Auburn report, 9/14

Hey everyone. It's been a fun week around Auburn. This has the makings of a great game, and it's really interesting to me how the beat writers -- both Auburn and LSU -- can't get a read on who will win. I usually have a good feeling beforehand. I don't this time.

• I'll write more about this in my Ten Things column one of these days, but I have this feeling that Will Muschamp will be the next head coach at Auburn. My friend Tommy (not Tuberville) brought this idea to me a few weeks ago and I was intrigued. Now I'm sold.
  I'm not talking about tomorrow or next week. I mean when Tuberville goes to the NFL, or retires, or whatever will happen to him. The more I talk to Will and talk to people about Will, the more I think he's going to be a special head coach. I know his tenure at Auburn is in the early stages. He's made for this environment and I'm 99% sure he's going to be a great assistant at Auburn for a while.
  
• With Borges and Muschamp under contract, Auburn is at a strategic advantage on most days. Teams always are seeking guys who can make thoughtful adjustments in-game, which sounds easy but is very difficult. Those two will be big-time head coaches 10 years from now.
  
• Did you know that Tre Smith started against MSU as a "W" receiver ahead of Lee Guess? I don't know what that means, either.
  
• I'll admit that I was hooked on the Carl-Stewart-is-a-secret-weapon thing we all talked about during the preseason. Looks like he's right back where he was last season: Blocking back who gets 2 carries per game. I think he's better than that.
  
• Tommy Trott is in a tough spot now. Gabe McKenzie is a far superior blocker, and now he's showing the ability to make plays. I maintain that Trott is an excellent receiver. I just don't know how he's going to get lots of chances to shine when Cole Bennett and McKenzie are the top two options.
  
• Some gals from Eagle Eye News spent time Tuesday interviewing Neil Caudle during the weekly media-player powwow. I kept thinking: He's the fourth-team quarterback. What does he have to say? I'll be interested to hear. LSU week seems like an unusual time to delve into the Neil Caudle story. Maybe John Vaughn or Courtney Taylor instead?
  
• It's neat to see Al Borges play with his son, Cole. The kid gives Borges a smile he didn't have before and it's obvious to everyone around. I'm glad Cole hangs around as much as he does.
  
• I'm not sure Robert Dunn is going to work out on the punt-return team. He likes the side-to-side business. Eddie Gran, Auburn's special-teams czar, demands straight-ahead work. Something's gotta give.
  
• Tray Blackmon, suspended indefinitely for a summer arrest, sounds like a guy who believes he won't be playing soon. I got a different feeling from fellow suspendee Kevin Sears, whom I expect back in uniform soon.