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10.29.2008

Football talk, 10/29


Here are some (at least mildly) interesting things I've heard lately.

  • K Wes Byrum on if he feels pressure because the offense doesn't score touchdowns: "A little bit. When we're not putting a lot of points up and you go out there, they need the three points. We need it. We're not getting the ball in the end zone as much and when they fight and get me in range and I don't make it it's kind of tough. It's just something I've got to deal with."

  • Tommy Tuberville on the possibility of not being bowl-eligible: "You can’t worry about all of that, you just keep worrying about getting better. We’re a better team now than we were three weeks ago. I think our offense is much improved and they have a lot of room for improvement and we’ll get better with each practice. I told the team on Sunday and I’ll tell them every day, ‘We want to get better every day in practice.’ That’s the only thing that we can handle. Don’t worry about wins and losses or who we play, whether it’s on television or whether you’re bowl-eligible. None of that stuff is going to make a difference."

  • LB Chris Evans on being worried about making a bowl game: "You could say that. Coach (Paul) Rhoads just said do like we've done in teh past, just be consistent. The small things we did in the first four games, then it fell off a lot."

  • Evans on the defense's apparent lack of energy: "I would't say we didn't have energy. It's not like we're out of shape. We've got to start playing with a sense of urgency in the second half like we do in the first half, because we come out strong in the first half."

  • TB Mario Fannin on if he noticed West Virginia's defense making adjustments: "I have no idea."

  • Fannin on if he's heard from Ole Miss' Patrick Trahan, a former Auburn player: "I think some guys have. I haven't, but I'm pretty sure he'll be calling pretty soon."

  • Assistant coach Don Dunn on why West Virginia was so effective: "They probably had better quickness and speed than we realized. We didn't do a good job of getting where we needed to be and we missed some tackles. That's basically what happened in the second half. I think we panicked a little bit."

  • Dunn on DT Zach Clayton, who has played all our positions along the defensive front this season: "It's invaluable. We don't have anyone else. We would've had to move a linebacker or bring a kid up off of redshirt and we don't want to do that. It's been a blessing, to be honest with you, that he can do that."


Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.

209 Comments:

1 – 200 of 209 Newer› Newest»
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

i think as a ROF member i need to quit my job so i can devote myself full-time. there's a lot of good conversation going on and i can't keep up.

good stuff today!

12:24 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Zach Clayton is the most valuable player on Defense. Others may have more name recognition, but Clayton has quietly been getting the job done everywhere he plays.

12:24 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Zack Clayton is a front-runner for the HABOTN Blue-Collar Player of the Year.

12:29 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Jay G,

As a College Basketball Hall of Fame coach, I wanted to let you know that there are no hard feelings because I won't be inducted into the Ring of Fire. I will keep posting comments that I hope will be thought provoking, concise, and cogent. More importantly, I will always have your back.

Best Regards

12:30 PM  
Blogger Hornet said...

I hope the fact that "we've gotten better over the last 3 weeks" translates into a solid performance Saturday

12:30 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Zach Clayton reminds me of Roger "Instant Defense" Burkman of the 1980 national championship team.

12:31 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Denny, you do good work. There is no doubt. You're also a well-respected coach. The fact that you already have a call into Lute Olson shows just how classy you are.

12:32 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Other than just to read the fruits of Jay G's labors. Please don't try to gain any useful information from CTT's weekly press conferences. If you believe anything at all, believe that the information is part of some masterful deception plan that makes anything the Allies did before D-day seem amatuerish.

12:33 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

The Don Dunn comment kills me: "more speed than we realized"? Really, you didn't watch any of their games last year, maybe the Oklahoma game by chance? Go back to Atlanta Sugar Bowl against Georgiia? I believe that they learned that very same lesson against the very same QB. I'm the only one that finds that comment crazy?

12:34 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Well, I am now a working member of the media, just like you.

12:35 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

aren't Super Mario's comments disturbing? "I have no idea." wouldn't you notice if an opposing D started doing something different to stop you? i guess that goes along with not being graded out, eh?

12:35 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

I don't consider a RB's comments that disturbing. It would be different if the same thing came from the OL or QB. Which I believe the QB might have already said something along those lines. RB's traditionally don't really pay attention to adjustments, that typically is the domain of about every other position on the offense. I don't Kenny Irons even knew where the play was supposed to go sometimes....well....most times. Nor,,,for that matter did he really care as long as he was getting the rock.

12:39 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

thanks Coach Crum. i feel much better now.

12:41 PM  
Blogger Hornet said...

Patrick Trahan - Dwayne Curtis - Enrique Davis - Coredera Eason - Jerrell Powe - We've been a freakin' pipeline to Ole Miss the last few years. They were all either enrolled or signed besides Eason right?

