NSD started off with a big letdown when Jordan Moore picked TCU. I was stoked about this kid becasue not only is he a great athlete but he really seems to have his head on straight. I always worry about these kids who feel they need to have a television audience to announce their decision to attend college, they want to put on a show and be unpredictable. And this was kind of a shock, since Auburn was much closer to home and offers everything and more than does TCU. Sounds like his desire to run track had a big impact in his decision.

I've got a sinkin feeling we are going to see more of the same tomorrow

Don't know how much credence to give these rumors....but the name getting bounced around the radio in Atlanta and the rumor-monger boards is that Greg Knapp, QB coach of the Texans is a leading candidate for the OC job.

What fits about the rumor is that Knapp is now available and he has a ton of NFL experience as a coordinator with the 49rs coaching Jeff Garcia, the Falcons coaching Mike Vick, the Raiders coaching (ugh!) JaMarcus Russell, the Seahawks with Hasselbeck and the last two years as QB coach with the Texans and Schaub.

Thats a mixed bag of nuts, in terms of results, but I do know that both Vick and Russell never made the commitment to excelling at the professional level. Vick admitted it and with Russell its pretty obvious he doesn't care about much of anything that doesn't come with a side of gravy.

I was never impressed with Knapp as OC in his time with the Falcons, but again you had the Vick factor in play there, which would be maddening to deal with; because of his talent and unwillingness to be coached in Knapps' system which was the West Coast offense.

Based upon his work with the Texans and the play of TJ Yates, I'm pretty impressed. We will definitely need someone that can mentor young QB's and he has plenty of experience. But with the quick read offense that the west coast offense is, I wouldn't expect a young QB to do well in it the 1st year. However, Jason Campbell did fine, so their is always hope.

Then again, the mere fact I know this probably means it definitely WON'T be Knapp.

Well you can take him off the list. He was the guy I was hopeing we would get, but it was kind of a longshot we would get him in my opinion. While he would be a good hire for Auburn, it doesn't look so hot for Atlanta given Jacksonville's offensive production the last few years. They did lead the league in rushing with MoJo Drew but they were dead last in passing and points scored. Granted they don't have a ton of talent to work with, but thats kind of the point, you have to do fairly well regardless of what talent you have to work with. Its pretty obvious that Koetter was pretty repected because of the attention he has drawn over the past few weeks, I'm just surprised that the Falcons chose him, given the offensive troubles they ran into this seaason. I think at this point, its anybodys guess who will be Chiziks OC, but my gut tells me it will either be Kerwin Bell or somebody we haven't heard of yet.

An ode to my favortie broadcaster of all time....in any sport.

(In voice of Larry Munson)

"Well I've only been here a few days and the BIG MAN, has already running me ragged. I told him last weekends games are what killed me....and now he's doing it to me again. First Arkansas absolutely STUNS the nation in a barnburner in death valley....Ha, I said Barn Burner....the Auburn folks remember that against LSU.....Arkansas stuns LSU 31-28 on a last second field goal after Les Miles goes for it on 4 and 15 at his own 20 with 10 seconds left. I know...its as crazy as it sounds.

Now its this game here between Auburn and the Crimson Tide. Its been a wild one. That kid that chases squirrels  ran back a kick off to start the game and somehow the Tiger defense has held those Monsters from Tuscaloosa to 17 points.

Now Get The Picture...Auburn has the ball on their 12 yard line with only :52 seconds left, down 17 to 14....they are a MILLION miles from the end zone.

The Moseley kid has been a trooper but, my god, they have beaten him and beaten him and somehow he's still standing. He sets up in the gun....Shotgun/Redgun....sorry, flashbacked to Glanvilles Falcons, for a second......snaps and drops back to pass, hits the screen to the Squirrel kid and who runs it up the right sideline for 12 beofore running out of bounds. That big safety for Alabama just came up and walloped him and now he's seeing squirrels. 

:46 seconds left at the 24. Moseley takes the snap....draw play to Dyer....Alabama sniffs it out and jumps on him before he gets those big thighs churning.....and the clock is RUNNING.....:42, :41, :40...Malzahn is calling in local air traffic on the sideline...:37, :36, :35....The refs are making dinner plans and can't get the ball on the ground.....:33, :32....finally Moseley snaps and plugs it into the turf. Chizik is absolutely  LIVID on the field, screaming for a delay on the Tide, and the referees are playing as deaf as a Mexican Mule.  ....Lorne what have you got.

"Umm Larry it looks like Coach Chizik has cursed the Head Referees mother and is threatening the line judge with violence....back to you"

Thanks Lorne. 3rd and 11 from the 23, :31 seconds left in the ball game. That Alabama crowd is ROLLING down in their part of the endzone, the stands are bouncing up and down like an army of 5 year olds outside a port-a-potty.  And the prayers are coming in a thousand a second from the Auburn folks.

Moseley in the gun and he'll  pass......throws to Carr on the sideline...CAUGHT IT....but he's still in BOUNDS!!!....LOOK AT THE CLOCK....:26,  :25, :24.....ITS 4th and 1, NO TIME OUTS for the Tigers,  and the clock keeps RUNNING!! :20, :19....Auburn doing a FIREDRILL......look at the prayers fallling from the sky!!!.......Ol Lady Luck is just SHOVELING  the dirt on Auburn ..:13, :12  Moseley is screaming the call.....:10 seconds, SNAP, Bama brings everything and Moseley heaves it to the sidelines!!!...... BLAKE with the CATCH OVER KIRKPATRICK!!! 

HE'S GOT A STEP!!  50, 45, 40!

HE'S GOTTA BEAT BARRON!!! 35,30!!...

RUN EMORY!!...25,20!!

BARRON MISSES!!10, 5!! 

 

TOUCHDOWN!! 

MY GOD!! A TOUCHDOWN!!!

AUBURN HAS WON AND THE STADIUM HAS GONE BONKERS!!

EMORY BLAKE!! EMORY BLAKE!!    

My GOD!! Auburn wins!!

Emory Blake just stepped on their face with a HOBNAIL BOOT and broke their nose! He just crushed their face!  The Tide blitzed seven and somehow Blake got it and raced EIGHT MILES past their best defenders!!

I thought they were dead!!! You did too!!

Auburn stuns the Tide!! 20-17!! The game is over and the Auburn folks are going crazy!! They're going to roll the state with toilet paper from Huntsville to Mobile!!

Someone call the BIG MAN,  I think I broke my chair!!"

 

RIP Larry!!! Wish I could hear you make that call!

Growing up in Atlanta and having mostly UGA grads for friends, the UGA game is the biggest game of the year to me. I can't find a way to many games, but I always go to the UGA game, especially in Athens as a guest of my friends. As I stated in another post, I was treated very poorly by DOZENS of fans at the game, who thought it was better to show their ass, than their class, but then again I was expecting it.

I know everyone is upset this morning and believe me, I am CRUSHED, but lets fight the urge to go ranting about firing folks today. There was plenty of blame to go around yesterday and the problem yesterday was that UGA played focused and determined and we didn't.

Yes, we weren't prepared and we had breakdowns in several areas but I don't think you can place this solely at the coaches feet. Football is the ultimate team game. Every play has each player tasked with a specific repsonsibility, and if each player does their job perfectly, you score/ stop the other team. If they don't, the play breaks down at some point. Its when you have breakdowns in resposibility early in the play, that the play implodes.

Obviously we had breakdowns everywhere, especially on both lines of scrimmage. As a result  we couldn't run and couldn't stop the run....you aren't going to win games when that happens and it effects every other facet of the game. Moseley looked horrible as a result. Dyer and McCalebb looked horrible, our secondary looked horrible, everybody looked bad.  It was the epitome of a total team loss.

What we need to remember is that these kids need to grow some more and get some more experience. There is no excuse, youth or otherwise for the performance they gave yesteday, BUT unfortunately those things happen when you run into a good team and can't find a way to get into a groove yourself.

Our success in the future will depend on line play, offensive and defensive. We can fire Roof. Malzahn can leave. But unless the lines get stonger, faster, and smarter, Lombardi, Landry, Walsh and Belicheck wouln't be able to lead this team to Atlanta.

Yes we need desperate improvement and we took a BIG step backward yesterday and there is NO reason to feel confident against the Tide. However, there is reason to think that this team can grow in the future and contend. We've got a long way to go to get to that point and some real introspection is needed.  But I do think Coach Chizik has recruited the kinds of players that will work hard to overcome their failings and hopefully we will get some decent re-inforcements next fall via the JUCO route to fil in tha GAPING hole we have in scholarships.

Thats a lot of ifs, and I know their isn't much room for optimism when even Sunshine Brett is wailing in despair, but trust me, small changes can make a big difference when everybody gets in sync and does their job. It probably won't happen against the Tide and we'll probably get violated again, but I think next year will be very different and we will be back on the rise.....provided we get the QB situation settled early and decisively.

Right now, I'm looking forward to our low level bowl game and hoping our guys can get it together and use that extra practice as a spring board into next year. We have one more year to take advantage of our National Championship in recruiting, so to keep the good recruits coming, we HAVE to turn it around and contend next year ..... and that's up to everyone that wears navy and orange!!

It was the game of the Century!! #1 vs, #2! 100,000+ screaming Turds rooting you on!! And THIS is what you give them? A FG loss in overtime? Don't get me wrong, it was a great game, but I kept saying to myself, LSU is going to win the game because Bama isn't going to win it. By that I mean, Alabama did NOTHING to WIN this game. Yes, they played better on both sides of the ball than LSU for 55 minutes last night, but, as is usually the case in close games, coaching and special teams make the difference.

Alabama had several chances to put points on the board, but couldn't due to missed field goals, and just when Trent Richardson seemed to find his groove again in the 4th Qtr., they blew another scoring chance by having a WR make a throw off his back foot that would be intercepted.

Whenever I see a team waste chances to score and play to go to overtime or extra innings, I take that as a sign of weakeness, a lack of confidence in their ability to finish, a hope that their opponent will somehow give them the game. That strategy almost never pays off, because when you show no confidence to win......HOW CAN YOU WIN???!!!

In his actions last night, Saban made all the wrong decsisions, and when it was time to be a champion, he showed absolutely no confidence in his team to win. Alabma was supposed to be the best team in the country. Big. Bad. Unbeatable.... And in front of their home crowd. This game was the defacto national championship....winner goes on to play the sacrificial lamb that makes the other half of the BCS title game. If I'm coaching, I'm going down swinging, doing my best to win....not hoping that the other team will give me the game.

But that is exactly what Saban did, he played too conservative, except at the wrong time. Besides the ill advised WR pass by Maze, Saban sealed the fate of the team by asking AJ McCarron to get meaningful yardage on third and 15 in OT when he hadn't asked him to do anything meaningfull all game. THATS THE TIME YOU DECIDE TO THROW DOWNFIELD??? REALLY??

Instead of finding a receiver or even trying to pass, McCarron does exactly what you would expect someone to do when you show no confidence in him.....he failed.  McCarron took the sack that put the TIde out of a reasonable field goal distance. Why this was dumb, is that LSU is WILLING to give you three points, but not a first down. Saban should have gone back to Richardson, his only real weapon, to get them closer. If he picks up 5 yards, its a 42 yard field goal and much more makeable. The chances that McCarron would make a 15 yard completion at that point were negligible at best, but dwelling on the OT underscores that they shouldn't have even been there in the 1st place.

Even though their kickers missed three field goals in regulation, the Tide had the ball at the 22 yard line with :52 seconds to play and did nothing to try to get themselves in position to kick a winning filed goal. When he didn't even use a TO to mount an offensive, I knew that the Tide would lose. He had told his offense, and especialy AJ McCarron that they weren't good enough to win the game.... and they proved that correct in the end.

I went over to RBR this morning to see how bad Saban was being savaged for giving this one away.....

