able to do it again.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The 2011 Florida Game
Over the years Auburn & Florida have played some storied games. We remember all of the Spurrier years when beating the Gators was really special. Now we begin the Will Muschamp era in Gainesville. What will happen tonight? The game at Jordan-Hare on ESPN with a 6 p.m. kickoff is considered a tossup. To win the game Auburn needs to run the football well and contain their speed on offense. This is all I know.
FIRST QUARTER
Florida receives and on their second play from scrimmate Bell intercepts on our 10. After a 13 yd. burst by Dyer the Tigers have to punt. On a 3rd and 13 we run McCalebb up the middle. I guess we aren't going to throw the ball unless necessary.
Florida is 3 and out.
Quan Bray returns the punt to the Auburn 31.
The Tigers punch out two quick first downs running the football.
Then the drive stalls after a 2 yd. run and 2 incomplete passes.
The game starts like last week. We have some sucess running but not enough to sustain a drive, and we can't throw the ball.
After the punt the Gators start on their 14.
Florida is 3 and out and punt from their 20.
After a booming punt AU starts on their 13.
The Tigers are 3 and out.
So far this is a tale of inept offenses or good defense one on both sides.
The punt is muffed and Auburn recovers on the Gator 32.
Dyer for 7.
Dyer in the Wildcat fails to gain.
It's tough when there is no threat of a pass.
BUT on a free play as Florida jumps offsides, Trotter hits Benton in the end zone, who goes up and brings it down. Touchdown Auburn!
Auburn 7 Florida 0
After one first down, the Gators are punting again. We are getting pressure on their QB.
Bray fair catches on our 17 after another booming punt.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Florida 0
As we start the second quarter it seems that this game will go down to the wire. So far our defense has started strong, but if our offense can't do anything our defense usually wears down.
We to three downs and out. It is amazing how poor our passing is. Trotter can't hit an open Carr. They stack the box and we should have open receivers but Trotter can't hit them it seems to me.
The punt rolls dead to the Florida 37. A 44-yd. punt.
If this continues we will lose this game.
From their 37 Florida goes first down to midfield.
They change QBs and you get the impression that Florida will score on this possession.
First down Florida on the AU 25 after an unfortunate personal foul on Auburn.
Florida kicks the 47-yd. FG as our defense stiffens.
Auburn 7 Florida 3
AU starts on the 26.
The Tigers are 3 and out. Our offense is totally inept.
The punt rolls dead on the Gator 28.
Oh, my. No offense just like last week. We can't win w/o being balanced on offense and we are not balanced.
The Gators mount another drive. When our offense struggles, soon or later our defense suffers.
All of a sudden we are not getting any pressure on their QB.
Their defense is not very good but our defense can hold up for only so long.
This is sad because again their offense is not very good.
Our defense holds out again and Florida kicks the three late in the first half.
Auburn 7 Florida 6
The Tigers need to do something here in the last 2 minutes or so but I don't see it coming.
From the 30 Auburn moves to a 3rd and 2 at the Florida 49 with 1:27 left in the half.
A face mask penalty gets us the first down.
Benton drops a pass wide open.
We have to try the field goal. Our offense always bogs down somehow. The dropped pass leads to the FG attempt.
The 45-yd attempt is no good---wide right.
We get the ball to start the second half. That's the only good thing at the moment.
FIRST HALF
Auburn 7 Florida 6
To start the second half here comes Mosely!
After a first down burst by Dyer, Mosely misses a wide-open Wisner, completes a short pass, but the Tigers have to punt.
Our defense holds Florida and after a short punt when their punter drops the ball and has to pick it up off the ground before kicking to the Florida 30, we can't move the ball with Mosely still in at QB. I think we can see already why Mosely hasn't played. He is no better than Trotter.
Parkay misses another FG attempt and the score is unchanged at 7-6. Oh, my. This is scary. We have no rhythm on offense. Clint Mosely looks no better than Barrett Trotter. We can't take advantage of the short punt.
Well, this is not going well. If this continues---our impotent offense---we are going to lose this game for sure.
Florida starts on their 25 after the missed FG attempt.
The Gators start a drive as YOU WOULD EXPECT. Our defense, playing heroically, cannot hold out much longer.
Florida punts from midfield after we stuff their QB on 4th and less than yard to go.
The ball rolls dead at the 7.
Mosely is still in.
There is a long pass completion from Mosely to Carr to the Gator 49.
Dyer for 5.
Frazier just short of the first down.
Dyer loses big in the Wildcat back to the Auburn 49 as Ladarius Phillips gets pushed back.
A short punt to the Gator 19. Clark is not having the best of punting nights.
AFter one first down Auburn sacks the Florida QB and Auburn has the ball back.
The Tigers start moving the ball.
First down at the Gator 28. Mosely hits Lutz on a nice touch pass. Dyer runs for 18yards.
But now we move backwards with the help of a holding call.
First down pass to Lutzenkirchen to the 16 on a third and 22.
The quarter ends with Auburn on the Florida 14 with a 2nd and 8.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 7 Florida 6
McCalebb runs it in for the touchdown! Frazier hands it off and McCalebb goes 14 yards for the score. It wasn't necessarily pretty, but it works. Auburn begins the 4th quarter in fine fashion.
Auburn 14 Florida 6
Florida moves the ball abetted by 30 yards in penalitites on Auburn.
On a third and 8 from the AU 20 there is a short pass completion.
4th and 4. The Gators are going for it with 9:36 to go. Timeout Auburn.
Normally you kick the FG in this situation but not Muschamp.
Incomplete pass! Auburn football. Our defense holds.
Why did they go for it? The percentage is to go for the FG with over 9 minutes left.
But not Muschamp.
W go 3 downs and out. On the third down Mosely is too slow in getting the ball off.
Florida drops the punt but the Gators keep the ball.
Our punter is put down but no flag.
Florida starts from their 39.
Florida punts the ball dead to the Auburn 3. Oh my, Florida has gotten off some good punts tonight. That one took a big Gator roll toward the Aluburn goal line.
5:33 left and Auburn leads by only 8.
2 yards by Dyer to the 5.
Another yard by Dyer to the 6.
3rd and 7 from the 6.
Auburn punts but the GATORS MUFF THE PUNT FOR THE 4TH TIME TONIGHT!
Auburn has the ball at the Gator 47.
Wow!
2:58 to go. One first down and this game may be over.
2nd and 6 as Florida takes a timeout.
Florida has one TO left.
FRAZIER RUNS FOR 18 YARDS! A big first down.
Auburn at the 25.
A 3-yd. gain to the 22 and Florida takes their final TO.
With 41 seconds left after a false start Auburn attempts a 42 yd. FG.
Parkey has already missed two tonight.
But this one is good!!!
Parkey seals the deal.
With 35 seconds left Auburn will win this game.
Auburn 17 Florida 6
Florida completes some passes but we sack their QB on the last play of the game.
Our defense holds Florida without a touchdown.
Great effort by the defense.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 17 Florida 6
FIRST QUARTER
Florida receives and on their second play from scrimmate Bell intercepts on our 10. After a 13 yd. burst by Dyer the Tigers have to punt. On a 3rd and 13 we run McCalebb up the middle. I guess we aren't going to throw the ball unless necessary.
Florida is 3 and out.
Quan Bray returns the punt to the Auburn 31.
The Tigers punch out two quick first downs running the football.
Then the drive stalls after a 2 yd. run and 2 incomplete passes.
The game starts like last week. We have some sucess running but not enough to sustain a drive, and we can't throw the ball.
After the punt the Gators start on their 14.
Florida is 3 and out and punt from their 20.
After a booming punt AU starts on their 13.
The Tigers are 3 and out.
So far this is a tale of inept offenses or good defense one on both sides.
The punt is muffed and Auburn recovers on the Gator 32.
Dyer for 7.
Dyer in the Wildcat fails to gain.
It's tough when there is no threat of a pass.
BUT on a free play as Florida jumps offsides, Trotter hits Benton in the end zone, who goes up and brings it down. Touchdown Auburn!
Auburn 7 Florida 0
After one first down, the Gators are punting again. We are getting pressure on their QB.
Bray fair catches on our 17 after another booming punt.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 7 Florida 0
As we start the second quarter it seems that this game will go down to the wire. So far our defense has started strong, but if our offense can't do anything our defense usually wears down.
We to three downs and out. It is amazing how poor our passing is. Trotter can't hit an open Carr. They stack the box and we should have open receivers but Trotter can't hit them it seems to me.
The punt rolls dead to the Florida 37. A 44-yd. punt.
If this continues we will lose this game.
From their 37 Florida goes first down to midfield.
They change QBs and you get the impression that Florida will score on this possession.
First down Florida on the AU 25 after an unfortunate personal foul on Auburn.
Florida kicks the 47-yd. FG as our defense stiffens.
Auburn 7 Florida 3
AU starts on the 26.
The Tigers are 3 and out. Our offense is totally inept.
The punt rolls dead on the Gator 28.
Oh, my. No offense just like last week. We can't win w/o being balanced on offense and we are not balanced.
The Gators mount another drive. When our offense struggles, soon or later our defense suffers.
All of a sudden we are not getting any pressure on their QB.
Their defense is not very good but our defense can hold up for only so long.
This is sad because again their offense is not very good.
Our defense holds out again and Florida kicks the three late in the first half.
Auburn 7 Florida 6
The Tigers need to do something here in the last 2 minutes or so but I don't see it coming.
From the 30 Auburn moves to a 3rd and 2 at the Florida 49 with 1:27 left in the half.
A face mask penalty gets us the first down.
Benton drops a pass wide open.
We have to try the field goal. Our offense always bogs down somehow. The dropped pass leads to the FG attempt.
The 45-yd attempt is no good---wide right.
We get the ball to start the second half. That's the only good thing at the moment.
FIRST HALF
Auburn 7 Florida 6
To start the second half here comes Mosely!
After a first down burst by Dyer, Mosely misses a wide-open Wisner, completes a short pass, but the Tigers have to punt.
Our defense holds Florida and after a short punt when their punter drops the ball and has to pick it up off the ground before kicking to the Florida 30, we can't move the ball with Mosely still in at QB. I think we can see already why Mosely hasn't played. He is no better than Trotter.
Parkay misses another FG attempt and the score is unchanged at 7-6. Oh, my. This is scary. We have no rhythm on offense. Clint Mosely looks no better than Barrett Trotter. We can't take advantage of the short punt.
Well, this is not going well. If this continues---our impotent offense---we are going to lose this game for sure.
Florida starts on their 25 after the missed FG attempt.
The Gators start a drive as YOU WOULD EXPECT. Our defense, playing heroically, cannot hold out much longer.
Florida punts from midfield after we stuff their QB on 4th and less than yard to go.
The ball rolls dead at the 7.
Mosely is still in.
There is a long pass completion from Mosely to Carr to the Gator 49.
Dyer for 5.
Frazier just short of the first down.
Dyer loses big in the Wildcat back to the Auburn 49 as Ladarius Phillips gets pushed back.
A short punt to the Gator 19. Clark is not having the best of punting nights.
AFter one first down Auburn sacks the Florida QB and Auburn has the ball back.
The Tigers start moving the ball.
First down at the Gator 28. Mosely hits Lutz on a nice touch pass. Dyer runs for 18yards.
But now we move backwards with the help of a holding call.
First down pass to Lutzenkirchen to the 16 on a third and 22.
The quarter ends with Auburn on the Florida 14 with a 2nd and 8.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 7 Florida 6
McCalebb runs it in for the touchdown! Frazier hands it off and McCalebb goes 14 yards for the score. It wasn't necessarily pretty, but it works. Auburn begins the 4th quarter in fine fashion.
