It's Mississippi State Bulldog Dan Mullen time again. No love lost between Auburn and Mississippi State. This is a set-up game for Auburn. A win here could spur the rest of the reason. A loss will certainly put a quick damper on things after last week's blowout of Missouri. The game is at Jordan-Hare kicking off at 5 on ESPN. Auburn is something like an 8-point favorite.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn receives and drives quickly 75 yards in 7 plays in three minutes for the score. After one first down Kerryon Johnson runs 60 yards inside their 10. You can tell that KJ is still not full speed or else he would have scored. No matter. On 4th down from the one foot line Johnson goes in for the score.
Auburn 7 MSU 0
State goes three and out but Stidham fumbles and MSU gets the ball on our 32. Our defense holds and they make a 40 yard FG.
Auburn 7 MSU 3
The Tigers drive quickly for another touchdown. The big play is a long pass on a sweep handoff, the ball going back to Stidham, who completes the long pass to Davis.
The TD comes on a pass from the 7 to Ryan Davis.
Auburn 14 MSU 3
Our defense forces another punt, but we end up punting back to them at their 14.
SECOND QUARTR
State goes three and out from their 14 which includes backing up 5 yards for procedure.
After the punt Auburn sets up at the Bulldog 47.
FIRST PLAY STIDHAM HITS A WIDE WIDE-OPEN WILL HASTINGS ON THE POST!
WOW! One play is all it took.
Auburn 21 MSU 3
From their 25 State once again goes three and punt BUT THEY FAKE THE PUNT AND OUR DEFENSE TAKES DOWN THE PUNTER AND AU TAKES OVER ON THEIR 33.
Alas, three plays later we are still at the 33.
On the 51-yard FG attempt the ball hits the left upright. Big chance missed. Doggone it!
So far in this game our between the tackles running is not there. We've hit big plays though.
After one first down the Bulldogs are punting from their 47.
Stephen Roberts fair-catches at the 13.
After one first down Auburn is punting on 4th and the length of the football.
Good punt to the MSU 23 with less than 5 minutes to go in the half.
State gets a big pass completion on first down to the Auburn 32.
There is another first down completion to the Auburn 21.
Loss of one. Second and 11.
Third and 6 for State.
Their QB runs it in from there for the score and a good scramble. Their QB fumbles into the end zone but after the ball crosses the line.
The play is reviewed and the player ruled down at the one foot line.
First and goal from inside the one and their QB is stopped on the first play.
Second and goal.
False start!
Backs them up five to close to the 6.
We stuff their running back at the hole at the line of scrimmage. Big time hit there.
Third and goal but there's a touchdown pass back to the left to a wide-open receiver.
Auburn 21 MSU 10
59 seconds left and State gets the ball first in the second half.
The Tigers are conservative and the clock expires.
THIRD QUARTER
MSU receives with momentum after their late second quarter touchdown.
After one first down MSU punts to just outside our chalk line.
First play from inside the one Auburn gets the big pass play to Eli Stove flipping the field.
KJ runs it in from the two.
THAT'S A 99 YARD DRIVE! Longest scoring drive in AU history. 3:20. You can't get longer than that.
Just what we needed.
Let me tell you one thing. Coach Malzahn would NEVER have thrown the ball from the end zone. Thank goodness for Chip Lindsey!
Auburn 28 MSU 10
On their first series from the 25 Tray Matthews intercepts at the AU 49.
First play Devan Barrett runs for 10 yards and a first down.
Alas, we are punting from the 37.
MSU fair-catches at their 10.
The Bulldogs start a drive. Gotta stop 'em.
They cross midfield.
The Bulldogs are at our 34. Their offense is in rhythm on this drive.
State goes to 4th and 10 from the 34.
There is a false start on Mississippi State. That makes SEVEN false starts on the Bulldogs.
Incomplete pass at the stick! Our defense holds.
First down Auburn at our 39.