Continue reading this post »

                       

I don't know if its common knowlege around the SEC yet, but yesteday afternoon UGA public relations released a statement that Richard Samuel was having ankle surgery and would be out 4-6 weeks......oh, and Isaiah Crowell, Carlton Thomas, and Ken Malcome would be suspended for this weeks game against cupcake New Mexico State for unspecified team rules violations.

Really?

That's fortunate timing isn't it? That your entire tailback contingent is getting suspended....right after the Florida game....oh and BEFORE the Auburn game?

That doesn't seem suspicious at all, does it? 

Well, of course it does. That was the theme of afternoon talk radio yesterday in Atlanta, "What did Richt know and when did he know it?" Beating Florida was possibly the key to his season and probably his job.

UGA fans don't want to admit this, but if Richt had lost to Florida along with a chance at the SEC Championship, after being in perfect position to do so, it would be hard for AD Greg McGarity to stomach. As it is, he still has discipinary issues with his players after knowing how important it was that they keep their noses clean this season.

I mean, how do ALL of your tailbacks get suspended?

Looks like the partying by the backfield members has been overdone a little. Of course thats speculation on my part.....and about 8 of 10 SEC football fans.

Crowell is certainly not starting out his career well in Athens, with rumors that he is not a good student, has been confrontational with his tutors, got held out a quarter against Vandy for disciplinary action (really? A quarter? ... please) and now he is suspended for a game. Crowell looks like he is on the Ealey/King trail to eventual dismissal if he doesn't clean up his act. One has to wonder if he even understands what is at stake. And again, that's a problem if you are UGA fan.

While this story in general doesn't really generate much interest to me, and it isn't THAT big of a deal, it makes me wonder what Georgia fan would say if this was happening to us, given the same fortunate timing. They would of course savage Chizik  for not taking repsonsibility. being evasive of the media and Auburn in general as corrupt cheaters.

You are hearing nothing from Richt on the matter ...

Which is not surprising to me, but the fact that the media isn't pressing for more info is. I mean, after the hypocrisy shown by their embarrassing display of sportsmanship against Vanderbilt, of all teams, UGA fan is already clamoring to poo poo this story as "nothing to see here, move along".

But given Richt's history of lax discipline and players "just not getting it," you would be a fool not to wonder if there is more to this than meets the eye.

Richt has put a lot of eggs in the Crowell/ "Dream Team" basket; that if Crowell did something stupid enough to get suspended for Florida....and the Dawgs lost....well, that may have been the last straw. As is, something is definitely amiss....Richts history of disciplinary issues continue, and the "No tolerance" policy seems to be a thing of the past. Or at least until another 5* back signs up to tote the rock in Athens.

But you know what? That's fine, I hope they keep Richt  A LONG, LONG TIME - Richt and UGA deserve each other.

Well I finally made it to Jordan Hare with my sons for their 1st regualr season game on the Plains, and the Tigers delivered a very rewarding game day experience that will likely hook them for life. Many of you may not have been able to see this game, since it was on the U, and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty early, but our Tigers put together the type of performance that they should have against an inferior Ole Miss squad.Make no mistake, Ole Miss has some very talented players in Mackey, Bolden, Scott and Brassel and a big physical offensive line. But Ole Miss did exactly what a 2-5 team with great talent does....play undisciplined, and make a lot of mental mistakes. We played tit for tat on turnovers early to keep Ole Miss in the game but Moseley, Dyer and the Auburn Offense showed they were the much better team by pulling away in the second half.

 

The defense, and D Line especially, looked like they had were just a week away from the super physical game they played last week against LSU...they were slow and had a hard time getting off blocks. The gains we looked to have made the past few weeks in rush defense disappeared as Bolden, Scott, and Mackey gashed them early and often, amassing over 170 yards at the half, all while putting very little pressure on Mackey, the few times he threw the ball. YIKES!! Talk about your reply fails! Tackling was horrendous early on, especaiily at the second level and in the secondary as we reverted to the bad habits of lunging at tackles and trying to use shoulders to knock Bolden and Scott down, with little success. Its no use in singling anyone out as everyone was guilty at some point. Although we jumped out to a 14-0 lead early on; the D struggled to keep the lead and we entered the half tied. The lone bright spot in the 1st half was the play of ELtoro Freeman, who was like a guided missile, making several plays in the open field and being the only player to pressure Mackey. I really hope this is the beginning of a big finish for the Senior, because he was a disruptive force and played his finest game as a Tiger, IMO.

 

The D rebounded in the second half to earn a passing grade as the offense came out and recaptured the lead, to put Ole Miss in the position of having to get away from their ground game. With Ole Miss relegated to playing catch up, Mackey was unable to generate a consistent threat through the air as our DB's played a very solid game including an INT on a poor decision by Mackey to throw into double coverage deep down field. Most of Mackey's 162 passing yards came with the game out of reach and the Tigers playing prevent. Prior to that, Ole Miss receivers had a hard time finding many holes in the Tiger secondary. When Mackey did go to the air, most of his passes were defended well. There was no repeat of last week with receivers sneaking behind the coverage for big plays, Thorpe, Davis and Bell, did an excellent job of keeping receivers in front of them and contesting most attempts. Erique Florence pulled off one of the best plays of the night knocking away a deep Mackey attempt, the one time Mackey got a receiver in single coverage deep.

 

The big news of the night though was the return of Auburn's offense. After spending the last several weeks on the side of a milk carton, the Moseley led Auburn offense was dominant again. Dyer had another great game, gashing the Bear D for 177 tough running yards. Onterrio McCalebb added another 61 and Tre Mason, showed why he'll be a great replacement for Dyer, with some nice late game runs. Even though Ole Miss was playing the run all night, the offensive line had their way for the most part and consistently opened up good lanes for Dyer and OMac all night, especially in the critical second half. Chad Slade, who couldn't make it to the edge as a blocker against LSU, found Ole Miss not quite as quick and opened up some big holes in the running attack and sprung Dyer on his biggest run of the night. As close as the games was in the 1st half, it was equally uncompetitive in the second half.

 

The big reason? Moseley and the return of Emory Blake. Dyer and OMac were the work horses last night but what made the Auburn offense dangerous was Moseley and his efficient 12-15 passing attack finding ways to make Ole Miss pay for loading the box. Blake provided the big plays we have been missing, finding ways to get open and pick up big 3rd downs in the 1st half and huge go ahead touchdown early in the third qtr. But Moseley showed great touch on the ball, finding Carr in stride on a huge 45 yard TD early in the game, Blake wide open in the end zone and Lutzenkirchen twice in the flat to finsih drives in the red zone. Moseley showed what was lacking from Trotter in the past several games, finding the open man, not forcing passes and putting the ball where it needs to be for the receivers to catch it. Having the passing game as a viable option makes the rushing attack that much more dangerous, and it was clear we sucked the fight out of Ole Miss in the second half.

 

As we head into a much needed bye week, Auburn finds itself going in the right direction and the most critical time. Moseley looks to be the answer at QB. Dyer, OMac, Blake and Lutzie look healthy and the Defense is finding a way to keep us in the game. We'll need to tighten things up agains UGA and Bama for sure, but both play a style of offense that plays to our strengths. We tend to have a harder time defending against teams with Dual threat QBs and both UGA and Bama run a more traditional pro-style offense, running at you with one back instead of multiple options in the backfield. Having our talented, young secondary able to concentrate on primarily defending the pass will put the defense in much better position scheme wise and limit possibilities for mistakes in coverage communication. It will allow Roof/Chizik to dial up a few more blitzes and get some pressure on Murray and McCarron. Both games will be test us and we will certainly be overmatched by Bama, but if we can limit mistakes and limit the rushing production of Crowell and Richardson we should be able to take at least one of the two games. While not exactly where we want to be going into Amen Corner, having played 26 freshman this year, we are in position to finish with a very successful season if we can build on this game and put what we learned into use. UGA is definitely beatable and you can throw out the record books in the Iron Bowl. These Tigers are coming together and you have to like what you see.

Well it wasn't pretty, and we openly mocked the football gods by wasting multiple opportunities to score, but our much maligned defense came to play and we escaped Wiliams Bryce stadium with what Coach Chizik called a "landmark win" over #10 South Carolina. Our Auburn Tigers who have faced enormous criticism from within and without, played it the old fashioned way, winning 16-13 with defense, special teams and field position.

This morning the Gamecocks are being called pretenders and overrated by the same pundits who expected an easy victory for them against our Tigers. The lethal trio of Garcia, Jeffery and Lattimore, that was suppose to eviscerate an undermanned and inexperienced Auburn D, found itself held in check all game and unable to come through with the game on the line.

Chizik, Roof and Co. came up with a winning strategy of well timed blitzes and pressure to neutralize Marcus Lattimore and pin the Gamecock offensive hopes on Stephen Garcia. That strategy proved  fruitful as Garcia was not up to the task.

Despite, giving up a long touchdown pass to Jeffrey towards the end of the 1st Qtr, Tsharvan Bell, Neiko Thorpe and the Tiger secondary limited Jeffrey's touches to 30+ yards the rest of the day. Ends Lemonier, Owens, Eguae, and Sanders put pressure, and hands, on Garcia enough to keep him from getting into a groove and overcoming two interceptions and multiple overthrows.

The intensity and toughness that seemed to be missing from the Auburn D ll year, suddenly materialized in Columbia and limited one of the most talented offenses in the SEC to less than 300 yards.

While its possible USC overlooked Auburn, or just had a bad day, you can't discount the work Chizik, Roof and Malzahn put into formulating a strategy that would allow Auburn to pull off the upset. The plan of course was to suffocate Lattimore and limit USC's time of possession. This strategy allowed Auburn to flip the script of previous weeks where opposing offenses pummeled our D into submission by running 80+ plays, while we struggled to run 50.

Yesterday's stategy worked to perfection as USC only ran 54 plays,  90% of which occurred on their side of the field. Conversely we ran the ball with great success and spent the better part of the game mounting scoring threats against the Gamecock D. Dyer pounded away at the USC line with 41 carries, 16 of which came after an ankle injury, and showed why he was the marquis running back in the SEC, not Lattimore.

 Watching the game you had the feeling that Auburn was handily winning the game, yet they trailed with just minutes to play becasue they failed to capitlize on scoring opportunities earlier in the game due to interceptions thrown by Trotter (2), CJ Uzomah, and DB Ryan White (???!!!).

Regarless of how you felt about the play calling that led to the interceptions, or the willingness to punt at the edge of field goal territory, you had to respect the fact that the staff didn't panic and get away from the game plan to grind away with the running game. I was very critical of the trick plays that got intercepted, but I'll give Chizk credit, he wasn't sitting back waiting for USC to lose the game.

Eventually the risky playcalling bore fruit and Trotter found Lutznekirchen for the winning TD. My biggest gripe on the day was our repeated trips into field goal territory that were thwarted by sacks,  the afore mentioned ints, or just unwillingness to try a 50 yard + field goal with a kicker who can boot the ball through the uprights on kickoffs. The way the game was unfolding, another filed goal or two would have been invaluable. By my count there were five opportunites to put points on the board that we missed out on, or didn't even attempt.

My question is why are we putting the leg irons on Cody Parkey? Points or not, that strategy kept USC pinned deep in its own territory and put constant pressure on Garcia and the USC offense that had a big impact on the success of the defense.

Of course with the good comes the bad. Despite the succes that Dyer and McCalebb had running the ball, Barrett Trotter had an equal amount of difficulty establishing the passing game. Trotter picked up where he left off last week, making poor decisions with the ball, and looking uncomfortable on his throws by  muscling up on them instead of using his normal throwing motion.

You can see Trotter feeling the weight of responsibility for the Auburn offense and its clear he isn't comfortable with it. Trotter hung in there though, and eventually made the play of the game to Lutzie with a defender all over him. On the play, he didn't have time to think about the throw, he just had to do it ,and it was perfect. Hopefully he will remember that , and its success, and he will fight that urge to "overthrow".  