Auburn 14 Florida 6
Florida moves the ball abetted by 30 yards in penalitites on Auburn.
On a third and 8 from the AU 20 there is a short pass completion.
4th and 4. The Gators are going for it with 9:36 to go. Timeout Auburn.
Normally you kick the FG in this situation but not Muschamp.
Incomplete pass! Auburn football. Our defense holds.
Why did they go for it? The percentage is to go for the FG with over 9 minutes left.
But not Muschamp.
W go 3 downs and out. On the third down Mosely is too slow in getting the ball off.
Florida drops the punt but the Gators keep the ball.
Our punter is put down but no flag.
Florida starts from their 39.
Florida punts the ball dead to the Auburn 3. Oh my, Florida has gotten off some good punts tonight. That one took a big Gator roll toward the Aluburn goal line.
5:33 left and Auburn leads by only 8.
2 yards by Dyer to the 5.
Another yard by Dyer to the 6.
3rd and 7 from the 6.
Auburn punts but the GATORS MUFF THE PUNT FOR THE 4TH TIME TONIGHT!
Auburn has the ball at the Gator 47.
Wow!
2:58 to go. One first down and this game may be over.
2nd and 6 as Florida takes a timeout.
Florida has one TO left.
FRAZIER RUNS FOR 18 YARDS! A big first down.
Auburn at the 25.
A 3-yd. gain to the 22 and Florida takes their final TO.
With 41 seconds left after a false start Auburn attempts a 42 yd. FG.
Parkey has already missed two tonight.
But this one is good!!!
Parkey seals the deal.
With 35 seconds left Auburn will win this game.
Auburn 17 Florida 6
Florida completes some passes but we sack their QB on the last play of the game.
Our defense holds Florida without a touchdown.
Great effort by the defense.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 17 Florida 6
Auburn Deserves Apology
BY Mark Weidmer
Times Free Press
14 October 2011
It's time to apologize. To Cam Newton. To the rest of Auburn's 2010 football team, especially coach Gene Chizik. To the War Eagle Nation. To the school administration. Maybe even to the poor, poisoned trees at Toomer's Corner.
It's time for all of us in the media, myself included, as well as all those opposing fans who've ripped Auburn on the Internet and talk radio airwaves to tell the Tigers we're sorry.
With Wednesday's announcement that the NCAA has cleared the program of all wrongdoing in Newton's recruitment, a good number of Southern football fans in general and untold media in particular have enough egg on their faces to feed a third-world nation for a month.
Call it Egg McNewton.
We arrogantly found the Tigers guilty until proven innocent regarding their obscenely talented quarterback, an error in judgment that needlessly lessened the joy of Newton's Heisman Trophy win and march to the national championship during his lone season on the Plains.
On the vaguely defensible level that Cam's dad, Cecil, has admitted to shopping his son to Mississippi State for $180,000, such initial hysteria was somewhat understandable.
After all, what parent in his right mind would encourage his son to go to Auburn for nothing if he could get even close to $180,000 at another school?
But asking is not the same as receiving. I could ask the New York Times to pay me $1 million per year. You could tell your boss that you've asked your rival company to triple your salary. Doesn't mean they're going to do it.
Whatever any of us may think happened, there has never been much credible evidence that any member of the Mississippi State athletic department ever seriously considered handing Cecil Newton $180,000.
Moreover -- as has been written in this space previously -- people forget that Newton was a junior college transfer with some pretty heavy baggage from his earlier days at Florida. Damaged goods, some labeled him. Beyond that, he wasn't even a clear Auburn starter until late in preseason camp.
But then he blossomed into the most talked-about SEC player since Georgia's Herschel Walker tongue-tied the nation for superlatives 30 years earlier. By the time Newton was done he had thrown 30 touchdown passes, run for 20 TDs and almost single-handedly carried the Tigers to their first national title since 1957.
A player that good had to have gone to the highest bidder, went the argument. And money well-spent, at that.
Nor did the NCAA help quell the masses when it told an exasperated Chizik in the late spring that the investigation remained alive.
In Chizik's mind it must have seemed as if the Mark Twain's line "A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth puts on its shoes," had been altered to include the entire Earth.
Yet Chizik's confrontation with NCAA enforcement also may have encouraged the NCAA to bring this to the swiftest end possible, especially since the coach's frequent statement "I sleep well at night" began to sound more and more like an honest man wrongly accused than lawyer lingo.
Could it be that we -- all of us accusing Auburn of wrongdoing -- were the ones doing wrong?
Finally, on Wednesday, Auburn released this statement from the NCAA: "Any allegations of major rules violations must meet a burden of proof, which is a higher standard than rampant public speculation on line and in the media."
For those conspiracy theorists who still believe the Tigers got away with something, the NCAA did oddly add the following words: "As with any case, should the enforcement staff become aware of additional credible information, it will review the information to determine whether further investigation is warranted."
(Note to Tennessee fans: Allegedly wiring $1,500 to Willie Lyles for former recruit Lache Seastrunk's unofficial visit may still get you in trouble.)
But as it stands now, Auburn is free and clear and back in the NCAA's good graces.
Maybe next time at least a few of us (blush, blush) will be more patient and more prudent with our criticisms. Until then, let me be the first to apologize to the entire War Eagle Nation. The line behind me should stretch at least halfway around the world.
Times Free Press
14 October 2011
It's time to apologize. To Cam Newton. To the rest of Auburn's 2010 football team, especially coach Gene Chizik. To the War Eagle Nation. To the school administration. Maybe even to the poor, poisoned trees at Toomer's Corner.
It's time for all of us in the media, myself included, as well as all those opposing fans who've ripped Auburn on the Internet and talk radio airwaves to tell the Tigers we're sorry.
With Wednesday's announcement that the NCAA has cleared the program of all wrongdoing in Newton's recruitment, a good number of Southern football fans in general and untold media in particular have enough egg on their faces to feed a third-world nation for a month.
Call it Egg McNewton.
We arrogantly found the Tigers guilty until proven innocent regarding their obscenely talented quarterback, an error in judgment that needlessly lessened the joy of Newton's Heisman Trophy win and march to the national championship during his lone season on the Plains.
On the vaguely defensible level that Cam's dad, Cecil, has admitted to shopping his son to Mississippi State for $180,000, such initial hysteria was somewhat understandable.
After all, what parent in his right mind would encourage his son to go to Auburn for nothing if he could get even close to $180,000 at another school?
But asking is not the same as receiving. I could ask the New York Times to pay me $1 million per year. You could tell your boss that you've asked your rival company to triple your salary. Doesn't mean they're going to do it.
Whatever any of us may think happened, there has never been much credible evidence that any member of the Mississippi State athletic department ever seriously considered handing Cecil Newton $180,000.
Moreover -- as has been written in this space previously -- people forget that Newton was a junior college transfer with some pretty heavy baggage from his earlier days at Florida. Damaged goods, some labeled him. Beyond that, he wasn't even a clear Auburn starter until late in preseason camp.
But then he blossomed into the most talked-about SEC player since Georgia's Herschel Walker tongue-tied the nation for superlatives 30 years earlier. By the time Newton was done he had thrown 30 touchdown passes, run for 20 TDs and almost single-handedly carried the Tigers to their first national title since 1957.
A player that good had to have gone to the highest bidder, went the argument. And money well-spent, at that.
Nor did the NCAA help quell the masses when it told an exasperated Chizik in the late spring that the investigation remained alive.
In Chizik's mind it must have seemed as if the Mark Twain's line "A lie can travel halfway around the world before the truth puts on its shoes," had been altered to include the entire Earth.
Yet Chizik's confrontation with NCAA enforcement also may have encouraged the NCAA to bring this to the swiftest end possible, especially since the coach's frequent statement "I sleep well at night" began to sound more and more like an honest man wrongly accused than lawyer lingo.
Could it be that we -- all of us accusing Auburn of wrongdoing -- were the ones doing wrong?
Finally, on Wednesday, Auburn released this statement from the NCAA: "Any allegations of major rules violations must meet a burden of proof, which is a higher standard than rampant public speculation on line and in the media."
For those conspiracy theorists who still believe the Tigers got away with something, the NCAA did oddly add the following words: "As with any case, should the enforcement staff become aware of additional credible information, it will review the information to determine whether further investigation is warranted."
(Note to Tennessee fans: Allegedly wiring $1,500 to Willie Lyles for former recruit Lache Seastrunk's unofficial visit may still get you in trouble.)
But as it stands now, Auburn is free and clear and back in the NCAA's good graces.
Maybe next time at least a few of us (blush, blush) will be more patient and more prudent with our criticisms. Until then, let me be the first to apologize to the entire War Eagle Nation. The line behind me should stretch at least halfway around the world.
Catching Up - The Florida Game
A lot has happened since last Saturday. Freddy and I went to the Arkansas game. We had a good time except for the outcome of the game. The Tigers lead 14 to 7 but then get routed the rest of the way. Arkansas 38 Auburn 14. I will remember that TD run by Dyer because he ran to the end zone right in front of us. And unfortunately I will remember their 92 yard TD as their back ran away from us because of a holding call that wasn't made. We saw Bud Walton Arena and talked to a nice Arkansas fan inside the arena. I will remember that drive on I-540 from I-40 up to Fayetteville. What an incredible highway, through beautiful Ozark mountains, but so isolated.
Today we are back at home with a 4 and 2 record playing Florida. The game is considered a tossup. The Gators are coming off two big losses with Alabama and LSU. Both teams desperately need a win. This can still be a good Auburn football season.
After last week's game we've had much talk about the QB position. Barrett Trotter has not looked good. We are told that he is still the starter. Clint Mosely hasn't been given a chance. It's easy to think that Mosely must be awful to not be given a chance. Will he play today if Trotter continues to struggle?
Today we are back at home with a 4 and 2 record playing Florida. The game is considered a tossup. The Gators are coming off two big losses with Alabama and LSU. Both teams desperately need a win. This can still be a good Auburn football season.
After last week's game we've had much talk about the QB position. Barrett Trotter has not looked good. We are told that he is still the starter. Clint Mosely hasn't been given a chance. It's easy to think that Mosely must be awful to not be given a chance. Will he play today if Trotter continues to struggle?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
The 2011 South Carolina Game
Here we go again with the Tigers and the Gamecocks. After we beat them twice last year, you know Spurrier wants this one. USC is undfeated and Auburn is 3 and 1 after losing badly to Clemson and looking sluggish against Florida Atlantic last week. South Carolina is a 10-point favorite. Dee Ford is out for the year. Trovon Reed and Chris Davis are out for this game giving Quan Bray a chance. We get the impression that we might see more of Kiehl Frazier today. I sure hope so. I do think that Auburn must stop the run and force their erratic QB Garcia to throw the ball and take our chances there. The Tigers are on the road for the second time this season for a 2:30 kickoff on CBS.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn wins the toss and defers.
USC starts on their 35---a bad kickoff by Parkey.
The Gamecocks go 3 and out. Good start for our defense.
From midfield the Tigers drive to a first and goal inside the 5.
We have to settle for the field goal. We miss a good opp for a touchdown but we'll take it. Trotter had an open Lutz but he hurries the throw.
Auburn 3 USC 0
On a second and one from the 29 Lattimore fumbles and Auburn recovers. The play is reviewed as it should have been and Auburn keeps the ball!
The Tigers are on the USC 36.
On the second play USC gets an interception on a trick play. Quan Bray could have gone up and caught the ball but apparently he thought he had an easy TD. Rather than fight for the ball, he lets the DB cut in front and get the interception. Too bad.
Oh boy. This has been quite a game already and we are still early in the first quarter.
USC is on their 31 after the double turnovers.