12:43 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

I didn't say that the OL didn't know. I just said I would feel worse if they said it. My guess is that they didn't recognize it either. Scottie B, your reply back sounded like Dr. House,....err..I mean Hugh Laurie.

But as a College Basketball HOF coach,,,I can handle it.

Jay G...when do you want to go trout fishing in Montana with me? It could be like a "River Runs Through It."

12:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, the interesting fact is that Rhoades coached a defense that beat WVU last year. And Devine ran all over the place, even though he was shorter than the O-line.

12:50 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Even better point Au1n04.

12:52 PM  
Blogger Dear Leader said...

CTT too kind to ath who want to transfer. needs to send them to WAC or MAC.

12:57 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

not sure about Hugh Laurie coach. i'm not a HOUSE watcher. maybe we should ask wartiger. i think he's our resident HOUSE watcher.

Hornet, that is pretty crazy about the Ole Miss pipeline. i had forgotten about all those guys. how much better could our basketball boys have been if Curtis had stayed? we've desperately been lacking that big man in the middle.

12:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe Fannin can teach CTT how to respond to questions. That answer pretty well sums up the season for me. I guess now he will be made unavaliable for comment. Oh, that's right that only applies to the high-priced coaches. Thanks for the honest answer Mario.

1:07 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I have a feeling that Finebaum is going to tee off on Spina today.

1:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

scotties right, its hard to keep up with all the good conversation, with school, i guess ill drop out..but reffering to the Chris Evans question, who thought we wouldn't be bowl eligible at the start of the year? my my my..

1:11 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

jhag- we are not out of being bowl eligible yet. I bet we make it.

1:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

1:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Finebaum is like a wreck, I have no idea why I listen or watch him on the internet but I can't turn away.

Does anyone else have someone else to listen to? I am too far North to get anything about the SEC on a regular basis. I mean it snowed in my state this morning for pete's sake.

1:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Why am I getting that strange feeling that the team may finally put it all together this weekend?

Am I a homer, blindly optimistic, out of my gord, or just being sucked in to the Tuberville legacy*?


*Tuberville legacy - win games when no one thinks there's a chance

1:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mr. Sensible, you have the feeling I had when I drove to Morgantown and froze my butt off. Before we were berated by drunk Mountain Ears laughing at the SEC. For playing 45 minutes of football.

1:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe so au1n04. I picked against Auburn in a pick 'em contest, but now I wonder if I was wrong?...

1:19 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

Sensi, I'll retort:

"Am I a homer, blindly optimistic, out of my gord, or just being sucked in to the Tuberville legacy*?"

YES!
YES!
YES!

i just can't help it. i'm with you but i sure ain't putting any money on it.

btw, the dudes from 740am just gave a shout-out to the 'hotties' and JG. sweet.

1:20 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Roundtable- Tubs can definitely regain the trust. You will be surprised how far 2 wins will go, especially if one is bama. I think you just hear the negative people more than the positive people. Negativity flows freely.

1:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it at all possible for CTT to speak without using the works, "much improved?"

1:20 PM  
Blogger scott,will not,from tucson said...

tucson's pretty upset about the whole lute olson thing. it's been a strange year and a half for their basketball team.

1:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's doubtful, Tim.

Is there a campfire today?

1:22 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Yeah, Mr. S...I get that same feeling every week. Only to be crushed again. I am sure one day soon it will come together though!

Also, I wish there was a quote function on here (other than copy and paste). When you guys get going it's hard to figure out who is responding to who or to what comment.

1:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Mr S., you are definitely an optimist, as am I. I don't know about putting it all together, but I am hoping one of our runningbacks has a breakout game.

I do try to keep my expectations low so I am not disappointed, but it would be wonderful to hear the name of a receiver called during the game other than Rod Smith or Dunn. I suppose hearing Swinton's name called is too much to ask for, but perhaps Hawthorn or Zachary.

1:24 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

That winning when no one gave us a chance was the WVU game. Ole Miss will probably stomp us. Although I admit, CTT is a pretty good counter puncher. Much like Nutt.

Have you ever watched a fight between two counter punchers? No one wants to through the first punch. My prediction 3-2.

1:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kristina you make a good point.

1:24 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

I think Burns will continue to improve. I am not sold on the RBs now. Unless Brad can put together a good game this week, I feel we are toast.

1:27 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Jay:

Any news on Tray?

1:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

SteveFC, I'm not sure we have a game-breaking RB right now.

Tate is a pounder but not a breakout kinda player.
Lester is good in small doses and situations, but also fumbles a lot.
Fannin is largely unproven and underutilized.
Davis is a good KR, but has questionable durability.
Smith is really young.

