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.
Monday, September 7, 2015
After Louisville
We beat Petrino though it wasn't pretty. Opening games for Auburn historically are usually not very pretty. We had them by the throat 24 to 0 but let them come back and we had to "hang on." Jeremy Johnson threw 3 interceptions. No one anticipated that. Peyton Barber ran for over a 100 yards. We had troubling dealing with a scrambling QB in the 4th quarter. Otherwise, the defense had its moments and certainly looked better than last year. We look forward to beating JSU and then the showdown in Baton Rouge.
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Saturday, September 5, 2015
2015 Game 1 Louisville
Here we go again. I have been closely following Auburn football since 1968. Typically we open with a team we are supposed to beat. We are favored to beat Bobby Petrino's Cardinals by 10.5 but I see this game as a tossup. Coach Boom is back. Petrino wants to beat Auburn so bad. Auburn seems to be in everyone's Top 10 to start the season. We'll get a good idea today whether great expectations are warranted. Historically Auburn starts the season slowly. This is what worries me more than anything. We start in the Georgia Dome before 70,000 plus. Let's get it on! There's nothing like the excitement of the start of a new football season.
FIRST QUARTER
Louisville receives.
Touchback.
On the first play from scrimmage Tray Matthews intercepts and runs it back to the Louisville 26.
It's a quick 26 yard drive. Five plays and the Tigers into the end zone first.
A pass to Duke takes the ball to the one and JJ walks in from there on the zone read.
The game couldn't have started any better for the good guys.
Auburn 7 Louisville 0
There's another touchback on the kickoff.
There's a 21 yard run on a jet sweep. Not good.
The Cards move to the AU 35. Their offense is clicking on this drive.
The visitors reach our 6 but we push them back and they miss a 36 yard FG attempt.
Our defense bends but doesn't break. There is still a zero on the board for Louisville.
It's obvious their offensive strategy is to run just enough to keep our defense honest and hit us with quick passes. It seems our defense has always been vulnerable to a short passing game.
The Tigers go 3 and out after declining to go for it on 4th and 1 at the 29.
The Tigers push the Cards back from their 32 after the punt in a dominant 3 and out. That's AUBURN DEFENSE right there.
The Tigers drive like we are going the distance but a holding penalty puts us at 3rd and 12 and JJ throws the interception at the Louisville 33. Now both QBs have thrown an interception.
The quarter ends with Louisville facing 3rd and about 4 from their 39.
SECOND QUARTER
The Cards pick up the first down on the first play of the quarter but then we push them back across midfield with two sacks---we have a pass rush so far that we were missing last year--- and Louisville is punting again.
After one first down JJ throws another interception down the field. That's a poor throw by Jeremy Johnson. JJ has not looked the best so far.
Ten and half minutes to go in the first half and this is not what I expected.
With the exception of the short TD drive our offense is not clicking. Our defense has had moments but sooner or later Louisville will start to score.
The Cards drive down to the AU 16. We can't stop them.
But just as I write this their running back drops the handoff on penetration from Adams and Justin Garrett picks it up and about 82 yards for the touchdown. This defense is being picked on some but is making big plays that we wouldn't have made last year. The defense is carrying this team so far.
Auburn 14 Louisville 0
On the ensuing possession the Cards punt from their 39.
The Tigers take over on their 12 after a 52 yard punt.
Jovon Robinson gets his first carry for 10 yards.
Peyton Barber makes a nice run.
As the clock runs under 2 minutes the Tigers move to the Louisville 49.
On 3rd down we go back 10 yards for holding.
There's an incomplete pass and we face 4th and 16.
Daniel Carlson kicks a 56 yard field goal! He nails it. It would have been good from 60 plus.
With 34 seconds left in the first half we extend our lead.
Auburn 17 Louisville 0
After the touchback we sack their QB again for 5 yards with 21 seconds left.
The half ends with the Cardinals missing a 61-yrd. FG attempt.
Okay.
The story of this game so far is our defense. We have pretty much made Louisville one-dimensional. Our offense has yet to find a consistent rhythm.
One thing we know: there is improvement in our defense.
Shutting them out for a half couldn't have been predicted by anybody.
Will our defense continue to make plays? Will our offense get it going?
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers receive and march 75 yards for the touchdown in impressive fashion. Peyton Barber, whom I have always liked, is running great and the score comes on the only pass of the drive---33 yards to Louis. THAT is Auburn offense! Just what we wanted. Come out in the second half and score on the first possession.
Auburn 24 Louisville 0
Louisville finally drives for FG for their first score.