From the 50 there is a TD pass to their good receiver Jeffrey, who beats Bell. Jeffrey goes up and plucks the ball out of the air and muscles his way into the end zone dragging Bell with him. Stan White says Jeffrey gets away with a pushoff.
Just like that after we stop their running they take the lead on a long pass.
We do block the point after.
Auburn 3 USC 6
AU starts from the 20.
Three downs and we go backwards as Trotter is sacked on the 16. We are not doing well on first downs.
The momentum is all Gamecocks.
USC fair catches on their 38.
USC goes 3 and out.
Auburn starts on our 25.
Frazier takes it to the 36 in two running plays.
The quarter ends with AU on the USC 23 with a big 3rd and 2 coming up.
End of First Quarter
Auburn 3 USC 6
SECOND QUARTER
It seems like we've played a whole half already.
Kiel Frazier, shot out of cannon, runs the ball down the 1. Should have been a touchdown.
On the next play, Dyer pushes the pile for the TD. But it's overruled. But on the NEXT play Dyer runs it in from the wildcat.
BUT we miss the point after just like South Carolina as the ball hits the right upright. The wind is swirling out there today. Amazing.
11 PLAYS. 75 YARDS.
Auburn 9 USC 6
USC starts on their 20 after the touchback.
The Tigers push 'em back to the 13 and USC is 3 and out.
A bad snap and a safety is nullifed by a dead ball procedure penalty against USC.
After a personal foul penalty against AU we start on our 49 but we would have been on their 36.
Our offense can't do anything and we are punting at the 50.
Trotter is getting a lot of pressure and Trotter can't outrun anybody.
USC starts from their 4 after a great punt from Steven Clark.
Garcia fakes to Lattimore and runs it out to the 25.
There's another good run for about 8 yards.
I hope they aren't getting their running game going.
On second and two McNeal gets the pick at midfield! That's a bad throw by Garcia.
Yay!
Two runs and first down.
But we are pushed back and have to punt. We've had field position but our offense can't respond. I think part of it is Barrett Trotter. He holds the ball too long in the pocket and can never escape when he has to run.
The punt is downed at the one yard line!
We are winning the field position game but lead by only 3 points.
USC runs Lattimore to a first down to the 17 on two plays.
There is a timeout with 6:04 left and AU clinging to a 3 point lead.
Our defense stiffens and USC is punting.
The Tigers start on their 34 with a little over 4 minutes left in the first half.
We move to a field goal attempt as our offense once again bogs down after some sucess.
The FG attempt is a fake with Ryan White the hold trying to throw to Lutz, but the play never had a chance as USC intercepts. The Gamecocks run the clock out and we are the half.
No expected a defensive struggle. Our offense struggles. Our defense has played its best game of the year SO FAR. We've helf their running game in check. Their only score was a long pass play. We should be ahead by more than 3. WE crossed midfield 6 times but only score twice. This could cost us in the second half. We receive to start the half.
End of Half
Auburn 9 USC 6
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers start what looks like another promising drive but it stalls and Clark punts to the Gamecock 11. We just cannot sustain an offensive drive and it may cost us this football game.
AFter one first down, the Tigers stuff Lattimore and the Gamecocks punt. One thing you can say: our defense has stopped their running game so far. The problem is that unless our offense gets it going, sooner or later their offense will score again.
Bray fields the punt at the 7 and squirms his way out to the 25. Questionable catch by Bray but a great runback.
Auburn starts on their 25.
Once again we punt the ball back. USC starts at midfield
There's a long pass completion and a 15-yd. run by Lattimore for the touchdown.
Auburn 9 USC 13
This is what I was afraid of. Our offense stalls and stalls and soon or later USC will score and now they have with 5:58 to go in the third quarter. The biggest thing is that we cannot throw the ball. They are getting pressure on Trotter and apparently covering our receivers.
AU starts on their 35.
Trotter throws the interception, but their guy fumbles on his return and Lutz recovers. What a wild & physical game this has been.
The quarter ends with Auburn on the Gamecock 39.
End of Third Quarter
Auburn 9 USC 13
Dyer has gone down but got back up. Dismikes is out right now and Cooper has moved to center. Blake went out injured. A South Carolina player went down on the last play. No one expected this defensive slugfest.
Somehow we have to find a way to throw the football.
On a third and 7 Trotter throws it up for grabs and USC intercepts in the corner of the end zone. Barrett Trotter is not very good.
After one first down running the ball, Spurrier inexplicably tries to throw the ball and the Gamecocks have to put.
With a little over 10 minutes left, Au starts on their 29.
Once again the Tigers need to move the ball and score.
The Tigers do it!
12 plays 57 yards.
Trotter to Lutz for the touchdown.
With 98 seconds left Auburn takes the lead.
McCalebb has a big run. Dyer gashes and gashes. Wow!
Auburn 16 USC 13
From the 20 USC gets a gift on a terrible ruffing the passer call.
USC has a first down on their 35.
Two incompletions.
Garcia runs for a first down.
Incompletion. 2nd and 10.
A holding call and its 2nd and 20.
Incompletion. 3rd and 20 from their 35 with 36 seconds to go.
They get the first down and with 12 seconds left USC is on the AU 42.
Incompletion.
8 seconds left.
There is a completion for a first down but the clock runs out.
Game over !!!
Auburn wins.
Our defense rises from the dead to win this game.
Our offense does just enough. The main thing is that late touchdown drive in the waning minutes of the game.
Final Score
Auburn 16 USC 13
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn wins the toss and defers.
USC starts on their 35---a bad kickoff by Parkey.
The Gamecocks go 3 and out. Good start for our defense.
From midfield the Tigers drive to a first and goal inside the 5.
We have to settle for the field goal. We miss a good opp for a touchdown but we'll take it. Trotter had an open Lutz but he hurries the throw.
Auburn 3 USC 0
On a second and one from the 29 Lattimore fumbles and Auburn recovers. The play is reviewed as it should have been and Auburn keeps the ball!
The Tigers are on the USC 36.
On the second play USC gets an interception on a trick play. Quan Bray could have gone up and caught the ball but apparently he thought he had an easy TD. Rather than fight for the ball, he lets the DB cut in front and get the interception. Too bad.
Oh boy. This has been quite a game already and we are still early in the first quarter.
USC is on their 31 after the double turnovers.
From the 50 there is a TD pass to their good receiver Jeffrey, who beats Bell. Jeffrey goes up and plucks the ball out of the air and muscles his way into the end zone dragging Bell with him. Stan White says Jeffrey gets away with a pushoff.
Just like that after we stop their running they take the lead on a long pass.
We do block the point after.
Auburn 3 USC 6
AU starts from the 20.
Three downs and we go backwards as Trotter is sacked on the 16. We are not doing well on first downs.
The momentum is all Gamecocks.
USC fair catches on their 38.
USC goes 3 and out.
Auburn starts on our 25.
Frazier takes it to the 36 in two running plays.
The quarter ends with AU on the USC 23 with a big 3rd and 2 coming up.
End of First Quarter
Auburn 3 USC 6
SECOND QUARTER
It seems like we've played a whole half already.
Kiel Frazier, shot out of cannon, runs the ball down the 1. Should have been a touchdown.
On the next play, Dyer pushes the pile for the TD. But it's overruled. But on the NEXT play Dyer runs it in from the wildcat.
BUT we miss the point after just like South Carolina as the ball hits the right upright. The wind is swirling out there today. Amazing.
11 PLAYS. 75 YARDS.
Auburn 9 USC 6
USC starts on their 20 after the touchback.
The Tigers push 'em back to the 13 and USC is 3 and out.
A bad snap and a safety is nullifed by a dead ball procedure penalty against USC.
After a personal foul penalty against AU we start on our 49 but we would have been on their 36.
Our offense can't do anything and we are punting at the 50.
Trotter is getting a lot of pressure and Trotter can't outrun anybody.
USC starts from their 4 after a great punt from Steven Clark.
Garcia fakes to Lattimore and runs it out to the 25.
There's another good run for about 8 yards.
I hope they aren't getting their running game going.
On second and two McNeal gets the pick at midfield! That's a bad throw by Garcia.
Yay!
Two runs and first down.
But we are pushed back and have to punt. We've had field position but our offense can't respond. I think part of it is Barrett Trotter. He holds the ball too long in the pocket and can never escape when he has to run.
The punt is downed at the one yard line!
We are winning the field position game but lead by only 3 points.
USC runs Lattimore to a first down to the 17 on two plays.
There is a timeout with 6:04 left and AU clinging to a 3 point lead.
Our defense stiffens and USC is punting.
The Tigers start on their 34 with a little over 4 minutes left in the first half.
We move to a field goal attempt as our offense once again bogs down after some sucess.
The FG attempt is a fake with Ryan White the hold trying to throw to Lutz, but the play never had a chance as USC intercepts. The Gamecocks run the clock out and we are the half.
No expected a defensive struggle. Our offense struggles. Our defense has played its best game of the year SO FAR. We've helf their running game in check. Their only score was a long pass play. We should be ahead by more than 3. WE crossed midfield 6 times but only score twice. This could cost us in the second half. We receive to start the half.
End of Half
Auburn 9 USC 6
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers start what looks like another promising drive but it stalls and Clark punts to the Gamecock 11. We just cannot sustain an offensive drive and it may cost us this football game.
AFter one first down, the Tigers stuff Lattimore and the Gamecocks punt. One thing you can say: our defense has stopped their running game so far. The problem is that unless our offense gets it going, sooner or later their offense will score again.
Bray fields the punt at the 7 and squirms his way out to the 25. Questionable catch by Bray but a great runback.
Auburn starts on their 25.
Once again we punt the ball back. USC starts at midfield
There's a long pass completion and a 15-yd. run by Lattimore for the touchdown.
Auburn 9 USC 13
This is what I was afraid of. Our offense stalls and stalls and soon or later USC will score and now they have with 5:58 to go in the third quarter. The biggest thing is that we cannot throw the ball. They are getting pressure on Trotter and apparently covering our receivers.
AU starts on their 35.
Trotter throws the interception, but their guy fumbles on his return and Lutz recovers. What a wild & physical game this has been.
The quarter ends with Auburn on the Gamecock 39.
End of Third Quarter
Auburn 9 USC 13
Dyer has gone down but got back up. Dismikes is out right now and Cooper has moved to center. Blake went out injured. A South Carolina player went down on the last play. No one expected this defensive slugfest.
Somehow we have to find a way to throw the football.
On a third and 7 Trotter throws it up for grabs and USC intercepts in the corner of the end zone. Barrett Trotter is not very good.
After one first down running the ball, Spurrier inexplicably tries to throw the ball and the Gamecocks have to put.
With a little over 10 minutes left, Au starts on their 29.
Once again the Tigers need to move the ball and score.
The Tigers do it!
12 plays 57 yards.
Trotter to Lutz for the touchdown.
With 98 seconds left Auburn takes the lead.
McCalebb has a big run. Dyer gashes and gashes. Wow!
Auburn 16 USC 13
From the 20 USC gets a gift on a terrible ruffing the passer call.
USC has a first down on their 35.
Two incompletions.
Garcia runs for a first down.
Incompletion. 2nd and 10.
A holding call and its 2nd and 20.
Incompletion. 3rd and 20 from their 35 with 36 seconds to go.
They get the first down and with 12 seconds left USC is on the AU 42.
Incompletion.
8 seconds left.
There is a completion for a first down but the clock runs out.
Game over !!!
Auburn wins.
Our defense rises from the dead to win this game.
Our offense does just enough. The main thing is that late touchdown drive in the waning minutes of the game.
Final Score
Auburn 16 USC 13
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Here Comes South Carolina
Here comes Spurrier's Gamecocks, itching to beat Auburn in a big way after last years two losses to the Tigers especially in the SEC title game. I see that USC is a 10-point favorite, and I see nothing wrong with that.