Did I miss any?

1:28 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Mr. S- you are missing Enrique Davis.

1:33 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Tate is the closest thing we have to a breakout runningback. He is faster than he appears.

Lester and Davis have both been injury prone. I wouldn't bet on them being able to get off the bus without getting injured.

Fanin has potential, but I am not sold on him just yet.

1:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

1:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Does anyone know why Rich Rod is under fire at Michigan? They had to know there would be years of growing pains with that system.

Imagine if he had taken the Alabama job? Bricks through the windows, that's all I'm saying.

1:36 PM  
Blogger Just Win AU said...

Mr. S, I think you are being sucked in by the Tubs legacy...
I was sucked into it last Thursday and I'm sure on Saturday morning while driving to Oxford I'll get sucked in again.

1:38 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Mr. S- They just gave Rich Rod a 6 year extension last week. I believe that should relieve some stress.

I did send my Auburn predition into the roundtable as Auburn 24-17. Hope they count it and take it to the bank.I will enjoy the $50 gift certificate.

1:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can't believe people are STILL drinking the Tate Kool-Aid.

1:41 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

740 just gave our boy Phred a shout-out. the HABOTN is taking over.

eddie, they already gave RichRod an extension? seriously?

1:41 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Rodriguez signed a 6 year contract last friday.

Rodriguez Contract

1:45 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Scottie, I dont think it was an extension. I think they never finalized his actual contract. Which in itself is odd...

1:47 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Griff, when people are thirsty then will drink whatever kool-aid you give them.

1:48 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

*then=they

1:49 PM  
Blogger michael said...

I like kool-aid. Black cherry was always my favorite as a kid.

The people flavored kool-aid Hotties talk about here all the time sounds gross, though.

1:52 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

thanks eddie/kristina. that makes MUCH more sense.

1:52 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

The other back is Eric Smith. I don't see him having a breakout game, although it could happen. I just have yet to see him look like a dominant player. Call him little Rudy all you like, but until he has one of those pounding the defense kind of games, he is unproven.

1:52 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Gary Busey could play either Joe Namath or Kenny Stabler in the upcoming features.

Sorry, I'm at home with my sick daughter and listening to the Round table.

1:54 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Michael- Epcially Tubs smashes thru your wall delivering it.

1:54 PM  
Blogger JD said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

1:55 PM  
Blogger michael said...

So how many times this year can we say "Tuberville wins when his back is against the wall" or "Tubs always manages to pull out a victory when no one expects them to win" before we have to admit that is no longer the case?

1:56 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I think Tuberville's back is against the uhaul sitting in his driveway right now.

1:57 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

good analogy eddie. if ever there was a time to win one, this is it.

1:59 PM  
Blogger michael said...

I like that. Tuberville always pulls one out with his back against the Uhaul!

So after he gets fired, I can't wait for the commentaries telling us not to count him out. "Tommy Tuberville always does his best when no one believes in him. Well, belief in him has dropped to an all-time low after he was fired from his position as Head Coach at Auburn. Expect Tuberville and the Tigers to bounce back this year and win the West."

2:00 PM  
Blogger James in Auburn said...

There may be a pine box attached to that U-haul for extra storage capacity...

2:04 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

I think we will keep saying Tuberville wins with his back against the wall until we lose to Alabama. Then we will stop ;-)

Completely OT: For some reason when I try to post a pic ot my profile, it kicks me off my wireless connection and I have to reboot the router.

2:04 PM  
Blogger michael said...

HABOTN has been known to burn holes through routers. Be careful.

2:07 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

The hotness cannot be contained!

2:08 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

kristina, i'm not sure what the problem is. when i click on your name is says PROFILE NOT AVAILABLE. when i click on anyone else's i can view theirs. wierd.

2:08 PM  
Blogger James in Auburn said...

Kristina,

I think that the profiles have to be enabled first. Try doing that then uploading the pic.

2:09 PM  
Blogger Just Win AU said...

Interesting comments by Scott VanPelt on Finebaum just now...

2:11 PM  
Blogger James in Auburn said...

What was said Just? I can't stomach the F bomb enough anymore to actually listen.

2:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

OKay, dang it, now I have to listen to mindbomb again. You people are corrupting me.

2:14 PM  
Blogger Just Win AU said...

VanPelt just said that Auburn would be CRAZY to get rid of Tubs. He went through Tubs record, brought up Bama and how they will always be king in this state and Tubs has beaten them 6 times in a row and that if Auburn gets rid of Tubs he hopes Auburn falls flat on their face.

2:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What the hell. According to Mario Fanin, one would assume that our offensive players have no idea when the defense adjusts...thats just sad. I could tell WVU's defense adjusted and I was sitting on a coach about 12 beers into it.