For as much as we all see the potential in Kiehl Frazier, its clear the coaching staff isn't ready to entrust the game to him or let him throw the ball. Something tells me though, that we will see them take the brakes off him in the weeks to come....especially if Trotter continues to struggle with his throws.  

The takeaway from yesterday that we are all relieved  by, is that the defense showed great improvement and stifled a potent offense in a very hostile environment. As Nosa Egue commented about the defensive turnaround, "I wouldn't say it gets personal," Eguae said Saturday night, "but when you work 365 days a year and somebody tells you what you can't do, you want to prove them wrong."  They are listening to the criticism and working like Tigers to get better.

With all the mistakes and turnovers that we had in the game its impressive that we didn't fold but instead kept our composure and eventually won the game under very difficult circumstances.

The experience garnered yesterday will pay dividends down the road (pun intended) as our young men are learning what it takes to win. Perhaps more importantly, the coaches are learning who to count on, and what buttons to push, and when. Obviously our secondary can hold up when we blitz, so I think we will be seeing more of that in the weeks to come.  

So, despite the ugliness of the game, and the fact that the game should have been well in hand prior to that last drive, its very heartening to see how our Tigers responded in a must win game. That above all else should give us hope for the rest of the season  and build for a championship run next year.....IF we can't get it done this year!!

All week, the rants have been long and vocal about our tackling, our defense in general....and Gus Malzahns inexplicable play calling. Some reasoned, but most just angry....and rightfully so as it was one of the worst beatings and Auburn team has taken in a while. But what made this loss iresome to most was that we showcased poor fundamentals on both sides of the ball, especially tackling.

 

 One of the reasons I proffered for the poor tackling was that we may not have been going full speed in practice because of depth issues and injury concerns. It turns out that was correct as reports came out Weds. that Angelo Blackson and Demetruce McNeil confirmed that the Tigers had not been going full speed in practice, along with the report that "I almost threw up on myself", as McNeil watched film of Saturdays defensive evisceration. I was afraid that was going to be the reason for our poor defensive play. McNeil even threw out the old cliche "You play the way you practice!", overstating the obvious that the Tigers were playing soft and tentative....just like in practice. The good news is that McNeil said that attitude changed ABRUPTLY after the Clemson loss. Practices have reverted to the intensity of two-a-days and that tackling was indeed being addressed AGGRESSIVELY. Also, the defensive scheme that everyone bemoans as not aggressive enough was being scaled back...to allow for less thinking and more reacting and more aggressiveness pursuing the ball. As I said earlier this week...again and again... the kids are making mistakes in play recognition and development. Scaling back the number of defensive sets won't appease the "Blitz Now and Often" crowd, but it will allow us to cut down on the mistakes encountered due to communication issues and improper formations and zone assignments. When you are learning, you have got to get the basics down first before you graduate to the next level. We can moan and groan all day that they should be there by now....but they aren't, and this can only help. We will have to build from here and I think we will see a lot of the athleticism we have recruited on display, as players react instaed of think. This should make the defensive look much more aggressive. We should see some big plays behind the line of scrimmage and tighter coverage in the secondary....so don't be surprised if we give up some big plays as well.

 

 

Regardless of the philosophy adhered to in the 1st three games, it appears that Chizik, Roof and Company have heard you and are making adjustments. What I am surprised at is that Chizik waited until we took a loss to do something about it. Utah State was the wake up call but he inexplicably hung up and went back to sleep. Miss State was the full volume buzzer that he hit the snooze button on and went back to sleep, until the fire alarm went off this past week. Very surprising. From all I've seen from him, Chizik does not seem to be the type of guy to ignore warnings without addressing them. The fact that he hasn't been doing tackle drills and scrimmaging full speed is worrisome. I know you have to make sure your team stays healthy, and an injury to a current starter probably means playing a true freshman, but you also have to make sure your defense is physical and plays with abandon. I think we ALL AGREE that you can't do that if you don't practice that way. I'm glad to see that he has changed his philosophy because playing soft on defense will wreck not only the team, but the program.

 

 

Mark Richt has long been a proponent of limiting contact drills during the season, and it has shown, as his players on defense are undisciplined and poor tacklers as well. The coaches at UGA thought that better strength and conditioning would provide better results this year, but so far that philosophy has yet to bear fruit. As has been mentioned many times, by many people, Richt gets less out of more talent than probably any coach in the country, certainly in the SEC. I contend that Richt's philosophy on physicalality in practice is why--- because his players normally kick it up a notch if they make it to the NFL. Richt is sitting precariously on the hot seat for this very reason and Coach Chizik would be wise not to go down that road with a team full of young and impressionable underclassmen. Today, Chizik is setting the tone for his program that will last for the next 3-4 years and it had better be tough, hardnosed SEC football or he is setting himself up for failure.

 

 

 The next couple of weeks will tell us a lot about where we are going the rest of the season. If we still look lost on defense after the South Carolina game, we will struggle to get to 6-6, because at that point it will be an experience AND talent issue. The staff now is conceding that the talent is going to have carry the day. They will have to add more wrinkles to the defense as they can, hoping the learning curve is not too steep. I fully expect to see some folks flying around on Saturday and some big time hits not that the "handcuffs" are off. Another is that I expect to see more ball control out of the offense to give the defense time to rest. Chizik's directive to Malzahn needs to be, "Get the ball to Dyer and get first downs!!" As has been stated repeatedly by many bewildered folks here, the only person who doesn't seem to know that Dyer is one of the best backs in the country is Gus Malzahn. The guy is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, not Onterio McCalebb....at least not yet. Dyer is the threat that will open up the passing game AND the outside runs for OMac. But you have to establish him by giving him the ball and getting yards inside...which is where his size and strength comes into play...ala Ben Tate. Tate allowed Chris Tood to look like Matt Ryan in 2009 and Cam's ability to run inside enabled Omac to succeed on the outside on the Jet Sweep. So far we have not established that consitent inside running threat and unless LaDarius Phillips suddenly becomes the feature tailback (that boy, I say, THAT BOY is BIG) it HAS to be Dyer and it needs to be up the gut.

 

The coaches claim to have seen the error of their ways, so they've got another week to get it together. Clemson was a huge, dispiriting loss, but it was also and OOC game. The SEC crown appears to be unattainable --- but it is still out there to be taken. We just need to be tough enough to take it. We find out if our coaches can grind that toughness out of our boys starting tomorrow---I am looking forward to see who shows up.

I'd do the Forrest Gump line but I'll reserve that for "Big Brother".  But its true, you never know whats going to happen. And Saturday at Jordan Hare was no exception. Wow. That was NOT what I was expecting. But you have to give Utah State credit, they came in with a game plan to nullify our speed advantage and take advantage of our inexperience on defense. To hear that some of our players were looking past Utah State is a little disconcerting, especially since Utah State's Robert Turbin is on the Doak Walker watch list to determine the nations top running back, and Bobby Wagner is on the Butkus and Nagurski watch lists which track the nations best Linebacker and Defensive players respectively. That, along with the number of upperclassmen populating both sides of the line, says nobody on our young team should have taken this team lightly at all. And of course it showed, as Utah State ran their game plan to keep our offense off the field and stifled our game plan, which was to play conservative on defense and wait for the true freshman QB to give us the game. Well, Chuckie Keeton didn't go along with the plan and looked more like a three year starting senior as he took advantage of what we were willing to give him. For a true freshman to find 11(!!!) different targets, 6 for multiple completions, is astounding. That the Aggies were disciplined enough to repeatedly march down the field on short runs and passes, was a testament to their coach Gary Anderson, who clearly did a much better job of scouting us than we did of them.
I will grant Chizik and staff that whatever film they studied on Utah State did not prepare them for what they faced, but the second half wasn't markedly better than the first half either.
Utah State played a near flawless game, no turnovers and only 6 penalties for a measly 38 yards. So I hope everybody respects what Utah State accomplished, instead of just saying we played lousy. I suspect that if Mr. Keeton can keep that focused rush that playing in front of 85K will give you, for the length of the season, Utah State will have a very good year. I tip my cap to you Aggies, you played a hell of a game.

That being said, we stunk it up on both sides of the ball. But for as much grief as the lines have been getting, I'm not laying it at their feet. On offense, the Aggies were not going to let us get going running the ball inside the tackles and stacked the box to force our young "skill" players block on the outside. They failed miserably, playing patty-cake for much of the day on outside runs. I suspect Trooper Taylor will be getting Brandon Fulse and CJ Uzomah, a little more involved this week, for as much promise as Trovan Reed shows, he isn't much good without the ball in his hands right now. We are going to need some beef on the edge to run the ball in the SEC because, unless we start pounding LaDarius Phillips up the gut, opposing defenses are going to take our inside rushing attack away until we show them we can hurt them on the outside. Everybody needs work there and that includes the running backs who repeatedly ran out in front of pulling guards that were obviously a step or two slower than Mike Berry was last year.

On defense, we just didn't know what to do and how to get aligned against the Aggie attack. As a result we were out of position...a lot. We really missed having a Josh Bynes walking down the line and getting the tackles in the right holes and then positioning himself to cover what was left. Holland was lost....he looked like Eltoro Freeman, circa 2009, failing to react until the play was on him or biting too early and running out of position and leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the field. Sometimes you have to make some mistakes to learn what to do right...and if thats the case, Holland should be flawless on Saturday. Bates and Evans didn't help much either but they were tasked with containment on the edge and they got plenty of work since our DB's were giving them everything underneath. By the time we tightened up in the 3rd Qtr Keeton had confidence and a rythym to make the more tightly contested throws. If there was a beef I had with Roofs scheme on the day, it was that he didn't put more pressure on Keeton early and make him think about what might be coming. We didn't bluff any blitzes or make any changes at the line that might confuse a freshman into making a mistake. I don't know if it would've changed anything as Keeton deftly avoided pressure when it was applied but he had about 30 snaps under his belt before we did start mixing in a blitz.

A lot of folks see what happened Saturday and wring their hands and surmise that a season of tribulation awaits these young Tigers. I forsee a lot of film devouring, a lot of slaps on the back of the head followed by, "What are you DOING there!!??", a lot of coach walk throughs that NOW make sense.....I see a lot of learning. Utah State didn't outclass us, but they did play about as good as could have been suspected. They got the 3rd down conversions they needed and made us execute to beat them. As a result, we won almost in spite of ourselves. The talent is obviously there, but just like a baby giraffe it took us a while to find our legs and that almost gave us a loss. To beat Mississippi State we aren't going to be able to spot them 14 points before we realize the game has started. We'll have to come of the tunnel hungry and FOCUSED. Hopefully the Auburn faithful will gas up on Bloody Maries, Screwdrivers, Red Bull or SOMETHING and bring a much needed boost of energy to Jordan Hare at 11am. The kids feed on that energy, and the more raucous the fans are, the better I think the defense will play.

This Saturday will tell us if these kids have the stuff to compete in the SEC. If we can beat MSU, we can beat anybody. And that is what is riding on this game....confidence. Miss State plays aggressive-run-over you offense and defense. If we can stand toe to toe with them and not let them run all over us, we should be able to hang with anybody physically. I don't expect for them to try and razzle dazzle us, they will run it at us again and again and try to keep our offense off the field. I really do think Whitaker and Carter are up to the task but they will need to get some help from Holland and company and a more aggressive scheme by Roof or they will get double teamed and be a non factor again. Having Freeman back in the fold can do nothing but help and hopefully his senior progression will be similar to what Bynes showed...because we will need him to be a leader on the field until Holland can assume that role.
Relf will test the secondary more downfield than Keeton did and that is where we will find out whether Neiko Thorpe has blossomed into the safety we will need him to be or if he is the kind that gives the receiver two yards cushion beyond the 1st down marker on third and long. Thats the kind of stuff that needs tightening up and CAN be fixed. We have the speed, we just need to show the smarts.

