Auburn beat Ball State like it was supposed to. The first mark of a good team is that you win the ones you are supposed to win. Yet Auburn wasn't exactly crisp in beating an inferior team.
The team scored 54 points. You have to be pleased by the offense, though inconsistent at times last night. You have to pleased with the defense continuing to pile up turnovers. You have to be pleased with the resilience of this team.
Yet the defense must get much better given the competition that is coming. Better tackling and better consistency has to begin somewhere at some point. Next Sunday night in Knoxville would be a good time to start! A dominant defense is not in the works this year. I do hope big improvement IS in the works.
Wes Byrun is perfect on place kicking. Othewise, special teams are a mess. We must find someone who can catch a punt. Our kickoff coverage is atrocious. Our kickoff returns are medicore. Soon or later if special teams do not improve they will cost us a game.
I have no idea how good Tennessee is. All I can think of is the tradition of this series, and memories of winning and losing in Knoxville. We HAVE won some big ones up there. I remember 1983 and 2004 in particular. We have a 4-game winning streak against the Vols (2003, two in '04, and last year). It needs to continue next Saturday night.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Why I am an Auburn Fan
BY Kevin Ives
25 September 2009
Tigers Corner
I am an Auburn fan because of family. It never is said enough and it never rings hollow. Auburn is family. I know that where ever I am, whenever I hear a friendly “War Eagle,” I just met another of my brothers or sisters.
I am an Auburn fan because of friends. From the best friends I will ever make while I was a student to the 87,000 friends who make those eight Saturdays in the fall worth drudging through the other 357 days of the year.
I am an Auburn fan because of Shug Jordan. A soft spoken gentleman who coached for the right reasons. Lewis Grizzard once asked Georgia Coach Harry Mehre if Shug Jordan would ever retire. The response remains the truest words ever spoken about Coach Jordan: "Shug will coach as long as he can. He still loves the things most coaches don't think about anymore. He still loves the rah-rah part of this thing. He walks onto the field and hears all that War Eagle business they do down there, and Shug knows it's all worthwhile.”
I am an Auburn fan because, I too, hear “all that War Eagle business” and, I too, know “it’s all worthwhile”.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Amazins” and “Punt, Bama, Punt” and the story of a team that seems unbelievable when told today, but happened, and happened to Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because of Sullivan, Beasley, Carnell, Bo, Ronnie, and Rocker. Of “Little Train”, Nix, Sanders, Dameyune, “Red”, Zeke, “Iron Mike”, the “Phantom of Union Springs” and the players before, the players since, and the players yet to come.
I am an Auburn fan because of Kevin Greene, still my favorite Auburn player. A walk-on who became an All-Pro and a player who still reminds me to never quit.
I am an Auburn fan because of Monk Gafford, a humble man with amazing talent, who made his mother proud.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Dad and some of my favorite memories involving a red Mazda truck, parking at the amphitheatre, and lifetime lessons taught on unforgettable Saturdays.
I am an Auburn fan because of other Dads. Who beam on game days teaching their children about Auburn. Who carry their little Tigers on their shoulders and make the same memories I made years earlier.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Grandfather, an Auburn grad and Auburn grad who called me his own “Little Tiger” and whose API class ring remains my most cherished possession.
I am an Auburn fan because of Jim Fyffe and the love he had for Auburn. August 30, 2003, my first game without Jim Fyffe, is the only time I’ve ever cried at an Auburn game. I still, to this day, wish he could have seen the 2004 team.
I am an Auburn fan because of Carl Stephens and “The Correct Jordan-Hare Stadium Time.”
I am an Auburn fan because of pain and how every Auburn loss ruins my week until the next Saturday.
I am an Auburn fan because of joy and how every Auburn win makes the following week fly by.
I am an Auburn fan because of Tiger Walk, and the eagle flight, and traditions that are uniquely Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Auburn Creed” and how simple words, written by an inspired coach, have moved me more than Keats, Coleridge, and Shakespeare ever could.
