Wednesday, December 30, 2015
2015 Birmingham Bowl
Thought about going, but decided to stay home. It's raining and somber looking on TV as the game starts. Auburn is 6 and 6 whereas Memphis is 9 and 3. I think Auburn is something like a 3 point favorite.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and drive to a short field goal thanks to a fake punt from around midfield. Phillips to a wide-open receiver down the left side. Disappointing in that we had first and goal from the three after the fake punt, but had to settle for the 3 points.
Auburn 3 Memphis 0
After one first down Memphis is punting from their 38. Auburn starts from their 30.
The Tigers drive for the touchdown. Kerryon Johnson runs it in from the 8 in the wildcat.
Determined run by Johnson.
Auburn 10 Memphis 0
Memphis goes three and out and they punt to Davis at the AU 21. Our defense looked good on that series. Alas, our Tigers move to 4th and 1 as the quarter ends. Our offense has to keep it going. Didn't happen there.
SECOND QUARTER
After trying to draw Memphis offsides Auburn is punting.
There's an interference call on Auburn with the punt and Memphis starts at their 42.
Memphis goes for it on 4th and 2 at midfield. The Tigers stop them!
Alas, on first down from midfield Jason Smith throws the interception on a sweep and he hits their safety on a bad attempt.
Memphis drives to the Auburn 35 helped by a 15 yard in the face penalty on Davroe Lawrence. But our defense stands strong and holds them to a 53 yard field goal.
I will say this. So far our defense looks good against what is supposed to be a good offense. We are getting some pressure on their talented QB and our coverage is tight. We are limited their yards after catch. Little YAC! We are stuffing their running attempts.
Auburn 10 Memphis 3
Auburn has another 3 and out. On third and 9 Sean White has Louis open on a post but it's a bad throw and goes incomplete. Then Phillips makes a bad punt and Memphis starts on their 48. The Memphis Tigers are seizing the momentum. How sad give the way our defense has been playing. Our offense is not keeping up. Our defense is carrying the load but sooner or later they will start to score.
On their next possession we push them back to a third and 25 but a proper face mask call gives them a first down on their 49. They drive to a first down at our 20, but their FG attempt is BLOCKED!
Auburn starts at their 20 with 5:55 left. First our defense and now our special teams come up big.
Now the sad thing is that Auburn goes for it around midfield on 4th and 1 and White throws the ball right to the defender who has clear field in front of him. Our defense is playing so well but our offense is breaking us. Maybe Sean White is rusty, yet we've had QB problems all year. Our offense this year has been all about the quarterback play.
Auburn 10 Memphis 10
Sean White throws ANOTHER INTERCEPTION! That's three on the day for our offense. If we lose this game it will be because of offensive ineptitude. Given how well our defense is playing this is so disappointing.
The half ends still tied. Memphis gets the ball coming out in the second half.
With a proper offense and no turnovers we could have this game in hand. Sooner or later their offene will score and we will end trying to catch up.
Our offense score 10 then give up 10. Both of their scores come off of turnovers the TD straight to the end zone.
Our defense has its best half the year. Kudos to Lance Thompson and company!
Our defense holds them to 91 yards in the half against what is supposed to be a great offense.
Our Gus Malzahn offense continues to disappoint just as it has all year.
THIRD QUARTER
Carlson kicks out of bounds and they start on their 35.
Quickly they go up-temps to our 45.
It sure looks like Memphis is heading to the end zone but from the 9 Carlton Davis tips the ball up into the air and Tray Matthews intercepts in the end zone.
The Tigers move from the 6 to their 39 but once again the drive bogs down. Phillips gets off a great punt to the Memphis 9.
If nothing else we flipped the field. But once again: where is our offense? We simply do not have a good quarterback.
Memphis goes three and out. You gotta like our defense. Really!
Davis returns the punt to the Memphis 44.
Finally our offense comes to life. White completes a couple of passes. Jovon Robinson runs hard.
Then from the 11 on a first down Jeremy Johnson comes in for the first time and hits Jason Smith on a screen pass and Auburn takes the lead!
Auburn 17 Memphis 10
Memphis goes three and out. What a game our defense has played so far.
The Tigers drive to a first and goal at the Memphis 5 as the quarter ends. White hits Marcus Davis on a good pass play. Jovon Robinson is running like a bulldozer.
FOURTH QUARTER
On the first play of the quarter Jeremy Johnson walks into the end zone from the 5. I like it!
Auburn 24 Memphis 10
Memphis is three and out. Marcus Davis gets a great punt return to inside their 10 to the 6.
Jovon Robinson POWERS in from the 4 for the touchdown. Wow! That was the kind of power running that I love. This team has come on the second half. Two plays 6 yards with 12 minutes and something left.
Auburn 31 Memphis 10
Quentin Riggins says that Jeremy Johnson has turned this offense around by forcing their defensive ends to stay at home which has opened up the middle. It seems to vindicate the point that Malzahn needs a running quarterback.
Memphis moves the ball running. Down the field they go finally getting some leverage on our defense.
At least they are using a lot of clock.
Memphis drives to a first down at the Auburn 16.
On fourth down from the 22 the pass in the end zone is INCOMPLETE!
Carl Lawson is chasing Paxton Lynch like he has down all day. What a difference it would have made if he had been in there all year.
What a game our defense has played! Where has this defense been all year?
Why shouldn't Lance Thompson be our DC???
He has put together an effective and aggressive game plan.
6:13 to go.
The Tigers run the clock our pushing to around the Memphis 25.
Auburn dominates this game even though it was tied at the half with turnovers keeping it close and then win going away in the second half.
I do not know how good Memphis is but they were 9 and 3, they beat Ole Miss, and all I heard was how good their offense was with their highly regarded 6'7" quarterback. We got pressure on him all game, limited yards after catch and stymied any running game. Memphis was averaging 510 yards and 43 points per game. The defense only gives up 3 points.
Auburn ends the year on a high note.
Awesome!
AUBURN 31 MEMPHIS 10
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and drive to a short field goal thanks to a fake punt from around midfield. Phillips to a wide-open receiver down the left side. Disappointing in that we had first and goal from the three after the fake punt, but had to settle for the 3 points.
Auburn 3 Memphis 0
After one first down Memphis is punting from their 38. Auburn starts from their 30.
The Tigers drive for the touchdown. Kerryon Johnson runs it in from the 8 in the wildcat.
Determined run by Johnson.
Auburn 10 Memphis 0
Memphis goes three and out and they punt to Davis at the AU 21. Our defense looked good on that series. Alas, our Tigers move to 4th and 1 as the quarter ends. Our offense has to keep it going. Didn't happen there.
SECOND QUARTER
After trying to draw Memphis offsides Auburn is punting.
There's an interference call on Auburn with the punt and Memphis starts at their 42.
Memphis goes for it on 4th and 2 at midfield. The Tigers stop them!
Alas, on first down from midfield Jason Smith throws the interception on a sweep and he hits their safety on a bad attempt.
Memphis drives to the Auburn 35 helped by a 15 yard in the face penalty on Davroe Lawrence. But our defense stands strong and holds them to a 53 yard field goal.
I will say this. So far our defense looks good against what is supposed to be a good offense. We are getting some pressure on their talented QB and our coverage is tight. We are limited their yards after catch. Little YAC! We are stuffing their running attempts.
Auburn 10 Memphis 3
Auburn has another 3 and out. On third and 9 Sean White has Louis open on a post but it's a bad throw and goes incomplete. Then Phillips makes a bad punt and Memphis starts on their 48. The Memphis Tigers are seizing the momentum. How sad give the way our defense has been playing. Our offense is not keeping up. Our defense is carrying the load but sooner or later they will start to score.
On their next possession we push them back to a third and 25 but a proper face mask call gives them a first down on their 49. They drive to a first down at our 20, but their FG attempt is BLOCKED!
Auburn starts at their 20 with 5:55 left. First our defense and now our special teams come up big.
Now the sad thing is that Auburn goes for it around midfield on 4th and 1 and White throws the ball right to the defender who has clear field in front of him. Our defense is playing so well but our offense is breaking us. Maybe Sean White is rusty, yet we've had QB problems all year. Our offense this year has been all about the quarterback play.
Auburn 10 Memphis 10
Sean White throws ANOTHER INTERCEPTION! That's three on the day for our offense. If we lose this game it will be because of offensive ineptitude. Given how well our defense is playing this is so disappointing.
The half ends still tied. Memphis gets the ball coming out in the second half.
With a proper offense and no turnovers we could have this game in hand. Sooner or later their offene will score and we will end trying to catch up.
Our offense score 10 then give up 10. Both of their scores come off of turnovers the TD straight to the end zone.
Our defense has its best half the year. Kudos to Lance Thompson and company!
Our defense holds them to 91 yards in the half against what is supposed to be a great offense.
Our Gus Malzahn offense continues to disappoint just as it has all year.
THIRD QUARTER
Carlson kicks out of bounds and they start on their 35.
Quickly they go up-temps to our 45.
It sure looks like Memphis is heading to the end zone but from the 9 Carlton Davis tips the ball up into the air and Tray Matthews intercepts in the end zone.
The Tigers move from the 6 to their 39 but once again the drive bogs down. Phillips gets off a great punt to the Memphis 9.
If nothing else we flipped the field. But once again: where is our offense? We simply do not have a good quarterback.
Memphis goes three and out. You gotta like our defense. Really!
Davis returns the punt to the Memphis 44.
Finally our offense comes to life. White completes a couple of passes. Jovon Robinson runs hard.
Then from the 11 on a first down Jeremy Johnson comes in for the first time and hits Jason Smith on a screen pass and Auburn takes the lead!
Auburn 17 Memphis 10
Memphis goes three and out. What a game our defense has played so far.
The Tigers drive to a first and goal at the Memphis 5 as the quarter ends. White hits Marcus Davis on a good pass play. Jovon Robinson is running like a bulldozer.
FOURTH QUARTER
On the first play of the quarter Jeremy Johnson walks into the end zone from the 5. I like it!
Auburn 24 Memphis 10
Memphis is three and out. Marcus Davis gets a great punt return to inside their 10 to the 6.
Jovon Robinson POWERS in from the 4 for the touchdown. Wow! That was the kind of power running that I love. This team has come on the second half. Two plays 6 yards with 12 minutes and something left.
Auburn 31 Memphis 10
Quentin Riggins says that Jeremy Johnson has turned this offense around by forcing their defensive ends to stay at home which has opened up the middle. It seems to vindicate the point that Malzahn needs a running quarterback.
Memphis moves the ball running. Down the field they go finally getting some leverage on our defense.
At least they are using a lot of clock.
Memphis drives to a first down at the Auburn 16.
On fourth down from the 22 the pass in the end zone is INCOMPLETE!
Carl Lawson is chasing Paxton Lynch like he has down all day. What a difference it would have made if he had been in there all year.
What a game our defense has played! Where has this defense been all year?
Why shouldn't Lance Thompson be our DC???
He has put together an effective and aggressive game plan.
6:13 to go.
The Tigers run the clock our pushing to around the Memphis 25.
Auburn dominates this game even though it was tied at the half with turnovers keeping it close and then win going away in the second half.
I do not know how good Memphis is but they were 9 and 3, they beat Ole Miss, and all I heard was how good their offense was with their highly regarded 6'7" quarterback. We got pressure on him all game, limited yards after catch and stymied any running game. Memphis was averaging 510 yards and 43 points per game. The defense only gives up 3 points.
Auburn ends the year on a high note.
Awesome!
AUBURN 31 MEMPHIS 10
Sunday, December 27, 2015
A Quiet Time
It's been a quiet time since we lost to Alabama and Muschamp headed off to South Carolina. Most people thought that Coach Malzahn would have filled the position by now but it hasn't happened. I see no hints online as to who will get the job.
The Birmingham Bowl is coming up. Memphis will be a tough game because they have a good QB who can spread the field. We seem to expect a high scoring game. Can Auburn keep up?
The Tigers return to decrepit Legion Field for the first time since 1998. I despise that stadium. It should have been dynamited down by now. Let's just get it over with.
The Birmingham Bowl is coming up. Memphis will be a tough game because they have a good QB who can spread the field. We seem to expect a high scoring game. Can Auburn keep up?
The Tigers return to decrepit Legion Field for the first time since 1998. I despise that stadium. It should have been dynamited down by now. Let's just get it over with.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Final four review
Before the season, we predicted the four teams in the playoffs. To review:
Freddy
Auburn
Ohio State
Oregon
Baylor
Fred
Auburn
Ohio State
Oklahoma
USC
With one team correct, Oklahoma, Fred wins.
Freddy
Auburn
Ohio State
Oregon
Baylor
Fred
Auburn
Ohio State
Oklahoma
USC
With one team correct, Oklahoma, Fred wins.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
The Birmingham Bowl - December 30th
I am trying to decide if I want to go to the game. On the plus side this will be the last time to see a game in person until next year. It's local. Kickoff is at 11 which is great for me. On the other hand, I despise Legion Field. There's probably no place to stand. Haven't been to a game there since 1994. Parking is no fun. Memphis? Yuck! I think they run a wide-open offense, the kind that gives our defense fits. Our defense is likely to be more shaky than usual given the circumstances. We'll see.
DC
First of all, I still have confidence in Coach Malzahn. I know Auburn needs a good season next year, and I expect it to happen once we have a QB either the JC transfer, White, or the incoming freshman. Regarding the DC opening, of course I do not know the best course. For the sake of continuity I hope that Lance Thompson gets the job, but it seems to me that if Malzahn wanted Thompson he would have already said so. He is obviously gauging the interests of others before deciding.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Things Change
Muschamp accepts the head coaching job at South Carolina. Good luck, USC. Surely you could have done better. Travarious Robinson goes with him. Not sure how I feel about that. I can only conclude that Malzahn didn't want him as DC.
What about Lance Thompson? I have no opinion about that. Who will be our next DC? Who knows.
Other staff changes?
What about Lance Thompson? I have no opinion about that. Who will be our next DC? Who knows.
Other staff changes?
Saturday, December 5, 2015
War Memorial Stadium
I went to the 5A state championship game at War Memorial Stadium last night. Pulaski Academy, located in Little Rock, played McClellan. I went because I know someone who is a PA fan and because the PA coach, Kevin Kelley, is known for his unorthodox style of football. PA almost never punts. In the first half, for example, they went for it on 4th and 16 from their own 9 yard line. Also, they always onside kick. I wanted to see this kind of football in action.
Kevin Kelley and PA have garnered national coverage for playing like this. But it works. PA won last night, making back-to-back state titles. Since Kelley became coach in 2003, PA has won five state titles.
I say all this to make the point that War Memorial Stadium is a dump. This was my first game there, and I am not impressed. The stadium looks old and outdated. The video boards look like what stadiums had in 1990, small and fuzzy. It is a single bowl, and looks almost like a glorified high school stadium. Makes it harder to believe that the Razorbacks play there. I'd rather see a game at Legion Field!
Kevin Kelley and PA have garnered national coverage for playing like this. But it works. PA won last night, making back-to-back state titles. Since Kelley became coach in 2003, PA has won five state titles.
I say all this to make the point that War Memorial Stadium is a dump. This was my first game there, and I am not impressed. The stadium looks old and outdated. The video boards look like what stadiums had in 1990, small and fuzzy. It is a single bowl, and looks almost like a glorified high school stadium. Makes it harder to believe that the Razorbacks play there. I'd rather see a game at Legion Field!
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
What now?
What now for Auburn football?
Rumor is, Jeremy Johnson will transfer. That is a clear indication is time at Auburn has long been over. Johnson actually finished the season with fewer passing yards than White. That tells you something.
Muschamp may be a candidate for various open jobs. If Kirby Smart goes to Georgia, will Muschamp follow him? Muschamp is a Georgia alum. He might be a candidate at South Carolina too. Only time will tell.
Can Malzahn fix the offense? We'll see what spring practice brings.
Rumor is, Jeremy Johnson will transfer. That is a clear indication is time at Auburn has long been over. Johnson actually finished the season with fewer passing yards than White. That tells you something.
Muschamp may be a candidate for various open jobs. If Kirby Smart goes to Georgia, will Muschamp follow him? Muschamp is a Georgia alum. He might be a candidate at South Carolina too. Only time will tell.
Can Malzahn fix the offense? We'll see what spring practice brings.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
2015 Game 12 Alabama
Alabama is a 14 point favorite at Jordan-Hare. The team that is supposed to win this game almost always does. People say it's the Iron Bowl and you never know. Unfortunately we do know. I wish it were different, but as they say these days, it is what it is. Too many things would have to go right for the Tigers to win this year.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and go three and out.
