The coaches speak
Hey everyone. Tuberville, de facto play caller Steve Ensminger and defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads spoke with the media mere moments ago.
I am breaking down film as we speak. Here are the points I remember:
I am breaking down film as we speak. Here are the points I remember:
- Tuberville said they'll be working long practices until scaling back on Thursday. He said the team will hold a pseudo two-a-day on Thanksgiving -- a kicking-game walkthrough early and a team-wide walkthrough late. Nobody at Auburn will be on cruise control this week.
- Ensminger, asked about Mario Fannin's expected role, said he defers to Eddie Gran on those kinds of decisions. It's apparently Gran's in-game decisions that dictate who plays and who doesn't. I hadn't heard that before.
- Ensminger said Burns seems more in control lately because, yes, everything was simplified after Franklin was dismissed. Apparently, Franklin had quarterbacks considering up to four receivers on every play and that was causing confusion. The passing sets were cut back to two reads per play (ie the quarterback could pick Receiver A, Receiver B or freelance). Third and fourth options were added only after Burns showed command of the two-read setup. No wonder Franklin kept taking subtle shots at Burns' aptitiude: The kid was overloaded.
- Rhoads, asked about why senior quarterbacks thrive in the SEC, offered a one-word explanation: "Wisdom."
posted by Jay G. Tate at
5:44 PM
164 Comments:
So Gran is the one responsible for not putting Mario in on the last two drives against UGA? Interesting.
Maybe he will miss the bus for Saturdays game.
Jay-did someone ask Tubbs if we are going to practice against an 8 man front. $5 says UAT runs that defense at least one play on us. What do you think?
"They loaded the box. What can you do?"
Hopefully Kodi is at least a 3 WR read QB right now. We need him to play well on Saturday if we have any chance.
Bingo Eddie..
It doesn't take Nostradamus to realize that Alabama is going to do their level best to stop Auburn's running attack and put the game squarely in Kodi Burns' hands.
Greg said he read this dude was being considered for OC. I'd vote for him because he's really handsome. Yes, that's my criteria.
Coach Hud
LOL @ "They loaded the box. What can you do?" That's the fave here in the Greg/Monica home too.
I'd be shocked if Tuberville hired a guy from UNA to fix this mess.
I knew it. He's too handsome.
Yeah, I use to work with the team and Gran is indeed laregely the one who decides which running back is in at what time. Tubs might occasionally advise that one back goes in over the other, but aside from particular offensive sets, Gran is the one making the call. The same pretty well goes for all the position coaches come to think of it. Hopefully Gran starts feeling more comfortable with Fanin's pass protection before Saturday and he gets more playing time.
After hearing of the last interview "process", I'm shocked he is getting the chance at another hire.
Depressed, You better double up on meds this week.
Listen to Michael4AU if you want the inside on how the RB situation works. He would know since he was Gran's manager and spent three years in the coaches box with headsets on.
New BCS
1.Bama
2.Texas
3.Oklahoma
4.Florida
Eddie - Was Michael there after you?
Monica- He directly followed me. My last season was 99 and his first was 2000. I really wish that I had stayed one more year while he was there, plus the SEC West Champs ring would have been nice :).
Gran:
1. played Tre Smith instead of Kenny Irons vs. GT in 2005
2. various sins regarding Mario in 2008
3. responsible for the special teams.
I'm sure he's a fine man ... but ...
gotta go.
I'd like to load the box for some folks.
Does Michael wave his ring in your face and say neener neener when you're together for family functions?
Nah, I have one from 1997. We are even steven in that department, but his looks better. He kicks himself for not staying another year also. He left after the 2003 season.
Jet-I would have liked to see more of Kenny against Tech in 2005 as well, but I am going to out on a limb here and say that Brandon's 5 or 6 turnovers had a little more to do with that loss.
I'd sure like to eavesdrop on some of the stories the two of you could tell. I'm sure they are most entertaining.