I am an Auburn fan because every Auburn man and woman has their own reasons, their own stories, and their own list of why, they too, are Auburn fans.
I am an Auburn fan because of whatever mistakes I may make in my life, I did one thing right: I went to Auburn and became an Auburn man.
25 September 2009
Tigers Corner
I am an Auburn fan because of family. It never is said enough and it never rings hollow. Auburn is family. I know that where ever I am, whenever I hear a friendly “War Eagle,” I just met another of my brothers or sisters.
I am an Auburn fan because of friends. From the best friends I will ever make while I was a student to the 87,000 friends who make those eight Saturdays in the fall worth drudging through the other 357 days of the year.
I am an Auburn fan because of Shug Jordan. A soft spoken gentleman who coached for the right reasons. Lewis Grizzard once asked Georgia Coach Harry Mehre if Shug Jordan would ever retire. The response remains the truest words ever spoken about Coach Jordan: "Shug will coach as long as he can. He still loves the things most coaches don't think about anymore. He still loves the rah-rah part of this thing. He walks onto the field and hears all that War Eagle business they do down there, and Shug knows it's all worthwhile.”
I am an Auburn fan because, I too, hear “all that War Eagle business” and, I too, know “it’s all worthwhile”.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Amazins” and “Punt, Bama, Punt” and the story of a team that seems unbelievable when told today, but happened, and happened to Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because of Sullivan, Beasley, Carnell, Bo, Ronnie, and Rocker. Of “Little Train”, Nix, Sanders, Dameyune, “Red”, Zeke, “Iron Mike”, the “Phantom of Union Springs” and the players before, the players since, and the players yet to come.
I am an Auburn fan because of Kevin Greene, still my favorite Auburn player. A walk-on who became an All-Pro and a player who still reminds me to never quit.
I am an Auburn fan because of Monk Gafford, a humble man with amazing talent, who made his mother proud.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Dad and some of my favorite memories involving a red Mazda truck, parking at the amphitheatre, and lifetime lessons taught on unforgettable Saturdays.
I am an Auburn fan because of other Dads. Who beam on game days teaching their children about Auburn. Who carry their little Tigers on their shoulders and make the same memories I made years earlier.
I am an Auburn fan because of my Grandfather, an Auburn grad and Auburn grad who called me his own “Little Tiger” and whose API class ring remains my most cherished possession.
I am an Auburn fan because of Jim Fyffe and the love he had for Auburn. August 30, 2003, my first game without Jim Fyffe, is the only time I’ve ever cried at an Auburn game. I still, to this day, wish he could have seen the 2004 team.
I am an Auburn fan because of Carl Stephens and “The Correct Jordan-Hare Stadium Time.”
I am an Auburn fan because of pain and how every Auburn loss ruins my week until the next Saturday.
I am an Auburn fan because of joy and how every Auburn win makes the following week fly by.
I am an Auburn fan because of Tiger Walk, and the eagle flight, and traditions that are uniquely Auburn.
I am an Auburn fan because “The Auburn Creed” and how simple words, written by an inspired coach, have moved me more than Keats, Coleridge, and Shakespeare ever could.
I am an Auburn fan because every Auburn man and woman has their own reasons, their own stories, and their own list of why, they too, are Auburn fans.
I am an Auburn fan because of whatever mistakes I may make in my life, I did one thing right: I went to Auburn and became an Auburn man.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Pick 'Em (4)
Pick the Winner. Home team in CAPS.