I'll be surprised if we win. I have to go by what I've seenr so far on the field, and it doesn't look promising.
It would sure be nice if we somehow throttled Lattimore, but it ain't gonna happen. It would be good if we could rattle Gracia, but we haven't rattled an opposing QB yet. It would be nice if our offense would be consistent, but I have yet to see it.
Historically we play well against South Carolina. This is the best thing I can say about our chances.
I'll be surprised if we win. I have to go by what I've seenr so far on the field, and it doesn't look promising.
It would sure be nice if we somehow throttled Lattimore, but it ain't gonna happen. It would be good if we could rattle Gracia, but we haven't rattled an opposing QB yet. It would be nice if our offense would be consistent, but I have yet to see it.
Historically we play well against South Carolina. This is the best thing I can say about our chances.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Going Forward
Going forward, I say that it is inevitable that Chizik fires Roof. The problem is always that you have to replace someone you fire. I have NO idea who is out there who would be better; I just say it will eventually be done.
Kiel Frazier will be our starting QB next year. Trotter is an average SEC QB at best. He is obviously afraid to run the football, and in Malzahn's offense, you must have a running quarterback.
I am unsure about Jeff Grimes. Was last year a fluke or is he really a good offensive line coach? I don't know.
This team will not get much better if better at all in 2011. We have to live to fight another day.
Kiel Frazier will be our starting QB next year. Trotter is an average SEC QB at best. He is obviously afraid to run the football, and in Malzahn's offense, you must have a running quarterback.
I am unsure about Jeff Grimes. Was last year a fluke or is he really a good offensive line coach? I don't know.
This team will not get much better if better at all in 2011. We have to live to fight another day.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
2011 The Florida Atlantic Game
The Tigers are looking to rebound after last week's loss at Clemson against an 0 & 2 FAU team that has scored 3 points in its two losses. Their offense is obviously supposed to be terrible. Howard Schnellenberger is in his 52nd and last season. Auburn is about a 5-touchdown favorite. The game kicks off at 6 and on Fox SportsSouth.
FIRST QUARTER
The game starts on the radio before the TV picks it up. Auburn receives and from our 39 on the first play from scrimmage, Trotter throws an interception. After one first down, the Owls kick a 39-yd. FG.
Auburn 0 FAU 3
We'd better be taking this game seriously!
The Tigers drive 60 yards for the touchdown primarily throwing the ball as FAU tries to jam the line of scrimmage. The score comes on a 10-yd. strike to Emory Blake in the left corner of the end zone.
Auburn 7 FAU 3
After forcing a 3 and out, the Tigers drive for a 41-yd. FG. 10 plays 46 yards. Cody Parkey is 4 for 4 for the year in field goals.
Auburn 10 FAU 3
FAU starts from their 22.
Auburn is playing a lot of new players. There are some nagging injuries. Jonathan Evans is still out.
FAU makes a first down on a third and long. Once again we give up 13 yards on first down. We are not getting any pressure on their qb.
There is another first down pass on first down. The Owls are around midfield.
There was an uncovered receiver.
End of First Quarter
Auburn 10 FAU 3
SECOND QUARTER
Our defense is still loose and giving.
Our defense is porous even to these guys.
We get no pressure on their qb. You can't play defense without pressuring the qb.
On 3rd and 15 we give up the first down pass. How pathetic.
FAU is driving with 11:55 to go. We no assertiveness on defense.
The Owls get a 43-yd. field goal
Auburn 10 FAU 6
If our defense doesn't tighten up, this will be a ball game to the end.
It galls me to see such a soft defense. This is not Auburn defense.
This is not Auburn offense either.
From our 48 we go 3 and out. There is NO push from our offensive line whatsover.
The punt results in a touchback.
Auburn is sleep-walking. Either we are really bad or we are not taking this game seriously.
From their 20 FAU is moving the ball like the Green Bay Packers.
Into AU territory they go.
FINALLY we push them back but a dead ball penalty on the snap give them another snap.
The Owls are left with 4th and 5. Finally we do hold.
The Tigers start around the 10.
We continue to have no offense. There is an Owl with each of our ball carriers.
But now there is good pass to Blake to the AU 34.
There is pass to Blake to the AU 45.
McCalebb to the 49.
Incomplete short pass to Reed. Bad pass by Trotter.
Penalty on Auburn. 3rd and 11.
There is a short completion but the result is 4th down around midfield.
Here comes the punt team. This is a poor first half for the offense.
FAU will start on their 20 with 2:20 to go.
FAU came into this game giving 42 points per game but you couldn't tell it by our first half offense.
What has happened to our offense tonight?
Interception by Auburn near midfield!!! Holland got his head around to pick it off.
Trotter is sacked on the first play. Trotter holds the ball too long.
Frazier looked good on a first down run earlier. He looked very athletic. Put him in!
Stallworth drops a sliding pass.
AFter a run by Trotter we go for it on 4th and 1.
An open Blake can't come up with the pass on what would have been a tough catch.
Trotter could have easily run the first down but doesn't.
The half ends with FAU certainly in the game. Holy cow.
End of First Half
Auburn 10 FAU 6
THIRD QUARTER
On FAU's first possession Jermaine Whitehead gets the pick 6 from the 25.
Auburn 17 FAU 6
FAU drives but we hold them on a 4th down from our 34.
Frazier comes in and looks good on two runs.
Then Trotter hits McCalebb on a short pass and he takes it the distance for a 51-yd TD pass.
Auburn 24 FAU 6
Neiko Thorpe picks off a long pass and runs it back to the FAU 19, but we have to settle for the 31-yd. FG.
Auburn 27 FAU 6
Come on defense.
From the 22 FAU gets an 11-yd run. They are gashing our defensive line.
There's a big sack and a loss.
3rd and 23 and nothing doing.
The Owls have to punt.
The Tigers drive for a 37-yd. field goal.
Good but the offense still putters at times.
Cody Parkey has not missed all year.
End of the Third Quarter
Auburn 30 FAU 6
The third quarter was all Auburn.
The defense was better.
The offense scored 13 points and the defense scored 7.
We've had to settle for 3 field goals in this game.
Trotter seems reluctant to run the ball when he should at times.
FOURTH QUARTER
FAU drives to the Auburn 12 as we have all kind of new players on the field. Arm tackles won't work people. They mix runs with short passes. Those short passes always work against Auburn.
FAU has scored 9 points all year but no touchdown yet.
But there's a screen pass for the touchdown.
FAU gets their first TD of the year.
Going for 2 on the conversion.
They get it on a wide-open receiver in the end zone.
Auburn 30 FAU 14
That ends the scoring.
We miss a 47-yd. field goal.
Final Score
Auburn 30 FAU 14
FIRST QUARTER
The game starts on the radio before the TV picks it up. Auburn receives and from our 39 on the first play from scrimmage, Trotter throws an interception. After one first down, the Owls kick a 39-yd. FG.
Auburn 0 FAU 3
We'd better be taking this game seriously!
The Tigers drive 60 yards for the touchdown primarily throwing the ball as FAU tries to jam the line of scrimmage. The score comes on a 10-yd. strike to Emory Blake in the left corner of the end zone.
Auburn 7 FAU 3
After forcing a 3 and out, the Tigers drive for a 41-yd. FG. 10 plays 46 yards. Cody Parkey is 4 for 4 for the year in field goals.
Auburn 10 FAU 3
FAU starts from their 22.
Auburn is playing a lot of new players. There are some nagging injuries. Jonathan Evans is still out.
FAU makes a first down on a third and long. Once again we give up 13 yards on first down. We are not getting any pressure on their qb.
There is another first down pass on first down. The Owls are around midfield.
There was an uncovered receiver.
End of First Quarter
Auburn 10 FAU 3
SECOND QUARTER
Our defense is still loose and giving.
Our defense is porous even to these guys.
We get no pressure on their qb. You can't play defense without pressuring the qb.
On 3rd and 15 we give up the first down pass. How pathetic.
FAU is driving with 11:55 to go. We no assertiveness on defense.
The Owls get a 43-yd. field goal
Auburn 10 FAU 6
If our defense doesn't tighten up, this will be a ball game to the end.
It galls me to see such a soft defense. This is not Auburn defense.
This is not Auburn offense either.
From our 48 we go 3 and out. There is NO push from our offensive line whatsover.
The punt results in a touchback.
Auburn is sleep-walking. Either we are really bad or we are not taking this game seriously.
From their 20 FAU is moving the ball like the Green Bay Packers.
Into AU territory they go.
FINALLY we push them back but a dead ball penalty on the snap give them another snap.
The Owls are left with 4th and 5. Finally we do hold.
The Tigers start around the 10.
We continue to have no offense. There is an Owl with each of our ball carriers.
But now there is good pass to Blake to the AU 34.
There is pass to Blake to the AU 45.
McCalebb to the 49.
Incomplete short pass to Reed. Bad pass by Trotter.
Penalty on Auburn. 3rd and 11.
There is a short completion but the result is 4th down around midfield.
Here comes the punt team. This is a poor first half for the offense.
FAU will start on their 20 with 2:20 to go.
FAU came into this game giving 42 points per game but you couldn't tell it by our first half offense.
What has happened to our offense tonight?
Interception by Auburn near midfield!!! Holland got his head around to pick it off.
Trotter is sacked on the first play. Trotter holds the ball too long.
Frazier looked good on a first down run earlier. He looked very athletic. Put him in!
Stallworth drops a sliding pass.
AFter a run by Trotter we go for it on 4th and 1.
An open Blake can't come up with the pass on what would have been a tough catch.
Trotter could have easily run the first down but doesn't.
The half ends with FAU certainly in the game. Holy cow.
End of First Half
Auburn 10 FAU 6
THIRD QUARTER
On FAU's first possession Jermaine Whitehead gets the pick 6 from the 25.
Auburn 17 FAU 6
FAU drives but we hold them on a 4th down from our 34.
Frazier comes in and looks good on two runs.
Then Trotter hits McCalebb on a short pass and he takes it the distance for a 51-yd TD pass.
Auburn 24 FAU 6
Neiko Thorpe picks off a long pass and runs it back to the FAU 19, but we have to settle for the 31-yd. FG.
Auburn 27 FAU 6
Come on defense.
From the 22 FAU gets an 11-yd run. They are gashing our defensive line.
There's a big sack and a loss.
3rd and 23 and nothing doing.
The Owls have to punt.
The Tigers drive for a 37-yd. field goal.
Good but the offense still putters at times.
Cody Parkey has not missed all year.
End of the Third Quarter
Auburn 30 FAU 6
The third quarter was all Auburn.
The defense was better.
The offense scored 13 points and the defense scored 7.
We've had to settle for 3 field goals in this game.
Trotter seems reluctant to run the ball when he should at times.
FOURTH QUARTER
FAU drives to the Auburn 12 as we have all kind of new players on the field. Arm tackles won't work people. They mix runs with short passes. Those short passes always work against Auburn.
FAU has scored 9 points all year but no touchdown yet.
But there's a screen pass for the touchdown.
FAU gets their first TD of the year.
Going for 2 on the conversion.
They get it on a wide-open receiver in the end zone.
Auburn 30 FAU 14
That ends the scoring.
We miss a 47-yd. field goal.