Alabama starts their drive on their 42 and drive for a field goal.
Carlton Davis is injured on the play before the field goal but trots off the field under his own power.
Auburn 0 Alabama 3
The Tigers mount a drive moving to a 2nd and 8 from the Alabama 12 with a timeout mixing it nicely with between the tackle runs, speed sweeps, and a wheel route completion.
The Tigers settle for the field goal but it was good drive anyway. We're doing quick hitting plays and doing misdirection.
The offense showed some spark. Can we keep it up?
Auburn 3 Alabama 3
Our defense looks in forcing UAT to a three and out.
After a good punt return by Melvin Davis we are in business at their 49.
Again we have to settle for the field goal but that's okay. Carlson is good from 44.
Auburn 6 Alabama 3
Auburn almost gets a safety on the kickoff as their receiver runs the ball back from 9 yards deep in the end zone. We had tacklers back there and with the right angle it would have been 2 points for us.
From their 10 UAT has first and 10 from their as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
Derrick Henry is starting to ramble. We have to stop him.
They cross midfield behind Henry.
So far their RB is their entire offense.
Our defense stiffens again and we force the 41 yard field goal.
So far their QB Coker is off target. They depend on their heavy run game.
Auburn 6 Alabama 6
The key question so far: can our offense do enough to keep our defense off the field enough to give us a chance in the 4th quarter? Unlikely.
The Tigers go three and out. The offense does nothing on that possession. After looking quick and crisp we look slow on those 3 plays. We've had 4 possessions so far: 2 field goals and 2 three and outs.
Alabama starts their possession after the punt from their 36.
There's a 13 yard completion to the 49.
Come on, defense!
There's a long completion down to the Auburn 5.
Henry crashes to the one.
On second down from the one we drop Henry back at the 9 as our defense completely clogs up the middle.
On third and goal from the 9 the pass is incomplete. Coker is erratic and that's good for us.
They get the chip shot field goal.
Auburn 6 Alabama 9
Coach Muschamp is livid on the sidelines perhaps pointing out Alabama's blatant holding.
Interesting game so far. If our offense can just step it up we might be in this game.
The Tigers drive again but Carlson misses a 48 yard attempt.
On third and 2 JJ tries to hit Louis downfield. A better throw and it would have been a touchdown.
Alabama drives. Countess drops a potential pick with a clear field in front of him. Should have been a pick 6.
Alabama gets a 50 yard field goal.
We had a chance there for huge play but Countess can't come up with the ball.
To win this game you have take advantage of your opportunities and we missed a big one there.
Auburn 6 Alabama 12
With 34 seconds left what will Auburn do?
We are forced to punt but they ruff the punter. No miracle on the attempted Hail Mary.
The Tigers are in this game. This is the first time since 2004 that a touchdown hasn't been scored in the first half.
Our offense has to hold up in the second half. We can't leave the defense on the field to win this game.
After the teams swap possessions Alabama drives for the touchdown. The sad thing is that on third and long we should have dropped Coker for a loss forcing a punt but they get the first down and then get a 34 yd. TD pass where again we should have sacked him.
Auburn 6 Alabama 19
THEN on our next possession on third and 12 Johnson hits Jason Smith for a 77 yard touchdown! Smith knocked the ball up into the air to himself and went the distance. Shades of Ricardo Louis against Georgia.
At this point we have a ball game.
Auburn 13 Alabama 19
Alabama is driving approaching midfield as the clock winds down in the third quarter.
They are trying to lean on our defense and wear us down.
With 33 seconds left in the quarter UAT is punting around midfield.
The punt goes into the end zone as the quarter ends.
We go to the fourth quarter and we have a ballgame!
FOURTH QUARTER
The final quarter of this historic series begins with Auburn starting a possession on their 20.
Auburn has a chance. Before the game we would certainly have taken this position.
Johnson hits Louis to the 45 on the first play.
We are pushed back to the 35 on third and 10. On the previous play Louis was open but Johnson overthrows him. We can get receivers open if our QB can only make accurate throws.
Alabama fair catches on their 19. At least don't give them good field possession to start this drive.
13:43 to go.
Henry is carrying the load.
Third and one.
First down to the 35.
There is bad call on Auburn of course and they get 15 yards. Once again a referee makes himself known in this game. It's a bad call on a so-called late hit which wasn't. Our announcers are livid as is Coach Malzahn. To top it off there is another unsportsmanlike dead-all foul against our bench. Unbelievable!
Saban rides officials for 60 minutes and never gets a call. The refs are giving them the game.
They kick the field and it's a 9 point game thanks to the officials.
This is ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.
Auburn 13 Alabama 22
10:04 left.
The unsportsmanlike call put them in field goal range.
We have to move the ball here and hope the officials don't take it away from us.
There is an out-of-bounds call on Reuben Foster and there is a sarcastic roar from the crowd.
Auburn is on their 45.
That's as far as we get and we are punting with 8 minutes left.
UAT fair catches at their 18.
7:49 to go.
Alabama leans on Henry and we can't stop him as the clock winds down.
This is the way it will end it seems as they run the clock down.
With 2:46 left we get the ball back but still trail by 9.
We go 3 and out. An open Melvin Ray drops a first down pass on fourth down that's that.
We had some chances in this game that we didn't take advantage of.
Johnson threw behind some open receivers.
We had two drops on our last possession. We've had drops all year.
The officials gave them 30 yards on their last FG drive.
We had the momentum at that point but the refs put them in field goal range.
On the out of bounds call against us Carl Lawson was blatantly held but there was no call.
The refs played a big part in giving them the game.
They deserved to win yet it's a shame that the refs took away our momentum at the end.
Henry gets a late score to rub it in.
FINAL SCORE
13-29
Too bad because it was a lot closer than that.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and go three and out.
Alabama starts their drive on their 42 and drive for a field goal.
Carlton Davis is injured on the play before the field goal but trots off the field under his own power.
Auburn 0 Alabama 3
The Tigers mount a drive moving to a 2nd and 8 from the Alabama 12 with a timeout mixing it nicely with between the tackle runs, speed sweeps, and a wheel route completion.
The Tigers settle for the field goal but it was good drive anyway. We're doing quick hitting plays and doing misdirection.
The offense showed some spark. Can we keep it up?
Auburn 3 Alabama 3
Our defense looks in forcing UAT to a three and out.
After a good punt return by Melvin Davis we are in business at their 49.
Again we have to settle for the field goal but that's okay. Carlson is good from 44.
Auburn 6 Alabama 3
Auburn almost gets a safety on the kickoff as their receiver runs the ball back from 9 yards deep in the end zone. We had tacklers back there and with the right angle it would have been 2 points for us.
From their 10 UAT has first and 10 from their as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
Derrick Henry is starting to ramble. We have to stop him.
They cross midfield behind Henry.
So far their RB is their entire offense.
Our defense stiffens again and we force the 41 yard field goal.
So far their QB Coker is off target. They depend on their heavy run game.
Auburn 6 Alabama 6
The key question so far: can our offense do enough to keep our defense off the field enough to give us a chance in the 4th quarter? Unlikely.
The Tigers go three and out. The offense does nothing on that possession. After looking quick and crisp we look slow on those 3 plays. We've had 4 possessions so far: 2 field goals and 2 three and outs.
Alabama starts their possession after the punt from their 36.
There's a 13 yard completion to the 49.
Come on, defense!
There's a long completion down to the Auburn 5.
Henry crashes to the one.
On second down from the one we drop Henry back at the 9 as our defense completely clogs up the middle.
On third and goal from the 9 the pass is incomplete. Coker is erratic and that's good for us.
They get the chip shot field goal.
Auburn 6 Alabama 9
Coach Muschamp is livid on the sidelines perhaps pointing out Alabama's blatant holding.
Interesting game so far. If our offense can just step it up we might be in this game.
The Tigers drive again but Carlson misses a 48 yard attempt.
On third and 2 JJ tries to hit Louis downfield. A better throw and it would have been a touchdown.
Alabama drives. Countess drops a potential pick with a clear field in front of him. Should have been a pick 6.
Alabama gets a 50 yard field goal.
We had a chance there for huge play but Countess can't come up with the ball.
To win this game you have take advantage of your opportunities and we missed a big one there.
Auburn 6 Alabama 12
With 34 seconds left what will Auburn do?
We are forced to punt but they ruff the punter. No miracle on the attempted Hail Mary.
The Tigers are in this game. This is the first time since 2004 that a touchdown hasn't been scored in the first half.
Our offense has to hold up in the second half. We can't leave the defense on the field to win this game.
After the teams swap possessions Alabama drives for the touchdown. The sad thing is that on third and long we should have dropped Coker for a loss forcing a punt but they get the first down and then get a 34 yd. TD pass where again we should have sacked him.
Auburn 6 Alabama 19
THEN on our next possession on third and 12 Johnson hits Jason Smith for a 77 yard touchdown! Smith knocked the ball up into the air to himself and went the distance. Shades of Ricardo Louis against Georgia.
At this point we have a ball game.
Auburn 13 Alabama 19
Alabama is driving approaching midfield as the clock winds down in the third quarter.
They are trying to lean on our defense and wear us down.
With 33 seconds left in the quarter UAT is punting around midfield.
The punt goes into the end zone as the quarter ends.
We go to the fourth quarter and we have a ballgame!
FOURTH QUARTER
The final quarter of this historic series begins with Auburn starting a possession on their 20.
Auburn has a chance. Before the game we would certainly have taken this position.
Johnson hits Louis to the 45 on the first play.
We are pushed back to the 35 on third and 10. On the previous play Louis was open but Johnson overthrows him. We can get receivers open if our QB can only make accurate throws.
Alabama fair catches on their 19. At least don't give them good field possession to start this drive.
13:43 to go.
Henry is carrying the load.
Third and one.
First down to the 35.
There is bad call on Auburn of course and they get 15 yards. Once again a referee makes himself known in this game. It's a bad call on a so-called late hit which wasn't. Our announcers are livid as is Coach Malzahn. To top it off there is another unsportsmanlike dead-all foul against our bench. Unbelievable!
Saban rides officials for 60 minutes and never gets a call. The refs are giving them the game.
They kick the field and it's a 9 point game thanks to the officials.
This is ridiculous. Completely ridiculous.
Auburn 13 Alabama 22
10:04 left.
The unsportsmanlike call put them in field goal range.
We have to move the ball here and hope the officials don't take it away from us.
There is an out-of-bounds call on Reuben Foster and there is a sarcastic roar from the crowd.
Auburn is on their 45.
That's as far as we get and we are punting with 8 minutes left.
UAT fair catches at their 18.
7:49 to go.
Alabama leans on Henry and we can't stop him as the clock winds down.
This is the way it will end it seems as they run the clock down.
With 2:46 left we get the ball back but still trail by 9.
We go 3 and out. An open Melvin Ray drops a first down pass on fourth down that's that.
We had some chances in this game that we didn't take advantage of.
Johnson threw behind some open receivers.
We had two drops on our last possession. We've had drops all year.
The officials gave them 30 yards on their last FG drive.
We had the momentum at that point but the refs put them in field goal range.
On the out of bounds call against us Carl Lawson was blatantly held but there was no call.
The refs played a big part in giving them the game.
They deserved to win yet it's a shame that the refs took away our momentum at the end.
Henry gets a late score to rub it in.
FINAL SCORE
13-29
Too bad because it was a lot closer than that.
Friday, November 27, 2015
A Wild Thought
In the context of thinking that Auburn will need some big plays to be competitive tomorrow I found myself today thinking "Roc Thomas." Just saying.
Monday, November 23, 2015
To Win We Must
Here are my keys to beating UAT on Saturday:
- Start Sean White. He gives us our best chance to throw vertically, which we must do to score. Johnson mainly throws sideline routes, clearly because the coaches don't trust him to throw down the field. If White is healthy, I'd be surprised if he doesn't start.
- Protect the football. We cannot have turnovers.
- Run Kerryon Johnson from the wildcat. We need to mixup our offense, and he has shown effectiveness as a runner.
- Slow Derrick Henry, although I don't know how.
- Believe we can win
- Ricardo Louis must catch the ball.
- Get turnovers.
- Be effective offensively on first down. We can't get into obvious passing downs.
The Game
I will make this post and then I will nothing more about it until Saturday afternoon.
First of all, I do not like the term "Iron Bowl" even though Coach Jordan coined the term. It seemed appropriate at the time when the game was always played in Birmingham, but that isn't the case anymore thank goodness.
The spread will be 13 or 14 I suppose. That's as big as it usually ever gets.
I will not look for scenarios where we might win. It won't happen.
The best team almost always wins this game. No reason to think otherwise this time or any other time.
Enough said.
First of all, I do not like the term "Iron Bowl" even though Coach Jordan coined the term. It seemed appropriate at the time when the game was always played in Birmingham, but that isn't the case anymore thank goodness.
The spread will be 13 or 14 I suppose. That's as big as it usually ever gets.
I will not look for scenarios where we might win. It won't happen.
The best team almost always wins this game. No reason to think otherwise this time or any other time.
Enough said.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
2015 Game 11 Idaho
The 5 and 5 Tigers need one more win to become bowl eligible. We need to get it done today against 3 and 7 Idaho. Auburn is a 30 point plus favorite.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and march down the field for the touchdown. Jeremy Johnson completes two passes to Tony Stevens and keeps the ball once on a nice run. Peyton Barber scores from the 2 up the middle.
Auburn 7 Idaho 0
First play from scrimmage Idaho completes a long pass down to inside the Auburn 5. First play from there touchdown Idaho. This is not starting well. On that long pass completion we had zero pressure on their quarterback.
Auburn 7 Idaho 7
The Tigers cross midfield but the possession dies and we have to punt. Looks familiar.
The Vandals go three and out.
Another promising AU drive ensues. Kerryon has an impressive run.
But there's a loss. How will this drive bog down?
The Tigers drive for the TD running football. The star is Jovon Robinson.
He runs around right end for 13 yards for the score.
Auburn 14 Idaho 7
I do not want this game to be a track meet.
But it sure looks like that's what we have.
Idaho is both running and passing their way down the field again.
Our porous defense is making their offense look good.
First and goal at the one.
2nd and goal.
3rd and goal.
We push them back on third down to force a field attempt as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
On the first play of the quarter the 25 yard attempt is good.
Auburn 14 Idaho 10
The offense needs to keep it going.
At least our defense did not allow the touchdown after they had first and goal on the one.
Run heavy the Tigers power down the field helped by a fake punt.
On 4th and 7 from their 43 Phillips easily runs 24 yards for the first down.
On first and goal from the one Johnson keeps around left end untouched.
Auburn 21 Idaho 10
First play from scrimmage we recover a fumble. The offense is in business at the Vandal 24.
First down to the 11.
After a procedure penalty Johnson hits a wide-open Ricardo Louis for a 16 yd. touchdown.
I am happy to see Johnson get a TD pass.
Auburn 28 Idaho 10
On 3rd and 9 for Idaho Rudy Ford intercepts and returns 48 yards for the touchdown! I mean Rudy weaves and follows his blocking for the end zone seemingly running more than 48 yards.
Auburn 35 Idaho 10
Alas, the visitors move down the field for a touchdown. At times it seems like our defense is passive. They have to be really animated to stop the offense.
Auburn 35 Idaho 17
In situations like this our offense usually goes three and out and such is the case here. There is a long pass to Ricardo Louis ruled complete on the field but incomplete on replay which is correct.
The Tigers get the ball back with less than a minute to go but the clock expires.
THIRD QUARTER
Idaho gets the ball first. Will the Tigers have a second half swoon?
Starting from their 25 the Vandals go for it on 4th and three and our defense holds.
First down Auburn on the Idaho 32
First down at the 5.
TD pass to Tony Stevens on a fake to the running back and a quick throw.
The Tigers score quickly though receiving the opening kickoff.
Auburn 42 Idaho 17
It looks for all the world like Idaho is methodically marching for touchdown as they move into the Red Zone, but Jonathan Jones intercepts in the end zone and after a block in the back on the play we scrimmage from the 18. First play Johnson hits Louis for a long completion to the Idaho 35.
From the 3 Johnson fakes to the running back and he walks into the end one. Slick move by JJ.
Auburn 49 Idaho 17
The Vandals drive for a field goal. Surprised they settled for a 3 pointer.
Auburn 49 Idaho 20
The Tigers go three and out and Idaho may be moving the ball again as the quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
On third and 12 from around midfield we get a sack
After the punt Roc Thomas sweeps right for 56 yards down the right sideline for the score. He turns the corner and turns on the speed. Of our running backs Thomas is certainly our homerun hitter.
