SB Nation User Blog: Acid Reign

The Iron Bowl Debacle

Acid Reign — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:35:11 -0000

I'd have rather been at the beach!

War Eagle, everybody. My apologies for the late grades. After what I witnessed in the Iron Bowl, I did what I had to do, to take my mind off it, Saturday night. There are certainly better things to think about, such as the beach. I wish I were in the sun, at the beach, right now. I had been considering handing out just a single grade for this last game of the season; a big fat F. Point-wise, it was the worst Iron Bowl loss I've ever witnessed.

At Auburn, however, we believe in work, hard work. As always, we'll look back, and see what went wrong, before laying this disastrous football year to rest. Auburn repeated a season-long pattern of second half collapse. The Auburn program certainly does hard work, but is it the right work? Are we wearing down too easily, as games wear on? Are the multitude of injuries the past few seasons the result of bad luck, or inadequate preparation? Reports of starters trying to heal have become every day news, during spring and fall camps, lately.

Before the game analysis, I'd like to congratulate the Alabama Crimson Tide on a well-played game. While we absolutely hate taking a beating like that, I can appreciate a professionally-run operation like we witnessed. There were some complaints here and there about Alabama throwing the late 3rd down pass for a touchdown, running up the score. I don't begrudge the Tide that. It's still our job to pass-rush, and cover the receivers. The backups DO work just as hard as the starters, and deserve a chance to shine on the field. Saban only took that one shot, and he could have tried a higher-percentage field goal, or run up the middle and given the ball back to us. I don't think it was unreasonable to allow his backup quarterback to take one shot down the field. We've NOT done that when we were up big, at Auburn, the past few years. The result has been that many good high school skill players have decided, the past four years, that they'd have a better chance of getting to play meaningful snaps, elsewhere.

The Auburn defense did show flashes of the glory of old, in the first half, before being worn down like an ocean beach by the Tide. The Tigers stood up to the strength of the Tide team, the big offensive line, and held their own for a half. Asking the 2008 Tigers to play a complete game, however, was asking too much. With little help from the back seven, the Tiger defense failed down the stretch.

Special Teams were not bad, but not special, either. It was an ordinary day at the office. On a day where we needed some big scoring plays, none were in the offing from these units.

Offensively, we had our worst day of the year. We knew going in, that our only chance was to spread Bama out, and get the ball to space. Instead, runs to the short side, short passes, and inadequate blitz handling were the order of the day. We knew that we could not give the ball away, and yet we did, repeatedly, leading to a third quarter avalanche of points.

Grades, after the jump.

Defensive Line: C+. On a day when we HAD to win the battle in the trenches against a good offensive line, we did not. There were some outstanding individual efforts here and there, Coleman knocking down an early pass, a couple of sacks, a few drive-killing tackles for loss. Overall, though, the line managed only 5 tackles for loss, and one quarterback hurry. And in the big picture, Bama ran the ball 50 times for 234 yards, a 4.6 yard per carry average.

Linebackers: F. Alabama ran the ball 50 times, and the Auburn linebackers only came up with 18 total tackles, none for a loss. And several of those tackles were on special teams. Our linebackers failed utterly, being bowled over by tight ends, pulling linemen, or just completely missing runners. Often, even after 12 games, guys lined up wrong, and took bad pursuit angles. Overall, it was a horrendous performance.

Secondary: D+. The secondary had to make a LOT of tackles down field, and at times, coverage was good. There were times that tackles weren't made, though, and it resulted in Glen Coffee and Mark Ingram galloping through a sea of white shirts for touchdowns. It was good to see more of an effort being made to play up, and limit short passes. However, there were times when the coverage let guys go, for long passes, such as McFadden turning Nikita Stover loose for the first third quarter touchdown, and Neiko Thorpe losing Marquis Maze for the last TD. Jerraud Powers matched up pretty well, with superstar freshman Julio Jones, holding the giant to three catches for 36 yards. Powers gets a big demerit, though, for dropping a sure interception.

Punting: B. Other than one shank that set up Bama's first TD, Clinton Durst had a pretty good day, with a 42.6 yard average. He was roughed up a couple of times, too, that weren't called. Durst had two punts pinned deep, and another that should have been. Coverage was good, too. On nine punts, weapon Javier Arenas only had two returns, for 20 yards.

Punt Returns: C+. Robert Dunn returned two of Bama's five punts, for 19 yards. Points off for tripping over a yard line, and falling, untouched. Blocking was pretty decent, but Dunn ran the wrong way once, right into traffic.

Kickoff Returns: C-. Due to the high score, this unit had a lot of chances, and did little with fairly short kicks. The team posted 122 yards on 7 returns, a paltry 17.4 yard average. It seemed that both Davis and Fannin were determined to run RIGHT AT the first Bama man down the field. Davis posted a long return late, nearly breaking it for a touchdown, but that one was called back on a really stupid personal foul by Darvin Adams, completely away from the play.

Kickoffs: A+. I'll bet no Tiger fans thought we'd get an A on anything, in that game! We had only one kickoff, and Morgan Hull BOOMED it through and out of the end zone. That's 80+ yards, folks. Great job! Carry that over to next year, please?

Placekicking: F. On the one that counted, we allowed a ton of penetration, and Hull kicked it low. We only had one chance to kick, and we let Saban's timeout totally discombobulate the unit. Fail.

Offensive Line: C-. This unit faced a hefty challenge, facing a HUGE defensive line. For all the terror over Terrence Cody; Bosley, Green, and Berry limited him to just three assists. The Bama starting 3 on the D-line tallied just six total tackles, and two sacks. The line had only one penalty, a late false start on Tyrone Green. For the most part, the line blocked who they had to block, and held their own. On run plays, however, the line completely failed to get any sort of push. While they Tide unit wasn't a tackling machine, or pass rushing terror, they controlled the line of scrimmage, and made inside runs nearly impossible. I think Jason Bosley was responsible for the lost snap fumble, as the ball never appeared to make it through his legs, back to Burns.

Receivers: F. The receivers only caught 6 short balls, all day. There were failures to make route adjustments. Several drops by Derick Winter. A failed bomb for Swinton which was catchable, but Swinton didn't fight for it. Dunn had a drop on an out route. Rod Smith failed to bring in a deep bomb that was within reach. The receivers didn't get open, dropped half of the few balls that got to them, and even blocked poorly. Bama corner-blitzed about a third of the time. When that happens, both the receiver and the quarterback HAVE to check to a quick pass. Burns tried that early, and Smith wasn't even looking for the ball. Those blitzes were obvious, because the corner slid inside every time, well before the snap! Furthermore, frequent corner blitzes are a slap in a receiver's face. It shows that the defense has no respect at all, for the receiver. Terrible day by the receiving corps, all around.

Running Backs: D+. Losing a fumble is a letter grade penalty, so we START from a C grade, due to Lester and Fannin's fumbles. Lester's was particularly galling, because he wasn't even hit. Blitz pickup was generally pretty good, as Alabama was sending more people than we could block. There was always pressure on Kodi, but the backs pretty much neutralized the man they had to block. Running was tough, mostly inside, against big strong Bama linebackers who were waiting for it. Our longest running back run was 8 yards, and as a unit, they only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. 2.8 won't get it. Out of the backfield, Fannin broke a couple of good screens loose. We did not try that strategy against big Bama blitzes, NEARLY enough.

Quarterback: F. Kodi made a few good throws, and had a couple of good runs near the end of the first half, but had more bad throws that had no chance for the receiver. Kodi failed to manage the game well. A lot of that may have had to do with the poor offensive game plan, but the quarterback MUST make pre-snap adjustments. When the corner slides over before the snap to blitz, that's the quarterback's man. There's not going to be blocking help. You're not going to have much time. You've got to check, either into a quick hitter into the vacant zone, take off and run the other way (ESPECIALLY if the blitz is coming off the short side), or check into a draw. We ran right into the blitz, or tried a 5 step drop, or threw the ball out of bounds. In the second half, trailing big, Kodi Burns only managed to ATTEMPT 8 passes.

Overall, we had no chance on offense, partly due to a poor gameplan, but mostly due to terrible play by the skill players. Three consecutive fumbles to start the second half is the mark of a Fulmer team in big games, not an Auburn unit! On defense, we played well up front, for a while, but the D was on the field too long, and needed some tackling help from the back seven at the point of attack. Did not get the needed help. Special teams were passable, but did not bring their best to the biggest game of the year.

