The 2018 Music City Bowl Auburn vs. Purdue

The 2018 season is down to one game.  The 7 and 5  Tigers face the 6 and 6 Boilermakers in Nashville at Nissan Stadium.   From once being ranked #7 to just 7 wins, Auburn needs to win this game.  We are lead to believe that Coach Malzahn and the Tigers desperately want to win this game.  If we don't win, it will look worse than it normally would.  Auburn is a 3.5 point favorite.  Purdue is supposed a be a high scoring team.  Their main claim to fame this year was beating Ohio State which was ranked #2 at the time.  I always like to think an SEC team should always beat a Big Ten team.  Malzahn is completely in charge of the offense including play calling.  We have a new OC but he was only lightly involved in the prep of this game.  Winning the game is the only thing that matters.  This will be Malzahan's offense.  The team is supposed to be motivated.    What will happen?

FIRST QUARTER

The Tigers receive and score on their first possession on a third and one 66 yards Stidham to Whitlow on a wheel route.  Nifty call and start to the game.  Whitlow was left alone on the reception.

Auburn 7  Purdue 0

Purdue crosses midfield but our defense pushes them back.
Auburn fair catches around our 13.

The Tigers mount another nifty TD drive of 87 yards on 9 plays.  Whitlow takes it in on the wildcat from the two.  The mix of run and pass is impressive.

Auburn 14  Purdue 0

Second play from scrimmage and Auburn intercepts.  Ball on the Purdue 18.
Schwartz sweeps left end to the 7 for the first down.
New play goes around left end for the score.
This is the most impressive 8 minutes of Auburn football this year no doubt.
Stidham's score is reviewed and he is ruled down just short of the end line.
Whitlow scores easily from the wildcat on the next play as he runs right and our line open ups a huge hole.
6:59 to go in the first.

Auburn 21  Purdue 0

Purdue drives to the Auburn 8 converting two third and tens along the way.  Our defense continues to have trouble on third downs.  On the first third down conversion a justified pass interference call paved the way for continued possession.
First play from there a sweep around left end for the score.

Auburn 21  Purdue 7

Can our offense maintain consistency like we haven't been doing for a long time?
Second play Stidham hits a wide-open Slayton for a 77 yd. TD pass.  That is consistency!

Auburn 28  Purdue 7

The quarter ends with Purdue facing second down on their 33.  Auburn has scored on all four possessions.  But this game is far from over.

SECOND QUARTER

Purdue goes for it on fourth and two but our defense stuffs the runner on the Boilermaker 44.
After a loss a short pass to Slayton goes for a 52 yard TD as Slayton simply outruns the coverage down the left sideline.  Holy, cow!  Apparently Purdue has never seen Auburn's kind of speed.

Auburn 35  Purdue 7

INTERCEPTION!  Big Cat Bryant walks into the end zone after picking off a deflected pass.  I can't believe what I am seeing.

Auburn 42  Purdue 7

The Boilermakers go three and out.
Auburn will begin at their 35 with 10:27 left in the half.
First down going for it on fourth and three to the Purdue 22.  Surprise there.
First down on a fourth down run to the 9 by Whitlow.
Whitlow is dropped back at the 13 on one of our few negative plays today.
We move to third and goal from the six.
Schwartz speeds to the end zone around the right end for the score.
Auburn has yet to punt.  Seven possessions.  Seven touchdowns.  Amazing.
Malzahn ranges the AU sideline urging the team to keep it up.

Auburn 49  Purdue 7

Our defense does not let up and Purdue faces fourth and long as things get chippy on the field.
Auburn will begin at the Purdue 49.
First down to the Purdue 34.
TOUCHDOWN TO SLAYTON NEXT PLAY FROM THE 34!
I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT I AM SEEING!
Auburn has scored on every possession.  Stidham has thrown for over 300 yards so far.

Auburn 56  Purdue 7

The half ends as Purdue relinquishes possession to Auburn at the Tiger 45 for the final snap at 7 seconds.
I cannot remember a better half of Auburn football.  This is as good as it gets.

FIRST HALF SCORE
Auburn 56  Purdue 7

THIRD QUARTER

Purdue gets the ball first in the half.
After one first down the Boilermakers are punting.
Auburn starting on their 21.
Long completion to Schwartz to the Purdue 32.
First down to the 21.
First and goal at the 10.
Ryan Davis on a one foot pass on a dead run into the end zone.
Our offense has scored on every possession.
That was power running at our best on that drive.  Pretty stuff!
12 plays 78 yards.

Auburn 63  Purdue 7

Purdue mounts their first drive since their score.
The TD comes from the 23 on a QB draw.  Okay, enough of that.
5:29 to go.

Auburn 63  Purdue 14

Auburn takes the field with Stidham still at QB.
Malik Willis comes in on the second play.
And for the first time Auburn has to punt with about 3:30 left in the quarter.
Good punt to the Purdue 24.

Purdue can't go and Auburn takes possession after the punt inside our 15.
Willis keeps and runs around right end for the first down at the 24.
The quarter ends with Auburn dealing with third and 6.  Malik Willis still at QB.

FOURTH QUARTER

Malik Willis runs for the first down to the 39.
Malik Willis runs to the Purdue 22.
Shivers runs to the nine.
That's as far as it goes as the Tigers go for it on 4th down but no go.
Purdue starts from their nine.
Purdue goes three and out.  AU starts on their 47 with 7:57 go go.

Joey Gatewood is in the game.  Is this his first action this year?
First down to the Purdue 20 as the clock goes under 4 minutes.
On 4th down Gatewood keeps and is called short of the end zone at the one.  It looked like a touchdown.  Should have been a Gatewood TD.  Then it looks Tolbert got in on the rush but the Big 12 officials have had trouble properly spotting the football today.
Stan White says Gatewood was having a good fall before he injured his thumb.  He thinks highly of Gatewood.
From the one Auburn goes into victory formation with Joey Gatewood taking a knee.
Best Auburn football in a long, long time.
Auburn dominated from the beginning.  In retrospect the outcome was never in doubt from the first quarter.  We needed this.

Auburn 63  Purdue 14

Beating UAB

Thought about going to the game at Legacy Arena but ended up watching it on CBSSN.  The Tigers win a thriller 75 to 71 in OT.  The Tigers were a big favorite, but the Blazers dictated the slow pace of the game to play their game.

UAB hit some clutch 3 pointers to send the game into OT, and in the OT Jared Harper took over, scoring most of our final points.  Harper is an exiting basketball player!

Auburn clearly had the better team, but UAB made it a close game to their credit.

End of the Year

We move to the end of 2018.  After some confusion which I cannot sort out, Malzahn survives at least one more year.  Recruitment so far seems not to have been hurt.  We have another OC but Malzahn will call the plays.  Who knows how this will work out.  it's hard to get excited about Nashville but I sure hope we bet Purdue.  The basketball team has a Top Ten ranking for what that is worth.  Surely this is the best collection of basketball players we've ever had.  How far can the roundball team go this year???

Stan White Was Right

Last Friday I ran into Stan White at the Cajun Steam in Hoover.  in response to my question about which bowl he said the Belk, Music City, or the Liberty due to geographical.  Online the majority sentiment seemed to be the Texas Bowl in Houston.  Stan was right. it was announced this afternoon that the Tigers are headed to the Music City to play Purdue.  Stan also said Malzahn would be back next year.  He was right on that opinion also.  Purdue is only 6 and 6 but they seem to have an up and coming coach.

Malzahn Talk

Much talk about Malzahn's status.  Last night we heard that Auburn had contacted Bob Stoops about his possible interest in the job.  Stoops denies interest.  Suffice it to say that at this point Coach Malzahn's job status is is up in the air.  I am all for changing coaches if somebody really good is out there for Auburn somewhere.

The 2018 Alabama Game

The 7 and 4 Tigers are a huge 24 point underdog in Tuscaloosa for a 2:30 broadcast on CBS.  The favorite usually wins this game particularly with this big of a line.  I don't know what else to say.

FIRST QUARTER

On Auburn's second possession Shaun Shivers goes 75 yards for the touchdown but it's called back for holding.   Bad break for sure.

6:38 left Alabama runs 12 yards for the score after Auburn's 75 yard run was called back for holding and a roughing penalty on Auburn on the punt receiver gave Alabama good starting field position at the AU 34.

Auburn 0  Alabama 7

Auburn drives masterly for the touchdown from its 27 mainly running between the tackles.  One of our best drives of the year.  Schwartz sweeps around right end for 9 yards for the score.  Great uptempo on that drive.  Our offensive line is getting a push.

Auburn 7  Alabama 7

SECOND QUARTER

The quarter begins with UA first and ten at the Auburn 15 after a face guard penalty and after Carlson kicked of out-of-bounds to start the possession.  Auburn has almost 50 yards in penalties.  Our biggest liability so far.

Touchdown on a 4 yard screen pass.

Auburn 7  Alabama 14

Alabama drives for a 30 yard field goal after our offense goes three and out.  It seems that we need a good play on first down to get a drive going.  We continue to be plagued by penalties.

Auburn 7  Alabama 17

8:59 to go.  After one first down from a face guard penalty Auburn punts to the UA 16 after Stidham overthrows Slayton which would have been a first down.

On 4th and one Auburn blocks the punt.  First down at the UA 23.

TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!

A double pass from Ryan Davis to a wide-open Malik Miller at the 5 and into the end one.
2 plays 23 yards set up by the blocked punt and UA's three and out.

Auburn 14  Alabama 17

Our defense holds UA to another three and out.  Auburn makes one first down and lets the clock expire.  At the half we have a ballgame.

THIRD QUARTER

Alabama receives, crosses midfield, and gets a 46 yd. TD pass.  We are defensing their rushing but they are always dangerous with their passing attack.  First big play we've given up.  We avoided giving up big plays in the first half.  Our DBs have to be good to win this game.

Auburn 14  Alabama 24

It seems like we have not been very good in the second halves this year.
After our three and out UA starts from their 31 and after a face guard penalty there is a TD pass from the AU 35.  We are in dangerous territory now.  With 9:49 to go Alabama leads by 17.

Auburn 14  Alabama 31

Auburn mounts a drive but is stopped a yard short on fourth down to the 20 needing the 19.  We could not take advantage of two PF penalties on Alabama.  The fourth down was a trick play, a pass from Malik Willis to kicker Carlson.

