Thursday, January 11, 2018
Basketball So Far
Our amazing basketball team is off to a blazing 15 and 1 start. This is without starters Purifoy and Wiley who are still hanging around the team but whose status is still undetermined. The team plays in Starkville Saturday, and Coach Pearl is chartering two buses to take students. Let's enjoy while we can!
Monday, January 1, 2018
The 2018 Peach Bowl
After losing to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game Auburn is matched with Central Florida in Atlanta. It's cold in Alabama today; it's no doubt just as cold in Atlanta today but not inside the new Mercedes-Benz Georgia Dome where the Tigers lost to Georgia it what seems like an eternity ago. This game will have to suffice until the start of the 2018 season. An 11 and 3 season sounds much better than finishing 10 and 4.
Central Florida is the last undefeated team in the country coming out of the American Athletic Conference. They are supposed to have good skill players and a high-powered offense. UCF Coach Scott Frost is coaching this team even though he is headed to Nebraska after this game. Auburn should have the advantage in the trenches. The Tigers are favored.
How motivated will Auburn be? Just how good is CFU? No doubt they can score some points. Can our offense take advantage of their defense? Our offense can be streaky. I'd like to see a consistent offense. Carlton Davis is out for the game as is Kamryn Pettway. Kerryon Johnson is supposed to be 100%.
If nothing else, this will be an interesting matchup just to see how it might go.
FIRST QUARTER
UCF wins the toss and elects to receive.
The Knights go three and out after three incompletions.
Auburn starts at their 22.
After giving up a sack on first down, Auburn is punting as our offense looks disheveled.
The offense goes backwards on the first try.
Three passes. I thought we would try to establish the run first.
UCF starts on their 49 after a mediocre punt.
It looks like Auburn is not ready to play this game.
After one first down their QB drops the snap and Auburn recovers around midfield.
The Tigers begin at their 49.
On third and 10 Stidham hits Craig-Myers to the UCF 25.
First down pass to the 14 to Ryan Davis.
The drive ends at the 8 with a field goal of 26 yards.
Auburn 3 UCF 0
Our offense is sluggish. The running game has yet to get going and the passing game is jerky.
UCF is three and out again.
Stephen Roberts mishandles the punt and the Tigers are backed up to their 19.
Our defense is doing well so far against their vaunted offense but OUR offense is sputtering.
6:04 to go in the first quarter.
First down Auburn across the 30 on the ground.
Big run by KJ on the next play to near midfield.
But we end up with third and long as Stidham falls down for a loss of 6 as his feet goes out from under him. We were looking good there for a moment finally running the ball but then Stidham falls down on his own.
There is a first down pass to Slayton to the UCF 37.
We move third and 9 as Stidham is struggling.
There is a first down pass to the 26. Good pass there by Stidham.
Our offense makes some good plays and makes some negative plays.
Our offensive line is not getting a push.
Two straight losses and including Stidham slipping again as we go backwards.
Stidham keeps losing his footing.
The quarter ends as Auburn slips and slides to a third and long now out of FG range.
SECOND QUARTER
This is not what most people expected with a 3 to 0 score after one period.
Our offense has 6 negative plays so far.
A screen play leaves us well short of the line to make.
A 53 yard FG attempt is no good. I would have punted. Even Carlson seems befuddled.
I get heartburn watching this offense continue to struggle. It's nothing new.
UCF starts with good field position.
First down to around midfield on third down.
UCF is showing signs of moving the football.
First down to the AU 36.
The scrimmage goes to third and 10 from the 36.
First down QB keeper run and UCF is threatening.
We move to third and 12 from the 16.
Our defense forces a FG attempt.
The kick is good and we are tied with 11:11 to go.
Auburn 3 UCF 3
AU begins at their 27.
First down across the 40 after a gutty run by Stove.
Then Stidham fumbles on a slight hit and UCF recovers and gets a return to the AU 21.
Stidham looks like he's in la-la land.
From the 19 their QB gets loose and runs it in from there.
An Auburn turnover and UCF does what good teams do.
Stidham better get his offense together or this will be ugly.
I don't understand why our offense is so discombobulated, but I've said this many times before.
Auburn 3 UCF 10
I am disgusted by what I am seeing. Auburn is better than this team but our offense has yet to dhow up.
If it were me Malik Willis would be coming into the game at this point until Stidham wakes up.
Negative plays and turnovers dominate our offensive effort.
We get a block in the back call on the kickoff and our struggling offense starts on their 10.
First down pass to the 27.
KJ to the 30.
On the next play there is a holding call:another mistake by the offense. Amazing futility.
Our offense is beating itself. UCF doesn't need a big defense with out offense playing this way.
Stidham is sacked at the 8. This is pitiful. Our offensive line is getting beat. Unbelievable.
Auburn is completely out of sorts and UCF is out-playing Auburn.
A ruffing penalty on Chandler Cox and back we go again as we punt from the end zone.
UCF fair catches at midfield.
This is distressing to watch. You would think we were playing Clemson. Our O-Line is pathetic. Stidham fumbles and can't keep his footing. Negative plays. It's all bad so far and is unlikely to change the rest of the game.
UCF goes three and out.
After a holding call on the receiving team Auburn begins inside our 10.
The Tigers drive to a 46 yard field goal with some semblance of an offense.
On third down Stidham is sacked for the umpteenth time in this game with an open receiver who would have been touchdown bound if the pass had reached him.
UCF is not known as a sacking team yet they are doing it against Auburn today.
Auburn 6 UCF 10
UCF's only offense is their running quarterback but it's good enough so far.
This is possibly the worst game Auburn has played all year.
The half ends as the Knights get a 45 yard FG as they drive behind their running quarterback.
Auburn 6 UCF 13
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers come out on fire in the third quarter.
The kickoff runback is to the Knight 26.
On the second play from the 25 Stidham hits Will Hastings for the touchdown.
Auburn 13 UCF 13
After one first down UCF is punting. Auburn quickly drives for the score. 82 yards on the possession.
Kerryon Johnson bangs in from the four.
During this drive there was a clutch pass to Slayton and a short pass run from Chandler Cox.
Auburn 20 UCF 13
This is more like it. Let's keep it up.
UCF starts at their 11 but they are quickly out to their 44.
From there UCF is punting on 4th and 7.
Roberts fair catches at the 18.
Alas, the Tigers go three and out with two runs and a passing attempt with a holding call.
We are punting on 4th and 5.
The punt rolls dead at the UCF 35 with 4:14 to go in the quarter.
There is a third down pass for the first down to the AU 37 or so.
Big third down conversion by UCF.
Third and four from the Auburn 31.
First down pass to the Auburn 12.
Touchdown pass on the first pass from there.
Their fleet footed QB is keeping UCF in this game.
We are tied.
UCF keeps playing after Auburn scored two straight TDs to open the half.
Auburn 20 UCF 20
The runback is across the 30.
Barrett loses three. We have had so many negative plays in this game.
A yard gain by Martin.
The running game isn't there. We are going to have to win this game thru the air.
Stidham is sacked on third and 13.
These sacks are dumbfounding. UCF is not noted for sacks. Unbelievable.
The quarter ends with Auburn punting having given away our early third quarter surge.
FOURTH QUARTER
Auburn is punting to start the fourth quarter with UCF having seized the momentum after a sizzling start by Auburn.
Our defense has to come up big now.
UCF is quickly at the AU 42.
Next play UCF is at the AU 27.
We are in deep trouble here.
There is a completion to the two. Oh, my.
The play is reviewed and the pass ruled incomplete.
Still UCF has only third and one.
First down run by the QB easily picking up the first down to the ten.
The clock is running toward 12 minutes.
Second down at the nine and the pass to the back of the end zone is complete.
Auburn 20 UCF 27
Can Auburn rally again? Can Auburn make the right moves?
I am flummoxed by our inconsistent offense. It makes no sense.
From our 26 we'll look for a miracle.
One yard on first down.
Second down a throw-away.
Third and nine.
No chance for a completion. They get pressure on Stidham and there is no chance.
Somehow UCF has made adjustments and Auburn has NO answer.
Auburn is three and out. That is THREE straight three and outs after we open the half with two straight touchdowns. Awful stuff.
UCF fair catches at their 33 with 10:31 left.
We are down to cases. One more score and the Knights will ice this game. It may be iced already.
I do not understand how our offense can come out on fire and then die right before our eyes.
We sacked their QB but on the second play he runs for 28 yards.
Their quarterback Milton is superior to Stidham.
He is the difference in the game.
There is a pass completion to the AU 15.
Our lights are going out in this game very quickly.
We move to third and 10 from the 15.
Bad snap but they advance the ball to the 8.
The FG attempt is blocked!!! Derrick Brown gets a hand on the ball.
Finally we get a break.
6:58 to go.
Well, it's not over yet after that block, but the odds are still very much against us.
We've had minus 5 yards in our last three possessions.
First play an interference call against Slayton and Auburn picks up 15 yards.