All in all, it was the worst Iron Bowl performance since I've been watching them, and it came against a very good team that limits mistakes. It's time to put this game in the ground, bury it, and move on to next year. There will be lots of debate as to future Auburn plans, but that's a subject for other posts. For now, I'm glad this dismal year is over. War Eagle, and thanks to all of the fans who've hung in this far!

It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!

The Time Has Come Again...

Acid Reign — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:16:44 -0000

BEAT BAMA!

Auburn at Alabama, Open Thread!

War Eagle, everybody! It's Iron Bowl time, at last! Today, the fired up Tigers can claim an unprecedented seventh victory in a row, over the hated Alabama Crimson Tide! We'll be here all day, with observations on the biggest game of the year!

War Eagle! Beat Bama!

Iron Bowl Preview

Acid Reign — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:23:20 -0000

Tigers will soar again, in Tuscaloosa!

War Eagle, everybody! It's time now for the Acid Reign Iron Bowl preview! We've had two LONG weeks of Iron Bowl buildup, controversy, trash talking, and reminiscing about the great ones of years past. When the game kicks off, however, none of that will matter. History is just that. Streaks, records, none of it will make much difference. The players will play this game, and today, we focus on those Jimmys and Joes.

Looking back on all of my preseason forecasts, none turned out to be farther from the truth than my outlook for the Iron Bowl. Both teams have deviated SHARPLY from expectations on the field. Have matchup outlooks changed? That's not quite as clear, especially since Auburn has been an up and down team, for much of the year. Without consistency, it's been difficult to predict what the Tigers would do on the field. It's time for a fresh look, based on this year's body of work.

Matchups, after the jump!

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Auburn defensive line vs. Alabama offensive line: This was expected to be Alabama's strength this season, and the big guys up front have not disappointed. Tackle Andre Smith and center Antoine Caldwell are sure-fire NFL picks, and Bama has been healthy all season, and has great unit cohesiveness. Auburn was expected to be great on the defensive front, as well, but injuries have taken a toll, starting with the loss of Raven Gray in the preseason. Auburn is said to now be the healthiest they've been all season. The marquee matchup, of course, is how Andre Smith will handle the pass-rushing skills of Auburn end Antonio Coleman. Coleman will win some of these matchups, but he HAS to keep backside contain against Bama runners. The more important matchup will be at right tackle, with Bama's Drew Davis taking on Auburn's Michael Goggins and Zach Clayton. If Bama can run equally well to each side, it will be a long day for the Tigers. Advantage: Alabama.

Auburn linebackers vs. Alabama runners: At the beginning of the season, some fans were wondering who would run it for the Tide, and if Bama's best threat, the diminutive Terry Grant could stay healthy. Instead, veterans Glen Coffee and Roy Upchurch have stepped up, and freshman Mark Ingram looks like a star in the making. All of Bama's backs are physical, and will take a toll on a small Auburn linebacker corps. Auburn's best run-stopper, Tray Blackmon, is out with a broken bone. Craig Stevens is probably the Auburn linebacker most able to take on big backs at the point of attack, but Stevens will have to fight through lots of good tight end and fullback blocks to make that happen. Middle and weakside linebackers Josh Bynes, Merrill Johnson and Chris Evans MUST attack the Tide runners. Simply standing in the gap this week, will not do. If Auburn is not aggressive at linebacker, Tide runners will roll. Advantage: Alabama

Auburn corners vs. Alabama receivers: Even as a true freshman, Julio Jones is the main man in the Tide receiving corps. He is big and physical, and Auburn has no one even NEAR his size in the secondary. The good news is that Jerraud Powers, who has great experience and technique, should be able to stay with Jones. If Powers can make plays and limit Jones, that will force Bama to look elsewhere in the passing game. Mike McCoy, Marquis Maze, and Earl Alexander are currently in the wide receiver rotation for Bama, and Auburn's Walter McFadden can match up with any of them. If Powers and Jones cancel each other out, it's Advantage: Even.

Auburn safeties vs. Alabama secondary receivers and quarterback: An Alabama advantage even previewing the season, this edge has become wider with solid play out of Bama's guys, and poor play from the Auburn side. Auburn safeties Zach Etheridge and Mike McNeil have been consistently a step late in coverage, and have had difficulty getting receivers to the ground. Matched up against Bama tight ends Nick Walker and Travis McCall, it could be trouble for the Tigers. Auburn will likely try to use freshman corners Neiko Thorpe and D'Antoine Hood to help here, but it's not likely to help much. If there's room to hope, in this matchup, it's the fact that John Parker Wilson has sometimes struggled when asked to move the offense predominately with the passing game. It's absolutely imperative that Auburn stop the run, and put the game on Wilson's shoulders, in the Iron Bowl. Big Advantage: Alabama.

Punting: Prior to the season, I felt that this was a clear Auburn advantage. Bama punter P. J. Fitzgerald has improved his average. While he's not considered among the elite as far as leg-strength, he's placed the ball very well. Over half of his punts have been fair-caught, or pinned inside the 20 yard line. Clinton Durst SEEMS to have a much stronger leg, and has similar placement stats, but Durst has been VERY inconsistent, tending towards short kicks early in games. On the average, Durst and Fitzgerald punt nearly the same distance, with virtually the same chance of a fair catch or coffin corner. On coverage, Auburn has a 6.8 yard per return average, to Bama's 9.3. Advantage: Even, on consistency.

Kickoffs: Both teams have struggled in this area, both with distance, and coverage. Auburn's Hull is averaging 62 yards, and Bama's Tiffin is averaging 63.9. Auburn has had FIVE kickoffs out of bounds, to the Tide's one. On returns, Auburn is giving up 21.5 per return, Bama is giving up 22.0. Advantage: Alabama.

Returns: Both sides sport dangerous returners, Bama has Javier Arenas, who has two punt returns for scores. Auburn has Tristan Davis, who has run two kickoffs back. Auburn also has Robert Dunn, who has a punt return for a score, and who has made other big returns in the past. Lately, however, Dunn has been dangerous for the other team, running backwards, or failing to field punts with room to run. Statistically, Auburn enjoys a 7 yard per return advantage in the kick return game, and surprisingly, the two teams have an equal punt return average. Slight Advantage: Auburn.

Placekicking: Auburn's injuries and kicking woes have been well documented. Auburn will either go with Morgan Hull, who has never attempted a field goal in a game, or the injured Wes Byrum, who is only 11 of 19 attempts, with several critical misses. Bama's Leigh Tiffin caught some heat for missing a few field goals here and there, but over all, he's 16 out of 23, with only one miss inside 40 yards. Big Advantage: Alabama.

Auburn offensive line vs. Alabama defensive line: Most of Auburn's line returned this season, but due to different conditioning regimens, and training, each guy is about ten pounds lighter. Fatigue seems to show up as the game wearson, and Auburn usually gets false starts and holding penalties late. There have been issues regarding knowing who to block, and how to block them, as well, with defensive tackles turned loose in the backfield. Easily the most disappointing aspect of the 2008 Auburn Tigers has been offensive line play. Alabama had apparent serious questions on the line going in, but with the emergence of monster 365 pound nose guard Terrence Cody, weakness has become strength. While Cody has eye-popping ability to collapse the middle of the line, it's the Bama ends who clean up, exploiting one-on-one blocking. Brandon Deaderick and Bobby Greenwood have combined for 59 tackles. When Cody goes out, Lorenzo Washington has been effective plugging the middle, too. Big Advantage: Alabama.

Auburn backs vs. Alabama linebackers: Auburn backs were expected to be the strength of the offense, but injuries have taken a toll. For the first time all year, all three Auburn backs, Ben Tate, Mario Fannin and Brad Lester are healthy, as is fullback Tristan Davis. The knock on Bama's linebacker corps going into the season was a lack of speed, but Bama answered that by putting lots of young players on the field. Rolando McClain was a freshman last season, often burned, but this year he's playing like a senior. Freshman Dont'a Hightower has played very well, and Cory Reamer and Brandon Fanney have played above expectations, as well. Fanney has been particularly dangerous lining up as a rush-end, and getting around SEC tackles. Auburn still will enjoy a speed advantage over the Bama linebackers, but it may not matter if the blocking is not there. Slight Advantage: Auburn.

