News of the day, 3/30
Hey everyone. Sorry about not updating after halftime of A-Day. After writing my newspaper stories from Jordan-Hare, I left immediately for a personal engagement as the kids say. I didn't have time to blog. I'm making up for that right now.So big ups for your role in making this the Auburn blog on the 'net.
Here are my stories from Sunday's editions of the Montgomery Advertiser:
QBs impressive at A-Day (from 1A)
Dunn earns passing grade at A-Day game (from sports)
AU notebook (from sports)
Auburn 4, Tennessee 3 (baseball): SS Matt Hall was the star on Sunday, consummating a ninth-inning rally with a double down the left-field line. Auburn trailed 4-0 going into the bottom of the 8th inning. The Tigers scored twice in the 8th and scored two more in the 9th to win.That gives Auburn (18-10, 4-5) SEC series wins on consecutive weekends.
You all have read the stories. You know what went down. I think the best way to work through things is to list what impressed me and didn't impress me.IMPRESSIVE STUFF
**QB Chris Todd threw pretty well in the second half. He made several weak, lofty throws in the first half. They were yucky. Then he came back in the second half and laid the hammer down. Todd made some really sharp throws on some out routes. I'd grade his day as a B, though that's a compromise between a C+ in the first half and an A- in the second half.
**QB Kodi Burns was basically as good. He made some really nice throws -- his touchdown strike to WR Robert Dunn over S Zac Etheridge was excellent -- and didn't lauch ducks like he had in some earlier practices. It's important to remember that a lot of Burns' value lies in his running ability, which is curtailed significantly in scrimmage situations. He's definitely going to play in the fall. Still, I think Todd will be the main guy.
**LB Josh Bynes was really good. He intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown. He also made a crushing hit on a third-quarter screen play. I was a little skeptical about the kid three months ago. I have a much different opinion of him now.
**S Mike McNeil was all over the place. He's more rangy than the guy he replaced, Aairon Savage, and clearly works well in Paul Rhoads' defense. Remember that McNeil was on the field a lot last season as a true freshman. He and Etheridge make a nice combo back there.
**QB DeRon Furr pleased fans with a vicious crack-back block during the fourth quarter. Several HOTTIES are enamored with Furr because of his toughness and unusual size. He certainly has both. Franklin likes to say that Furr is very, very, very, very, very raw and not ready to play a meaningful role. I just don't see how Furr is going to make much happen this fall. Auburn has better play-makers all around. He's a guy Auburn will stash away and re-assess this time next year.
UNIMPRESSIVE STUFF
**Despite some good play at quarterback, Auburn's offense didn't really thrive until the defense wore down during the second half. I understand that exploiting a tiring defensive is part of the reason Tony Franklin likes this up-tempo offense. I expected more exploitation during the first half. I also don't see how Auburn's running game is going to thrive under these conditions. While it's true that Troy ran a lot when Franklin was there last season, QB Omar Haugabook was the main cog of that rushing attack. He led the team in rushes and touchdowns. Do you see Todd being that kind of guy? The days of Brad Lester and Ben Tate getting 30 carries are over. Twenty carries might be a stretch.
**There was one drive that stuck with me above the others. Todd made a series of nice passes to get his team to the 1-yard line in the second quarter. Four plays later, the Tigers attempted a field goal after a pair of sacks. Even finesse offenses have to man up and score on a 1st-and-G from the 1.
The Auburn men didn't fare all that well at the NCAA swimming and diving championship. The Tigers finished fifth. That didn't stop junior Cesar Cielo from becoming NCAA Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive season.He won two individual titles (50 free and 100 free) along with two relay titles in the 200 free and 200 medley. That gives Cielo 10 career NCAA titles, which is an Auburn record. He's second only to Rowdy Gaines as the top Auburn swimmer of all-time, though Cielo will challenge for some medals in Beijing this summer. He could be a superstar before it's all said and done.
posted by Jay G. Tate at
3:27 PM
48 Comments:
the lack of running is disheartening. Brad lester had one catch, i still don't get it. I didn't get to see the first half because CSS was showing Auburn lose in extra innings. But i'm guessing/hoping that was a small portion of the offense. Say what ever you want about a two back formation but it's definately the best way to get one yard. It seems like this next scrimmage might tell us a little more.