Final Score
Auburn 30 FAU 14
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Mizzou set to join SEC
I read today that there is an informal agreement for Missouri to join the SEC and for Auburn to move to the East. This is utterly devastating. I hope that we grow to sixteen teams and the two additional teams are from the east, so Auburn stays in the West. I heard Virginia Tech is a possibility.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
About that Defense
It's been interesting to read the different takes on Phillip Marshall's blog about our defensive problems. Is it the players or the coaching? Is it Roof or Chizik? Which one is actually running our defense? Is this the kind of defense Ted Roof has put on the field in his past jobs? I don't have the answers, but I must agree with everyone (and it is everyone) who says that this defense is terrible and something radical must be done to correct the situation. What that something is I don't pretend to know. But I do say it is coaching rather than the players. We haven't tackled well for 3 years for example. All of our players do not tackle well. That's coaching. As for schemes, I am not qualified to say.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
2011 The Clemson Game
Like last year I don't have a feel for this game. I have always liked Clemson. Both teams are 2 & 0. If I had to predict the outcome of the game, I'd say that Clemson will get out to a lead like last year and we will have to come from behind to win just like last year. I would expect the home team to come out fired and take it to our freshman and sophomores. This our first road game of the year in an SEC type atmosphere. There is no way to know how our players will react.
We hear before the game from Quentin Riggins that for some reason Jonathan Evans is not available today. I guess we'll hear later the reason why this is the case. This is not good for our ability to stop the run. Eltoro Freeman needs to have a good game.
I'd like to go to a game at Clemson some day.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn wins the toss and receives. Our Tigers start at their 25.
After one first down, Auburn punts from near midfield.
Clemson starts at their 13.
Clemson is 3 and out as we stop them on a third and short.
AU starts on their 31.
The teams have swapped possessions to start the game.
Our announcers say that Evans is injured which is why he is not playing.
AFter a passing first down, Mike Dyer sprints 52 yards down the right sideline.
Touchdown Auburn! Wow.
You couldn't ask for a better start to this game.
2 plays. 60 yards on our second possession.
Give TDs already this season for Dyer.
Auburn 7 Clemson 0
After another touchback Clemson starts on the 20.
Chris Davis is on the ground after a great tackle.
Clemson is 3 and out again.
That's two straight 3 and outs by our defense.
AFter a short punt AU starts on their 46.
AFter one first down we get a holding penalty.
Then going for it on 4th and short there's a TD pass to Blake!
Auburn 14 Clemson 0
Starting from their 20 Clemson converts on a 3rd and 6 and Clemson is at their 40.
But that's it. Clemson is punting again.
On the punt Trovon Reed catches the ball in the end zone and tries to run it out but he's dropped at the 5. Big mistake by Reed. Holy cow.
On a third down McCalebb runs it out to the 21 for the first down.
Auburn punts from around the 24.
They stop us for the first time.
Clemson starts on their 40.
Clemson tries to mount a drive.
Down the field they go.
The quarter ends with Clemson on our 5 yard line.
End of First Quarter
Auburn 14 Clemson 0
SECOND QUARTER
First play of the quarter there's a slant pass for the touchdown.
Auburn 14 Clemson 7
The runback by Mason is only to the 10. Good coverage by Clemson.
The Tigers drive mixing the run and pass.
Running that NASCAR as they call it.
This is a statement drive by Auburn playing smash-mouth football. Auburn is playing physical football. This is My kind of football. Nothing fancy: just dominating the line of scrimmage.
Dyer takes it in from the one in the Wildcat.
16 plays. 90 YARDS!
Auburn 21 Clemson 7
Clemson starts on their 19.
Clemson gets a big play on first down with the speed sweep to the Clemson 44. Their guy is fast.
Our guys say that Clemson is a second half team. This team will not give up.
Clemson is driving.
There's another 3rd down conversion that takes the ball to the AU 28.
We continue to give up first downs on third and long.
We come down to a third and goal on the 6.
There a toucdown pass to the back of the end zone.
We give another big play on third down.
We can't shake these guys.
Auburn 21 Clemson 14
With 5:06 to go in the first half the game tightens.
Auburn goes 3 and out.
Clemson gets the ball back on their 25.
We're stopping their run, BUT their completing pass after pass.
We can't stop their passing. I don't understand it. Poor coverage it looks like.
Clemson is driving down the field.
Stan White says Auburn is better than Clemson but our defensive players are not communicating on those passes.
Clemson has ALL the momentum as the first half winds down.
Clemson runs it in from the two.
Up 21 to 7 AU lets Clemson back into the game, giving up plays on third down, giving up pass after pass. Our defense looks discombobulated.
Auburn 21 Clemson 21 with 1:11 left in the half.
AU starts at the 21.
The half ends.
End of First Half
Auburn 21 Clemson 21
The Tigers started out strong, but Clemson came back and dominated the second quarter and they get the ball to start the second half. Auburn has to rally big time in the second half to win this football game. Can they do it?
THIRD QUARTER
The third quarter starts like Clemson is going to win going away.
There's a long TD pass. Clemson makes it look easy.
Auburn 21 Clemson 28
Clemson gets the ball back and starts another drive. But they fumble and Auburn recovers at the Tiger 18.
First play and there goes Dyer! Down to the Clemson 37.
First down at the 27.
Cody Parky ends up kicking the 38-yd. FG. Thank goodness for the Clemson fumble. Let's see what our defense can do now.
Auburn 24 Clemson 28
We seem to have a bead on their running most of the time, but we cannot stop their passing. It's galling to see this. It's more galling to see such poor, poor tackling. I don't understand it.
Clemson goes to 3rd and 2 at the AU 47.
Auburn cannot tackle as a missed tackle leads to the moving of the chains. There were 3 missed tackles on that one play.
Barring a turnover, Clemson will score easily on another long drive.
On another 3rd down Clemson picks up the first with at least 2 missed tackles.
All you can say is poor, poor, tackling. This is all there is to it.
This is a horribly coached defense. Clemson 10 for 13 on third down conversions. This is simply horrible. Just like last year. Our luck is about to run out.
On third and 9 from the 20 Clemson gets the easy TD pass on a pass over the middle. Big-time blown coverage. This is ridiculous. We had nobody covering the receiver. The receiver all but walked into the end zone, and this was their best receiver.
I don't get it says Stan White.
Poor defensive coaching. Unbelievable.
Auburn 24 Clemson 35
The nation's longest winning streak is about to end as the third quarter winds down.
Our defense simply cannot stop Clemson. They are 11 for 14 on third down conversions. Our defense has been atrocious today. When a defense gives up that many third down conversions you know it's awful.
End of Third Quarter
Auburn 24 Clemson 35
The cries are going to get loud: FIRE TED ROOF!
Since midway thru the second quarter Clemson has completetly dominated this game.
We are going to lose this game.
The Tigers are 3 and out with our defense struggling.
Clemson starts from inside their 20.
We can't stop them.
Auburn had to lose sometime and it will be today even though it's only early in the last quarter. We trail by 11 and have no life.
We've seen poor tackling and poor defense since the beginning of this coaching staff. When will it change? Apparently it won't change with Ted Roof.
It will take a miracle for Auburn to pull this game out, and, as Pat Dye used to say, there are no miracles on the football field.
Clemson drives agin. Now we can't stop the run.
Clemson drives for the 39-yd FG.
Auburn 24 Clemson 38
The thought occurs to me that we win in spite of Ted Roof. Poor tackling. Receivers who don't turn around for if they do, we might have some interceptions.
From the 20 there's a long pass to Benton.
Auburn is quickly moving the ball.
The Tigers are first and goal at the 8.
But now with first and goal at the 8 after a procedure penalty Trotter throws the interception at the 5: tries to force the ball into a slanting Blake. Poor throw. That's a critical mistake that takes away any chance we have. That should be lights out.
Clemson has the ball and once again we can't stop them as the clock winds down.
We started this game leading 21 to 7. Since then it's been 31 to 3 Clemson.
The sad thing is that I can't see this defense improving. There is the youth factor, but more important, the poor coaching and tackling we've seen from the beginning with this coaching staff. With Coach Chizik a defensive coach, I don't understand it.
As the game winds down after that interception, Clemson is running clock and our defense can't get off the field.
Again and again the galling thing is the poor tackling. I don't understand it.
Late in the game Clemson has 603 total yards!
It's one thing to lose; it's quite another thing to lose this badly with such poor play.
Auburn's 17-game winning streak will come to an end.
Auburn was sharp to start the game. We had 2 defensive 3 and outs and then the roof fell in (no pun intended).
Auburn doesn't touch the ball again after the interception as Auburn had first and goal at the Clemson 8 but now Clemson runs off more than 9 minutes to end the game. This is remarkable in and of itself.
Final Score
Auburn 24 Clemson 38
We hear before the game from Quentin Riggins that for some reason Jonathan Evans is not available today. I guess we'll hear later the reason why this is the case. This is not good for our ability to stop the run. Eltoro Freeman needs to have a good game.
I'd like to go to a game at Clemson some day.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn wins the toss and receives. Our Tigers start at their 25.
After one first down, Auburn punts from near midfield.
Clemson starts at their 13.
Clemson is 3 and out as we stop them on a third and short.
AU starts on their 31.
The teams have swapped possessions to start the game.
Our announcers say that Evans is injured which is why he is not playing.
AFter a passing first down, Mike Dyer sprints 52 yards down the right sideline.
Touchdown Auburn! Wow.
You couldn't ask for a better start to this game.
2 plays. 60 yards on our second possession.
Give TDs already this season for Dyer.
Auburn 7 Clemson 0
After another touchback Clemson starts on the 20.
Chris Davis is on the ground after a great tackle.
Clemson is 3 and out again.
That's two straight 3 and outs by our defense.
AFter a short punt AU starts on their 46.
AFter one first down we get a holding penalty.
Then going for it on 4th and short there's a TD pass to Blake!
Auburn 14 Clemson 0
Starting from their 20 Clemson converts on a 3rd and 6 and Clemson is at their 40.
But that's it. Clemson is punting again.
On the punt Trovon Reed catches the ball in the end zone and tries to run it out but he's dropped at the 5. Big mistake by Reed. Holy cow.
On a third down McCalebb runs it out to the 21 for the first down.
Auburn punts from around the 24.
They stop us for the first time.
Clemson starts on their 40.
Clemson tries to mount a drive.
Down the field they go.
The quarter ends with Clemson on our 5 yard line.
End of First Quarter
Auburn 14 Clemson 0
SECOND QUARTER
First play of the quarter there's a slant pass for the touchdown.
Auburn 14 Clemson 7
The runback by Mason is only to the 10. Good coverage by Clemson.
The Tigers drive mixing the run and pass.
Running that NASCAR as they call it.
This is a statement drive by Auburn playing smash-mouth football. Auburn is playing physical football. This is My kind of football. Nothing fancy: just dominating the line of scrimmage.
Dyer takes it in from the one in the Wildcat.
16 plays. 90 YARDS!
Auburn 21 Clemson 7
Clemson starts on their 19.
Clemson gets a big play on first down with the speed sweep to the Clemson 44. Their guy is fast.
Our guys say that Clemson is a second half team. This team will not give up.
Clemson is driving.
There's another 3rd down conversion that takes the ball to the AU 28.
We continue to give up first downs on third and long.
We come down to a third and goal on the 6.
There a toucdown pass to the back of the end zone.
We give another big play on third down.
We can't shake these guys.
Auburn 21 Clemson 14
With 5:06 to go in the first half the game tightens.
Auburn goes 3 and out.
Clemson gets the ball back on their 25.
We're stopping their run, BUT their completing pass after pass.
We can't stop their passing. I don't understand it. Poor coverage it looks like.
Clemson is driving down the field.
Stan White says Auburn is better than Clemson but our defensive players are not communicating on those passes.
Clemson has ALL the momentum as the first half winds down.
Clemson runs it in from the two.
Up 21 to 7 AU lets Clemson back into the game, giving up plays on third down, giving up pass after pass. Our defense looks discombobulated.
Auburn 21 Clemson 21 with 1:11 left in the half.
AU starts at the 21.
The half ends.