Auburn receivers vs. Alabama corners: Kareem Jackson had a dynamite freshman season for Bama last year, and has played at an All-SEC level, this year. Javier Arenas, while a bit undersized, has also played well, with the speed to stay with anyone. Auburn's receivers were expected to benefit from new, previously un-used players, but attrition put the same starters as a year ago, back on the field, and even they have been banged up. Regardless of whether it's Rod Smith, Chris Slaughter, Montez Billings, or Tim Hawthorne, Bama's guys should control the outside passing game. Advantage: Alabama

Auburn secondary receivers and quarterback vs. Alabama safeties: Bama has an effective pair of safeties, Justin Woodall and Rashad Johnson, who play back, prevent the big play, and roar up to make good tackles in the open field. The two have nine interceptions between them. Auburn's leading secondary receiver, Tommy Trott, is out with knee surgery. Gabe McKenzie returns to add some beef to the tight end position, but Auburn will need huge games from slot receivers like Robert Dunn and Terrell Zachary, and from backs out of the backfield. The wild card will be the scrambling of Kodi Burns. It will be difficult to find open receivers in the Bama coverage, and Kodi will have to be careful with the ball, and make the most of his scrambling ability. Advantage: Alabama.

Any sane analysis would give Alabama the advantage in most areas, and an overwhelming consistency advantage. On defense, Auburn's line must play well, and the linebackers must make tackles. Auburn cannot let the Alabama running game get going. If the Auburn defense can turn the game into a duel between John Parker Wilson, and pass-rush/coverage, they have a good chance.

On special teams, Auburn must be consistent, no short punts, no turnovers, and have good coverage. A break-out return or two could be the difference in the game. Auburn needs to make critical kicks, as well.

On offense, Auburn's best chance will be to spread the field out, and actually use the wide-side. Alabama enjoys an overwhelming strength advantage up front, and Auburn will not be able to throw over the Bama secondary. It's critical for Auburn to use speed, power, and elusiveness on the corner, to move the chains, tire out the Bama D-line, and keep the Bama offense off the field.

Finally, Auburn should play their best game of the season, and fight Alabama to a standstill. In the end, a key turnover will decide it.

Prediction: Morgan Hull hits the first field goal of his career, to put away the Tide, 17-16.

How Confident is the Auburn Nation?

Acid Reign — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:50:05 -0000

I'm ready to play it today!

I'm confident that we can compete, if we keep it a low-scoring affair. If Bama gets 20, probably not. I'm particularly worried about Auburn's ability to stop the run. WVA, Ole Miss, and UGA all gashed us horribly. Against Bama's O-line, I'm not confident.

On offense, we've SOMEHOW come up with good drives in every game, but found ways to derail it in the red zone. I think we'll move the ball on Bama, some, too. Will we get points?

Oddly, I'm cautiously optimistic about the special teams. Especially if Byrum can get healthy enough to kick. Arenas is one of the best return men in the league, but we counter with Tristan Davis. We've been better in coverage than a year ago. I think we can out-punt Bama, assuming that Clinton Durst avoids first-quarter shanks.

I'm confident about giving Bama a game, and keeping it close. We haven't pulled out the big clutch win, though, all year. I don't know if it will happen this week, either. One reason for confidence: Nick Saban has a losing record against Tommy Tuberville. Not only that, but Nick Saban will LEAVE Bryant Denny Stadium Saturday afternoon, STILL with a losing record against Tuberville.

How does this Iron Bowl week compare, confidence-wise? I track back to 1974, the first year I really watched a lot of football, and began to think that I knew what was going on. Frankly, the Iron Bowl is usually an agonizing day for me. I'm ALWAYS fired up. Somehow, even when we win it, I suffer. I want MORE. I WANT A BLOW-OUT! Hasn't happened, since I was nine years old.

Acid Reign's Iron Bowl History, and confidence level, year by year, after the jump!

In 1974, I was supremely, arrogantly confident, and was shattered when we lost 17-13. I was convinced for many years that the officials robbed Thom Gossam of a game-winning TD. (They didn't. It was called correctly.)

1975-1976, No confidence whatsoever. We were woeful, and Bama was awesome. We took 28-0 and 38-7 blowout losses.

1977 I was cautiously optimistic, as Fast Freddie Smith and the Tigers had blown UGA's season out of the water with a huge 33-14 win in Athens. And we did put up 21 points with a rookie sensation named James Brooks. Unfortunately, you couldn't stop Bama with a one-player defense. Not the triple option. We took a 48-21 loss.

1978 I was in the Auburn band, making our second trip of the year to Legion Field, where we had earlier cleaned Johnny Major's UT clock. We were beat up, though, and I was mainly hoping for a good showing. We had laid it all on the field in a 22-all tie with UGA, and I was not confident we had anything left. We lost, 34-16.

1979 We came in with a six-game Iron Bowl losing streak, and I had learned not to get my hopes up. I limped in on a student ticket with my broken foot, and pint of Bacardi. Screamed my lungs raw. Auburn gave us reason to hope after a huge Joe Cribbs punt return, and a late 18-17 4^th quarter lead. Bama did what a national champion does. Steadman Shealy and Major Ogilvie led 'em defiantly down the field for the 25-18 win.

1980 I had no confidence AT ALL. I was in the band again, but we were just playing out the string. Everyone knew Barfield was gone, and we specialized that year in finding ways to lose SEC games. I was kind of surprised that we put up as much of a fight as we did, losing 34-18. Highlight of the day was when the Auburn Band assembled in the Green Springs K-Mart parking lot. A convertible full of drunk Tide fans rolled up, and they roared through the lot, hanging out, and screaming “Roll Tide” at us. The driver plowed into a parked vehicle at about 30 MPH, and there were loose Bama folk ejected from the vehicle in all directions! An ambulance had to be called, and I still don't know if anyone was seriously hurt (I hope not, I did stupid things as a college student, myself!). But, at the time, we laughed our butts off! It was just the sort of levity a doomsday trip needed.

1981 Bear Bryant was gunning for his record-breaking 315^th win. We were struggling on offense. We played hard, but had no chance in a 28-17 loss. I knew, going in. Made the best of it, at work, listening on the radio.

1982 I had no confidence, this year, either. We couldn't take Georgia at home, so how were we going to win at Bama's summer palace, at Legion Field? Nine straight Iron Bowl losses will do that to you. To make matters worse, I was working in a bar, the game was on, and the vast majority of the patrons were in red and white, watching it on TV and ordering tons of drinks and wings. Auburn trailed most of the game, but kept hanging in there. It took a Herculean effort to keep my mouth shut and do my job. I even kept quiet when Bo went over the top! I figured Bama would drive down and win. They always did. When Bob Harris picked off that last pass, I just said, “Excuse me for a minute,” to the shift manager, went out in the back alley, and went NUTS with War Eagles! Auburn broke the streak, winning 23-22.

1983 I was back in school, and at the game with a student ticket, but no Bacardi bottle. I had to drive, and if you've ever seen the inside of the Jefferson County lockup... Don't get pulled over drunk in Birmingham! I was supremely confident, that day, but Bama did not cooperate. Bo had a career day, but Ricky Moore did, too. It was a MISERABLE day, with blinding rain, cold, wet, and windy. Bo used up the last of his juice on an 85 yard TD run to retake the lead in the 3^rd quarter, and we hung on. I'm not sure we'd have won that game without the weather. We took the run away as the rains poured on, and every time Walter Lewis would try to heave a sodden football, the wind would carry it off track. Bama didn't hit a single pass in the second half, and Auburn held on, 23-20.

1984 By this time, I not only expected to beat lowly 4-6 Bama, but I expected the first Auburn blowout win since 1969. Someone forgot to wake the Tigers up till the 4^th quarter. It came down to a freshman kicker, who missed, and had to move to Florida. We fell to Bama, 17-15. That game has to be my 2^nd most disappointing Iron Bowl, ever. I watched it at my parents' house, in shocked silence.

1985 I was determined to just enjoy this game, take whatever happened, and be cool. I was confident that we COULD win it, but not that we would, after witnessing tank jobs against Tennessee and Florida. It was an amazing see-saw game, and I finally let loose when we scored late to take the 23-22 lead. What followed was some of the worst prevent-defense in Auburn history. Not only did we let Mike Shula get off a deep pass, but we failed to break it up, and let the receiver drag two Auburn defenders all the way from inside the hash to out of bounds with a single second left. What? Bama can't hit a 52-yarder, can they? Yep. Auburn fell again, 25-23.

