It was just so good to beat Mississippi State. Since Dan Mullen showed up over there I have no use for that program.
How far will this team go this year? I am not thinking about it. We'll just and see without any expectations.
Now comes LSU in Baton Rouge. We have not won there since 1999. I do not expect to win this time. At the same time, I do not expect to get embarassed like we would be under Chizik. It was 12 to 10 last year. Who knows what might happen.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Saturday, September 14, 2013
The 2013 Mississippi State Game
Auburn has lost 10 straight conference games. Has this ever happened before? It needs to end tonight as the Tigers play the Bulldogs at Jordan-Hare on ESPN2. Auburn is something like a 7 point favorite. It would be nice to start the season 3 and 0 going to Baton Rouge next week. Since Dan Mullen showed up in Starkville, we have no love for the Bullies.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and start at the 25.
AU drives smartly to the MSU 12 for a first down, mixing the pass and the run, but we are pushed back from there after a fumble and a sack. We have to settle for a 41-yd. FG. Gotta finish those drives.
Auburn 3 Mississippi State 0
MSU starts from their 25.
The Bulldogs drive smartly to a first down to the AU 18.
Our DBs are playing soft.
That's as far as the visitors get and the 35-yd. FG is wide right---not close.
Just like the first two games the defense bends but doesn't break. It's hard to deal with psychologically but this is the way of this Tiger defense so far this year.
Lightening strikes on 3rd and 6 from the 24 as Nick Marshall drops the low snap but then finds a wide-open Quan Bray for a 76-yd. TD pass!
The Tigers make the 2-pt. conversion as MSU doesn't line up correctly. How sweet it is!
Auburn 11 Mississippi State 0
MSU starts on their 25.
First play long pass play to the AU 14. OH, boy.
Next play a reverse leads to the TD run.
Both of these plays come at the expense of Ryan White playing in place of the injured Chris Davis. State goes for 2 and the play fails.
Auburn 11 Mississippi State 6
AU at their 25 with 4:09 to go in the quarter.
The Tigers move down the field and the quarter ends with AU inside the Bulldog 10.
SECOND QUARTER
We get to the 2 but have to kick the FG. Okay.
Our offense has scored on its first 3 possessions but two are field goals.
Auburn 14 Mississippi State 6
After one first down MSU has to punt.
AU starts on their 33. Bray fumbles the punt after a short run but Auburn recovers.
The Tigers go three and out and punt for the first time to the State 16.
A penalty moves the ball to the 21.
MSU goes right down the field.
Their QB Prescott runs it in from the 5 on 3rd and goal.
The PAT is good. Here we go again!
Auburn 15 Mississippi State 14
5:02 to go in the half. What can our offense do now?
At times our offense seems to find its rhythm, but then it stumbles. We need sustained drives.
Kiel Frazier has had some snaps tonight including 4 yards on the first play in this possession.
The Tigers go three and out as Coates can't catch a ball right in his hands on third down.
State gets the ball back quickly on their 21 after the 48-yd. punt.
Our offense can't get it going.
State starts another drive. We can't stop Perkins. We can't stop the QB draw.
State punts from their 35 with 28 seconds left.
Bray runs the punt back to the AU 45 but State intercepts on the last long pass down the field as the half ends.
We go to halftime and it's anybody's game. This game could go either way. I can't predict what is going to happen in the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
MSU receives and starts on their 25.
Their QB Dak Prescott makes a huge run on the QB draw to the AU 11.
Our defense has no answer for the State QB running the football.
Our defense is on its heels on the first possession.
Their QB walks into the end zone from the two.
An unstoppable opening half drive by Mississippi State. We have to very concerned at this point.
This is bad, bad, bad.
6 plays. 75 yards. Our defense is standing still. No defense whatsoever.
Auburn 14 Mississippi State 20
What now?
I must admit I am flabbergasted by our comotose defense on that last drive. State can't be this good.
Something is wrong out there.
This is a team that scored 3 points against Oklahoma State.
Mason makes a mistake bringing the ball out and is dropped at the 11. Not good.
If we go three and out this game is over.
After a bizarre play in which Nick Marshall catches his own pass as a defender bats the ball back to Marshall and he makes a big run down the sideline, the Tigers bog down at the 30 and Parkay kicks the 47-yd. field goal. Well, at least we scored.