5:06 to go in the quarter  as Auburn forces a three and out.  Auburn starts at their 40.

On third and two Stidham hits Slayton for a 52 yd. touchdown!  We have a game again.

Auburn 21  Alabama 31

Alabama responds quickly.  From their 25 they get a 40 yd. touchdown pass.  We get behind and it's just about impossible to catch up.  That took 69 seconds.

Auburn 21  Alabama 38

The Tigers go three and out pushed back to the 10.  Stidham can't get it done.  He can't step up in the pocket.  The punt goes out of bounds at the Auburn 43 with 45 seconds to go in the quarter.  We got back to within 10 but it's getting away now.  The quarter ends UA up by 17.

FOURTH QUARTER

Alabama scores again on a pass into the end zone to Ruggs.

Auburn 21  Alabama 45

Auburn slowly drives across midfield but then Stidham lobs up an interception.

First play a TD pass to Waddle.

Auburn 21  Alabama 52

The game slogs to an end as Auburn tries to run the clock by staying on the ground.

FINAL SCORE

52 to 21 Alabama.

Top 10 matchup against Duke!

"And I have lived long enough to see it." - Phillip Marshall on Auburn playing Duke tonight in a Top 10 matchup.

I can't agree more.

The 2018 Liberty Game

For a game that is supposed to be easy, this one may not be so easy.  Liberty, coached by Turner Gill, is a decent team.  The 6 and 4 Tigers should win, but it may be interesting.  I am only going to do a scoring summary.

FIRST QUARTER

Auburn 3  Liberty 0
Anders Carlson a 53 yard field goal.

Auburn 10  Liberty 0
Darrell Williams 27 yard interception return for the score.

Auburn 12  Liberty 0
Blocked punt out of the back of the end zone by Jordyn Peters.

Auburn 15  Liberty 0
Anders Carlson 20 yard field goal.

SECOND QUARTER

Auburn 22  Liberty 0
Stidham one yard run on 4th down.

Auburn 25  Liberty 0
Anders Carlson 49 yard field goal.

Auburn 32  Liberty 0
22 yd. TD pass to Cammella in the end zone after a fumble recovery.

THIRD QUARTER

Auburn 39  Liberty 0
45 yd. TD pass to Seth Williams on the first possession of the half.

Auburn 46  Liberty 0
Shaun Shivers 25 yd. TD run up the middle.

Auburn 53  Liberty 0
Malik Willis 16 yd. great fake and run around right end.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 53
Liberty   0

The 2018 Georgia Game

Auburn has not won at Georgia since 2005.  It is not likely to happen today in Athens.  The once-beaten Bulldogs are a 14 point favorite against the 6 and 3 Tigers.  Auburn had a brilliant final 7:14 last week at home to beat TAMU.  It will take much more than that to win today.  It will be surprising if our offense can sustain enough success to keep our defense from wearing down.  The game kicks off at 6 on ESPN.

FIRST QUARTER

44 degrees at kickoff.
Just before the game kicks off we see the conclusion of Washington State beating Colorado handily.

Auburn to receive as UGA defers.  Get off to a good start?  Stan White says we have to come out throwing.
First two plays we cross midfield but then we go backwards.
Auburn is punting from midfield after two first downs.
A good start ends quickly.
UGA starts around their 11 or 12.

Georgia comes out running.  They have great backs in Holyfield and Swift.
Georgia to the AU 42.
Georgia to our 17 after a good run by Holyfield.
Interference in the end zone which was totally unnecessary.
Ball placed at the 2 yard line.
First two plays our defense pushes them back leading to a third an goal at the 8 or 9.
Pass incomplete.  Defense holds and forces a FG attempt after Georgia had first and goal at the two.
FG good.

Auburn 0  Georgia 3

A small victory on that first Georgia possession but will probably be short-lived.
The problem is simply that Georgia can run the football and Auburn can't.

Auburn moves smartly to midfield.
First down to the UGA 37.
A complete pass and a roughness penalty moves the ball to the UGA 16.
TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!
Whitlow in the wildcat completes an end zone pass of 9 yards to a wide-open Shenker.
THAT was a nifty drive.  Mixing a few rules with short passes.

Auburn 7  Georgia 3

After our defense puts them into a third and eight we have a blown coverage and UGA crosses midfield.  That hurts.
We move to a third and six.
First down Georgia at the Auburn 23.  Too easy.
From there third and one as the quarter ends.
We have stopped their rushing on this possession but let them compete two big third down passes.

SECOND QUARTER

First down run to the ten.
On third and goal from the 9 we sack their QB but Bryant is called from targeting.
The targeting is upheld and Big Cat is disqualified.
What a massive game changer on that one play.
First down UGA from just inside the five.  Boy oh boy that was a tough deal.
The targeting was by definition targeting.  Just unintentional and unfortunate.
We move to third and goal from the three.
Fourth and goal from the three.  Once again our defense disallows the touchdown.  Their QB is stopped at the three with no one open .
The FG is good.

Auburn 7  Georgia 6

First down to the AU 47.
First down to the Georgia 31.
Five more yards to the Georgia 26 after the Dogs are whistled for ineligible participation.
First down to the 16.
First down to the 5.
Second down at the 4.
Third down at the 4.  Shenker was open but Stidham overthrew him.
Incomplete pass.  Williams could have caught it.
After a false start Anders makes the field goal with 7:46 to go in the first half.

Auburn 10  Georgia 6

The kickoff is short of the end zone and Georgia starts at their 41.
First down Georgia to the Auburn 35.
First down to the Auburn 20 as Georgia is committed to running the ball.
Second down at the 13.
There is a one yard loss as we stuff Swift.
Touchdown to the end zone.  Good throw and catch.

Auburn 10  Georgia 13

Auburn has 2:47 to work with.
A runback and fumble but Auburn recovers at the 17.
That could have been disastrous.
We fail to convert on third and two and Auburn has to punt.
Georgia fair catches at their 30 with 2:00 left.
Time for a turnover.

First play Swift runs to the Auburn 45.
We move to third and seven from there with 1:15 left.
We move to fourth and three as the clock winds down.
Timeout Georgia with 29 seconds left.
The FG attempt would be 50 plus.
Complete pass over the middle and that's a killer as the runner runs to the end zone.
That was brutal.  That's a backbreaker.  Bad technique by our defender.  Almost a gimme.

Auburn 10  Georgia 20

Bad conclusion to the end of the first half.  We had them fourth and three and we give up a cheap TD with bad play by our pass defense.
With only 21 seconds left Auburn can't do anything.
Down by 10 at the half.  Bad, bad end of the half.

THIRD QUARTER

At the half on the radio Coach Malzahn says Georgia's first possession is the ballgame.  That's laying it on the line!  This is it.  Down 27 to 10 on the road and this game is probably over.

Georgia is three and out.  Okay, good start.  Nick Coe is on the ground after third down.
After the punt AU has good field position at their 48.

After an 8 yard run we move to fourth and two.  Costly miscommunication on third down.  Two passes on second and two.  Why not run the football to pick up two yards.
Nice punt but we get an appropriate interference penalty as Georgia starts on their 26 after the 15 yard step off.  A boneheaded play by Marquis McClain.  After stopping UGA on their first possession we give the ball right back to them.

Third and 16 and we have a blown coverage.  First down almost to midfield.  That was a killer play with a lack of discipline on our defense.  Giving up a first down on third and 16 is brutal.
We move to a third and seven and another first down for Georgia.  Our defense is dropping back to far allowing the short completions. We are allowing the underneath throws.  Basically giving them the firs down.
First down to the Auburn 25.  Jamel Dean intercepts at the 19!  Big play!!!

First play trick play an attempted pass becomes a fumble.  A negative play on first down.
Then Shivers bursts to the AU 45.
We move to third and nine.
We move to fourth and nine as Stidham couldn't let go of the ball.
Punt into the end zone.

Georgia continue to have success running the football.
The Bulldogs move to fourth and five at the Auburn 40.
Georgia downs the punt at the one.  Tough break.

One yard gain for Whitlow on first down.
Timeout before second down as we couldn't get the snap off in time.
First down pass to the 12.
Whitlow for five to the 17.
We move to third and one.
Whitlow to the 29 for the first down.
We move to third and seven.  Ryan Davis was open but Stidham didn't see him.
Fourth and eight as the clock expires in the third quarter.
We have some underneath open receives Stan White says but Stidham doesn't see them evidently.
i do believe that Stidham is the major problem with the offense.  I will be glad when he is gone.

FOURTH QUARTER

Auburn is punting to start the fourth quarter.
Georgia gets a 77 yard touchdown run by Swift on a second and thirteen.  Game, set, match.
Our offense couldn't keep up and sooner or later our defense would give up another score.  Very predictable.

Auburn 10  Georgia 27

Our offense has been the same all year.  It will not change this year.  We see only very occasional glimpses of a real offense.
After one first down the offense is punting again.
Sad to watch.  Very sad.
Stan White says we seldom throw to the middle of the field and there should be possibilities.
The offense has died in the second half.
All Georgia has to do is to keep running the football.  This will get ugly before it's over.

Georgia works the clock to under four minutes before FAKING a short field goal attempt with a 27 to 10 lead.   Bush league!  I just lost all respect for Kirby Smart.  A certain lack of class.  One day we will OWE him one.

One final helpless possession for Auburn and it's over.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 10  Georgia 27

2018 The TAMU Game

For the third straight game we kick off at 11 a.m. this time on ESPN.  The Aggies come into Jordan-Hare with Auburn favored by 4.5 or so.  The Tigers are 5 and 3.  Is Malazhn still coaching for his job?  I do not know.  In a reversal of recent years,  under Jimbo TAMU leads the league in run defense.  This is not good for an Auburn team that struggles to run the football.  On the other hand, I read that their pass defense is not good.  Can Auburn take advantage of that?  Turnovers?  Always a big factor.  Auburn comes in after their off-week.  A factor?  I do not know.  TAMU has a dual QB in Kelley Mond.  From what I've seen he is not the swiftest but we struggle with dual threat quarterbacks.

FIRST QUARTER

Auburn receives and promptly goes backwards after two attempted Schwartz ends sweeps leading to a third and 21 and a 4th and 17.
TAMU fair catches on their 34.  So much for a fast start.