This week, class is in session, on the practice field. We flunked the pop quiz but now know what we need to do well to score well on the test....and Saturdays test will be a doozy.  Bring your slide rule!!

Poll

Where do the Tigers need to show the most improvement this Saturday?

0%

Offensive Line Play

0 votes

72%

Defensive Line Play

16 votes

13%

Linebacker Play

3 votes

0%

Secondary Play

0 votes

4%

Coaching Strategy/Scheme

1 votes

9%

Energy from the Jordan Hare Faitful

2 votes

22 votes | Poll has closed

Not that they were in the running for his services, but Jonathan Jones comitted to Auburn today over Ga Tech and our friends at Miss St. DB Jones is considered to be the fastest recruit available in Georgia, which is quite the catch and is a very welcome addition to the defensive backfield since we lost out on St Pius CB Geno Smith.  Thats got to sting DAWG NASHUN (thats how they spell it , right?) to lose the best DB recruits in Georgia within a week to the behemoths to the west. Hmmm maybe no dream team next year, eh?

And if you weren't overly sure of that Richt is grasping at air like a rowning man.....go check out their uni's for the Boise State game.

 OH    

 

MY    

 

GOD.

If Richt had prior knowledge of the abomination that they intend to wear....and signed off on it.... then he should be immediately fired. Sure thats an over reaction, but seriously go check it out.  Lady Gaga would even call it tacky and tasteless. The black uni's look positively moribund in comparison.

When Boise St takes the field against UGA in the kickoff classic, the viewership is likely to plummet as most people will think they somehow stumbled onto the straight to cable release of ROLLERBALL 2. Yes they are THAT bad.

I can't imagine what any DAWG fan over the age of 12 is thinking today, they have to be ashamed that the administration whored out one of the most classic looks in all of college football to Big Pimpin Phil Knight. Have you no shame Dr Adams??? I would be livid if that had been done to our Auburn unis. 

And here is a shout out to Gene, Jay, and anybody else listiening in the administration.....DON'T YOU EEEEVVVVER think about whoring out our traditional uni's. EEEEVER!!  We lose more and more of our traditions every year and the uni's should always stay the way they are now.....and thats classic.

No amount of money is worth your dignity and I don't think you'll see many DAWG fans with any at the Dome. Once I quit guffawing and cleaned up my vomit off the floor, I actually felt sorry for those poor currs.

In the opening to the movie Patton, the famed General addresses his troops before they go to war in the European theater. In the speech he talks about the spirit of the American fighting man and that  "Americans LOVE a winner!! And will not tolerate a loser!!".  Back then the Yankees were Americas team and they won Championships by the boat load. But as time has marched on, and the Yankees continue to win championshsips and spend as much as they need to win more, the attitude towards them has changed. No longer are the Yankees loved for being winners, they are  reviled for their win at all costs attitude. And I don't understand that. I am a huge Braves fan and wish more than anything that the owners for the Braves cared about winning as much as the Steirbrenner's.  I always hope that if the Braves can make it to the World Series that they play the Yankees, so that if they win, they can honestly say they beat the best. I want them to play them and face them down when it matters most, because that is the true measure of a champion.

 In my second post for TET during the decline of the Tuberville administration in 2008, I opined at length that I was sick to death of Auburn having to be "the underdog" in order to win a big matchup. Tuberville made a great living because he had been able to beat a number of top 10 teams during his tenure, all the while losing crucial games when we were the favorite....usually at home. I opined that if you have to play the underdog roll to win....you are a loser. Winners find ways to win, they thrive in the pressure of a big game situation and will face down their opponent and let THEM find a way to lose. Being a winner takes more than talent, it takes confidence and attitude. Last year was the first time I got to enjoy that feeling as an Auburn fan....where I knew we were going to win, no matter what happened. My only lapse was when Auburn fell down 24-0 to Bama, and even then I felt that we still had a chance to comeback....I just wasn't certain we'd win. Once we opened the 2nd half with the long touchdown to Zachery, I knew we were going to win that game too.

Conversely, I didn't feel that way in 2004, even though an argument could be made that the 2004 team was much better and deeper than the 2010 team. But in 2004, we didn't have a killer instinct. We would get a lead and sit on it, as if Tuberville were afraid that blowing out a rival would reap retrebution in future games against them.  We had the best offense and best defense in the SEC and yet Tuberville played conservative with a lead, fearing that a mistake or turnover would somehow turn the tide against arguably the best team in the country. As a result Auburn was never seen as the juggernaught that should have played USC for the BCS title. Our detractors merely pointed to games against the Citadel  and La. Monroe to prove we were't worthy of playing the mighty Trojans. And to be honest, they were right. Because despite the undefeated swagger, there was doubt and fear that if we did get to the big game, we would lay an egg. Again.

Cam Newton changed all that. At least for me. Cam played to win and he expected to win. It was obvious to me, because when the pressure was at its highest, that was when Cam performed his best. When we trailed in a game and a play had to be made, Cam made it. And as the season went on, Cam accomplished his most amazing feat of all.  Through his empassioned and spectacular play and leadership, he turned a good, but very flawed and thin team into a great team that was able to win on its own by the time they got to the BCS game. Cam had athletic arrogance...that elusive trait that an athelete shows to let everybody know he is the best player on the field.  And like other great players, he made his teammates better.  Cam got them to believe in themselves and to raise their game to another level. Without Cam does Nick Fairley turn into the unstoppable monster he became? Without Cam does Phillip Lutzenkirchen turn into a Hoover on legs? Without Cam does Michael Dyer turn into the MVP of the BCS game?  We don't know these things for sure, but what we do know is that these players evolved through the season and became CRUCIAL cogs in our championship run. And yet despite the evidence to the contrary and the testimony of his teammates, before the NFL draft,  Cam was branded as an ego maniac and that he wasn't a leader in the locker room or on the field. HUH??? Anybody can question what happened off the field, but there was no questioning what Cam meant ON the field. The guy was electric, both in his play and his command of the team. To say otherwise just shows ignorance of the game of football, or biased sentiment against what Cam was accomplishing. For me, Cam Newton did the almost impossible, he turned Auburn from an underdog to a favorite, a team to root against, a team to hate.......and man do people hate Cam Newton and Auburn now.

For Cam, its a little understandable, the media blitz to destroy him was unlike anything I have ever seen before. Despite there being no evidence and countless unsubstantiated accusations and outright hoaxes, like taped conversations of Cecil Newton, the media covered the Miss State attempt to derail Cam's career, like they did the royal wedding. It was oversaturation by the media  to the nth degree, and yet despite all the attempts to pin something....anything...on Cam, Cecil or Auburn, here we sit.......9 full months later.....having been under the media  microsope unlike any other football program...EVER..... with absolutely nothing having been proven.  People hate Cam because of all the stuff they heard, not because of what was true. All that was ever proven, in all the coverage, was that he stole a computer when he was a freshman. Definitely, something to be embarassed about but hardly worth the public flogging he got on a daily basis. They called Cam and Auburn cheaters, even though absolutely nothing can be proven to justify that claim. Even the hatred of Cecil Newton is unfounded because nobody knows the extent of his participation in the Miss. St pay-for-play offer. All we know is Kenny Rogers, John Bond and Bill Bell, were enlisted to get Cam on campus in Starkville and that Cecil admitted to being part of it.  Of course Miss St. says that  Cecil initiated the scheme.....but for some reason that  knowledge didn't  cool them on their pursuit of Newton, as they continued to recruit him  AFTER the alleged pay-for-play scheme came to  light. Why is that? And why isn't that the focus of the media investigation? Why? Because Cam was going to win the Heisman and Auburn was in line to go to the BCS game. It was salacious and got ratings.....and people will believe anything if you say it enough.  People STILL cling to the lies, the half truths, the conspiracies,  THE HOPE, that someway .....SOMEHOW....Auburn will be stripped of everything that happened last year and they will be banished back to second tier status again.

 All the smoke that people claimed was hanging over Auburn, just happened to be Gene Chizik cooking up a BBQ of success, the likes of which Auburn has never seen before.....and our rivals can't STAND IT!!! The hate and derision that they reserved for Cam....now that he has left...is being heaped upon Auburn fans. We are finally Champions in our most beloved sport and the rest of the football world won't graciously congratulate us and acknowledge what an accomplishment it was to overcome all the media bashing and hatred to continue to play at a high level and win it all with the rest of the country rooting against us. No, they would rather chide us and tell us we are delusional for believing that Cam and the program didn't break any rules. Its gotten so bad, that they now read malicious intent into things that Cecil says, like when he says "We" when referring to Cam's negotiations with Carolina, as if he is the puppet master and has been pulling the strings all along......not like a Dad, who would logically be emotionally invested in the success of his son.  "Enjoy it while it lasts", they seethe,"you'll be giving it back just like USC." Ummm.....ok....Heres the problem with that rationale. There was actual physical, tangible evidence in the USC scandal. Just like at UNC, Oregon, and Ohio State.  Reggie's family was living in the evidence for cripes sake!! Once the investigation began, it was a fete accompli that USC would get dinged. All that had to be determined was when Reggie became ineligible. So Cam's situation is nothing at all like Reggie's.  When any evidence, that doesn't emanate from Starkville, comes out pointing to impropriety by Cam or Auburn it will be the first to surface in the "on-going" investigation.

But you know what I've learned? Most people don't love a winner anymore, they despise what the winner has accomplished as if they somehow didn't deserve it.....and you know what....thats sad. America used to be a place where accomplishment was lauded and winners were celebrated. Now they are examined and accused of wrongdoing.....for certainly they couldn't have succeeded without doing so at the expense of others!! Its a mindset of victimization that is unhealthy and frankly....defeatist. Look no further than our friends in Athens to see a great example of a fanbase that wants company in their misery. Despite haveing a multitude of top 10 recruiting classes, they can't forge together a winner in Athens and they can't deal with the fact that their longtime comiserators across the state line have surpassed them and won a championship, while they toil in underacheivement.  How else to explain their irrational behavior since they blew a big lead on the way to getting blown out themselves?? Like a spoiled and petulant child they acted out and have been pouting about their treatment ever since.  Disgraceful....but I relish their hatred because it means to me what I have wanted for so long...that  Auburn is at the top.

 

WAR EAGLE ...and after all Haters....Tomorrow is another day!!

Well we're 36 hours removed from becoming National Champions and, with all the politics and bias' you have to overcome to get there,  achieving the hardest goal in all of sports. But I've got to say......I don't feel any different. Don't get me wrong, I am so, so, so proud of our boys and our coaches and so happy for myself and all the other long suffering Auburn fans, but there is no transcendency to another level of satisfaction that I thought that winning the National Championship would bring.  Perhaps it was because I was snowbound in my house watching it with my sons instead of being at the game or watching with a group of Auburn fans at  a bar but I thought it would be different. I am so happy that I got to live that moment with my sons... and I wish my Dad could have come over but I feel like I'm missing something. Perhaps its because all the haters are still heaping hate instead of praise. Perhaps its becuase of the excuses being thrown around why Oregon lost.. Perhaps its because Cam lost his smile.