Auburn 17 Mississippi State 20
Our defense is getting pushed around. What will happen now?
From the 25 Bulldogs move the ball again and we cannot stop them.
The Tigers hold on 3rd and 4 at the State 48.
The punt goes into the end zone.
The defense makes a stop. Can our offense get it going again? We aren't going to win this game on field goals.
After a couple of first downs Tre Mason fumbles after a catching a pass and MSU recovers at the Auburn 48.
State goes 3 and out and we have a punt from around midfield.
The punt goes into the end zone. Here we go from the 20.
Quentin says our defense has gone conservative and we have to throw the ball.
One first down but now we are punting the big play being a sack on Marshall.
This offense simply cannot get it going.
At least the punt takes a big AU bounce to the Dog 9 yard line as the quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
The final stanza starts with the outcome in doubt, our offense ineffective, and State with the lead starting a possession on their 9.
Our offense is stone cold with no rhythm and slow playing.
20 to 17 down to start the 4th quarter.
We have them backed on third and long but give up a run to a 4th and short just short of the 19.
I am amazed we let them close the first down on 3rd and long on a run by Perkins.
After a first down the Dogs punt 39 yards and AU has the ball at their 41.
A tipped ball and it's intercepted. We are in big trouble. State is on the Auburn 47. This is a critical mistake by Marshall and the receiver. The ball was headed nowhere near the receiver.
3rd and 3 at the AU 40.
4th and 2.
There is an easy run for 7 yards by the quarterback. Hard to understand why there was a big hole on the right side.
Back 5 yards on a procedure penalty.
Our defense holds but the bad news is that the punt is downed at the 3. OH, my.
The Tigers drive to midfield for a 3rd and 3 after Nick Marshall overthrows a wide-open Coates who could have walked into the end zone.
We cannot sustain the drive at midfield and State gets the ball back starting at their 20.
State goes for it on a 4th and one and picks up the first down after a 3rd and 10. Oh, my.
The click is ticking down. One more first down and this game may be over.
Now it's 3rd and 4 at the Bulldog 38.
What now?
We hold on third and now it's 4th and a yard and a half. State will punt with the clock winding down to the 2 minute mark.
Bray is dropped at the AU 12 as he stutters rather than run straight ahead.
1:58 left.
The Tigers drive to a first down at the Dog 25.
The clock is stopped with 34 seconds left.
3rd and 10 from the 25.
Marshall runs to the 14.
21 seconds left.
We're at the 11 with 15 seconds left.
TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!
Marshall finds Uzomah in the end zone with 10 seconds left.
Auburn 24 Mississippi 20
Marshall to Uzomah for the win. This is one we will remember for a long time.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive and start at the 25.
AU drives smartly to the MSU 12 for a first down, mixing the pass and the run, but we are pushed back from there after a fumble and a sack. We have to settle for a 41-yd. FG. Gotta finish those drives.
Auburn 3 Mississippi State 0
MSU starts from their 25.
The Bulldogs drive smartly to a first down to the AU 18.
Our DBs are playing soft.
That's as far as the visitors get and the 35-yd. FG is wide right---not close.
Just like the first two games the defense bends but doesn't break. It's hard to deal with psychologically but this is the way of this Tiger defense so far this year.
Lightening strikes on 3rd and 6 from the 24 as Nick Marshall drops the low snap but then finds a wide-open Quan Bray for a 76-yd. TD pass!
The Tigers make the 2-pt. conversion as MSU doesn't line up correctly. How sweet it is!
Auburn 11 Mississippi State 0
MSU starts on their 25.
First play long pass play to the AU 14. OH, boy.
Next play a reverse leads to the TD run.
Both of these plays come at the expense of Ryan White playing in place of the injured Chris Davis. State goes for 2 and the play fails.
Auburn 11 Mississippi State 6
AU at their 25 with 4:09 to go in the quarter.
The Tigers move down the field and the quarter ends with AU inside the Bulldog 10.
SECOND QUARTER
We get to the 2 but have to kick the FG. Okay.
Our offense has scored on its first 3 possessions but two are field goals.
