SB Nation User Blog: AU04Natlchamps

Auburn breaks into the top 25

AU04Natlchamps — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:12:17 -0000

War Eagle Everyone,

After a three game losing streak we broke into the USA Today top 25- I think anyone would be pleased if we knew we would be among the top 25 teams in the country heading into Amen corner- Who knows we could easily beat UGA and Bama and end up in the top 10- I know I AM TRUELY THE ETERNAL OPTIMIST. Bruce Feldman of ESPN has us projected in the Capital One Bowl vs. Iowa and Mark Schlabach projects us picking cotton vs. Oklahoma although I would like to play in the better bowl Oklahoma would be great matchup.

War Eagle

USA Today Coaches' Poll
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS	PVS
1	Florida (48)	9-0	1460	1
2	Texas (4)	9-0	1399	2
3	Alabama (7)	9-0	1389	3
4	TCU	9-0	1262	4
5	Cincinnati	9-0	1224	7
6	Boise State	9-0	1200	5
7	Georgia Tech	9-1	1118	11
8	Ohio State	8-2	944	12
9	Pittsburgh	8-1	940	14
10	USC	7-2	847	13
11	LSU	7-2	838	9
12	Houston	8-1	766	15
13	Iowa	9-1	757	6
14	Utah	8-1	688	16
15	Miami (FL)	7-2	685	17
16	Oregon	7-2	665	8
17	Penn State	8-2	552	10
18	Oklahoma State	7-2	530	18
19	Arizona	6-2	472	19
20	Wisconsin	7-2	341	22
21	Virginia Tech	6-3	268	24
22	Brigham Young	7-2	216	25
23	West Virginia	7-2	121	NR
24	South Florida	6-2	106	NR
25	Auburn	7-3	80	NR

Dropped from rankings: Oklahoma 20, Notre Dame 21, California 23

Others receiving votes: Clemson 71, Stanford 54, Oregon State 39, Texas Tech 36, Nebraska 31, Navy 28, Temple 8, CENTRL MICHIGAN 8, North Carolina 7, Boston College 7, Oklahoma 6, Rutgers 3, Tennessee 3, Mississippi 2, Fresno State 1, Kansas State 1,

A Visit To The Plains

AU04Natlchamps — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:51:27 -0000

Living in Orlando, it's tough to get up to games often. Consequently, I made it a point to book the Ole Miss game preseason. My thought was Ole Miss would most likely be a night game with an electric atmosphere. I figured it would be a great way to introduce my wife to my other love affair, The Auburn Tigers.

We got in Friday night and checked into a great bed and breakfast, The Fountionview Mansion (highly recommended) and went out for a bite. We got up the next morning had breakfast with four other couples that were in from as far as Texas and close as Birmingham. We drove down to the stadium for the Tiger Walk. I took my wife over to Samford Hall to show her a campus landmark.

Walking around campus was awesome - I thought to myself I need to make sure I soak up this late October Saturday on the Plains. Scalped a couple tickets and we were in. Upon grabbing our seats there was an old timer sitting next to me and he was a hoot. His first comment was "you know we are almost Vanderbilt". I laughed that one off. His next one was, "If we lose this game this place will be red for the Iron Bowl." I had to stop him there and said if you recall we are one year removed from beating Bammer for 6 straight years. He laughed and said it was nice to have some optimism.

The guy to my left asked me if I followed recruiting and I said of course and he pointed out Marcus Lattimore one section over. He seemed to be enjoying himself with some other recruits. Think about the potential class we have coming in: Dyer-Reed-Seastrunk- these are just possibilities. We already have numerous four stars committed according to www.rivals.com. Gene and the coaches are getting top talent interested in Auburn.

The stadium was not quite a sellout but still was an awesome atmosphere. After the win I took my wife to Toomer's Corner for the festivities and to the store for lemonade. On the way home she said, "I can see why you love Auburn so much. The traditions are great and the people are so friendly."

Sitting here thinking about the weekend - There is no other place in the world like Auburn on a Saturday in the fall and I know why I love Auburn so much. I won't let so much time pass between games. It looks like ESPN has us going to the Outback Bowl. I am firmly convinced Gene is our guy and the team is moving in the right direction. War Eagle Everyone.

Poll

Is The Auburn Family Going To Give Chizik The Time Needed To Build A Program ?

I have my doubts

21 votes

Yes without a question

196 votes

We don't have a choice he is a Lowder hire

11 votes

Beating the right reverend's squad certainly helped

38 votes

266 votes | Poll has closed

CoachTrooper Taylor

AU04Natlchamps — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:53:24 -0000

Coach Trooper Taylor's excitement is contagious it excites the crowd, player and recruit's. Watching CTT on the sidelines makes me want to strap it on. We need this fire on the defensive side of the football. I personally would not mind seeing CGC take over the D play calling. We all no he can cut the mustard (2004). Don't get me wrong I am ecstatic with our start this year, but with a solid defense we could be REALLY dangerous.

Poll

What will Auburn's AP ranking be?