Auburn 56 Idaho 20
Idaho comes back and drives for another score. Our defense is soft.
Auburn 56 Idaho 27
Tucker Tuberville comes in and the Tigers straight backward. We punt and they drive for another score. This is what I hate: this game gets sloppy at the end. I know we have lots of substitutions on the field but I hate this kind game ending.
Auburn 56 Idaho 34
A little over 5 minutes still remaining. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.
TT is back in the game.
Let's at least run some of the clock off before giving it back to them.
We do pick up a couple of first downs but have to punt and the clock finally mercifully expires.
This game seemed to last an eternity. The crappy 4th quarter made it seem so long.
Auburn is bowl eligible. Some consolation.
FINAL SCORE
56 TO 34
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and march down the field for the touchdown. Jeremy Johnson completes two passes to Tony Stevens and keeps the ball once on a nice run. Peyton Barber scores from the 2 up the middle.
Auburn 7 Idaho 0
First play from scrimmage Idaho completes a long pass down to inside the Auburn 5. First play from there touchdown Idaho. This is not starting well. On that long pass completion we had zero pressure on their quarterback.
Auburn 7 Idaho 7
The Tigers cross midfield but the possession dies and we have to punt. Looks familiar.
The Vandals go three and out.
Another promising AU drive ensues. Kerryon has an impressive run.
But there's a loss. How will this drive bog down?
The Tigers drive for the TD running football. The star is Jovon Robinson.
He runs around right end for 13 yards for the score.
Auburn 14 Idaho 7
I do not want this game to be a track meet.
But it sure looks like that's what we have.
Idaho is both running and passing their way down the field again.
Our porous defense is making their offense look good.
First and goal at the one.
2nd and goal.
3rd and goal.
We push them back on third down to force a field attempt as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
On the first play of the quarter the 25 yard attempt is good.
Auburn 14 Idaho 10
The offense needs to keep it going.
At least our defense did not allow the touchdown after they had first and goal on the one.
Run heavy the Tigers power down the field helped by a fake punt.
On 4th and 7 from their 43 Phillips easily runs 24 yards for the first down.
On first and goal from the one Johnson keeps around left end untouched.
Auburn 21 Idaho 10
First play from scrimmage we recover a fumble. The offense is in business at the Vandal 24.
First down to the 11.
After a procedure penalty Johnson hits a wide-open Ricardo Louis for a 16 yd. touchdown.
I am happy to see Johnson get a TD pass.
Auburn 28 Idaho 10
On 3rd and 9 for Idaho Rudy Ford intercepts and returns 48 yards for the touchdown! I mean Rudy weaves and follows his blocking for the end zone seemingly running more than 48 yards.
Auburn 35 Idaho 10
Alas, the visitors move down the field for a touchdown. At times it seems like our defense is passive. They have to be really animated to stop the offense.
Auburn 35 Idaho 17
In situations like this our offense usually goes three and out and such is the case here. There is a long pass to Ricardo Louis ruled complete on the field but incomplete on replay which is correct.
The Tigers get the ball back with less than a minute to go but the clock expires.
THIRD QUARTER
Idaho gets the ball first. Will the Tigers have a second half swoon?
Starting from their 25 the Vandals go for it on 4th and three and our defense holds.
First down Auburn on the Idaho 32
First down at the 5.
TD pass to Tony Stevens on a fake to the running back and a quick throw.
The Tigers score quickly though receiving the opening kickoff.
Auburn 42 Idaho 17
It looks for all the world like Idaho is methodically marching for touchdown as they move into the Red Zone, but Jonathan Jones intercepts in the end zone and after a block in the back on the play we scrimmage from the 18. First play Johnson hits Louis for a long completion to the Idaho 35.
From the 3 Johnson fakes to the running back and he walks into the end one. Slick move by JJ.
Auburn 49 Idaho 17
The Vandals drive for a field goal. Surprised they settled for a 3 pointer.
Auburn 49 Idaho 20
The Tigers go three and out and Idaho may be moving the ball again as the quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
On third and 12 from around midfield we get a sack
After the punt Roc Thomas sweeps right for 56 yards down the right sideline for the score. He turns the corner and turns on the speed. Of our running backs Thomas is certainly our homerun hitter.
Auburn 56 Idaho 20
Idaho comes back and drives for another score. Our defense is soft.
Auburn 56 Idaho 27
Tucker Tuberville comes in and the Tigers straight backward. We punt and they drive for another score. This is what I hate: this game gets sloppy at the end. I know we have lots of substitutions on the field but I hate this kind game ending.
Auburn 56 Idaho 34
A little over 5 minutes still remaining. Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy.
TT is back in the game.
Let's at least run some of the clock off before giving it back to them.
We do pick up a couple of first downs but have to punt and the clock finally mercifully expires.
This game seemed to last an eternity. The crappy 4th quarter made it seem so long.
Auburn is bowl eligible. Some consolation.
FINAL SCORE
56 TO 34
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Saturday, November 14, 2015
2015 Game 10 Georgia
The 5 and 4 Tigers face Georgia once again at Jordan-Hare. Did the team find itself last week in a 26 to 10 win over TAMU? Did Jovon Robinson have a coming out as he rushed for 159 yards on 27 carries? Has the defense really improved? Is the offense ready to play Malzahn tempo? Who will start at quarterback? Just before kickoff I see online that Jeremy Johnson will be at the helm.We will soon know where this season is headed down the stretch as this game will kickoff at 11 on CBS.
FIRST QUARTER
Peyton Barber starts at running back. The Tigers win the toss and receive.
There's a first down to the 39.
The Tigers march right down the field in their opening possession for a touchdown.
Kerryon Johnson wildcats it in from the 10.
That was one impressive opening drive by the Tigers!
Though Barber started, Jovon Robinson had an impressive run on that drive.
75 yards 11 plays 4:36 off the clock.
56 yards on the ground and 19 in the air as JJ was 4 for 4.
Auburn 7 Georgia 0
The Bulldogs drive the AU 46 but have to punt on 4th and 9.
Auburn will start on their 16.
This time Georgia forces a three and out. JJ runs for 8 yards for only after being sacked for a loss of 3.
Despite this our announcers say that Jeremy is playing with more confidence.
The punt goes to the Georgia 34 with 4:32 to go in the quarter with the wind against us.
The Dogs drive to a first down at the AU 11 as the quarter ends, the drive kept alive as they convert a 4th and 4 along the way.
SECOND QUARTER
First play from the 11 there's a run to the two. Not good.
There's a fumble and Kris Frost almost recovers.
We stuff the run on third down.
On 4th and 1 for the first down from the two the pass is incomplete as Carl Lawson got into the passing lane. Not a deflection but he blocked their quarterback's vision.
That's a big stop for the defense!
On the first play from the two Jovon Robinson runs for 33 to the 35.
BUT Johnson throws an interception later and Georgia starts on their 40.
Our QB has to shake this off. We shall see.
The Dogs move to a third and short on our 12 but for some reason their QB goes back deep to pass and McKinzy sacks him! The 40 yard FG is good.
Auburn 7 Georgia 3
So far after that opening drive our defense has kept us in the game.
Our offense must get going again.
The verdict is so-so.
The Tigers drive for a first down to the Bulldog 22 but have to settle for a 42 yard Daniel Carlson field goal. We were running effectively but suddenly we try to throw from the 22 and Jeremy Johnson is not the best QB when you're throwing on every down. We are at half.
Auburn 10 Georgia 3
THIRD QUARTER
The teams swap possessions until late in the quarter when Georgia drives from their 34 for the touchdown. We had them stopped but a face mask call gives them a first down which leads to the score. The problem is that earlier there was a blatant face mask on Jeremy Johnson right in front of the official that wasn't called. No consistency in the officiating.
Auburn 10 Georgia 10
Our offense needs to get going, but it doesn't like it's going to happen as the third quarter winds down.
Three incomplete passes and Auburn is punting with 59 seconds to go in the quarter.
Sean White is in the game having come in the last series but it makes no difference.
They are stuffing the line of scrimmage and we cannot throw the ball.
Our offense is not in the game.
Georgia has all the momentum. This game has turned against us in the third quarter.
Luckily we are stilled tied at this point.
Georgia gets good field possession after the punt at their 45.
The pressure is on our defense with no help so far in this half from our offense.
A touchdown here and we are in serious trouble.
The quarter ends with Georgia facing third and 2.
This game is going down to the wire it would appear.
FOURTH QUARTER
First down to the Auburn 44. It looks like we can't stop them.
We do push them back helped by penalties but their punt rolls dead at the 6.
We had them 4th and 42 but they get a 20 yard run before the punt. I don't understand that.
If we go three and out from here Georgia will win the game.
We are lucky the game is still tied with 11:52 left.
Jovon Robinson runs for 2 yards.
Sean White is our QB.
We are only 2 of 8 so far on third down.
Johnson comes in and is dropped on the 6.
Once again we're three and out. Of offense if comatose.
Since the first quarter our offense has gone backwards.
We will need another miracle as in 2013.
And now there is a punt return for the touchdown as the officials miss a block in the back.
Georgia gets away with another non-call.
Now we are in serious trouble.
This is all due to our offensive ineffectiveness.
It's been all Georgia in the second half. Our offense is out of it. It will cost us this game.
Auburn 10 Georgia 17
Will there be a 2013 like miracle?
I doubt it.
Sean White has been in there but he is obviously hobbled.
Jeremy Johnson is still Jeremy Johnson.
When forced to throw we can't do it.
In the second half we have one first down and 21 yards of total offense.
AU begins at the 23.
9:22 to go.
Disaster strikes. White fumbles, Georgia recovers, and kicks the field goal.
Auburn 10 Georgia 20
I don't understand this offensive meltdown. After last week's improvement and our opening drive today, what has happened??? The shame is that our defense has obviously improved. This game is all over with 6:49 to go. This is not a very good Georgia team but they are better than Auburn today.
Ford returns the kickoff to the Auburn 27.
Finally Auburn moves the ball smartly down the field with Jeremy Johnson at QB but from the 7 Ricardo Louis reverses his field on the speed sweep and fumbles near the goal line and Georgia recovers. So we will lose this game as the offense suffers its third turnover.
It's hard to understand the ineffectiveness of this Gus Malzahn offense especially when our defense kept us in this game till the end. I never thought I would such a poor, poor Malzahn offense.
Auburn is using its timeouts to make Georgia punt near their goal line.
We use our three timeouts to force Georgia to punt from their end zone with 3:09 left.
After the punt we start on their 37 with no timeouts left.
We have to score quickly to get a miracle finish.
The Tigers get close enough to elect to go for the field goal and attempt the onside kick with 1:14 to go.
Auburn 13 Georgia 20
Georgia recovers the onside kick and that's that.
After such a great start as we score our only touchdown on our opening possession the defense keeps us in the game, but our offense vanishes. It's all because we cannot throw the ball. We have no threat of a passing game so all a team has to go is stack the line of scrimmage, dare our offense to throw it, and we can't.
FIRST QUARTER
Peyton Barber starts at running back. The Tigers win the toss and receive.
There's a first down to the 39.
The Tigers march right down the field in their opening possession for a touchdown.
Kerryon Johnson wildcats it in from the 10.
That was one impressive opening drive by the Tigers!
Though Barber started, Jovon Robinson had an impressive run on that drive.
75 yards 11 plays 4:36 off the clock.
56 yards on the ground and 19 in the air as JJ was 4 for 4.
Auburn 7 Georgia 0
The Bulldogs drive the AU 46 but have to punt on 4th and 9.
Auburn will start on their 16.
This time Georgia forces a three and out. JJ runs for 8 yards for only after being sacked for a loss of 3.
Despite this our announcers say that Jeremy is playing with more confidence.
The punt goes to the Georgia 34 with 4:32 to go in the quarter with the wind against us.
The Dogs drive to a first down at the AU 11 as the quarter ends, the drive kept alive as they convert a 4th and 4 along the way.
SECOND QUARTER
First play from the 11 there's a run to the two. Not good.
There's a fumble and Kris Frost almost recovers.
We stuff the run on third down.
On 4th and 1 for the first down from the two the pass is incomplete as Carl Lawson got into the passing lane. Not a deflection but he blocked their quarterback's vision.
That's a big stop for the defense!
On the first play from the two Jovon Robinson runs for 33 to the 35.
BUT Johnson throws an interception later and Georgia starts on their 40.
Our QB has to shake this off. We shall see.
The Dogs move to a third and short on our 12 but for some reason their QB goes back deep to pass and McKinzy sacks him! The 40 yard FG is good.
Auburn 7 Georgia 3
So far after that opening drive our defense has kept us in the game.
Our offense must get going again.
The verdict is so-so.
The Tigers drive for a first down to the Bulldog 22 but have to settle for a 42 yard Daniel Carlson field goal. We were running effectively but suddenly we try to throw from the 22 and Jeremy Johnson is not the best QB when you're throwing on every down. We are at half.
Auburn 10 Georgia 3
THIRD QUARTER
The teams swap possessions until late in the quarter when Georgia drives from their 34 for the touchdown. We had them stopped but a face mask call gives them a first down which leads to the score. The problem is that earlier there was a blatant face mask on Jeremy Johnson right in front of the official that wasn't called. No consistency in the officiating.
Auburn 10 Georgia 10
Our offense needs to get going, but it doesn't like it's going to happen as the third quarter winds down.
Three incomplete passes and Auburn is punting with 59 seconds to go in the quarter.
Sean White is in the game having come in the last series but it makes no difference.
They are stuffing the line of scrimmage and we cannot throw the ball.
Our offense is not in the game.
Georgia has all the momentum. This game has turned against us in the third quarter.
Luckily we are stilled tied at this point.
Georgia gets good field possession after the punt at their 45.
The pressure is on our defense with no help so far in this half from our offense.
A touchdown here and we are in serious trouble.
The quarter ends with Georgia facing third and 2.
This game is going down to the wire it would appear.
FOURTH QUARTER
First down to the Auburn 44. It looks like we can't stop them.
We do push them back helped by penalties but their punt rolls dead at the 6.
We had them 4th and 42 but they get a 20 yard run before the punt. I don't understand that.
If we go three and out from here Georgia will win the game.
We are lucky the game is still tied with 11:52 left.
Jovon Robinson runs for 2 yards.
Sean White is our QB.
We are only 2 of 8 so far on third down.
Johnson comes in and is dropped on the 6.
Once again we're three and out. Of offense if comatose.
Since the first quarter our offense has gone backwards.
We will need another miracle as in 2013.
And now there is a punt return for the touchdown as the officials miss a block in the back.
Georgia gets away with another non-call.
Now we are in serious trouble.
This is all due to our offensive ineffectiveness.
It's been all Georgia in the second half. Our offense is out of it. It will cost us this game.
Auburn 10 Georgia 17
Will there be a 2013 like miracle?
I doubt it.
Sean White has been in there but he is obviously hobbled.
Jeremy Johnson is still Jeremy Johnson.
When forced to throw we can't do it.
In the second half we have one first down and 21 yards of total offense.
AU begins at the 23.
9:22 to go.
Disaster strikes. White fumbles, Georgia recovers, and kicks the field goal.
Auburn 10 Georgia 20
I don't understand this offensive meltdown. After last week's improvement and our opening drive today, what has happened??? The shame is that our defense has obviously improved. This game is all over with 6:49 to go. This is not a very good Georgia team but they are better than Auburn today.
Ford returns the kickoff to the Auburn 27.
Finally Auburn moves the ball smartly down the field with Jeremy Johnson at QB but from the 7 Ricardo Louis reverses his field on the speed sweep and fumbles near the goal line and Georgia recovers. So we will lose this game as the offense suffers its third turnover.
It's hard to understand the ineffectiveness of this Gus Malzahn offense especially when our defense kept us in this game till the end. I never thought I would such a poor, poor Malzahn offense.
Auburn is using its timeouts to make Georgia punt near their goal line.
We use our three timeouts to force Georgia to punt from their end zone with 3:09 left.
After the punt we start on their 37 with no timeouts left.
We have to score quickly to get a miracle finish.
The Tigers get close enough to elect to go for the field goal and attempt the onside kick with 1:14 to go.
Auburn 13 Georgia 20
Georgia recovers the onside kick and that's that.
After such a great start as we score our only touchdown on our opening possession the defense keeps us in the game, but our offense vanishes. It's all because we cannot throw the ball. We have no threat of a passing game so all a team has to go is stack the line of scrimmage, dare our offense to throw it, and we can't.