Auburn 14 Mississippi State 6
After one first down MSU has to punt.
AU starts on their 33. Bray fumbles the punt after a short run but Auburn recovers.
The Tigers go three and out and punt for the first time to the State 16.
A penalty moves the ball to the 21.
MSU goes right down the field.
Their QB Prescott runs it in from the 5 on 3rd and goal.
The PAT is good. Here we go again!
Auburn 15 Mississippi State 14
5:02 to go in the half. What can our offense do now?
At times our offense seems to find its rhythm, but then it stumbles. We need sustained drives.
Kiel Frazier has had some snaps tonight including 4 yards on the first play in this possession.
The Tigers go three and out as Coates can't catch a ball right in his hands on third down.
State gets the ball back quickly on their 21 after the 48-yd. punt.
Our offense can't get it going.
State starts another drive. We can't stop Perkins. We can't stop the QB draw.
State punts from their 35 with 28 seconds left.
Bray runs the punt back to the AU 45 but State intercepts on the last long pass down the field as the half ends.
We go to halftime and it's anybody's game. This game could go either way. I can't predict what is going to happen in the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
MSU receives and starts on their 25.
Their QB Dak Prescott makes a huge run on the QB draw to the AU 11.
Our defense has no answer for the State QB running the football.
Our defense is on its heels on the first possession.
Their QB walks into the end zone from the two.
An unstoppable opening half drive by Mississippi State. We have to very concerned at this point.
This is bad, bad, bad.
6 plays. 75 yards. Our defense is standing still. No defense whatsoever.
Auburn 14 Mississippi State 20
What now?
I must admit I am flabbergasted by our comotose defense on that last drive. State can't be this good.
Something is wrong out there.
This is a team that scored 3 points against Oklahoma State.
Mason makes a mistake bringing the ball out and is dropped at the 11. Not good.
If we go three and out this game is over.
After a bizarre play in which Nick Marshall catches his own pass as a defender bats the ball back to Marshall and he makes a big run down the sideline, the Tigers bog down at the 30 and Parkay kicks the 47-yd. field goal. Well, at least we scored.
Auburn 17 Mississippi State 20
Our defense is getting pushed around. What will happen now?
From the 25 Bulldogs move the ball again and we cannot stop them.
The Tigers hold on 3rd and 4 at the State 48.
The punt goes into the end zone.
The defense makes a stop. Can our offense get it going again? We aren't going to win this game on field goals.
After a couple of first downs Tre Mason fumbles after a catching a pass and MSU recovers at the Auburn 48.
State goes 3 and out and we have a punt from around midfield.
The punt goes into the end zone. Here we go from the 20.
Quentin says our defense has gone conservative and we have to throw the ball.
One first down but now we are punting the big play being a sack on Marshall.
This offense simply cannot get it going.
At least the punt takes a big AU bounce to the Dog 9 yard line as the quarter ends.
FOURTH QUARTER
The final stanza starts with the outcome in doubt, our offense ineffective, and State with the lead starting a possession on their 9.
Our offense is stone cold with no rhythm and slow playing.
20 to 17 down to start the 4th quarter.
We have them backed on third and long but give up a run to a 4th and short just short of the 19.
I am amazed we let them close the first down on 3rd and long on a run by Perkins.
After a first down the Dogs punt 39 yards and AU has the ball at their 41.
A tipped ball and it's intercepted. We are in big trouble. State is on the Auburn 47. This is a critical mistake by Marshall and the receiver. The ball was headed nowhere near the receiver.
3rd and 3 at the AU 40.
4th and 2.
There is an easy run for 7 yards by the quarterback. Hard to understand why there was a big hole on the right side.
Back 5 yards on a procedure penalty.
Our defense holds but the bad news is that the punt is downed at the 3. OH, my.
The Tigers drive to midfield for a 3rd and 3 after Nick Marshall overthrows a wide-open Coates who could have walked into the end zone.
We cannot sustain the drive at midfield and State gets the ball back starting at their 20.
State goes for it on a 4th and one and picks up the first down after a 3rd and 10. Oh, my.
The click is ticking down. One more first down and this game may be over.
Now it's 3rd and 4 at the Bulldog 38.
What now?