2:15 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

Scott VanPelt goes on a rant saying AU fans that are calling for Tubs to be fired are basically nuts and there is no way John Gruden would come to AU. basically anyone who wants CTT fired is stupid. he was pretty fired up.

2:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whats the knock on tate, hardest runnin back since and brown

2:16 PM  
Blogger Hornet said...

If John Gruden comes...can he bring Caddy with him?

2:18 PM  
Blogger Just Win AU said...

Thanks Scottie, I totally forgot the Gruden comment

2:18 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

I am definitely missing Enrique. Isn't it ironic, that if we had been running our current "three-week" offense in February, Enrique would be running for us.

As such, we do not have the spread, and we do not have Enrique.

2:18 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

anyone know when a campfire might be lit, i'm chopping wood in theyard and don't wanna miss it.

2:20 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Well...I knew it was comming as soon as read the Scarbinsky article today. Finebaum is tearing Spina a new one.

Most people seem to blieve that this is a ploy by the PTB to create chaos on Tubs staff to get them wondering if they are getting fired at the end of the year. I don't trust Spina, but I hope his intentions are genuine. The fact that he said something telling how the Gouge felt about Tubs and Gouge not making any personal statements is scary to me.

2:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

spot on mark

2:21 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

awk, what was the name of the coach you were sitting on drinking bear? Was it Franklin by any chance?

2:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think someone should get Jason Campbell to call Kodi and have a nice conversation about being a QB. Especially one at Auburn. Just a thought. I think JC went through some similar trials and tribulations while he was here.

2:27 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I think I read where Campbell had talked with Kodi at one point earlier in the season.

2:32 PM  
Blogger michael said...

All these elder statesmen giving advice to the young uns... don't see a lot of value. Our players who aren't doing so hot are keenly aware that sometimes players suck and then get better. They also know sometimes you suck and lose your playing job. is a conversation with NFL players or NFL rejects gonna change anything?

And SVP is right about the gruden thing. I laugh every time I hear that. Why not just go for Parcells or Jeff Fischer. Where does this Gruden crap come from? Is there something I don't know?

2:37 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

jdinmacon- I also bet Brandon Cox could also give Kodi a good speach.

2:39 PM  
Blogger War Eagle Girl said...

I hate Finebaum......listen to Sports Call when I can

2:41 PM  
Blogger James in Auburn said...

Michael,

Gruden seems to be perpetually on the hot seat at Tampa. That would be the contributing factor to the Gruden rumors that pop up each year.

2:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I can't believe there are people that take mindbomb serious enough to want to kick his butt. There are stupid people in this world. If you allow every one of them to piss you off, you will never be content.

2:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you havent' seen the
passorcatch2008.com it's pretty killer, I also can't say icare much for doug flutie and his anti sec rhetoric

2:50 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I agree Steve. It must be a pretty sorry life you live if you let someone on the radio get you that stired up over football. Give me a break.

2:52 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Deep words from Steve...dead on.

Finebammer does what he does because people will talk about him. He embodies the phrase "all press is good press"

2:53 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Hey! I have a pic! Thanks for the advice guys...

2:54 PM  
Blogger War Eagle Girl said...

The guys on Sports Call don't seem to know alot but at least they are more positive

2:55 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Nice pic Kristina, and taken in an appropriate place:)

2:56 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Hottie nation is really taking off. Got to love it. Way to get your picture up Kristina.

2:57 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Thought I would get a little nastolgic and remember once upon a time when we used to roll a place called Toomer's Corner...

Anyone remember those days...ahhh good times ;-)

2:58 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I should have rolled after the UT game. Who would of thought that might be our biggest win of the year.

3:00 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

argh...I also wish you could edit your own comments so no one would know you can't spell...

3:00 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

That ESPN guy actually made some good points. Tuberville has been able to run a clean program, graduate a lot of players, and still win a lot of games. He deserves a lot of credit.

Charles from Realtown needs to take the opportunity to shut up about Pat Dye. I appreciate what Coach Dye did for Auburn, but it is in the past. He sounds like fans of another team in the state who want to compare the current coach with another coach that is long gone.

3:01 PM  
Blogger War Eagle Girl said...

I actually need to get back to work so will catch up later! War Eagle!

3:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Steve, I meant couch, but now that you mentioned it, Franklin's got nothing better to do.

3:05 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

3:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I think Brandon Cox will be looked back on as one of AU's most underrated QB's. A lot of fans (myself included) trashed him routinely, but in the end, he won a lot of games at AU, and had some really awesome games.