First play Mond runs for 12 yards.  Big QB.  Gotta tackle him today.
It looks like Auburn hasn't woke up yet.
TAMU moves down the field.  Early on Auburn is not yet in the game.
First down on a methodical drive dominating the line of scrimmage to the 19.
On one pass so far and it was incomplete.
On second and six TAMU is called for grounding.
Third and 14 from the 23.
Mond is dropped at the 17 and it's FG time.
The 35 yarder is good.

Auburn 0  TAMU 3

Is Auburn ready to wake up and play football?
Malik Miller started the first series at running back.  Whitlow was questionable coming into the game.
Whitlow is in there on the second series.
First down to the Auburn 47 on third and four after a 16 completion on a screen pass to Miller.
TAMU is supposed to have a poor pass defense but Stidham can't find a receiver to throw to.
We move to fourth and one and the punting team comes on as the crowd boos.
The punt is downed at the Aggie three hard line.  What now?
It looks like trouble for the offense.  You expect the run game to be spotty.  I can't understand why Stidham either can't find an open receiver or he is reluctant to let go of the ball.

From the three TAMU is quickly out to the 24.
FUMBLE! Auburn recovers at the TAMU 20.

First play a short pass and then a pass into the end zone to Caminella on the same play.  A little trickery with the double pass behind the line of scrimmage to Ryan Davis and then the TD pass to a wide-open receiver for six.

Auburn 7  TAMU 3

First possession Mond scrambles for a first down.  We have to control this scrambling QB and historically we struggle with this.
The quarter ends with TAMU crossing midfield at the AU 45.

SECOND QUARTER

On the second play of the quarter TAMU gets a 39 yd. touchdown run.  The runner ran thru a hole at the line of scrimmage and there was nobody in front of him.  Our defense is getting dominated between the tackles.  You just never know what is going to happen.  I would not have predicted this.
5 plays 75 yards.  All on the ground.  They are running the ball down our throats.

Auburn 7  TAMU 10

This game is setting up disastrously.
Auburn is three and out on a third and four.
TAMU is running ball and Auburn cannot run the ball.
Run the football and stop the other team from running the ball.  The old formula and the Aggies are dominating.

TAMU from their 25.
First down to the 36.
Fourth and one and TAMU punts to a fair catch at the ten with 10:31 to go in the half.

Three and out.  First play long pass to Slayton,  Should have been caught.  On third down Stidham overthrows Seth Williams.  We are showing the same old offense.  We need a better quarterback.  Stidham can't cut it.

The only thing surprising so far in this game is our defense with poor run defense.  The offense is what we've come to expect.
TAMU goes three and out.
Ryan Davis goes down at the 20 after a 51 yard punt.

Starting this series Auburn is minus 5 yards rushing.
First down to the AU 32.
Whitlow loses two yards.
Long completion to Slayton to the TAMU 36.
Schwartz sweeps to around the 20.
Shivers to the 11.
We move to third and two.
TD pass in the end zone to Seth Williams.
Beautiful throw and catch on that one with Williams high pointing the ball in the corner of the end zone.  That is how it's done.

Auburn 14  TAMU 10

Unfortunately TAMU quickly starts a drive crossing midfield with ease.
TAMU moves to the AU 26 after a pass interference call.
After a sack there is a completion to the 14 with a long gain.
We can't stop these guys.
1:49 to go.
Screen play goes for the TD from the 14 after DeShaun Davis can't make the tackle.
Mond is good on the short throws.

Auburn 14  TAMU 17

1:09 to go in the half.
We have to fall on the kickoff fortunately at the 17.
First play Stidham is sacked and Auburn is called for holding.
The clock expires.
Difficult game to win.  Could go either way in the second half.
Odds favor TAMU to win this game.

THIRD QUARTER

TAMU receives and is quickly at the Auburn 25 after a long pass completion.
TAMU goes to the AU 10 after a face mask penalty.
TAMU continues to push our defense around.
We move to third and goal from the five.
An amazing pass interference call against Auburn.  Bad call.  Ball uncatchable.  Receiver was not touched.  Unbelievable.
Touchdown from the one.  Crowd booing.  A baffling interference call leads to the score.

Auburn 14  TAMU 24

Such adversity.  Can Auburn overcome it?  If so, this will be a great win.  A good drive by the Aggies but definitely helped by the officiating.

From the 25 AU moves to the AU 47.
Quickly we are third and eight after two runs.
Seth Williams drops a wide-open first down pass and Auburn is punting.
The punt goes into the end zone.
It looks dire already.

From their 20 TAMU converts a third and 10 to their 38.
TAMU is outplaying and out-coaching Auburn.
TAMU runs to midfield.  We can't stop them.  A score on this possession and this game is over.
TAMU to the AU 38.
Auburn has no answer for the short passes.
Auburn has not answer for their opponent.
TAMU moves to another their and long from around midfield.
Incomplete pass and we get the stop but around midfield.
Ryan Davis fair catches at the 15.

From the 15 after losing a yard Auburn is punting.
Our offense cannot run the football.  Our offense cannot pass the football.  Our defense has been pushed around physically by TAMU.  It's this simple.
TAMU assumes the possession from their 36.

One quick burst for 19 yards and TAMU is rolling again.
On third and 22 Mond is ripped as he throws the incompletion.
TAMU to punt with 8 seconds left in the third.
Ryan Davis catches the punt inside the five and is dropped.  Did he forget where he was.  Davis makes a huge mistake.  First and ten Auburn from their two.  When it rains, it pours.

FOURTH QUARTER

From the two after an 8 yard gain on first down Auburn cannot convert a second and two and punt to the TAMU 43.
The Aggies start banging again.  Our defense is whipped.
TAMU marches to the AU 30 with nothing more than between the tackles running.
This is a sad spectacle to watch.

From our 20 TAMU has to settle for the FG attempt.
The kick is not good, wide left.

Auburn has the ball back on their 20.
Long pass incomplete to Slayton.  Tough chance.
Complete screen pass but for a loss.  So many negative plays today.
Stidham is sacked at the five.
Three and out from the 20 back to the five.  Our offense is ridiculous.  Hard to fathom.

TAMU starts at the Auburn 45.
Auburn intercepts at the AU 29.
7:14 left in the game.
In two plays Auburn crosses midfield.
First down to the TAMU 36.
First down pass to the 22.
Complete pass to Slayton at the one yard line called a touchdown on the field.
Played reviewed.  A catch at the one but not a touchdown.  First and goal at the one.
Chandler Cox powers over on the first play and Auburn is back in the game with 5:14 left.

Auburn 21  TAMU 24

TAMU starts at their 25.  Auburn has all three timeouts left.
First play first down to the 36.  Short passes have killed us all game.
We move to third and one on another short pass completion.
3:05 left and a timeout TAMU.
Five yard gain on 3rd and one and a first down.
A loss and Auburn calls timeout with 2:31.
We must stop them here.  Another first down and it's over.
A fumble and an Auburn player falls on it but the ball squirts away,\.
Third and 15 for TAMU.
Mond throws foolishly incomplete.
With 2:15 left the Aggies must punt.
Tutt runs the punt back to the Auburn 42.  Clever putting Tutt back there as they kick away from Davis.  Their punter makes a touchdown saving tackle.

First play Ryan Davis takes an underneath pass the TAMU 11.
From the 11 Stidham to Seth Williams in the corner of the end zone.  Touchdown!!!  Amazing.
Auburn has come live in the closing minutes of this football game.
1:41 left.  We finally realized that we had to throw the football and it happened.  Left for dead, Auburn has rallied to take the leave.

Auburn 28  TAMU 24

A pooch kick and TAMU starts at their 17 with 1:35 left.
Third down from their 39 with 49 seconds left.
We move to fourth and five with 41 seconds left and TAMU out of timeouts.
Stistcically we should not be in this game, but we have won the turnover battle.
Fourth and five for the Aggies at their 41.
First down pass to the Auburn 49.  The clock is running.
We move to TAMU from their 41 after a penalty with 12 seconds left.
The clock expires and left for dead Auburn finds a way to win.
The interception started a 14 point run for the winners.  A miraculous turnaround for Auburn.
The Tigers had only 19 yards rushing.
BUT the clock is reviewed and the ruling is that there is time left for one more play.
From their 31 TAMU has one more play.
On the final play Nick Coe rips down Mond.
Ugly win, but an amazing win.  We'll take it!!!
The home team finally wins this game.  Good for us!
An amazing game and win.

AUBURN 28  TEXAS A and M 24

A&M

The Tigers are 7-0 in the Gus Malzahn era in coming off a bye week. Texas A&M is 3-0 all-time in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

What will happen?

2018 The Ole Miss Game

Can you believe that Auburn is a 5 point favorite?  Hard to figure.  The Tigers come in limping after losing to Tennessee last week with now a 4 and 3 record.  Ole Miss is 5 and 2.  The Rebels feature a high flying offense and supposedly a weak defense.  How on earth will Auburn contend with a high scoring offense?  I don't see it.  The game kicks off at 11 on ESPN at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford.  Will Malzahn survive this game?  Lots of discontent this week about our head coach.

FIRST QUARTER

Ole Miss receives.
The Rebels move right down the field.
Jeremiah Dinson misses the first half due targeting from last week.
On this first drive Smoke Monday, his replacement, is almost called for targeting.
The defense stiffens and we block their 40 yard FG attempt.
Let's hope this is a spark.

From the 23 here we go with the offense.
Quickly Auburn moves to the Ole Miss 38.
First down on a third and 15 to the 5.
Whitlow to the three.
Third down and goal at the three.
Short pass to Whitlow for the score untouched.
Good start at least.  The offense needed that.

Auburn 7  Ole Miss 0

From their 25 the Rebels move the ball again.
First down at the AU 29.
First down at the 14 after an interference call.
Second down at the 19 after a procedure call on Ole Miss.
Third down at the 19.  Auburn gets pressure on their QB but he is so shifty.
Their quarterback is tough to contain.  We will have to continue to put points on the board to win this game.
Fourth down at the 19.
The field goal attempt is good.

Auburn 7  Ole Miss 3

Good kick off return to the Auburn 39.
Second possession looks like typical dismal offense.
We are punting on 4th and 13 after a three and out.
Ole Miss starts at their 19.

The Tigers force the three and out on 4th and 5.
Auburn starts at their 30 after the exchange of punts.