What I am beggining to understand though is that I am proud to be an Auburn Tiger everday. I love Auburn when we are 3-8, 5-7, 8-5, 10-2 and 14-0. Being National Champion is an incredible accomplishment but it doesn't change how I feel about Auburn and our beloved Tigers. Cam, Nick, Wes, Lee, Josh and all the seniors will leave and we will start over next season but that same love and pride will endure if we go 7-5 or repeat as National Champs. Our unique pride in this team will live on forever but it's what Auburn is, and has meant to me over my entire life, that makes me feel today like I did on Jan.12th last year, and that is proud to be an Auburn man. I am not boastful, I don't seek congratulations and I certainly don't need any validation from anyone else....being an Auburn man is enough. The National Championship was just a great way to end a magical season. I hope you all enjoy this as much as I do, but keep it in perspective. A National Championship does not define this team or Auburn, it makes what they have accoplished all that much better but they were Champions long before they took the field in Atlanta and Glendale. They showed the strength of mind, body and character of a Champion  long before that in comeback wins against Clemson, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, and by winning slugfests against LSU and Arkansas. When they were down 24-0 against Alabama, I told myself, "Guys you did a great job this year....well done". The fact that they came back and won is probably the most amazing thing I have ever seen in football, and just solidified what I felt already. Regardless of what happened they were Champions, and I guess to me, they didn't need to prove themselves anymore. I am just happy that they won Monday for themselves, so that they know they are the best, and beat the best in the country. War Eagle Gentleman. You did us all proud, but know this, we were proud of you all along. Godspeed to you graduating Seniors and those leaving early to ply your skills to those in the NFL. You will always have a special place in our hearts and I hope you enjoyed your time on the Plains.

To those returning next year, I can't wait to see what new chapters you will write for all us. But remember, win or lose, ITS GREAT TO BE AUBURN TIGER!!

WAR EAGLE EVERYBODY!!

I know we don't need any lucky charms for tonite (right?), but we are long suffering Auburn fans and I know I am not the only one prone to Superstitions that must be followed to assure Auburn victory. ie, you don't EVER say, "Aaron Savage hasn't fumbled a ball all season (see, I won't even use an active player for an example),  you are just asking to be JINXED.

My big Superstition....at least this year... is wearing my lucky Navy '57 Champions Throwback T-shirt under my custom made Navy Takeo Spikes jersey, circa 1996 with the orange shaded numbers. Got it last Christmas and we haven't lost a game when I've worn it. The innaugural journey was last new years against Northwestern in the Outback bowl.  I dug it out of my  luggage at half time during the Clemson game , after returning from dinner while on vacation and we came back. That instilled the superstition in me. 

The real test of the superstition came in the Iron Bowl when I wore my Road White jersey to a party . I was upset because I couldn't  I couldn't find the Spikes jersey so I went with the Roadie and hoped for the best. As we were getting pummeled I went to my Jeep to get a portable chair so I could sit outside on the patio with my wife, who was socializing instead of watching the game and found the Spikes jersey behind the chair where I put it after the Georgia game. I slapped that mother on and the comeback commenced. Luckily I didn't tell my wife I was coming to sit with her, beacause I obviously gave the jersey a chance to work its magic. Needless to say I'm a believer...of course having Cam doesn't hurt either. I haven't washed it all season, so I've had to be careful not to spill anything on it. Luckily it doesn't stink....yet.

 

If we win tonite I may be forced to retire it....out of respect.  I mean, you can't have you're lucky National Champonship jersey's mojo broken by South Carolina on the road can you?

Anyway, what are your superstitiions, charms, talismans and customs that give Auburn the mojo to win?

 

Have fun tonite!!

War Eagle!!

Just got told by a co-worker....and Bama Fan..... that a booster he knows called him minutes ago to tell him that  Michigan is loading up the Brinks truck for the Dark Lord himself. 

 

And that Satan is taking his road act back up North. 

 

To good to be true if you ask me but whoever the guy is he talked to was apparently very convincing because my friend is PISSSSED!! He was in full melt down mode cussing Saban for being greedy and a traitor and a quitter and everything else you would expect to hear from your typical Turd fan.

I checked ESPN and there is no chatter around Saban and Michigan but I thought I might as well throw this out there and see if I can spark a mass suicide at the very least.

 

Well if you can't beat them, insult them, eh Pete? Petie is back with another exceptional piece of journalism to take advantage of interest in Auburn over the championship game. Knife, stab, poke....nice job.

For those of you with high blood pressure or are prone acid relux, or just don't like the taste of tripe...you may want to skip this, its another cheap shot at Auburn and the players.  NY Times Hatchet Job

 

My opinion after the jump

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Well ESPN couldn't help themselves could they?? They barely made a sweep across the Downtown Athletic Club before they are citing all the integrity and character clauses of the Heisman charter and talking about Cecil Newton deciding not to come to the ceremony. REALLY?? They needed to tell everybody that Cam's dad wasn't going to be there?? Did they bring that up last year for Mark Ingram???  Really, I don't know because I haven't watched a Heisman ceremony in probably 20 years. Of course they couldn't honor the moment and the award. They had to degrade the other finalists by continuing to insinuate that Cam shouldn't REALLY be there....and taking away the dignity from ALLLL the finalists. Nicely done ESPN...and nice plug for  "Pony Excess" right after the Heisman ceremony....you know the story about how SMU got the death penalty for paying players? Hey ESPN, we get the point already..... why don't you just start up another channel so you can run Newton/Auburn slander 24  hours a day and quit beating around the bush. The lies have been told so many times that everyone believes it , so why not just make it daily programming and feed red meat to the haters.

 

Sorry, I had to vent...but the one question I have to ask all you people that think Cam is getting away with murder is this.  Name me one athlete that has egregiously violated NCAA bylaws (to the extent you all think he has) and NOT had the hammer dropped on him by the NCAA? Give yourself a minute....it'll come to you.  Lets see, it was uhhh....its on the tip of my tongue....uuuhhhhh. 

Can't think of one? Neither can I.

The reason the NCAA didn't nail Cam to the cross is that Kenny Rogers....and probably MSU....instigated the pay for play.
Here is what they said...
"According to facts of the case agreed upon by Auburn University and the NCAA enforcement staff, the student-athlete’s father and an owner of a scouting service worked together to actively market the student-athlete as a part of a pay-for-play scenario in return for Newton’s commitment to attend college and play football. NCAA rules (Bylaw 12.3.3) do not allow individuals or entities to represent a prospective student-athlete for compensation to a school for an athletic scholarship."

They "worked together to actively market" --- does that say solicitation??? No, it doesn't. The NCAA is not shy of calling a spade, a spade. They don't parse words. They say what they mean and mean what they say. They are not in the practice of saving a teams perfect season or a players magical jorney to the Heisman. They don't care.The bottom line is the facts don't back up Rogers story, and both Cecil and Auburn have been open and COOPERATIVE since January, ...again...since January....and some sources say Chizik had the NCAA's blessing to play before Cam even signed. 
You have to be a REAL hater to look at what Auburn and Cecil have done to make things right BEFORE THIS STORY EVEN SAW THE LIGHT OF DAY, and still say that something fishy is going on.  These are not the acts of people that have something to hide. It was a non-issue until reporters, looking for dirt on the Heisman front runner, decided to make it one. And bear in mind.....Auburn is STILL not being investigated. Does it merit being reported on, absolutely, but the only information in the case that has names associated with it has come SOLELY from Kenny Rogers. Thats it.  No other information attributable to a person with a name is available. None. In the six weeks since the story broke, nobody has felt the need to come forward to put their name behind any info that would corroborate a word that Kenny Rogers says. That doesn't seem to bother the media at all. But everybody feels its ok to assume the worst about Cam, his father and Auburn,  and trust the word of a guy that makes a living "selling" kids to schools. I'm sorry...who is REALLY being MYOPIC here? If all institutions acted with the clarity and openness of Auburn there would not nearly as many  problems with the recruiting game as there are. 

Hey, its all good though. I know it sucks to be the fan of an irrelevant team and watching another teams fans enjoying a season they will tell their Grandchildren about. I get it....I've been there all my life....but I also can say.... do what I did....move on....get a life  ..... and quit trying to make everybody else miserable.

All I can say is this,  have all the doubts you want .... get an ulcer from hate......I'm sleeping well....because the facts back me up, not you. You're wrong and you have been since the start.

Just talked to a friend who was contacted by a  friend in the Auburn Police department that a private jet from Mississippi State landed at Auburn an hour or so ago and that what he is hearing is that Kenny Rogers was the subject of an FBI sting operation to ferret out agents and their cronies who were dealing improperly with boosters for Universities. Don't know why the MSU reps are there but I can't imagine that being good news for the Bulldogs.

The scuttlebutt in the Auburn PD is that Cecil and Cam were used as targets to draw the prey out and that the reason they clammed up last week was that too much was getting out in the press and they were afraid details might get out that might damage their case against Rogers and presumabley Bill Bell and possibly John Bond.

This sounds a little fantastic but it does make you understand how Cam was able to play like he didn't have a care in the world and kept flashing his Magic Johnson grin.  I would have been a basket case if that was me, know that my teams season rested upon the veracity of my story.  Cam just went out and pretty much played a flawless game. He either has no soul or he knows he and his Dad are innocent. That grin sure makes me think the latter.

If this is true I sure will like to see how the media spins their complete and malicious attempt to destroy Cam and Cecil Newton. They are ALL scum in my eyes.

When Paul Finebaum is your biggest supporter in the media you know that something is horribly wrong. Well after a full day of media coverage, that is exactly what has happened. Finebaum is the ONLY guy I saw on TV or heard on the radio who actually said that there isn't much behind this story and that more needs to come to light before he can pass judgement on it. That was surprising  to say the least. The "Cam Newton Scandal" has been blown so out of proportion that every media member in the country is seizing on it to promote their own agenda. There are of course the "Cam is the worst kid in the world" crowd, the "Cecil Newton is the anti-christ" crowd, the "Auburn is the center of corruption in the universe" crowd, but also all the "Agents and the players who deal with them should be banished" crowd and the ever popular "we just need to pay these kids" crowd. Same old faces, same old arguments, different time, different center of attention.  Oh by the way, did we mention that there are still no FACTS in this investigation? None. Nothing, Nada.  Just John Bond making a baseless allegation that can neither be confirmed or proven.

 

Since we aren't going to look at the facts, lets look at the circumstantial evidence and see if we can make heads or tails of whats going on and who has an agenda. Lets see, we have Cam Newton who is a Heisman front runner and the best player on an Auburn team that is in contention for the national championship. Cam KNOWS he is a great player and knows that if he keeps out of trouble that he will make MILLIONS in a year or two in the NFL. Auburn, has a new coach and a wizard OC that makes even average QB's look good. Auburn has 3 decent but unspectacular on scholarship before they signed Cam Newton. Auburn wanted  Cam Newton but they didn't NEED Cam Newton.

Now Cam originally wanted to go to Mississippi State to be re-united with his old OC at Florida, Dan Mullen. I can understand that, you're a 21 year old, and you want to get a good chance at winning a starting job immediately, so why not go to the place where the coach already knows you and you wouldn't have much competition? Makes sense to me. And of course Dan Mullen and MSU want him.  Well Cecil Newton,  who has already gotten a child into the NFL and, like any good parent wants whats best for their child, looks at Auburn and tells Cam,"MSU is a fine university but if you want to go to the NFL, Auburn is going to be the best fit for you. Auburn runs a scheme that is perfect for you. Gus Malzahn is one of the best OC's in the country, there won't be a lot of competition for the starting job and MOST IMPORTANTLY, Auburn has one of the best lines in the country. You will be well protected and will be able to showcase your talents to the world on several nationally televised games"

Uh, Cecil, nailed it. 