Robert dunn seems to be a nice surprise in this offense. Many a negative comment have come out of my mouth about him, but i wouldn't be surprised if he was the leading receiver next year.
Lester played only momentarily and Tate didn't see a lot of action. It's difficult to draw solid conclusions based on a running game lacking its top backs.
Still, things didn't run all that smoothly.
My random, unimportant thoughts from A-Day.
1. I wouldn't worry too much about the goalline situation yesterday. Remember, a key element of that offense is spreading out the D and using a QB option to run short yardage (like Tebow). Due to the orange jerseys, that really wasn't an option yesterday. It's like playing goalline O with your strongest arm tied behind your back.
2. Assuming his arm is healthy, Todd will start and get 70-80% of snaps. He's the better passer in a passing offense.
3. I assume the following was said after Furr's crack-back (paraphrasing), "Take off that orange jersey and try that again"
4. Ben Tate should be happy in the new O. He's now going to be encouraged to run as fast as possible to the corner -- which is all it's ever seemed he wanted to do anyway.
Well it looks like our recruiting is off to a great start. Perhaps we can put those rumors about Tubs recruiting demise to rest seeing how two of our three commits also had Bama offers.
The QBs had waaaay too much time to throw the ball due to the defensive restrictions. I just dont know if Todd or Burns performaces were predictive of anything. Until Todd takes a serious hit and his shoulder stays healed, I'm not counting on him being the starter for long (if at all)this year.
To me, Kodi played much better. He looked way more comfortable in the pocket. Todd held onto the ball too long several times. In my opinion, Kodi's running ability with his continued improvement throwing the ball, trumps Todd's experience in this O. I just dont see how "Todd will be the guy"
Guys, the said before the scrimmage that they would throw more than usual. They can run. And they will run this fall.
Anonymous 8:11, I agree with you. I and many people around me said Todd wasn't as poised as Kodi was. I did think Todd started sort of picking apart the D toward the end of the 1st half and some in the 2nd. But he doesn't allow the receivers to get any YAC by throwing such a soft ball.
Also, landon, what do you mean by your comment about Tate only "wanting" to run around the end? That's just stupid.
Tristan Davis' shoes? What was up with them? They were different than anybody else's. Were they designed to give added cushion to his bum toe?
The quarterbacks are going to run regardless of their ability. That's how Franklin rolls.
The whole recruiting thing was overrated. I don't think this was Auburn's best class or anything, but that stuff is random to a degree. You do a good job and you get in position with a bunch of kids. Some go with you and some don't. Sometimes you hit 35%. Sometimes you hit 15%.
Winning on Saturdays is 100% more important than "winning" on the first Wednesday in February.
I didn't pay much attention to Tristan's shoe, but I know they were working beforehand on an apparatus to protect that foot.
I am really anxious to see how we really do "roll." I hope it's something like that big round stone ball that Indiana Jones was trying to get away from in Raider's of the Lost Ark. I mean I would like to have one year where we just go out an punish people. The kind of year where you can say before the game, "hey man, don't take this butt whoopin' personally. It's just business."
Okay, I'm going to go finish off that crack now.
They were odd looking, Jay. And he slipped a couple times in them when he looked like he had good angles.
Trott looks like he may finally become a strong asset to the team. He's comfortable in that offense.
phred, this is Franklin's offense. And he has a "dynamic" personality. If Tubs mingles too much expect major problems within the organization. I would expect that Auburn would have a chance to really put it down on some of those teams on the schedule.
On the recruiting front, one thing is quite obvious. Tubs does not like to lose. There are too many reasons in March to reveal that this is the case. I'm on of those goobs who watches recruiting very closely. Tubs is working from a very strong position right now. There's a good bit more focus than he's shown in a while. He understands from last year's experience what it will take to have one of those perceptions wins.
Yes, winning is everyting. But there is more than one way to skin a cat. There are many facets to this business that drive. Recruiting is very much one of them.
you won't understand the above post because i didn't spell check.
dag
anyone that thinks Todd "will be the guy" based on what he's done this spring is basing their opinion on a pre-conceived notion.