1. AUBURN (31) vs. Ball State AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (15) vs. Arkansas ALABAMA WINS
3. Mississippi (3) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA WINS
4. TEXAS A & M (15) vs. UAB A & M WINS
5. ARKANSAS STATE (1 1/2) vs. Troy TROY WINS
6. Miami (2) vs. VIRGINIA TECH VIRGINIA WINS
7. GEORGIA TECH (2 1/2) vs. North Carolina GEORGIA TECH WINS
8. Florida (22) vs. KENTUCKY FLORIDA WINS
9. Vanderbilt (8) vs. RICE VANDERBILT WINS
10. LSU (13 1/2) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE LSU WINS
11. PENN ST. (10) vs. Iowa PENN ST. WINS
12. Arizona (1) vs. OREGON STATE ARIZONA WINS
13. OHIO STATE (14) vs. Illinois OHIO STATE WINS
14. NORTHWESTERN (2 1/2) vs. Minnesota MINNESOTA WINS
15. KANSAS (13) vs. Southern Miss KANSAS WINS
16. IOWA STATE (10) vs. Army IOWA STATE WINS
17. FLORIDA STATE (14 1/2) vs. South Florida SOUTH FLORIDA WINS
18. TENNESSEE (21) vs. Ohio TENNESSEE WINS
19. MICHIGAN (20 1/2) vs. Indiana MICHIGAN WINS
20. CALIFORNIA (7) vs. Oregon OREGON WINS
Fred's Picks (17-3)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. South Carolina *
4. Texas A & M *
5. Troy *
6. Miami
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10.LSU *
11. Penn.St. *
12.Oregon St.
13.Ohio St. *
14.Minnesota *
15.Kansas *
16.Iowa St. *
17.FSU *
18.Tennessee *
19.Michigan *
20.Oregon *
Moyna's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. Texas A & M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. Georgia Tech *
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. Penn State *
12. Oregon State
13. Ohio State
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. Iowa State *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. Oregon *
Freddy's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. A&M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. PSU *
12. Arizona *
13. Ohio State *
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. ISU *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. California
1. AUBURN (31) vs. Ball State AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (15) vs. Arkansas ALABAMA WINS
3. Mississippi (3) vs. SOUTH CAROLINA SOUTH CAROLINA WINS
4. TEXAS A & M (15) vs. UAB A & M WINS
5. ARKANSAS STATE (1 1/2) vs. Troy TROY WINS
6. Miami (2) vs. VIRGINIA TECH VIRGINIA WINS
7. GEORGIA TECH (2 1/2) vs. North Carolina GEORGIA TECH WINS
8. Florida (22) vs. KENTUCKY FLORIDA WINS
9. Vanderbilt (8) vs. RICE VANDERBILT WINS
10. LSU (13 1/2) vs. MISSISSIPPI STATE LSU WINS
11. PENN ST. (10) vs. Iowa PENN ST. WINS
12. Arizona (1) vs. OREGON STATE ARIZONA WINS
13. OHIO STATE (14) vs. Illinois OHIO STATE WINS
14. NORTHWESTERN (2 1/2) vs. Minnesota MINNESOTA WINS
15. KANSAS (13) vs. Southern Miss KANSAS WINS
16. IOWA STATE (10) vs. Army IOWA STATE WINS
17. FLORIDA STATE (14 1/2) vs. South Florida SOUTH FLORIDA WINS
18. TENNESSEE (21) vs. Ohio TENNESSEE WINS
19. MICHIGAN (20 1/2) vs. Indiana MICHIGAN WINS
20. CALIFORNIA (7) vs. Oregon OREGON WINS
Fred's Picks (17-3)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. South Carolina *
4. Texas A & M *
5. Troy *
6. Miami
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10.LSU *
11. Penn.St. *
12.Oregon St.
13.Ohio St. *
14.Minnesota *
15.Kansas *
16.Iowa St. *
17.FSU *
18.Tennessee *
19.Michigan *
20.Oregon *
Moyna's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. Texas A & M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. Georgia Tech *
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. Penn State *
12. Oregon State
13. Ohio State
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. Iowa State *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. Oregon *
Freddy's Picks (15-5)
1. Auburn *
2. Alabama *
3. Ole Miss
4. A&M *
5. Arkansas State
6. Virginia Tech *
7. North Carolina
8. Florida *
9. Vanderbilt *
10. LSU *
11. PSU *
12. Arizona *
13. Ohio State *
14. Northwestern *
15. Kansas *
16. ISU *
17. FSU
18. Tennessee *
19. Michigan *
20. California
Scoreboard (3)
FOR THE WEEK:
FREDDY 10-10
FRED 14-6
MOYNA 17-3
CUMULATIVE TO DATE
FREDDY 20-19-1
FRED 24-15-1
MOYNA 22-17-1
FREDDY 10-10
FRED 14-6
MOYNA 17-3
CUMULATIVE TO DATE
FREDDY 20-19-1
FRED 24-15-1
MOYNA 22-17-1
Sunday, September 20, 2009
What I Saw
I saw a resilient Auburn football team that came back from a quick 14-0 deficit.