1986 Was the last year I worked the day of the Iron Bowl. Management had decided to give us Black Friday off, and make us work Saturday. I was stuck listening on a Radio Shack earbud radio. I expected to lose. We had started off like national champs, that year, but then blew a 17-0 lead in the 4^th quarter in Gainesville, and in our most recent outing, we had let Georgia RUN ALL OVER US. If we couldn't stop UGA, no way would we win the Iron Bowl! Sure enough, Bama dominated, and we trailed by 10 in the 4^th quarter. Somehow, someway, even making personnel mistakes in the clutch, Auburn pulled out a 21-17 win on the Tillman reverse. I went BERSERK! Old timers at the company still talk about how I pulled out a hose and went wild, spraying both myself and anyone else in range!

1987 I was very confident, here. Bill Curry couldn't beat us, ever, could he? The 10-0 game was a LOT closer than I would have liked. While I enjoyed Stacy Danley's pounding, where had all the explosive Dye running backs gone? On a day when we locked up an SEC Championship, I suppose I should have been more fired up about an Iron Bowl win.

1988 Again, I expected to blow Bama out. We had given up only 18 points, in the PAST FIVE WEEKS! We had Joseph and Danley. We had Slack. We had Tillman, Weygand and Reeves. Bama would be CRUSHED! Pat Dye coughed and coughed, and here we were trailing most of the day in another big game. We won, but it was close, 15-10.

1989 I was not confident, AT ALL. I had watched a lot of Bama games. That Homer Smith offense seemed UNSTOPPABLE. And we had suffered on the D-line in 1989, as backs like Reggie Cobb had run over us. Yes, we were at home for the first time ever, but I didn't give us much chance. Bama had a lot of weapons, and we had trouble stopping explosive backs like Siran Stacy. Wayne Hall's defenses always had trouble with short cover, and with backs (like Kevin Turner) out of the backfield. Bama ran all of these things, and ran them well. 1989 was a tough year for Auburn, offensively, too. I just didn't think we had much chance. At first, it looked like I was right, but Auburn turned the Tide just before halftime, and went bombs away in the 3^rd quarter, pulling out to a 27-10 lead! My parents' house was ROCKING! Bama fought back, but Auburn got their 4^th in a row, 30-20.

1990 Was a tough year, as we now had championship expectations at Auburn. Somehow, a deeply flawed team kept winning, till the wheels came off in Gainesville, and we suffered a shocking homecoming loss to Brett Farve and USM. We rebounded against Georgia, putting up the biggest victory margin over the Dawgs in my lifetime, and I figured we could handle a Bama team that had no offense under Stallings and Moore. It was an odd Iron Bowl. It was my first year with my wife, and she's not into football. I watched it mostly alone, and watched the Tiger offense fail utterly, except for one Hail Mary pass before halftime. We lost 16-7, and I don't think we even got a first down in the second half.

From about this point forward, I've usually watched the Iron Bowl alone, as I am too animated, loud, and rambunctious. Furniture gets knocked over. Drinks spilled. Yelling. Screaming. All of it. My wife takes the kids shopping or to a movie. The cats hide in the basement. It's not a place for the faint of heart. Unless otherwise noted, I've typically had the house to myself for most Iron Bowls in the past two decades.

1991 Not only had the wheels come off, but the NCAA was after us, too. We had let a freshman QB (Eric Zeier) throw all over us, and now we were facing another one, Jay Barker, who was leading a 9-1 Bama squad. I was pretty sure we'd find a way to lose. Auburn surprised me, carrying a 6-6 tie deep into the 4^th quarter, but ultimately, Barker and Co. drove down for the winning score, and beat us 13-6, in the last Legion Field home game for the Tigers.

1992 I was oddly confident for this one. Dye had resigned, Bama was fighting for championships, and we had nothing to lose. The game was played on Thanksgiving Day, and I had threatened to skip a family trip to Jackson, Mississippi, if the game wasn't going to be on a TV where I could watch it. Relatives looked at me like I was crazy, as I got more and more fired up during the scoreless first half. I guess Ole Miss fans just don't take it that seriously... Ultimately, we couldn't catch a pass to save our lives, in 1992, Stan White got hurt, and we sank, 17-0.

1993 I was overconfident, again. We were undefeated, and I had seemingly secured tickets to the Iron Bowl! Those fell through, and I ended up listening on ear-buds while raking leaves in the yard. We had young children taking naps, and we didn't want to risk me listening indoors. I figured we'd dice up the Tide defense, but the defending national champs had other ideas. Bama dominated, and seemed on the verge of putting the game away multiple times in the 3^rd quarter. Somehow, Auburn eeked their way down to the Bama 29, but then Stan White was sacked, hurt, and it was game-over. Wait, what's this idiot new coach DOING? He's GOING for it? On 4^th and 15? With a backup quarterback lacking arm-strength? “Wow, Bowden's just LOST IT,” I thought. Then Nix to Sanders happened. I screamed and screamed! I dived into a leaf pile and rolled! I spent the 4^th quarter yelling my lungs out, pacing the yard. At first, a few Bama folk in the area would yell back, but they quieted down as Auburn continued their march to a 22-14 victory, and a perfect season! That one was the best Iron Bowl I didn't see!

1994 I was a little worried, going into this Iron Bowl, but not terribly so. We were a bit beat up, but who can't get excited about an Iron Bowl featuring two undefeated teams in Legion Field? I had no idea that I was in store for one of the worst first halves in Auburn history. We false started. We didn't block. We fumbled. We couldn't catch. And worse, we could not tackle! Couldn't stop Sherman Williams. Couldn't tackle Toderick Malone. Couldn't cover Marcel West. Wow. A 21-0 halftime lead had to be an Iron Bowl record, right? And we were lucky that Gene and Mal were so conservative on offense. It could have been 35-0. Yes, there were still napping kids in the house, but they were in no danger of being waked up, as I sat in shocked silence. Auburn fought back, but I didn't believe, till that last drive, when Auburn moved it past midfield. I let out a blistering string of swear words in front of my kids, when we were robbed by a horrible spot at the end. I was wondering about Bowden, at this point. HOW do you bring a team in, THAT FLAT, for the Iron Bowl?

1995 We were picked to battle Florida for the title, this year, but that was off the Iron Bowl table due to offensive collapses against LSU, Florida, and Arkansas. I had no confidence that we'd do any better against Bill Oliver and Co. I figured we had a chance, though, because Stallings and Homer Smith were feuding about the offense, and I didn't think Bama would be able to put many points on the board. I watched that game at a party, mostly Bama folks. I was worried about possible violence among the attendees, but I guess we had grown up a bit. No one got punched out, and we shook hands at the end of the 31-27 win. I think both sides realized that neither side was quite so good, anymore.

1996 I didn't give us much of a chance, in 1996. We were fresh off the 4-overtime loss to UGA. We had TANKED in Gainesville. Stallings had regrouped Bama under coordinators DuBose and McCorvey, and the Tide was rolling. That 1996 Bama unit was one of the faster college defenses I've ever seen. We could throw, but the Auburn running game had evaporated. I had Auburn friends over to watch it on TV, and eat a lavish dinner. My fears were confirmed when Bama roared out to a 17-0 first quarter lead. Somehow, though, Auburn got up off the mat. Bowden was shown SCREAMING, on the sideline, “Don't give up! NEVER give up!” We got a field goal after a long Rusty Williams run. Karsten Bailey beat Fernando Bryant for a 57-yard TD on the fade. Mark Smith, out for the past two months on a bad knee, came in and ROCKED Freddie Kitchens a few times. Kitchens would throw a pick-six to Brad Ware, and then Marcel West would fumble the kickoff, and Auburn led at half! We couldn't hold on at the end, though. With no running game, we couldn't get the first down to end it, and we fell on a late screen pass, 24-23.

1997 Again, I was overconfident. We had just EXPLODED against UGA, and Bama was on a 3-game losing skid. Auburn roared up and down the field between the 20s (sound familiar?) but only had 6 points to show for it. Freddie Kitchens came in for Bama, and sparked 'em to 17 unanswered points. Auburn battled back, but it wasn't enough, as Shaun Alexander ripped off a 12 yard run for a crucial first down at the end. Bama could have wound the clock down to less than 20 seconds, but inexplicably, they ran a screen pass that they fumbled away to Auburn! Auburn escaped with Jarrett Holmes' 4^th field goal, 18-17.