Next play no gain.
Offsides UCF.
Then Stidham throws a ridiculous interception run back for the score.
A 45 yard pick and return for the touchdown.
Stidham has been off. Stidham has been horrible. Stidham has carried this team down with him today.
Auburn 20 UCF 34
I don't know where Stidham's mind is today but it is not on this game.
We saved the worst for last. This is a horrible loss.
Stidham is not going to the NFL. That's for sure. Ha, ha.
Also, UCF has controlled the line of scrimmage on our run game. This should not happen.
The Georgia carryover and the lack of motivation must be considered.
The Tigers do move the ball quickly down the field with completions to Hastings.
The Tigers have a first down at the 14 after a 15 yard targeting call against Hastings.
The prior targeting call against Hastings which looked just like this one was overruled.
Two completions and a targeting call and Auburn has a chance to score quickly.
Stidham quarterback draws to the 7.
But then KJ loses two yards. KJ is not healthy or just not running well today.
Stove runs a reverse around left end and walks into the end zone.
4:12 left. Still work to be done but at least Auburn has fought back.
Auburn 27 UCF 34
Carlson pooch kicks but it backfires as UCV has the ball at their 44. Bad decision there. Why not kick it deep? Oh, my.
A yard gain on first down. Auburn has three timeouts left.
There is a completion all the way to the Auburn 24 with 3:07 to go.
That play probably did it.
We stop the clock with 2:37 to go but they are well within field goal range.
The kickoff doomed us. What was Carlson trying to do?
There is a blocking below the waist penalty against UCF.
After a running play UCF is at our 22 with 2:26 left and a timeout Auburn.
Third and nine for UCF.
Inside handle to the 21 and Auburn uses its last timeout.
UCF will try the field goal and this will be the game with 2:23 left.
We need a block or a miss.
The try is 38 yards.
The kick is no good!
Hope is still alive with 2:18 left and no timeouts.
Auburn must go 79 yards.
First down throw away by Stidham.
Second down pass incomplete.
UCF continues to get pressure on Stidham.
Stidham scrambles for two yards and the clock runs.
4th down and here is the game for sure from the 23.
A completion to Hastings.
Another completion to Hastings.
A pass to the end zone to Slayton is incomplete.
1:04 left with Auburn at the UCF 47.
There is a completion out of bounds to the 41.
Stidham runs for the first down to the 34.
First down pass incomplete with 40 seconds left.
A completion to the 21 with 33 seconds left.
Casey Dunn is down on the field.
Austin Golson will snap and we will have a new left tackle.
On the next play Stidham is pressured and floats the ball into the end zone and no one is there except UCF defenders. A miscommunication as our receiver broke off his route. Our offense misfires one last time.
Auburn made too, too many mistakes in a game we should have won because we should be better than Central Florida. How sad. A bad way to go into the off season. The bottom line is that this Auburn team beat itself. Oh, well.
Auburn 27 UCF 34
It's over.
Central Florida is the last undefeated team in the country coming out of the American Athletic Conference. They are supposed to have good skill players and a high-powered offense. UCF Coach Scott Frost is coaching this team even though he is headed to Nebraska after this game. Auburn should have the advantage in the trenches. The Tigers are favored.
How motivated will Auburn be? Just how good is CFU? No doubt they can score some points. Can our offense take advantage of their defense? Our offense can be streaky. I'd like to see a consistent offense. Carlton Davis is out for the game as is Kamryn Pettway. Kerryon Johnson is supposed to be 100%.
If nothing else, this will be an interesting matchup just to see how it might go.
FIRST QUARTER
UCF wins the toss and elects to receive.
The Knights go three and out after three incompletions.
Auburn starts at their 22.
After giving up a sack on first down, Auburn is punting as our offense looks disheveled.
The offense goes backwards on the first try.
Three passes. I thought we would try to establish the run first.
UCF starts on their 49 after a mediocre punt.
It looks like Auburn is not ready to play this game.
After one first down their QB drops the snap and Auburn recovers around midfield.
The Tigers begin at their 49.
On third and 10 Stidham hits Craig-Myers to the UCF 25.
First down pass to the 14 to Ryan Davis.
The drive ends at the 8 with a field goal of 26 yards.
Auburn 3 UCF 0
Our offense is sluggish. The running game has yet to get going and the passing game is jerky.
UCF is three and out again.
Stephen Roberts mishandles the punt and the Tigers are backed up to their 19.
Our defense is doing well so far against their vaunted offense but OUR offense is sputtering.
6:04 to go in the first quarter.
First down Auburn across the 30 on the ground.
Big run by KJ on the next play to near midfield.
But we end up with third and long as Stidham falls down for a loss of 6 as his feet goes out from under him. We were looking good there for a moment finally running the ball but then Stidham falls down on his own.
There is a first down pass to Slayton to the UCF 37.
We move third and 9 as Stidham is struggling.
There is a first down pass to the 26. Good pass there by Stidham.
Our offense makes some good plays and makes some negative plays.
Our offensive line is not getting a push.
Two straight losses and including Stidham slipping again as we go backwards.
Stidham keeps losing his footing.
The quarter ends as Auburn slips and slides to a third and long now out of FG range.
SECOND QUARTER
This is not what most people expected with a 3 to 0 score after one period.
Our offense has 6 negative plays so far.
A screen play leaves us well short of the line to make.
A 53 yard FG attempt is no good. I would have punted. Even Carlson seems befuddled.
I get heartburn watching this offense continue to struggle. It's nothing new.
UCF starts with good field position.
First down to around midfield on third down.
UCF is showing signs of moving the football.
First down to the AU 36.
The scrimmage goes to third and 10 from the 36.
First down QB keeper run and UCF is threatening.
We move to third and 12 from the 16.
Our defense forces a FG attempt.
The kick is good and we are tied with 11:11 to go.
Auburn 3 UCF 3
AU begins at their 27.
First down across the 40 after a gutty run by Stove.
Then Stidham fumbles on a slight hit and UCF recovers and gets a return to the AU 21.
Stidham looks like he's in la-la land.
From the 19 their QB gets loose and runs it in from there.
An Auburn turnover and UCF does what good teams do.
Stidham better get his offense together or this will be ugly.
I don't understand why our offense is so discombobulated, but I've said this many times before.
Auburn 3 UCF 10
I am disgusted by what I am seeing. Auburn is better than this team but our offense has yet to dhow up.
If it were me Malik Willis would be coming into the game at this point until Stidham wakes up.
Negative plays and turnovers dominate our offensive effort.
We get a block in the back call on the kickoff and our struggling offense starts on their 10.
First down pass to the 27.
KJ to the 30.
On the next play there is a holding call:another mistake by the offense. Amazing futility.
Our offense is beating itself. UCF doesn't need a big defense with out offense playing this way.
Stidham is sacked at the 8. This is pitiful. Our offensive line is getting beat. Unbelievable.
Auburn is completely out of sorts and UCF is out-playing Auburn.
A ruffing penalty on Chandler Cox and back we go again as we punt from the end zone.
UCF fair catches at midfield.
This is distressing to watch. You would think we were playing Clemson. Our O-Line is pathetic. Stidham fumbles and can't keep his footing. Negative plays. It's all bad so far and is unlikely to change the rest of the game.
UCF goes three and out.
After a holding call on the receiving team Auburn begins inside our 10.
The Tigers drive to a 46 yard field goal with some semblance of an offense.
On third down Stidham is sacked for the umpteenth time in this game with an open receiver who would have been touchdown bound if the pass had reached him.
UCF is not known as a sacking team yet they are doing it against Auburn today.
Auburn 6 UCF 10
UCF's only offense is their running quarterback but it's good enough so far.
This is possibly the worst game Auburn has played all year.
The half ends as the Knights get a 45 yard FG as they drive behind their running quarterback.
Auburn 6 UCF 13
THIRD QUARTER
The Tigers come out on fire in the third quarter.
The kickoff runback is to the Knight 26.
On the second play from the 25 Stidham hits Will Hastings for the touchdown.
Auburn 13 UCF 13
After one first down UCF is punting. Auburn quickly drives for the score. 82 yards on the possession.
Kerryon Johnson bangs in from the four.
During this drive there was a clutch pass to Slayton and a short pass run from Chandler Cox.
Auburn 20 UCF 13
This is more like it. Let's keep it up.
UCF starts at their 11 but they are quickly out to their 44.
From there UCF is punting on 4th and 7.
Roberts fair catches at the 18.
Alas, the Tigers go three and out with two runs and a passing attempt with a holding call.
We are punting on 4th and 5.
The punt rolls dead at the UCF 35 with 4:14 to go in the quarter.
There is a third down pass for the first down to the AU 37 or so.
Big third down conversion by UCF.
Third and four from the Auburn 31.
First down pass to the Auburn 12.
Touchdown pass on the first pass from there.
Their fleet footed QB is keeping UCF in this game.
We are tied.
UCF keeps playing after Auburn scored two straight TDs to open the half.