I saw poor technique and poor tackling early but a defense that got stronger as the game went along and a defense that got 6 turnovers, the big difference in the game.
I saw an electric Jordan-Hare stadium.
I saw a receiver named Darvin Adams who apparently knows how to get open and catch the football.
I saw an offense that struggled to run the ball but ran the ball effectively when it had to.
I saw a football team that can win any game on its remaining schedule.
I saw poor technique and poor tackling early but a defense that got stronger as the game went along and a defense that got 6 turnovers, the big difference in the game.
I saw an electric Jordan-Hare stadium.
I saw a receiver named Darvin Adams who apparently knows how to get open and catch the football.
I saw an offense that struggled to run the ball but ran the ball effectively when it had to.
I saw a football team that can win any game on its remaining schedule.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
PIck 'Em (3)
Pick the winner. Home team in caps.
1. AUBURN (7) vs. West Virginia AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (34 1/2) vs. North Texas ALABAMA WINS
3. TROY (7) vs. UAB TROY WINS
4. ARKANSAS (1) vs. Georgia GEORGIA WINS
5. MIAMI (7 1/2) vs. Georgia Tech MIAMI WINS
6. Northwestern (4) vs. SYRACUSE SYRACUSE WINS
7. IOWA (5) vs. Arizona IOWA WINS
8. San Diego State (3 1/2) vs. IDAHO IDAHO WINS
9. CENTRAL FLORIDA (4) vs. Buffalo CENTRAL FLORIDA WINS
10. Iowa State (3) vs. KENT STATE IOWA STATE WINS
11. FLORIDA (28 1/2) vs. Tennessee FLORIDA WINS
12. BYU (7) vs. Florida State FLORIDA STATE WINS
13. PITTSBURGH (7) vs. Navy PITSBURGH WINS
14. VIRGINIA TECH (3 1/2) vs. Nebraska VIRGINIA TECH WINS
15. CLEMSON (6 1/2) vs. Boston College CLEMSON WINS
16. AKRON (4) vs. Indiana INDIANA WINS
17. OREGON STATE (1) vs. Cincinnati CINCINNATI WINS
18. MARYLAND (6 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee MIDDLE TENNESSEE WINS
19. OREGON (4) vs. Utah OREGON WINS
20. UNLV (7) vs. Hawaii UNLV WINS
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. UAB
4. Georgia
5. Miami
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego St.
9. Central Florida
10. Iowa State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pittsburgh
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Middle Tennessee
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Arkansas
5. Tech
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego State
9. Buffalo
10. Kent State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pitt
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Akron
17. Cinci
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Georgia
5. Ga. Tech
6. Syracuse
7. Iowa
8. Idaho
9. Central Florida
10.Iowa State
11. Florida
12.Florida State
13. Pittsburgh
14.Virginia Tech
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
1. AUBURN (7) vs. West Virginia AUBURN WINS
2. ALABAMA (34 1/2) vs. North Texas ALABAMA WINS
3. TROY (7) vs. UAB TROY WINS
4. ARKANSAS (1) vs. Georgia GEORGIA WINS
5. MIAMI (7 1/2) vs. Georgia Tech MIAMI WINS
6. Northwestern (4) vs. SYRACUSE SYRACUSE WINS
7. IOWA (5) vs. Arizona IOWA WINS
8. San Diego State (3 1/2) vs. IDAHO IDAHO WINS
9. CENTRAL FLORIDA (4) vs. Buffalo CENTRAL FLORIDA WINS
10. Iowa State (3) vs. KENT STATE IOWA STATE WINS
11. FLORIDA (28 1/2) vs. Tennessee FLORIDA WINS
12. BYU (7) vs. Florida State FLORIDA STATE WINS
13. PITTSBURGH (7) vs. Navy PITSBURGH WINS
14. VIRGINIA TECH (3 1/2) vs. Nebraska VIRGINIA TECH WINS
15. CLEMSON (6 1/2) vs. Boston College CLEMSON WINS
16. AKRON (4) vs. Indiana INDIANA WINS
17. OREGON STATE (1) vs. Cincinnati CINCINNATI WINS
18. MARYLAND (6 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee MIDDLE TENNESSEE WINS
19. OREGON (4) vs. Utah OREGON WINS
20. UNLV (7) vs. Hawaii UNLV WINS
Fred's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. UAB
4. Georgia
5. Miami
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego St.