Beating UAB
The weekend begins with the Tigers beating a good UAB team 75 to 74 with a 3-pointer by T.J. Lang with 16 seconds left followed by a blocked shot by Horace Spencer. The Tigers led most of the game and by as many as 14 in the first half. A win over Georgia now would make this a great weekend.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
It's Georgia Week
Next to Alabama, the Georgia game brings back the most memories. Who can forget the Miracle at Jordan Hare two years ago?
I see that on Auburn Undercover that the Tigers are a one point favorite. I figured it would be one or two points either way.
The coach isn't saying who will start at QB. I honestly don't know who it might be and I do not know which one would give us the best chance to win.
I see that on Auburn Undercover that the Tigers are a one point favorite. I figured it would be one or two points either way.
The coach isn't saying who will start at QB. I honestly don't know who it might be and I do not know which one would give us the best chance to win.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
2015 Game 9 TAMU
I watched Florida edge Vanderbilt 9 to 7 with a late field goal. I was stunned to see how good the Vandy defense is. How can Vanderbilt have such a good defense and Auburn have such a bad defense? They can't have better athletes than us, can they? I don't understand it. Their defense looks like a cohesive unit of 11 players on the same page whereas our defense looks like 11 players going in different directions.
On this rainy day there are more big games than any Saturday this season so far.
Ole Miss blows the SEC championship game by losing 53 to 52 to Arkansas.
Our game is a 6:30 kickoff at Kyle Field. The Aggies are a 7 point favorite. I do not see how Auburn can win this game. They have a dual threat quarterback and the home field advantage and our offense can't find the end zone. Each week it's one thing after another. What will it be this week?
To win this game:
1) Our defense needs to make some stops and get off the field on third down.
2) We need to establish the running game.
3) Our receivers need to catch the football.
4) We need to continue to be solid in the kicking game.
What will happen?
Before the game we learn that Jeremy Johnson starts at QB as Sean White with a leg injury cannot go. We are real trouble now!
The rain has moved out but the wind is swirling and whipping around on the field.
This will make it all the worse for Jeremy Johnson.
This will be a long night most likely. How many interceptions will JJ throw?
FIRST QUARTER
The Aggies win the toss, receive, and start on their 39 after a run back.
They cross midfield, our defense stiffens, and on 4th and 13 they hit a 50-yard FG in the swirling wind.
Auburn 0 TAMU 3
The Tigers look impressive in their first possession as they drive for the touchdown.
JJ is 6 for 6. He looks like a different quarterback.
Jovon Robinson is running hard.
The score comes on an 8 yd. pass to Marcus Davis.
11 plays/75 yards
Auburn 7 TAMU 3
What will this good start lead to?
The Aggies drive across midfield but Carlton Davis intercepts in the end zone!
Big turnover.
From their 20 the Tigers march smartly down the field to a first down at the Aggie 7 as the quarter ends. Jovon Robison is running like he is demon possessed. Jeremy Johnson is 9 for 9 so far.
SECOND QUARTER
From the one and half yard line on third down Jovon Robinson reaches the ball across the line for the touchdown. So far this is a different Auburn team than we've seen so far this year. So far this offense 2 for 2 in the Red Zone.
Auburn 14 TAMU 3
It looks like the Aggies will score as they drive to a first down at the Auburn 12, but Justin Garrett intercepts at the goal line and runs it back to the 11. That's two turnovers for the defense.
The Tigers go three and out as JJ misses a wide-open Kerryon Johnson for what would have been a first down. That's his first miss. Should have been but wasn't.
TAMU starts on their 41 after the punt. We can't have any more mistakes. The offense cannot have any lulls.
The Aggies go three and out. We are doing a good job so far with their touted freshman QB.
Marcus Davis fair catches at the Auburn 11 with 8:20 to go in the half.
After getting to the AU 30 we have to punt. I hope we are not getting into an offensive lull.
That's two straight punts by Auburn.
TAMU moves the ball again. Can we stop them?
4th and 1 at the AU 23 as the clock winds down.
No doubt they will go for it.
We stop the QB short!!! No gain.
2:01 to go.
The Tigers play conservative and punt the ball to the Aggies.
On the last play of the half we sack their QB and the half ends.
It's a good first half for the Auburn Tigers.
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers get the ball to start the half.
Kerryon Johnson returns to the 25.
The Tigers drive to a 35 yard field goal. The big chain moving play is a long pass to Kerryon Johnson on the wheel route.
Auburn 17 TAMU 3
Blake Countess intercepts!
AU has the ball back at our 46.
We drive into the Red Zone. Ricardo Louis drops another pass that would have been a first down inside the 5 or maybe a touchdown and we have to settle for the 30 yard field goal. We have reverted to our inability to put the ball into the end zone. This could cost us the game before it's over.
Auburn 20 TAMU 3
The Aggies drive for the touchdown after a controversial result that goes against our team.
An Aggie player is called for targeting. Replay shows that it was clearly a helmet to helmet strike, but the on the field call is reversed. Our announcers are incredulous. All they can say is that the definition of targeting is not well defined. Amazing. That was a vicious targeting but they get away with it.
Auburn 20 TAMU 10
The Tigers march authoritatively right down the field mainly gashing their defense running the football. Powerful, powerful, looking offensive surge. The quarter ends with Auburn second and goal at the Aggie 3. The offense is on fire with this drive.
FOURTH QUARTER
Barber is dropped for a three yard loss. Not good.
No touchdown. We have to settle for another field. Another Red Zone disappointment.
We have to settle for the field goal. A great looking drive stops short of the end zone.
Auburn 23 TAMU 10
That was truly not good. A touchdown there might have sealed this game. Instead it's still a game with only a 13-point lead still at the start of the 4th quarter. There is a lot football left. That's three straight field goals after two touchdowns to start the game. Will Red Zone woes cost us this game?
Their starting QB is in the locker room. Kyle Allen, who started the season as the starter, has not been seen. They are using their third string quarterback.
The Tigers drive to another field goal. We play conservative running Robinson on almost every play although there is a long pass completion to Tony Stevens to their 23. I don't understand why JJ doesn't keep the ball on a fake to Robinson. In this case the FG is a good move. The kick is for 31 yards. The clock is under 7 minutes.
Auburn 26 TAMU 10
The kickoff is the first touchback of the game with the swirling wind out there.
They continue with their third string quarterback.
First down to their 37.
Aggies move into Auburn territory but we finally stop them on 4th down.
Then the Tigers run the clock out.
Our Tigers get out of College Station with a big SEC road win.
This team improved tonight. The defense was impressive getting 3 turnovers.
Jeremy Johnson came on like he was supposed to at the start of the season.
Daniel Carlson continues his All-American kicking.
Every aspect of the team improved.
We have hope moving forward.
Final Score
Auburn 26 TAMU 10
On this rainy day there are more big games than any Saturday this season so far.
Ole Miss blows the SEC championship game by losing 53 to 52 to Arkansas.
Our game is a 6:30 kickoff at Kyle Field. The Aggies are a 7 point favorite. I do not see how Auburn can win this game. They have a dual threat quarterback and the home field advantage and our offense can't find the end zone. Each week it's one thing after another. What will it be this week?
To win this game:
1) Our defense needs to make some stops and get off the field on third down.
2) We need to establish the running game.
3) Our receivers need to catch the football.
4) We need to continue to be solid in the kicking game.
What will happen?
Before the game we learn that Jeremy Johnson starts at QB as Sean White with a leg injury cannot go. We are real trouble now!
The rain has moved out but the wind is swirling and whipping around on the field.
This will make it all the worse for Jeremy Johnson.
This will be a long night most likely. How many interceptions will JJ throw?
FIRST QUARTER
The Aggies win the toss, receive, and start on their 39 after a run back.
They cross midfield, our defense stiffens, and on 4th and 13 they hit a 50-yard FG in the swirling wind.
Auburn 0 TAMU 3
The Tigers look impressive in their first possession as they drive for the touchdown.
JJ is 6 for 6. He looks like a different quarterback.
Jovon Robinson is running hard.
The score comes on an 8 yd. pass to Marcus Davis.
11 plays/75 yards
Auburn 7 TAMU 3
What will this good start lead to?
The Aggies drive across midfield but Carlton Davis intercepts in the end zone!
Big turnover.
From their 20 the Tigers march smartly down the field to a first down at the Aggie 7 as the quarter ends. Jovon Robison is running like he is demon possessed. Jeremy Johnson is 9 for 9 so far.
SECOND QUARTER
From the one and half yard line on third down Jovon Robinson reaches the ball across the line for the touchdown. So far this is a different Auburn team than we've seen so far this year. So far this offense 2 for 2 in the Red Zone.
Auburn 14 TAMU 3
It looks like the Aggies will score as they drive to a first down at the Auburn 12, but Justin Garrett intercepts at the goal line and runs it back to the 11. That's two turnovers for the defense.
The Tigers go three and out as JJ misses a wide-open Kerryon Johnson for what would have been a first down. That's his first miss. Should have been but wasn't.
TAMU starts on their 41 after the punt. We can't have any more mistakes. The offense cannot have any lulls.
The Aggies go three and out. We are doing a good job so far with their touted freshman QB.
Marcus Davis fair catches at the Auburn 11 with 8:20 to go in the half.
After getting to the AU 30 we have to punt. I hope we are not getting into an offensive lull.
That's two straight punts by Auburn.
TAMU moves the ball again. Can we stop them?
4th and 1 at the AU 23 as the clock winds down.
No doubt they will go for it.
We stop the QB short!!! No gain.
2:01 to go.
The Tigers play conservative and punt the ball to the Aggies.
On the last play of the half we sack their QB and the half ends.
It's a good first half for the Auburn Tigers.
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers get the ball to start the half.
Kerryon Johnson returns to the 25.
The Tigers drive to a 35 yard field goal. The big chain moving play is a long pass to Kerryon Johnson on the wheel route.
Auburn 17 TAMU 3
Blake Countess intercepts!
AU has the ball back at our 46.
We drive into the Red Zone. Ricardo Louis drops another pass that would have been a first down inside the 5 or maybe a touchdown and we have to settle for the 30 yard field goal. We have reverted to our inability to put the ball into the end zone. This could cost us the game before it's over.
Auburn 20 TAMU 3
The Aggies drive for the touchdown after a controversial result that goes against our team.
An Aggie player is called for targeting. Replay shows that it was clearly a helmet to helmet strike, but the on the field call is reversed. Our announcers are incredulous. All they can say is that the definition of targeting is not well defined. Amazing. That was a vicious targeting but they get away with it.
Auburn 20 TAMU 10
The Tigers march authoritatively right down the field mainly gashing their defense running the football. Powerful, powerful, looking offensive surge. The quarter ends with Auburn second and goal at the Aggie 3. The offense is on fire with this drive.
FOURTH QUARTER
Barber is dropped for a three yard loss. Not good.
No touchdown. We have to settle for another field. Another Red Zone disappointment.
We have to settle for the field goal. A great looking drive stops short of the end zone.
Auburn 23 TAMU 10
That was truly not good. A touchdown there might have sealed this game. Instead it's still a game with only a 13-point lead still at the start of the 4th quarter. There is a lot football left. That's three straight field goals after two touchdowns to start the game. Will Red Zone woes cost us this game?
Their starting QB is in the locker room. Kyle Allen, who started the season as the starter, has not been seen. They are using their third string quarterback.
The Tigers drive to another field goal. We play conservative running Robinson on almost every play although there is a long pass completion to Tony Stevens to their 23. I don't understand why JJ doesn't keep the ball on a fake to Robinson. In this case the FG is a good move. The kick is for 31 yards. The clock is under 7 minutes.
Auburn 26 TAMU 10
The kickoff is the first touchback of the game with the swirling wind out there.
They continue with their third string quarterback.
First down to their 37.
Aggies move into Auburn territory but we finally stop them on 4th down.
Then the Tigers run the clock out.
Our Tigers get out of College Station with a big SEC road win.
This team improved tonight. The defense was impressive getting 3 turnovers.
Jeremy Johnson came on like he was supposed to at the start of the season.
Daniel Carlson continues his All-American kicking.
Every aspect of the team improved.
We have hope moving forward.
Final Score
Auburn 26 TAMU 10
Saturday, October 31, 2015
2015 Game 8 Ole Miss
It seems like every game is crucial as to whether this season straightens out or whether it is clearly a lost season. The Tigers are 4 and 3 and are a 7 point underdog at home against the Rebels. It chaps me to be an underdog at home to Ole Miss. This should never be. Word is this morning that Sean White has some kind of undisclosed injury and may not start. I had not heard anything about this. If he can't go, I certainly do not like our chances. We have the early game on the SEC network. Have we ever started well in in early kickoff? Last week dropped passes doomed us. What might doom us this week? Just before kickoff I see that the line has increased to 8.5. Sounds like White may not start.
FIRST QUARTER
Sean White is out there. The Tigers receive but after only first down have to punt.
From their 19 Ole Miss drives for a 27-yard field goal. They move the ball easily until we stop them on a third and one.
If our offense doesn't show up we will lose this game. Hence, my early assessment. :)
Auburn 0 Ole Miss 3
After one first down White throws deep downfield on third down to an interception at the OM 20.
Our defense stops them cold three and out with a big sack on third down by McKinzy.
There is a poor punt and AU starts at the Rebel 39.
The Tigers have to settle for a 52-yard Carlson field goal.
On third and 10 Roc Thomas could have had the first down if he had run the short completion correctly.
Auburn 3 Ole Miss 3
Our defense comes up strong again and Ole Miss punts to the AU 26.
Carl Lawson is having an affect out there.
There is a 22 yard completion to the AU 48.
On the last play of the quarter Thomas crosses midfield for a 3 yard gain.
SECOND QUARTER
TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!
After another short gain Sean White hits Ricardo Louis down the middle on a post pattern for a 47 yard scoring pass. This is White's first TD pass. He was wide-open and White hits him on a rope which he had to do. That's more like it!
Auburn 10 Ole Miss 3
OM crosses midfield but finally punts to the Auburn 9. There was a pass ruled complete that was not reviewed that was clearly not a completion that kept their drive alive temporarily.
The Tigers go 3 and out and punt to the their 39.
The Rebs cross midfield again but punt to our 11.
So far our defense is getting pressure on their QB and they are a passing team.
The effects of Carl Lawson I can see with my own eyes.
It is amazing how much difference he makes.
The Tigers move out to a third and 3 after a good completion to Louis.
On 4th and 1 the pass is incomplete and OM takes over on our 49.
The gamble doesn't pay off but I'm glad we went for it.
OM goes for it on 4th 2 from our 41.
The first pass completion goes to the AU 35 on a quick out throw.
Then they are down to our 25.
There is a run to the touchdown with poor tackling from the 25.
After that 4th down first down our defense looks bad for the first time today after their initial possession. That was disappointing allowing that 25 yard run for the end zone.
Auburn 10 Ole Miss 10
Well, here we go.
Unfortunately we go three and out as Jovon Robinson carries three times.
We have to punt with 2:42 to go in the half.
OM has the momentum and they get the ball coming out in the second half.
The punt goes to their 29.
Plenty of time for Ole Miss to do something with 2:30 left now.
OM gets to our 25 and a TO with 49 seconds left.
We don't need to give up points here but OM is methodically moving the ball. They have seized the momentum after we gamble and don't pick up the first down on 4th down.
On third and three Countess intercepts as the ball bounces off the receiver up into the air.
We needed that!
We run out the clock but the end is scary as JJ runs a quarterback draw. The ball comes loose. The call on the field is that he is down, but the refs take a long time in confirming the call on the field, clearly the correct call. Officiating these days scares me to death.
It looks like our Coach is doing what he can to get Jeremy Johnson on the field. He scares me every time he's out there.
We are at half tied 10-10 with a ballgame up for grabs.
THIRD QUARTER
Ole Miss receives to start the second half. This is a big possession.
The Rebels drive for a 37 yard field goal. Well, okay if our offense can respond. Otherwise, this game can get away from us.
Auburn 10 Ole Miss 13
The Rebels drive to our 5 but we stop them on 4th and one. Great stop by the defense!
The Tigers drive to the Rebel 5 but we have to settle for the typing short field goal.
Jovon Robinson runs 5 times for 45 yards. Peyton Barber has hardly seen action.
Robinson is showing sparks of being an every down RB.
Game on.
Auburn 13 Ole Miss 13
OM gets a 45 yard TD pass as our defender doesn't get his head around.
That didn't take long.
This is the first they beat us on a long play.
Auburn 13 Ole Miss 20
Well, our offense has to score touchdowns now.
The quarter ends with Auburn facing 2nd and 10 at the Ole Miss 12
There was a long completion to Louis and bull running by Jovon Robinson.