He's been hurt and more or less average all spring. He's never done anything impressive in Division I football even though he's had the chance.
I'm not trying to dog him, and I'm not saying he won't end up being a good quarterback here or even start, I hope he does well. But for Franklin to name him co-number 1 when he has barely played this fall and only been in the program for a few months is a joke.
I agree with the man who has no name. I think Todd is CO-1 because he has been hyped to be NO. 1. I don't think he should be handed the job, or even given the edge because he's a sexy choice. If he's the man, it needs to be very obvious in August (and on in to September), otherwise we will have to worry about our new OC's judgement or lack therof.
Has there ever been any talk of giving bynes a shot at strongside linebacker?
Not sure what game Jay watched. Todd was adequate, not the best QB by a long shot, he held the ball too long (the defense didn't blitz). He also has very average arm speed and acuracy. This guy was recruited by one school before Franklin came to Auburn-Troy. We have watched Kodi beat a good Clemson defense with his arm and legs. Our defense can't contain him, what other SEC D can? We better win every game Todd starts or Franklin will be on trouble.
Good points about Todd. I agree with it all. I think perhaps the reason he is CO-#1 is to motivate Burns to be better and continue to improve/compete, which is a clever move by CTF. I like what he said about stats dont matter and it being what he feels in his gut of who can lead the team and win. Ultimately, I think Kodi is that guy. Franklin is just giving him some reasons to work harder.
Kodi beat Clemson?
He threw for 22 yards (one completion) and rushed for 69.
Brandon was 25-of-39 for 211 yards.
And you make fun of me for which game I'm watching?
JayG helps make my point.
Remember back to the Clemson game. Franklin seemed to have little to no confidence in Kodi's throwing ability. For the most part, they wouldn't let him do it.
That Todd is co-#1 without being healthy (and seemingly in Franklin's dog-house about it early on) lends credence to the thoughts that Franklin either wants and/or believes Todd will be the guy. Franklin wants to throw, and I still think he (rightly) believes a healthly Todd is the better, more accurate, passer.
And before anyone accuses me of buying into the hype or pulling for him, I personally want Kodi to win -- ie "earn" -- the job. He's more dynamic, which makes AU better.
As for being called "stupid" about Ben Tate. Watch the film of AU's first 7-8 games last year and notice the % of times Ben Tate ran full speed to the sideline compared to cutting it up. Compare that % to Lester or Fanning. Then come back and call it stupid.
Tate likes building up a full head of steam around the corner.
By the way, anyone recall how Tate scored his TD's at the A-Day game?
I'm not making this up.
It's amazing how easily, and how quickly, sports media can make you forget things and believe what they want you to believe.
My example, and I really don't think I am an idiot, is when Jay G reminded me that Brandon played most of the game vs. Clemson.
But having read rivals and all that crap for the last 3 or four months, I have been walking around thinking that Kodi single handedly scored every point.
Just thought it was interesting. Thanks for the reality check Jay G.
Anonymous, put your UF and LSU game tapes in. Tate carved up the middle methodically. The end arounds are something he surprisingly excels at. He's a total back. I wasn't a fan until the '07 season about midway through.
Jay,
I just wanted to let you know that the series where we got down to the one and and didn't score both Tubberville and Franklin said that in a real game situation we would have run the ball. Tubbs even went as far as to say that we would have two backs in the game. As far as your comments about the defense not tiring down until the 2nd half...the blue team had 23 points in the first half. The 2nd half was even more vanilla then the first.
Anyway, thanks for you observations and War Eagle.
The Chris Todd comments are way off base. There is a lot more than just scrimmages that the coaches have to go off. Meetings, the class room, the film room. Understanding the reads in this offense is very important and obviously Chris Todd's time in this offense (5 years I think?) puts him at a huge advantage to our other QBs. Let the coaches coach, and admit that you have no idea what is going on at practice, the film room, and all the meetings our players go through.