We hold on third and now it's 4th and a yard and a half. State will punt with the clock winding down to the 2 minute mark.
Bray is dropped at the AU 12 as he stutters rather than run straight ahead.
1:58 left.
The Tigers drive to a first down at the Dog 25.
The clock is stopped with 34 seconds left.
3rd and 10 from the 25.
Marshall runs to the 14.
21 seconds left.
We're at the 11 with 15 seconds left.
TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!
Marshall finds Uzomah in the end zone with 10 seconds left.
Auburn 24 Mississippi 20
Marshall to Uzomah for the win. This is one we will remember for a long time.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Mississippi State Preface
I am reading this week that playing Mississippi State has become a rivalry for Auburn. I cannot disagree more. A rivalry is two teams that are equal, that over time can lose as much as they win. Mississippi State, however, is not on par with Auburn. We should beat the Bulldogs every year. That is not what I call a rivalry.
I hear too that Mississippi State is a barometer game, that somehow winning or losing will tell us something significant about our Tigers. I believe that only halfway. If we lose, then we learn Auburn has problems because losing to Mississippi State is an embarassment. If we win, then, well, we have done only what we should do, and how do you learn anything from that?
I hear too that Mississippi State is a barometer game, that somehow winning or losing will tell us something significant about our Tigers. I believe that only halfway. If we lose, then we learn Auburn has problems because losing to Mississippi State is an embarassment. If we win, then, well, we have done only what we should do, and how do you learn anything from that?
Monday, September 9, 2013
The Arkansas State Game - Postmortem
The Tigers beat Arkansas State as they should have. There is no way an SEC school should ever lose to a Sunbelt school.
This team is certainly improving. How much more can it improve? We'll soon find with SEC opponents Mississippi State and LSU coming up.
Nick Marshall can improve the passing game. Our linebacker play can improve. The tackling is certainly better than in the Chizik years, but it can get better.
Mississippi State is a measuring stick. We should always beat these guys. If you can't beat these Bulldogs, you are certainly in the bottom of the SEC pack.
We will be somthing like a 7-point favorite at home. We need to win this game to be 3 and 0 going to Baton Rouge.
This team is certainly improving. How much more can it improve? We'll soon find with SEC opponents Mississippi State and LSU coming up.
Nick Marshall can improve the passing game. Our linebacker play can improve. The tackling is certainly better than in the Chizik years, but it can get better.
Mississippi State is a measuring stick. We should always beat these guys. If you can't beat these Bulldogs, you are certainly in the bottom of the SEC pack.
We will be somthing like a 7-point favorite at home. We need to win this game to be 3 and 0 going to Baton Rouge.
Saturday, September 7, 2013
The 2013 Arkansas State Game
Gus Malzahn faces the team he coached a year ago. That was a good Arkansas State team a year ago, and this team may be good also. They belted poor Arkansas-Pine Bluff last week. Arkansas State is supposed to a big running team. This is supposed to be a different challenge from last week's pass happy Washington State team. The Tigers beat WSU 31 to 24 last week. Auburn is something like an 11 point favorite at home with a 6:30 kickoff. Before the game Stan White says we need good linebacker play and we can't let the Red Wolves have long drives. The offense needs to continue to evolve and improve with improved passing from Marshall and no dropped passes please!
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn receives to start the game.
Bray returns to the AU 33. Good return.
The Tigers move to a first down at the Red Wolf 28 thanks to a long pass completion to Trovon Reed.
First down at the 12.
From the 12 Mason sweeps right end for the TD but holding is called.
Now a false start. We are back to the 25.
The score comes from the 18 from Marshall to freshman Marcus Davis in the end zone, his first catch!
Great opening drive by the Auburn Tigers. For one we score first.
Auburn 7 Arkansas State 0
ASU starts from their 25.
First down at the 36.
First down at the Red Wolf 48.
Converting 3 straight third downs, there is a first down at the AU 34.
A pass completion moves the all to the AU 17.
4th and 10 at the 17.
The 34-yd. FG is good.
Auburn 7 Arkansas State 3
Mason runs the KO back to the 28 but there is a holding call.
The Tigers start at the 15.
The Auburn Tigers drive IMPRESSIVELY for the touchdown.