1998 I had NO confidence. We were short on coaches, short on leadership, short on players, short on talent, and it was on the road. Bama had found some confidence, and had turned their fortunes around. I watched in SHOCK as Auburn blew out to a totally unexpected 17-0 lead. After going nuts and getting my hopes up, we wilted, and lost, 31-17.

1999 I didn't expect to win in 1999, as we were facing a very dangerous Bama squad. I knew we'd have a chance if we gave Ben Leard time to throw, but I didn't know HOW we'd stop Shaun Alexander and Andrew Zow. Somehow, Auburn dominated the first three quarters! Only a Damon Duval miss prevented a 17-6 lead! Bama drove 20 plays downfield, and we held 'em at the 6! Rather than rest our defense, though, we tried to throw out of our own end zone, with 3^rd team blockers out there. AND with a pump-fake. Sack, safety, punt, and we put an exhausted defense back out there, with no depth. Bama rolled to 3 straight TDs, and we fell, 28-17.

2000 I was worried, even though we were heavily favored. Bama was down under lame duck coach Mike Dubose, but I had learned from experience that Auburn being heavily favored did us no favors. And Dubose's squad WAS talented. Somehow, despite being picked to win the SEC in 2000, they had fallen apart. I had the possibility of getting tickets again, but it fell through. My two little brothers went, though, and only lasted through the 3^rd quarter. They left, frozen to the bone, and soaked, listening to the final quarter on the radio. I can honestly say that Bama offensive coaches called one of the worst Iron Bowls I've ever seen. When they DID have success on a play, you could be sure that they wouldn't run it again. With a good O-line, and backs like Ahmad Galloway, against a young Auburn D-line, Bama ran to the edges, or threw in the freezing rain against two very good, veteran corners. In the end, Rudi Johnson, and tight end Lorenzo Diamond gave Auburn just enough offense for 3 Damon Duval field goals, and Auburn won the division, 9-0.

2001 Overconfidence on my part crept in, again. Bama had a losing record. They couldn't stop folks in the 4^th quarter. WE had found a TAILBACK the previous week, in Athens! Carnell Williams and some play action Cobb passes would light up the Bama D! Auburn showed up flat, while Alabama was in a foul mood. We were getting run over, then Carnell broke his collarbone. Auburn tanked horribly. The 31-7 loss, against a losing Bama team, was the worst of my lifetime. I questioned HOW a coach could produce a team THAT FLAT, in the IRON BOWL? My confidence in Coach Tuberville was at an all-time low, and I thought that Noel Mazzone and Jon Lovett got a raw deal, getting fired when it was the head man's fault!

2002 Didn't expect much, but I knew this Auburn team, unlike a year ago, would FIGHT. I had seen it in person at the Georgia game. Auburn lost that day, 24-21, but there was an attitude there, that had been missing for a LONG time. With Trey Smith and Cooper Wallace in the backfield, though, against a 9-2 Tide team that had demolished Tennessee in Knoxville, and LSU in Baton Rouge, I figured we'd struggle to move the ball. This year, it was Bama's turn to look unprepared. Auburn hit Bama in the mouth, and jumped out to a 17-0 lead that they would never relinquish. In some ways, the 2002 17-7 upset was even more shocking than the one a year ago!

2003 I didn't have a whole lot of confidence in 2003, either. Both teams came into the Iron Bowl struggling. Auburn hadn't beaten a quality opponent since Arkansas early in the season. Bama had suffered, too, but at least had a 38-0 demolition of Mississippi State in their recent resume. Brodie Croyle and Shaud Williams looked dangerous. Well, Cadillac went CRAZY, and Auburn jumped out to an 18-2 first quarter lead! As Auburn continued to drive the ball, visions of a blow-out were dancing in my head! Auburn made me suffer, though, as dropped ball after dropped ball doomed drives. We left three 2^nd quarter touchdowns lying in the grass. In the 3^rd quarter, a kick-return TD, a 3 and out, and a Shaud Williams-powered Bama drive had us on the ropes, clinging to a narrow 18-16 lead. Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown took over, though, and gashed out tough yards, to power us to a 28-23 win, and a bowl trip to Nashville.

2004 Again, I was overly optimistic. We were fresh off a BEATING of UGA. Bama was down to a third team quarterback and running back, and the backs were ALL banged up. We needed a big win to impress the pollsters, and we fell flat in the first half. I suffered. Auburn dominated the second half, but then let Alabama get a late score. We posted an unimpressive 21-13 win against a depleted Bama squad, and would sink below Oklahoma for good in the polls. We were 11-0 again, though! It had to be good enough, right?

2005 This year signaled my first Iron Bowl attended live, since 1983. I REFUSED to be overconfident, for this one. I was going to go, enjoy the noise and pageantry, regardless of a win or loss. Bama had a very solid team, although I thought we might be able to exploit Bama's passing game, a bit. It was a DELIRIOUS first quarter, as Auburn sacked Brodie Croyle repeatedly, and zoomed out to a 21-0 lead! Blowout! Of course, an Iron Bowl wouldn't be complete, without some suffering. Auburn pretty much coasted, with conservative offensive play-calls, to a 28-18 win that should have been a LOT more!

2006 was the year I thought that the Auburn streak would end. It was also my first year watching the game while seeing what the bloggers were doing. While Bama came in fresh off losses to Mississippi State and LSU, it was at home in Bryant Denny. The wheels had TOTALLY come off the Auburn offense. We had done very little since the huge Florida win, and against Georgia, I think the Bulldogs had more interception/fumble return yards than we had offense. Bama dominated the early going, kicking a field goal, but Auburn was still in the game with a big goal line stand. With Courtney Taylor out, though, offensive prospects looked bleak. Quentin Groves rose up, and had his best day as a Tiger. Groves took two balls away from Bama QB John Parker Wilson, and staked Auburn to a double digit lead. Auburn would come up with a miracle drive in the 3^rd, with huge catches by Carl Stewart, Prechae Rodriguez, and Lee Guess. Groves and company would hold Bama down in the 4^th quarter, and Auburn won, 22-15.

2007 Was the first year I spent the entire game in front of the computer, live-blogging it. My son actually watched it with me, and put up with my noise! Bama came in flailing after the loss to ULM, but Auburn had collapsed in the 2^nd half against Georgia. It was probably most uncertain prognosis to an Iron Bowl, ever. Auburn powered out to a 10-0 lead, Bama fought back, but was DENIED on an interception in the end zone by Jerraud Powers. Auburn held Bama out of the end zone in the second half, and had just enough offense to hold off Bama, 17-10, for the sixth Iron Bowl win in a ROW!

2008 I hold low confidence for this game, but looking at the history, that's probably a good thing. I'm never totally happy with the outcome, if I EXPECT Auburn to win! Barring tickets suddenly dropping in my lap, I'll be here, Saturday, with CBS on, live-blogging away till the bitter end!

Can Auburn Upset the Tide?

Acid Reign — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 19:21:40 -0000

Auburn has won before, as a heavy underdog in T-Town!

(Photo from al.com)

War Eagle, everybody! It's Iron Bowl Week! Are you fired up yet? It's certainly my favorite time of year! This year, Auburn comes in in a bit of an unaccustomed position, that of the underdog. Looking back at history, Auburn has won the Iron Bowl only twice, ever, when coming in with a losing record. The Tigers are 5-6 this season, and face a daunting task in Tuscaloosa taking on the top-ranked, undefeated 11-0 Crimson Tide.

In 1901, Auburn limped into Tuscaloosa with an 0-3 record, having only scored 5 points, ALL YEAR. M. H. Harvey's Alabama team was undefeated, and had not allowed a single point. Auburn prevailed, that day, taking home a 17-0 victory. Backs Sloan and Guin scored for the Tigers, handing the Tide their only loss of the season. It would be Auburn's last football visit to T-town for nearly a hundred years.