At least Jovon Robinson is having a coming out party.
FOURTH QUARTER
The Tigers drive to a first down to the Ole Miss 12 but once again we have to settle for the FG.
There was a pass completion that would have led to a first down inside the 2 but we are rightly called for holding.
Auburn 16 Ole Miss 20
Still early in the fourth quarter.
OM starts at their 25 as they have all day after Carlson's kickoffs.
They have been quick passing us all day and running just enough.
Kris Frost get the interception at the Ole Miss 47!
We've been getting some hurries on their QB all day
JJ hits Stevens on a sky completion at the Rebel 3.
First and goal.
Once again we can't punch it in. If we lose it will because of not putting the ball into the end zone in the red zone. At least Carlson continues to come thru.
Auburn 19 Ole Miss 20
About 12 minutes left. Time for anything to happen.
Alas, OM moves right down the field. We cannot stop their quick passing.
Leading 20 to 19 the are quickly in FG range.
There is a skillful TD pass to Treadwell from around the 20. Good execution by their duo.
Well, this makes it difficult to say the least.
Auburn 19 Ole Miss 27
10:13 left. Again, having to settle for field goals has been the determining factor in this game.
We've had Red Zone Woes.
That and we haven't disrupted their passing game enough though we do have two turnovers.
More than likely that's the game. I can't us coming back to win this game.
The KO is returned to the 32.
This is a key drive to say the least.
After running for a first down White has to go out as his knee brace comes loose.
JJ comes in and throws into triple coverage.
White comes back in on third and 8 and the pass is incomplete and AU punts.
With 5:33 to go OM is punting.
Davis fair catches around our 10. We have to go 90 yard to try and tie this game. Ain't gonna happen most likely. This is certainly it.
Sean White is in the game.
Jovon Robinson continues to be the running back.
We drive to their 48 but the drive dies on 4th and 9.
There was a first down pass and maybe a touchdown pass but the ball is dropped just like last week.
The clock winds down under 3 minutes.
There is a first down run to our 40 and that does it.
We use our last TO but the game is over.
We don't get our run game going.
Our third down efficiency on offense is terrible.
Our defense showed improvement with Lawson on the field.
The offense is disappointing. The defense is improving but the offense can't make plays when it needs to.
This team is not good enough to overcome offensive miscues and lack of execution.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 19 Ole Miss 27
FIRST QUARTER
Sean White is out there. The Tigers receive but after only first down have to punt.
From their 19 Ole Miss drives for a 27-yard field goal. They move the ball easily until we stop them on a third and one.
If our offense doesn't show up we will lose this game. Hence, my early assessment. :)
Auburn 0 Ole Miss 3
After one first down White throws deep downfield on third down to an interception at the OM 20.
Our defense stops them cold three and out with a big sack on third down by McKinzy.
There is a poor punt and AU starts at the Rebel 39.
The Tigers have to settle for a 52-yard Carlson field goal.
On third and 10 Roc Thomas could have had the first down if he had run the short completion correctly.
Auburn 3 Ole Miss 3
Our defense comes up strong again and Ole Miss punts to the AU 26.
Carl Lawson is having an affect out there.
There is a 22 yard completion to the AU 48.
On the last play of the quarter Thomas crosses midfield for a 3 yard gain.
SECOND QUARTER
TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!
After another short gain Sean White hits Ricardo Louis down the middle on a post pattern for a 47 yard scoring pass. This is White's first TD pass. He was wide-open and White hits him on a rope which he had to do. That's more like it!
Auburn 10 Ole Miss 3
OM crosses midfield but finally punts to the Auburn 9. There was a pass ruled complete that was not reviewed that was clearly not a completion that kept their drive alive temporarily.
The Tigers go 3 and out and punt to the their 39.
The Rebs cross midfield again but punt to our 11.
So far our defense is getting pressure on their QB and they are a passing team.
The effects of Carl Lawson I can see with my own eyes.
It is amazing how much difference he makes.
The Tigers move out to a third and 3 after a good completion to Louis.
On 4th and 1 the pass is incomplete and OM takes over on our 49.
The gamble doesn't pay off but I'm glad we went for it.
OM goes for it on 4th 2 from our 41.
The first pass completion goes to the AU 35 on a quick out throw.
Then they are down to our 25.
There is a run to the touchdown with poor tackling from the 25.
After that 4th down first down our defense looks bad for the first time today after their initial possession. That was disappointing allowing that 25 yard run for the end zone.
Auburn 10 Ole Miss 10
Well, here we go.
Unfortunately we go three and out as Jovon Robinson carries three times.
We have to punt with 2:42 to go in the half.
OM has the momentum and they get the ball coming out in the second half.
The punt goes to their 29.
Plenty of time for Ole Miss to do something with 2:30 left now.
OM gets to our 25 and a TO with 49 seconds left.
We don't need to give up points here but OM is methodically moving the ball. They have seized the momentum after we gamble and don't pick up the first down on 4th down.
On third and three Countess intercepts as the ball bounces off the receiver up into the air.
We needed that!
We run out the clock but the end is scary as JJ runs a quarterback draw. The ball comes loose. The call on the field is that he is down, but the refs take a long time in confirming the call on the field, clearly the correct call. Officiating these days scares me to death.
It looks like our Coach is doing what he can to get Jeremy Johnson on the field. He scares me every time he's out there.
We are at half tied 10-10 with a ballgame up for grabs.
THIRD QUARTER
Ole Miss receives to start the second half. This is a big possession.
The Rebels drive for a 37 yard field goal. Well, okay if our offense can respond. Otherwise, this game can get away from us.
Auburn 10 Ole Miss 13
The Rebels drive to our 5 but we stop them on 4th and one. Great stop by the defense!
The Tigers drive to the Rebel 5 but we have to settle for the typing short field goal.
Jovon Robinson runs 5 times for 45 yards. Peyton Barber has hardly seen action.
Robinson is showing sparks of being an every down RB.
Game on.
Auburn 13 Ole Miss 13
OM gets a 45 yard TD pass as our defender doesn't get his head around.
That didn't take long.
This is the first they beat us on a long play.
Auburn 13 Ole Miss 20
Well, our offense has to score touchdowns now.
The quarter ends with Auburn facing 2nd and 10 at the Ole Miss 12
There was a long completion to Louis and bull running by Jovon Robinson.
At least Jovon Robinson is having a coming out party.
FOURTH QUARTER
The Tigers drive to a first down to the Ole Miss 12 but once again we have to settle for the FG.
There was a pass completion that would have led to a first down inside the 2 but we are rightly called for holding.
Auburn 16 Ole Miss 20
Still early in the fourth quarter.
OM starts at their 25 as they have all day after Carlson's kickoffs.
They have been quick passing us all day and running just enough.
Kris Frost get the interception at the Ole Miss 47!
We've been getting some hurries on their QB all day
JJ hits Stevens on a sky completion at the Rebel 3.
First and goal.
Once again we can't punch it in. If we lose it will because of not putting the ball into the end zone in the red zone. At least Carlson continues to come thru.
Auburn 19 Ole Miss 20
About 12 minutes left. Time for anything to happen.
Alas, OM moves right down the field. We cannot stop their quick passing.
Leading 20 to 19 the are quickly in FG range.
There is a skillful TD pass to Treadwell from around the 20. Good execution by their duo.
Well, this makes it difficult to say the least.
Auburn 19 Ole Miss 27
10:13 left. Again, having to settle for field goals has been the determining factor in this game.
We've had Red Zone Woes.
That and we haven't disrupted their passing game enough though we do have two turnovers.
More than likely that's the game. I can't us coming back to win this game.
The KO is returned to the 32.
This is a key drive to say the least.
After running for a first down White has to go out as his knee brace comes loose.
JJ comes in and throws into triple coverage.
White comes back in on third and 8 and the pass is incomplete and AU punts.
With 5:33 to go OM is punting.
Davis fair catches around our 10. We have to go 90 yard to try and tie this game. Ain't gonna happen most likely. This is certainly it.
Sean White is in the game.
Jovon Robinson continues to be the running back.
We drive to their 48 but the drive dies on 4th and 9.
There was a first down pass and maybe a touchdown pass but the ball is dropped just like last week.
The clock winds down under 3 minutes.
There is a first down run to our 40 and that does it.
We use our last TO but the game is over.
We don't get our run game going.
Our third down efficiency on offense is terrible.
Our defense showed improvement with Lawson on the field.
The offense is disappointing. The defense is improving but the offense can't make plays when it needs to.
This team is not good enough to overcome offensive miscues and lack of execution.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 19 Ole Miss 27
Saturday, October 24, 2015
2015 Game 7 Arkansas
Normally we would be in Fayetteville today. Maybe two years from now again. Both teams are 4 and 2 and 1 and 2 in the conference. Why is Arkansas a 6.5 point favorite? The home field advantage is all I can figure. Can we stop their running game? Can we pass effectively on their defense given that their passing defense gives up a lot of yards? How will the Tigers play on the road? We won back in 2013 and I remember winning in 1993. Have we won up there other than those years? It's supposed to rain, the result of Hurricane Patricia slamming into Mexico. Will the weather have an effect on the game? We don't like their coach "Bert." I have never had any animosity toward Arkansas, but I do have animosity toward Bert.
FIRST QUARTER
Arkansas receives and promptly drives 75 yards for the touchdown. There are two key pass completions to their good tight end. The score comes on an 11 yard sweep around right end. Carlton Davis was blatantly held but there is not call. (So far no rain) Their offense makes it look easy against our defense.
Auburn 0 Arkansas 7
The Tigers drive to midfield but have to punt from there. Ricardo Louis drops a pass and Melvin Ray drops another one. Otherwise, we would have continued the move the football. If we continue to get passes dropped we surely don't have a chance. We're throwing the ball downfield but our receivers can't catch the ball.
The Razorbacks drive inside Auburn territory, but we push them back to their 41 on a big sack by Gimel President. Their punt goes to the Auburn 19. Here comes our second offensive possession.
On third and four Tony Stevens drops another pass that would have been a first down. That's FOUR drops by our receivers. More drops than we've all year up to this point. Our receivers are killing us so far. White has been accurate.
Arkansas gets good field possession after the punt at their 40. Here come the Hogs again. We've probably lost this game already in the first quarter with our offense not keeping pace. The first quarter ends with Arkansas facing 3rd and 1.
SECOND QUARTER
Arkansas gets the touchdown on a 23 yard pass on a wheel route where the receiver was wide open. Our defense makes it look easy for them. At this point I see no way we are going to rally and win this football game.
Auburn 0 Arkansas 14
The Tigers look helpless. Arkansas looks well-coached; Auburn looks bad everywhere.
The Tigers start on their 44.
On a third and 8 Ricardo Louis drops another one he should have caught.
Three and out.
The punt only goes to the Razorback 24.
Arkansas's offense is clearly wearing down our defense already.
11:53 to go in the half.
We stop them at their 45. The punt goes to the Tiger 13 but we are three and out and Phillips, having a bad day, punts only to the Auburn 38. This team is disjointed. I do not understand what is going on out there. When even our punter, who has been having a great kicking the football, is struggling it makes me wonder. Our offense has run only 14 plays. Only one first down. We've had 6 drops so far. This is a lack of concentration and coaching. Our QB is not getting any help.
Likely from our 38 they will score again and that will be it.
First down at our 27.
We finally get a break as Kris White intercepts at the four!
For the first time in the game our offense moves the football.
The tone of the game changes dramatically as the Tigers drive 96 yards officially in 16 yards for the touchdown.
The offense suddenly comes alive. We convert a 4th and 2 along the way and Barber gangs in from the one for the score with 30 seconds to go.
Auburn 7 Arkansas 14
The clock expires. We have a ballgame. Auburn gets the ball to start the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers drive for the touchdown in their opening possession. That's a 75 yard 13 play drive running almost 6 minutes off the clock. Jason Smith sweeps right end from the 9 for the score!
Stan White exclaims, "What's going on now?" Our offense has come alive. That's two straight long drives for touchdowns. Yes, we have a ballgame. What a momentum swing so far from the first quarter.
Auburn 14 Arkansas 14
There's the first Arkansas three and out.
Their punt goes to the Auburn 18.
The Tigers go three and out as Chandler Cox drops (that's 7 drops in this game) a first down pass.
That hurts. If we lose this game these dropped passes will be the reason.
Phillips finally gets off a good 44 yd. punt to their 31.
The Razorbacks drive 69 yards in 8 plays for the TD. Their running back sweeps left end for 7 yards for the score. From a dropped pass to a punt to an Arkansas touchdown drive and they have the momentum back.
Auburn 14 Arkansas 21
From our 31 the Tigers go three and out and Arkansas extends their momentum grab. Louis is open for the first down but has to go the ground to make the catch and it's ruled correctly incomplete. This game could be slipping away.
Arkansas begins from their 38. There is a fumble but their QB recovers on the 35 as the third quarter ends. Will there be a remarkable Auburn comeback in the 4th quarter?
FOURTH QUARTER
My guess is that Arkansas will score again and put the game out of reach. We had the momentum, lost it, and that will be the game.
NO! We hold but the punt goes to our 7.
Whereupon the Tigers drive 93 yards in 12 plays for the tying score! Sean White is 4 for 4 on that drive. A key play is a long pass to Jason Smith.
The Tigers have the momentum back about halfway thru the final quarter.
Jeremy Johnson of all people plows over from the half yard line for the score.
We have a ballgame.
Auburn 21 Arkansas 21
What will happen now?
Arkansas will have the ball after our kickoff.
The Hogs drive for a 25 yard FG with 1:07 left. It looks dire.
Auburn 21 Arkansas 24
Unbelievably the Tigers drive for a tying 41 yard field goal!
Sean White is magnificent in completing two long passes to Ricardo Louis.
We are going to overtime! Win or lose that was a great last drive to tie this game.
Auburn 24 Arkansas 24
OVERTIME
The Tigers get the ball and on three quick running players with Barber carrying each time we core the touchdown. Auburn has the momentum.
Auburn 31 Arkansas 24
We come within an eyelash of winning in the first OT but on 4th and 3 from the 6 they get the TD pass into the end zone as our defender cannot quite get his right hand around to bat down the pass.
Auburn 31 Arkansas 31
SECOND OVERTIME
Arkansas gets the ball first and goes to a first and goal at the three.
There's the TD quickly. Arkansas has the momentum back. Our defense gets whipped on this one.
Auburn 31 Arkansas 38
OH, MY!
Not to worry yet. The Tigers punch it in, Barber lowering his head from the three.
We are going to overtime number 3 in which you have to go for two.
What a game!
Auburn 38 Arkansas 38
THIRD OVERTIME
The Tigers find the end zone again.
Barber, Barber, Barber punches it in from the one.
And THEN on the point after White rolls right and throws back left to a wide open Melvin Ray.
The two point conversion is good!
Auburn 46 Arkansas 38
4th and 2 from the 4.
Sweep left and Arkansas scores.
Now they have to go for two.
Yikes!
Their QB rolls right and finds the receiver for the two point conversion.
Good play by their QB to find the receiver.
I can't believe this. I can't believe this. I can't believe this.
Auburn 46 Arkansas 46
FOURTH OVERTIME
First play there's a 25-yd. TD pass by Arkansas. Poor tackling.
Need to hold them on the conversion.
The two point conversion is good.
This might be it.
I don't see who we can do it again. We will likely lose in the 4th overtime.
Auburn 46 Arkansas 54
2nd and 8 after Barber runs for two.
Louis drops the ball in the end zone. Another dropped pass. Drop number for 8 today.
Should have been a touchdown. Good throw by Sean White. If we had caught at least half of those 8 drops we wouldn't be in this position.
Auburn has to use a TO as the play clock winds down.
Incomplete to Stevens in the end zone.
4th and 9 from the 24.
The pass to Louis is incomplete over the middle. He seemed to have the ball but couldn't hang on as a defender came in at the last second. Either the 9th drop or give credit to the defender. It doesn't matter because Louis couldn't bring it in.
Eight drops and maybe nine cost us at least 100 yards of yardage.
This was a very winnable game on the road but is now a tough, tough loss.
Our announcers point to the continued dropped passes mostly from Ricardo Louis.
Arkansas wins in 4 overtimes 54 to 46.
This equals the longest game in AU history.
FIRST QUARTER
Arkansas receives and promptly drives 75 yards for the touchdown. There are two key pass completions to their good tight end. The score comes on an 11 yard sweep around right end. Carlton Davis was blatantly held but there is not call. (So far no rain) Their offense makes it look easy against our defense.