Auburn 20 UCF 20
The runback is across the 30.
Barrett loses three. We have had so many negative plays in this game.
A yard gain by Martin.
The running game isn't there. We are going to have to win this game thru the air.
Stidham is sacked on third and 13.
These sacks are dumbfounding. UCF is not noted for sacks. Unbelievable.
The quarter ends with Auburn punting having given away our early third quarter surge.
FOURTH QUARTER
Auburn is punting to start the fourth quarter with UCF having seized the momentum after a sizzling start by Auburn.
Our defense has to come up big now.
UCF is quickly at the AU 42.
Next play UCF is at the AU 27.
We are in deep trouble here.
There is a completion to the two. Oh, my.
The play is reviewed and the pass ruled incomplete.
Still UCF has only third and one.
First down run by the QB easily picking up the first down to the ten.
The clock is running toward 12 minutes.
Second down at the nine and the pass to the back of the end zone is complete.
Auburn 20 UCF 27
Can Auburn rally again? Can Auburn make the right moves?
I am flummoxed by our inconsistent offense. It makes no sense.
From our 26 we'll look for a miracle.
One yard on first down.
Second down a throw-away.
Third and nine.
No chance for a completion. They get pressure on Stidham and there is no chance.
Somehow UCF has made adjustments and Auburn has NO answer.
Auburn is three and out. That is THREE straight three and outs after we open the half with two straight touchdowns. Awful stuff.
UCF fair catches at their 33 with 10:31 left.
We are down to cases. One more score and the Knights will ice this game. It may be iced already.
I do not understand how our offense can come out on fire and then die right before our eyes.
We sacked their QB but on the second play he runs for 28 yards.
Their quarterback Milton is superior to Stidham.
He is the difference in the game.
There is a pass completion to the AU 15.
Our lights are going out in this game very quickly.
We move to third and 10 from the 15.
Bad snap but they advance the ball to the 8.
The FG attempt is blocked!!! Derrick Brown gets a hand on the ball.
Finally we get a break.
6:58 to go.
Well, it's not over yet after that block, but the odds are still very much against us.
We've had minus 5 yards in our last three possessions.
First play an interference call against Slayton and Auburn picks up 15 yards.
Next play no gain.
Offsides UCF.
Then Stidham throws a ridiculous interception run back for the score.
A 45 yard pick and return for the touchdown.
Stidham has been off. Stidham has been horrible. Stidham has carried this team down with him today.
Auburn 20 UCF 34
I don't know where Stidham's mind is today but it is not on this game.
We saved the worst for last. This is a horrible loss.
Stidham is not going to the NFL. That's for sure. Ha, ha.
Also, UCF has controlled the line of scrimmage on our run game. This should not happen.
The Georgia carryover and the lack of motivation must be considered.
The Tigers do move the ball quickly down the field with completions to Hastings.
The Tigers have a first down at the 14 after a 15 yard targeting call against Hastings.
The prior targeting call against Hastings which looked just like this one was overruled.
Two completions and a targeting call and Auburn has a chance to score quickly.
Stidham quarterback draws to the 7.
But then KJ loses two yards. KJ is not healthy or just not running well today.
Stove runs a reverse around left end and walks into the end zone.
4:12 left. Still work to be done but at least Auburn has fought back.
Auburn 27 UCF 34
Carlson pooch kicks but it backfires as UCV has the ball at their 44. Bad decision there. Why not kick it deep? Oh, my.
A yard gain on first down. Auburn has three timeouts left.
There is a completion all the way to the Auburn 24 with 3:07 to go.
That play probably did it.
We stop the clock with 2:37 to go but they are well within field goal range.
The kickoff doomed us. What was Carlson trying to do?
There is a blocking below the waist penalty against UCF.
After a running play UCF is at our 22 with 2:26 left and a timeout Auburn.
Third and nine for UCF.
Inside handle to the 21 and Auburn uses its last timeout.
UCF will try the field goal and this will be the game with 2:23 left.
We need a block or a miss.
The try is 38 yards.
The kick is no good!
Hope is still alive with 2:18 left and no timeouts.
Auburn must go 79 yards.
First down throw away by Stidham.
Second down pass incomplete.
UCF continues to get pressure on Stidham.
Stidham scrambles for two yards and the clock runs.
4th down and here is the game for sure from the 23.
A completion to Hastings.
Another completion to Hastings.
A pass to the end zone to Slayton is incomplete.
1:04 left with Auburn at the UCF 47.
There is a completion out of bounds to the 41.
Stidham runs for the first down to the 34.
First down pass incomplete with 40 seconds left.
A completion to the 21 with 33 seconds left.
Casey Dunn is down on the field.
Austin Golson will snap and we will have a new left tackle.
On the next play Stidham is pressured and floats the ball into the end zone and no one is there except UCF defenders. A miscommunication as our receiver broke off his route. Our offense misfires one last time.
Auburn made too, too many mistakes in a game we should have won because we should be better than Central Florida. How sad. A bad way to go into the off season. The bottom line is that this Auburn team beat itself. Oh, well.
Auburn 27 UCF 34
It's over.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
The 2017 SEC Championship Game
For the first time since 2013 Auburn plays for the conference championship. We all know what happened with that team.
After beating Georgia and Alabama over a three week period Auburn won the West. Georgia won the East. The East was settled several weeks ago. The West wasn't settled until we beat Alabama.
The 10 and 2 Tigers vs. the 11 and 1 Bulldogs. Can Auburn beat Georgia again?
Much has been made of the status of Kerryon Johnson. No doubt he is the spasrkplug of the offense. KJ hurt his shoulder in the Alabama game. He is listed as a game-time decision. Even if he can go he cannot possibly be 100%. Can we win without a 100% Kerryon Johnson? Can we win without him at all?
Much has been made of the crowd. Each team gets 16,300 tickets, but the remaining 41,000 seats are expected to be top-heavy Georgia since their people have know for several week that they would be in this game, and Auburn has known for just the last week. Some people think Jordan-Hare had a lot to do with beating Alabama and Georgia. Will the more hostile environment be a factor today?
Auburn is a 2 point favorite. This surprises me. I thought it would be a tossup.
I have to think Georgia has the advantage. I will be surprised if we win.
My guess is that Georgia will start the game with the most energy. Georgia will take the lead. If we win it will be in the fourth quarter, coming from behind.
Prior to our game Oklahoma rolls over TCU 41 to 17 to clinch their spot in the playoff.
Let's get it on!
FIRST QUARTER
This is the 26th SEC Championship game. The game started in Birmingham and migrated to Atlanta.
Kerryon Johnson is on the field as AU receives to start the game.
The Tigers drive smartly down the field mixing the run and pass to the UGA 10. KJ is out there contributing. Our offense is alive on this opening drive.
Timeout Auburn with a second and goal from the five.
KJ runs the Wildcat but he loses a yard.
Third and goal from the 6.
A bullet to Nate Craig-Myers in the back of the end zone for the score!!!
That was a great drive mixing the run and pass.
Auburn 7 Georgia 0
Georgia scored first three weeks ago. Auburn returns the favor.
I've seen the AU offense start out good before and not maintain it. We've got to keep it going for four quarters.
Georgia collects two first downs and moves into AU territory to the 47.
There is our first sack on Fromm back to their 46.
Third and 13 for Georgia from around midfield.
Fromm is sacked again!!! The Bulldogs have to punt.
Auburn starts from our 20 after giving up two first downs but then pushing Georgia back on two sacks.
No go this time and the Tigers punt on 4th and 8.
Georgia begins on their 32. Decent flip of the field on the kick.
Georgia is three and out and on 4th and a yard and a probable fake punt lineup Auburn calls timeout.
Georgia does punt and Roberts fair catches at the 24.
The Tigers move quickly into Bulldog territory thanks to a nifty pass to Stove.
Auburn is at the UGA 38.
Third and three at the 33.
KJ pushes up the middle for the first down. A tough, tough run by Kerryon Johnson.
First and 10 at the Georgia 30 as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
The first quarter was a good start. We have to keep it up for four quarters.
First down to the 18 behind Kam Martin.
On third down Stidham loses the ball and Georgia recovers at their 16.
One of their players punched it out of Stidham's hands.
We were moving the ball but the turnover is big as all turnovers are in a game like this.
Chubb runs to the 32 behind a toss sweep.
Second play no gain.
Georgia is trying to run wide rather than between the tackles.
First down to the Georgia 47.
First down Georgia to the 17.
That's two wide-open receivers.
The Bulldogs are moving quickly on this possession.
Marlon Davidson is on the grass at the 19.
He leaves the field under his own power after the injury timeout.
We need some Red Zone defense.
Pass interference in the end zone.
First down for Georgia at the two.
First play TD pass to the back of the end zone.
Georgia takes advantage of the fumble and drives 84 yards to tie the game.
Auburn 7 Georgia 7
Gotta shake it off and get our offense going again.