Kodi needs a QB mentor - JC would be perfect. Cox wouldn't be that bad either, JC obviously has proven himself as an NFL QB though. Ensminger obviously can't coach QB's, no one else on the staff can either, and Franklin, well, who knows about that guy.

If I look at this team from a position standpoint, the two positions that stand out to me are QB and WR. These are the two weakest positions on the team. OL is running a close third.

How about Dameyune Craig for QB coach??? He does own the all time passing yards in a football game record (like 700 yards or something)... another wild thought.

3:11 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am sorry folks, but this guy on the radio that is blaming the offensive issues on the quarterback is full of crap. Yes, we have growing pains with inexperienced QBs, but that is normal. The unique performance of the receivers as well as the offensive line have much more to do with this. Heck, I think Ziemba is leading the SEC in lookout blocks.

3:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Zach Clayton is no Brent Slusher.

3:14 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Brandon Cox was much better than he was given credit for being. He often tried to make something happen because he didn't have any playmakers around him. Just like the QBs this year, they struggle because the receivers are not getting open. If you watch a good passing team you will see receivers catching the ball without someone right up next to them. If you watched Cox, he was having to thread the needle much more often than he should have had to. Cox wasn't the greatest Auburn QB, but he very well may have been the most accurate passer we have had, and I am including Pat Sullivan. Cox just didn't have a Terry Beasley and supporting cast. Courtney Taylor was about it.

3:15 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Speaking of Jason, did any see the video from the Washington Post (The Auburner put it up).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/28/AR2008102803548.html

Fluffy, yes, but makes me proud Jason went to Auburn.

Maybe that will be CTT legacy...not wins or losses but classy guys who kept grounded after going to the NFL. Or maybe he'll just be the coach that beat Bama 6 times, but couldn't realy get it together otherwise.

3:16 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I love Daymeune Craig, but I don't see him as a QB coach.

i think he is a wr's coach now.

3:17 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Craig is a RB coach

3:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

we need a WR coach too...

JC is having a good year this year - Zorn appears to be a better fit for him than previous Redskins coaches. BTW, Carlos Rogers is also having an outstanding year for them.

Zach Clayton is a local product from Opelika a la Tez Dolittle, Will Herring, TJ Jackson. He had a good sack on Pat White during the WVU game.

3:23 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It is nice to see Jason Campbell getting the credit he deserves. At one point I was defending him when people wanted him benched in favor of Cox.

Todd has been criticized unjustly also.

We kind of have a tradition at Auburn of trashing starting quarterbacks at Auburn. With Campbell, Cox, Todd, and Burns the issues have largely been with the receivers rather than the quarterback.

In the case of Todd, he has gotten worse during the season, but that seems to be due to lack of arm strength along with trying to make something happen. Todd is a smart QB. If Todd had Burn's arm strength and athletic ability we would likely be undefeated this season.

3:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Kodi needs some snaps and some confidence, that is it. I remember when jason campbell was sluggin it out with daniel cobb and was like a kid with the training wheels off. JC grew from week to week and finally was a complete player making some amazing fakes that fooled everyone. Hopefully Kodi can come around the next few games and start asserting himself more. Receivers catching the catchable ball wouldn't hurt either. I'd simply flip if the receivers finally showed up for the last third of the season.

3:25 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has Todd ever had surgery on that shoulder? Maybe he should go ahead and do it if he hasn't. Get healed for next year?

3:25 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I don't think he had surgery. I think it ended up being worse than they had thought. I do think we were in a tough situation early in the season. Each QB had part of what we need.

In terms of this season, Burns has the biggest potential, but he couldn't get defenses to respect his passing ability early. He seems to have matured.

Todd was a good choice early on, but they really needed to bring Burns along quicker.

3:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Any time you can watch a game and see 3, 4, or 5 dropped passes, the receivers need work. I use to get so frustrated when Campbell was criticized and I watch the game and see all the drops.

3:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree and also with Cotton coming in and having Trotter, Caudle and Todd seem to be the odd men out.

3:30 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Todd hasn't had shoulder surgery and, honestly, doctors in general don't agree on the best treatment for a Grade 3 separations. Many intelligent doctors insist surgery rarely helps. Others were ready to cut yesterday. It's a tough call.

3:31 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

BTW, I'm really glad to hear you all getting shout-outs on the Roundtable. Josh and Doug are big-time HABOTN proponents ... and their version of talk radio (generally) dovetails nicely with how we roll here.

3:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dang. Scott Van Pelt was giving Auburn fans who want ti run Tubs heck today.

I just heard that and was like, whoa.

3:32 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

au1n04- I believe that Todd may not be able to have surgery now since he chose to let it heal naturally. I believe I read where a surgery now could actually make it worse.

3:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jay G back in the house!! Thanks for the update.

3:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Craig once threw for 611 yards and 5 TD's in a NFL Europe game for the Claymores. His helmet, ball and jersey from that game are enshrined in the Pro Football hall of fame in Canton, Ohio.

Well I guess if you're NFL career doesn't pan out, you've always got the "hey I'm in the Hall of Fame" line!

3:35 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I like Scott Van Pelt and I've heard that rant a few times now. I do believe that is what the reaction would be nationally if we let him go.

3:35 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Eddie, I think you are right. I think the loud ones are in the minority. At WVU, many were in favor and cheered loudly when they saw Tubs. One guy spoke out through the whole game and I asked why he even came.

3:37 PM  
Blogger Just Win AU said...

I agree with you Eddie.

3:40 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Scott Van Pelt, once upon a time, dated an Auburn graduate named Miranda. I was a big fan of Miranda. You would have been a big fan of Miranda.

I'm guessing this happened before he met Miranda?

3:42 PM  
Blogger Just Win AU said...

Peace out Hotties. Maybe I'll check in later tonight after the gym.

3:44 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

If you haven't heard that voicemail ... it's among the most cringe-worthy 2 minutes you'll hear. Totally safe for work, but ... I'm really glad voicemail wasn't around when I shared "cork and bottle relationships" with anonymous people.

3:44 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

this must be a heckuva download. it's taking it's sweet time loading.

3:48 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I seriously doubt that Cotton will become the starter immediately. I am betting he has a redshirt season.

3:49 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I agree scottie. It is still trying to down load for me also.

3:49 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Steve- I bet we are looking at Burns and Trotter battling it out for starter.

3:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Maybe I'm nitpicking, but is Tuberville just at the point he can say whatever he wants no matter what? I feel like the guy could say the sky is green and grass is blue and no one would think otherwise.
After having three progressively worse losses, and a list of 11 guys on the front page of this site who are banged up, how on earth is this team better? Heck, there isn't one healthy HB on the entire team.

Then theres the part about not worrying about wins and losses and who they play because it doesn't make a difference. Really? Then why is it during big game weeks, like say LSU, the coaches are always talking about how the practices are so much more energized and the players are working harder.

Oh, and why do the coaches keep talking about how West Virginia's speed was so surprising? Rhoads has only coached against them the last seven years. If there was ever a team that wouldn't be a surprise for the D I would've predicted it be WV. I'm just thinking it's a good thing that Slaton left early.

3:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That was truly amazing Jay! Thanks for sharing. I will never listen to Scott Van Pelt with the same tone again.

"I should be happy with anyone that doesn't have a clubbed foot."

WOW!

3:53 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Wait for it..wait for it- Finally got it Jay. Classic. That's would I would do, call up a girl and say she has made every check mark on his check list. That was good. Still love Scott.

3:54 PM  
Blogger Scott M. Brannan said...

worth the download wait. i've always liked the guy. too funny.

3:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

That would be my guess eddie, Trotter and Burns competing. Likely Burns will be the starter and Trotter the backup. The only hope Todd would have is if his arm makes a remarkable recovery. I don't think they would have signed him if they realized how truly bad it is. As for Neil Caudle, I don't see him in the mix.

3:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Scott Van Pelt - A fine Univ of MD alum. "Fear the Turtle!!" Makes us here in MD very proud.

That is classic but not as classic as Pat O'Brien which is not good for work.

Also I did figure Cotton would not vye for the starting spot. He is long term future.

3:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jay - What would you say the priority for the team outside of the obvious? Week to week improvement, healing and whatever. We need an OC a direction at this point. Are they even thinking beyond or is it truly week to week.

3:57 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

That was as painful as that scene in Swingers where the girl's machine keeps cutting him off.

Difference...that was a movie!

I'm all for the bumbling nervous reluctant nerdy romantic types, but ouch. You should probably refrain from saying you should take a woman with a club foot at this point in your life.

3:57 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

So glad voicemail wasn't around then.

Never dated a girl with a club foot, though, so that's good. I dated a girl whose mom had a 'stache. I sabotaged that relationship quickly.

Oh, you were here for Auburn football ...?

3:57 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

For those bashing Tuberville for firing Franklin, I don't think we have the complete story on that. I think it is pretty clear something happened between Tuesday and Wednesday. My guess is that Tuberville learned of some unprofessional behavior by Franklin that he could not allow to continue.

3:58 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Auburn has a footall program?? I thought we were really good in futbol.

3:59 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Steve, I really don't think that was it. There wasn't a transgression in the sense you're thinking.

Tuberville learned pretty quickly that Franklin was a bad fit for a few reasons. Firing Day was coming sooner or later.