Auburn 0 Arkansas 7
The Tigers drive to midfield but have to punt from there. Ricardo Louis drops a pass and Melvin Ray drops another one. Otherwise, we would have continued the move the football. If we continue to get passes dropped we surely don't have a chance. We're throwing the ball downfield but our receivers can't catch the ball.
The Razorbacks drive inside Auburn territory, but we push them back to their 41 on a big sack by Gimel President. Their punt goes to the Auburn 19. Here comes our second offensive possession.
On third and four Tony Stevens drops another pass that would have been a first down. That's FOUR drops by our receivers. More drops than we've all year up to this point. Our receivers are killing us so far. White has been accurate.
Arkansas gets good field possession after the punt at their 40. Here come the Hogs again. We've probably lost this game already in the first quarter with our offense not keeping pace. The first quarter ends with Arkansas facing 3rd and 1.
SECOND QUARTER
Arkansas gets the touchdown on a 23 yard pass on a wheel route where the receiver was wide open. Our defense makes it look easy for them. At this point I see no way we are going to rally and win this football game.
Auburn 0 Arkansas 14
The Tigers look helpless. Arkansas looks well-coached; Auburn looks bad everywhere.
The Tigers start on their 44.
On a third and 8 Ricardo Louis drops another one he should have caught.
Three and out.
The punt only goes to the Razorback 24.
Arkansas's offense is clearly wearing down our defense already.
11:53 to go in the half.
We stop them at their 45. The punt goes to the Tiger 13 but we are three and out and Phillips, having a bad day, punts only to the Auburn 38. This team is disjointed. I do not understand what is going on out there. When even our punter, who has been having a great kicking the football, is struggling it makes me wonder. Our offense has run only 14 plays. Only one first down. We've had 6 drops so far. This is a lack of concentration and coaching. Our QB is not getting any help.
Likely from our 38 they will score again and that will be it.
First down at our 27.
We finally get a break as Kris White intercepts at the four!
For the first time in the game our offense moves the football.
The tone of the game changes dramatically as the Tigers drive 96 yards officially in 16 yards for the touchdown.
The offense suddenly comes alive. We convert a 4th and 2 along the way and Barber gangs in from the one for the score with 30 seconds to go.
Auburn 7 Arkansas 14
The clock expires. We have a ballgame. Auburn gets the ball to start the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers drive for the touchdown in their opening possession. That's a 75 yard 13 play drive running almost 6 minutes off the clock. Jason Smith sweeps right end from the 9 for the score!
Stan White exclaims, "What's going on now?" Our offense has come alive. That's two straight long drives for touchdowns. Yes, we have a ballgame. What a momentum swing so far from the first quarter.
Auburn 14 Arkansas 14
There's the first Arkansas three and out.
Their punt goes to the Auburn 18.
The Tigers go three and out as Chandler Cox drops (that's 7 drops in this game) a first down pass.
That hurts. If we lose this game these dropped passes will be the reason.
Phillips finally gets off a good 44 yd. punt to their 31.
The Razorbacks drive 69 yards in 8 plays for the TD. Their running back sweeps left end for 7 yards for the score. From a dropped pass to a punt to an Arkansas touchdown drive and they have the momentum back.
Auburn 14 Arkansas 21
From our 31 the Tigers go three and out and Arkansas extends their momentum grab. Louis is open for the first down but has to go the ground to make the catch and it's ruled correctly incomplete. This game could be slipping away.
Arkansas begins from their 38. There is a fumble but their QB recovers on the 35 as the third quarter ends. Will there be a remarkable Auburn comeback in the 4th quarter?
FOURTH QUARTER
My guess is that Arkansas will score again and put the game out of reach. We had the momentum, lost it, and that will be the game.
NO! We hold but the punt goes to our 7.
Whereupon the Tigers drive 93 yards in 12 plays for the tying score! Sean White is 4 for 4 on that drive. A key play is a long pass to Jason Smith.
The Tigers have the momentum back about halfway thru the final quarter.
Jeremy Johnson of all people plows over from the half yard line for the score.
We have a ballgame.
Auburn 21 Arkansas 21
What will happen now?
Arkansas will have the ball after our kickoff.
The Hogs drive for a 25 yard FG with 1:07 left. It looks dire.
Auburn 21 Arkansas 24
Unbelievably the Tigers drive for a tying 41 yard field goal!
Sean White is magnificent in completing two long passes to Ricardo Louis.
We are going to overtime! Win or lose that was a great last drive to tie this game.
Auburn 24 Arkansas 24
OVERTIME
The Tigers get the ball and on three quick running players with Barber carrying each time we core the touchdown. Auburn has the momentum.
Auburn 31 Arkansas 24
We come within an eyelash of winning in the first OT but on 4th and 3 from the 6 they get the TD pass into the end zone as our defender cannot quite get his right hand around to bat down the pass.
Auburn 31 Arkansas 31
SECOND OVERTIME
Arkansas gets the ball first and goes to a first and goal at the three.
There's the TD quickly. Arkansas has the momentum back. Our defense gets whipped on this one.
Auburn 31 Arkansas 38
OH, MY!
Not to worry yet. The Tigers punch it in, Barber lowering his head from the three.
We are going to overtime number 3 in which you have to go for two.
What a game!
Auburn 38 Arkansas 38
THIRD OVERTIME
The Tigers find the end zone again.
Barber, Barber, Barber punches it in from the one.
And THEN on the point after White rolls right and throws back left to a wide open Melvin Ray.
The two point conversion is good!
Auburn 46 Arkansas 38
4th and 2 from the 4.
Sweep left and Arkansas scores.
Now they have to go for two.
Yikes!
Their QB rolls right and finds the receiver for the two point conversion.
Good play by their QB to find the receiver.
I can't believe this. I can't believe this. I can't believe this.
Auburn 46 Arkansas 46
FOURTH OVERTIME
First play there's a 25-yd. TD pass by Arkansas. Poor tackling.
Need to hold them on the conversion.
The two point conversion is good.
This might be it.
I don't see who we can do it again. We will likely lose in the 4th overtime.
Auburn 46 Arkansas 54
2nd and 8 after Barber runs for two.
Louis drops the ball in the end zone. Another dropped pass. Drop number for 8 today.
Should have been a touchdown. Good throw by Sean White. If we had caught at least half of those 8 drops we wouldn't be in this position.
Auburn has to use a TO as the play clock winds down.
Incomplete to Stevens in the end zone.
4th and 9 from the 24.
The pass to Louis is incomplete over the middle. He seemed to have the ball but couldn't hang on as a defender came in at the last second. Either the 9th drop or give credit to the defender. It doesn't matter because Louis couldn't bring it in.
Eight drops and maybe nine cost us at least 100 yards of yardage.
This was a very winnable game on the road but is now a tough, tough loss.
Our announcers point to the continued dropped passes mostly from Ricardo Louis.
Arkansas wins in 4 overtimes 54 to 46.
This equals the longest game in AU history.
Friday, October 16, 2015
2015 Game 6 Kentucky
The game was played last night on ESPN. I decided to take paper notes as I watched and do the post today after. Freddy was at the game and we talked afterwards. I was very apprehensive before the game thinking we were going to lose even though we were a 2.5 point favorite. Auburn doesn't have much of a history of playing Kentucky. The Wildcats come in 4 and 1 and 2 and 1 in the conference. They certainly have a shot at the East so this game is as big for them as it is for us.
All week long Coach Malzahn was not saying who the starting QB would be. It's Sean White as you would think it should be. Carl Lawson is at the game and is a team captain but is not dressed out.
First Quarter Score AU 14 KY 7
Second Quarter AU 23 KY 10
Third Quarter AU 23 KY 20
Final Score AU 30 KY 27
AU 7 to 0 The Tigers receive and march right down the field looking like a Malzahn offense.
AU 7 to 7 The Wildcats quickly respond. Big quarterback mostly throwing but one big run.
AU 14 to 7 Another long drive. Kerryon Johnson looks good in the wildcat.
AU 17 to 7 First second quarter score is a 34 yard FG. We need touchdowns though in the RJ.
AU 17 to 10 KY gets the FG back.
AU 20 to 10 Another RJ bog down to settle for the FG.
AU 23 to 10 Last play of the half is a 52-yrd FG by Carlson.
AU 23 to 17 Just when we're feeling good KY starts the half with a 75-yrd. touchdown drive.
AU 23 to 20 Yikes! KY gets a FG converting third down after third down. Still a bugaboo.
AU 30 to 20 A statement drive for the first offense of the second half. 3-yrd Barber run finishes it.
AU 30 to 27 KY responds with 4:06 left. Oh, my!
On their last possession our defense holds on a 4th and 3 around midfield. We punt back to them at the end rather than go for it on 4th and one.
The defense continues to struggle with getting a pass rush and getting the defensive front to get off blocks and penetrate, and we continue to give up first downs on third down. This is so irritating!
The offense continues to sometimes have unproductive spurts as we did in the third quarter here, but overall this looked like a Gus Malzahn offense.
Whew!
The Tigers needed this win as badly as any in recent memory to go 4 and 2. Next stop Fayetteville.
All week long Coach Malzahn was not saying who the starting QB would be. It's Sean White as you would think it should be. Carl Lawson is at the game and is a team captain but is not dressed out.
First Quarter Score AU 14 KY 7
Second Quarter AU 23 KY 10
Third Quarter AU 23 KY 20
Final Score AU 30 KY 27
AU 7 to 0 The Tigers receive and march right down the field looking like a Malzahn offense.
AU 7 to 7 The Wildcats quickly respond. Big quarterback mostly throwing but one big run.
AU 14 to 7 Another long drive. Kerryon Johnson looks good in the wildcat.
AU 17 to 7 First second quarter score is a 34 yard FG. We need touchdowns though in the RJ.
AU 17 to 10 KY gets the FG back.
AU 20 to 10 Another RJ bog down to settle for the FG.
AU 23 to 10 Last play of the half is a 52-yrd FG by Carlson.
AU 23 to 17 Just when we're feeling good KY starts the half with a 75-yrd. touchdown drive.
AU 23 to 20 Yikes! KY gets a FG converting third down after third down. Still a bugaboo.
AU 30 to 20 A statement drive for the first offense of the second half. 3-yrd Barber run finishes it.
AU 30 to 27 KY responds with 4:06 left. Oh, my!
On their last possession our defense holds on a 4th and 3 around midfield. We punt back to them at the end rather than go for it on 4th and one.
The defense continues to struggle with getting a pass rush and getting the defensive front to get off blocks and penetrate, and we continue to give up first downs on third down. This is so irritating!
The offense continues to sometimes have unproductive spurts as we did in the third quarter here, but overall this looked like a Gus Malzahn offense.
Whew!
The Tigers needed this win as badly as any in recent memory to go 4 and 2. Next stop Fayetteville.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Tuesday Thoughts
Philip Marshall has a thought with which I agree, and that is that Gus Malzahn'a offense depends on having the hurry-up part of it running effectively. We do not have the hurry-up yet this year, and that may be the heart of the offensive problems. To be complete, the offense needs to be good without the hurry-up.
It's sad to see the old ball coach retire. He is such fun to have around. Since he's been at USC he's been innocuous. We could hate him at UF, but not at South Carolina.
Thursday night will be another turning point in our season. All we can do is wait and see what happens. I am not optimistic.
It's sad to see the old ball coach retire. He is such fun to have around. Since he's been at USC he's been innocuous. We could hate him at UF, but not at South Carolina.
Thursday night will be another turning point in our season. All we can do is wait and see what happens. I am not optimistic.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
A Pause
The Tigers were off yesterday getting ready to play Kentucky next Thursday night in Lexington. Duke Williams was dismissed from the team. Coach Malzahn had not choice in the matter. Sean White will start at QB but it feels like he hasn't given up on Jeremy Johnson. This will be a pivotal game as to whether the season can be salvaged.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Saturday, October 3, 2015
2015 Game 5 San Jose State
After last week's disappointing loss at home to Mississippi State the Tigers remain at home to face San Jose State. The Tigers are a 21 point favorite. What makes me nervous about this game is that it seems that SJSU has a good offense which means they will score on our defense. The game will be in the hands of our offense to score enough points to win this game. Can they do it? The visitors are 2 and 2 with Al Borges as offensive coordinator. Our offense must play and score points for us to win this game.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers get a good KO return by Blake Countess to the Spartan 39 but nothing happens after that and we have to punt to their 3. Then Justin Garrett intercepts at their 23 and we take it in for a touchdown. Kerryon Johnson runs two plays from the wildcat. Peyton Barber runs it in from the 2.
Auburn 7 SJSU 0
The Spartans drive 68 yards for a touchdown, which comes on an 18-yd. pass completion.
This is exactly what I expected, that they would be able to score on our defense and that we will have to score to win this game. I don't know if our offense can keep up. This is not a Gus Malzahn offense.
Auburn 7 SJSU 7
The Tigers drive 60 yards for the touchdown in 7 plays. There is a long gain on a swing pass to Roc Thomas. Peyton Barber runs around right end for the score from the 2.
Auburn 14 SJSU 7
The visitors drive to the AU 31 but on 4th and 3 and the last play of the quarter our defense holds.
SECOND QUARTER
From their 31 the Tigers go three and out. Jason Smith is open down the field on what would have been a touchdown but he can't reel in the ball off his opposite shoulder.
We get an interception on the Spartan 38 but miss a 55 yard FG attempt.
Our offense just isn't there. Right now I would say we are going to lose this game because our offense will not keep up. We've been helped so far by two turnovers.
SJSU starts moving the ball down the field. Our defense will give up a lot of points before this one is over.
The Spartans move easily down the field to the AU 31. They are pushing our defensive line off the ball.
They are gashing us with routine 8 and 9 rushing gains on first down.
On 4th and a football length to go at our 22 we stuff the runner, the ball comes loose, and Auburn recovers. That was GOOD.
We start on our 26 with 3:56 to go in the half.
The Tigers drive for the touchdown. On a crucial third and 9 there is a long pass to Ricardo Louis to just inside the 10 as Louis goes up and catches the ball. Duke Williams has a nice catch and run.
Peyton Barber runs around right end from the 5 for the score.
Auburn 21 SJSU 7
38 seconds left. Auburn has 3 turnovers and 2 have resulted in touchdowns.
Their scoring is not done. We have to keep scoring.
The clock expires. We take a 14 point lead into the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
The visitors drive smartly down the field 75 yards for the TD in 14 plays to open the half. The score comes on a sneak inside the one yard line. This game is far from over. If we don't keep scoring we will lose this game. They mainly run the ball right down our throats. Our defense is passive.
Auburn 21 SJSU 14
8:01 to go in the third. That was a great drive by SJSU and Al Borges. Nothing fancy. They were whipping our defensive front.
Ford picks up the knickleball KO and runs it down to the Spartan 24. That's a 57 yard kickoff return.
The Peyton Barber Show takes over. Running up the middle Barber leads the way.
The score comes from a leap at the one.
That's Barber's fourth touchdown of the day.
Auburn 28 SJSU 14
We still have to keep scoring.
SJSU will start their possession on the 25 as Carlson once again kicks into the end zone.
The Spartans end up punting to the Auburn 13.
The Tigers pick up a first down to the 37 as the third quarter dies.
FOURTH QUARTER
We need to keep moving the ball and scoring.
One thing is for sure: Peyton Barber may not have breakaway speed, but he is our hardest runner. He runs hard on every play.
The difference in the game is still their turnovers and our special teams play. We have 142 kickoff return yards and no penalties.
We move the ball to a 4th and less than yard at the Spartan 10, elect to try the FG, there is a miscommunication on snap, and Carlson misses the chip shot field goal. Should have gone first down. We get into the RZ and can't convert.
Starting from the 25 the Spartans move the ball right down the field like they've done all game.
This game is far from over.
There is a pass interference call on Countess in the end zone, our first penalty of the game, and they on our two.
Next play there is the score and we have a ballgame. We miss a chip shot field goal and the Spartans are in this game.
Auburn 28 SJSU 21
5:38 to go. If we give them the ball again leading by only 7 this game will go to overtime and we will lose.
This really is ridiculous. As in the botched FG attempt it's like this team looks for ways to lose a game.
The Spartans will attempt the onside kick. They haven't had much luck on kickoffs. Why not onside kick?
Auburn recovers the onside kick at the 45.
We start on their 45.
First play Barber runs for almost 10 yards.
Second play Barber runs 36 yards for the touchdown with 4:43 to go.
Peyton Barber has 5 touchdowns today.
Auburn 35 SJSU 21
Still not over. A defensive stop would be nice.
The KO is returned to the 31.