The Tigers go three and out and Georgia has all of the momentum.
Auburn was dominating but a simple turnover has changed the game at this point.
The Auburn punt rolls dead at the Georgia 32.
How about a Georgia turnover?!
8:33 to go in the half.
First play Georgia runs to midfield. They are having success running to the outside.
Running wide and quick passes is their game.
A short pass to Michel to the 14. Georgia is rolling as we miss tackles.
A short pass wide to Chubb to inside the five.
We can't stop their wide plays.
Georgia is called for offensive pass interference.
The ball moves back to the 18 third and goal.
There's a run to the 10 fourth and goal.
The field goal attempt is good but at least we held them to three.
Auburn 7 Georgia 10
That was a break of a short in that it sure looked like Georgia was headed for the end zone.
The Tigers drive to the Georgia 43.
Third and five from the 38.
Stidham is sacked and we are out of field goal range at the 49.
Bad result on third and 5 from their 38.
Georgia regains possession with 49 seconds and they take a knee.
Auburn was dominating this game and one turnover in the Red Zone completely changed the momentum.
Georgia receives to being the second half.
We need some Kevin Steele defense in the second half.
In a way I'm glad it's only 10 to 7.
I figured we would have to come from behind to win this game.
THIRD QUARTER
Carlton Davis and Tre Williams are out of the game.
Georgia has first possession.
The Bulldogs come out running. Gotta stop it.
Georgia moves to 4th and a yard to go and they punt.
The punt goes into the end zone.
Our defense stops on their first possession and we start from our 20.
The Tigers hit Ryan Davis on a big time third down 30 yard completion.
Quickly Auburn is on the Georgia 19.
We move to third and 6 from the 15.
Stidham manages to scramble only to the 14.
The FG attempt is blocked. The drive is for naught. Oh, no.
The snap is a little high. Stovall got it down, but the timing was a big disrupted.
That's two trips inside the RZ for no points.
The story of the game so far.
The only good thing since the first quarter is that we trail by only three.
Georgia seizes the momentum with the block. That's like a turnover.
This is a dangerous moment in the game.
Mistakes in the Red Zone.
Georgia starts on their 28.
There's a 15 yard penalty on Georgia on the first play.
First and 23 after the half distant penalty.
Georgia is three and out not able to overcome the penalty.
Roberts returns to the 31.
The Bulldogs are hit with a 15 yard face guard penalty.
Auburn starts at their 46.
Stidham scrambles to the Georgia 41.
We move to third and 10 with two unfortunate incomplete short passes.
They are getting pressure on Stidham.
Pass incomplete and Auburn has to punt.
Stidham had time there but either our receivers can't get one or Stidham can't pull the trigger.
If this continues Georgia will score again.
Our defense may have to score to win this one.
The punt goes into the end zone.
The way the game is going is in Georgia's favor but we are still down by only three.
Stidham seems uncomfortable and perhaps there is good coverage downfield.
Big Georgia first down completion to the Auburn 49.
It seems inevitable Georgia would eventually move the ball with our offensive missteps.
Chubb runs to the Auburn 24.
Our defense is giving way again as you would expect with our lack of offensive production.
The Bulldogs move to a field goal attempt.
The 35 yarder is good.
Auburn 7 Georgia 13
The difference in the game is that after that first drive Auburn has been in the Red Zone twice without scoring. In return Georgia has two field goals after their touchdown.
Our offense must come alive. We need good plays on first down.
From the 22 there is a 9 yard first down completion to Ryan Davis.
There is a long incompletion down the sideline to Slayton.
I don't like that play call because the third and one is not a gimme.
But KJ runs for the first down.
The third quarter ends as Stidham scrambles for 12 yards.
We are down to basics.
FOURTH QUARTER
Auburn starts the final quarter first and 10 at their 47.
First play of the quarter Kerryon Johnson fumbles and Georgia recovers.
The game has changed dramatically.
Georgia takes the ball at the Auburn 39.
First play Chubb runs to the 23.
Auburn is called for a late hit out of bounds as the Georgia player never went down. Bad call. Oh, well.
Georgia is inside our 10.
Pass to the end zone for the score from the 7.
Well, we are in trouble now.
Two turnovers with Georgia scoring 15 points as the 2 pointer is good.
Auburn 7 Georgia 21.
We have given this game away with two turnovers and offensive ineffectiveness.
We are losing this game more than Georgia is winning it.
Turnovers by Auburn has determined the outcome.
13:06 to go but something has to change very quickly.
Georgia has scored 21 straight points.
From the 25 what can our offense do?
Auburn is three and out. Auburn is punting as they are getting to Stidham as he cannot hit an open receiver. Pretty much game, set, match.
Georgia is penalized 15 yards but the penalty occurred after the kick.
Our offense didn't come thru in this game. Two turnovers. Two visits inside the Red Zone with no points. Lack of production on first down. Too many third downs in obvious passing situations. Stidham has a bad game seemingly not comfortable in the pocket.
Georgia has the ball back content to run the clock.
This is the end of a remarkable run at the end of the season that falls one game short.
Georgia gets a 67 yard run from scrimmage to the end zone.
Auburn 7 Georgia 28
A complete reversal from three weeks ago.
We beat ourselves but at the same time Georgia is clearly the better team tonight.
Our offense goes three and out.
Georgia keeps the ball down to the 2:07 mark.
Georgia keeps trying to score. I have no problem with that.
Our last possession is futile.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 7 Georgia 28
After beating Georgia and Alabama over a three week period Auburn won the West. Georgia won the East. The East was settled several weeks ago. The West wasn't settled until we beat Alabama.
The 10 and 2 Tigers vs. the 11 and 1 Bulldogs. Can Auburn beat Georgia again?
Much has been made of the status of Kerryon Johnson. No doubt he is the spasrkplug of the offense. KJ hurt his shoulder in the Alabama game. He is listed as a game-time decision. Even if he can go he cannot possibly be 100%. Can we win without a 100% Kerryon Johnson? Can we win without him at all?
Much has been made of the crowd. Each team gets 16,300 tickets, but the remaining 41,000 seats are expected to be top-heavy Georgia since their people have know for several week that they would be in this game, and Auburn has known for just the last week. Some people think Jordan-Hare had a lot to do with beating Alabama and Georgia. Will the more hostile environment be a factor today?
Auburn is a 2 point favorite. This surprises me. I thought it would be a tossup.
I have to think Georgia has the advantage. I will be surprised if we win.
My guess is that Georgia will start the game with the most energy. Georgia will take the lead. If we win it will be in the fourth quarter, coming from behind.
Prior to our game Oklahoma rolls over TCU 41 to 17 to clinch their spot in the playoff.
Let's get it on!
FIRST QUARTER
This is the 26th SEC Championship game. The game started in Birmingham and migrated to Atlanta.
Kerryon Johnson is on the field as AU receives to start the game.
The Tigers drive smartly down the field mixing the run and pass to the UGA 10. KJ is out there contributing. Our offense is alive on this opening drive.
Timeout Auburn with a second and goal from the five.
KJ runs the Wildcat but he loses a yard.
Third and goal from the 6.
A bullet to Nate Craig-Myers in the back of the end zone for the score!!!
That was a great drive mixing the run and pass.
Auburn 7 Georgia 0
Georgia scored first three weeks ago. Auburn returns the favor.
I've seen the AU offense start out good before and not maintain it. We've got to keep it going for four quarters.
Georgia collects two first downs and moves into AU territory to the 47.
There is our first sack on Fromm back to their 46.
Third and 13 for Georgia from around midfield.
Fromm is sacked again!!! The Bulldogs have to punt.
Auburn starts from our 20 after giving up two first downs but then pushing Georgia back on two sacks.
No go this time and the Tigers punt on 4th and 8.
Georgia begins on their 32. Decent flip of the field on the kick.
Georgia is three and out and on 4th and a yard and a probable fake punt lineup Auburn calls timeout.
Georgia does punt and Roberts fair catches at the 24.
The Tigers move quickly into Bulldog territory thanks to a nifty pass to Stove.
Auburn is at the UGA 38.
Third and three at the 33.
KJ pushes up the middle for the first down. A tough, tough run by Kerryon Johnson.
First and 10 at the Georgia 30 as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
The first quarter was a good start. We have to keep it up for four quarters.
First down to the 18 behind Kam Martin.
On third down Stidham loses the ball and Georgia recovers at their 16.
One of their players punched it out of Stidham's hands.
We were moving the ball but the turnover is big as all turnovers are in a game like this.
Chubb runs to the 32 behind a toss sweep.
Second play no gain.
Georgia is trying to run wide rather than between the tackles.
First down to the Georgia 47.
First down Georgia to the 17.
That's two wide-open receivers.
The Bulldogs are moving quickly on this possession.
Marlon Davidson is on the grass at the 19.
He leaves the field under his own power after the injury timeout.
We need some Red Zone defense.
Pass interference in the end zone.
First down for Georgia at the two.