On first down Stidham misses an open receiver.
Whitlow is dropped for a loss in the wildcat.
Stidham is sacked at the 21.
The offense goes backwards.
This is not going well as usual after that opening drive.  Abysmal offense.
Ole Miss starts around their 40.

The quarter ends with Ole Miss just short of the first down near midfield facing fourth down.
As the quarter ends we see the usual Auburn offense and with their quick strike offense I see no way we will win this game.  I do not understand how our offense can be so bad except that Stidham is awful.  Their not so good defense has held Auburn to straight three and outs.

SECOND QUARTER

Ole Miss is short on the fourth and short.  Good stop by the defense.  They were short by less than the length of the football.

Malik Willis is in the game.  Why not?
Give him a chance.  Hope for no turnover.  Even so, give him a chance.  He can't do any worse than Stidham, can he?
Auburn starts at the Ole Miss 49.
Stidham back in on third and three.
Shivers crashes over the left for the first down.
Third down at the 34.
We move to fourth and two.
Carlson misses the 47 yard attempt.
After only two plays Stidham returns to the game, but to no avail.  Why not leave Willis in the game?

Good opening drive, then the offense dies.  Same old script.
Ole Miss starts around their 30.
First play long completion to the Auburn 39.  The Rebels have a big play offense.
First down to the 28 behind a shifty quarterback.
We move to fourth down at the 25.
The field goal is good.

Auburn 7  Ole Miss 6

After a botched fair catch on a pooch kick Auburn advances from their four to across midfield.
On fourth and less than one Auburn will go for it around the Ole Miss 45.
First down to the 42 behind Whitlow in the wildcat.
Slayton has a catch in the end zone before the defender rakes the ball away.
Driscoll is helped off the field.
Whitlow takes the short throw and runs to the 12.
We move to third and 8 at the 10.
After another incompletion Anders makes the short field goal.
The offense could not seize the moment.

Auburn 10  Ole Miss 6

First play long completion to the Auburn 30.
Their QB is SO much better than ours.  This is the difference in the game.
From there we get a third down sack and Ole Miss calls time out with 1:29 left.
Auburn fair catches at the four.
The clock expires at third and one.  We are at halftime.

THIRD QUARTER

Auburn receive and marches impressively 68 yards for the touchdown mixing the run and short passes as Malik Miller crashes over from the one.

Auburn 17  Ole Miss 6

The Rebels move quickly to the Auburn 20.
First down to the 8 on a pass interference call.
On third down we get the big sack back to the 20.
The field goal is good.

Auburn 17  Ole Miss 9

The Tigers score on a long run by Whitlow, who fumbles again right at the goal line but Auburn recovers in the end zone.  Whew!
Four plays, 75 yards, Schwartz on the recovery in the end zone.

Auburn 24  Ole Miss 9

Ole Miss drives but our defense stops them on 4th and 3 at our 38.

There is a long pass completion to a wide-open Seth Williams to the one yard line.
Miller crashes over from the one and the offense scores quickly.

Auburn 31  Ole Miss 9

From the 25 Ole Miss goes three and out.
Ryan Davis fields the punt and Auburn starts at midfield.

First play Whitlow breaks free to the Ole Miss 23 and goes out limping.
The quarter ends with Auburn facing third and long.

FOURTH QUARTER

Auburn dominated the third quarter, but there is still one more to go against a potent Ole Miss offense.  Best quarter of the year.

We move to another missed Carlson field goal attempt this one 45 yards.   Every miss is to the right.  That would have been a big one to make.

Ole Miss starts quickly.  Our defense needs to stay in this game.
On third down we sack their QB at midfield.  Nick Coe has been very active today.
Ryan Davis fair catches at the 10 with 12:18 to go.

First down after a 35 yard completion to Slayton.
First down at the Auburn 48.
The clock goes under 10 minutes.
Malik Miller runs for 9 yards.  Another big run but called back for holding.
Then a 15 yard penalty for unsportsmanlike on Malzahn.
We move to third and long.
Auburn to punt as the clock moves under 8 minutes.
Ole Miss fair catches at their 18.

The Rebels move to the Auburn 38 with 4:22 left.
The Tigers try to keep Ole Miss without a touchdown.
First down to the 25.
Second and 10 with 3:31 left.
First down near the 12.
To the 7 as the clock moves under 3 minutes.
After a 5 yard penalty there is a TD pass from the 12 with 2:24 left.

Auburn 31  Ole Miss 16

Auburn recovers the onside kick at the Ole Miss 46.
First play Kam Martin runs for a first down to the 36 as the clock runs under 2 minutes.
Martin to the 32 as OM calls timeout.
Ole Miss calls another timeout surprisingly with 1:34 left at third and four.
Ole Miss calls their last timeout with 1:28 with Auburn facing fourth and less than two to go.
Miller loses on fourth.

Ole Miss back on offense with 1:24 left.
Ole Miss to their 45 with 1:14 left.
Third and three with 1:08 left.
Ole Miss doesn't give up but Ole Miss looks foolish trying to score again with the outcome not in doubt.  The last play initiated with :01 left on the clock is a pass batted away in the end zone.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 31  Ole Miss 16

2018 The Tennessee Game

There was a time when Auburn played the Vols every year.  This game was always an early season test.  Those years are long past.  Tennessee comes up this year on the league's rotating schedule.  One thing is the same: it's a test.
Auburn is supposed to beat a struggling Tennessee team today, but Auburn is struggling also.  Which will be the last team standing?  Auburn must win this game somehow.

FIRST QUARTER

The Tigers receive and promptly drive 75 yards for a touchdown the score coming from the one.
14 plays.  Chandler Cox with the one yard run.
Good start at least.

Auburn 7  Tennessee 0

The Vols start their own drive and cross midfield with two first downs.
After a good drive by our offensive UT is gashing our defense.
First down to the AU 29.
Tennessee moves to 4th and six.
The 42 yarder is good.

Auburn 7  Tennessee 3

The Tigers are quickly inside the UT 40.
First down at the UT 32.
First down to the 15.
Stidham to the three on a keeper.
Alas, the drive dies at the two.  This can get you beat.
The short FG is good.

Auburn 10  Tennessee 3

So far we see more passing to set up the run.  It has worked so far.   But a common red zone failure at the end of that impressive drive.

UT moves to the AU 34 on a long pass completion as the quarter ends.

SECOND QUARTER

So far we see an improved offense but our defense giving ground to the Vols.  Go figure.
We need a turnover.

UT attempts a long FG and it's BLOCKED!
Auburn starts at the Vol 46.

On second down Stidham throws a short pass in desperation and UT intercepts.
Stidham continues to struggle.  Should NOT have thrown that ill-advised ball.

UT sets up at their 41.
There is a long completion but it's called back on an ineligible receiver downfield.
We cannot allow these long completions.
First down pass completion to the Auburn 43.  Our pass defense is vulnerable today so far.
We're good on run defense but giving up yards thru the air.
There is a wide-open receiver from the 42---busted coverage---down the middle of the field and this game is tied.  Our pass defense is sleep-walking after a big blocked punt and a Stidham interference miscue.  Not good.  Tennessee came to play.  Our defense is making their offense look good.

Auburn 10  Tennessee 10

Our kick returners do not communicate and we start backed up at our 11.
We started this game smooth but not now.
First down pass to Seth Williams at the 27.
We move to third and four.
Completion to Slayton over the middle across midfield.
A razzle play leads to Stidham throwing a foolish interception again.
UT at the AU 37.
I can't believe Stidham.  The man is killing us.
We need a new quarterback.

We move to third and eighteen for UT.
Coe sacks their QB on a big-time stick.
4:18 to go.
UT punts from their 45.
The punt rolls dead around the Auburn 20.

Just like last week Auburn is killing themselves with mistakes.
Stidham hits Schwartz for a 76 yard touchdown pass. Schwartz catches it about 15 yards downfield and away he goes.  Like they say, there is no substitute for speed.  We needed that big play.

Auburn 17  Tennessee 10

Tennessee goes three and out.
1:47 left as UT sends the punt team out.
The punt bounces over the head of Ryan Davis and rolls all the way to the two.

UT stops the clock with 52 seconds left and Auburn on our 6.
Stidham throws out of bounds and we have to punt with 51 seconds left.
UT takes possession at their 48 with less than 50 seconds to go.

UT to the Auburn 35.
UT to the Auburn 29.
We are giving up too many passing yards.  I do not understand this.
Third and three with 17 seconds left.
Fourth and three with 17 seconds left.
The 45 attempt is good.

Auburn 17  Tennessee 13

It's anybody's game going into the second half.

THIRD QUARTER

UT receives to start the half.
The Vols cross midfield.  We cannot stop their passing.  We cannot stop them on third down.
We move to fourth and a length of the football short inside the Auburn 40.
The middle of defense stands up and UT comes up short.  Big stop to open the half by the defense.

Auburn at their 39.
Quickly Auburn is at third and six.
Pass incomplete.  Stidham is high again though the pass was catchable.
Offense goes three and out on our first possession.
UT starts at their 14 after a good punt and coverage.

UT moves to the Auburn 25.  We are stopping their run BUT we cannot third down sideline completions.
On third down AGAIN a completion this time in the end zone.  Our DBs are getting schooled.  I cannot believe what I am seeing.  Our cornerbacks are helpless against normal fade routes one on one.  This is ALL they have going on offense but it's enough so far.  Sad to see.
And Jeremiah Dinson is ejected for targeting.
This game is looking ominous as three plus minutes remain in the third quarter.

Auburn 17  Tennessee 20

Luckily Auburn recovers the pooch kick at the 25.  That would have been a disaster.
The problem with a "rhythm" offense is that with this team when it's out of of rhythm it is awful.
On second down Stidham fumbles, the ball rolls into the end zone, and Tennessee recovers for the touchdown.  Stidham doesn't take care of the ball.  Stidham is pathetic.  Auburn is getting embarrassedly out-played.  This is maddening.  I am watching a football team implode.  There are no miracles on the football field, and there will not be one today for Auburn.

Auburn 17  Tennessee 27

Our secondary is getting exposed.  Stidham and the offense is pathetic.  Three turnovers.  This game is still winnable.  We have to throw the ball.  Tennessee has 14 points off of turnovers.  UT has scored 14 straight points.