Nick Marshall makes two impressive runs.
The scores comes off the speed sweep for 17 yards by Corey Grant.
Grant turns the corner and virtually waltzes into the end zone.
That was a terrific balanced 85-yrd touchdown drive.
Auburn 14 Arkansas State 3
Quentin Riggins says "what a difference a week makes. Our defense is smooth so far tonight."
The Arkansans start at their 25 the return starting 9 yards deep in the end zone.
ASU drives to the AU 21 but our defense holds on 4th and 1. Great job stuffing David Oku.
3rd and 13 for the Tigers. The quarter ends with AU facing a 4th and 1 after a 12-yd. run by Tre Mason.
SECOND QUARTER
Auburn punts to the Red Wolf 20 after a 50-yd. punt.
The Red Wolves drive to the AU 45
We are stopping their runs but giving up passes.
10:45 to go in the half.
The Tigers hold on 4th and 5 at the AU 25!
We go 3 and out and have to punt from the 32.
There is a terrible 25-yd. punt by Stephen Clark.
The Red Wolves get the ball back quickly at their 43. What a poor punt by Clark. No reason for that.
ASU trails but is dominating time of possession. AU has been rotating a lot of defensive players.
Our starting offensive rhythm is gone. Our defense so far has stopped them when it had to.
14 to 3 with 6 minutes and something left. But ASU has moved the ball between the 20's.
Our offense has to get going again.
Our DBs are playing tighter this year. Stan White likes this.
The Red Wolves drive but once again our defense really stiffens. Truly our defense has given up yards but when crunch time comes they rise up.
They punt into the end zone. AU starts at the 20 with 3 minutes plus left.
Lightening strikes as Marshall hits Sammie Coates in stride for a 68-yd. TD pass!!!
Wow oh wow! Great play action and great throw by Nick Marshall.
Auburn 21 Arkansas State 3
Parkey kicks off thru the uprights.
With 1:35 ASU has to punt on 4th and 5.
Chris Davis returns the punt to midfield but there is a holding call.
Au has start on the 6.
The Tigers punch it out to the 40 before a holding penalty moves it back as the first half ends.
We have to be pleased with the first half with Auburn leading 21 to 3, the offense showing signs of balance, and the defense rising up when it had to. Let's hope it continues in the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
Having won the toss and deferred, the Red Wolves get the ball to start the second half.
The visitors start on the 12 after another 15-yd. penalty for not wearing white.
The Wolves are quickly across midfield.
The Wolves are at the AU 28.
The Wolves are at the AU 12.
The Wolves are inside the AU 5.
Our defense stiffens again but gives up the short FG.
Auburn 21 Arkansas State 6
The Red Wolves took it to our defense to start the second half. We can't have this the rest of the game.
A bend but not break defense has sufficed so far but this game is far from over.
Touchback. Auburn starts at the 25.
Marshall drops the ball at the 17 and ASU recovers.
Oh my. This is a disastrous start to the second half.
ASU is set to tighten this game.
Our defense stiffens again but gives up the FG as we push them back for a 42-yarder.
Auburn 21 Arkansas State 9
After one first down we have to punt from our 39. Marshall misses a wide-open Uzomah. Fair catch at the 24 with 5:40 to go in the quarter. This is not going well in the second half. Our offense is sputtering.
3 and out as we push them back after a big sack on 3rd down.
Bad punt and we get the ball on the AU 46.
Hard running to a first down at the 10 and Mason runs it in from there!! Now THAT was a great drive running between the tackles.
This is the kind of drive we needed to give the offense its swagger back and rest our defense.
Auburn 28 Arkansas State 9
The Red Wolves start at their 11 as Oku runs it out from deep in the end zone.
The Red Wolves cross midfield as the quarter ends helped by a 15-yd. penalty and ejection on Frost.
FOURTH QUARTER
Once again our defense holds and ASU punts into the end zone.
It is amazing from what heard about this offense that the Red Wolves have yet to cross the goal line.
13:58 to go.
We move the ball smartly down he field but have to settle for a 35-yd. FG. That's okay.
Auburn 31 Arkansas State 9
The Tigers take over on downs after the Wolves fail on 4th down at the Auburn 42.