25

11 votes

23

19 votes

21

7 votes

19

5 votes

Not Ranked

24 votes

66 votes | Poll has closed

New Polls Out

AU04Natlchamps — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:25:26 -0000

USA Today Poll
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Florida (59)	3-0	1475
2	Texas	3-0	1412
3	Alabama	3-0	1355
4	Penn State	3-0	1274
5	Mississippi	2-0	1182
6	California	3-0	1149
7	LSU	3-0	1122
8	Boise State	3-0	976
9	Oklahoma	2-1	917
10	USC	2-1	905
11	Ohio State	2-1	900
12	Virginia Tech	2-1	853
13	Miami (FL)	2-0	724
14	TCU	2-0	701
15	Cincinnati	3-0	580
16	Oklahoma State	2-1	576
17	Georgia	2-1	457
18	North Carolina	3-0	445
19	Kansas	3-0	381
20	Brigham Young	2-1	279
21	Missouri	3-0	214
22	Michigan	3-0	205
23	Houston	2-0	160
24	Nebraska	2-1	158
25	Florida State	2-1	154

AP Top 25
RK	TEAM	RECORD	PTS
1	Florida (55)	3-0	1488
2	Texas (2)	3-0	1428
3	Alabama (3)	3-0	1390
4	Mississippi	2-0	1213
5	Penn State	3-0	1212
6	California	3-0	1169
7	LSU	3-0	1120
8	Boise State	3-0	1038
9	Miami (FL)	2-0	920
10	Oklahoma	2-1	862
11	Virginia Tech	2-1	852
12	USC	2-1	825
13	Ohio State	2-1	810
14	Cincinnati	3-0	739
15	TCU	2-0	674
16	Oklahoma State	2-1	478
17	Houston	2-0	455
18	Florida State	2-1	363
19	Brigham Young	2-1	349
20	Kansas	3-0	347
21	Georgia	2-1	318
22	North Carolina	3-0	271
23	Michigan	3-0	247
24	Washington	2-1	194
25	Nebraska	2-1	132

Dropped from rankings: Georgia Tech 14, Utah 18

Others receiving votes: Missouri 115, Georgia Tech 102, Auburn 100, Pittsburgh 91, UCLA 62, Iowa 39, Oregon 30, Texas Tech 19, Notre Dame 16, Utah 12, Clemson 11, Colorado State 4, Oregon State 4, South Florida 1

Dropped from rankings: Georgia Tech 13, Utah 16, OREGONST 24

Others receiving votes: Georgia Tech 148, Pittsburgh 68, Utah 63, Auburn 62, Iowa 58, Washington 42, Notre Dame 38, UCLA 38, Oregon 34, Texas Tech 22, Kentucky 16, South Florida 12, South Carolina 7, Oregon State 6, Colorado State 4, Wisconsin 2, Minnesota 1,

It looks like Fl State beating BYU and Washington knocking of USC cost us a top 25 ranking. We should slide in after Ball State next week.

Coach Chizik

AU04Natlchamps — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:18:26 -0000

After watching Auburn Saturday night did anyone think back to the outrage felt across the Auburn family when CGC was hired? I did, and after watching Chizik assemble a staff land some last minute recruits and seeing the culmination on the field Saturday night, we have the right guy on the plains. I know this was La Tech, however Auburn is a different team then we saw down the stretch last year. With the landing of LaDarius Owens the nephew of former Tiger James Owens in addition to how things are looking with the in state talent Jeremy Richardson I have never been more convinced our Tigers are heading in the right direction. I predict eight wins with a BIG upset. Clearly 500 plus yards on offense was something we could only dream about last year. Chris Todd looked like the QB Mike Leach was drooling over before we landed him. Instead of the wet noodle passes from last year this guy had a cannon Saturday night. The experts in Vegas have Auburn a two touchdown favorite over the Bulldogs, this is a much bigger number then I expected which indicates they have confidence in our Tigers and that means more then any commentator predicting a victory to me.

War Eagle

Poll

When you first heard coach Chizik was hired how did you feel about the direction of our program ?

I was baffled when CTT was fired and was ready to surrender my season tickets after CGC was hired.

11 votes

I was cautiously optimistic

20 votes

I was on board wether it was CGC or Lou Holtz coming out of retirement

4 votes

I am not looking in the rear view mirror, just give me a win over Miss St

29 votes

64 votes | Poll has closed

The Eagle is flying

AU04Natlchamps — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:24:44 -0000

War Eagle,

I feel excited about what this staff has accomplished recruiting wise. I also feel good about what CGC has accomplished in putting together an excellent staff CGM,Luper,Rocker,Roof. If your not excited to see what this team looks like in September you dont have a pulse. Im expecting a 9 or 10 win season next year. We lost so many games by less then a touch last year. Any of you that have followed my post's know my love for CTT, with that being said I would be amiss If I said he did not look like he lost his passion. For those of you remember our new coach there is no lack of passion and fire. I'm sure you have been following recruiting, we have landed few studs and got a qb( Tyrik Rollison) to fill Raymond Cotton's place. I look at the players coach Luper has talked into taking a visit to our university and get excited for the years to come. We have had the top guys in the nation visit and have an outside shot on Randle. Coach Luper appears to be an outstanding recruiter. We have jumped from te number 29 class in the country to #19 according to Rivals and that is during a coaching transition. War Eagle, I am excited as hell about what we have going on at Auburn.