End of First Half
Auburn 21 Clemson 21
The Tigers started out strong, but Clemson came back and dominated the second quarter and they get the ball to start the second half. Auburn has to rally big time in the second half to win this football game. Can they do it?
THIRD QUARTER
The third quarter starts like Clemson is going to win going away.
There's a long TD pass. Clemson makes it look easy.
Auburn 21 Clemson 28
Clemson gets the ball back and starts another drive. But they fumble and Auburn recovers at the Tiger 18.
First play and there goes Dyer! Down to the Clemson 37.
First down at the 27.
Cody Parky ends up kicking the 38-yd. FG. Thank goodness for the Clemson fumble. Let's see what our defense can do now.
Auburn 24 Clemson 28
We seem to have a bead on their running most of the time, but we cannot stop their passing. It's galling to see this. It's more galling to see such poor, poor tackling. I don't understand it.
Clemson goes to 3rd and 2 at the AU 47.
Auburn cannot tackle as a missed tackle leads to the moving of the chains. There were 3 missed tackles on that one play.
Barring a turnover, Clemson will score easily on another long drive.
On another 3rd down Clemson picks up the first with at least 2 missed tackles.
All you can say is poor, poor, tackling. This is all there is to it.
This is a horribly coached defense. Clemson 10 for 13 on third down conversions. This is simply horrible. Just like last year. Our luck is about to run out.
On third and 9 from the 20 Clemson gets the easy TD pass on a pass over the middle. Big-time blown coverage. This is ridiculous. We had nobody covering the receiver. The receiver all but walked into the end zone, and this was their best receiver.
I don't get it says Stan White.
Poor defensive coaching. Unbelievable.
Auburn 24 Clemson 35
The nation's longest winning streak is about to end as the third quarter winds down.
Our defense simply cannot stop Clemson. They are 11 for 14 on third down conversions. Our defense has been atrocious today. When a defense gives up that many third down conversions you know it's awful.
End of Third Quarter
Auburn 24 Clemson 35
The cries are going to get loud: FIRE TED ROOF!
Since midway thru the second quarter Clemson has completetly dominated this game.
We are going to lose this game.
The Tigers are 3 and out with our defense struggling.
Clemson starts from inside their 20.
We can't stop them.
Auburn had to lose sometime and it will be today even though it's only early in the last quarter. We trail by 11 and have no life.
We've seen poor tackling and poor defense since the beginning of this coaching staff. When will it change? Apparently it won't change with Ted Roof.
It will take a miracle for Auburn to pull this game out, and, as Pat Dye used to say, there are no miracles on the football field.
Clemson drives agin. Now we can't stop the run.
Clemson drives for the 39-yd FG.
Auburn 24 Clemson 38
The thought occurs to me that we win in spite of Ted Roof. Poor tackling. Receivers who don't turn around for if they do, we might have some interceptions.
From the 20 there's a long pass to Benton.
Auburn is quickly moving the ball.
The Tigers are first and goal at the 8.
But now with first and goal at the 8 after a procedure penalty Trotter throws the interception at the 5: tries to force the ball into a slanting Blake. Poor throw. That's a critical mistake that takes away any chance we have. That should be lights out.
Clemson has the ball and once again we can't stop them as the clock winds down.
We started this game leading 21 to 7. Since then it's been 31 to 3 Clemson.
The sad thing is that I can't see this defense improving. There is the youth factor, but more important, the poor coaching and tackling we've seen from the beginning with this coaching staff. With Coach Chizik a defensive coach, I don't understand it.
As the game winds down after that interception, Clemson is running clock and our defense can't get off the field.
Again and again the galling thing is the poor tackling. I don't understand it.
Late in the game Clemson has 603 total yards!
It's one thing to lose; it's quite another thing to lose this badly with such poor play.
Auburn's 17-game winning streak will come to an end.
Auburn was sharp to start the game. We had 2 defensive 3 and outs and then the roof fell in (no pun intended).
Auburn doesn't touch the ball again after the interception as Auburn had first and goal at the Clemson 8 but now Clemson runs off more than 9 minutes to end the game. This is remarkable in and of itself.
Final Score
Auburn 24 Clemson 38
Friday, September 16, 2011
The Clemson Game
Here we go again playing Clemson. I remember the overtime game last year, and I remember the overtime game in Atlanta, which seems such a long time ago.
Clemson is a 3 or 4 point favorite. I have no problem with that.
Both teams are 2 and 0. Both teams have suspect defenses. Auburn's offense, I hope, is better than Clemson's.
The game is at Clemson. It's an early kickoff. Those things have to favor Clemson.
I just read where Chizik got a master's degree from Clemson. I didn't know that.
I see that we have a grand total of 7 seniors on our traveling roster. That is amazing.
I'd like to see a game at Clemson some time
I see that Clemson has not beaten Auburn since 1951. This is quite amazing.
Clemson is a 3 or 4 point favorite. I have no problem with that.
Both teams are 2 and 0. Both teams have suspect defenses. Auburn's offense, I hope, is better than Clemson's.
The game is at Clemson. It's an early kickoff. Those things have to favor Clemson.
I just read where Chizik got a master's degree from Clemson. I didn't know that.
I see that we have a grand total of 7 seniors on our traveling roster. That is amazing.
I'd like to see a game at Clemson some time
I see that Clemson has not beaten Auburn since 1951. This is quite amazing.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
So Far
2011 Football ScheduleOpponent Date Tickets Result Record: 2-0 (0-0)
Utah State Sep. 3 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets 42 - 38 1-0 (0-0)
Mississippi State Sep. 10 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets 41 - 34 2-0 (0-0)
at Clemson Sep. 17 Clemson, S.C. Buy Tickets 11:00 AM -
Florida Atlantic Sep. 24 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets 6:00 PM -
at South Carolina Oct. 1 Columbia, S.C. Buy Tickets TBA -
at Arkansas Oct. 8 Fayetteville, Ark. Buy Tickets TBA -
Florida Oct. 15 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
at LSU Oct. 22 Baton Rouge, La. Buy Tickets 7:00 PM -
Mississippi Oct. 29 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
BYE WEEK
at Georgia Nov. 12 Athens, Ga. Buy Tickets TBA -
Samford Nov. 19 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
Alabama Nov. 26 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
SEC Championship Game Dec. 3 Atlanta, Ga. 3:00 PM
Utah State Sep. 3 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets 42 - 38 1-0 (0-0)
Mississippi State Sep. 10 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets 41 - 34 2-0 (0-0)
at Clemson Sep. 17 Clemson, S.C. Buy Tickets 11:00 AM -
Florida Atlantic Sep. 24 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets 6:00 PM -
at South Carolina Oct. 1 Columbia, S.C. Buy Tickets TBA -
at Arkansas Oct. 8 Fayetteville, Ark. Buy Tickets TBA -
Florida Oct. 15 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
at LSU Oct. 22 Baton Rouge, La. Buy Tickets 7:00 PM -
Mississippi Oct. 29 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
BYE WEEK
at Georgia Nov. 12 Athens, Ga. Buy Tickets TBA -
Samford Nov. 19 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
Alabama Nov. 26 Auburn, Ala. Buy Tickets TBA -
SEC Championship Game Dec. 3 Atlanta, Ga. 3:00 PM
Sunday, September 11, 2011
It's About Winning
Phillip's blog: It's about winning
Phillip Marshall
Auburn’s football team is inconsistent. For two consecutive weeks, the defense has had a hard time getting off the field on third down. The offense, as coordinator Gus Malzahn said Saturday, hasn’t been all that great on third down either.
Senior Editor Phillip MarshallThese Tigers, with so many young players in key roles, look great at times and look lost at times. They’ve given up 560 rushing yards in two games. They’ve given up big plays.
But after the second Saturday of the college football team, there’s still one thing does better than anybody. It wins.
Say what you want about the defense, about the inconsistency, about two harrowing escapes. Auburn, the defending national champion, has won 17 consecutive games. And, in the end, the game is not about yards gained or third-down conversions allowed. It’s not about how you look. It’s about winning.
And there’s a funny thing about winning. It really is contagious. Most of the players who played for Auburn in Saturday’s 41-34 victory over Mississippi State are freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores. None of those players have ever lost a game in an Auburn uniform.
When Utah State took a 38-28 lead with 3:34 left in the opener, it seemed Auburn’s winning streak was surely over. Instead, Barrett Trotter threw a touchdown pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen, Emory Blake snared Chandler Brooks’ perfect onsides kick and Mike Dyer scored with 30 seconds left. Auburn won 42-38.
Saturday, Mississippi State was a yard away from sending the game to overtime or going for two points and the win. But Jake Holland and Neiko Thorpe stuffed Vick Ballard for a 1-yard loss and Ryan Smith made the play of a lifetime to stop quarterback Chris Relf inches short of the goal line on the game’s final play. Auburn won 41-34.
And the Tigers marched on toward their first road test next Saturday at Clemson, which had its hands full with Wofford before winning 35-27.
Phillip Marshall
Auburn’s football team is inconsistent. For two consecutive weeks, the defense has had a hard time getting off the field on third down. The offense, as coordinator Gus Malzahn said Saturday, hasn’t been all that great on third down either.
Senior Editor Phillip MarshallThese Tigers, with so many young players in key roles, look great at times and look lost at times. They’ve given up 560 rushing yards in two games. They’ve given up big plays.
But after the second Saturday of the college football team, there’s still one thing does better than anybody. It wins.
Say what you want about the defense, about the inconsistency, about two harrowing escapes. Auburn, the defending national champion, has won 17 consecutive games. And, in the end, the game is not about yards gained or third-down conversions allowed. It’s not about how you look. It’s about winning.
And there’s a funny thing about winning. It really is contagious. Most of the players who played for Auburn in Saturday’s 41-34 victory over Mississippi State are freshmen, redshirt freshmen and sophomores. None of those players have ever lost a game in an Auburn uniform.
When Utah State took a 38-28 lead with 3:34 left in the opener, it seemed Auburn’s winning streak was surely over. Instead, Barrett Trotter threw a touchdown pass to Philip Lutzenkirchen, Emory Blake snared Chandler Brooks’ perfect onsides kick and Mike Dyer scored with 30 seconds left. Auburn won 42-38.
Saturday, Mississippi State was a yard away from sending the game to overtime or going for two points and the win. But Jake Holland and Neiko Thorpe stuffed Vick Ballard for a 1-yard loss and Ryan Smith made the play of a lifetime to stop quarterback Chris Relf inches short of the goal line on the game’s final play. Auburn won 41-34.
And the Tigers marched on toward their first road test next Saturday at Clemson, which had its hands full with Wofford before winning 35-27.
Mississippi State Recap
So what happened is that Ryan Smith hit Relf so hard in the legs that Relf went straight down rather than falling forward. This is a tackle that I will always remember as we beat a team and a coach that we NEEDED to beat.
Phillip Marshall
AUBURN – The capacity Jordan-Hare Stadium crowd was up and screaming as the scoreboard clock rolled inside the final minute Saturday. And Mississippi State drove relentlessly, intent on snatching a victory away from the defending national champions.
Chris Relf comes up short on the final play of the game/Todd Van EmstWith 24 seconds left, Mississippi State faced second-and-five at the Auburn 8, trailing 41-34. Tailback Vick Ballard sprinted to his right and drove for the end zone. He went airborne, coming up just short. It was first-and-goal at the 1. Eighteen seconds remained.
What happened in those 18 seconds sent the Jordan-Hare crowd into full celebration mode. It was a goal line stand that will live in Auburn lore.
On first down, Ballard got a handoff, but sophomore linebacker Jake Holland and safety Neiko Thorpe hit him hard. They were joined by teammates and Ballard went down at the 2. Ten seconds remained.