Oh, no! Kamryn Pettway fumbles and State recovers at the Auburn 43.
We sack their QB Fitzgerald. Jeff Holland rips down Fitzgerald coming around the edge.
The quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
We have the lead but have missed chances to put this game away. We missed the long FG. We stopped their fake punt but nothing came of it. And there we turn the ball over on our side of the field. Despite some big plays, our running game is not there.
Our defense holds on fourth down. Auburn ball on our 39.
With 7 defenders at the line of scrimmage Stidham hits Kyle Davis on a beautiful pass to the two.
Kerryon Johnson leaps for the touchdown!!!
Maybe this is the dagger that will kill Mullen's Bulldogs.
With Chip Lindsay we get the long pass completion with MSU stacking the box. I doubt this would happen with Malzahn calling the plays.
Auburn 35 MSU 10
12:03 to go.
We are winning this game so far because of 264 yards of passing from Jarrett Stidham.
On a tipped pass Javaris Davis returns the interception 37 yards for the touchdown!!!
10:42 to go.
Game, set, match! Here's to you, Dan Mullen!!!
Auburn 42 MSU 10
The Bullies drive to the AU 15.
We do have a lot of fresh uniforms in the game but I would like to stop these guys anyway.
On 4th and 7 from the 12 the pass into the end zone is tipped and tipped and falls incomplete. Yes!
First place from the 12 Malik Miller runs to the 24.
Malik Miller looks better than Kam Pettway.
(Stidham is 13 for 16 for 264 years)
Malik Willis playing this last series.
(We've had 12 pass breakups on defense)
Malik Willis runs 67 yards down the right sideline for the touchdown on the keeper!!
More icing on the cake. Take that also, Dan Mullen!!!
That's our QB of the future. Malik Willis has some wheels!
Auburn 49 MSU 10
Bury the Bulldogs! Bury them good.
3:04 left. Let's enjoy it.
With 2:02 left State is at midfield.
State pushes to the AU 39 as the clock winding down to a minute.
State has a first down at the 29 with the clock under 30 seconds.
16 seconds to go State at our 29.
We sack their QB as the clock expires.
A great win. Ole Miss is next. Let's complete the Mississippi sweep next week.
Not much negative you can say about this one. This team is getting better.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 49 MSU 10
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
After Missouri
The Tigers took care of business at Columbia as needed. Season prospects look better now. Now comes Dan Mullen's crew. After waxing LSU 37 to 3 the Bullies got popped by Georgia 31 to 3. Normally this game is close. Last year was an exception. I expect a good came to could go either way.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
2017 The Missouri Game
Auburn is playing at Missouri for the first time. This is a game that everyone is saying that Auburn should win. It scares me to death in this situation. From now on every game is critical. If you lose one that you are expected to win it is especially rough. If we lose this game the pressure might be unsurmountable on Malzahn.
FIRST QUARTER
Missouri receives and goes three and out.
After the punt Auburn drives quickly for the score.
First play from scrimmage Stidham hits Kyle Davis for a 58 yard completion.
Kerryon Johnson walks in from the one for the score. 6 plays 80 yards.
Auburn 7 Missouri 0
Good start, but we've seen good starts before fizzle.
Second Missouri possession second play Auburn intercepts at their 33. Carlton Davis does the honors.
First down on a complete pass to Hastings to the 18.
From the 15 Stidham runs to the two yard line.
Kerryon runs it in on the wildcat from the two. Auburn turns the turnover into seven.
Auburn 14 Missouri 0
You couldn't ask for a better start to this game.
Missouri picks up one first down but then punts to the Auburn ten.
After one first down Auburn is punting. Let's hope our offense doesn't go into a swoop like it has done so many times before.
Missouri pushes to the AU 45 but that's it.
The punt rolls dead at the Auburn ten with 2:06 to go in the quarter.
So far our rushing hasn't been there and it needs to be there.
First down rushing to the 22.