A rare runback to the 24.
With our offense we are probably done for in this game.
I can't see our offense scoring again.
Either Stidham overthrows or our receivers drop the ball.
There is a first down but a throw away on first down.
We move to third and long as our offensive line is getting whipped.
There is a completion to Seth Williams to the UT 40.
A holding call moves us back to first and fifteen at midfield.
Second and fifteen after a short incompletion to Ryan Davis.
We move to fourth and five as the quarter ends.

FOURTH QUARTER

Auburn will attempt the long field goal and it's way wide right not even close.  I would have gone for it.
UT will start at their 36 as the quarter starts.

All UT has to do is play conservative and they will win this game because we will not score again.
UT is three and out to their 43.
Ryan Davis is charged with calling for a fair catch and then trying to run with the ball.  We are backed up inside our five.  Auburn has made every mistake in the book.  What mistake is left to make in this game?  12:55 to go.

From the four yard line our offense is helpless.
Trying that long field goal was foolish.
Martin for a hard.  UT will have good field position after this possession.  One more score and it will be definitely over.
Auburn is punting after three helpless downs with an open Seth Williams ignored.
UT fair catches at the Auburn 49.  It's not dark yet, but it's getting there.

First play there is a long completion to the Auburn 7.  Their receiver goes up and grabs the ball.
The clock moves toward 10 minutes.
A touchdown will certainly end this game.
Second and goal from the six.
Third and goal from the two.
Fourth and goal from the two.
The field goal is good.

Auburn 17  Tennessee 30

Down by two scores, but at this point it doesn't seem to matter for this offense.  We are very unlikely to score again in this football game.
9:04 left.
Slayton drops what would have been a TD pass.  It's not all Stidham's fault.
The Tigers pass their way to the UT 31.
The Tigers move to fourth and four.
Stidham not sharp on that short pass attempt.
Stidham is sacked.  And that's that.  Game over.

UT ball at their 32.  So sad to see this game wind down.   No reason for the Vols take any chances.
First down Vols close to midfield.  Not a very good Tennessee team but better than Auburn today.
So said to watch this.

First down UT to the Auburn 40.  Our defense cannot stop their simple sideline throws.
The said thing is that we stuff their run.
Last week MSU ran for over 300 yards.  UT has about 75 at this point, but they have passed for probably over 300 yards.
The game winds down like a bad toothache even though we score at the end.
UT punts with 2:33 left where Ryan Davis falls on the ball at the 12.

Auburn drives and with 37 seconds to go Auburn gets the TD pass in the end zone to Seth Williams.

Auburn 24  Tennessee 30

Tennessee recovers the onside kicker as the kick bounces right to one of their players.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 24  Tennessee 30

I have nothing more to say except that Tennessee outplayed Auburn.  Sad to see for sure.

2018 The Mississippi State Game

Auburn seems to be a slight favorite at StarkVegas for a 6:30 kickoff on ESPN2.  Auburn is 4 and 1 and MSU is 3 and 2 having lost their last two games including Florida at home last week.  Both teams struggle on offense; both teams are supposed to have good defenses.  In this scenario playing at home I think the Bulldogs have the advantage.  Our offense is what it is.  I see no hope this year for improvement.  The line is a mess, we do not have a great running back, and our QB is pressured and tentative.  Those Bulldogs have a good running, scrambling quarterback.  That could be the difference.  Will our offense do enough?  Will our offense improve?  Is offensive improvement even possible?

FIRST QUARTER

MSU wins the toss and defers.
The first possession from the 25 leads to a three and out.  So much for a good start.
MSU fair catches at their 21.

State goes three and out as we get pressure on their qb Fitzgerald.
Ryan Davis drops the punt but falls on it at the Auburn 32.

Another three and out.  On third and eight Stidham misses Schwartz down the field.
Stidham cannot hit open receivers.
MSU starts on their 27 after the punt.

On the ground State moves to the first first down of the game at their 42.
Auburn intercepts at midfield.  First down Auburn at the State 39.

First chance for the offense to show something with good field position.
The Tigers move to 4th and a football length short.
Carlson makes a 46 yard field goal.  Points at least after not taking a chance on 4th and very short.

Auburn 3  MSU 0

From their 25 State runs for a first down to their 36.
Their QB is a strong runner and he goes for 9 yards.
State runs to the Auburn 43.  State is winning the line of scrimmage more than Auburn is.
Fitzgerald rambles to the AU 14.
State is pounding the middle.
Fourth and four at the 8.
The field goal attempt is good.
Score tied but MSU showing the better offense so far.

Auburn 3  MSU 3

Stidham hits Slayton across the Auburn 40 for our first first down.
Auburn moves to the MSU 44.
First down to the 34 just enough.
The play is reviewed AFTER the chains have been moved.  I have never seen this before.
The quarter ends with an amazing non-understandable overturn with AU facing on 4th and less than yard.

SECOND QUARTER

More and more we are seeing, let's say, strange overturns by the replay people.
We start the quarter with a fourth and short that should not be happening.
The quarterback sneak picks up the first down.
Shiver runs to the 27.
We move to third and one.
Kam Martin drops the snap in the wildcat.  Not the best snap but he should handled it.
A five yard loss leads to a long FG attempt.
The kick is way wide left.  No good.  The offense flubs the dub on third and short.
This is the kind of things that will get you beat in a game that could be close.
A bad play on third and one in the wildcat.  Kim Martin cannot handle the snap.

MSU quickly goes to the Auburn 41.
First down to the 31.
The Bullies move to a long FG attempt.  Hits the goal post and bangs thru.

Auburn 3  MSU 6

We expected a low scoring game and that's what we have so far.
Our offense occasional looks in rhythm but as usual seems to always bogs down.
As in that last possession and the boo-boo on third down in the wildcat.
This game could be a field goal only game.
At least it won't be 3 to 2.
On third down Stidham overthrows a WIDE-OPEN Slayton.  No one near him and Stidham overthrows him by 3 yards.  Once again a major mistake by the offense.  Stidham is horrific in his throwing accuracy.  There is no excuse for missing, overthrowing, a receiver running down the field ALL ALONE.

Good punt inside the MSU five.
State is out to their 34 mostly Fitzgerald running between the tackles.
State is punting from there after three more downs.
Ryan Davis muffs the punt and State recovers.
State is on our 34.
Mistake after mistake after mistake so far in this game by the offense and now on the punt team.

Fitzgerald lumbers to the 21 on first down.
First down to the 11 but it's reviewed to make it third and very short.  As if it makes a difference.
Mistake and a turnover and this game is slipping away in the first half as poor as our offense is.
Our mistakes have cost us points.
They are running their QB up the middle and some jet sweeps and that's enough so far.
Fitzgerald to the five.  We cannot stop their quarterback running between the tackles.
To the one on a short pass.
Fitzgerald is stopped short of the goal line as the clock runs down leading to third at the one.
Fitzgerald fights his way into the end zone.  We cannot tackle this guy.
The play is reviewed.  Stan White says he is down short of the goal line.
The review confirms Fitzgerald was down short of the goal line.  Fourth down inside the one.
State calls timeout leaving 4 seconds to run the last play of the half.
Auburn uses its final timeout as State lines up.
Fitzgerald's rush up the middle is ruled a touchdown but the play is reviewed.  It is close.
The play is reviewed and called a touchdown.   Our announcers say he was short.  These close calls never seem to go our way.
Too bad but our mistakes have doomed us so far.

Auburn 3  MSU 13

THIRD QUARTER

MSU receives to start the half.  A touchdown here and this game could be over  The Bulldogs have more than doubled our time of possession.  Little things on offense doomed us in the first half.
Stan White says Auburn has to come out throwing the football in the second half.  We had 79 total yards in the first half.  Nothing has changed so far with a struggling offense.

From the 25 first down to the State 39.
First down to the Auburn 47.
State is taking control of this game.
They are gashing our defense which has been on the field all night long.
This is sad to watch.
First down to the AU 33.  They are methodically slogging their way thru our defense.
First down to the 22.  Simple plays.  Nothing fancy what they are doing.
State calls a TO with 8:59 left in the quarter.  They have already used up 6 minutes of the quarter and they already had a big advantage in time of possession.
The FG is good.

Auburn 3  MSU 16

Auburn gets a long completion to Ryan Davis to the MSU 33 but as usual we bog down at the 20 and have to settle for three.  Still a two score game and our defense is tired.

Auburn 6  MSU 16

State goes three and out with 4:24 left in the quarter.
Ryan Davis fair catches at the Auburn 30.

All of remaining offensive possessions are critical including this one.
On third and long there is a long gain to midfield and a first down.
Whitlow makes a big run and fumbles as he crosses the goal line.  The call on the field is a touchback as State recovers the ball in the end zone.  The play is reviewed.
The call is upheld.  Touchback.  Now THAT was just bad luck.  Great run but he loses the ball as he reaches the ball across the goal line.  The ball comes out and the refs call it a touchback.  This is demoralizing.  He should not have been reaching with the ball with the defender in a position to knock it out.  Should have tucked it in.  It could have been called a touchdown anyway.

State continues their same offense and cross midfield.
The quarter ends.  We need a stop and two scores.  Not likely.

FOURTH QUARTER

Our defense stops them on fourth and less than a yard inside our territory.   DeShaun Davis is injured.

Auburn stops at their 42.
A short pass crosses midfield.
We move to third and nine as Stidham makes a bad throw on second down.
From the MSU 45 we face a big third and nine.  They're all big now.
Two big plays and Auburn is first and goal on the 6.
We move to third and six as Stidham can't complete a pass.
Incomplete pass to Slayton at the one.  One of our offensive difficulties is Stidham.  Not a very effective quarterback.
First and goal at the six and we have to settle for another field goal.
We simply cannot find the end zone.  If by some miracle we win this game it's called winning ugly.
All we need is three more field goals.

Auburn 9  MSU 16

11:24 left.
State drive to a 32 field goal attempt and it's BLOCKED.
Including a 15 yard penalty we have great field position.
We move to fourth and 10 at the MSU 30 as Stidham either misfired or Whitlow drops a short pass that would have been a good gain.  Stidham is horrible, simply horrible.