In 1949, Earl Brown's second Auburn team came in with a 1-4-3 record. Auburn had lost to Bama a year before, 55-0, and the Tigers had started the 1949 season with 4 losses in their first five games. However, they entered the Iron Bowl coming off back to back 20-all ties against Georgia and Clemson. Auburn had improved on offense, led by All-American quarterback Travis Tidwell. Red Drew's Tide unit came in riding a five game win streak, fresh off a 35-13 demolition of Florida in Gainesville. Bama expected to win big, as a 21-point favorite, but Auburn dug in, and the game was tied 7-all in the 4^th quarter. Auburn's points had come off of a pick-six. Auburn's single-wing offense drove 71 yards down the field in the 4^th quarter, with Tidwell largely being used as a decoy. Bama was keying on him, but Bill Davis ripped off an 11 yard run to put the Tigers ahead. Bill Tucker's extra point made it 14-7. Bama would answer with a late drive, and Tom Calvin would score for the Tide, but a missed PAT gave the Tigers a 14-13 upset victory. It was a sweet end to arguably the worst decade in Auburn football history, the 1940s.

As I look back on past Iron Bowls, an amazing stat jumps out. This is my 49^th season of Auburn football, and this year is only the 4^th time in that period that Auburn has entered the game with a losing record. Unfortunately, the results in the three previous such games weren't so good.

Shug's last game in 1975 was one where Auburn entered at 3-5-2. We had no offense, as our best threats were banged up, and we faced a good Bama defense that practiced against the triple option every day. Auburn was able to slow Big Johnny Davis down in the middle, but Richard Todd and Willie Shelby worked wishbone option magic on the corners, and Auburn fell 28-0 on TV.

In 1976, Doug Barfield's inaugural team went Iron Bowling even more depleted than in the previous year. Tony Nathan ran wild, and Bama rolled up a big 38-0 lead. Only a late 1 yard plunge by Auburn reserve running back Foster Christy kept this game from equaling the worst Iron Bowl loss of my lifetime. A 38-7 loss to the Tide ended one of the most dismal seasons in my lifetime.

In 1998, with a 3-7 record, Auburn came in two coaches short, as Terry Bowden and Rodney Allison had skipped out at midseason. Auburn dominated for a quarter and a half, rolling up a 17-0 lead behind a dive by Heath Evans, and a fade route from Gabe Gross to Karsten Bailey. Bama caught fire, though, behind freshman quarterback Andrew Zow, and versatile running back Shaun Alexander, and Bama rolled off 31 unanswered points, dooming Bill Oliver's campaign to be the next Auburn head coach. Bama won, 31-17.

What result does 2008 have in store? We'll find out Saturday. I do believe that this is by far the best Auburn unit to come into the Iron Bowl with a losing record. The defense showed signs of recovery against a potent Georgia attack, and figures to be even more healthy after a two week layoff. Coordinator Paul Rhodes has even remarked about how much quickness the unit has displayed this week in practice. The offense continues to improve as well, led by young, developing stars Kodi Burns and Mario Fannin. Special teams have been solid at times during the year, and might be again. It would certainly be awesome, to derail Bama's perfect season, and send them toppling down from the top of the polls!

War Eagle, and we'll hang Alabama by a sour apple tree!

Dawgs Escape from Jordan Hare

Acid Reign — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 20:52:30 -0000

Keep on fighting, Tigers!

War Eagle, everybody. Time now for the Acid Reign report, on yesterday's 17-13 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs. On a cold, blustery November Saturday, Auburn put up a valiant effort, but special teams mistakes, soft coverage, and help from the referees doomed the Tigers. Several banged up Auburn stars returned for this game, but as usual, we got several more banged up. Starting tight end Tommy Trott's season may be over, with a knee injury.

Defensively, we continued to play a soft cushion zone in coverage, and gave up numerous short and medium passes with no one on the receiver. Early on, we had no answer for Georgia star Knowshon Moreno, as we could not get both arms around him and hold on. As the game wore on, Auburn used more run blitzes, and slowed the dynamic back down. Battered and bloodied, the defense did dig in and limit the powerful Bulldog offense. However, I'd say that some errant Stafford throws, perhaps wind aided, and some odd play calling benefited the Tigers, as well.

Offensively, Georgia took our best play, the quarterback keeper by Burns, out of the playbook. Speedy linebacker Reggie Curran was assigned to spy Kodi Burns, and for the most part, Curran shut Burns down. Additionally, Georgia defensive ends were careful to stay home, and not get sucked into backside pursuit on the zone runs. When Kodi tried to bootleg out the back side, he always had an unblocked defensive end in his face. Georgia's secondary did a good job in man coverage, taking Auburn's downfield routes away. Auburn had no one in the receiver corps able to break away deep. Auburn's most dynamic player was Mario Fannin, but Fannin was limited to only 12 offensive touches, 8 runs and 4 receptions. Fannin accounted for 108 yards and two touchdowns on those plays, but he was NOT on the field for the last two drives of the game. Tuberville said that it was Ben Tate's turn, and that Tate was running well. The stat sheet shows Tate with a 2.6 yard per carry average. In a year of weird decisions, that's another one that stands out.

Special teams continue to fall apart at the worst possible times. Clinton Durst did a fine job punting, and shook off a big hit in his own endzone. Punt return decisions were generally terrible. We've regressed badly there. Kick returns weren't blocked well, but that's nothing new. Kickoffs reached a new low, as we failed to even crack the five yard line once, and kicked one out of bounds to set up UGA's game winning drive. The place kicking team muffed a snap, resulting in a failed extra point. Wes Byrum missed another field goal attempt, and was benched in favor of Morgan Hull. In fairness to Byrum, that attempt should have never been made, from 42 yards against a stiff wind.

Grades

Defensive Line: C. Against an injury-depleted UGA line, our unit failed to impress. The line failed to bring Knowshon Moreno down on numerous hits in the backfield, and got very little pressure on Mathew Stafford without blitzing help. All in all, the defensive line tallied six solo tackles, and 5 assists. We needed more production here, to shut down a good Georgia offense.

Linebackers: C+. Early points off on poor tackling on Knowshon Moreno, but things tightened up as the game went on. Merrill Johnson, Craig Stevens and Chris Evans contained well, keeping Moreno from getting the corner. Josh Bynes continued some soft play in the middle, especially early. Gap control was generally pretty good. Points off on wacky pursuit angles, and horrible tackling on Moreno's screen pass TD catch and run.

Secondary: C. Good job, for the most part, in preventing the deep ball. The one that was caught, though, was the game-winner. We used some press man coverage in the second half, cover one with the safety over top. It worked pretty well, till Stafford decided to test us with a post. Powers wasn't tall enough on that play, and McNeil failed to come up till it was too late. The cover two with a ten yard cushion was exploited repeatedly on wide receiver screens, hitches, and quick outs. Zach Etheridge made some good, TD saving tackles downfield, and seems to be slowly returning to his form from a year ago. Press coverage is a dangerous option, though, as we only seem to have one corner capable of staying with his man consistently, Walt McFadden.

Punting: A-. You really can't argue with a 45 yard average in the swirling wind. Durst did hit his first one short, but got the roll deep inside the ten. Nice job by the coverage team, getting on a Prince Miller fumble. We did have one return late, where Logan Gray picked up 13 yards on us.

Punt Returns: F. Dunn caught the first one behind the 15, and retreated back inside his own five with a half-dozen Bulldogs all over him. A senior just CAN'T make those kinds of decisions! Dunn's second attempt was a fair catch with no one within 15 yards of him. Dunn's third appearance resulted in him letting the ball hit the ground at the 11, and be downed at the 7. Every Georgia punt resulted in Auburn starting at their own 20 or worse. We tallied NEGATIVE 8 returns yards, here.

Kickoff Returns: D. No fumbles, but we tallied just 46 yards on 3 returns, and got a crucial block in the back call against us. 15 yards per return is poor. Blocking was non-existent.

Kickoffs: C-. We averaged kicking it to only the ten yard line, and kicked one out of bounds late with a lead, to set up UGA for their game-winning touchdown. The opening kickoff was a very lucky squibb, that bounced through about 5 UGA blockers, down inside the ten. Bonus points for limiting Asher Allen and Josh Bagby to 13 yards per return.

Place Kicking: D-. Missed our only field goal attempt, BADLY, into the wind. Muffed an extra point snap. And, we lost by those four points, as well.

Offensive Line: C. We had difficulty handling Geno Atkins inside on run downs, and outside on the tackle-end twist, on pass rush downs. Tyrone Green got flagged for holding at the Georgia five yard line, and we ended that possession with no points. Lee Ziemba got ANOTHER 4^th quarter false start flag.