Now who would be upset by Cam going to Auburn? Hmmm, let me see.....Urban Meyer? Nah, he couldn't bring Cam back after the computer incident and wouldn't play him this season except POSSIBLY in the SEC title game..which means they had a good season.  Oh, Nick Saban!! That dirty so and so, ....wait, he has two Heisman worthy backs and a guy who hadn't lost a game at QB since middle school....nah, not a good fit right now. Who else??? Hmmm, what about Dan Mullen, the guy that lost Cam? Oh wait, yeah, that does make sense. Who has only lost two games ( to Auburn and to LSU) and who has a less than ideal situation at QB, with Relf and Russell, but could possibly be undefeated with Cam Newton? Why Mississippi State could. Yeah, if I'm Dan Mullen, I'd be steamed right about now that undefeated Auburn got the best player in the country, the kid  that WANTED to come play for me and his meddling dad got in the way. I'm sure Dan Mullen doesn't have an axe to grind against Auburn and Cecil Newton. Why they were just minding their own business when this dirty agent, reperesenting that despicable Cecil Newton came to them and said, "Hey this kid wants to play for you, and I'll make sure he signs with you, but it gonna take some cash. BUT I'll give you a discount on what other schools are offering.....$180 large, son!!" Why of all the brazen acts known to man!!! How dare you Kenny Rogers....ex Mississippi State player....how dare you come to your old buddy John Bond....ex Mississippi State QB....and ask me.....Dan Mullen.....the Mississippi State coach....for $180 k to acquire the services of Cam Newton!!!" The unmitigated gall!!!  John Bond report this chicanery to the NCAA!! Toot suite!!

Anybody notice a common thread behind the three main players in the allegation? Why yes, they ARE all tied to Mississippi State. Wouldn't that mean that they all might have the same agenda to discredit Auburn and Newton??That doesn't cast a shadow of doubt on the story at all does it? Why ask questions about that side of the story....its much more sexy to jump all over Cam Newton, Cecil Newton, Gene Chizik and Auburn. Why theguys a Auburn have a lot to lose and we here in the media can actually play a part in the process by crucifying everyone even remotely involved in with Auburn and Cam Newton....but not poor old spiteful Dan Mullen and Mississippi State. They were just being good citizens and turned in that dirty Kenny Rogers to the NCAA....who have absolutely no control over Kenny Rogers whatsoever....scouts honor!!....swear to god!!

Well now USA Today is reporting that Kenny Rogers, in a Dallas radio interview denies the allegation flatly.

From USA Today:

"Heck no," Rogers said Friday night on 103.3 ESPN. "I've never done that. A school has never paid me for a kid, an alumni has never paid me for a kid. Period. Point blank."

Rogers also said he has not spoken to Bond in "over 20 years." But he did admit to a relationship with Newton's father, Cecil, during the recruiting process as Cam Newton was looking for a school after playing at Blinn College.

Discussions were about "about the culture of Mississippi State because it was a small town," Rogers said. "We would just talk back and forth about Mississippi State," Rogers said.

Rogers said Cecil Newton introduced him to Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen on one occasion.

Now what to make of that ??? Rogers broke rank first...now what!!??? Anybody going to question this BS now??

Who's lying??...I'd say all involved...on the MSU side. At best for MSU I'd say Rogers, was just representing himself and trying to get some cash from MSU. At worst John Bond and Dan Mullen made this up to get back at Cam and Auburn....which is more likely??  Both are more possible than Cecil Newton shopping his kid for $ 200K. Really, if Cam was shopping his services around via an agent, that WOULD HAVE gotten out back when he signed. Too many teams could use him and no big time program  would let Auburn get away with that, and rightfully so. So the story on its face is absurd and not crdible at all, but why let that get in the way of mud slinging at Cam Newton and Auburn?? ITS SO MUCH MORE FUN TO HATE!!

 

Did I menton I hate the media??

 

WAREAGLE!! BEAT ESPN!!!

 

FU FORDE and SHAMBACH!!

Ethics, standards, morals....all are in STEEP decline in this country and I credit this mostly to the stinking, rotting, bloated fish carcas that is the media.

The other day I opined....at length....about the media's role in the BCS rankings and its motives in propping up certain teams and dragging down other teams. Money and the lust for more of it drives the media engine. I said, their manta is "Controversy Creates Cash!!". Say and do anything to get viewers or readers. They rarely have all the facts, and in some cases have no facts....just speculation and innuendo...thats enough for so called "journalists" (hock!! - petuey!! -- I can't say that word without spitting out the bile that rises into my mouth) to go to print with their "story".

 Its truly sickening.  I don't have a problem with the capitalist desire to make money, but to do it with hearsay, conjecture, deception, and down right lies is beyond contemptable. It is widespread throughout the media, reporting stories for the sake of contoversy and to promote an agenda designed to increase readership/viewership, regardless of the truth or who gets trampled in the process.   

 Now of course, I'm writing this time about the coverage of Cam Newton and how they are dragging him and his family through the mud because some "pimp" (to quote Saban), who used to play at Mississippi State, used his ties at MSU to try and fleece the university for $180K. Why isn't the focus on Kenny Rogers and the agent he works for?  Why is it that we aren't hearing this guy did the same at other schools? Didn't Cam go to Oklahoma after he went to MSU?

 Why isn't Bob Stoops saying, "Yeah, Kenny Rogers asked for $200K, but we weren't comfortable with that discussion so we asked him to leave." This recruiting process took place a year ago, why was nothing talked about then? We played MSU almost two months ago, why wasn't this discussed then? Why does every story concerning this have Cam's picture associated with it as opposed to Kenny Rogers? He's the guy who we know did something wrong.

 Why am I asking these questions and not the friggin "journalists" (hock- petury!!) that report this vile slander!! Have they no shame?? Thats easy to answer, no they don't. They don't have any ethics and they don't care who they hurt. This isn't just about Cam, this impunes the integrity of EVERYONE in the Auburn administration, straight up to the president. It slanders Cecile Newton and the churches he is affiliated with and most importantly to me, it slanders Auburn fans and supporters.  

This is all coming out now to throw controversey into the Heisman race since Cam is running away with it and because Auburn is in the national title hunt....and rolling. This hurts the ESPN agenda, which is to promote national programs  Alabama and Ohio State....and is red meat for the haters.  ESPN, damn them to hell, is trying like hell to stir the pot so they can generate more interest in a heisman race that is essentially over. Cam Newton is hot, he has a great story and this just adds salaciousness to it.

They will be stoking the flames  about Cam, his father and Auburn all weekend even though the entire allegation, beyond Kenny Rogers wrongdoing, is unsubstantiated. The story on ESPN insinuates that Cecile Newton came up with illegal money for his church to meet code and get a reprieve from demolition. They say that without outright making an allegation, despite the fact they don't say how much the repairs would cost or investigating who did the work. It would not have taken a ton of money to get that building up to code and to insinuate that he got that money from Auburn for Cam's services is contemptable. 

 I've seen the church and nobody is getting rich from that congregation. Cecile Newton may be making a living off of these churches, but Bishop Eddie Long he is not.   The automatic assumption is that this is just like the Reggie Bush scandal.....which is laughable."Experts" are now saying Cams Heisman chances are dashed because the Reggie Bush scandal is still frwessh in everyones mind and they don't want to get burned again. Apparently voters won't be able to distinguish between the two.

If thats the case then the Heiman voters are apparently a buch of Howler monkeys incapable of discerning between slander of a player and actual wrongdoing. You see, one situation is unsubstantiated and one had an address.....in Malibu. Get the distinction Heisman voters? I know all of you former Heisman winners wouldn't be hypocritical and hold that against Cam, would you? (Wink, wink)

  Lastly, lets use some common sense. I don't care how much Cam would mean to Auburn or ANY big time school, it is not worth the TENS of MILLIONS of dollars that would be at risk from the SEVERE NCAA sanctions that would be levied against an institution that paid an athlete that kind of money. It is absurd beyond all reason to think that any school would do something that stupid and risk so much for a player that may or may not turn out to be a productive athlete, much less a star.

 Now if Cam did prostitute himself to Auburn for money, he should be kicked off the team and whoever was involved in paying him should be fired immediately. Period. Paragraph. If they were that stupid they deserve what they get and I don't want them associated with Auburn. I'm no Pollyanna, I know these kids get money from some source here and there....you can't watch them 24hrs a day, but in no way should the University be involved one scintilla in compensating an athlete outside of the conditions of their scholarship.

 I would rather lose honestly every year, than win crooked. To me the Auburn creed means something and anybody that denigrates the reputation of the university needs to go. That being said, this story is a non story. I hope that once the truth comes out that this agent acted alone to fleece his alma mater (what a scumbag), that Cam and the University will be apologized to for this outright attempt to malign both.....for the sake of ratings. What a bunch of maggot infested scumbags they are in the media, I hope they get what is coming to them. Of course I won't hold my breath waiting for either to come about.  

 WAREAGLE!!

 

Not much going on this week aside from debate about whether or not Oregon should have passed us in the polls. Steel yourselves for Sundays BCS rankings after the UT- Chat game, as I'm sure we will take another hit from the computers. The haters will come crawling out of the woodwork screaming about how we played a cupcake and don't deserve to be #2...much less #1.

 Even if we totally obliterate the Mocs, its not out of the realm of possibility that TCU may jump us with a win over undefeated Utah. Hard to believe, but if we dropped after a win on the road, its conceivable. If you don't think it can happen, explain to me how Boise St. and TCU are in the top 5 anyway and were ahead of Michigan State, Missouri and other undefeateds to begin with.

Sure the human polls have had them high all year, but their SOS should put them  behind any BCS AQ conference undefeated team.  

This weeks game between LSU and Alabama should be a lot closer than most people are giving LSU credit for. Is LSU an elite team? Not as currently constituted given the evidence they have presented in their games this year, but they do have elite athletes, and playing at Death Valley is worth way more than a three point home field advantage, in my opinion. I know I wouldn't want to play them again at their place. So the question begs, do you go against every fiber in your being and root for Alabama to keep the pressure on them to defend their National Championship in the Iron Bowl (obviously if they lose, they are out) and preserve a dream matchup OR ,do you "Hate Bama Early and Often", and root for LSU? Once again I am conflicted.

 I want to us to be the ones to send Alabama home with coal for the holidays and a trip to the Capital One Bowl.  But..... If we beat UGA and Alabama loses to LSU, we win the West. The Iron Bowl would be meaningless for the SEC championship, and perhaps even for the National Tiltle game.

 If we destroy the East representative in the SEC game and LSU wins out against Arkansas and Ole Miss, taking a Top 5 bcs spot, we could conceivably lose a close game on the road to Alabama and still go to Glendale. We would have a REALLY good argument for a one loss team wit our only loss would be to the ALMIGHTY Tide and a win over a top 5 LSU team.

 Thats putting the cart before the horse, of course because we still have to beat Georgia. And Alabama, for all their bluster and threats to go back to the Championjship game, have THREE remaining SEC games against ranked LSU, Miss St. and Auburn. Combined record 23-3. Saban and freinds had best be concentrating on the task at hand, instead of assuming their tickets being punched to Glendale is a mere formality. No matter the scenario, I think EVERYBODY is itching to lay as much on the TURDS as possible and go to Glendale undefeated.   

  The Georgia game scares the heck out of me for a number of reasons. One, they have a lot of talent on that team that has underperformed and could really turn in a great performance against us given the motivation to ruin our season and save Mark Richt.

 Don't be fooled by their record, they could easily have won two or three of the games they've lost. Aaron Murray has made mistakes but overall played very well and is developing into a very dangerous QB, much like a taller Jeremiah Masoli. The problem with that is that Murray has AJ Green to throw to. If we have a bad defensive day they will hang 35+ points on us, which is OK if we keep scoring 50+ but I hate to have that kind of pressure week in and week out, especially if they find a way to bottle up Cam. 

  After Ole Miss put the brakes on Cam's running attack, you have to wonder if Georgia and Alabama will employ the same strategy of spying Cam and taking away the interior running lanes. The old saying goes you don't let the other guys best player beat you but Cam and Company really filleted them in every other facet of the offense. Cam still  beat them, just not how he was expected to beat them.

 I personally would prefer for Cam to beat folks with his arm because its obviously better for Cams health to sit in the pocket as opposed to putting his knees at risk juking down the field. I absolutely love watching him in the open field but physics says a 250 lb body on a 6'6" frame, isn't supposed to do that without really taxing those ligaments in the ankles and knees. He truly has a remarkable body, with remarkable talent, because the torque that his body must generate to stop/start the way he does must be extraordinary.