Auburn 24 Louisville 3
The Tigers start a drive but on a 56 yard TD pass to Jones Auburn is called for holding and a 15 yarder is added for unsportsmanlike on our bench for arguing the call. The JJ throws his third interception and Louisville drives for a touchdown with 5 plays and 36 yards. All of sudden we have a game with 1:21 left in the third quarter.
Auburn 24 Louisville 10
What is going on here? Just when we seem to be taking control of this game we give up a FG and then a touchdown after a poor throw and pick from the arm of Jeremy Johnson, Come on, guys!
AU starts at the 28.
The quarter ends with a Tiger first down at their 41.
FOURTH QUARTER
Barber runs to the Louisville 45 on the first play of the final stanza.
The wheel route is complete to Barber down to the 29.
Barber runs to the 23. What did I tell you? Peyton Barber can run the football.
Barber for the first down to the 19.
Louis runs to the 12.
Barber runs for the first down to the 8. Barber is doing a great job.
Louis confidently sweeps left end from the 8 for the score. Well done!
THAT is a big touchdown for our Tigers.
The Cardinals are on a roll and our offense RESPONDS.
Auburn 31 Louisville 10
Our announcers say that that drive was driven by Peyton Barber.
Louisville will not go away as they drive for a touchdown. The score comes on a run from the two.
Our lead is cut with 6:21 left.
Auburn 31 Louisville 17
The Tigers go three and out with 5:27 to go. OH, my. We don't need this.
The punt dies at their 19---a 55 yard punt.
5:16 left.
There's 2 quick first downs and L is moving the ball.
Come on, defense!
With 3:40 left L calls timeout with 3rd and 7 from the Auburn 19.
We move to 4th and 7 from the 19.
The QB runs for 11 and L is at the 8. Boo!
Incomplete pass to the end zone.
Second and goal at the Auburn 8.
3:18 to go.
The QB runs to the 2.
Third and goal from the 2.
Next play touchdown.
2: 59 to go. We certainly have a game.
Auburn 31 Louisville 24
Goodness!
No doubt here comes the dreaded onside kick. Louisville only has one timeout left so they must go for the onside.
Tre Williams falls on the onside kick at the Louisville 46.
We need one first down to ice the game.
On 3rd and 2 the Tigers call timeout with 57 seconds left.
Barber bursts for the first down BUT we are unbelievably called for holding.
Wow!
On 4th down and 3 seconds on the clock JJ heaves the ball down the middle of the field and the clock expires.
After a 24 to 0 lead Louisville makes it a game but the Tigers hold on and I am happy.
I am happy because Auburn has a habit of starting a season slowly and we won the game.
The team has room for improvement certainly and I expect that improvement to take place.
The defense is improved even as we gave up points at the end. This was a defensive win.
Peyton Barber is the player of the game. I have always liked this guy.
JJ threw three interceptions into coverage but I expect this will not continue.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 31 Louisville 24
FIRST QUARTER
Louisville receives.
Touchback.
On the first play from scrimmage Tray Matthews intercepts and runs it back to the Louisville 26.
It's a quick 26 yard drive. Five plays and the Tigers into the end zone first.
A pass to Duke takes the ball to the one and JJ walks in from there on the zone read.
The game couldn't have started any better for the good guys.
Auburn 7 Louisville 0
There's another touchback on the kickoff.
There's a 21 yard run on a jet sweep. Not good.
The Cards move to the AU 35. Their offense is clicking on this drive.
The visitors reach our 6 but we push them back and they miss a 36 yard FG attempt.
Our defense bends but doesn't break. There is still a zero on the board for Louisville.
It's obvious their offensive strategy is to run just enough to keep our defense honest and hit us with quick passes. It seems our defense has always been vulnerable to a short passing game.
The Tigers go 3 and out after declining to go for it on 4th and 1 at the 29.
The Tigers push the Cards back from their 32 after the punt in a dominant 3 and out. That's AUBURN DEFENSE right there.
The Tigers drive like we are going the distance but a holding penalty puts us at 3rd and 12 and JJ throws the interception at the Louisville 33. Now both QBs have thrown an interception.
The quarter ends with Louisville facing 3rd and about 4 from their 39.
SECOND QUARTER
The Cards pick up the first down on the first play of the quarter but then we push them back across midfield with two sacks---we have a pass rush so far that we were missing last year--- and Louisville is punting again.
After one first down JJ throws another interception down the field. That's a poor throw by Jeremy Johnson. JJ has not looked the best so far.
Ten and half minutes to go in the first half and this is not what I expected.
With the exception of the short TD drive our offense is not clicking. Our defense has had moments but sooner or later Louisville will start to score.