The quarter ends with Auburn facing 2nd and seven at the Auburn 25.
SECOND QUARTER
First down to the 36.
Then a long completion to Will Hastings to the 17.
Kam Martin explodes to the three untouched.
On second down Kerryon Johnson runs around right end for the touchdown from the one after Martin had carried to the one.
Auburn 21 Missouri 0
Missouri moves to the Auburn 49 we see a strange play.
On third and 9 their QB is ruled to have fumbled though his arm seemed to be moving forward. The ball is picked up by Marlon Davidson and he runs it down to the Missouri 20. Big turnover and break for Auburn.
The Tigers move quickly and Kerryon runs it in for the fourth time from the wildcat inside the ten. It's been all Auburn so far.
Auburn 28 Missouri 0
Missouri goes very uptempo and moves out the 50.
Missouri is down the AU 33. Missouri is suddenly moving the football.
Missouri is down the Auburn 19.
A screen pass from there makes the end zone and Missouri is on the board.
That was a well executed drive by home team.
Auburn 28 Missouri 7
Kam Martin explodes for 47 yards.
AU is inside the Missouri 30.
We move to 4th down at the 24.
Carlson extends our lead with a 41 yard FG.
Auburn 31 Missouri 7
Missouri moves the ball like last time crossing midfield as the clock dips below a minute.
On 4th down from the Auburn 43 Missouri punts to the Auburn 5. The half ends.
Auburn has dominated by Missouri has shown in its last 2 possessions that it can move the ball.
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers receive and after one first down there is a long TD pass to Eli Stove but it's called back for holding.
We punt and stop Missouri on a fake punt attempt at their 22.
On the first play Stove jet sweeps to the Missouri one and Kerryon dives in from there for his 5th touchdown.
Auburn 38 Missouri 7
Missouri is three and out from their 25 after the kickoff. Our defense holds again.
AU gets good field position at our 43.
First play Stidham hits a wide-open Nate Craig-Myers running free down the center of the field and Auburn extends its lead. Wow! Great play call. Great protection for our quarterback.
Auburn 45 Missouri 7
Missouri is quickly out to midfield.
Missouri does have a good QB in Drew Lock and he can be very accurate.
Missouri is at the Auburn 39 as we substitute liberally.
Missouri is punting on 4th down from the 37. Why don't they go for it?
Buddy Davidson is shown in the stands.
We start from our 8.
We go three and out but Missouri is guilty of illegally jumping over our shield on the punt.
After the penalty is enforced Stove makes a big gain on a sweep around left end.
First down Auburn at the Missouri 38.
The drive stalls at the 35. Carlson comes in for a long field goal attempt.
Daniel Carols nails the 52 yard attempt. That was a big-league field goal!
Auburn 48 Missouri 7
Missouri drives across midfield but the ball comes out and AU recovers around the AU 35.
Malik Willis comes into the game, carries for 11 yards on the first play, and gets 15 more as his helmet is ripped off. The Tigers are in Missouri territory.
The quarter ends with Auburn trying to drive with Malik Willis taking over at quarterback.
FOURTH QUARTER
Willis does a great RPO to Griffin King for a touchdown but it's called back for holding.
We move to 4th down at their 37. Carlson will try another long one.
Carlson nails the 54 harder! He is money in the bank.
Auburn 51 Missouri 7
It's good to see Malik Willis out there. With the dismissal of Sean White, he is firmly the number two quarterback. He is a change of pace from Stidham, more of a Nick Marshall kind dual threat.
Missouri drives to a 25 yard TD pass against a lot of subs out there. No pressure on their QB.
Auburn 51 Missouri 14
After one first down we are pushed back to our 20 and have to punt.
Missouri takes over around their 40 with 8:21 to go.
First down to the AU 34.
On 4th and 5 from the 29 we sack their QB back at the 39.
We rule for one first down moving just across midfield.
We move down to the Missouri 37 running between the tackles.
Down to the 32 with Malik Miller running the football.
