News of the day, 9/26

Hey everyone. It's rare that I give opinion about how Auburn will do in an upcoming game because, really, I have no idea most of the time. I'm not around the kids enough. Protocol is being broken here. I get the sense that Auburn is going to play pretty well in Gainesville.

Will Auburn win? Probably not. All I'm saying is: I expect to be surprised by the Tigers' competence this weekend. I get the sense that Hugh Nall's decision to boot King Dunlap and Mike Berry from the starting lineup in favor of two (good) 18-year-olds has sparked a pretty emotional reaction. The team seems truly motivated for the first time in a while.

I am gracious for all the HOTTIES who keep making the HOTTEST Auburn blog on the 'net such a happy place. Big up.

I'm definitely not calling anyone a liar, but I'd be careful with those Tristan Davis predictions. Tuberville said Tuesday that Davis could be back soon. Maybe he's a fast healer. I talked with Tristan after the New Mexico State game and he was less optimistic than expected about how his toe is coming along. He tried to jog off the field but ended up looking like an old lady with all the hobbling. He's nowhere near 100 percent. I think it'll take him another three weeks to re-emerge as a useful option.

I asked around about Montez Billings being moved into the top spot at flanker. That struck me as odd. The thought there is that Billings, unlike many of his fellow wideouts, hasn't made mistakes yet. He hasn't made plays, either. The staff really wants to get Chris Slaughter on the field. He catches the ball. The problem is that he's having to shed some bad route-running habits. He also lacks a firm grasp of the offense. The staff is testing him daily in an effort to boost his overall awareness and aptitiude. Slaughter spent his high-school and prep-school days just going out there and ballin'. That doesn't work in college. Not with this coaching staff.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE: I snagged my copy of Halo 3. Great game. I'm concerned about the 12-year-olds are going to affect the Live community. Annoying. TE Cole Bennett already is half-way through the game. It's been out for less than 48 hours.

Also, I snagged the new will.i.am album off iTunes. Absolutely dreamy and great. My favorite track is "The Donque Song," which is destined to be an iPod staple for yours truly. As an added bonus, Snoop Dogg lifts things during the last two minutes.

The album sounds a lot like Black Eyed Peas, which makes sense since will.i.am is the brains behind that operation.