Michael ... got to believe Kenny would have given us a better chance to run the ball and keep Brandon from throwing 40 plus times.
As Neil Callaway would say, that's water over the bridge.
I don't have anything to add at this point, but I would like to say that it was funny seeing those kids on the amazing race lose their shoes.
Monica-I try to remain pretty humble around my brother. I do sometimes wave my record against Bama (3-1) in his face, but it's not like I'm happy that he lost to Bama 3 times while there. Contrary to what Eddie says, I don't regret too deeply not staying for an extra year in 2004 and my student loans will back me up on that. I still maintain, however, that I worked during all of spring practice before 2004 and therefore am entitled to a ring, but I guess I'll let it slide.
Monica- We can share some good stories and we can disagree passionately about some things,but I would say that most the time, we see eye to eye on most everyhthing. But we both have quite the experiences while at Auburn. Funny thing is that we both had roommates that won national championships else where. My roommate my last two years was a former GA Trainer for the football team the became the head Basketball trainer at Auburn and then went to Uconn and won his there. My brother's roommate followed Chizik to Texas as GA Coach and won his at Texas. Wish we could have had some luck like that.
I have a plan to double-dose the prozac all week to try and make it through Saturday. Honestly, do any of you see ANY position where AU has the advantage? And I don't mean on talent,I mean based on how they have performed this season. I don't think I can bear to look at Jay's position breakdown before the game.
Yeah Michael, I worked the 2000 spring, maybe they will mail me my 2nd place ring.
The key to this game, as almost always in SEC games is the lines.
If we can keep the Alabama D line somewhat contained we can move the ball...if we can keep Bama's O line from getting to the 2nd level then we can stop them.
I know what I just typed wasn't rocket science but it doesn't matter how anyone else (Burns, Fannin, anyone) if we can't hold our own at the line of scrimmage better than we have previously this year.
FSJ, more like Burns' arms AND legs. If Auburn expects to win this one Kodi will have to use his entire skill set. Foot rush will be commonplace.
Another big piece of the puzzle that will not be talked about much if at all is Gabe McKenzie's role. He will be important.
On Franklin taking shots at Kodi's aptitude. what does he expect? He had half a year to learn a new offense. Another thing. QBs looking over 3 and 4 receivers isn't really what the SEC has been about lately. There's not enough time for that unless the play is busted. So, to insinuate that that's the norm is silly.
Michael - You are SO entitled to a ring. I'll make a call and make that happen for you. What's fair is fair
Eddie - Get over it.
(just kidding! I knew y'all would have good stories - one day I want the ones that are suitable for blog viewage)
Jet-Callaway would say that I bet, if he could speak in complete sentences that is. I hear what you are saying, but I will say this: having watched both Tre and Kenny at practice for a brief time at the end of the 2003 season, there was not a lot to suggest that Kenny would go on to be that much better in 2005. Despite his size, I saw Tre do some pretty amazing things in practice, often times more amazing than the things I saw from the likes of Ronnie, Lac, and Brandon Jacobs. In the end, I just don't think Tre had the attitude to be an every down SEC player.
depressed, you're in luck.
We're not doing a position-by-position breakdown.
One less thing to further dampen your outlook.
Line is 17 so far. Yuck...
the way they've preformed this season... no. If our running backs could run through some of their holes that o line makes it would be a different story. Coffee is nothing special and ingram is over his head. Also, if the other teams would quit throwing the ball into rashad johnson's chest our secondary could match up with theirs. That being said we are very overmatched.
Eddie, like I've said before, when I get my 2004 ring, you can have my 2000 ring and get it resized. It already has your last name on it, plus the score of that year's Bama game (9-0). It's yours as soon as mine comes in the mail (thanks again Monica).
Auburn was an 18.5 point dog last year going into The Swamp, and we all know what happened there. Tuberville usually pulls out a good upset after he finishes shooting himself in the foot a few times.