We end with 4th and 1 as the clock runs and expires as we run the last play of the game. The game is over.
This game was all Auburn from the beginning and the route was on.
The offense was balanced. The first defense gave up 7 points. Kerryon Johnson scored 5 touchdowns. Malik Will made his first appearance and looks capable. Our offense did not let up.
Next week it's Mississippi State and the Bullies got popped tonight in Athens. Here we go.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 51 Missouri 14
FIRST QUARTER
Missouri receives and goes three and out.
After the punt Auburn drives quickly for the score.
First play from scrimmage Stidham hits Kyle Davis for a 58 yard completion.
Kerryon Johnson walks in from the one for the score. 6 plays 80 yards.
Auburn 7 Missouri 0
Good start, but we've seen good starts before fizzle.
Second Missouri possession second play Auburn intercepts at their 33. Carlton Davis does the honors.
First down on a complete pass to Hastings to the 18.
From the 15 Stidham runs to the two yard line.
Kerryon runs it in on the wildcat from the two. Auburn turns the turnover into seven.
Auburn 14 Missouri 0
You couldn't ask for a better start to this game.
Missouri picks up one first down but then punts to the Auburn ten.
After one first down Auburn is punting. Let's hope our offense doesn't go into a swoop like it has done so many times before.
Missouri pushes to the AU 45 but that's it.
The punt rolls dead at the Auburn ten with 2:06 to go in the quarter.
So far our rushing hasn't been there and it needs to be there.
First down rushing to the 22.
The quarter ends with Auburn facing 2nd and seven at the Auburn 25.
SECOND QUARTER
First down to the 36.
Then a long completion to Will Hastings to the 17.
Kam Martin explodes to the three untouched.
On second down Kerryon Johnson runs around right end for the touchdown from the one after Martin had carried to the one.
Auburn 21 Missouri 0
Missouri moves to the Auburn 49 we see a strange play.
On third and 9 their QB is ruled to have fumbled though his arm seemed to be moving forward. The ball is picked up by Marlon Davidson and he runs it down to the Missouri 20. Big turnover and break for Auburn.
The Tigers move quickly and Kerryon runs it in for the fourth time from the wildcat inside the ten. It's been all Auburn so far.
Auburn 28 Missouri 0
Missouri goes very uptempo and moves out the 50.
Missouri is down the AU 33. Missouri is suddenly moving the football.
Missouri is down the Auburn 19.
A screen pass from there makes the end zone and Missouri is on the board.
That was a well executed drive by home team.
Auburn 28 Missouri 7
Kam Martin explodes for 47 yards.
AU is inside the Missouri 30.
We move to 4th down at the 24.
Carlson extends our lead with a 41 yard FG.
Auburn 31 Missouri 7
Missouri moves the ball like last time crossing midfield as the clock dips below a minute.
On 4th down from the Auburn 43 Missouri punts to the Auburn 5. The half ends.
Auburn has dominated by Missouri has shown in its last 2 possessions that it can move the ball.
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers receive and after one first down there is a long TD pass to Eli Stove but it's called back for holding.
We punt and stop Missouri on a fake punt attempt at their 22.
On the first play Stove jet sweeps to the Missouri one and Kerryon dives in from there for his 5th touchdown.
Auburn 38 Missouri 7
Missouri is three and out from their 25 after the kickoff. Our defense holds again.
AU gets good field position at our 43.
First play Stidham hits a wide-open Nate Craig-Myers running free down the center of the field and Auburn extends its lead. Wow! Great play call. Great protection for our quarterback.
Auburn 45 Missouri 7
Missouri is quickly out to midfield.
Missouri does have a good QB in Drew Lock and he can be very accurate.
Missouri is at the Auburn 39 as we substitute liberally.
Missouri is punting on 4th down from the 37. Why don't they go for it?
Buddy Davidson is shown in the stands.
We start from our 8.