Reminds me of Shawshank Redemption: "His judgment cometh ... and that right soon."

4:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Fannin has me puzzled. But I should get a life.

4:07 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Fannin had me puzzled as to why he didn't get the ball more in the second half.

I really don't care if he pays attention to where the safeties are and other stuff though. Run to the hole, run fast, run hard, avoid/run over tacklers. I don't care if he knows the difference between cover 2 and cover 1.

4:10 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Fannin misses a lot of assignments. You saw a big one last week.

4:11 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Jay, I would think if there wasn't something major that happened, that CTT would have kept him as a sacrificial lamb for the end of the season.

How do you explain his rah rah Franklin speech the day before he fired him?

4:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Considering that we have already said that we are running what we do well, wrong way Fannin seriously disappointed me.

4:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Regarding the "Tubs always wins a game when no one expects it" meme:

When does the fact that we routinely expect him to win a game we don't expect him to win cancel out the fact that we don't expect him to win the game in the first place?

4:13 PM  
Blogger Jim in Scranton said...

I would just like to remind everyone that the national media slammed Auburn for firing Terry Bowden.

How could you fire a coach that won his first 20 in a row? How could you fire a coach who won the west the year before?

Guess they aren't always right.

4:15 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Wait, now we're holding players accountable and benching them for mental errors? When did this start happening? And why'd it have to start with Fannin!?

4:15 PM  
Blogger michael said...

brent lane just blew my mind.

4:16 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Who has been benched?

4:17 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

That was one thing that Franklin got right,,,,Fannin does miss a lot of assignments. Course so did Kenny Irons.

4:19 PM  
Blogger Cory said...

Mr S, Was that you I heard call into Sportscall yesterday afternoon?

4:19 PM  
Blogger michael said...

you implied fannin didn't get the ball in the second half for screwing up that hand off. Not fully benched, but they decided a gimp Tate was better than a brain-dead Fannin is my impression.

4:20 PM  
Blogger Denny Crum said...

Who said anything about anybody being benched?

4:20 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Fannin has been a bit of a disappointment too, but I think he is just following the trend.

Could we start yelling "Touchdown Auburn" after every first down? I really could use it.

We need to play a football game and we need to play it now. I have been in the zone for a couple of days now.

4:23 PM  
Blogger michael said...

I said bench. ctrl + f bench, coach.

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills.

4:23 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

No Steve, we still need firsgt downs to win the games.

4:24 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

About Franklin getting fired, if I remember correctly from his Finebaum appearance, Tuberville came in and said something like he was afraid he was going to have to do something. Franklin responded with he should do what he had to do. Somehow I think Franklin's people skills didn't help him there.

4:26 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

There have been a lot of disappointments this year. I believe it would be easier to list the bright spots.

I will start: Coleman is as good as advertised if not better.

Next??

4:27 PM  
Blogger JD said...

OMG Jay that Voicemail is one of the craziest things that i've ever heard. Now my thoughts are while i completely agree w/his rant today i can't believe that ESPN would let someone like him represent them.

4:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Jimmy Johnson? You gots to be kidding me. Please no.

4:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Cory,

Yes, that was me. I picked Ole Miss. I waffled earlier today. Now I think Ole Miss will win. I flushed the kool-aid from my system and got back to rationality.

4:30 PM  
Blogger Jay G. Tate said...

Poor Scott Van Pelt.

Mean ol' bloggers keep bringing up past transgressions.

4:31 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

I'll take Scott's gig. Even if I had to tote the company line of USC is unbeatable and this is Ohio State's year.

4:32 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I have to think Ole Miss has the edge. They have a decent passing game and four runningbacks that can get the job done for them. Their defense isn't too shabby either. Should we beat Ole Miss, it will be a very good sign. If we best them convincingly, I would be shocked.

4:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I agree with Jim. Sometimes I think the national media sees things MUCH differently than the local media who cover the team and program on a regular basis. If AU had kept Bowden around the last 10 years would have been painful at best as has this season. I still think the great unknown is this-is this a fluke-bad season or is this a sign of things to come? I think reasonable arguments could be made for each side. I just think if AU doesn't show some sign of life before the season ends it seems hard to beleve CTT can survive.

4:34 PM  
Blogger michael said...

Columbian Steve, why did you say "Jimmy Johnson? You've gots to be kidding me." I can't quite piece it together.

4:35 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Sorry, listening to mindbomb and some lady with the required redneck accent feels Jimmy Johnson would be a good idea. Although I do favor choosing our coach based upon the redneck with the biggest accent on Finebaum, Jimmy Johnson isn't the guy.

4:39 PM  
Blogger michael said...