First play TD pass to the back of the end zone.
Georgia takes advantage of the fumble and drives 84 yards to tie the game.
Auburn 7 Georgia 7
Gotta shake it off and get our offense going again.
The Tigers go three and out and Georgia has all of the momentum.
Auburn was dominating but a simple turnover has changed the game at this point.
The Auburn punt rolls dead at the Georgia 32.
How about a Georgia turnover?!
8:33 to go in the half.
First play Georgia runs to midfield. They are having success running to the outside.
Running wide and quick passes is their game.
A short pass to Michel to the 14. Georgia is rolling as we miss tackles.
A short pass wide to Chubb to inside the five.
We can't stop their wide plays.
Georgia is called for offensive pass interference.
The ball moves back to the 18 third and goal.
There's a run to the 10 fourth and goal.
The field goal attempt is good but at least we held them to three.
Auburn 7 Georgia 10
That was a break of a short in that it sure looked like Georgia was headed for the end zone.
The Tigers drive to the Georgia 43.
Third and five from the 38.
Stidham is sacked and we are out of field goal range at the 49.
Bad result on third and 5 from their 38.
Georgia regains possession with 49 seconds and they take a knee.
Auburn was dominating this game and one turnover in the Red Zone completely changed the momentum.
Georgia receives to being the second half.
We need some Kevin Steele defense in the second half.
In a way I'm glad it's only 10 to 7.
I figured we would have to come from behind to win this game.
THIRD QUARTER
Carlton Davis and Tre Williams are out of the game.
Georgia has first possession.
The Bulldogs come out running. Gotta stop it.
Georgia moves to 4th and a yard to go and they punt.
The punt goes into the end zone.
Our defense stops on their first possession and we start from our 20.
The Tigers hit Ryan Davis on a big time third down 30 yard completion.
Quickly Auburn is on the Georgia 19.
We move to third and 6 from the 15.
Stidham manages to scramble only to the 14.
The FG attempt is blocked. The drive is for naught. Oh, no.
The snap is a little high. Stovall got it down, but the timing was a big disrupted.
That's two trips inside the RZ for no points.
The story of the game so far.
The only good thing since the first quarter is that we trail by only three.
Georgia seizes the momentum with the block. That's like a turnover.
This is a dangerous moment in the game.
Mistakes in the Red Zone.
Georgia starts on their 28.
There's a 15 yard penalty on Georgia on the first play.
First and 23 after the half distant penalty.
Georgia is three and out not able to overcome the penalty.
Roberts returns to the 31.
The Bulldogs are hit with a 15 yard face guard penalty.
Auburn starts at their 46.
Stidham scrambles to the Georgia 41.
We move to third and 10 with two unfortunate incomplete short passes.
They are getting pressure on Stidham.
Pass incomplete and Auburn has to punt.
Stidham had time there but either our receivers can't get one or Stidham can't pull the trigger.
If this continues Georgia will score again.
Our defense may have to score to win this one.
The punt goes into the end zone.
The way the game is going is in Georgia's favor but we are still down by only three.
Stidham seems uncomfortable and perhaps there is good coverage downfield.
Big Georgia first down completion to the Auburn 49.
It seems inevitable Georgia would eventually move the ball with our offensive missteps.
Chubb runs to the Auburn 24.
Our defense is giving way again as you would expect with our lack of offensive production.
The Bulldogs move to a field goal attempt.
The 35 yarder is good.
Auburn 7 Georgia 13
The difference in the game is that after that first drive Auburn has been in the Red Zone twice without scoring. In return Georgia has two field goals after their touchdown.
Our offense must come alive. We need good plays on first down.
From the 22 there is a 9 yard first down completion to Ryan Davis.
There is a long incompletion down the sideline to Slayton.
I don't like that play call because the third and one is not a gimme.
But KJ runs for the first down.
The third quarter ends as Stidham scrambles for 12 yards.
We are down to basics.
FOURTH QUARTER
Auburn starts the final quarter first and 10 at their 47.
First play of the quarter Kerryon Johnson fumbles and Georgia recovers.
The game has changed dramatically.
Georgia takes the ball at the Auburn 39.
First play Chubb runs to the 23.
Auburn is called for a late hit out of bounds as the Georgia player never went down. Bad call. Oh, well.
Georgia is inside our 10.
Pass to the end zone for the score from the 7.
Well, we are in trouble now.
Two turnovers with Georgia scoring 15 points as the 2 pointer is good.
Auburn 7 Georgia 21.
We have given this game away with two turnovers and offensive ineffectiveness.
We are losing this game more than Georgia is winning it.
Turnovers by Auburn has determined the outcome.
13:06 to go but something has to change very quickly.
Georgia has scored 21 straight points.
From the 25 what can our offense do?
Auburn is three and out. Auburn is punting as they are getting to Stidham as he cannot hit an open receiver. Pretty much game, set, match.
Georgia is penalized 15 yards but the penalty occurred after the kick.
Our offense didn't come thru in this game. Two turnovers. Two visits inside the Red Zone with no points. Lack of production on first down. Too many third downs in obvious passing situations. Stidham has a bad game seemingly not comfortable in the pocket.
Georgia has the ball back content to run the clock.
This is the end of a remarkable run at the end of the season that falls one game short.
Georgia gets a 67 yard run from scrimmage to the end zone.
Auburn 7 Georgia 28
A complete reversal from three weeks ago.
We beat ourselves but at the same time Georgia is clearly the better team tonight.
Our offense goes three and out.
Georgia keeps the ball down to the 2:07 mark.
Georgia keeps trying to score. I have no problem with that.
Our last possession is futile.
FINAL SCORE
Auburn 7 Georgia 28
Sunday, November 26, 2017
The 2017 Alabama Game
It's here, the game expected to be the biggest since 2013. Alabama is 11 and 0; Auburn is 9 and 2. The winner plays in Atlanta with a chance to be in the final four. Alabama is a 4 point favorite which is about what it was in 2013. My biggest question going in: can our offense be consistent enough to help the defense? That means being able to run the football and pass well enough to be balanced.
FIRST QUARTER
After the teams swap possessions the Tigers drive 94 yards to take lead.
On third and two from the three KJ hits Nate Craig-Myers on a TimTebow pop pass for the score.
Great play. Great play call.
Auburn 7 Alabama 0
Alabama gets the benefit of an interference call and pushes on to the Auburn 43.
A chop block backs them up.
Hurts fumbles and Tre Williams recovers!!!
Auburn on the Alabama 44 first and 10.
First down to the 19.
First down to the 6.
Kerryon Johnson to the four.
We move to the third and goal from the four.
Stidham drops the snap and Alabama recovers on the 9. Oh,my.
The quarter ends on a downer.
Stidham drops the snap and can't pick it up. Looks like he tried to pick it up rather than fall on it.
Bad, bad, bad in a game like this.
We miss a golden opportunity to go up early by two scores.
Maybe Stidham can redeem himself later.
SECOND QUARTER
The second period starts with Alabama first and 10 on their nine yard line.
This will be a four quarter game.
The Tide goes three and out . Yes!
Alabama gets a big bounce on the punt and we start on our 22.
Roberts should have fielded that punt.
Their punter has been their biggest asset so far.
Auburn goes three and out.
Alabama had a good rush on Stidham that time.
We are hurt by Roberts not fielding that punt.
Alabama takes the ball on their 40 with the clock just under 12 minutes.
Alabama to the AU 48.
Hurts is a good runner.
He is most of their offense carrying the ball on keepers.
The possession goes to 4th and 1.
Hurts runs for the first down. He is their offense.
Alabama on the Auburn 36.
First down TD pass. Our defender got turned around and their receiver catches the ball in the end zone. It was almost a hail Mary and our defender lost the ball.
8:31 to go and we are tied.
Auburn 7 Alabama 7
We've had the Stidham fumble inside their 5 and an offensive play by Alabama and we are tied.
A bad go by Dinson in the end zone on that TD pass.
Auburn starts on the 23.
KJ for only one.
First down pass to Davis to the 34.
First down run by KJ.
Gain of 7 by KJ.
First down run to the Alabama 45.
But there is a 4 yard loss by Malik Willis on a keeper.
AU moves to third and 12 just across midfield.
Auburn has to punt on 4th and 9. The Willis play put us behind the chains.
The punt is downed at the Alabama two! A good punt for once.
The Tide goes three and out and is punting from their seven.
Roberts fair catches at the UA 49.
KJ for four yards.
On a pass downfield Slayton is pushed down but there is no interference call.
Big time pass completion to the UA 22.
We move to third and eight from the 20.
Timeout with 48 seconds left.
A completion but only to the 16.
Timeout UA with five seconds left as Auburn lines up for the field goal attempt.
The 34 harder is good as the half ends. Auburn leads at the half.
Auburn 10 Alabama 7
THIRD QUARTER
Alabama receives and drives right down the field unimpeded by our defense all on the ground except for one short swing pass.