Quickly it's 3rd and 9.
First down.
2nd and 13 from the Auburn 40.
First Auburn sack of the day.
On third down Carlton Davis, the freshman, picks off an interception as the ball bounces off a receiver.
Peyton Barber makes a big run to their 32 and the Tigers get to go into victory formation.
One more of those and we get a homecoming win.
I see progress but this is certainly a great team yet.
Peyton Barber is the offensive player of the game. The defense gave up a lot of yards but had 4 turnovers.
It's over.
Auburn 35 SJSU 21
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers get a good KO return by Blake Countess to the Spartan 39 but nothing happens after that and we have to punt to their 3. Then Justin Garrett intercepts at their 23 and we take it in for a touchdown. Kerryon Johnson runs two plays from the wildcat. Peyton Barber runs it in from the 2.
Auburn 7 SJSU 0
The Spartans drive 68 yards for a touchdown, which comes on an 18-yd. pass completion.
This is exactly what I expected, that they would be able to score on our defense and that we will have to score to win this game. I don't know if our offense can keep up. This is not a Gus Malzahn offense.
Auburn 7 SJSU 7
The Tigers drive 60 yards for the touchdown in 7 plays. There is a long gain on a swing pass to Roc Thomas. Peyton Barber runs around right end for the score from the 2.
Auburn 14 SJSU 7
The visitors drive to the AU 31 but on 4th and 3 and the last play of the quarter our defense holds.
SECOND QUARTER
From their 31 the Tigers go three and out. Jason Smith is open down the field on what would have been a touchdown but he can't reel in the ball off his opposite shoulder.
We get an interception on the Spartan 38 but miss a 55 yard FG attempt.
Our offense just isn't there. Right now I would say we are going to lose this game because our offense will not keep up. We've been helped so far by two turnovers.
SJSU starts moving the ball down the field. Our defense will give up a lot of points before this one is over.
The Spartans move easily down the field to the AU 31. They are pushing our defensive line off the ball.
They are gashing us with routine 8 and 9 rushing gains on first down.
On 4th and a football length to go at our 22 we stuff the runner, the ball comes loose, and Auburn recovers. That was GOOD.
We start on our 26 with 3:56 to go in the half.
The Tigers drive for the touchdown. On a crucial third and 9 there is a long pass to Ricardo Louis to just inside the 10 as Louis goes up and catches the ball. Duke Williams has a nice catch and run.
Peyton Barber runs around right end from the 5 for the score.
Auburn 21 SJSU 7
38 seconds left. Auburn has 3 turnovers and 2 have resulted in touchdowns.
Their scoring is not done. We have to keep scoring.
The clock expires. We take a 14 point lead into the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
The visitors drive smartly down the field 75 yards for the TD in 14 plays to open the half. The score comes on a sneak inside the one yard line. This game is far from over. If we don't keep scoring we will lose this game. They mainly run the ball right down our throats. Our defense is passive.
Auburn 21 SJSU 14
8:01 to go in the third. That was a great drive by SJSU and Al Borges. Nothing fancy. They were whipping our defensive front.
Ford picks up the knickleball KO and runs it down to the Spartan 24. That's a 57 yard kickoff return.
The Peyton Barber Show takes over. Running up the middle Barber leads the way.
The score comes from a leap at the one.
That's Barber's fourth touchdown of the day.
Auburn 28 SJSU 14
We still have to keep scoring.
SJSU will start their possession on the 25 as Carlson once again kicks into the end zone.
The Spartans end up punting to the Auburn 13.
The Tigers pick up a first down to the 37 as the third quarter dies.
FOURTH QUARTER
We need to keep moving the ball and scoring.
One thing is for sure: Peyton Barber may not have breakaway speed, but he is our hardest runner. He runs hard on every play.
The difference in the game is still their turnovers and our special teams play. We have 142 kickoff return yards and no penalties.
We move the ball to a 4th and less than yard at the Spartan 10, elect to try the FG, there is a miscommunication on snap, and Carlson misses the chip shot field goal. Should have gone first down. We get into the RZ and can't convert.
Starting from the 25 the Spartans move the ball right down the field like they've done all game.
This game is far from over.
There is a pass interference call on Countess in the end zone, our first penalty of the game, and they on our two.
Next play there is the score and we have a ballgame. We miss a chip shot field goal and the Spartans are in this game.
Auburn 28 SJSU 21
5:38 to go. If we give them the ball again leading by only 7 this game will go to overtime and we will lose.
This really is ridiculous. As in the botched FG attempt it's like this team looks for ways to lose a game.
The Spartans will attempt the onside kick. They haven't had much luck on kickoffs. Why not onside kick?
Auburn recovers the onside kick at the 45.
We start on their 45.
First play Barber runs for almost 10 yards.
Second play Barber runs 36 yards for the touchdown with 4:43 to go.
Peyton Barber has 5 touchdowns today.
Auburn 35 SJSU 21
Still not over. A defensive stop would be nice.
The KO is returned to the 31.
Quickly it's 3rd and 9.
First down.
2nd and 13 from the Auburn 40.
First Auburn sack of the day.
On third down Carlton Davis, the freshman, picks off an interception as the ball bounces off a receiver.
Peyton Barber makes a big run to their 32 and the Tigers get to go into victory formation.
One more of those and we get a homecoming win.
I see progress but this is certainly a great team yet.
Peyton Barber is the offensive player of the game. The defense gave up a lot of yards but had 4 turnovers.
It's over.
Auburn 35 SJSU 21
Sunday, September 27, 2015
After Mississippi State
We were there last night to see the beginning of the Sean White Era. It was not a success although it looks like Sean is now our quarterback.
We were driving for a touchdown on the opening possession of the game when he threw an interception in the Red Zone. State had a 14 to 0 halftime lead and Auburn couldn't overcome it. We don't get touchdowns in the RZ all night long. That's the story of the game as MSU wins 17 to 9.
A long season just got longer.
We were driving for a touchdown on the opening possession of the game when he threw an interception in the Red Zone. State had a 14 to 0 halftime lead and Auburn couldn't overcome it. We don't get touchdowns in the RZ all night long. That's the story of the game as MSU wins 17 to 9.
A long season just got longer.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Sean White
We picked the right game to attend Saturday against Mississippi State. Sean White will take over at QB. This will be a big one.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
After LSU
What's the big deal about Auburn losing at LSU? Isn't it almost always the case that we lose down there? But when was the last time we lost so totally and ineptly? I do not remember and do not wish to remember. I do know that I am not going to read about "what's wrong with Auburn" and "can our coaches fix what's wrong" and I am not going to read talk about Jeremy Johnson. We'll see what happens. Leave it at that. Enough said.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
2015 Game 3 LSU
The facts are that Auburn comes into this game at Baton Rouge 2 and 0 but it's very shaky 2 and 0. We beat Louisville 31 and 24 but had to go to overtime to beat Jacksonville State. We could have lost last week which would have been one of the most embarrassing losses in Auburn football history. LSU is about a 7 point favorite. LSU beat State 21 to 19 last week. At least it's a 2;30 kickoff on CBS. We are probably facing a better team. I hope we get off to a good start. I hope we come to play and we see a good Auburn performance win or lose.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn wins the toss and defers. On the first play from scrimmage Leonard Fournette is off to the races. He runs through a gaping hole up the middle to the Auburn 4. We take them to 3rd and goal from the 2 but their QB Brandon Harris scores around left end on a option play. Well, so much for a good start. Less than 2 minutes into the game LSU leads.
Auburn 0 LSU 7
AU starts on the 25.
The Tigers seem to be mounting a drive moving the ball out to their 45 but Jeremy Johnson does it again. This time on second down back to pass the ball comes out of his hands behind him and it results in a huge loss and a 3rd and 29. The Tigers punt to the LSU 22.
LSU marches methodically down the field controlling the line of scrimmage.
They do not have to throw the football. Chain-moving power running. This is their game.
On a 3rd and 7 their QB runs up the middle where there are no Tigers to the Auburn 10.
There's a run to the 2.
LSU is manhandling Auburn upfront. The Fighting Tigers are overpowering Auburn. This is what I expected.
From the 1 we stop the QB sneak.
On third down there is a TD pass to their tight end. It looks easy for LSU.
Auburn 0 LSU 14
1:39 to go in the first quarter. We were moving the football when JJ let the ball get away from him under no pressure for a huge loss that stopped the drive. On the other hand, our defense shows no chance of stopping their offense. LSU is showing total domination.
If our offense can't do something here this game is probably over.
The quarter ends as Auburn picks up a first down to the AU 47.
SECOND QUARTER
JJ throws another interception on another ill-advised throw. Bad decision, bad throw. Jeremy Johnson is having another bad game. How long before Malzahn puts Sean White in? That's two major mistakes by JJ already.
LSU has the ball on their 28 early in the second quarter.
For the first time we hold on 3rd and 3 and LSU punts.
Marcus Davis fair catches on his 19.
What now?
13:06 left in the second quarter.
After one first down we have to punt from our 44.
The punt goes into the end zone.
We need a turnover. We need a turnover. We need a turnover.
BUT LSU drives again. Nothing is going right for us so far.
This is too easy for LSU. They are completely controlling this football game.
It's all physical. We are stacking the line of scrimmage and they are still running the ball easily.
I like the way LSU plays offense: power, physical football.
We hold them to a 4th and 10 from the 15.
The FG is good.
Auburn 0 LSU 17
6:54 to go.
AU starts on their 36 after a pooch kick.
Then JJ loses 7 after a first down run by Peyton Barber.
We move to 3rd and 11.
There's a poor throw by JJ attempting to hit Duke Williams.
Our QB play is terrible.
The punt stops at the LSU 5 with 5:02 to go.
The only good thing about this team is our punter.
Can our defense force a 3 and out on their 3?
On a third and 3 they get a big run from Brandon Harris out to their 45.
Leonard Fournette runs 39 yards for the touchdown.
Auburn 0 LSU 24
This is a superior team playing with an inferior team.
2:10 to go. LSU is physically dominating the line of scrimmage.
Fournette already has 169 yards.
Our offense cannot maintain a drive and we have had no explosive plays.
Auburn is 3 and out as we are lucky that LSU doesn't intercept again. Their guy just dropped the ball.
We have to say that Jeremy Johnson is horrible. Our defense is being manhandled but our offense is totally inept. We cannot throw the ball downfield. You can't trust Johnson to throw the ball down the field.
This is as bad as I've seen Auburn play since 2012.
THIRD QUARTER
Jeremy Johnson will start the second half. How long before Sean White comes in?
Jeremy Johnson runs 65 yards up the middle on a quarterback draw for the touchdown!
The offense comes out fired up. Just what we needed to at least keep the game respectable.
There's a score and it comes quickly. 4 plays 75 yards. Finally there is an explosive play.
Auburn 7 LSU 24
Auburn pooch kicks to the their 37 but LSU has possession.
Alas, LSU goes right down the field dominating the line of scrimmage.
Fournette runs it in from the 30. Our guys simply cannot tackle this guy. He is a great running back.
Auburn 7 LSU 31
Auburn cannot stop the LSU running game. They do not have to throw the ball.When
The Tigers are three and out.
When your punter Kevin Phillips is the bright spot you know you're in trouble.
LSU takes over after the punt at their 47.
LSU punts from midfield and we start at our 9 yard line.
On an obvious LSU offsides that is not called Johnson fumbles and they recover at the 5.
Our announcers are incredulous at the no call.
Fournette leaps over the pile from the one for the score.
Too bad on the no-call but still JJ dropped the ball though the off-sides rusher was on him as he received the snap.
Auburn 7 LSU 38
The Tigers drive for a touchdown. JJ is starting to look better with the game out of hand.
The score comes on a 9 yard pass from Johnson to Melvin Ray.
Auburn 14 LSU 38
The quarter ends with LSU in possession of the ball.
FOURTH QUARTER
LSU drives methodically for another touchdown. Our defense is defenseless.
11:23 to go.
Auburn has been schooled in every phase of the game.
LSU has rushed for 409 yards.
Auburn 14 LSU 45
The Tigers drive for a touchdown with Jeremy Johnson still in the game.
It seems that Coach Malzahn is sticking with Johnson no matter what.
The score comes on a 10-yard pass to Duke Williams, his first touchdown reception of the year.
Auburn 21 LSU 45
The Tigers get the ball after a punt at the LSU 45.
Johnson is still in the game.
The game winds down and our offense can do nothing.
Jeremy Johnson simply cannot throw the ball downfield.
How can you have an offense like this?
So that's your final score.
It's going to be a long season.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn wins the toss and defers. On the first play from scrimmage Leonard Fournette is off to the races. He runs through a gaping hole up the middle to the Auburn 4. We take them to 3rd and goal from the 2 but their QB Brandon Harris scores around left end on a option play. Well, so much for a good start. Less than 2 minutes into the game LSU leads.
Auburn 0 LSU 7
AU starts on the 25.
The Tigers seem to be mounting a drive moving the ball out to their 45 but Jeremy Johnson does it again. This time on second down back to pass the ball comes out of his hands behind him and it results in a huge loss and a 3rd and 29. The Tigers punt to the LSU 22.
LSU marches methodically down the field controlling the line of scrimmage.
They do not have to throw the football. Chain-moving power running. This is their game.
On a 3rd and 7 their QB runs up the middle where there are no Tigers to the Auburn 10.
There's a run to the 2.
LSU is manhandling Auburn upfront. The Fighting Tigers are overpowering Auburn. This is what I expected.
From the 1 we stop the QB sneak.
On third down there is a TD pass to their tight end. It looks easy for LSU.
Auburn 0 LSU 14
1:39 to go in the first quarter. We were moving the football when JJ let the ball get away from him under no pressure for a huge loss that stopped the drive. On the other hand, our defense shows no chance of stopping their offense. LSU is showing total domination.
If our offense can't do something here this game is probably over.
The quarter ends as Auburn picks up a first down to the AU 47.
SECOND QUARTER
JJ throws another interception on another ill-advised throw. Bad decision, bad throw. Jeremy Johnson is having another bad game. How long before Malzahn puts Sean White in? That's two major mistakes by JJ already.
LSU has the ball on their 28 early in the second quarter.
For the first time we hold on 3rd and 3 and LSU punts.
Marcus Davis fair catches on his 19.
What now?
13:06 left in the second quarter.
After one first down we have to punt from our 44.
The punt goes into the end zone.
We need a turnover. We need a turnover. We need a turnover.
BUT LSU drives again. Nothing is going right for us so far.
This is too easy for LSU. They are completely controlling this football game.
It's all physical. We are stacking the line of scrimmage and they are still running the ball easily.
I like the way LSU plays offense: power, physical football.
We hold them to a 4th and 10 from the 15.
The FG is good.
Auburn 0 LSU 17
6:54 to go.
AU starts on their 36 after a pooch kick.
Then JJ loses 7 after a first down run by Peyton Barber.
We move to 3rd and 11.
There's a poor throw by JJ attempting to hit Duke Williams.
Our QB play is terrible.
The punt stops at the LSU 5 with 5:02 to go.
The only good thing about this team is our punter.
Can our defense force a 3 and out on their 3?
On a third and 3 they get a big run from Brandon Harris out to their 45.
Leonard Fournette runs 39 yards for the touchdown.
Auburn 0 LSU 24
This is a superior team playing with an inferior team.
2:10 to go. LSU is physically dominating the line of scrimmage.
Fournette already has 169 yards.
Our offense cannot maintain a drive and we have had no explosive plays.
Auburn is 3 and out as we are lucky that LSU doesn't intercept again. Their guy just dropped the ball.
We have to say that Jeremy Johnson is horrible. Our defense is being manhandled but our offense is totally inept. We cannot throw the ball downfield. You can't trust Johnson to throw the ball down the field.
This is as bad as I've seen Auburn play since 2012.
THIRD QUARTER
Jeremy Johnson will start the second half. How long before Sean White comes in?
Jeremy Johnson runs 65 yards up the middle on a quarterback draw for the touchdown!
The offense comes out fired up. Just what we needed to at least keep the game respectable.
There's a score and it comes quickly. 4 plays 75 yards. Finally there is an explosive play.
Auburn 7 LSU 24
Auburn pooch kicks to the their 37 but LSU has possession.
Alas, LSU goes right down the field dominating the line of scrimmage.
Fournette runs it in from the 30. Our guys simply cannot tackle this guy. He is a great running back.
Auburn 7 LSU 31
Auburn cannot stop the LSU running game. They do not have to throw the ball.When
The Tigers are three and out.
When your punter Kevin Phillips is the bright spot you know you're in trouble.