Now with 6:33 left MSU gets the ball back back and on first down there's a 17 yard rushing gain.
We had our chances.  We had our chances but our offense once again cannot get it done.
State losses midfield.  What a game.  What a game.
On third and three Fitzgerald runs for a first down and the clock moves under 4 minutes.
Our offense blew this game.  What else?
Our defense is worn out.  I feel sorry for them.  Our offense will not get any better.  It is what it is.
2:55 left and another first down as Auburn jumps offsides.
First and 10 at the 30.
Timeout Auburn with 2:37 left.
On third and short from the 22 their QB Fitzgerald breaks tackle at the line of the scrimmage and stomps into the end zone.  Good for the Bullies.  State has run for about 350 yards.  They have a very simple offense and they win the game.  Our offense once gain has not changed and is inconsistent.

Auburn 9  MSU 23

From the 35 Stidham is sacked on first down.  It figures.
Short completions but pointless as the game ends.  Stidham overthrows every deep throw.
It hurts to lose to Mississippi State.  All power to them but they a very average team and we could not be a very average SEC team.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 9  MSU 23

2018 The Southern Miss Game

Auburn is a big favorite on Homecoming.  Historically Auburn wins homecoming but typically it's a sloppy game.  Today will be no exception with our offense struggling.  We could lose this game.  SM is supposed to have a good passing game.  The game kicks off at 3 on the SEC Network.

FIRST QUARTER

USM receives and reaches the AU 45 helped by a major distance penalty against Auburn.
The punt goes into the end zone.

Auburn is three and out from the 20.

USM from their 32.
The Golden Eagles go three and out.
A bad snap to a punt defender and Auburn has the ball on the USM 33.

Whitlow to the 30.
Incomplete pass into the end zone.
Third and 7.
Holding on Auburn.
Our offense is off to a horrible start.
Stidham either can't find anyone open or our receivers cannot get open.
Another penalty false start.
The offense is going backwards big time from their 33.
Fourth down at the USM 40.
We go backwards 7 yards.  So sad to see. Same old ineffective offense.
Auburn catch the punt at the USM three with 5:19 left in the first quarter.
Two offense possessions and two three and outs.  Our offense is nonexistent.
Auburn is averaging 1.7 yards per play so far.

Three downs and the Eagles are punting from their five.
The punt goes OOB at the USM 47.

Whitlow for a yard.  No offensive line push.  None whatsoever.
THERE'S A 46 YARD TD PASS TO SETH WILLIAMS WHO GOES UP AND CATCHES THE BALL!  There is an explosive play we need since we have trouble driving the ball and we have trouble in the Red Zone.  The freshman Williams is our best wideout so far this season.

Auburn 7  USM 0

On the kickoff AU is penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike.  Four penalties 45 yards so far.
Jeremiah Dinson intercepts the long pass back on our 11 yard line!  Dinson had it the whole way.

Holding against AU makes it third and long from inside the 10.  Penalties, penalties, penalties.
Before the snap we have movement on a false start.  That's about 60 yards already.  Amazing.
The Tigers are punting from inside our five.
Except for the long TD pass our offense keeps going backwards.
USM starts at the Auburn 47.
No improvement in our offense so far as the quarter is slipping away.

The quarter ends with USM facing second and long.
Defense plays well.  Offense terrible except for one big play.

SECOND QUARTER

The Golden Eagles move to a 40 plus yd. FG.

Auburn 7  USM 3

Auburn luckily recovers the pooch kick at the 27.
The Tigers move quickly to the USM 47.
First down pass to Whitlow to the USM 29
A gain and a loss and a snap infraction and we move to third and 15.
First down pass to the 17 to Martin.
Kam Martin runs to the 8.
Third and short.
Martin for the first down to the 6.
From there Schwartz sweeps around the right side untouched.
Touchdown Auburn!  That was a decent drive for once.

Auburn 14  USM 3

As we finish the quarter we hear that Boobie Whitlow is being medically evaluated and will not return for this game and there is suddenly a weather delay for lighting in the distance.  There is at least a 30 minute pause.

With 4:27 to go in the second quarter we a 2 and 1/2  hour rain delay.

Auburn has the ball but punts on 4th and 8 as play resumes.

As the quarter winds down USM gets the ball at their 30 after a punt.

USM gets an end around to the Auburn 42 with under 3 minutes left.
USM moves to 4th down at the Auburn 41.
Ryan Davis fair catches at the AU with 1:36 left in the first half.

Our offense goes nowhere and Auburn is punting.  Stidham looks horrible.  He looks uncomfortable.  He is not playing well for sure.
Running into the kicker is called and Auburn retains possession just across the 20.
Stidham hits Slayton across the AU 40.  Clearly on replay a catch but it's reviewed.  Amazing.  1:02 on the clock.
First down on the AU 42.
Our offense is not good.  Stidham gets pressured.  Or he has time and either can't find anybody open or he just can't pull the trigger or our receivers can't get separation.  All of the above.
We move to 4th down.  Our offense is pathetic.
The punt goes into the end zone with 36 seconds to go.
The first half mercifully ends.

Auburn 14  USM 3

THIRD QUARTER

Thank goodness it's a 15 minute halftime.  Let's get this game over with ASAP.
Coming out at the half Malzahn says we got to get the run game going.  It won't happen.  Whitlow is out for the rest of the game.

The Tigers move to the USM 42 but the drive ends there.  The punt dies at the USM three.

From the three USM gets a completion across the 30.
There's a completion across the 40.
This game is far from over.
The Golden Eagles are moving the ball.
USM is down the Auburn 30.  Our defense is giving ground.
USM goes to the Auburn 18 with short passes.
Our defense has gone underground.
Our defense comes alive and pushes them back to the 32.
4th down at the 35.
Wow!  The 51 yard FG is good.

Auburn 14  USM 6

Auburn starts at the 29.
There is a long, long completion to Slayton to the USM 12.
Can our offense take advantage?
Interference against Slayton in the end zone.
First down at the two.
Pass to Chandler Cox in the end zone after a fake to Malik Miller.

Auburn 21  USM 6

Our defense gets aroused pushing back and USM punts from their 5.
First down Auburn at the Golden Eagle 39.

First down to the 27 but we move to third and eight from there.
Jack Driscoll is on the ground.
Stidham is sacked at the 37.
The long FG attempt is partially blocked with 59 seconds to go in the quarter.

USM gets a long completion to the AU 37 as the third quarter clock expires.

FOURTH QUARTER

I wish this game were over.  Just get it over with.

Complete pass to the 15.
From the 13 there is a TD pass to a wide-open receiver.

Auburn 21  USM 13

From the 25 our offense goes backwards.

USM gets good field position after the punt at their 48, but our defense forces a three and out.
Auburn starts at their 15 after the Golden Eagle punt.  Twiddle dee, twiddle dum.

Our offense has no consistency.  This would be a good time to find some.
Our offensive line is now a patchwork with some injuries.
Martin runs to the 29 from the 15.
We move to third and six.
Pass incomplete.  Auburn is punting again.
The punt is dead at the USM 25.  This is not fun.

USM is three and out.
Auburn gets the punt at their 41.

One first down and Stidham is hit as he tries to release a pass and USM recovers the fumble at midfield.  Oh, my.

On second and 17 Christian Tutt intercepts.
Auburn is at the USM 25.  Could be a game saver.

4:44 to go.
Martin to the 21 for four.
Martin fights to the 15 and a first down.
Martin has 21 carries tonight.
Martin to the 11.
Martin loses back to the 17 or 18 with 2:25 left as the Eagles call timeout.
Third and eight.
Martin runs to the five and the spot is reviewed.  The ruling on the field is first down.
The review takes away the first down.  What else would you expect?
On 4th and short the short FG is good on a high snap.

Auburn 24  USM 13

Our announcers think that it should have been a first down but these reviews always seem to go against us.

USM starts at their 13.
No gain on first down.
No gain on second down OOB with 1:06 left.
Sack on third down.
Fourth and 13 with 22 seconds left.
The game with USM completing a few short passes.

Final Score

Auburn 24  USM 13

Auburn vs. Arkansas Highlights

2018 The Arkansas Game

After a tough loss to LSU Auburn faces Arkansas at home for a 6:30 kickoff on the SEC Network.
The Hogs lost big to North Texas last week.  Auburn is a big favorite, but the Tigers have issues.  The offensive line is unsettled.  The run game is unsettled.  How unsettled is the team?  I expect a slow start by Auburn, slopping around, eventually winning the game but by less than the line.

FIRST QUARTER

Auburn wins the toss and defers.
After one first down Arky is punting.
Ryan Davis returns the punt from our 25 to the Arky 27.

First down to the 15.
First down to the 5.
Whitlow untouched into the end zone on first down from the 5.
A red zone touchdown.  We need those all game long.

Auburn 7  Arkansas 0

After two first downs to the Arky 48 there is a long completion to the Auburn 20.
The defense holds and the 40 yard FG attempt is no good.

From the Auburn 22 the Tigers go three and out.
Our offense is not clicking.  Gotta do better than this.
Our offense is so spotty.  No sign of explosive plays.
Arkansas fair catches the punt at their 28.

The Razorbacks are three and out.
The Tigers get a piece of the punt and AU gains possession at our 45.

Pass to Ryan Davis to the Arky 42.
We can't covert on third down. Stidham is off on his passing accuracy.  What else is new?
Anders Carlson misses the long FG attempt.

On Arky's first play Daniel Thomas picks up the fumble off the ground and runs it down to the two.
Whitlow is dropped at the 5.  A three yard loss.
Pass incomplete toward Seth Williams in the end zone.
We go from first and goal from the two to first and goal from the five.
Stidham is flushed out rolling right and steps OOB at the three.
FIRST AND GOAL FROM THE TWO AND WE GO BACKWARDS FROM THERE.
We have to settle for the three.
Our offense is bad, bad, bad.
What is it with our Red Zone offense?  A lack of execution for sure.  Sloppy play for sure.

Auburn 10  Arkansas 0

The quarter ends with Arkansas facing second and 10 from their 25.

SECOND QUARTER

A first down on a third and 15 conversion.
Next play Arky is called for holding.
A loss leading to 2nd and 25.
We move to third and 19 for the Arkansas offense.
Incomplete pass.  Fourth and 19.
Davis fair catches at our 30.

After facing third and 16 we come up a yard short and punt.
Three and out.  Two plays backwards and one play forward but a yard short and and punt from our 39.
Arkansas gets the ball back on the punt.