That was ugly. What happened to our run defense on that series? They ran thru gaping holes. Goodness! That was power running 79 yards right down the field.
Auburn 10 Alabama 14
AU starts around their 21 or 22.
This is a big point in the game.
If they stop this possession we could be in trouble.
We move to third and three.
There is a 21 yard completion to Hastings.
There is an incompletion to Slayton and once again no interference call.
We get a five yard substitution penalty though.
First down to the UA 45.
There is a 15 yard PF on Alabama.
The ball moves to the UA 29.
We move to third and 8 at the Alabama 27.
Alabama is getting pressure on our QB.
We move to a field goal attempt.
The kick is good! At least we answered with three.
Auburn 13 Alabama 14
Alabama is three and out after a great open field tackle by Stephen Roberts.
Auburn starts on their 31,
We move to third and five.
There is a completion to Ryan Davis to the UA 41.
We move to third and seven. They are getting too much pressure on Stidham.
Stidham scrambles for the first down to the UA 27.
Stidham scrambles to the Tide 12 on a quarterback draw.
KJ is close to the 10. We keep running Johnson between the tackles without much success.
Stove sweeps to the three and a third and one.
KJ runs to the one and a first down.
KJ up the gut for the score!
THAT was a statement drive. Auburn is in this game to the end.
KJ is one tough running back. He may have been nicked up on that last drive because he will lower his head and push. That was a big drive.
The Tigers have scored ten straight points after Alabama's opening touchdown.
Auburn 20 Alabama 14
On the kickoff we give up another long return.
Alabama sets up at our 39. Yikes!
Alabama backs up five on procedure.
Dad gum that kickoff return burns me.
Davis is called on interference when they did NOT call similar plays on them.
There's another unfortunate event. There was interference on Auburn but they did not call the same play on Alabama.
Alabama moves to third and 4 from our 13.
There is a deflected pass in the end zone ruled caught by Alabama and ruled a TD but the point of the ball was on the ground. The play is reviewed and correctly ruled an incomplete pass. Their QB threw it up for grabs. Alabama was lucky on that play.
The FG attempt is no good as the holder cannot handle a good snap!
AU starts at the 26.
The quarter ends as Auburn picks up a first down at the 36 on another completion to Ryan Davis.
Can Auburn win this game over the last 15 minutes?
FOURTH QUARTER
This will be a 4 quarter game, but we knew that going in.
The Tigers drive impressibly for the touchdown.
I'm so nervous I can list every play.
Stidham scrambles for the score around left end.
The Tigers go for two on the point after.
The try is no good. The play didn't work. Auburn still leads by 12. Still a worthwhile effort.
Auburn 26 Alabama 14
Still early in the fourth quarter. Plenty of time left.
Let's not give a big KO return please.
The kickoff goes out of the end zone thank goodness.
12:49 left.
From the 25 Alabama moves across the Auburn 40.
Alabama moves to third and 8.
Hurts runs for the first down to the AU 39.
Their QB is hard to contain.
UA is at the Auburn 33 on the next play.
We move to third and five.
There is a bad snap and a loss.
Here comes a big fourth down.
THERE IS ANOTHER BAD SNAP BACK AT THE ALABAMA 41 AS HURTS CAN DO NOTHING BUT FALL ON THE BALL!
THE CROWD AND THE PRESSURE GETS TO THE TIDE!
I LOVE IT!!!
The play is reviewed because there was an illegal snap as Auburn was getting players off the field.
Alabama could get the ball back with a 5 yard penalty for an illegal snap.
Alabama players were moving as the snap was made and Auburn was running players off the field.
They penalize Auburn even though Alabama had players moving.
Alabama gets another chance with a 4th and 4.
Alabama gets away with a snap with players moving.
AUBURN HAD 12 PLAYERS ON THE FIELD BUT THEY SNAP THE BALL WITH PLAYERS MOVING.
AUBURN GETS THE STOP!
Auburn regains possession at our 34.
We move quickly to a third and 4.
Stove is topped just barely for a yard gain.
Auburn is punting.
Alabama is offsides on the punt.
First down Auburn!
Alabama is making mistakes all over the field.
On the first down KJ goes down. He is hurt. He planted and went back left.
Timeout with 6:21 to go Auburn facing second and long.
KJ will go out not likely to return. No more KJ between the tackles. We still need to run the ball.
KJ does walk off the field under his own power however gingerly.
Second and 15.
Kam Martin runs to midfield and is slow getting up.
Now they are having to look at Kam Martin as he stays down. Goodness! Our running backs are dropping as we try to win this game.
We move to third down. A first down would be awesome.
Auburn is punting from midfield with 5:40 remaining. Stidham almost made the first down but there was a shoestring tackle to keep him short. That might have been the play of the game so far.
It's going to be up to the Auburn defense the rest of the way.
Alabama fair catches the punt at their 16.
Hurts runs for 9 out of bounds.
First down at the 5:12 mark.
To the AU 31.
4:57 to go.
We move to third and seven.
Keep an eye on Calvin Ridley.
Hurts runs just enough for the first down.
Second and seven.
There's a pass to Ridley to the AU 30.
The clock runs close to the 3 minute mark.
False start on Alabama with 3:15 left.
Second and 15.
Hurts is sacked for a loss of 7.
Third and long and Alabama takes their last timeout.
Hurts has problems when Ridley is not there.
Third and very long.
Two more plays and this game will be on ice.
Third and 22 for Alabama from the Auburn 42.
Pass incomplete.
4th and 22. This is the game right here.
Pass incomplete and Hurts was past the line of scrimmage !
Auburn takes the ball and Alabama cannot stop the clock.
Auburn runs the clock down to 14 seconds and calls timeout on 4th down and 12.
Auburn will punt with 14 seconds left and a 12 point lead.
The punt goes out of bounds with 8 seconds left.
The game ends after one long Alabama pass.
The Tigers win the West. The Tigers earn another match with Georgia.
The Tigers rip Alabama. How wonderful it is!!!
Saban has never beat an Auburn team with at least 9 wins.
FIRST QUARTER
After the teams swap possessions the Tigers drive 94 yards to take lead.
On third and two from the three KJ hits Nate Craig-Myers on a TimTebow pop pass for the score.
Great play. Great play call.
Auburn 7 Alabama 0
Alabama gets the benefit of an interference call and pushes on to the Auburn 43.
A chop block backs them up.
Hurts fumbles and Tre Williams recovers!!!
Auburn on the Alabama 44 first and 10.
First down to the 19.
First down to the 6.
Kerryon Johnson to the four.
We move to the third and goal from the four.
Stidham drops the snap and Alabama recovers on the 9. Oh,my.
The quarter ends on a downer.
Stidham drops the snap and can't pick it up. Looks like he tried to pick it up rather than fall on it.
Bad, bad, bad in a game like this.
We miss a golden opportunity to go up early by two scores.
Maybe Stidham can redeem himself later.
SECOND QUARTER
The second period starts with Alabama first and 10 on their nine yard line.
This will be a four quarter game.
The Tide goes three and out . Yes!
Alabama gets a big bounce on the punt and we start on our 22.
Roberts should have fielded that punt.
Their punter has been their biggest asset so far.
Auburn goes three and out.
Alabama had a good rush on Stidham that time.
We are hurt by Roberts not fielding that punt.
Alabama takes the ball on their 40 with the clock just under 12 minutes.
Alabama to the AU 48.
Hurts is a good runner.
He is most of their offense carrying the ball on keepers.
The possession goes to 4th and 1.
Hurts runs for the first down. He is their offense.
Alabama on the Auburn 36.
First down TD pass. Our defender got turned around and their receiver catches the ball in the end zone. It was almost a hail Mary and our defender lost the ball.
8:31 to go and we are tied.
Auburn 7 Alabama 7
We've had the Stidham fumble inside their 5 and an offensive play by Alabama and we are tied.
A bad go by Dinson in the end zone on that TD pass.
Auburn starts on the 23.
KJ for only one.
First down pass to Davis to the 34.
First down run by KJ.
Gain of 7 by KJ.
First down run to the Alabama 45.
But there is a 4 yard loss by Malik Willis on a keeper.
AU moves to third and 12 just across midfield.
Auburn has to punt on 4th and 9. The Willis play put us behind the chains.
The punt is downed at the Alabama two! A good punt for once.
The Tide goes three and out and is punting from their seven.
Roberts fair catches at the UA 49.
KJ for four yards.
On a pass downfield Slayton is pushed down but there is no interference call.
Big time pass completion to the UA 22.
We move to third and eight from the 20.
Timeout with 48 seconds left.
A completion but only to the 16.
Timeout UA with five seconds left as Auburn lines up for the field goal attempt.
The 34 harder is good as the half ends. Auburn leads at the half.
Auburn 10 Alabama 7
THIRD QUARTER
Alabama receives and drives right down the field unimpeded by our defense all on the ground except for one short swing pass.
That was ugly. What happened to our run defense on that series? They ran thru gaping holes. Goodness! That was power running 79 yards right down the field.