Of course then again I don't see how champion race horses do what they do on those spindley legs, so if they can do it, why can't Cam?  

As far as Cam is concerned, is his legacy tarnished at all if he is one and done as an Auburn Tiger? I can't blame the guy for leaving for the millions of the NFL, especially if he wins the Heisman and even more so if he wins a MNC, but I'm torn about how I would feel about comparing him to Bo and Pat and Tucker and all the other Auburn greats who truly had great careers, not just great seasons. If he finsihes how he started...as I've said before....he will be the greatest player to wear the Orange and Navy....buuuutttt I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around that with the possibility that he may only be here for one season.

 Regardless of how the season turns out I selfishly want him to come back and thrill us again for one more season but right now its hard to believe he will.    

 And whatever happened to Tyrik Rollison? I know he isn't starting at Sam Houston State. Its hard to believe that HE was the designated Messiah before Cam signed on to play on the plains.  I can see why he left the team when Cam came to town, but you would think with his talent he would be leading the BearKats at Sam Houston State. Just goes to show that recruiting is about as inexact of a science as you can get.

 WAR EAGLE!!

We're #2!!, We're #2!!,We're #2!!!   Well that didn't take long, only one week in the top spot and down we go.

Despite all the naysayers, the haters, and the bedwetting crybabies yelling to the heavens that Auburn would fall victim to #1 Curse and crash back to Earth against Ole Miss, our boys and the entire coaching staff kept the guys focused and came out with an excellent game plan....on offense anyway.....to soundly defeat the Rebel Black Bears. Not that it mattered because they still fell out of the #1 slot due to Oregon taking down USC on the road. No Respect I Tells Ya!!  

Now before the game, much was made of this being a trap game, that Ole Miss was much better than they were eartlier in the year, that Auburn would succumb to the pressure of being #1...blah..blah....blah. Well we saw what happened. Even though Ole Miss wore their Confederate Uni's, had the crowd stoked and got EXACTLY what they needed to pull the upset....an absolutely HUGE play to open the game with a touchdown....they squandered whatever momentum they got from that when Auburn went right back down the field and slapped them across the face by throwing a corner fade to Cam to even the score about 2-1/2 minutes later. Our injury riddled defense kept Ole Miss in the game for a while but the rout was really on after Cam caught that pass. The Tigers looked about as complete as they could be on offense, with Cam throwing darts from the pocket and McCalebb and Dyer gashing the Black Bears on the ground. They could still be playing and Auburn would still be scoring. I think everybody got the answer to the question, "Can Auburn win without a dominant performance from Cam Newton?" The answer is quite definitively yes. Just like Ole Miss, this Auburn team isn't the one that played Clemson, Miss. St and S.C. to the wire. They are much more in sync and execute at a much higher level.  Key on Cam if you dare, you will pay the price from our other weapons. And if you don't key on Cam....well, you know happens there too. Oregon is scary good on offense too....but on a neutral field with a healthy defense with a month to prepare, I (surprise here) like our chances should we get the opportunity to play them. But will we get the opportunity????  

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Auburn fan, I know what you are feeling...."Oh no!! Now that we're number one we will have a target on our back and everyone will try that much harder to beat us!!.....We won't handle the pressure!!!" I have been there and felt that....but this team feels way different than other great Auburn teams I have seen.  The '83 team, the '93 team, the '04 team....hell all the great Auburn teams have been great because of defense and a solid if not spectacular running attack. Eventually they were felled by a good defense paired with a good offense. The 2004 team was the best Auburn team I had ever seen, but even then Coach Tuberville would play ultra conservative and make our wins seem somewhat underwhelming. As good as they were, they never wowed the pollsters.

This group of tigers on the other hand has got the sizzle to sell the steak. Thank Gus Malzahn, but mostly thank Cam Newton. Cam is electrifying and has got the whole country talking about him and Auburn. Controversy creates cash and the media loves a team that is talented but also has flaws. Our defense drives folks crazy and the critics hate it but the media loves Cam and the offense. Cue the "Do they deserve to be #1" stories.

The media will be decending on Auburn in force now and Coach Chizik has his work cut out for him keeping the guys focused on the task at hand ....the Ole Miss Rebels.  This will definitely be the biggest challenge the rest of the way because we finally put a great overall performance together against LSU....it was the greatest TEAM performance I can remember since the '04 UGA game. Our Offensive line and WR's blocked fantastically and were the REAL reason we put 440 yards on the best defense in the SEC. Simply spectacular.

This team is growing, evolving, seeing an opportunity and sense of purpose that seldom presents itself in life....a REAL chance at a Championship. I think the guys know that Cam is a special, once in a generation player, and offers them a chance to do things that  they probably couldn't do without him and they are doing whatever it takes to win. I gotta tell you, that is what makes me believe.

This isn't just about Cam or the defense. Every facet of the team is getting better as the year goes on....save the punting game....and I have to commend Coach Chizik for that. He is fomenting real camraderie and chemistry on this team....a special bond that links players to one another. As they are constituted now its hard to see anyone beating us. I don't say that boastfully, I just beleive in the hearts of our players and their will to win and win for each other. These guys are different.

Most of you here know I can be very critical, but I think I am fair in my criticism. But one thing I haven't been overly critical on this year is our much maligned defense. Yes they have been gashed and gored for scores of yards but I wish everyone would take it easy on the guys. They are playing hard and I think they are actually playing pretty well. I won't say there isn't enormous need for improvement but we don't have a lot of depth and our talent pool is not as deep on the defensive side as it is on the offensive side.

Nick Fairley is our best player and the kid played one year of high school, redshirted two years in JUCO before starting a couple of games for us last year. Long story short....nobody knew he would be anything close to the beast he has morphed into. He is a great allegory of our team in general.....raw talent that worked their way into the chance to be Champions.

Our defense is improving but be fair....they have played some very talented offensive competition that had quarterbacks play about as good as you can play. Garcia, Hartline and WIlson would have trouble duplicating their efforts in practice much less in a game. Our guys got burned but they were seldom out of position or negligent of their coverage responsibilities. The other guy just played better. Our guys are getting better too and I think the defense will be the guys that enable us to reach that hallowed territory we all seek. Yes, Cam makes it all possible, but the defense is going to play a huge part as well.

I am excited about how this team is transforming and I hope they keep  it together with all the attention they are going to  be getting. But I hope they bear this in mind, with all the kudos they are receiving, almost all of the pundits are expecting Alabama to dispatch us on November 26th. After all, its the Auburn way to choke under pressure, to not be able to handle prosperity or the role of the favorite. WE CAN"T FINISH!!!  Until we lay that beast to rest, I hope the guys realize there is no reason to talk of special season or Championships.....and I am quite confident that they aren't.  I think Ole Miss is in trouble.

 War Eagle!!

Yesterday  I watched the greatest game in Auburn history....at least to me. I personally can't recall a more enjoyable game with more ups and downs, a resiliant foe that wouldn't die and an Auburn team lead by the greatest player to ever wear Navy and Orange. I saw Sullivan play, I saw Bo play.....Cam is better than both.

Cam is the best player I have ever seen in college football..... period. He is as tough as Tebow but with moves like Sanders. He's not the fastest guy in the world but he's faster than most and tougher than just about anybody. I don't like to put pressure on the guy, but he is a warrior like I have never seen in Navy and Orange.

He will not fail and he wills this team to succeed. He is a leader, on and off the field and seems to have his head on tight. He knows he is good, damn good but his mouth sure isn't telling anybody....but his body is. Thats what I love the most about him.

He keeps this up and he doesn't have to worry about the Heisman because it will come to him. But in all the hullaballoo about Cam some folks are forgetting you still have to have holes to run through and our line has done a fantastic job of opening up lanes for Cam to run through and that has been all he needs. Ziemb, Pugh, Issom , Mosely have done a  fabulous job and Cam has them to thank for his success as much as himself.

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A few things to think about going into this weekend for our Auburn Tigers. Starting this weekend, Coach Chizik and our boys have an opportunity to make a statement about the state of Auburn football on the national stage as ESPN comes to town for what will be two consecutive weeks of prime time, game of the week coverage.  The problem is that when given these opportunities in the last six years, Auburn has often wilted under the spotlight. In my first post on this site two years ago I railed against Auburn's love affair with being an "underdog" , a team that, no matter the year, reveled in the role of the dismissed and the disrespected. Auburn has always been uncomfortable with the attention paid to being a dominant frontrunner....a significant character trait that keeps very talented people from performing their best when it matters the most. If you strive to be a winner, an SEC and BCS champion, you have to want to be in these situations and learn to thrive in them.  When you get a lofty national ranking, you have to relish that role and sink your teeth into the heart of your opponent and bare your bloody fangs for all to see....and fear!! This week we get to see which Tigers want to feast on the prey from Anderson,SC  and shine brightly in the limelight! Coach Chizik has worked hard and against the odds to bring in great athletes who want to be on the national stage for a big time SEC team, and now its their turn to show they belong there. This is what Cam Newton, Michael Dyer, Trovon Reed, Jeff Whitaker, Corey Lemonier and this talented 2010 class came here for. This is the opportunity Darvin Adams, Mario Fannin, Lee Ziemba, Onterrio McCalebb, Josh Bynes, Nick Fairley, Eltoro Freeman, Aaron Savage and Zac Etheridge have been waiting for. Will they take advantage?? Will they show Clemson that they are playing one of the most talented teams in the country? I sure hope so. My whole life  I longed for Jordan Hare Stadium to truly be "The Jungle".....where opponents and their supporters circle the date on the calender before the season and put an L on it....and where UGA's, LSU's and Bama's seasons go to die. That doesn't happen in one game, or one season, but over time, by embracing that favorite status and dominating all those that tread on Pat Dye Field.....and it has to start on Saturday vs. Clemson.  Both players and coaches need to bring everything and leave it on the field. No holding back plays, no coddling 1st year starters, its time to put up or shut up. Dare to be great! MAKE your opponent beat your best!!!