After an Auburn timeout, it was down to one play. Mississippi State needed just six feet to send the game into overtime or maybe even win. Chris Relf, Mississippi State’s 6-foot-4, 245-pound quarterback, took the snap, went to his left and turned hard upfield.
But sophomore Auburn safety Ryan Smith cam even harder. He threw himself into Relf’s legs so hard that Relf went straight down, helmet first, and hit the ground inches short of the goal line. As the noise from the crowd grew louder and louder, the final seconds ticked off the clock.
Auburn had won 41-34.
The defending national champions, stung by being dropped out of the Associated Press poll days earlier and by being labeled an underdog on their home field, had made their point against No. 17 Mississippi State.
Nothing approaching perfection had come to this party. Mississippi State had run 97 plays, 38 more than Auburn, had made 31 first downs, rushed for 333 yards and had 531 yards total offense. Auburn gave up 11-of-20 third-down conversions, many of them long-yardage.
But the longest yard was the one the Bulldogs couldn’t make at the end.
“That was a brawl out there today,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. “It was hot. It was physical. Both sides were tired. It became one of those old heavyweight fights. It was the last man standing.”
And for the 17th consecutive time, it was Auburn that was standing at the end.
Relf said he thought he had enough room to get into the end zone. He was wrong. Barely.
“I was looking at the corner coming upfield, so I was going to take it in,” Relf said. “The guy (Smith) came back-side and chopped me. It was just a matter of inches. I had the option to pitch, but the corner came upfield. I just didn’t get it in.”
The Tigers, who beat Utah State 42-38 with a miraculous rally a week earlier, found another way to beat Mississippi State. But they moved to 2-0 and surely are poised to climb in the coaches poll and move back into the Associated Press poll.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with a win against an extremely good football team,” Chizik said. “That was a very confident team, a very productive team, very well-coached, a lot of veterans. We beat a good football team today. It’s that simple.”
Mississippi State came to town as a media darling, a 7-point favorite over a team it had beaten once in 10 years.
Auburn jumped out 14-0 on a 35-yard Mike Dyer run and a 43-yard interception return by Demetruce McNeal. Mississippi State went up 21-14, the go-ahead touchdown coming on an interception of an ill-advised Barrett Trotter pass. But from that point until the final half of the fourth quarter, Auburn’s defense gave better than it got. Trotter hit Emory Blake for a 46-yard touchdown and Dyer ran two yards for a touchdown. Cody Parkey kicked the first two field goals of his college career. After Trotter hit Philip
Lutzenkirchen with a 10-yard touchdown pass with 14:03 left in the game, it was 41-27 and the Tigers were in control. Or so it seemed.
But Mississippi State charged 83 yards in 12 plays to make it 41-34 with 4:51 left. Auburn’s offense couldn’t the first down it needed to put the Bulldogs down for the count, and they went marching again from their own 33, setting the stage for the drama in the final seconds.
Dyer ran for 150 yards for Auburn. Relf, who played at Montgomery’s Carver High School but attracted no interest from Auburn, ran for 106 yards on 27 tough carries.
Trotter, in his second start, completed 16-of-23 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Ballard ran for 135 yards, most of them late, for Mississippi State. Blake caught seven passes for a career-high 108 yards. Auburn’s special teams came up big for the second consecutive week. Freshman Tre Mason had 172 yards on four kickoff returns. Cody Parkey kicked his first two career field goals from 43 and 37 yards and four touchbacks on kickoffs. Steven Clark averaged 45.7 yards per punt.
But in the end the game wasn’t about numbers. It was having what it took to make a play when it had to be made.
Auburn had it. And Auburn won the game.
Phillip Marshall
AUBURN – The capacity Jordan-Hare Stadium crowd was up and screaming as the scoreboard clock rolled inside the final minute Saturday. And Mississippi State drove relentlessly, intent on snatching a victory away from the defending national champions.
Chris Relf comes up short on the final play of the game/Todd Van EmstWith 24 seconds left, Mississippi State faced second-and-five at the Auburn 8, trailing 41-34. Tailback Vick Ballard sprinted to his right and drove for the end zone. He went airborne, coming up just short. It was first-and-goal at the 1. Eighteen seconds remained.
What happened in those 18 seconds sent the Jordan-Hare crowd into full celebration mode. It was a goal line stand that will live in Auburn lore.
On first down, Ballard got a handoff, but sophomore linebacker Jake Holland and safety Neiko Thorpe hit him hard. They were joined by teammates and Ballard went down at the 2. Ten seconds remained.
After an Auburn timeout, it was down to one play. Mississippi State needed just six feet to send the game into overtime or maybe even win. Chris Relf, Mississippi State’s 6-foot-4, 245-pound quarterback, took the snap, went to his left and turned hard upfield.
But sophomore Auburn safety Ryan Smith cam even harder. He threw himself into Relf’s legs so hard that Relf went straight down, helmet first, and hit the ground inches short of the goal line. As the noise from the crowd grew louder and louder, the final seconds ticked off the clock.
Auburn had won 41-34.
The defending national champions, stung by being dropped out of the Associated Press poll days earlier and by being labeled an underdog on their home field, had made their point against No. 17 Mississippi State.
Nothing approaching perfection had come to this party. Mississippi State had run 97 plays, 38 more than Auburn, had made 31 first downs, rushed for 333 yards and had 531 yards total offense. Auburn gave up 11-of-20 third-down conversions, many of them long-yardage.
But the longest yard was the one the Bulldogs couldn’t make at the end.
“That was a brawl out there today,” Auburn coach Gene Chizik said. “It was hot. It was physical. Both sides were tired. It became one of those old heavyweight fights. It was the last man standing.”
And for the 17th consecutive time, it was Auburn that was standing at the end.
Relf said he thought he had enough room to get into the end zone. He was wrong. Barely.
“I was looking at the corner coming upfield, so I was going to take it in,” Relf said. “The guy (Smith) came back-side and chopped me. It was just a matter of inches. I had the option to pitch, but the corner came upfield. I just didn’t get it in.”
The Tigers, who beat Utah State 42-38 with a miraculous rally a week earlier, found another way to beat Mississippi State. But they moved to 2-0 and surely are poised to climb in the coaches poll and move back into the Associated Press poll.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with a win against an extremely good football team,” Chizik said. “That was a very confident team, a very productive team, very well-coached, a lot of veterans. We beat a good football team today. It’s that simple.”
Mississippi State came to town as a media darling, a 7-point favorite over a team it had beaten once in 10 years.
Auburn jumped out 14-0 on a 35-yard Mike Dyer run and a 43-yard interception return by Demetruce McNeal. Mississippi State went up 21-14, the go-ahead touchdown coming on an interception of an ill-advised Barrett Trotter pass. But from that point until the final half of the fourth quarter, Auburn’s defense gave better than it got. Trotter hit Emory Blake for a 46-yard touchdown and Dyer ran two yards for a touchdown. Cody Parkey kicked the first two field goals of his college career. After Trotter hit Philip
Lutzenkirchen with a 10-yard touchdown pass with 14:03 left in the game, it was 41-27 and the Tigers were in control. Or so it seemed.
But Mississippi State charged 83 yards in 12 plays to make it 41-34 with 4:51 left. Auburn’s offense couldn’t the first down it needed to put the Bulldogs down for the count, and they went marching again from their own 33, setting the stage for the drama in the final seconds.
Dyer ran for 150 yards for Auburn. Relf, who played at Montgomery’s Carver High School but attracted no interest from Auburn, ran for 106 yards on 27 tough carries.
Trotter, in his second start, completed 16-of-23 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Ballard ran for 135 yards, most of them late, for Mississippi State. Blake caught seven passes for a career-high 108 yards. Auburn’s special teams came up big for the second consecutive week. Freshman Tre Mason had 172 yards on four kickoff returns. Cody Parkey kicked his first two career field goals from 43 and 37 yards and four touchbacks on kickoffs. Steven Clark averaged 45.7 yards per punt.
But in the end the game wasn’t about numbers. It was having what it took to make a play when it had to be made.
Auburn had it. And Auburn won the game.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
2011 The Mississippi State Game
Here we go again with another morning kickoff. We are the SEC game of the week.
State is favored by 7. They may be simply better than Auburn this year. They have an experienced offensive line and far more experience on defense. I assume they will try and run the ball down our throats. I assume further that they are bigger and more powerful physically than us. State must think they can run right through us. We shall see.
Before the game, Stan White predicts play action by State given that AU will probably try and stack the box.
FIRST QUARTER
State receives and starts on their 8 yard line.
State goes 3 and out! Our defense looks good on their first possession
The Bulldogs punt from their 5 after 2 penalities.
Auburn has good field position starting on the Bulldog 36.
After a first down but moved back by a penalty Mike Dyer dashes 35 down the right sideline for a touchdown. A dazzling run! We are off to a good start.
Auburn 7 MSU 0 with 12:37 left in the first.
State is held to the 15 but we are flagged for unsportsmanlike to move the ball out to the 30. Poor, poor call. Absolutely ridiculous celebration penalty.
Demetruce McNeil intercepts and runs it back 43 yards for the touchdown! We are penalized AGAIN for I'm not sure what and will be penalized on the kickoff. The referee said #27 personal foul and our announcers wonder if 27 was even in the game. What is going on with these officials??? Lots of flags so far---eight!
Auburn 14 MSU 0 with 11:39 left in the first.
With the advantage of the penalty State starts on their 38.
The Bulldogs start a drive.
Quickly State gets a long TD run of 40 yards from Ladarius Perkins down his left sideline. Whoosh! The Bullies started with good field position helped by a penalty on the Auburn kickoff on the last touchdown play.
Just like that State is back in the game.
This is going to be a wild and crazy game. Despite our big start, you couldn't expect a runaway.
Auburn 14 MSU 7 with 10:38 left in the first.
Auburn starts on their 21.
The Tigers go to the 29 before having to punt.
State has the momentum now.
State starts on their 32 after only a 39-yd. punt.
State comes out with QB Reif running effectively.
Auburn is getting pounded at the line of scrimmage right now as Relf runs like Cam Newton.
The QB option and trip is killing us. Their QB is more comfortably running than throwing. This is what I feared: State running the ball.
We aren't getting any pressure on their QB as a pass play takes the ball to our 15
Now a TD pass to a wide-open receiver in the end zone. AFter a blazing start by Auburn, the game is quickly tied.
Auburn 14 MSU 14
The Tigers need to regain the momentum.
Auburn starts on the 24.
Auburn needs to control the line of scrimmage.
Auburn is 3 and out after Dyer is stuffed on a 3rd and 1. Bad play call our announcers say. The play is too slow in developing.
The punt dies at the Bulldog 11. Big roll. We have them backed up. Gotta keep them there.
Once again we can't tackle Reif.
There's a first down by a half the length of the football.
It's all their QB running up the middle and we can't tackle him until there's a good gain.
On 4th and 6 after we drop Perkins for a big loss Auburn starts on their 30.
Auburn must move the chains.
AFter one first down the Tigers have to punt.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 14 MSU 14
The punt rolls dead on the MSU 1. After two first downs with Relf running ball each time on third and long, our defense finally gets off the field. It seems that Reif is not comfortable throwing the ball but he's been hurting us running the ball.
The Tigers start on their 23 with 10:48 to go in the half.
On the second place disaster strikes. Trotter throws an easy pick and TD to the State DB.
Auburn 14 MSU 21
After a great return by Mason to near midfield, Trotter strikes back on a 46 yd strike to Emory Blake. What a game!
Auburn 21 MSU 21 with 8:37 left in the half.
MSU goes 3 and out. Auburn starts on their 41. Right down the field to the Tigers. The score comes on an incredible short 2-yd run by Dyer. He stretches and won't go down till the ball crosses the goal line. Great individual effort by Mike Dyer! Dyer is runs hard on every play.