Auburn 10 Alabama 14
AU starts around their 21 or 22.
This is a big point in the game.
If they stop this possession we could be in trouble.
We move to third and three.
There is a 21 yard completion to Hastings.
There is an incompletion to Slayton and once again no interference call.
We get a five yard substitution penalty though.
First down to the UA 45.
There is a 15 yard PF on Alabama.
The ball moves to the UA 29.
We move to third and 8 at the Alabama 27.
Alabama is getting pressure on our QB.
We move to a field goal attempt.
The kick is good! At least we answered with three.
Auburn 13 Alabama 14
Alabama is three and out after a great open field tackle by Stephen Roberts.
Auburn starts on their 31,
We move to third and five.
There is a completion to Ryan Davis to the UA 41.
We move to third and seven. They are getting too much pressure on Stidham.
Stidham scrambles for the first down to the UA 27.
Stidham scrambles to the Tide 12 on a quarterback draw.
KJ is close to the 10. We keep running Johnson between the tackles without much success.
Stove sweeps to the three and a third and one.
KJ runs to the one and a first down.
KJ up the gut for the score!
THAT was a statement drive. Auburn is in this game to the end.
KJ is one tough running back. He may have been nicked up on that last drive because he will lower his head and push. That was a big drive.
The Tigers have scored ten straight points after Alabama's opening touchdown.
Auburn 20 Alabama 14
On the kickoff we give up another long return.
Alabama sets up at our 39. Yikes!
Alabama backs up five on procedure.
Dad gum that kickoff return burns me.
Davis is called on interference when they did NOT call similar plays on them.
There's another unfortunate event. There was interference on Auburn but they did not call the same play on Alabama.
Alabama moves to third and 4 from our 13.
There is a deflected pass in the end zone ruled caught by Alabama and ruled a TD but the point of the ball was on the ground. The play is reviewed and correctly ruled an incomplete pass. Their QB threw it up for grabs. Alabama was lucky on that play.
The FG attempt is no good as the holder cannot handle a good snap!
AU starts at the 26.
The quarter ends as Auburn picks up a first down at the 36 on another completion to Ryan Davis.
Can Auburn win this game over the last 15 minutes?
FOURTH QUARTER
This will be a 4 quarter game, but we knew that going in.
The Tigers drive impressibly for the touchdown.
I'm so nervous I can list every play.
Stidham scrambles for the score around left end.
The Tigers go for two on the point after.
The try is no good. The play didn't work. Auburn still leads by 12. Still a worthwhile effort.
Auburn 26 Alabama 14
Still early in the fourth quarter. Plenty of time left.
Let's not give a big KO return please.
The kickoff goes out of the end zone thank goodness.
12:49 left.
From the 25 Alabama moves across the Auburn 40.
Alabama moves to third and 8.
Hurts runs for the first down to the AU 39.
Their QB is hard to contain.
UA is at the Auburn 33 on the next play.
We move to third and five.
There is a bad snap and a loss.
Here comes a big fourth down.
THERE IS ANOTHER BAD SNAP BACK AT THE ALABAMA 41 AS HURTS CAN DO NOTHING BUT FALL ON THE BALL!
THE CROWD AND THE PRESSURE GETS TO THE TIDE!
I LOVE IT!!!
The play is reviewed because there was an illegal snap as Auburn was getting players off the field.
Alabama could get the ball back with a 5 yard penalty for an illegal snap.
Alabama players were moving as the snap was made and Auburn was running players off the field.
They penalize Auburn even though Alabama had players moving.
Alabama gets another chance with a 4th and 4.
Alabama gets away with a snap with players moving.
AUBURN HAD 12 PLAYERS ON THE FIELD BUT THEY SNAP THE BALL WITH PLAYERS MOVING.
AUBURN GETS THE STOP!
Auburn regains possession at our 34.
We move quickly to a third and 4.
Stove is topped just barely for a yard gain.
Auburn is punting.
Alabama is offsides on the punt.
First down Auburn!
Alabama is making mistakes all over the field.
On the first down KJ goes down. He is hurt. He planted and went back left.
Timeout with 6:21 to go Auburn facing second and long.
KJ will go out not likely to return. No more KJ between the tackles. We still need to run the ball.
KJ does walk off the field under his own power however gingerly.
Second and 15.
Kam Martin runs to midfield and is slow getting up.
Now they are having to look at Kam Martin as he stays down. Goodness! Our running backs are dropping as we try to win this game.
We move to third down. A first down would be awesome.
Auburn is punting from midfield with 5:40 remaining. Stidham almost made the first down but there was a shoestring tackle to keep him short. That might have been the play of the game so far.
It's going to be up to the Auburn defense the rest of the way.
Alabama fair catches the punt at their 16.
Hurts runs for 9 out of bounds.
First down at the 5:12 mark.
To the AU 31.
4:57 to go.
We move to third and seven.
Keep an eye on Calvin Ridley.
Hurts runs just enough for the first down.
Second and seven.
There's a pass to Ridley to the AU 30.
The clock runs close to the 3 minute mark.
False start on Alabama with 3:15 left.
Second and 15.
Hurts is sacked for a loss of 7.
Third and long and Alabama takes their last timeout.
Hurts has problems when Ridley is not there.
Third and very long.
Two more plays and this game will be on ice.
Third and 22 for Alabama from the Auburn 42.
Pass incomplete.
4th and 22. This is the game right here.
Pass incomplete and Hurts was past the line of scrimmage !
Auburn takes the ball and Alabama cannot stop the clock.
Auburn runs the clock down to 14 seconds and calls timeout on 4th down and 12.
Auburn will punt with 14 seconds left and a 12 point lead.
The punt goes out of bounds with 8 seconds left.
The game ends after one long Alabama pass.
The Tigers win the West. The Tigers earn another match with Georgia.
The Tigers rip Alabama. How wonderful it is!!!
Saban has never beat an Auburn team with at least 9 wins.
26 to 14
Thursday, November 23, 2017
After Monroe
The stage is set. Auburn is where it wants to be. Beat Alabama and win the SEC West. Beat Georgia in Atlanta and play for the National Championship. Alabama is a 3.5/4 point favorite at Jordan-Hare. We have a good QB for the first time since 2013. We have a good defense. Can we stop their run? Can we run the ball against their defense? Can Stidham pass well enough to get some offensive consistency? We shall find out on Saturday.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
2017 The Louisiana Monroe Game
Can the Tigers keep up their momentum against a 4 and 5 Monroe team that is supposed to have a pretty good passing offense? ULM is averaging 37 points a game but giving up 38 a game. They have an athletic QB and average passing 280 yards passing a game. Can we improve our special teams play? Avoid injuries? The game is a 11 a.m. kickoff on ESPN2.
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive to start the game and promptly drive 80 yards for the touchdown mixing Kerryon Johnson carries and short passes. KJ runs up the middle 8 yards for the end zone.
Auburn 7 ULM 0
ULM drives to a first down to the AU 14. Our defense is soft so far.
On third and 12 there is an interference call on Auburn in end zone.
First down War Hawks at the two.
After a substitution penalty ULM faces 2nd and goal from the one and a half.
4th down from the one and a half after an incomplete pass.
Touchdown ULM on a reverse.
Auburn 7 ULM 7
From the 17 the Tigers cross midfield but then Stidham throws an interception at the ULM 14.
Bad toss by Stidham.
3:37 to go in the quarter.
The War Hawks go three and out. Better defense there.
Stephen Roberts fair catches at the AU 35.
Time for the offense to get going again.
First down to the AU 46.
Auburn moves to 4th down across midfield as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
After the impressive opening drive to open the game the first quarter turned into a sluggish game.
Our running between the tackles isn't there yet. Looks like the passing game will have open up the run in this game. The Tigers punt to open the quarter. ULM starts at their 20.
First down for ULM to their 32.
ULM is punting from their 30.
Robert fair catches at the AU 28.
The Tigers advance to the ULM 46.
The Tigers move to a 4th and 13 as pass to Slayton is just incomplete on the sidelines.
Auburn is not playing a sharp game so far.
ULM takes the ball on their 16.
First down ULM on a third down completion.
7:59 to go.
Not the game we desired so far.
First down to the their 49.
On third down we sack their QB back inside their 40.
On 4th and 20 Roberts can't hold on to the ball on the punt and it bounds OOB at the 15.
The Tigers are three and out. Our offense is not there so after that opening drive.
Conservative play calling running between the tackles or sweeps.
ULM starts at midfield after a short punt.
The War Hawks are playing with enthusiasm. Auburn is not playing likewise.
First down to the Auburn 39 as the half winds down.
ULM moves to 4th and 10 at the AU 39.
Auburn recovers the ball at their 4 a little more than 2 minutes left.
The Tigers are quickly out to midfield.
On first down Stidham hits Slayton for the 50 yd. touchdown completion!
That drive took less than 40 seconds.
Our offense finally woke up.