It would be perfect... Terry could be our offensive coordinator, Howie could coach the D... and we would have the most belly-laugh-back-slapping filled press conferences ever!

4:42 PM  
Blogger JD said...

Fanin was supposed to be the best player that has ever dawned the Auburn Pads wasn't he according to Tuberville. Doesn't it seem like we do a good job of recruiting very RAW very high risk high reward prospects? in my opinion that is what we are getting from players like Fanin, Kodi Burns, and future player like Raymond Cotton. Thoughts?

4:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

They are certainly green, biscuitator.

I'd say the book is still out on those guys at Auburn.

4:49 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Gives these guys a good offensive coordinator and see what happens before we judge them completely. What Petrino did in one season was remarkable in my opinion. Unfortunately it only took the next season to screw it up.

4:52 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Don't forget Michael Strahan...

So I'm confused as to why we are even talking about this...where does this redneck woman want Jimmy Johnson?

4:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

2003 shouldn't be layed completely at the asst. coaches' feet.

It was Tubs idea to run Petrino's playbook without Petrino.

Sounds familiar...

4:53 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

Agreed Mr. S. We need a really QB coach and WR coach in the worst way. We also need an OC that can have freedom to run what he wants to run and not be messed with while he is getting everything put together on O. Like a company needs a vision and a leader, our offense needs the same thing.

4:57 PM  
Blogger JD said...

A playbook tells you how to run the plays...Shouldn't it be like connect the dots?

4:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nope, biscuitator. You need the person who takes "ownership" of the offense to tweek it. (Like Jay G said earlier in the week.)

5:00 PM  
Blogger JD said...

Do you think that Zac Clayton will follow in the footsteps of Josh Thompson and get endorsements and appear on Express Oil Change Billboards?

5:00 PM  
Blogger Eddie McCoy said...

biscuitator- a play book does not teach you techniques and fundamentals, how to run routes, get off the line of scrimage, feet work, and etc. Coaching teaches you that. You can have the best playbook in the world, call the best plays in the world, but if you cannot execute them, then they are just plays. Also, in football, it only takes one guy screwing up to mess the play up. That is why you also need chemistry.

5:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What is Josh Thompson up to these days?

Brandon Cox as well?

5:01 PM  
Blogger JD said...

Jay G. Tate said...
BTW, I'm really glad to hear you all getting shout-outs on the Roundtable. Josh and Doug are big-time HABOTN proponents ... and their version of talk radio (generally) dovetails nicely with how we roll here
---------------------------------
Jay do you not like Sportsline?

5:06 PM  
Blogger James in Auburn said...

"Cork and bottle relationship..."

Priceless.

As for Jimmy Johnson, gotta love the hair. I would up my TUF donation to get a better view.

5:08 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sportsline is half good.

And that half is Barry McKnight...hands down the best play-by-play guy in the country.

5:14 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

au1no4 - Where do you live? I'm in West Virginia

5:14 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

I remember after 03 Bama, Nall said he finally was able to run "his" offense and looked forward to 2004.

Jay, How does all of this sit with him?

5:21 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

It's gettin' more and more chickalicious on the HABTON! wooo hooo!

Was there a campfire?

5:26 PM  
Blogger frizzle said...

The Biscuitator
Re: Fanin was supposed to be the best player that has ever dawned the Auburn Pads wasn't he according to Tuberville. Doesn't it seem like we do a good job of recruiting very RAW very high risk high reward prospects? in my opinion that is what we are getting from players like Fanin, Kodi Burns, and future player like Raymond Cotton. Thoughts?

Add Meiko Collier to the list of very RAW high risk high reward prospect. That dude could flat out run as a quarterback, but left the team I think when tot was fired.

5:27 PM  
Blogger Taylor said...

man...i get busy at work and the are 200 comments.

i cant sit and read all this.

we need some way to stream line this

5:30 PM  
Blogger James in Auburn said...

No campfire yet Monica. I just logged into Chatroll to make sure I didn't miss it myself.

5:31 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hate to miss campfire, but I have a dinner with the in-laws tonight.

5:32 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Thanks James. Never thought of doing that. duh

I've been out of pocket for 5 hours and I was having hottie withdrawal. I may have to start a hottie 12 step group.

5:33 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

Mr. S! Get your priorities straight! JK :-)

5:34 PM  
Blogger Quitstina said...

Chickalicious...love it!

Are we having a campfire tonight?

5:34 PM  
Blogger Monica said...

ha ha Hey Kristina. I'm waiting for that announcement myself. I'm jonesin' for some Campfire. I'll check back in a while.

5:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hotties, great song to pass along.

BOOCHIE SHEPHERD - ALL THE KING'S HORSES

5:36 PM  
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