Auburn 28 MSU 21 with 4:51 left in the half.
State drives for a 27-yd. FG. Our defense plays well until 3rd down. We give up third down after third down conversion.
Auburn 28 MSU 24 with 40 seconds left in the half.
Auburn is on their 30 with seconds left but a penalty moves the ball back on the kick. The Tigers move down the field adroitly for a 43-yd FG by Cody Parkay leaving only 5 seconds on the clock. We get the three back. Our offense is showing rhythm. The kickoff is in the end zone and the half ends in Auburn's favor.
This game will go the distance. It's anybody's game, but Auburn seems to have momentum at the half.
END OF HALF
Auburn 31 MSU 24
The Tigers receive to start the second half.
Tre Mason takes the kickoff back to midfield.
Dyer starts running down the field but we have to settle for a 37-yd. FG.
Auburn 34 MSU 24
State starts on their 20 after Parkey puts the kickoff into the back of the end zone.
The Bulldogs start moving the ball after we give up an inital 3rd and long from their 20.
We go from having them 3rd and long on their 20 to their moving the ball with relative ease.
On 4th and 4 from the 15 MSU gets the FG. At least we hold them on a third down. We have given up SO MANY first downs on third and long today. Our defene plays well for two downs but then give up the first.
Auburn 34 MSU 27 with 9:12 to go in the third.
The Tigers move to the MSU 45 but have to punt. Trotter was indecisive on a third and 6.
State starts on their 17.
Relf is running again. If we lose this game it's because we can't contain their QB.
Reif running and short passes are killing us.
No pressure right now on Reif.
Our defense needs a stop or better yet a turnover.
Now here's a 3rd and 4 from near midfield.
Once gain there's a pitch back to Ballard the running back and another State first on third down.
We hold on a third and long.
The punts dies on our 8.
Our defense needs to move the chains.
But we are a rhythm offense and barring a big play I doubt we get it done from our 8.
The third period is winding down.
Here is the big play!
Dyer runs for 52 yards!
At the Bulldog 31 Auburn is 4th and 1.
Wow! The Ref all but gets on his knees before giving the signal for the first down!
On a third and 3 on the 24 the quarter ends.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 34 MSU 27
We begin the 4th quarter and it's anybody's game.
Trotter rolls out and hits McCalebb. First down Auburn!
THERE'S THE TD PASS TO LUTZ! Two great play calls by Malzahn.
The Tigers take a 2-touchdown lead early in the 4th.
Auburn 41 MSU 27 with 14:03 left in the football game.
The Bulldogs move out to midfield and on 4th and 10 they punt.
From their 18 there is long run by McCalebb and a roughing penalty on top it but on the first down play the Dogs drop Trotter for a big loss---a loss of 12.
The Tigers shoot themselves in the foot and have to punt but it's a good punt to the Bulldog 17.
The Dogs get a first down on another third down play to the 34.
There's another running first down.
State is on their 45.
If we could only tackle their QB we'd be OK.
MSU mauls their way down the field to score with 4:53 left as they physically manhandle our defense.
Auburn 41 MSU 34 with 4:51 to go.
Alot of time left. This is getting hairy.
Mason makes a good return to the AU 33.
The Tigers go 3 and out and have to punt with 3:04 left.
Oh, boy. Oh, boy.
State starts on their 33 with 2:52 to go.
The last time they physically gashed our defense. This is scary.
AS the game winds down I have to run Doo-Rail over to the vet and watch the final, exciting play over there.
State drives to the one yard line and we stop them with 10 seconds left.
Ryan Smith stops their QB at the one---hits him and drops him right there and the clock expires! This is an amazing tackle! Our defense saves the day. The offense does it last week and the defense does it today.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 41 MSU 34
Usually I don't take much pleasure in beat Mississippi State because Auburn is supposed to beat these people, but this one is special because they were favored and then there's the Cam Newton hangover and besides, I despise Dan Mullen. This is the best team MSU will ever have and they can't beat us when this is clearly a rebuilding year for us. Enough said.
State is favored by 7. They may be simply better than Auburn this year. They have an experienced offensive line and far more experience on defense. I assume they will try and run the ball down our throats. I assume further that they are bigger and more powerful physically than us. State must think they can run right through us. We shall see.
Before the game, Stan White predicts play action by State given that AU will probably try and stack the box.
FIRST QUARTER
State receives and starts on their 8 yard line.
State goes 3 and out! Our defense looks good on their first possession
The Bulldogs punt from their 5 after 2 penalities.
Auburn has good field position starting on the Bulldog 36.
After a first down but moved back by a penalty Mike Dyer dashes 35 down the right sideline for a touchdown. A dazzling run! We are off to a good start.
Auburn 7 MSU 0 with 12:37 left in the first.
State is held to the 15 but we are flagged for unsportsmanlike to move the ball out to the 30. Poor, poor call. Absolutely ridiculous celebration penalty.
Demetruce McNeil intercepts and runs it back 43 yards for the touchdown! We are penalized AGAIN for I'm not sure what and will be penalized on the kickoff. The referee said #27 personal foul and our announcers wonder if 27 was even in the game. What is going on with these officials??? Lots of flags so far---eight!
Auburn 14 MSU 0 with 11:39 left in the first.
With the advantage of the penalty State starts on their 38.
The Bulldogs start a drive.
Quickly State gets a long TD run of 40 yards from Ladarius Perkins down his left sideline. Whoosh! The Bullies started with good field position helped by a penalty on the Auburn kickoff on the last touchdown play.
Just like that State is back in the game.
This is going to be a wild and crazy game. Despite our big start, you couldn't expect a runaway.
Auburn 14 MSU 7 with 10:38 left in the first.
Auburn starts on their 21.
The Tigers go to the 29 before having to punt.
State has the momentum now.
State starts on their 32 after only a 39-yd. punt.
State comes out with QB Reif running effectively.
Auburn is getting pounded at the line of scrimmage right now as Relf runs like Cam Newton.
The QB option and trip is killing us. Their QB is more comfortably running than throwing. This is what I feared: State running the ball.
We aren't getting any pressure on their QB as a pass play takes the ball to our 15
Now a TD pass to a wide-open receiver in the end zone. AFter a blazing start by Auburn, the game is quickly tied.
Auburn 14 MSU 14
The Tigers need to regain the momentum.
Auburn starts on the 24.
Auburn needs to control the line of scrimmage.
Auburn is 3 and out after Dyer is stuffed on a 3rd and 1. Bad play call our announcers say. The play is too slow in developing.
The punt dies at the Bulldog 11. Big roll. We have them backed up. Gotta keep them there.
Once again we can't tackle Reif.
There's a first down by a half the length of the football.
It's all their QB running up the middle and we can't tackle him until there's a good gain.
On 4th and 6 after we drop Perkins for a big loss Auburn starts on their 30.
Auburn must move the chains.
AFter one first down the Tigers have to punt.
END OF FIRST QUARTER
Auburn 14 MSU 14
The punt rolls dead on the MSU 1. After two first downs with Relf running ball each time on third and long, our defense finally gets off the field. It seems that Reif is not comfortable throwing the ball but he's been hurting us running the ball.
The Tigers start on their 23 with 10:48 to go in the half.
On the second place disaster strikes. Trotter throws an easy pick and TD to the State DB.
Auburn 14 MSU 21
After a great return by Mason to near midfield, Trotter strikes back on a 46 yd strike to Emory Blake. What a game!
Auburn 21 MSU 21 with 8:37 left in the half.
MSU goes 3 and out. Auburn starts on their 41. Right down the field to the Tigers. The score comes on an incredible short 2-yd run by Dyer. He stretches and won't go down till the ball crosses the goal line. Great individual effort by Mike Dyer! Dyer is runs hard on every play.
Auburn 28 MSU 21 with 4:51 left in the half.
State drives for a 27-yd. FG. Our defense plays well until 3rd down. We give up third down after third down conversion.
Auburn 28 MSU 24 with 40 seconds left in the half.
Auburn is on their 30 with seconds left but a penalty moves the ball back on the kick. The Tigers move down the field adroitly for a 43-yd FG by Cody Parkay leaving only 5 seconds on the clock. We get the three back. Our offense is showing rhythm. The kickoff is in the end zone and the half ends in Auburn's favor.
This game will go the distance. It's anybody's game, but Auburn seems to have momentum at the half.
END OF HALF
Auburn 31 MSU 24
The Tigers receive to start the second half.
Tre Mason takes the kickoff back to midfield.
Dyer starts running down the field but we have to settle for a 37-yd. FG.
Auburn 34 MSU 24
State starts on their 20 after Parkey puts the kickoff into the back of the end zone.
The Bulldogs start moving the ball after we give up an inital 3rd and long from their 20.
We go from having them 3rd and long on their 20 to their moving the ball with relative ease.
On 4th and 4 from the 15 MSU gets the FG. At least we hold them on a third down. We have given up SO MANY first downs on third and long today. Our defene plays well for two downs but then give up the first.
Auburn 34 MSU 27 with 9:12 to go in the third.
The Tigers move to the MSU 45 but have to punt. Trotter was indecisive on a third and 6.
State starts on their 17.
Relf is running again. If we lose this game it's because we can't contain their QB.
Reif running and short passes are killing us.
No pressure right now on Reif.
Our defense needs a stop or better yet a turnover.
Now here's a 3rd and 4 from near midfield.
Once gain there's a pitch back to Ballard the running back and another State first on third down.
We hold on a third and long.
The punts dies on our 8.
Our defense needs to move the chains.
But we are a rhythm offense and barring a big play I doubt we get it done from our 8.
The third period is winding down.
Here is the big play!
Dyer runs for 52 yards!
At the Bulldog 31 Auburn is 4th and 1.
Wow! The Ref all but gets on his knees before giving the signal for the first down!
On a third and 3 on the 24 the quarter ends.
END OF THIRD QUARTER
Auburn 34 MSU 27
We begin the 4th quarter and it's anybody's game.
Trotter rolls out and hits McCalebb. First down Auburn!
THERE'S THE TD PASS TO LUTZ! Two great play calls by Malzahn.
The Tigers take a 2-touchdown lead early in the 4th.
Auburn 41 MSU 27 with 14:03 left in the football game.
The Bulldogs move out to midfield and on 4th and 10 they punt.
From their 18 there is long run by McCalebb and a roughing penalty on top it but on the first down play the Dogs drop Trotter for a big loss---a loss of 12.
The Tigers shoot themselves in the foot and have to punt but it's a good punt to the Bulldog 17.
The Dogs get a first down on another third down play to the 34.
There's another running first down.
State is on their 45.
If we could only tackle their QB we'd be OK.
MSU mauls their way down the field to score with 4:53 left as they physically manhandle our defense.
Auburn 41 MSU 34 with 4:51 to go.
Alot of time left. This is getting hairy.
Mason makes a good return to the AU 33.
The Tigers go 3 and out and have to punt with 3:04 left.
Oh, boy. Oh, boy.
State starts on their 33 with 2:52 to go.
The last time they physically gashed our defense. This is scary.
AS the game winds down I have to run Doo-Rail over to the vet and watch the final, exciting play over there.
State drives to the one yard line and we stop them with 10 seconds left.
Ryan Smith stops their QB at the one---hits him and drops him right there and the clock expires! This is an amazing tackle! Our defense saves the day. The offense does it last week and the defense does it today.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 41 MSU 34
Usually I don't take much pleasure in beat Mississippi State because Auburn is supposed to beat these people, but this one is special because they were favored and then there's the Cam Newton hangover and besides, I despise Dan Mullen. This is the best team MSU will ever have and they can't beat us when this is clearly a rebuilding year for us. Enough said.
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