We go three and out but Missouri is guilty of illegally jumping over our shield on the punt.
After the penalty is enforced Stove makes a big gain on a sweep around left end.
First down Auburn at the Missouri 38.
The drive stalls at the 35. Carlson comes in for a long field goal attempt.
Daniel Carols nails the 52 yard attempt. That was a big-league field goal!
Auburn 48 Missouri 7
Missouri drives across midfield but the ball comes out and AU recovers around the AU 35.
Malik Willis comes into the game, carries for 11 yards on the first play, and gets 15 more as his helmet is ripped off. The Tigers are in Missouri territory.
The quarter ends with Auburn trying to drive with Malik Willis taking over at quarterback.
FOURTH QUARTER
Willis does a great RPO to Griffin King for a touchdown but it's called back for holding.
We move to 4th down at their 37. Carlson will try another long one.
Carlson nails the 54 harder! He is money in the bank.
Auburn 51 Missouri 7
It's good to see Malik Willis out there. With the dismissal of Sean White, he is firmly the number two quarterback. He is a change of pace from Stidham, more of a Nick Marshall kind dual threat.
Missouri drives to a 25 yard TD pass against a lot of subs out there. No pressure on their QB.
Auburn 51 Missouri 14
After one first down we are pushed back to our 20 and have to punt.
Missouri takes over around their 40 with 8:21 to go.
First down to the AU 34.
On 4th and 5 from the 29 we sack their QB back at the 39.
We rule for one first down moving just across midfield.
We move down to the Missouri 37 running between the tackles.
Down to the 32 with Malik Miller running the football.
We end with 4th and 1 as the clock runs and expires as we run the last play of the game. The game is over.
This game was all Auburn from the beginning and the route was on.
The offense was balanced. The first defense gave up 7 points. Kerryon Johnson scored 5 touchdowns. Malik Will made his first appearance and looks capable. Our offense did not let up.
Next week it's Mississippi State and the Bullies got popped tonight in Athens. Here we go.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 51 Missouri 14
Thursday, September 21, 2017
After Mercer
Auburn has started the 2017 season beating Georgia Southern and Mercer and losing to Clemson. The two losses were not satisfying. The loss to Clemson was by only 8 points but it was clear Clemson was the better team. Sean White has been ejected from the team. One of our defensive tackles has left. The natives are restless. The Tigers will be a big favorite at Missouri. If we lose this game. Coach Malzahn will be in a lot of trouble.
Saturday, September 16, 2017
2017 The Mercer Game
Homecoming features the Mercer Bears. I think I read that Mercer restarted their football program in 2013. I haven't seen a line but I assume Auburn is a big favorite. I am not off the Gus Bus yet, but I do have the windows down and I am threatening to jump. Mercer may not prove anything today, but Missouri coming next week will. There must be a huge improvement in the offense. At this point I do not see it coming.
FIRST QUARTER
First two Auburn possessions there's a drive which ends at the Mercer 24 when Kyle Davis fumbles after a first down completion. The second possession ends with a punt after one first down.
Mercer goes three and out on their first possession.
On their second possession Mercer reaches midfield.
From there their punt goes out of bounds at the AU 15.
So far the offense hasn't produced. On the last possession Eli Stove dropped a first pass leading to a punt. On the first possession Kyle Davis fumbled. It looks like our receivers still aren't getting any separation. Pettway doesn't seem to have much spark. If it were me I'd have another running back in there.
Third try and finally we see a moving offense. Pettway finally comes alive with a 23 yard run and scores a little later with a bull rush from the four. Hastings has a good reception in that drive. 10 plays 85 yards.
Auburn 7 Mercer 0
The quarter ends with the Bears on their 42. Auburn is playing a lot of people on defense.
SECOND QUARTER
Mercer is punting from the AU 47.
The Tigers begin from their 16.
We saw some offensive life in the last possession. Stidham has great protection and plenty of time to find an open receiver. He is still a little tentative about letting the ball go.