That was a 96 yard drive.
Auburn 14 ULM 7
1:27 to go. ULM starts on their 25.
Auburn has all 3 timeouts left.
Alas, we can't stop them to force a punt.
4th down at the ULM 45. WE almost block the punt but not quite.
The half ends.
ULM gets the ball coming out. Our offense hopefully came to life on the last offensive possession.
THIRD QUARTER
ULM receives and advances to the AU 48 before punting.
The War Hawks have won the punting battle as AU sets up at their five yard line.
The Tigers drive 95 yards for the touchdown entirely on the ground except for one short pass.
Kam Martin from the one for the score.
KJ had some impressive physical runs. KM came in to spell with one long run and plunging in from the one.
THERE was the running game finally. Impressive physical drive.
That's two straight impressive drives going back to the first half---drives of 96 and 95 yards.
Auburn 21 ULM 7
Three and out for ULM
Once again we start deep in our territory. Punting has helped keep the War Hawks in the game.
The Tigers move to their 35 and punt to the ULM 20. Better punt at least.
Auburn intercepts at the ULM 43.
After a 2 yard gain Stidham hits Kam Martin on the wheel route for a 41 yd. pass! Totally wide open.
I don't understand why we don't use Kam Martin. He has after burners when he gets a step.
Auburn 28 ULM 7
Auburn recovers a ULM fumble after a completed first down pass.
Nick Ruffin recovers. The play is reviewed which always make me nervous even though it looked clearly like a fumble. The call on the field is confirmed.
AU starts on the ULM 43.
The quarter ends with AU facing a 4th and two.
FOURTH QUARTER
KJ keeps on the wildcat and runs for the first down to the War Hawk 34.
First down to the 23.
Kam Martin dances down the sideline to the 11 running with fresh legs.
Kim between the tackles to the one. Where has this guy been all year?
First and goal from the one.
Kim fighting, fighting, not quite to the end zone.
Stidham comes under center and drops the snap.
ULM recovers at the 6.
On third and long from their 2 we get called for interference on Broussard.
9:51 to go.
First down ULM at their 17.
First down ULM to their 31.
Nick Ruffin intercepts and runs it back 45 yards into the end zone, zig-zagging to pay dirt.
Pressure on their QB paid off big time.
Auburn 35 ULM 7
ULM gets a 70 yard TD pass. It was a short completion but our defenders couldn't catch up with him.
Auburn 35 ULM 14
5:41 to go. Our announcers say that Kevin Steele is pounding the table in the booth next to them, not happy with that play. Unfortunate play with subs on the field, but no matter.
Auburn starts on the 26.
Maliki Willis is in the game.
Second play Malik Willis runs 62 yards after an amazing fake to Malik Miller.
From the 10 Miller runs to the four.
Miller to the one.
Malik Miller cracks the end zone. Tough stuff. Why hasn't he had more carries this year?
Malik Willis is a dynamic football player. He is going to be SOMETHING to watch in the coming years.
5 plays 74 yards on that brief drive.
Auburn 42 ULM 14
ULM hits midfield but runs out of downs and AU recovers the ball with 1:07 remaining.
The Tigers take a knee and the game is over.
The first half was sloppy after we scored on our first possession, but we took control in the second half. The fumble inside the 5 was unfortunate as was giving up the late touchdown but that's okay. The Tigers take care of business.
FINALSCORE
42 TO 14
FIRST QUARTER
The Tigers receive to start the game and promptly drive 80 yards for the touchdown mixing Kerryon Johnson carries and short passes. KJ runs up the middle 8 yards for the end zone.
Auburn 7 ULM 0
ULM drives to a first down to the AU 14. Our defense is soft so far.
On third and 12 there is an interference call on Auburn in end zone.
First down War Hawks at the two.
After a substitution penalty ULM faces 2nd and goal from the one and a half.
4th down from the one and a half after an incomplete pass.
Touchdown ULM on a reverse.
Auburn 7 ULM 7
From the 17 the Tigers cross midfield but then Stidham throws an interception at the ULM 14.
Bad toss by Stidham.
3:37 to go in the quarter.
The War Hawks go three and out. Better defense there.
Stephen Roberts fair catches at the AU 35.
Time for the offense to get going again.
First down to the AU 46.
Auburn moves to 4th down across midfield as the quarter ends.
SECOND QUARTER
After the impressive opening drive to open the game the first quarter turned into a sluggish game.
Our running between the tackles isn't there yet. Looks like the passing game will have open up the run in this game. The Tigers punt to open the quarter. ULM starts at their 20.
First down for ULM to their 32.
ULM is punting from their 30.
Robert fair catches at the AU 28.
The Tigers advance to the ULM 46.
The Tigers move to a 4th and 13 as pass to Slayton is just incomplete on the sidelines.
Auburn is not playing a sharp game so far.
ULM takes the ball on their 16.
First down ULM on a third down completion.
7:59 to go.
Not the game we desired so far.
First down to the their 49.
On third down we sack their QB back inside their 40.
On 4th and 20 Roberts can't hold on to the ball on the punt and it bounds OOB at the 15.
The Tigers are three and out. Our offense is not there so after that opening drive.
Conservative play calling running between the tackles or sweeps.
ULM starts at midfield after a short punt.
The War Hawks are playing with enthusiasm. Auburn is not playing likewise.
First down to the Auburn 39 as the half winds down.
ULM moves to 4th and 10 at the AU 39.
Auburn recovers the ball at their 4 a little more than 2 minutes left.
The Tigers are quickly out to midfield.
On first down Stidham hits Slayton for the 50 yd. touchdown completion!
That drive took less than 40 seconds.
Our offense finally woke up.
That was a 96 yard drive.
Auburn 14 ULM 7
1:27 to go. ULM starts on their 25.
Auburn has all 3 timeouts left.
Alas, we can't stop them to force a punt.
4th down at the ULM 45. WE almost block the punt but not quite.
The half ends.
ULM gets the ball coming out. Our offense hopefully came to life on the last offensive possession.
THIRD QUARTER
ULM receives and advances to the AU 48 before punting.
The War Hawks have won the punting battle as AU sets up at their five yard line.
The Tigers drive 95 yards for the touchdown entirely on the ground except for one short pass.
Kam Martin from the one for the score.
KJ had some impressive physical runs. KM came in to spell with one long run and plunging in from the one.
THERE was the running game finally. Impressive physical drive.
That's two straight impressive drives going back to the first half---drives of 96 and 95 yards.
Auburn 21 ULM 7
Three and out for ULM
Once again we start deep in our territory. Punting has helped keep the War Hawks in the game.
The Tigers move to their 35 and punt to the ULM 20. Better punt at least.
Auburn intercepts at the ULM 43.
After a 2 yard gain Stidham hits Kam Martin on the wheel route for a 41 yd. pass! Totally wide open.
I don't understand why we don't use Kam Martin. He has after burners when he gets a step.
Auburn 28 ULM 7
Auburn recovers a ULM fumble after a completed first down pass.
Nick Ruffin recovers. The play is reviewed which always make me nervous even though it looked clearly like a fumble. The call on the field is confirmed.
AU starts on the ULM 43.
The quarter ends with AU facing a 4th and two.
FOURTH QUARTER
KJ keeps on the wildcat and runs for the first down to the War Hawk 34.
First down to the 23.
Kam Martin dances down the sideline to the 11 running with fresh legs.
Kim between the tackles to the one. Where has this guy been all year?
First and goal from the one.
Kim fighting, fighting, not quite to the end zone.
Stidham comes under center and drops the snap.
ULM recovers at the 6.
On third and long from their 2 we get called for interference on Broussard.
9:51 to go.
First down ULM at their 17.
First down ULM to their 31.
Nick Ruffin intercepts and runs it back 45 yards into the end zone, zig-zagging to pay dirt.
Pressure on their QB paid off big time.
Auburn 35 ULM 7
ULM gets a 70 yard TD pass. It was a short completion but our defenders couldn't catch up with him.
Auburn 35 ULM 14
5:41 to go. Our announcers say that Kevin Steele is pounding the table in the booth next to them, not happy with that play. Unfortunate play with subs on the field, but no matter.
Auburn starts on the 26.
Maliki Willis is in the game.
Second play Malik Willis runs 62 yards after an amazing fake to Malik Miller.
From the 10 Miller runs to the four.
Miller to the one.
Malik Miller cracks the end zone. Tough stuff. Why hasn't he had more carries this year?
Malik Willis is a dynamic football player. He is going to be SOMETHING to watch in the coming years.
5 plays 74 yards on that brief drive.
Auburn 42 ULM 14
ULM hits midfield but runs out of downs and AU recovers the ball with 1:07 remaining.
The Tigers take a knee and the game is over.
The first half was sloppy after we scored on our first possession, but we took control in the second half. The fumble inside the 5 was unfortunate as was giving up the late touchdown but that's okay. The Tigers take care of business.
FINALSCORE
42 TO 14
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