We three and out as a blatant interference is not called on Ricardo Louis. That was a horrible missed call.
The Wolves start on their 20 after the punt into the end zone.
Carl Lawson puts a hit on their QB, he fumbles, and AU recovers at the Auburn 45.
Wallace is in at quarterback.
Cameron Artis-Pakyne runs it in from the 11.
Auburn dominates this football game.
Our opponents have yet to cross the goal line with 1:43 to go.
Auburn 38 Arkansas State 9
The game ends with the Wolves running out the clock still not finding the end zone.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 38 Arkansas State 9
You have to be happy about this game. This team certainly improved on both sides of the ball. The offense found some rhythm but the biggest credit should go to the defense. The only major negative I see is 81 yards in penalities with the usual calls that go against us while the other guys get away with stuff.
FIRST QUARTER
Auburn receives to start the game.
Bray returns to the AU 33. Good return.
The Tigers move to a first down at the Red Wolf 28 thanks to a long pass completion to Trovon Reed.
First down at the 12.
From the 12 Mason sweeps right end for the TD but holding is called.
Now a false start. We are back to the 25.
The score comes from the 18 from Marshall to freshman Marcus Davis in the end zone, his first catch!
Great opening drive by the Auburn Tigers. For one we score first.
Auburn 7 Arkansas State 0
ASU starts from their 25.
First down at the 36.
First down at the Red Wolf 48.
Converting 3 straight third downs, there is a first down at the AU 34.
A pass completion moves the all to the AU 17.
4th and 10 at the 17.
The 34-yd. FG is good.
Auburn 7 Arkansas State 3
Mason runs the KO back to the 28 but there is a holding call.
The Tigers start at the 15.
The Auburn Tigers drive IMPRESSIVELY for the touchdown.
Nick Marshall makes two impressive runs.
The scores comes off the speed sweep for 17 yards by Corey Grant.
Grant turns the corner and virtually waltzes into the end zone.
That was a terrific balanced 85-yrd touchdown drive.
Auburn 14 Arkansas State 3
Quentin Riggins says "what a difference a week makes. Our defense is smooth so far tonight."
The Arkansans start at their 25 the return starting 9 yards deep in the end zone.
ASU drives to the AU 21 but our defense holds on 4th and 1. Great job stuffing David Oku.
3rd and 13 for the Tigers. The quarter ends with AU facing a 4th and 1 after a 12-yd. run by Tre Mason.
SECOND QUARTER
Auburn punts to the Red Wolf 20 after a 50-yd. punt.
The Red Wolves drive to the AU 45
We are stopping their runs but giving up passes.
10:45 to go in the half.
The Tigers hold on 4th and 5 at the AU 25!
We go 3 and out and have to punt from the 32.
There is a terrible 25-yd. punt by Stephen Clark.
The Red Wolves get the ball back quickly at their 43. What a poor punt by Clark. No reason for that.
ASU trails but is dominating time of possession. AU has been rotating a lot of defensive players.
Our starting offensive rhythm is gone. Our defense so far has stopped them when it had to.
14 to 3 with 6 minutes and something left. But ASU has moved the ball between the 20's.
Our offense has to get going again.
Our DBs are playing tighter this year. Stan White likes this.
The Red Wolves drive but once again our defense really stiffens. Truly our defense has given up yards but when crunch time comes they rise up.
They punt into the end zone. AU starts at the 20 with 3 minutes plus left.
Lightening strikes as Marshall hits Sammie Coates in stride for a 68-yd. TD pass!!!
Wow oh wow! Great play action and great throw by Nick Marshall.
Auburn 21 Arkansas State 3
Parkey kicks off thru the uprights.
With 1:35 ASU has to punt on 4th and 5.
Chris Davis returns the punt to midfield but there is a holding call.
Au has start on the 6.
The Tigers punch it out to the 40 before a holding penalty moves it back as the first half ends.
We have to be pleased with the first half with Auburn leading 21 to 3, the offense showing signs of balance, and the defense rising up when it had to. Let's hope it continues in the second half.
THIRD QUARTER
Having won the toss and deferred, the Red Wolves get the ball to start the second half.
The visitors start on the 12 after another 15-yd. penalty for not wearing white.