The Cards drive down to the AU 16. We can't stop them.
But just as I write this their running back drops the handoff on penetration from Adams and Justin Garrett picks it up and about 82 yards for the touchdown. This defense is being picked on some but is making big plays that we wouldn't have made last year. The defense is carrying this team so far.
Auburn 14 Louisville 0
On the ensuing possession the Cards punt from their 39.
The Tigers take over on their 12 after a 52 yard punt.
Jovon Robinson gets his first carry for 10 yards.
Peyton Barber makes a nice run.
As the clock runs under 2 minutes the Tigers move to the Louisville 49.
On 3rd down we go back 10 yards for holding.
There's an incomplete pass and we face 4th and 16.
Daniel Carlson kicks a 56 yard field goal! He nails it. It would have been good from 60 plus.
With 34 seconds left in the first half we extend our lead.
Auburn 17 Louisville 0
After the touchback we sack their QB again for 5 yards with 21 seconds left.
The half ends with the Cardinals missing a 61-yrd. FG attempt.
Okay.
The story of this game so far is our defense. We have pretty much made Louisville one-dimensional. Our offense has yet to find a consistent rhythm.
One thing we know: there is improvement in our defense.
Shutting them out for a half couldn't have been predicted by anybody.
Will our defense continue to make plays? Will our offense get it going?
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers receive and march 75 yards for the touchdown in impressive fashion. Peyton Barber, whom I have always liked, is running great and the score comes on the only pass of the drive---33 yards to Louis. THAT is Auburn offense! Just what we wanted. Come out in the second half and score on the first possession.
Auburn 24 Louisville 0
Louisville finally drives for FG for their first score.
Auburn 24 Louisville 3
The Tigers start a drive but on a 56 yard TD pass to Jones Auburn is called for holding and a 15 yarder is added for unsportsmanlike on our bench for arguing the call. The JJ throws his third interception and Louisville drives for a touchdown with 5 plays and 36 yards. All of sudden we have a game with 1:21 left in the third quarter.
Auburn 24 Louisville 10
What is going on here? Just when we seem to be taking control of this game we give up a FG and then a touchdown after a poor throw and pick from the arm of Jeremy Johnson, Come on, guys!
AU starts at the 28.
The quarter ends with a Tiger first down at their 41.
FOURTH QUARTER
Barber runs to the Louisville 45 on the first play of the final stanza.
The wheel route is complete to Barber down to the 29.
Barber runs to the 23. What did I tell you? Peyton Barber can run the football.
Barber for the first down to the 19.
Louis runs to the 12.
Barber runs for the first down to the 8. Barber is doing a great job.
Louis confidently sweeps left end from the 8 for the score. Well done!
THAT is a big touchdown for our Tigers.
The Cardinals are on a roll and our offense RESPONDS.
Auburn 31 Louisville 10
Our announcers say that that drive was driven by Peyton Barber.
Louisville will not go away as they drive for a touchdown. The score comes on a run from the two.
Our lead is cut with 6:21 left.
Auburn 31 Louisville 17
The Tigers go three and out with 5:27 to go. OH, my. We don't need this.
The punt dies at their 19---a 55 yard punt.
5:16 left.
There's 2 quick first downs and L is moving the ball.
Come on, defense!
With 3:40 left L calls timeout with 3rd and 7 from the Auburn 19.
We move to 4th and 7 from the 19.
The QB runs for 11 and L is at the 8. Boo!
Incomplete pass to the end zone.
Second and goal at the Auburn 8.
3:18 to go.
The QB runs to the 2.
Third and goal from the 2.
Next play touchdown.
2: 59 to go. We certainly have a game.
Auburn 31 Louisville 24
Goodness!
No doubt here comes the dreaded onside kick. Louisville only has one timeout left so they must go for the onside.
Tre Williams falls on the onside kick at the Louisville 46.
We need one first down to ice the game.
On 3rd and 2 the Tigers call timeout with 57 seconds left.
Barber bursts for the first down BUT we are unbelievably called for holding.
Wow!
On 4th down and 3 seconds on the clock JJ heaves the ball down the middle of the field and the clock expires.
After a 24 to 0 lead Louisville makes it a game but the Tigers hold on and I am happy.
I am happy because Auburn has a habit of starting a season slowly and we won the game.
The team has room for improvement certainly and I expect that improvement to take place.
The defense is improved even as we gave up points at the end. This was a defensive win.
Peyton Barber is the player of the game. I have always liked this guy.
JJ threw three interceptions into coverage but I expect this will not continue.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 31 Louisville 24
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