LSU takes over after the punt at their 47.
LSU punts from midfield and we start at our 9 yard line.
On an obvious LSU offsides that is not called Johnson fumbles and they recover at the 5.
Our announcers are incredulous at the no call.
Fournette leaps over the pile from the one for the score.
Too bad on the no-call but still JJ dropped the ball though the off-sides rusher was on him as he received the snap.
Auburn 7 LSU 38
The Tigers drive for a touchdown. JJ is starting to look better with the game out of hand.
The score comes on a 9 yard pass from Johnson to Melvin Ray.
Auburn 14 LSU 38
The quarter ends with LSU in possession of the ball.
FOURTH QUARTER
LSU drives methodically for another touchdown. Our defense is defenseless.
11:23 to go.
Auburn has been schooled in every phase of the game.
LSU has rushed for 409 yards.
Auburn 14 LSU 45
The Tigers drive for a touchdown with Jeremy Johnson still in the game.
It seems that Coach Malzahn is sticking with Johnson no matter what.
The score comes on a 10-yard pass to Duke Williams, his first touchdown reception of the year.
Auburn 21 LSU 45
The Tigers get the ball after a punt at the LSU 45.
Johnson is still in the game.
The game winds down and our offense can do nothing.
Jeremy Johnson simply cannot throw the ball downfield.
How can you have an offense like this?
So that's your final score.
It's going to be a long season.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
The LSU Game Upcoming
I will be totally surprised if we win this game. Historically Auburn does not win in Baton Rouge. We all remember what happened two years ago. We haven't won there since 1999. LSU looked pretty good most of the game in Starkville last Saturday. Auburn struggled against Jacksonville State. It is likely that LSU is simply a better team this year. They are more physical and have more talented skill players. I just hope we see an Auburn that comes to play like it did in the first half of the Louisville game. I just hope the team plays well and we're competitive. That may be too much to ask for given what we've seen so far.
Monday, September 14, 2015
6.5
I am shocked that LSU is favored by only 6.5 points. I thought it would be double digits. The boys in Vegas must have not seen Saturday's game.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
After Jacksonville State
Given our near disastrous loss to JSU, it's hard to imagine winning in Baton Rouge next Saturday. LSU look good at least early in beating Mississippi State last night 22 to 19 though they could have lost had State made a last second field goal. LSU certainly looks stronger and more talented than Auburn.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
2015 Game 2 Jacksonville State
After opening the season in Atlanta beating Louisville 31 to 24 blowing a 24 to 0 lead and having to
"hold on" in the fourth quarter, the Tigers play local JSU in the home opener with the new fancy scoreboard. I haven't seen a line; suffice it to say Auburn is favored. JSU is ranked 6th in their NCAA division. This will not be easy I do believe. Will Jeremy Johnson rebound after tossing 3 interceptions last week? Will the defense show up if Carl Lawson doesn't play? Will this game get us ready for LSU next week? The game is an 11 a.m. kickoff on the SEC Network.
FIRST QUARTER
Carl Lawson is on crutches. Safety Tray Matthews is not dressed out. Neither will play.
Everybody notes what a difference it makes having Lawson out there. However, we cannot be a one-man defense. Someone else has to step up. It didn't happen last year but it must happen this year.
The Tigers and from their 35 march into Gamecock territory but we end up punting to the JSU 9.
The Gamecocks drive down the field with our defense looking sluggish. They miss a FG attempt.
The Tigers then drive 68 yards in 14 plays. After a first down at the 11 we have to settle for the field goal after JJ and Duke miscommunicate on two passes into the end zone. I don't understand this.
Auburn 3 JSU 0
The quarter ends with JSU facing 2nd and 10 from their 45.
SECOND QUARTER
After one quarter I see nothing to get excited about so far with this Auburn team. JJ completes some short passes but looked bad on the last throws trying to hit Duke in the end zone or at least the two were not on the same page.
All of a sudden JSU is at the Auburn 20.
If the Gamecocks keep moving the ball like this we will lose this game.
JSU is supposed to be a running team but they are having great success with the short passes.
We stop them at the 15 but the field goal this time is good.
Auburn 3 JSU 3
The visitors are moving the ball too easily on our defense. We are getting no pressure on their QB. It is once again obvious that we cannot stop a short passing game. Our offense cannot sustain a TD drive. The offense has no rhythm.
From their 25 the Tigers drive but have to settle for a 49 yd. FG from Daniel Carlson. On third and 7 Duke couldn't hold a first down slant throw. This is TOO hard to far.
Auburn 6 JSU 3
Sooner or later we have to find the end zone. So far Jeremy Johnson still looks like a freshman like he did last week.
JSU moves to a 3rd and 6 from the AU 39. We cannot seem to stop them on third down.
Before this situation there was a first down pass completion where our DB didn't get his head around. I seem to remember this was a complaint when Muschamp was our DC before.
There is a first down pass of 16 yards. We cannot stop their offense. This is sad to watch.
There is a JSU first down to the 15.
This is really sad to watch.
There is an 11 yard TD pass to the end zone.
JSU is out executing us. Our defense has bent the whole game and this time we give up the touchdown. Auburn had better wake up or we will lose this game. They are beating our porous defense. They have found weaknesses in our defense and are picking us apart.
Auburn 6 JSU 10
With 5:31 to go Auburn trails Jacksonville State University.
This is embarrassing to say the least.
JSU has had long drives with lots of plays.
For a supposed rushing team they have thrown for 182 yards so far.
Auburn had better get it together or we will lose this game.
Unbelievably Johnson throws an interception right to the JSU defender. The return is down the sideline to the AU 34. Just like last week JJ makes a bad throw.
Finally we get a three and out and they miss a 50 yard FG.
Maybe this will spark the offense as the defense steps up.
From their 39 Auburn calls TO on a third and three.
I will say this. Jeremy Johnson does not look like a very poised and capable quarterback.
JJ overthrows a receiver. He looks bad.
We have to punt to their 8 with 1:50 to go.
Our offense looks terrible. JJ's footwork and fundamentals have gone south.
Blake Countess is called for targeting. Their player was sliding and it's a horrible call. It was reviewed and not overturned. Our announcers are dumbfounded by the bad call. Countess is now out for the game.
JSU picks up a first down to their 45 as they convert again on third down.
Their QB scrambles and as usual we cannot contain him.
The clock expires and Auburn trails Jacksonville State at the half. The Gamecocks have outplayed Auburn so far This is sad to watch. The only good thing so far is that despite getting completely outplayed we trail by only 4.
THIRD QUARTER
The Gamecocks receive and drive into Auburn territory and end up punting into our end zone.
From the 20 Auburn drives 80 yards for the score.
Johnson hits Roc Thomas on a 51-yd strike. Finally we see what we should have been seeing all game.
Auburn 13 JSU 10
JSU drives across midfield but after two consecutive holding penalties push them back Rudy Ford intercepts in the end zone. That's our first turnover of the game.
The Tigers move out to around midfield but on a third down Duke Williams is obviously targeted but there is no call. Countess was called for targeting earlier on a JSU player who was sliding as the contact was made but there is no call on clear targeting in this case. Unbelievable!
The Tigers are forced to punt and JSU has the ball as the third quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
The non-targeting call on JSU is incomprehensible. Our announcers and our coaches are rightly livid.
15 minutes of football left. This will be a 4 quarter game.
JSU drives across midfield. We must stop them.
JSU drives to a first down to the 11 but we hold them to a 27-yd field goal.
This is very scary. JSU has shortened the game with long drives. They have 68 plays to our 49. They have had the ball for 10 minutes more than us.
Auburn 13 JSU 13
Rudy Ford takes the KO back to the AU 45.
But AGAIN Johnson throws an interception right to a JSU defender.
The Gamecocks get the ball on their 44 and move to a 4th and 2.
Their QB stumbles forward just enough for the first down.
We can't come up the stop. Everybody knew it would be a QB keeper.
8:19 to go.
Is this scary or what?
There is an 8-yd pass completion across the middle. We cannot stop the short passes.
First down run to the 20.
Auburn is in deep trouble.
JSU has come in and dominated this game, sad to say.
There is a QB run on first down to the 15. Our defense makes their quarterback look so elusive.
JSU has completely outplayed Auburn. Period.
There is a run to the 11. Third and one.
Can we hold them to a field goal?
There is a run to the 5. Our defense is backing up.
They have run 78 plays so far. Amazing.
There is the TD run from 5 yards yet. JSU takes the lead with 5:38 to go.
They are taking it to us. It's that simple.
11 plays/56 yards on that drive. JSU has executed a game plan to perfection.
Auburn 13 JSU 20
Well, it's really crunch time. If we don't respond quickly with a TD now it's over.
Can JJ lead us to the tying score? Based on what we've seen so far I doubt it.
In the final minutes our home health care nurse arrives so I don't record details.
Auburn scores late with less than a minute to go to tie the game.
Auburn 20 JSU 20
In the first overtime Peyton Barber leads us to the touchdown. I've said all long that I like Peyton Barber. Before out last two scores Roc Thomas fumbles at the Gamecock 13. If I were the coach, Thomas would never touch the ball again this season.
Auburn 27 JSU 20
We hold them on their possession. Their last pass on 4th down from their 22 is caught in the right side of the end zone but the receiver is clearly out of bounds.
Give JSU all the credit in the world. They outplayed us until the very end.
But Auburn wins. I hope this helps the team psychologically going to Baton Rouge next week.
FINAL SCORE
AUBURN 27 JSU 20
"hold on" in the fourth quarter, the Tigers play local JSU in the home opener with the new fancy scoreboard. I haven't seen a line; suffice it to say Auburn is favored. JSU is ranked 6th in their NCAA division. This will not be easy I do believe. Will Jeremy Johnson rebound after tossing 3 interceptions last week? Will the defense show up if Carl Lawson doesn't play? Will this game get us ready for LSU next week? The game is an 11 a.m. kickoff on the SEC Network.
FIRST QUARTER
Carl Lawson is on crutches. Safety Tray Matthews is not dressed out. Neither will play.
Everybody notes what a difference it makes having Lawson out there. However, we cannot be a one-man defense. Someone else has to step up. It didn't happen last year but it must happen this year.
The Tigers and from their 35 march into Gamecock territory but we end up punting to the JSU 9.
The Gamecocks drive down the field with our defense looking sluggish. They miss a FG attempt.
The Tigers then drive 68 yards in 14 plays. After a first down at the 11 we have to settle for the field goal after JJ and Duke miscommunicate on two passes into the end zone. I don't understand this.
Auburn 3 JSU 0
The quarter ends with JSU facing 2nd and 10 from their 45.
SECOND QUARTER
After one quarter I see nothing to get excited about so far with this Auburn team. JJ completes some short passes but looked bad on the last throws trying to hit Duke in the end zone or at least the two were not on the same page.
All of a sudden JSU is at the Auburn 20.
If the Gamecocks keep moving the ball like this we will lose this game.
JSU is supposed to be a running team but they are having great success with the short passes.
We stop them at the 15 but the field goal this time is good.
Auburn 3 JSU 3
The visitors are moving the ball too easily on our defense. We are getting no pressure on their QB. It is once again obvious that we cannot stop a short passing game. Our offense cannot sustain a TD drive. The offense has no rhythm.
From their 25 the Tigers drive but have to settle for a 49 yd. FG from Daniel Carlson. On third and 7 Duke couldn't hold a first down slant throw. This is TOO hard to far.
Auburn 6 JSU 3
Sooner or later we have to find the end zone. So far Jeremy Johnson still looks like a freshman like he did last week.
JSU moves to a 3rd and 6 from the AU 39. We cannot seem to stop them on third down.
Before this situation there was a first down pass completion where our DB didn't get his head around. I seem to remember this was a complaint when Muschamp was our DC before.
There is a first down pass of 16 yards. We cannot stop their offense. This is sad to watch.
There is a JSU first down to the 15.
This is really sad to watch.
There is an 11 yard TD pass to the end zone.
JSU is out executing us. Our defense has bent the whole game and this time we give up the touchdown. Auburn had better wake up or we will lose this game. They are beating our porous defense. They have found weaknesses in our defense and are picking us apart.
Auburn 6 JSU 10
With 5:31 to go Auburn trails Jacksonville State University.
This is embarrassing to say the least.
JSU has had long drives with lots of plays.
For a supposed rushing team they have thrown for 182 yards so far.
Auburn had better get it together or we will lose this game.
Unbelievably Johnson throws an interception right to the JSU defender. The return is down the sideline to the AU 34. Just like last week JJ makes a bad throw.
Finally we get a three and out and they miss a 50 yard FG.
Maybe this will spark the offense as the defense steps up.
From their 39 Auburn calls TO on a third and three.
I will say this. Jeremy Johnson does not look like a very poised and capable quarterback.
JJ overthrows a receiver. He looks bad.
We have to punt to their 8 with 1:50 to go.
Our offense looks terrible. JJ's footwork and fundamentals have gone south.
Blake Countess is called for targeting. Their player was sliding and it's a horrible call. It was reviewed and not overturned. Our announcers are dumbfounded by the bad call. Countess is now out for the game.
JSU picks up a first down to their 45 as they convert again on third down.
Their QB scrambles and as usual we cannot contain him.
The clock expires and Auburn trails Jacksonville State at the half. The Gamecocks have outplayed Auburn so far This is sad to watch. The only good thing so far is that despite getting completely outplayed we trail by only 4.
THIRD QUARTER
The Gamecocks receive and drive into Auburn territory and end up punting into our end zone.
From the 20 Auburn drives 80 yards for the score.
Johnson hits Roc Thomas on a 51-yd strike. Finally we see what we should have been seeing all game.
Auburn 13 JSU 10
JSU drives across midfield but after two consecutive holding penalties push them back Rudy Ford intercepts in the end zone. That's our first turnover of the game.
The Tigers move out to around midfield but on a third down Duke Williams is obviously targeted but there is no call. Countess was called for targeting earlier on a JSU player who was sliding as the contact was made but there is no call on clear targeting in this case. Unbelievable!
The Tigers are forced to punt and JSU has the ball as the third quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
The non-targeting call on JSU is incomprehensible. Our announcers and our coaches are rightly livid.
15 minutes of football left. This will be a 4 quarter game.
JSU drives across midfield. We must stop them.
JSU drives to a first down to the 11 but we hold them to a 27-yd field goal.
This is very scary. JSU has shortened the game with long drives. They have 68 plays to our 49. They have had the ball for 10 minutes more than us.
Auburn 13 JSU 13
Rudy Ford takes the KO back to the AU 45.
But AGAIN Johnson throws an interception right to a JSU defender.
The Gamecocks get the ball on their 44 and move to a 4th and 2.
Their QB stumbles forward just enough for the first down.
We can't come up the stop. Everybody knew it would be a QB keeper.
8:19 to go.
Is this scary or what?
There is an 8-yd pass completion across the middle. We cannot stop the short passes.
First down run to the 20.
Auburn is in deep trouble.
JSU has come in and dominated this game, sad to say.
There is a QB run on first down to the 15. Our defense makes their quarterback look so elusive.
JSU has completely outplayed Auburn. Period.
There is a run to the 11. Third and one.
Can we hold them to a field goal?
There is a run to the 5. Our defense is backing up.
They have run 78 plays so far. Amazing.
There is the TD run from 5 yards yet. JSU takes the lead with 5:38 to go.
They are taking it to us. It's that simple.
11 plays/56 yards on that drive. JSU has executed a game plan to perfection.
Auburn 13 JSU 20
Well, it's really crunch time. If we don't respond quickly with a TD now it's over.
Can JJ lead us to the tying score? Based on what we've seen so far I doubt it.
In the final minutes our home health care nurse arrives so I don't record details.
Auburn scores late with less than a minute to go to tie the game.
Auburn 20 JSU 20
In the first overtime Peyton Barber leads us to the touchdown. I've said all long that I like Peyton Barber. Before out last two scores Roc Thomas fumbles at the Gamecock 13. If I were the coach, Thomas would never touch the ball again this season.
Auburn 27 JSU 20
We hold them on their possession. Their last pass on 4th down from their 22 is caught in the right side of the end zone but the receiver is clearly out of bounds.
Give JSU all the credit in the world. They outplayed us until the very end.
But Auburn wins. I hope this helps the team psychologically going to Baton Rouge next week.
FINAL SCORE
AUBURN 27 JSU 20
Thursday, September 10, 2015
About JSU
I am glad we are playing JSU. After all, why not play instate teams and give them some money? I expect Auburn to win yet I assume it will certainly not be a blowout. Let's hope the defense is more consistent and JJ doesn't continue to throw interceptions.
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