This we are punting from there on 4th and one. Stidham is still holding the ball so long. Either our receivers are getting one or he has trouble letting the ball go or it's a combination of both. Stidham has plenty of time to throw but he will not have this kind of time in conference play.
Mercer punts from midfield out of bounds at the four.
Auburn still having some trouble on offense but leading 7 to 0.
There's a first down as Darius James goes down on the field. Casey Dunn will take his place.
Darius James is carted off the field.
On a third and four first down completion Eli Stove gives up the ball and Mercer recovers on the Auburn 27. The Bears end up with a chip shot field goal. That's two fumbles after good throws by our wide receivers. You just cannot have that.
Auburn 7 Mercer 3
Auburn moves smartly into Bear territory after a long completion to Hastings.
First down to the 12.
FROM THE 7 PITTWAY FUMBES THE BALL AWAY! Amazing.
That's three turnovers. You can't beat anybody like this.
The offense cannot hold on to the ball.
How sad. The offense moves the ball but who would think we would lose three fumbles against a team who we are supposed to beat. We have 250 yard of total offense but three turnovers.
AU begins at the Auburn 44 with 1:27 to go.
First down to the 18 abetted by a late hit on Pettway after a pass completion to him.
First down in the Red Zone. What happens this time?
The drive ends at the 12.
The drive ends as it frequently does with a FG attempt. The kick is good.
Auburn 10 Mercer 3
Stidham has thrown for 196 yards so far but 3 turnovers has stifled the offense. The lack of execution on offense today is from ball security. 279 yards of total offense but three turnovers limits us to 10 points. The half ends mercifully.
THIRD QUARTER
At the half on the radio Coach Malzahn says that the turnovers are a "joke." Indeed.
Receiving to start the half the Bears go three and out.
BUT on the punt Ryan Davis fumbles the ball away. That's FOUR Auburn lost fumbles. Unbelievable. Three are by receivers. You see a lack of concentration and execution. This is inexcusable. The joke gets uglier.
Mercer moves to a 41 FG attempt but they fake it and our defense stops them. AU takes over at our 22.
The Tigers move to a first down to the Mercer 32.
There is a pass to Ryan Davis to the 16. He fumbles but the ball squirts out of bounds.
From the Wildcat Pettway bounces to the outside and runs it in from the 9. He is not full speed but Pettway got to the outside on that play.
Auburn 17 Mercer 3
Mercer goes three and out.
AU begins on their 37.
The Tigers move the ball but there is an interception by Mercer at the 17. Stan White says our receiver, Craig-Myers, doesn't fight for the ball. The defender wanted the ball more. That's FIVE turnovers now. Four of them are on wide receivers even though the last one is technically an interception.
Mercer moves to the AU 41 helped with a roughing the passer penalty.
Mercer moves to the Auburn 18. Poor pass defense on this sequence of plays.
The quarter ends with Mercer on our 11 with a third and three.
FOUR QUARTER
I've been used to Auburn slopping around on Homecoming over the years but this year is especially disappointing given the struggles of the offense. There is no way we could have expected in a game like this five turnovers Mercer 0 turnovers.
First and goal at the 6.
2nd and goal from the 6.
3rd and goal from the 6.
Touchdown on a slant pass over the middle. Oh, my.
Auburn 17 Mercer 10
Disappointing, just disappointing, but when you have FIVE turnovers this is what can happen.
From the 28 Auburn moves the the Auburn 41.
I am wondering why Pettway stays in the game given that he is obviously not himself.
Malzahn seems to always play only one running back.
The offense moves the ball but there is a holding call.
First and 20 at the Mercer 42.
There is pass over the middle to Kyle Davis to inside the five.
THEN there is 15 unsportsmanlike on Auburn and back we go. The mistakes by the offense are astounding.
We move to third and goal from the 17.
Stidham runs to the 9. Mercer declines a holding call.
The offense shoots itself in the foot again from inside the 5 yard line.