9. Central Florida
10. Iowa State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pittsburgh
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Middle Tennessee
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Arkansas
5. Tech
6. Northwestern
7. Iowa
8. San Diego State
9. Buffalo
10. Kent State
11. Florida
12. BYU
13. Pitt
14. Nebraska
15. Clemson
16. Akron
17. Cinci
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
Moyna's Picks
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Troy
4. Georgia
5. Ga. Tech
6. Syracuse
7. Iowa
8. Idaho
9. Central Florida
10.Iowa State
11. Florida
12.Florida State
13. Pittsburgh
14.Virginia Tech
15. Clemson
16. Indiana
17. Oregon State
18. Maryland
19. Oregon
20. UNLV
QUESTION
I'm thinking of switching to just picking winners. Picking the line is not fun. Maybe 20 games just picking the winner. What do you think?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
At this Point in the Season
At this point in the season we are happy to be 2 & 0. We expected to be 2 & 0 at this point before the season began. What we did not expect was such a potent offense. It is a delight to watch after last season and after 10 years of mostly conservative offense under Tuberville. The offensive production is nothing short of astounding.
The special teams certainly need some work. The defense needs to tighten up some and avoid injuries. The tough games are ahead. Yet we have to pleased so far.
West Virginia will be interesting. You would think that this will be an offensive shoot-out. If this is the case, I have to think we can win that type of game. But now watch it be a 10-7 game! Now that would be astounding, wouldn't it?
The special teams certainly need some work. The defense needs to tighten up some and avoid injuries. The tough games are ahead. Yet we have to pleased so far.
West Virginia will be interesting. You would think that this will be an offensive shoot-out. If this is the case, I have to think we can win that type of game. But now watch it be a 10-7 game! Now that would be astounding, wouldn't it?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Pick 'Em! (2)
Pick the line. Home team in caps.
1. AUBURN (14 1/2) vs. Mississippi State / AUBURN COVERED
2. ALABAMA (34) vs. Florida International / ALABAMA FAILED TO COVER
3. GEORGIA TECH (5 1/2) vs. Clemson (Thursday night) TECH FAILED TO COVER
4. GEORGIA (7) vs. South Carolina / GEORGIA FAILED TO COVER
5. TENNESSEE (8 1/2) vs. UCLA / UCLA WON
6. UAB (11 1/2) vs. SMU / SMU WON
7. LSU (14 1/2) vs. Vanderbilt / LSU FAILED TO COVER
8. USC (6 1/2) vs. OHIO STATE / USC FAILED TO COVER
9. Notre Dame (3) vs. MICHIGAN / MICHIGAN WON
10. NAVY (7) vs. La. Tech/ NAVY COVERED
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. FIU
3. Georgia Tech
4. South Carolina
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. Vanderbilt
8. Ohio State
9. Michigan
10. La. Tech
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Tech
4. South Carolina - Ellis Johnson will take the bite out of the Dawgs.
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. Ohio State - Fr. QB Barkley going to the 'Shoe? I'm takin' the Buckeyes!