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After the elation of last nights win began to fade, I harkened back to the attendance for last nights game.....55,000. I thought about this for a second and I began to get REALLY irritated. Missisippi State is in the richest conference with the most well attended games in the United States...and their stadium capacity is 55,000. HUH?? How is that possible? I know Mississippi gets a bad rap for being underdeveloped and a cash strapped state, but of all the things you might want to invest in, don't you think having a 75,000+ seat stadium for one of your cash cows might be at the top of your list? I know the MSU game is not at the top of everybody's wish list when you are an Auburn fan but if you are an MSU fan, every SEC game, aside from Vanderbilt or Kentucky, is a sexy matchup come gameday in Starkville! Ole Miss and LSU are traditional rivals. Arky, Auburn, Bama and the three east teams --- they couldn't sell those out?? Where's the "Oh I don't want to see them play, they're no good" team?? Every games a good one!! How do you exist in the SEC with a 55,000 seat stadium??? Thats Vanderbilt-esque and we all know, MSU is no Vanderbilt. South Carolina is a good comparison in terms of SEC futility and fan fervor, and they always sell out their 86,000 seats.  Hell, even Kentucky has 67,000+ seats and they don't even CARE about football!! What gives???? It must be their student enrollment, right? They must be a Vanderbiltesque 11,000 student enrollment, right?? Wrong, upwards of 18,000, only 20% less than Auburn. It must be Starkville, right? Its in the middle of nowhere!! Wrong.....ever been to Auburn? Even nowhere has to have a map to find Auburn. Besides, Starkville is right in the middle between LSU, Ole Miss, Auburn and Bama. I know.  Its because of the entertainment opt....jeez I couldn't even write that, it was so ridiculous.  MSU gets the same TV and bowl disbursement as all the other SEC schools, so money shouldn't really be an issue. So why in the football crazy south, heck, does MSU have such a small stadium?? The answer issss, "I don't know why!"  It makes no sense. Talk about leaving MONEY on the table. Talk about limiting your ability to recruit. Talk about limiting your ability to WIN.....why with 55,000 fanny's in attendance, how could you hope to create an SEC style home field advantage!!!??? By now I'm sure you are saying, "Col. why do you give a frogs flipper about MSU stadium size and attendence. What in the name of Shug Jordan, does that have to do with the price of lemonade at Toomers Drugs?"  Why?? I'll tell you why.....COW BELLS!! Thats right!! COW BELLS!!!  CLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANG...MY GOD, HOW IRRITATING WAS THAT LAST NIGHT!!! Vuvuzela's have nothing on the Bully Bell for pure noise and annoyance.. CLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANGCLANG .....ALL GAME LONG. And then it came to me.....sorry I'm not quick on the uptake..... The reason they use those GD COW BELLS is that, unlike every other SEC school that takes its football program seriously, they don't have 85,0000 to 105,000 in attendance to rattle the nerves of the opposing offenses and disrupt play calling. At 55,000, somewhat like a Ga Tech "gathering", you can't produce the type of noise in an open ended stadium to disrupt squat, so what do the MSU faithful do???? They bring COW BELLS to make up for it. WHY ITS TRADITION YA'KNOW??!! I know they have always done this, but last night REALLY seemed excessive and cost Auburn several time outs....and well....it's just plain wrong. What I can't believe is that the SEC ammended its noisemaking rule to ALLOW MSU to continue this ridiculously UNSPORTSMANLIKE tradition.....because of what, you may ask????.....because of their RIDICULOUSLY UNSPORTSMANLIKE TRADITION!!!  Who ran that through?? Jackie Sherril? For some odd reason MSU fans feel they are entitled to ring bells, shoot cannons, electrify the air, because their stadium size is half of Neyland Stadium....and BY GOD they should get a home field advantage too!! Malcolm X style!! BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!! What a crock. Sooooooo, my point to the humble denizens of this blog is this, TWO can play at this game. And it doesn't require bringing in any artificial noisemakers either. Next year when the MAROONS come to town, I suggest everybody come to the game with a handful or less of dimes and pennies, buy a bottled water or soda at the concession, drink your drink, put your change someplace more comfortable, like that empty water bottle you just chugged and when Chris Relf hits the field....SHAKE THE EVER LOVING HELL OUT OF THAT BOTTLE!!! Its an old Auburn tradition my late Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather, General Beauregard Jackson Angus used to employ with pebbles and turtle shells to spook the UGA players when they visited the plains. You don't know about it becasue the rest of the folks watching the game told him to take his hearing funnel and his annoying stinky turtle shell and beat it before he gave them a headache.  So lets give the "other" bulldogs a tast of "Auburn Tradition" and  see how they like that!  And if they don't like it.....here's a note to you MAROONS....just like Chief Brody said, "You better get a bigger boat!!"    Till we kick Clemson hanky.....MMMAAAAGNOOOOLIAS!!!!

You know how I know that USC is about to get blasted by the NCAA? They apparently think that they need a carnival act to come in and replace departing legend Pete Carrol. Can you believe that after all the smack that that loon Lane Kiffin talked about Florida, Georgia, Alabama and a thousand year Vol Reich, he is leaving after ONE YEAR....ONE YEAR(!!!) to take over the impending implosion that is USC rojan football. Wow, I almost can't believe it. CBS Sportsa and ESPN are reporting that after Jack Del Rio rejected the Trojan Horse offering of the great program about to go on probation, that they immediately called  Lane, who in turn immediately accepted and is now  taking his barker hat and megaphone and heading back west where he first got his big break outside of his Daddy's shadow. BTW is Daddy going with him THIS time? Who knows??? All I know is we probably just picked up some MORE BIG TIME RECRUITS thanks to that selfish jerk....Lyin Lane. What an embarrassment! But take heart Vol fans you'll be better off in the long run that the little scum bag is leaving your fine institution.

Cmon Chiz, get that #1 class!!

WarEagle!! Kick'em in the BUTT BIG BLUE!!!

On paper Ole Miss should have easily won this game. They have a superstar tailback in Dexter McClusters, a pre-season Heisman hopeful in Jevan Snead and one of the best defenses in the country giving up a miserly 13.6 points per game. Auburn on the other hand has a sore shouldered QB in Chris Todd, no playmakers on offense and a depleted and porous defense.  Ole Miss had all the talent and Auburn didn't, ...right? Wrong!!! Yesterday showed....I think once and for all...that we DO have the talent to compete and win in the SEC. All the talk recently bemoaning our lack of talent really makes me upset because these are the same guys that went 5-0 and were beating the tar out of folks. That isn't exactly salve to souls of the players out on the field when they are losing. When I played, I could take criticism of the mistakes I made...just don't tell me I'm not good enough to be on the field.  If you want to be supportive, be constructively critical, demand performance and elimination of mental mistakes....don't tell our boys they should't be able to compete.  Remember, the trepidation going into the Arkansas game from the Auburn faithful, was not lack of talent, but because we would be on the road for a second straight week and going up against a hot Ryan Mallet. Everybody expected a shootout not a blowout of an overmatched Auburn squad. What happened in Arkansas and the ensuing three game losing streak was lack of preperation by the coaching staff, poor execution, and mistakes. Plenty of mistakes.

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Normally I watch the game two or three times again before I make a commentary so I am fairly confident that my opinion is loosely backed in some kind of fact. Tonight I'm not going to waste my time.  Unlike last week where I saw where it was possible that if  a play or two had been made or transpired differently the outcome MIGHT have been different, tonight there was NO doubt. It was evident from the kickoff that we didn't have it, The mood, fervor, the execution, it was like it was just another game.....not like we got our heiney handed to us by Arkansas 7 days earlier.  We were fortunate to be headed into the 2nd Qtr, still in the game (this time leading) for the 2nd game in a row, despite looking absolutely miserable, disjointed and out of sync. After another up and down quarter we found a way to score an offensive TD after somehow figuring out you don't run a 175 pound running back into the line on a 3rd and goal at the one.....instead of the 225 pound runing back. Wait I'm getting another headache......hold on.

 

In the 2nd half......well......blaaaarrrrrppppphhhhh......that  pretty much makes up what happened. We sucked. We didn't think, we didn't execute, we didn't do anything but give everyone an hour and a half preview of despair for the rest of the season. Last week, in my post game post, I said we'll find out what Gene Chizik and his team is made of  now that we got humbled by a supposedly inferior opponent. Turns out they apparently weren't made of much. Is that how you respond to a beat down? By getting manhandled by Kentucky???? Not LSU, Not UGA, Not Dear God in Heaven,  F"N ALABAMA....IT WAS KENTUCKY!!!! They controlled both lines of scrimmage, they ran pretty much at will and we couldn't move the chains against them other than for spurts at a time....that was against Kentucky. Now I know Kentucky isn't THAT bad, they are the only team to really give Bama a run for their money so far, but should they dominate us? I'm going to say no. So the question begs the answer......are we a bad team....and if so is it because of the coaching or the players?

 

As good as we were the first five games of the season, their were glimpses of ineptitude for stretches at a time, mainly when the offense sputtered and the defense was forced to spend a lot of time on the field. It was something I thought we were growing out of but instead of getting further away from it, it had burrowed deep inside, grown stronger and more prevalent and like a cancer now seemingly consumes us. Chris Todd went from being on the short list of college footballs best QBs to being a stumbling, bumbling mess. Gus Malzhan went from Junior evil genious to a schitzophrenic psycho running sandlot plays in th final minutes of an SEC game down by 7 points. Ted Roof went from....wow he's doing pretty good with what he's got....to being measured for a nice sturdy rail while someone checks their GPS for easiest route out of Auburn.

What the hell happenend?

This is VERY disconcerting. Gene really needed this game because the sledding REALLY gets tough now. Unless something miraculous happens next week, we get totally eviscerated by LSU. And for those of you without a thesaurus. that means we get our guts spread out on the football field. Right now we show no way of being able to compete. Arkansas and Kentucky have dominated our lines on both sides of the ball.  If we have 5 starters healthy on defense, I'd love to know who they are. We don't attempt to pressure the QB even when the situation absolutely demands it. And we can't stop the run....at all.  Offense???? Onterrio McCalebb is hurt. Fannin and Smith?? Not being used. Darvin Adams has been taken away by opposing defenses. There isn't another WR that can get open more than 5 yards down the field. And most importantly Brandon Cox's torn rotator cuff is back in his old #12. Chris Todd went away, I don't know where, but he's not in his body anymore. Its like the 1st five games never happened and we are playing Vanderbilt '08 again. Poor decisions, bad throws, and worst of all....no confidence....none. I n fact its all over the team, you can see it and worse ....smell it .... even through the TV .... indecision .... hesitation ..... panic ..... FEAR!!!! You know it as well as I do, you saw it, the only thing to do is confront it, face it and defeat it. There is no dishonor in losing...none. If the better team wins so be it. But we didn't own up to our faults and try and win with our strengths. We played scared, pulling out trick plays and refusing to smash Kentucky with our only real weapon....Ben Tate. Yes Kentucky would expect Ben Tate was going to get the ball but they also seemed to be shutting down every other option that we might use....so I that event , I say go with Tate.Simplistic, yes, but you and I both know that at the end of that game Chris Todd wouldn't have hit  an open target with Julio Jones and AJ Green running routes for him. All he was doing was making divots in the turf and giving Adolphs meat tenderizer a run for their money with all the ribs he was crushing by hanging his receivers out to dry on his throws. 

 

So we lost. What now? 6-6? It sure looks that way. I can't imagine us beating another SEC team at this point. So where do we go from here? Ride it out and hope for the best or throw some redshirts in the trash and see what the new blood brings to the table? Any other options? One thing I lnow for sure is that Gene Chizik needs to hold  staff meeting tomorrow morning and grab some folks by the throat and DEMAND performance. This is not going to be  friggin repeat performance of '08!!!  And by that I mean, no more procedure penalties, no more ilegal formations, ie, no more stupid mistakes. No more Chinese firedrill plays with the game in the balance, be it the 1st Qtr  or 4th!!!  No more sweeps after the opposing defense has shown it  can stop it after the 5th, 6 th ot 11th time. No more opposing RB's waltzing through the middle of the line for 9 yards a carry when the opposing QB isn't Snead or McElroy. No more contact free practices to save on injuries. We need to learn to shed a block and tackle somebody!!! It ain't  gonna happen with walk throughs!! We're injured. We're going to be injured and it isn't going to get any better after LSU puts another 5 or 6 guys on the shelf.  We might as well get used to it , get tough and make some tackles ......and hope to god we get some recruiting reinforcements next year.  

If Chris Todd is hurt and Gene and Gus are playing him, then they aren't any smarter than Tuberville and Franklin were, and they were responsible for the worst ,most agonizingly frustraiting Auburn  football I've ever seen. If they are going down that road...well.....thats just not a good thing. There is no reason for this. Nobody expected us to go 10-2 or 9-3 before the season started. The hope was that we could go 7-5 or maybe 8-4 if we got lucky. Probably not going to happen but its not over yet. Its time to make some serious decisions and get down to some serious gut checking. I don't  think Tuberville left the cupboard as bare as it appears.  He was able to patch together a respectable defense for most of the games last season and I think we know we have plenty of playmakers on offense if we have somebody to get the ball to them. So I think the coaches better get it together and do so quickly because there is more bad on the way. Winning was helping us with recruiting, what is losing miserably going to do to it.

 

Gene miserably failed his first gut check of the season, now he has LSU....on the road....at night.. 

God help him.

 

WarEagle and GodSpeed, its going to be a bumpy ride the rest of the way it looks like