SB Nation - Montez Billings

2009 Opponent Previews - Auburn

Will — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:00:11 -0000

4 months ago: Auburn coach Gene Chizik watches during their NCAA college football practice at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

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The Series

The Tigers are the only other SEC team besides Alabama to own a winning record against the Vols (though that will change if Florida wins two weeks earlier), currently holding a 26-21-3 advantage. The Vols and Tigers played annually from 1956-1991, when Auburn was Tennessee's second biggest rival. Divisional alignment erased the rivalry in 1992, and the two teams have only met 7 times in the last 17 years. Tennessee completed a three game sweep in the Georgia Dome, Jordan-Hare and Neyland in 1997-1999, then Auburn returned the exact same favor in 2003-2004. This led to...

Last Year

With the Vols still stinging from the loss to Florida and Auburn doing the same after losing to LSU, the two played one of the most frustrating games I've ever seen at Jordan-Hare Stadium. An Arian Foster fumble recovered for an Auburn touchdown put the Tigers up 14-6 at halftime, and the Vols scored early in the 4th but missed the two point conversion to make it 14-12. From there, the teams traded seven consecutive three-and-outs, with the ball never moving beyond the Tennessee 45 yard line for the Tigers and UT starting two drives in Auburn territory, but unable to pick up a first down to put Daniel Lincoln in field goal range. When Auburn got one first down on their final drive, the game was over and the Tigers escaped with a 14-12 win. Both teams ultimately finished 5-7, and two coaches with undefeated seasons on their resumes were no longer employed.

Auburn Offense

As will be the case on multiple SEC campuses this fall, the quarterback situation is unsettled in fall practice. Kodi Burns, Chris Todd and Neil Caudle all give Auburn something a little bit different, but none of them has been able to separate themselves from the other, both in games last season and in spring practice (Todd was held out as he recovered from shoulder surgery). Gus Malzahn's system has put up all kinds of yards in lots of different places, but will need to be individually tweaked for each one of these guys...the sooner Auburn gets an answer to this question, the better.

The rest of Auburn's offense will certainly utilize Mario Fannin, who has seen action all over the field in the past. Ben Tate is back after running for more than 1,500 yards in the last two seasons. The rest of the offensive playmaking potential is a question mark, with Montez Billings still an academic uncertainty, and a slew of inexperienced pass catchers filling out the rest of the rotation. And stop me if you've heard this before: Auburn has a handful of quality offensive linemen, but there's almost no quality depth. Malzahn's track record suggests he'll succeed...but how quickly, and with what quarterback?

Auburn Defense

Antonio Coleman returns as an All-SEC performer who might be the best defensive end that doesn't play for Florida in the SEC. The line should be solid and will help up front, returning three starters while the LB corps returns junior Craig Stevens. Josh Bynes played well in spots there last year and could be in for a big year. The secondary lost Jerraud Powers early to the NFL, and there are injury issues there as well. The entire defense has the potential to be very good under Ted Roof's guidance, but they'll need greater productivity and consistency from some new and returning faces to get there.

Best Case Scenario for the Vols

Auburn is the same team they were last year, and Tennessee is not. This is Gene Chizik's first road game, and the Vol defense makes it hostile for an unsettled Auburn quarterback situation. The early season formula for success plays out again: the Tennessee defense keeps a still-growing offense at bay, giving their own offense plenty of opportunities with short fields. The Vols get a lead on Auburn and force the passing game to beat them, and the secondary continues to gel against a thin Auburn WR group. Tennessee shows definitive improvement from last year with a win over the Tigers, further separating themselves from mediocrity in the SEC. Realisitic best case at this point, the Vols are 4-1 and hope is alive and well in Knoxville.

Worst Case Scenario for the Vols

Tennessee is the same team they were last year, and Auburn is not. The Vol offense again struggles against Auburn's defense, and the Tigers find success running the ball with Tate and Fannin against Tennessee's defensive front, and Malzahn's offense finds its rhythm. It is low scoring and ugly again, but again Auburn makes the necessary plays and Tennessee does not, and the Tigers secure their fifth straight win over the Vols. Realistic worst case scenario at this point, the Vols are 2-3 and desperate to find bowl eligibility, as frustration and resignation are alive and well in Knoxville.

Game Importance Ranking: 8.9

I am convinced that Jay Jacobs and Mike Hamilton are long lost brothers, because the similarities between Tennessee and Auburn, both last year and this year, are frightening.

You saw it in their 2008 meeting, where they were equally inept and only a two point conversion away from an eternal 14-14 tie that might still be going on today in some infinite overtime where neither team can get a first down. First year offensive coordinators were the primary reason that formerly untouchable head coaches were shown the door. They have uninspiring quarterback controversies still going in fall camp. Their new head coaching hires both won a total of five games at their previous place of employment. They have depth issues on the offensive line, and in general fear being left behind by their biggest division rival.