Poll

Has your feeling about the direction of our program changed since CGC has assembled his staff and started recruiting ?

Yes I had my doubts but feel confident

45 votes

Yes, this is looking like a staff and head coach that can get us a natl title

27 votes

I still have my doubts and have to see it on the field

38 votes

I just care if the cinderella cards win the super bowl today

0 votes

110 votes | Poll has closed

Auburn offers Rocker

AU04Natlchamps — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:13:53 -0000

Rivals.com Bryan Matthews is reporting CGC has extended an offer to former Outland trophy winner and Tiger great Tracy Rocker the D line coaching position. Any of yall that have been following out tiger team for awhile remember what a stud Rocker was. Rocker currently coaching the D line at Ole Miss who had a pretty darn good defensive line this year. Rocker, who was also awarded the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award as a senior, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. This would be GREAT for our team if it comes to fruition

Poll

How do you feel about bringing former Tiger greats back to coach ?

I love it !

92 votes

Not sure, but optimistic

14 votes

I Don't care as long as they produce

20 votes

It would be nice to see Rocker produce a player of his caliber

10 votes

136 votes | Poll has closed

Chizik's Stock Is Rising

AU04Natlchamps — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:00:53 -0000

Fellow Tigers,

I think most of us felt dynamically different four weeks ago about our program. After our new fearless leader made some outstanding moves including the hiring of two of Okie state's best asst coaches, Taylor and Luper both excellent recruiters. We have the #1 prospect in the country visiting courtesy of Luper. Bastrop La. Reuban Randle a Five star receiver is set to visit the plains later this month. This is huge, you never know he could fall in love with AU like we did and be a TIGER ! Luper was in Wichita Kansas making a visit to Bryce Brown, the two watched thenatl title game together. If your not fimilar with Brown he is an absolute stud. Brown is rated one of the top 5 backs in the nation. Both recruits are still outside shots but when was the last time we had two of the top 10 recruits in the country with a sincere interest ? Raymond Cotton is also back n the mix thanks to Willis being retained. Lastly, I know most of yall watched Malzahn who I refer to as the Zohan coach the Golden Hurricane to a rout and a 40 plus point performance over Ball St Tuesday night. Chizik's stock is rising in my book.

War Eagle

Poll

After the dust has cleared are you excited about the moves CGC has made ?

Yes he has changed my mind by making all the right moves

91 votes

I'm still undecided I need to see the results in w's and l's

43 votes

I wish CTT was still here.

11 votes

Im just ready to enjoy fishing and the beach this summer.

9 votes

154 votes | Poll has closed

Willis Retained

AU04Natlchamps — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 23:42:40 -0000

In my opinion Chizik made a great decision retaining Wilis. Willis was heading up the recruiting of Raymond Cotton after Tubberville was fired. Raymond Cotton sr indicated Willis being fire was one of the reasons his son decomitted. I like the decision to keep Wllis on board. Willis has been a Auburn player and has a love for the university. With some luck Willis will be able to get Cotton back on board with us.

War Eagle !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get ready for coach Turner Gill

AU04Natlchamps — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:22:26 -0000

Would you like to have a member of the Tom Osborne's coaching tree coaching at Auburn ?

First I want to ask Power of Dixeland if I can change my new coach prediction for the bragging rights ? I think if Jay Jacobs wants to keep his job he needs to hire CTG. This is why, coach Gill has turned around a putrid Buffalo team. Coming to the plains with the current talent would be like a kid walking in a candy store for. Look what happened when Utah took a shot with Urban Meyer fresh out of Bowling Green a comparable school to Buffalo. This guy is a proven winner 28-2 as a starter at Nebraska, Gill finished fourth in the Heisman trophy running and propelled his teammate (Mike Rozier) to winning the heisman. Coach Gill was a part of three national championships at Nebraska. We all remember how dominant Nebraska was. He knows how to win and has been a part of a major program it is not like we are scooping him up frm Buffalo with no additional experience. Coach Gill is the man or Auburn he is motivator and appears to be a decent human being with a focus on the same values coach Tubbs had. I will be extremely disappointed if we miss him. I am sure CTG will give an impressive interview, let's just hope Jacobs doesn't mess this up.

War Eagle..

Poll

Is Turner Gill ready for SEC football ?

Of course. He coached with Tom Osborne for years and won three national titles !

35 votes

No way. Buffalo is not even close to SEC football.

14 votes

Not sure, but I sure like what I have read and seen.

34 votes

I get brain freeze even thinking about Buffalo.

3 votes

86 votes | Poll has closed