9. Notre Dame
10. Navy
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Georgia Tech
4. Georgia
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. USC
9. Notre Dame
10.Navy
1. AUBURN (14 1/2) vs. Mississippi State / AUBURN COVERED
2. ALABAMA (34) vs. Florida International / ALABAMA FAILED TO COVER
3. GEORGIA TECH (5 1/2) vs. Clemson (Thursday night) TECH FAILED TO COVER
4. GEORGIA (7) vs. South Carolina / GEORGIA FAILED TO COVER
5. TENNESSEE (8 1/2) vs. UCLA / UCLA WON
6. UAB (11 1/2) vs. SMU / SMU WON
7. LSU (14 1/2) vs. Vanderbilt / LSU FAILED TO COVER
8. USC (6 1/2) vs. OHIO STATE / USC FAILED TO COVER
9. Notre Dame (3) vs. MICHIGAN / MICHIGAN WON
10. NAVY (7) vs. La. Tech/ NAVY COVERED
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. FIU
3. Georgia Tech
4. South Carolina
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. Vanderbilt
8. Ohio State
9. Michigan
10. La. Tech
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Tech
4. South Carolina - Ellis Johnson will take the bite out of the Dawgs.
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. Ohio State - Fr. QB Barkley going to the 'Shoe? I'm takin' the Buckeyes!
9. Notre Dame
10. Navy
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Alabama
3. Georgia Tech
4. Georgia
5. Tennessee
6. UAB
7. LSU
8. USC
9. Notre Dame
10.Navy
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
It's good to see some Offense
It's good to see some offense for a change. We can watch Auburn football now and know that we can score and come from behind if necessary. We can power run AND speed run. We can throw short AND throw vertically downfield. Finally!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Encouraged after the First Game
We can't help but be encouraged by the first game thrashing of La. Tech 37 to 13. Other than several silly penalties and occasionally giving up too many yards on third down, there isn't much to criticize.
The new offense is for real. It's hard to believe the offense accounted for 556 yards.
The defense was pretty solid. I didn't know until after the game that starters Eltoro Freeman and Zack Clayton did not play. That makes the defensive effort even more impressive.
There is hope for the future of Auburn football.
The new offense is for real. It's hard to believe the offense accounted for 556 yards.
The defense was pretty solid. I didn't know until after the game that starters Eltoro Freeman and Zack Clayton did not play. That makes the defensive effort even more impressive.
There is hope for the future of Auburn football.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
First Game
There is always excitement with the start of a new football season. I can recall many of Auburn's first game of the season going back to 1968 when I was a freshman. The first Auburn game I saw in person was the first game of that season. Auburn lost to SMU. The team looked terrible. I was so disappointed.
The first game of 1971 is one of the few times Auburn started the season in style. As best I can recall, we beat Chattanooga 60 to 7.
In 1972 we beat Mississippi State in a low-scoring game at Starkville. I remember listening to the game on the radio. That team went on to greatness.
In 1983 we beat Southern Miss 24 to 3. The 1983 was one Auburn team that was predicted to do well that DID well.
We lost to Miami 20 to 18 to start 1984.
I still remember when Freddy and I went to the first game of 1993 when we beat Ole Miss on a Thursday night. We had no idea that team would go undefeated.
Freddy's first game as a freshman in 2000 we beat Wyoming as I recall.
Who did we play in the first game last year? At the moment, I can't recall!
The first game of 1971 is one of the few times Auburn started the season in style. As best I can recall, we beat Chattanooga 60 to 7.
In 1972 we beat Mississippi State in a low-scoring game at Starkville. I remember listening to the game on the radio. That team went on to greatness.
In 1983 we beat Southern Miss 24 to 3. The 1983 was one Auburn team that was predicted to do well that DID well.
We lost to Miami 20 to 18 to start 1984.
I still remember when Freddy and I went to the first game of 1993 when we beat Ole Miss on a Thursday night. We had no idea that team would go undefeated.
Freddy's first game as a freshman in 2000 we beat Wyoming as I recall.
Who did we play in the first game last year? At the moment, I can't recall!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Pick 'Em!