Kodi by no means beat clemson with his arm. He did lead the team in rushing yards and pulled his own weight in the fourth quarter/overtime (on the ground). If kodi burns ends up being the guy Auburn would be much better suited going to a west virginia type spread offense in my opinion. Pat white is a marginal passer at best. The problem seems to be that Tony Franklin wants to throw way before running the ball. Chris Todd seems to be that guy if healthy. I still got my money on a two quarterback rotation.
anonymous 12:50, all these character traits you're assigning Chris Todd....he's not completed one full semester at Auburn and he's practiced very little. His throwing motion indicates pain and caution. And his throws were like arched feathers.
Where are you coming from?
Anyone who thinks coaches are always right need to seriously reconsider the man crush tendancy. Franklin will give Todd every single shot he can. He's made that promise. Any rational person, or "fan", can see that.
Chris Todd was a very good high school QB...but he wasn't THAT great. He would have ended up having more options out of high school than he did. Throw in the juco route he took and there's even more evidence that he was not exactly in high demand.
Let's stop the him haw.
Jay, there might be a reason Todd was going to Troy (as his only option) before Auburn and he has already transfered from a D-1 school.
Have you ever been on a job where the boss is intent on making sure "his guy" succeeds? That's the feeling I get when I hear Franklin talk about him.
I want the best guy to win the job, but to have a guy come in from JUCO and spend the whole spring hurt - then be named co-number 1 is a joke.
You also might want to add that Burns only threw 3 passes in the bowl game and accounted for 2 of AU's 3 TD's, not to mention carrying the team on the game-winning overtime drive.
Anonymous, you're right. You used the perfect analogy for Todd and Franklin. I've seen that stuff over and over. We don't know what it took to get Todd to Auburn. And we don't know who didn't get the opportunity to come as a result.
Coaches livelihood depend on winning football games. Tony franklin is going to put the guy or guys out there that are going to run his system the best regardless if it's his guy or not.
A CEO's livelihood depends on returning value to shareholders, but ego's are a powerful thing.
From listening to Franklin speak these first few months, there is no shortage of confidence (sometimes in the form of ego). I'm not saying thats always a bad thing, see Steve Spurrier, but you are way too gullible if you don't think coaches don't play favorites just like bosses and fans.
here's a weird thought. I wonder if we could design any plays with a 2 QB set. Think that would throw some people off?
one lines up left of center, one right of center. who's he going to snap it to? I don't know man.
We could call it the Q-bone.
easy there phred, don't hurt yourself.
Tony franklin has seen plenty of chris todd's ability he obviously thinks he can run the system. He also has yet to write off kodi burns. I just don't think it is crazy for him to name Todd the co-number 1.
crudup: "And we don't know who didn't get the opportunity to come as a result."
We signed a LONG SNAPPER. I think we can make room for chris todd.
Ron, that didn't exactly answer the question. But nice try. We're using a two QB system. End of the QB discussion.
This thread is blowing up. Jay, now you know what gets this bunch going. I wonder if the average length of visit has risen from 52 seconds. It takes longer than 52 seconds to tread all these comments
Jay doesn't even need to post new material anymore on the main page. You can get it all here from the know it alls.
I love the stuff where people make statements as if they understand the psyche of Tony Franklin...as if he's the CEO of a multi billion dollar corporation and whatever he says must genius.
If Chris Todd is so great, why couldnt he cut it at Texas Tech? Why did no other spread coordinator offer him a scholy?
Maybe I'm biased, but I consider us to be head and shoulders above Texas Tech. Why is their castoff good enough to come here and potentially start at QB?
I'm not saying Todd cant be (or shouldnt be) the man. I just get the impression, like many on here, that he is being force fed to us by Franklin without really proving anything.
I wish all the anonymous' would pick a freakin' name.
I mean really ... just make some crap up dudes. Call yourself Jimmy Numb Nuts from Notasulga. Anything ... just SOMETHING OTHER THAN ANONYMOUS.
I agree with....anonymous.
anonymous, I get it.
2 QB SYSTEM
Done deal.
Todd has completed over 75% of his passes this spring. Kodi can run circles around a good portion of defenders out there. And, his passing game continues to improve.
As always, that A Day game means relatively nothing. It was just a a little morsel thrown to the fans to "tide" them over until fall.
"tide"
Yes...
Two QB System:
How will it work? The players will have a favorite. This isn't exactly the UF scenario.
For crying out loud. Let's start a new thread!
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