The Wolves are quickly across midfield.
The Wolves are at the AU 28.
The Wolves are at the AU 12.
The Wolves are inside the AU 5.
Our defense stiffens again but gives up the short FG.
Auburn 21 Arkansas State 6
The Red Wolves took it to our defense to start the second half. We can't have this the rest of the game.
A bend but not break defense has sufficed so far but this game is far from over.
Touchback. Auburn starts at the 25.
Marshall drops the ball at the 17 and ASU recovers.
Oh my. This is a disastrous start to the second half.
ASU is set to tighten this game.
Our defense stiffens again but gives up the FG as we push them back for a 42-yarder.
Auburn 21 Arkansas State 9
After one first down we have to punt from our 39. Marshall misses a wide-open Uzomah. Fair catch at the 24 with 5:40 to go in the quarter. This is not going well in the second half. Our offense is sputtering.
3 and out as we push them back after a big sack on 3rd down.
Bad punt and we get the ball on the AU 46.
Hard running to a first down at the 10 and Mason runs it in from there!! Now THAT was a great drive running between the tackles.
This is the kind of drive we needed to give the offense its swagger back and rest our defense.
Auburn 28 Arkansas State 9
The Red Wolves start at their 11 as Oku runs it out from deep in the end zone.
The Red Wolves cross midfield as the quarter ends helped by a 15-yd. penalty and ejection on Frost.
FOURTH QUARTER
Once again our defense holds and ASU punts into the end zone.
It is amazing from what heard about this offense that the Red Wolves have yet to cross the goal line.
13:58 to go.
We move the ball smartly down he field but have to settle for a 35-yd. FG. That's okay.
Auburn 31 Arkansas State 9
The Tigers take over on downs after the Wolves fail on 4th down at the Auburn 42.
We three and out as a blatant interference is not called on Ricardo Louis. That was a horrible missed call.
The Wolves start on their 20 after the punt into the end zone.
Carl Lawson puts a hit on their QB, he fumbles, and AU recovers at the Auburn 45.
Wallace is in at quarterback.
Cameron Artis-Pakyne runs it in from the 11.
Auburn dominates this football game.
Our opponents have yet to cross the goal line with 1:43 to go.
Auburn 38 Arkansas State 9
The game ends with the Wolves running out the clock still not finding the end zone.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 38 Arkansas State 9
You have to be happy about this game. This team certainly improved on both sides of the ball. The offense found some rhythm but the biggest credit should go to the defense. The only major negative I see is 81 yards in penalities with the usual calls that go against us while the other guys get away with stuff.
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Auburn Talk
Driving thru Montgomery today affords the chance to listen to some Auburn talk on Montgomery radio. I hear that Nick Marshall is being brought along slowly and that he should be very good by the end of the year. He has to be relieved of the gunfighter mentality that he had last year in junior college. Montravius Adams is going to be a great defensive tackle. And really, the WSU game was about what we expected. They ran the ball on better than they should have. We'll have see how that gets fixed.
Monday, September 2, 2013
The Washington State Game - Postmortem
Auburn wins 31 to 24. I saw some good things. I saw some things this football team needs to improve on.
The defense is certainly improved. This will not be a dominating defense, but it will be better than last year and it will, I think, get better. Getting all hands on board will help.
The offense will improve. Our QB is going to have to improve his passing accuracy and our receivers are going to have to make catches. Marshall can run, he can make things happen, and he has a cannon for an arm. He just needs to hit open receivers.
Corey Grant will be exciting to watch. A freshman named Montravious Adams may be our best defensive tackle. I don't know whether he's that good or the others are not so good! Maybe some of both. Adams will be dominating before he's through at Auburn.
The defense is certainly improved. This will not be a dominating defense, but it will be better than last year and it will, I think, get better. Getting all hands on board will help.
The offense will improve. Our QB is going to have to improve his passing accuracy and our receivers are going to have to make catches. Marshall can run, he can make things happen, and he has a cannon for an arm. He just needs to hit open receivers.
Corey Grant will be exciting to watch. A freshman named Montravious Adams may be our best defensive tackle. I don't know whether he's that good or the others are not so good! Maybe some of both. Adams will be dominating before he's through at Auburn.
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