Receivers: C. We failed to separate from Georgia coverage downfield, for the entire game. Of the starters, Montez Billings fought through a broken nose for 6 catches of short passes. Rod Smith was shut down, with only one catch for 10 yards. Tommy Trott's only appearance was a drop, that he juggled upwards, and was lucky wasn't picked off. Gabe McKenzie had a drop, also. Considering that he hasn't practiced on the offensive side since September, that's not so bad. The ball was thrown a bit behind him. Wide receiver blocking was decent, but not spectacular.

Running Backs: C+. There were some electric plays out of Mario Fannin, and the biggest mystery is why he didn't play more. Both Tate and Fannin had some good pass receptions out of the backfield, but Tate dropped the last pass, off his hands at the end. Blitz pickup was decent. Both backs, though, often had trouble picking out a hole. Take away Fannin's 35 yard TD (which he created out of NOTHING!) and the backs managed just 61 yards on 21 carries. 2.9 yards per carry will NOT win, in the SEC.

Quarterback: B. Kodi threw no interceptions, and lost one fumble (points off. Can't do that!). His running was limited by the Georgia plan. What hurt Kodi the most, though, was a total lack of playmaking by his receivers. He enjoyed decent protection, but frequently no one was open. Even so, Kodi picked up some clutch first downs, and led Auburn down twice at the end. And, he somehow managed to scrape together 16 completions in 30 attempts. Kodi's skill-position teammates need to pick it up, and help him out.

In the end, it was an error-marred game by both teams. Auburn's special teams were a serious albatross, and the offense failed to get the job done in plus territory. Many Auburn fans were expecting to be blown out in this game, but the Tigers never quit. The team remains capable of winning, if they eliminate the mistakes.

The Tigers now have two weeks, to heal more, and work on ironing out some fundamentals. If we can shore up the special teams mistakes, heal the defense, cover a little better, and make some plays at wide receiver and running back, Alabama should be very beatable in Tuscaloosa. War Eagle, everybody, and let's get ready for the Iron Bowl!

Enough Barking. Time to Hit 'Em in the Mouth!

Acid Reign — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:26:48 -0000

Georgia at Auburn, Live Thread

War Eagle, everybody! Time to get fired up, and ready for an early morning tilt against the Georgia Bulldogs! After a week of animosity and bitterness on the interwebs, it's gameday. Auburn players feel that they owe the Bulldogs some payback, after two years of drubbings, the Blackout, and the Soulja Boy dances in Sanford Stadium a year ago.

We'll be here throughout the game, commenting of the goings on and calling the game with an Auburn slant. Join us, and watch us train the dawgs, today! Remember, Auburn had a football team, when Georgia was a pup!

Auburn Struggles to Put Away the Skyhawks

Acid Reign — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:07:09 -0000

Jordan Hare Fills Up

War Eagle, everybody! It's time now for a belated Acid Reign Report. Another Homecoming has come and gone, and Auburn won their 17^th such game in a row. Auburn outlasted the University of Tennessee at Martin, 37-20. Last loss at Homecoming was back in the Dye Era. In 1991, Tony James broke a late 63 yard run for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, to beat Auburn 24-17.

Last Saturday, Auburn broke a four game losing streak and went on to win against the Football Championship Subdivision Skyhawks. With several starters out of the game, and more banged up, the Tigers really struggled. Auburn did not put the game away, till the 8:16 mark of the 4^th quarter, when Kodi Burns broke loose on a 58 yard touchdown gallop.

On offense, Auburn rolled up 452 yards on the Skyhawks, but the number is deceptive. The Tigers came in expecting to work on their running game. The running backs combined for 35 carries for 159 yards, but against a lower division school, that's pedestrian. It took four running backs to combine for a single yard more than the starting quarterback amassed. The passing game started off ice-cold. Even when successful throwing and catching, it was never more than ten yards down field. Kodi Burns accounted for much of the offense, with 158 rushing yards, and 130 passing, for 288 yards total.

Defensively, Auburn did a decent job of gap control, and a good job of chasing runners down. On pass defense, however, the unit was poor. Injuries to members of the secondary contributed. We routinely gave the receivers a ten to twelve yard cushion, and had no chance of coming up and making a play on UTM's short passes. There was criticism of the pass-rush on the radio, which I don't understand. Auburn only rushed 4 most of the day, and they did get some pressure, and kept the pocket contained. There aren't going to be many sacks, when all the opposing team has to do is take a three step drop, and zing it to a receiver with a ten yard cushion. Right now, Auburn's having trouble covering a smoldering match with a wet blanket.

Special teams were a mixed bag. We had another explosive kick return for a score, and Wes Byrum hit some long fields goals. On the flip side, we had an awful series of decisions on an early punt return. Our one punt was terrible, and kickoff coverage was lackadaisical.

Grades

Defensive Line: B. Again, you're not going to get many sacks when the opposing quarterback can take the snap and gun it immediately. Guys stayed in their gap, kept contain, and collapsed the pocket pretty efficiently. UTM only managed 66 rushing yards. The longest run of the day was 20 yards. Then again, the defensive line was playing a pretty severely out-classed offensive line, even considering that Auburn's entire starting unit did not play.

Linebackers: C. Tackling was better, gap control was there, but coverage was not good at all. There were a number of ten-plus yard throws to running backs and tight ends. On the rare blitzes, linebackers were ineffective. The Auburn linebackers managed only one tackle for a loss, the entire game.

Secondary: D-. Safety tackling was maybe a little bit better. Neiko Thorpe did get the late interception. But this was a pretty miserable performance, for the most part. The Skyhawks could run the out, the bubble screen, and the square in, at will. The only thing that stopped them was dropped balls, and missed passes. When you let a Championship Subdivision team complete 27 passes on you, you're playing pretty poorly in the secondary.

Punts: F. Only punted once, and it was ugly. 20 yards = FAIL. Suddenly, Clinton Durst is having trouble fielding the shotgun snap!

Punt Returns: D. Yes, Dunn did have a nice return or two, and Slaughter had one as well. But, on Dunn's first return, the decision to field the ball headed to the goal line was not good. Dropping the ball on said punt was worse. Worst, though, was failing to fall on the bouncing ball in the end zone! That was three bad, bad errors in judgment on one single return!

Kick Returns: A. Tristan Davis' kick return was an amazing show of power. It wasn't really a case of outrunning them to the outside. Davis sliced through would-be tacklers with a rare combination of grace and power. Of course, we had him block too many lead plays into the short side, and he was out of the game before he could try another...

Kickoffs: F. Wes Byrum could only managed kicking the ball to the ten yard line. Morgan Hull was slightly better. Coverage was awful. No one got off blocks, or broke up wedges. Arm tackles were the norm. Giving up 29 yards per return to a FCS team is terrible. It took a very questionable “foot on the line” call by the officials, to keep one return from being a touchdown.

Place Kicking: B. Points off for missing a long attempt, but Wes Byrum was 2 out of 3 from beyond 40 yards, and made all of this shorter kicks. The 48 yarder against the wind was great! Had some serious leg-drive, on that thing!

Offensive Line: B-. No penalties! Pass protection was generally pretty good, but consider the competition. At times, Jerrod Grace and Ray Williams caused trouble for the middle of Auburn's line. Run blocking was solid, but unspectacular. I would have expected more domination against an FCS team.

Receivers: B. Solid blocking, guys got open, AND, no drops! It's been a while since we could say that! Auburn favored the run, strategy-wise, and didn't really attempt many long passes. Still, Auburn's receivers were there when called upon.

Running Backs: D. Auburn's longest running back run was 19 yards, which is pitiful against a FCS opponent. Every back except Ben Tate had a run or two where they tried to run backwards and outflank defenders, resulting in getting tackled for a bigger loss. There was repeated failure to pick up the corner blitz. The most telling thing, visually, was that backside linebackers and ends chased down a LOT of our runs. That's either a sign of either a slow-developing play, a slow running back, or both.

Quarterback: B+. Kodi Burns certainly had a memorable day running the ball! And, he was sacked only once, on an unblocked corner blitz. No turnovers. Passing wise, Kodi was not always accurate, particularly on the few passes he tried to throw downfield. Kodi still is not setting his feet to throw. On one big pass to Tommy Trott, Burns actually leaped backwards, slinging the ball while in the air going backwards. Still, it was passable, and the running was a plus. When we needed points, Kodi delivered. Also, Neil Caudle had a nice series, showing speed and toughness on a key quarterback draw. Caudle also showed a strong arm on a couple of out-routes. I don't think we've had a crisp zipper of a pass to the sideline before, all year.