The Hogs start on their 20.
First down across the 30.
Arkansas is punting short of the 40.
Ryan Davis fair catches at the AU 24.

First down to the 36.
Two straight completions to Schwartz to the Arkansas 17.
We move to fourth and one from the eight.
Timeout Auburn.
Auburn goes for it on fourth and less than a yard and there is NO push by the offensive line.  Our offensive line gets pushed back.  Very bad.  Very, very bad.

It's a good thing we are playing Arkansas.  But we only lead by two scores.
Arkansas is three and out.
Auburn gets a partial block.  The ball is picked up and we run it to the Arkansas 9.

Before the snap we get a delay of game.  Incomprehensible.
We end up with third and goal from the 9.
We get lucky with a facemark penalty on Stidham.
Automatic first down and half the distance.  We get lucky.
On second down from the five Stidham makes the end zone running left.
Great scramble by Stidham for the touchdown made possible by the penalty against Arkansas.
PAT good.  W

Auburn 17  Arkansas 0

Arkansas gets to midfield with 26 seconds remaining in the half.
Another TO Arky at midfield with 18 seconds left.
On the next to the last play of the half Auburn intercepts and the runback goes to the end zone,  but we are called for a block in the back WHICH IS A BAD CALL ON REPLAY.  The penalty is enforced which allows a 50 yard FG attempt which is not good.  Controversy at the end of the first half.  Coach Malzahn is LIVID about the block in the back call.

THIRD QUARTER

Auburn receives to start the half and promptly goes three and out.  No dice on our first possession.  This offense has been awful all night.  I don't understand it.

Arky starts their first possession at their 21.
First play there's a long run of 45 yards to the Auburn 34.
Yikes.
We move to third and six.
Fourth and two.
Arkansas goes for it from the 26.
The quarterback pushes for the first down barely by maybe three inches.
First down at the AU 24.
A run to the 13 for another first down.
There is a tackle for loss by Darrell Williams.
Second and eleven.
Third and eleven after an incompletion to the end zone.
Second timeout by Arkansas.
Short gain leads to fourth down at the Auburn 10.
The 29 yard FG attempt is good.

Auburn 17  Arkansas 3

Okay.  Is our offense going to show up in the second half?  Now would be a good time.
Noah I runs the kickoff back 96 yards to the end zone.  Touchdown Auburn !
We needed that.  At least we've had good special teams play all night.

Auburn 24  Arkansas 3

The Hogs are three and out.
Auburn will start at their 25.

Auburn has only 53 yards rushing so far.  This won't cut it.
The running game simply is not there.
Quickly we are at third and six.
Even quicker it's fourth down.  Our offensive line is woeful.
The punt bounces to the Razorback NINE yard line.
Again we've had good special teams play.

Our defense holds and Arky is punting without a first down.
Auburn gets good field position at their 40.

First down just across the 50 on a completion to Seth Williams.
First down to the Arky 39.
Stidham overthrows a wide-open Slayton which would have been a touchdown.  Stidham is not very accurate at least tonight.
We move to third and ten with our QB not in sync.
Stidham is sacked with a couple of open receivers.  That is on Stidham.  He is awful tonight.
Arkansas will take the punt at their ten.

The quarter ends with Arkansas inside their ten after a loss on first down.

FOURTH DOWN

The Hogs mount a drive with a couple of big plays and move to a 4th and 9 at the Auburn 29.
This has been a lackluster game.  We have been saved so far by defense and special teams.
Their QB is leveled and Andrew Williams at the 31.  Good defense again!
Replay showed no interception but Auburn still has the ball since it was fourth down.

Auburn starts at their 28 after Arkansas loses the ball on downs.
A sustained drive?
Kam Martin runs for a first down to the 39.
Martin for another gain.
We move to a third and three after a no interference call on Schwartz.
First down on a power run by Whitlow.
Auburn moves to the Arky 28.
A pass to Ryan Davis to the 15.
From the 15 Whitlow runs around left to pay dirt!
Now THAT was an offense.  Mixing the pass and run Auburn drives 72 yards for the touchdown.
Where has that been all night?

Auburn 31  Arkansas 3

Arkansas goes three and out punting on 4th and 23.
Ryan Davis returns the punt from midfield to the 15.

Two no gains and a procedure penalty makes it third and 14 from the 19.
Stidham is dropped at the 25.  Stidham holds the ball too long.
The 43 yards is good by Anders Carlson.

Auburn 34  Arkansas 3

Arkansas cannot advance the ball and Auburn takes possession with 31 seconds left and the game ends.

FINAL SCORE

Auburn 34  Arkansas 3

Good defense.  Great special teams play.  Finally in the fourth quarter the offense put together a consistent drive but otherwise the offense was terrible most of the game.  I do not understand how the offense can be so inconsistent except that the offensive line must improve and Stidham is sometimes on and sometimes his mind seems to be somewhere else and we do NOT have a great running back.  Whitlow is the best but that's all I can say.

2018 The LSU Game

It's LSU time again.  The thing on my mind this week is that this is a series where strange things tend to happen in this game.  There is the three interception game in 1994.  The fire game in 1996 always come to mind.  The 2016 game where LSUS scored on the last play of the game but the snap came came after time had expired.  Auburn blew a 20 point lead last year in Baton Rouge.  But this game will be in the friendly confines of Jordan-Hare.  Auburn is favored by 10 and is ranked #7.  Will something unusual happen this year?  The game is a 2:30 kickoff on CBS.

FIRST QUARTER

LSU wins the toss and defers.  Both teams would have deferred desiring their defense on the field first.
Shaun Shivers is the starting running back but for only the first play and a short gain.
Second play and LSU intercepts.  Poor read by Stidham.  Very poor.

LSU starts at the AU 34.
First down to the 22.
First down to the 8.
LSU is completing short passes.
Their QB runs to the one.
Third and goal at the one.
Touchdown LSU.
Good start by LSU.
Two third conversions with a 34 yard drive in 9 plays.
LSU takes advantage of an early mistake by Stidham.

Auburn 0  LSU 7

What now?  I was thinking before this game that our offense would go as far as Stidham could take us.  I thought we might have held them to a FG but instead it's 7 to 0.

Auburn goes three and with three straight drops.  Our offense is not yet in this game.
LSU takes the punt at their 31.  I don't understand what I am seeing.

First play completion to the Auburn 38 to a wide-open receiver.
A chop block pushes LSU back to the 46.
Third and 18 from the AU 46.
Pass incomplete fourth down.
The punt goes into the end zone but a penalty pushes our start back to the 10.

First play 20 yard completion and extra 15 yards after a face guard.
First down to the AU 40.
A long completion to Schwartz.
First down to the 24.
Fourth and short just short of the 14.
Whitlow is tackled short of the line of scrimmage on fourth down.  LSU blows up the play.
Our center position is pushed back.
Another offensive failure.  LSU ball after a deadball major penalty against them.

LSU starts from their 8 yard line.
LSU starts a drive.  Auburn is playing sloppy on defense now.
LSU crosses our 40 for another first down.
LSU is 5 for 6 on third down conversions.
There is a face guard penalty on Auburn.
Mistake after mistake.
LSU misses a 53 yard field goal attempt.
A stop there so to speak but our defense has been on the field for most of the quarter.

The quarter ends with AU picking up a first down around our 45.

Auburn 0  LSU 7

SECOND QUARTER

LSU dominated the first quarter.  Lucky we are only down by 7.
After that one first down Auburn is punting.
Our offense cannot stay on the field.
The punt is fair caught at the LSU 11.
We desperately need a three and out by the defense because our offense is sleep-walking.

First down to the 22.
First down to the AU 45 on a completion.
First down LSU to the 33.
LSU is taking it to Auburn.  They came in ready to play.
A bad pass interference call puts LSU on our 18.
From the 18 we move to a third an 5. LSU is 6 of 8 so far in third down.
We move to fourth and two.
False start as LSU lined up to go for it.
The FG attempt is good.

Auburn 0  LSU 10

LSU came out ready to play.  Auburn did not come out ready to play.  Nothing has changed so far.

Unless our offense decides to show up, the pattern of this game is set.
First down completion to Slayton to the AU 39.
Completion to Seth Williams to the LSU 43.
Davis is wide open but Stidham overthrows him at the three.
First down to the LSU 30.
First down to the 19.
Pass interference moves the ball to the 6.
Whitlow powers in from the 6.  Auburn is on the board.
We needed that drive.  The offense looked good on that drive mixing the pass and the run.

Auburn 7  LSU 10

Our defense stands up.  LSU is three and out.
Auburn fields the punt at the AU 34.

First down pass to Seth Williams plus 15 for ruffing the passer.
The play is reviewed as the catch was close on the sideline.
The pass completion is negated on review but the penalty moves the ball to the LSU 49.
First down completion to Seth Williams to the LSU 33.
Shaun Shivers sweeps to the LSU 12 but a replay shows he was OOB at the 20.
First down Auburn at the LSU 20.
Whitlow to the 12.
Whitlow fights for one when it should have been a loss.
A completion to Chandler Cox to the 8.
From the 8 Shaun Shivers runs almost untouched to the end zone!!!
The electricity is back in Jordan-Hare.

Auburn 14  LSU 10

From the 25 LSU is three and out, punting with 42 seconds left.
Auburn pressures the punter but it's a good punt and Auburn starts on their 15.
Auburn takes a knee.
LSU took it to us to start the game but the Tigers responded at the end of the second quarter.

Auburn 14  LSU 10

THIRD QUARTER

LSU gets the ball first.
First play first down pass to the 37.
There's another first down pass.  Quick passing two first quick first downs.
LSU moves to a third down at the AU 45.
Third and four.
Pass incomplete.  Fourth down.
LSU fakes the punt on a jump pass INCOMPLETE!
Auburn gets the ball with good field position.

Will our defense continue its second quarter momentum?  Probably not.  These two teams seem evenly matched and it will probably settle down to a nail-biter at the end.

From their 41 Auburn goes to work.
Auburn to the LSU 40.
Second and 7 at the LSU 37.
There is a wheel route to Asa Martin who rambles to the five.
Stidham runs it in from there, but the play is reviewed and Stidham is ruled down a foot out.
Whitlow is dropped at the four.  A shotgun team can struggle to make a foot.
We drop to third and goal from the four.  Inches matter.  Stidham just short at the goal line and now we are third down from the four.
What will Auburn do with third and goal from the four?  This is huge.
Coming out of a time out
Stidham rolls right and hits a wide-open Slayton!
So far the offense has continued its momentum from the second quarter.