Just when you think it couldn't get any worse Carlson misses the 26 yard FG attempt. I cannot believe what I am seeing.
8:50 to go and the game is in doubt.
Mercer moves to third and 13 from their 17.
4th and 13 from the 17.
Thanks goodness our defense holds strong.
Auburn sets up at the Bear 41. What will happen now?
I just hope we don't turn the ball over again.
7:50 to go.
15 more yards are tacked on after a targeting ruling against Mercer.
Auburn starts at the Mercer 26.
Pettway is the only running back to carry the ball today. I don't understand this.
First down to the 15.
Pettway, who else, to the 12.
He limps on.
Pettway to the 7.
Pettway to the four in the wildcat.
What will go wrong this time?
FINALLY Pettway prances into the end zone from the four.
Auburn 24 Mercer 10
Mercer drives to inside the Auburn 25 but our defense holds on 4th down.
It was ugly with 5 turnovers but we win. The offense moved the ball effective but the FIVE turnovers made it ugly.
Purdue beat Missouri 35 to 3. What will happen next week in Columbia???
FIRST QUARTER
First two Auburn possessions there's a drive which ends at the Mercer 24 when Kyle Davis fumbles after a first down completion. The second possession ends with a punt after one first down.
Mercer goes three and out on their first possession.
On their second possession Mercer reaches midfield.
From there their punt goes out of bounds at the AU 15.
So far the offense hasn't produced. On the last possession Eli Stove dropped a first pass leading to a punt. On the first possession Kyle Davis fumbled. It looks like our receivers still aren't getting any separation. Pettway doesn't seem to have much spark. If it were me I'd have another running back in there.
Third try and finally we see a moving offense. Pettway finally comes alive with a 23 yard run and scores a little later with a bull rush from the four. Hastings has a good reception in that drive. 10 plays 85 yards.
Auburn 7 Mercer 0
The quarter ends with the Bears on their 42. Auburn is playing a lot of people on defense.
SECOND QUARTER
Mercer is punting from the AU 47.
The Tigers begin from their 16.
We saw some offensive life in the last possession. Stidham has great protection and plenty of time to find an open receiver. He is still a little tentative about letting the ball go.
This we are punting from there on 4th and one. Stidham is still holding the ball so long. Either our receivers are getting one or he has trouble letting the ball go or it's a combination of both. Stidham has plenty of time to throw but he will not have this kind of time in conference play.
Mercer punts from midfield out of bounds at the four.
Auburn still having some trouble on offense but leading 7 to 0.
There's a first down as Darius James goes down on the field. Casey Dunn will take his place.
Darius James is carted off the field.
On a third and four first down completion Eli Stove gives up the ball and Mercer recovers on the Auburn 27. The Bears end up with a chip shot field goal. That's two fumbles after good throws by our wide receivers. You just cannot have that.
Auburn 7 Mercer 3
Auburn moves smartly into Bear territory after a long completion to Hastings.
First down to the 12.
FROM THE 7 PITTWAY FUMBES THE BALL AWAY! Amazing.
That's three turnovers. You can't beat anybody like this.
The offense cannot hold on to the ball.
How sad. The offense moves the ball but who would think we would lose three fumbles against a team who we are supposed to beat. We have 250 yard of total offense but three turnovers.
AU begins at the Auburn 44 with 1:27 to go.
First down to the 18 abetted by a late hit on Pettway after a pass completion to him.
First down in the Red Zone. What happens this time?
The drive ends at the 12.
The drive ends as it frequently does with a FG attempt. The kick is good.
Auburn 10 Mercer 3
Stidham has thrown for 196 yards so far but 3 turnovers has stifled the offense. The lack of execution on offense today is from ball security. 279 yards of total offense but three turnovers limits us to 10 points. The half ends mercifully.
THIRD QUARTER
At the half on the radio Coach Malzahn says that the turnovers are a "joke." Indeed.