As such, don't be surprised if Tennessee an Auburn play another to-the-wire football game in 2009, though we all hope this one is a little more entertaining. If the Vols beat UCLA, this becomes the new most important game of the season - there is a realistic chance the Vols could start 4-1, and to do that they'll need to beat Auburn. A start like that would do incredible things for Lane Kiffin.

On paper this is the biggest toss-up of the season in my opinion. Will the Vols have what it takes to come out on top this time?

Recommended Reading - TrackEmTigers

What if Chizik Never Worked in Ames?

Links: Auburn set to open camp

SEC 2009 // The Depth Chart at Auburn, Still Focused on One Position

cocknfire — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:23:10 -0000

More photos » by Todd Van Emst - AP

Hoping this works out better this year.

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It would be nice to be able to come up with a quirky, unseen choice for this one. It's great as a blogger to be able to provide unique insight or the overlooked nuance missed by the mainstream media.

But, when it comes to Auburn's depth chart, there is one dominant issues. As Track Em Tigers puts it: "Auburn's Success Rests in the Hands of its Quarterback -- Again."

Or Auburn's success will rest in the hands of its quarterback, once the coaching staff decides who that quarterback will be. Getting it down to fewer than five would be a good start. But at this point, no one can definitively rule out Kodi Burns, Neil Caudle, Chris Todd, Tyrik Rollison or Clint Moseley. (Too bad Brandon Cox used up all his eligibility.)

For the three returning players from last year's squad, the numbers aren't too encouraging.

		Passing									Rushing					Sacks
	G	Rating	Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/G	Y/A	TD	INT	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Sack	YdsL
2008 - Kodi Burns	10	99.6	94	179	52.5	1050	105	11.2	2	7	98	411	41.1	4.2	5	-	-

		Passing									Rushing					Sacks
	G	Rating	Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/G	Y/A	TD	INT	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Sack	YdsL
2008 - Neil Caudle	1	133.8	4	5	80	32	32	8	0	0	1	4	4	4	0	-	-

		Passing									Rushing					Sacks
	G	Rating	Comp	Att	Pct	Yds	Y/G	Y/A	TD	INT	Rush	Yds	Y/G	Avg	TD	Sack	YdsL
2008 - Chris Todd	7	108.7	86	156	55.1	903	129	10.5	5	6	33	-63	-9	-1.9	0	-	-

That's right. The only returning quarterback with a completion percentage of more than 55.1 percent and who didn't throw more picks than TDs attempted five passes all year.

Of the two freshmen, Rollison is the more highly touted, to borrow from Phil Steele. Rollison was 315-of-428 in his senior season, threw for 4,728 yards and 51 TDs, and tacked on 1,094 yards rushing.

Quarterback, though, might not be the most difficult position at which to get on the field. There are no fewer than nine running backs on the spring roster, 10 according to Auburn's spring game program. (I couldn't find a depth chart.) Your big names are Ben Tate and Mario Fannin, though Chris Low has put in a plug for unheralded walk-on Justin Albert. (HT: The Joe Cribbs Car Wash)

Catching the ball, assuming the Tigers find someone to throw it, will be a receiving corps led by WR Montez Billings. Maybe. He didn't set the world on fire last year, but neither did most of his teammates. Besides, who else is going to lead the unit? TE Tommy Trott? Trust me: You don't even know the other names in Auburn's pool of receiving talent.

Among the seven returning defensive starters are some nice players, from top tackler FS Zac Etheridge to sacks leader DE Antonio Coleman. Interception leader Josh Bynes -- a linebacker! -- returns. (Okay, he only had three picks.) CB Walter McFadden doesn't draw the gaudiest stats, but you hear his name if you're watching an Auburn game; he had eight broken up passes last year.

But it all gets back to that guy under center, whoever he might be. Knowing the name might not instill a lot of comfort in Auburn fans.

It's better, though, than not knowing at all.

Sprints // 05.15.09

cocknfire — Fri, 15 May 2009 07:15:05 -0000

Baseball Wrap. Here.

Dawg Fight. Far be it from C&F to come between Georgia fans, but that appears to be just what he did when he noted the election of Jim Donnan to the College Football Hall of Fame. The Mayor took the news well enough once he learned that Donnan was going in for his time at Marshall, but Donnan's comment that "we did some good things [at Georgia]" didn't go over so well.

What, precisely, are the "good things" Coach Donnan believes he did, and how do they overcome his having gone 2-3 against Auburn, 1-4 against Florida, 2-3 against Georgia Tech, and 1-4 against Tennessee? ...

What, specifically, did Coach Donnan get started? It wasn't the Red and Black's penchant for sending players to the N.F.L. (as evidenced by Coach Goff's 1992 Bulldog squad), or for failing to achieve greatly with vast quantities of talent (also as evidenced by Coach Goff's 1992 Bulldog squad). ...

I feel justified in saying that, aside from redshirting David Greene, Jim Donnan made few, if any, contributions to Georgia football which were both enduring and valuable. ... Jim Donnan was a bad hire from someplace else whose continued association with Georgia football in any way, shape, form, or fashion I consider unwelcome, and, frankly, I'd just as soon not have his name come up around here any more.