Auburn got out of Homecoming with a win, which is what we needed to do. There were some exciting plays, but a LOT of really bad ones, too. This is a team still searching for answers in quite a few areas, here as the season winds down. Most concerning is the apparent lack of speed, toughness, and ability in the back seven of the defense. We're really walking wounded, here. Occasional gaffes continue to hurt otherwise good special teams units. Offensively, we still are having problems game-planning.

Amen Corner is here, folks. Are we ready to take on the likes of Georgia and Alabama? We'd better be! Here's hoping Auburn can pull off a pair of shockers! War Eagle! And join us on the open thread, early Saturday morning!

Skyhawk Shutdown.

Acid Reign — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:08:44 -0000

Auburn vs. U. T. Martin is not even televised.

Auburn vs. U. T. Martin Live Thread

War Eagle, everybody! Today, the Auburn Tigers host the U. T. Martin Skyhawks on Homecoming, and the only live TV available will be on the Jumbotron at Jordan Hare Stadium. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! For those who wish to see the game, and don't have a ticket, the game will be broadcast on CSS, Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM Central time. I'll have to postpone my usual grades, till Sunday night.

In the meantime, it will be an afternoon with the voices of Rod and Stan, for most of us, just like old times. When I was growing up, we were lucky if Auburn was on TV once or twice a year! We'll listen to our Tigers, and cheer them on, as usual! Feel free to chime in with opinions, cheers, angst, or whatever thoughts you have on the game, right here on the live thread!

How the Auburn Offense Declined.

Acid Reign — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:57:00 -0000

Who's going to be playing on Sunday?

War Eagle, everyone. As we grind along towards a probable losing conclusion to this F. O. R. D. season, (or as the Joe Cribbs Carwash has decided: the 2008 Season of DEATH.) A look back on the real culprit of the disaster is in order. That culprit is, of course, a lack of playmakers on offense, at the skill positions. Arguably, we haven't had a freshman star successfully integrated into any playmaker role, since as far back as 2002. That's a long time in an SEC football program! We'll examine the history of skill player recruiting under the Tuberville administration, today.

At Ole Miss, and at Auburn early, freshman stars played early. Tuberville and his staff brought in some good ones, and put them on the field from the get-go, in Noel Mazzone's spread-out high-tech offense. Ole Miss featured such freshman stars as Grant Heard, John Avery, and Deuce McCallister. When Tuberville arrived at Auburn, wide receivers Ronney Daniels, Tavarious Robinson and Marcel Willis all played prominent roles as true freshman. Daniels, in particular, had one of the best seasons in history for an Auburn receiver. In 2000, Tuberville brought in rookie Rudi Johnson, and we saw how well that turned out. Deandre Green, Jeris McIntyre, and Robert Johnson made freshman impacts in 2000, also. In 2001, it was Carnell Williams, Jay Ratliff (a tight end, that first year) and Silas Daniels on the field early. In 2002, Tuberville took Auburn to Los Angeles, and started true freshmen Devin Aromashodu and Ben Obomanu at wide receiver. And who can forget Trey Smith's freshman performance against Bama, in the 17-7 shocker, Tumbled in T-Town?

In 2002, Auburn offensive excitement hit a new peak, as Bobby Petrino was coming in with a heck of a reputation. Alabama's Mr. Football quarterback Brandon Cox was coming in, and we signed Devin Aromashodu, Ben Obomanu, Anthony Mix, and Courtney Taylor, arguably the deepest and most talented receiver class in Auburn history. Then, something changed. Since 2002, it's been awfully rare to see a newcomer given the opportunity to shine. It took an injury to Rod Smith, last Saturday, for Chris Slaughter to get a serious look, and Slaughter responded with the best receiving game since Ronney Daniels.

After the Nall-ball fiasco in 2003, we struggled. I can, and have argued that the Nall offensive failure was due largely to dropped balls, but that's a subject for another column. This one focuses on recruiting.

Skill player-wise, 2003 was an absolute bust of a year, largely due to the departure of Bobby Petrino. Of all of the skill signees, the only ones who made any significant impact were Cole Bennett, and Carl Stewart. hardly electric playmakers. Bruce Edwards took his 4.4 speed to the baseball diamond. Kelcy Luke, Courney Denson, Ken Williams, and Kevin Williams rounded out the skill class of freshmen, and none made it through school. Some never even made to campus.

2004, was a tough recruiting season, even with the reaffirmation of Tuberville as our coach, and the hiring of Al Borges. Tuberville had survived Jetgate, but playmakers with options had already settled for a more stable situation elsewhere. Freshman skill players brought in were: Calvin Booker, Blake Field, Brad Lester, Mike McLaughlin, Jerald Watson and James Swinton. Rod Smith was an unsigned walk-on. Of those signees, only Brad Lester has made any significant contribution. The 2004 13-0 season was a great waste, as a recruiting tool. The only freshman to get significant playing time was Jerald Watson, who had his small frame run up the middle on most plays with a big Auburn lead. Watson transferred. At this point, recruits began to realize that Auburn was no longer going to play them early, and if they did, it was not going to be any sort of real offense. Failing to continue to run the full offense with those leads, was a BIG, big mistake! If you came to Auburn, you were going to toil in obscurity for 3 years or so, before you got any chance to do much.

In 2005, the message sent by the offensive staff during the 2004 season was realized. Despite a perfect season, we signed Montez Billings, Robert Dunn, Andrew McCain, Gabe McKenzie, and Tommy Trott. Prechae Rodriguez was a Juco signee. Again, no big time game-breakers. This was NOT a class one would expect, after a 13-0 season! We blew it, sitting on those leads... If not for Kenny Irons (a transfer), I think we'd have struggled a lot more, a lot sooner. Robert Dunn was one with the speed to contribute early, but it didn't happen.

2006 saw slightly better results, after again leading the SEC in offense in 2005. We signed Neil Caudle, Steven Ensminger, Mario Fannin, Michael Goggins, Tim Hawthorne, Alex Rose, Ben Tate, Chris Slaughter, and Terrell Zachary. Slaughter failed to qualify, but resigned in 2007. Those guys had some potential, but were hardly on par with some of the other SEC classes. We signed Caudle. Other schools were signing Tebow, Harvin, and Stafford. Ben Tate saw the only significant action, you guessed it, running it up the middle every late down, on the non-conference cupcakes.

2007 featured Kodi Burns, Quindarious Carr, Enrique Davis (didn't make it, now with Ole Miss), John Douglas, Chris Slaughter (re-signee), Bailey Woods, and and Brent Slusher. With the exception of Kodi, this was not a star class either. By this time, the talent drain was now in full effect on the field. Brad Lester was an electric player, when he wasn't hurt or suspended. Otherwise, we couldn't get open, couldn't run away from people, and couldn't throw it far down field. At one point, we were desperate enough to pull the redshirt off of a true freshman quarterback to have him run the read-option and quarterback draw.

2008 sported Darvin Adams, Harry Adams, Reggie Hunt, Phillip Pierre-Louis, Eric Smith, Vance Smith, Barrett Trotter, Derrick Winter, and DeRon Furr. Decent group, but hardly SEC-leading signees. The best of them, Pierre-Louis, got hurt on the first play of the season. Winter and Adams have played sparingly, but never looked to seriously. Eric Smith has played the most, due to our MASH-unit running back corps.

This year, we have some stars lined up, if they stick. But, we'll continue to struggle, unless there's some sort of commitment to playing real offense, not sitting on leads, and getting the stars the ball, with opportunities. Ask yourself this: since the star class of 2002, which Auburn skill player signees are NFL material? The answer: Only Brandon Jacobs and Kenny Irons, and both of them were transfers. Bottom line: we haven't signed an NFL-caliber skill player, as a freshman since 2002.

While our conservative play-calling style has won a bunch of games over the past six years, the well is now running dry. We need to return to Tuberville's early head-coaching roots, where stars can come in and make an immediate impact. Until we do that, we'll struggle every year on offense. I believe Tommy Tuberville knows this, and it's why he's made recruiting skill a job requirement, for his next offensive coordinator.