Receiving to start the half the Bears go three and out.
BUT on the punt Ryan Davis fumbles the ball away. That's FOUR Auburn lost fumbles. Unbelievable. Three are by receivers. You see a lack of concentration and execution. This is inexcusable. The joke gets uglier.
Mercer moves to a 41 FG attempt but they fake it and our defense stops them. AU takes over at our 22.
The Tigers move to a first down to the Mercer 32.
There is a pass to Ryan Davis to the 16. He fumbles but the ball squirts out of bounds.
From the Wildcat Pettway bounces to the outside and runs it in from the 9. He is not full speed but Pettway got to the outside on that play.
Auburn 17 Mercer 3
Mercer goes three and out.
AU begins on their 37.
The Tigers move the ball but there is an interception by Mercer at the 17. Stan White says our receiver, Craig-Myers, doesn't fight for the ball. The defender wanted the ball more. That's FIVE turnovers now. Four of them are on wide receivers even though the last one is technically an interception.
Mercer moves to the AU 41 helped with a roughing the passer penalty.
Mercer moves to the Auburn 18. Poor pass defense on this sequence of plays.
The quarter ends with Mercer on our 11 with a third and three.
FOUR QUARTER
I've been used to Auburn slopping around on Homecoming over the years but this year is especially disappointing given the struggles of the offense. There is no way we could have expected in a game like this five turnovers Mercer 0 turnovers.
First and goal at the 6.
2nd and goal from the 6.
3rd and goal from the 6.
Touchdown on a slant pass over the middle. Oh, my.
Auburn 17 Mercer 10
Disappointing, just disappointing, but when you have FIVE turnovers this is what can happen.
From the 28 Auburn moves the the Auburn 41.
I am wondering why Pettway stays in the game given that he is obviously not himself.
Malzahn seems to always play only one running back.
The offense moves the ball but there is a holding call.
First and 20 at the Mercer 42.
There is pass over the middle to Kyle Davis to inside the five.
THEN there is 15 unsportsmanlike on Auburn and back we go. The mistakes by the offense are astounding.
We move to third and goal from the 17.
Stidham runs to the 9. Mercer declines a holding call.
The offense shoots itself in the foot again from inside the 5 yard line.
Just when you think it couldn't get any worse Carlson misses the 26 yard FG attempt. I cannot believe what I am seeing.
8:50 to go and the game is in doubt.
Mercer moves to third and 13 from their 17.
4th and 13 from the 17.
Thanks goodness our defense holds strong.
Auburn sets up at the Bear 41. What will happen now?
I just hope we don't turn the ball over again.
7:50 to go.
15 more yards are tacked on after a targeting ruling against Mercer.
Auburn starts at the Mercer 26.
Pettway is the only running back to carry the ball today. I don't understand this.
First down to the 15.
Pettway, who else, to the 12.
He limps on.
Pettway to the 7.
Pettway to the four in the wildcat.
What will go wrong this time?
FINALLY Pettway prances into the end zone from the four.
Auburn 24 Mercer 10
Mercer drives to inside the Auburn 25 but our defense holds on 4th down.
It was ugly with 5 turnovers but we win. The offense moved the ball effective but the FIVE turnovers made it ugly.
Purdue beat Missouri 35 to 3. What will happen next week in Columbia???
Monday, September 11, 2017
What's the Betting?
Can Malzahn fix Auburn's offensive woes? I say no simply because the season has already started, and the offensive troubles date back to at least last year. It wasn't fixed last year so what makes anyone think it will be done now? Will Malzahn survive to coach another year? That depends on the athletic director, but I would guess at this point that termination is a distinct possibility.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
After Clemson
After the embarrassing Clemson loss, after the worst Malzahn offensive performance in his coaching career, after watching the deterioration of the offense over the last several years, I give up. It's not a matter anymore of "improving." It's not a matter of "fixing" the offense. Something is radically wrong. Whatever it is, something has to be done.
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