And that's just a portion of the harshest stuff. The Mayor also calls the 2000 loss to South Carolina "my single worst sports-related experience ever." C&F would like to be able to apologize -- but that would be disingenuous, as that game arguably turned me into a full-fledged Gamecock. (As for the Hall thing, South Carolina fans could soon relate to the Dawgs with word that Dave Odom will go into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.)

In any case, the Mayor's post at Dawg Sports drew a stern rebuke from DawgsOnline.

Georgia under Donnan won more games than they had over the previous five years, and the four-year stretch from 1997-2000 saw the most consistently successful stretch of Georgia football since the amazing run ended after 1983. After coming in on the tail end of four straight seasons with six or fewer wins, Donnan began a streak of 8+ win seasons and bowl appearances which continues to this day. More importantly, Donnan's recruiting efforts stocked the cupboard at many positions and provided a core of upperclassmen which would win two SEC East titles in Mark Richt's first three years. ...

Donnan, since leaving Georgia, has been nothing but a gracious advocate for the Bulldogs and deferential to Mark Richt. ...

Donnan's detractors don't have to throw a party over his Hall of Fame election, but they could do with a little bit of the grace he's shown since he left campus.

Again, the entire post is worth a read.

I think it's fair to say this might be one of those cases where the truth is in the middle. Donnan did elevate the program, I suppose -- if you look at the lower base he was working from. Even DawgsOnline concedes that Donnan was dismissed because he fell short of expectations. But let's say Jimbo Fisher wins nine or 10 games a year when he takes over Florida State, and does so for four or five years. Do we label that progress and credit him for elevating the program? Or do we note that it's still not what the Seminoles were doing in the 1990s?

Georgia fans (and it is so hard to type these words) had every right to expect more from Donnan. That he did better than his predecessors is consolation to Dawg fans -- but very little consolation.

So does he have to sit in 37F now? Steve Spurrier has rarely zinged the Gators since he went to South Carolina. While obviously bitter about being viewed as "just another candidate" at Florida after Ron Zook's firing in 2004, Spurrier has been gracious to Florida -- partly out of respect for his alma mater (he will be the first to admit his loyalties are divided on every day except South Carolina vs. Florida) and partly because of his rule that he won't verbally knock a team he can't beat.

But the Ol' Ball Coach creeped close to that with his assessment of Urban Meyer's longevity.

"They still got that rumor going down there, Paul, that if he has one more big year, he might be the Notre Dame coach," Spurrier said.

After Finebaum said Notre Dame folks are convinced Meyer will be their next coach as early as next year, Spurrier referred to how he read about Meyer telling someone about "his dream job to coach at Notre Dame," something Meyer told a Miami radio station in December. "He had an opportunity 4-5 years ago, he didn't take it," Spurrier said. ...

"It'd be surprising if he left, but who knows?" Spurrier said. "He's accomplished so much. I left after 12 years because I just said 'Hey, I've done enough. Try something else.' He may get to the point where he needs to try something else. Who knows?"

A point added by one of the commenters at Swamp Things: One way or another, this year is Tim Tebow's last. Think about that and assume for a moment that we're all right about what Florida could do in 2009. If you've already won three national championships, what do you do for an encore?

Dan Mullen gets a bit carried away. Apparently looking to get as many visitors to his Spring Game as Alabama's legendary 2007 turnout, Mullen is asking the fans to come to Starkville next year, and bring others.

Later on, he would challenge those who didn't attend, and would also say that if everyone who did come brought two folks, there could be 93,000 in the stands.

There's just one tiny problem: Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field seats 55,082.

Personnel issues. And the Valley Shook takes a look at the conference quarterback situation in 2009 and finds it (once again) muddled. In the opinion of your humble correspondent, Jordan Jefferson is as good a choice as anyone else to be No. 3, with Stephen Garcia and Joe Cox as the biggest wild cards. Still not sold on Ryan Mallett, but things can change.

Meanwhile, Jerry at The Joe Cribbs Car Wash is nervous about the future of Montez Billings, who was not a particularly good WR last year -- but was at Auburn and so is about the best returning wideout they have.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first indication we've had from someone on the coaching staff that Billings might not be back this fall? Chizik mentioned that it was an academic issue--but the vibe I got at the time was that, as with McKenzie, Billings was expected to get things ironed out. ...

It's hard to say losing a player who didn't catch a touchdown pass last year and didn't break the 300-yard mark would be a devastating blow, but I don't think the potential loss of Billings should be underestimated, either: he's still the team's leading returning receiver, and in fact he's the only returning wide receiver who even cracked double digits in receptions.

Ole Miss might have some receivers you could borrow.

Thoughts and prayers. This time for Mark Herzlich: Reigning ACC defensive player of the year, now diagnosed with cancer.

Wind Sprints. The Andre Smith agent situation keeps getting stranger ... Sanctions against Southern Cal could come before the ends of our natural-born lives, according to Doc Saturday ... The Doctor also sees Alabama as a legit (if still underdog) threat to win the national championship ... Does Tommy Tuberville even know what a podcast is?