News of the day, 11/18

Hey everyone. It's that time of year again when people get crazy and start believing one game means everything. I, Jay G., pledge to not get carried away with similar kinds of rhetoric this week. I'll write only one story about The Streak, one story about what this game means to the players. Aside from that, I'll just keep it real like you know I do.

We don't cave to special interests here. This is the HOTTEST Auburn blog on the 'net.

New carpet was installed along the coaches' corridor inside the Athletic Complex on Sunday morning, combining with some recent paint work to make the place look a tad more plush. I had to laugh when I first spotted the carpet today. Coach Tommy Tuberville is seeking significant upgrades to the complex and, whaddyaknow, here's some new carpet 10 days before Tuberville meets with school officials. Coincidence? That's no fun.

One of Tuberville's complaints about moving the Iron Bowl back a week (we're running a front-page story on this issue Wednesday) is that the rivalry gets lost in the national shuffle. Anecdotal evidence suggests he's correct. There was one caller on Tuberville's weekly teleconference today: Atlanta Journal-Constitution ace Tony Barnhart. That's the lowest turnout of the season. I found that interesting. Are you wondering why I wasn't on the teleconference? I was there in person -- with all the other beat peeps.