Pick the line. Home team in CAPS
1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs La. Tech
2. Alabama (6 1/2) vs. Virginia Tech (Georgia Dome)
3. NC STATE (4 1/2) vs. South Carolina (Thursday night)
4. UAB (5 1/2) vs. Rice
5. OKLAHOMA STATE (5 1/2) vs. Georgia
6. Ole Miss (16 1/2) vs. MEMPHIS (Sunday)
7. TEXAS (41) vs. La. Monroe
8. UCLA (19) vs. San Diego State
9. CLEMSON (19 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee State
10. FSU (6) vs. Miami (Monday night)
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn. Maybe Jordan-Hare will help.
2. Virginia Tech. Counting on Beamer Ball
3. South Carolina. Maybe the Old Ball Coach still has some magic left.
4. UAB. Why not the Blazers?
5. Georgia. Going for the SEC.
6. Memphis. Hoping the Rebels are overrated.
7. Texas. Mack Brown likes to run up the score.
8. San Diego State. A little magic from Al Borges?
9. Clemson. Pulling against Tony Franklin.
10. FSU. No love for Miami.
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. Rice
5. Georgia
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. San Diego State
9. Clemson
10. FSU
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. UAB
5. Oklahoma State
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. UCLA
9. Clemson
10. Miami
1. AUBURN (13 1/2) vs La. Tech
2. Alabama (6 1/2) vs. Virginia Tech (Georgia Dome)
3. NC STATE (4 1/2) vs. South Carolina (Thursday night)
4. UAB (5 1/2) vs. Rice
5. OKLAHOMA STATE (5 1/2) vs. Georgia
6. Ole Miss (16 1/2) vs. MEMPHIS (Sunday)
7. TEXAS (41) vs. La. Monroe
8. UCLA (19) vs. San Diego State
9. CLEMSON (19 1/2) vs. Middle Tennessee State
10. FSU (6) vs. Miami (Monday night)
FRED'S PICKS
1. Auburn. Maybe Jordan-Hare will help.
2. Virginia Tech. Counting on Beamer Ball
3. South Carolina. Maybe the Old Ball Coach still has some magic left.
4. UAB. Why not the Blazers?
5. Georgia. Going for the SEC.
6. Memphis. Hoping the Rebels are overrated.
7. Texas. Mack Brown likes to run up the score.
8. San Diego State. A little magic from Al Borges?
9. Clemson. Pulling against Tony Franklin.
10. FSU. No love for Miami.
MOYNA'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. Rice
5. Georgia
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. San Diego State
9. Clemson
10. FSU
FREDDY'S PICKS
1. Auburn
2. Virginia Tech
3. North Carolina State
4. UAB
5. Oklahoma State
6. Ole Miss
7. Texas
8. UCLA
9. Clemson
10. Miami
Lots of Question Marks
We will start this Auburn football season with lots of question marks. I can't remember a season when there were so many unknowns.
Has this coaching staff jelled?
Historically Auburn does not play so well in their opening game. Will that continue this year?
What about all of the freshmen and inexperienced players who are expected to play a big part? How will they do?
I think about Darren Bates starting at safety. That's scary. Montez Billings is out, which leaves very inexperienced wide receivers. Will they always run the right routes? Can they block downfield? Is Chris Todd really 100%? The offensive line and linebacking corps will have to play most of the game. Can they hold up and avoid injury?
Auburn seems to be a 13 or 14 point favorite. I hope that's right.
Has this coaching staff jelled?
Historically Auburn does not play so well in their opening game. Will that continue this year?
What about all of the freshmen and inexperienced players who are expected to play a big part? How will they do?
I think about Darren Bates starting at safety. That's scary. Montez Billings is out, which leaves very inexperienced wide receivers. Will they always run the right routes? Can they block downfield? Is Chris Todd really 100%? The offensive line and linebacking corps will have to play most of the game. Can they hold up and avoid injury?
Auburn seems to be a 13 or 14 point favorite. I hope that's right.
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