Auburn 21  LSU 10

From the 25 LSU is three and out.
Ryan Davis returns the punt to the AU 30.

First down incompletion.
Auburn goes three and out.  We can still move the ball though.  Seth Williams was wide-open but one of their players knocked the pass down.
The punt goes OOB at the LSU 33.
Too bad on that possession because our offense had it going.
Now LSU will probably score and we'll have our nail-biter.

LSU crosses midfield.  A facemask penalty helps their cause.
LSU runs to the AU 20.
We move to third down at the 15.
Auburn flagged for pass interference as their QB was throwing the ball away.  A horrible call!
First down LSU at the 9.
Third and goal at the 9.
The fourth down pass is batted away.
The FG is good.

Auburn 21  LSU 13

Whitlow returns the KO to the Auburn 39.
AU moves quickly to the LSU 47.
On third and 6 Stidham throws the interception.  That's his second of the game.
LSU starts on their 47.

LSU moves to a third and eight at midfield.
Their QB Burrow is flushed out of the pocket but comes up short of the first down.
LSU is punting.  AU will start at their 10 with five seconds to go in the quarter.

First play a short pass to the 17.  We head to the fourth quarter.  This game will not be over until it's over.

Auburn 21  LSU 13

FOURTH QUARTER

Whitlow explodes to the AU 37.
Another pass completion of nine and a targeting call on LSU.
LSU #26 exits the field.
Auburn is at the LSU 40.
We move to third and 13 after an incompletion and Whitlow is tackled in the backfield.
Stidham scrambles but we are left with a 52 yard field goal attempt which is no good.
LSU will start at their 35.
With Anders Carlson it was worth the try.

LSU moves to a third and three at the 42.
Burrow is stopped short at the 43.
LSU punts OOB at the Auburn nine.

Whitlow for a short gain.
We need to move this ball for field possession if nothing else.
There's a first down to the 19.
Auburn moves to a third and 10.
An obvious pass interference call is not made against Slayton, who was pushed in the back but no call.

LSU starts on their 29 after the punt.
First play a 71 yard TD pass.  Auburn defenders were around but the receiver caught the ball.
Wow, oh wow.  The last thing we needed.  The pass was JUST over Davis but the catch was made.
LSU will go for two of course.  The pass attempt in the back of the end zone is incomplete.  At least we retain the lead.

Auburn 21  LSU 19

Oh, my!  Here we go again as I predicted.  This one will go to the wire.

First play from the 25 Auburn is called for holding.
A draw play for nine but still second and 11.
We move to third and five with the clock under 7 minutes.
Auburn cannot covert and we are punting from the 30.
Our offense is forcing our defense to make a stand.
LSU will start at their 23.
Advantage LSU.  They only need a FG and they have a good place kicker.

A one yard loss on first down for LSU.
Second down incompletion.
Third and 11 from the 23.
The officials call pass interference: ridiculous!  LSU has a first down on a bogus penalty.
We move to third and 7.
Gut check time.
First down completion to the LSU 49.
First down incompletion.
Third down and four.
We drop their QB at midfield and it's fourth down and the game so far.
Pass completion to the 39 for the first down.
LSU is almost in field goal range and Auburn has only one timeout.
LSU can use the clock setting up the field goal attempt.
ANOTHER pass interference call on Auburn.  Our announcers are incredulous!
We are getting robbed in broad daylight.
We have seen THREE dubious interference calls on Auburn that have determined the outcome of this game.
It comes down to an LSU FG attempt to determine the outcome this game.
A 42 yard effort.
It's good.
It's difficult to accept given the officiating.  We got robbed by bad officiating.  Bogus, bad interference calls.  The refs determined the outcome of this game.  There is almost always something about this game, and it happened again this year.

FINAL SCORE

AUBURN 21  LSU 22

All That Matters

Beat LSU!

The Season Begins

After a win over a good Washington team and a win as expected over Alabama State, the Tigers entertain LSU Saturday afternoon on CBS in Jordan-Hare.  The season begins in earnest now.  It seems like for decades LSU has been our first early season test.

I am surprised that Auburn is a 10 point favorite.  I thought it might be three.  This is probably not a great LSU team, but they are plenty capable of winning Saturday afternoon.

It's hard to predict Ed Orgeron.  I do know their defense will be a tough test.  I'll take a win any way we can get it.

Auburn Football Review: Alabama State

2018 The Alabama State Game

I always have mixed feelings about these kind of games---games we are supposed to win handily because if we do win handily, what does it prove, and if we struggle, it is usually a bad sign.  Anyway, at least I'd rather play an instate program in this kind of game than an out-of-state team.

FIRST QUARTER

The telecast is delayed on the SEC Alternate as Ole Miss blowing out SIU is allowed to continue to the end.  OM wins 76 to 41.
Auburn receives and goes three and out.
ASU goes three and out.
Second possession AU starts on the Hornet 46.
A drive starts but Whitlow fumbles the ball away on the 19.
A red zone turnover.  Bad, bad, bad.

ASU hits an open receiver down to the Auburn 30.
Is Auburn into this game mentally?  Not yet so far.
From the AU 26 the field goal attempt is wide left.

The Tigers drive to the ASU 25 running the ball.
The Tigers move to first and 10 from the 11.
From the 6 Stidham strolls into the end zone around left end.

Auburn 7  Alabama State 0

6:09 to go in the quarter.
After one first down ASU punts.
Auburn starts at the 19.

The Tigers move to a first down at their 43.
There's a 57 yard TD pass to the freshman Anthony Schwartz!  Beautiful play as this freshman runs past the defender wide open.

Auburn 14  Alabama State 0

First play by ASU and Daniel Thomas takes the ball out of the air and runs to the end zone!
Pick Six!

Auburn 21  Alabama State 0

ASU runs the KO back all the way but ASU is called for a block in the back.
ASU from their 15.
The quarter ends with the Hornets facing second and 9 from their 26.

SECOND QUARTER

Two first downs and ASU punts and then punts again after a procedure penalty.
Auburn starts at the 11 after a terrific punt.

First play completion to Ryan Davis to the 35.
Whitlow runs to midfield on the next play.
Whitlow again with a bullrun to around their 35.
Whitlow again inside the 30.
Stidham misses a wide-open Asa Martin on a wheel route.
Penalty on ASU moves the ball to the 19.
Kam Martin runs to the 4.
Kam Martin next play for the touchdown!
Finally our offense is playing against an outmanned opponent like it should.

Auburn 28  Alabama State 0

ASU punts from their 30 with 9:53 to go.

Schwartz jet sweeps for a first down for the first time this year.
After one first down AU is punting.
ASU starts at their 16 with 8:44 to go.
ASU goes three and out.
Auburn blocks the punt.  Devan Barrett picks up the ball and runs into the end zone.
Big-time punt block, scoop, and touchdown!

Auburn 35  Alabama State 0

ASU from their 30.
Thomas intercepts on a quick screen.  Great diving INT, the second of the game, by Thomas.
The Tigers are in business on the 23.
First play Anthony Schwartz scores untouched on a reverse!
This Anthony Schwartz is going to be a special player---fast, fast, fast, and he can catch the football.

Auburn 42  Alabama State 0

The Hornets go three and out.
Lots of different faces out there on defense.
The punt hits the ground and goes all to the Auburn 4 with 4:48 to go.

First play Malik Willis goes down in the end zone for a safety.
Willis never had a chance.

Auburn 42  Alabama State 2

ASU will start after the safety kick at their 35.
ASU picks up a first down on a picky ruffing the QB call on Auburn and Davidson.
There is a sack on third down and ASU is punting from their 37.
The punt goes all the way to the end zone.

Whitlow makes a determined run to almost midfield.
The clock moves under a minute.
The half ends.

END OF FIRST HALF
Auburn 42  Alabama 2

THIRD QUARTER

ASU drives to a 4th and 4 to the AU 36 but we sack the QB on the 44.  Auburn ball.

We need to get Malik Willis going at quarterback.  He is always one play from being forced into the game.
Asa Martin runs to midfield.
Asa Martin fumbles and ASU recovers at their 41.  Not good.
He didn't seem to be hit very hard to lose the ball.

First play holding call on the Hornets.
Three and out for ASU.
Christian Tutt takes the punt to the ASU 49

A bust up the middle for Shaun Shivers to the 35.
Harold Joiner runs for the first down to the 25 on a fourth and four.
Shivers bursts inside the 10.
Shivers goes to the four.
Shivers to the two.
Harold Joiner back in for the wildcat.
Joiner walks into the end zone.
Joiner is going to be a good one.

Auburn 49  Alabama State 2

ASU drives to a punt which Auburn muffs on the 16.
We get a sack back on the 30 but on the next play the Hornets get a TD pass into the end zone.

Auburn 49  Alabama 9

Spencer Nye takes the pooch kick to the AU 39.
Cord Sandberg is the QB.
The quarter ends with Auburn facing 2nd and 6.

FOURTH QUARTER

Two lost running back fumbles and one punt muff are the big negatives in this game.
Shivers runs to the ASU 38.
Sandberg to the 31.
Matthew Hill runs inside the 10 on the jet sweep before getting stripped of the ball.
ASU takes the ball on their 13.
Too many turnovers in this game.  Inexperienced players losing the ball in this game.  This has to stop.  Four lost balls will doom us against LSU.

Auburn gets a three and out.
AU on their 46.

First down Auburn at the ASU 28 with Shivers running the football.
SHIVERS to the two yard line.  Little but runs HARD.
Shivers walks in from the two.  He is fun to watch!  Small but runs with heart.

Auburn 56  Alabama State 9

Auburn intercepts at our 37 by Sherwood.

Auburn quickly to the ASU 27.
Two straight keepers by Sandberg the second one to the 14.
Malik Miller walks into to the end zone from the 14.
Good for him!

Auburn 63  Alabama State 9

ASU fumbles the KO return and Auburn recovers at the 14.
A penalty and Auburn starts at the 9.
Auburn is stopped on fourth down at the five.

ASU goes nowhere and punts with 1:35 left.

Auburn takes a knee or two and the game is over.

FINAL SCORE
Auburn 63  Alabama State 9