Michael ... that was an actually Callaway quote ... it's right up there with highsight is 50-50, and my favorite ... former UAT receiver Marcell West, who, when talking about the error prone tide ...
"we keep shooting ourselves in the mouth."
Depressed, AU has a better defensive secondary. Auburn has a better tight end in Gabe vs. Walker. Walker gets the ball a lot but he's a barely average SEC TE. Auburn has a better collections D lineman and nobody on the field is as good as Marks.
That's about it based on what's happened on the field this year.
RK, I agree with you totally. That left side of the Bama o-line has looked very strong in the games I have watched this year. I am afraid AU will have to bring extra men up to the line and that will open up their passing game. My only hope is JPW can fling a few balls our way. As for the AU offensive line, I think there is talent there, but we have not played well up front all season. And that Cody match-up seems like a disaster for us, AU will have to double-team him which opens up more problems.
I'm so glad that UAB hired Callaway over Fisher. They really knew what they were doing.
I think we've got to man up and push it tight ... playing soft will get us killed.
Video problems ensure that today's video will not debut on time. The upside: I have fixed the problem and we will have a video tonight.
Its debut time is TBA.
Best guess: 9 CST.
Jay,
What's Morgan Hull's leg like, what kind of distance can he consistantly make kick from?
Jay G. I.T.!
A position by position break down would be really ugly for this match up. Maybe Auburn has better DB's??
Our managers and trainers are better than theirs.
Ron- His leg is solid from 15 yards.
I should have known Jet, my bad. Sounds about right.
Thanks for tossing me a bone, Jay. The less info the better this week.
As Lou Holtzh told Mark May lasth nighth, "I'll thank you not to point out any factsth."
Bring on more info. Make it where we don't have a shot. That is what I want.
Eddie ... it's right about there now.
"They loaded the box, what can you do?".....How about throw deep!...Oh yeah..can't do that, our WRs can't get open deep. Dang..what do you do? That has been offensive the question for 3 years now.
A QB that can only read 2 WRs is not an SEC caliber Qb. CTF was right to not start Kodi. Kodi has been either 1st or 2nd string for 2 years now. How long is it going to take? Why doesn't the 2nd string AU Qb wear a headset so he can follow the game?
Don't be an IT boy, Depressed. Why be afraid of what somebody writes on paper?
"CTF was right to not start Kodi."
Seriously hoopie? Cause Todd had so much upside to him.
Ron- IF Todd's arm had been there, this offense would have been better. He made some good reads but just didn't have the arm.
Chris Todd, unfortunately, had an enlarged prostate in his throwing arm, leading to an extremely weak stream.
I'm with blackmon.
The past isn't always prologue, but Terrence Cody sure is a big dude. And the guys who have to block him sure are little by comparison.
Todd did make good reads. He knew how to play. His arm is damn near terminal, though.
Burns has an excellent arm. If he can get feet to match, you're looking at an extremely talented quarterback.
Depressed - I've decided to believe McFadden when he says the virus is gone and "..we're back".
Sure would be nice to see some D like we say in the first few games.
Yes, we have Mr. C, Tom Bosley, I mean, Jason Bosley, lining up against Mount Cody, trying to protect Lil Kodi.
Better bring Mrs. C, Richie, Joanie and Chachi because I don't think it's going to be Happy Days.
saw - not say
maybe I have the virus now
todd knew franklin's offense better than burns... but he definately made a large number of mistakes.
Blackmon, unfortunately I have watched the games this year and they match up with what is written on paper. The sad thing is I think on actual talent AU might have the edge at some positions, but based on performance you have to say the edge goes to UA. That is more frusturating to me than just being over-matched talent-wise, but maybe I over-estimated AU from the beginning.
Hoopie, take a deep breath. You're foaming at the mouth. Try to define SEC caliber QB when you only have 4 that have been year long starters. That's just stupid.
The SEC is full of underclassmen QBs that are learning. And we can name several that look to have a bright future. But for now their coaches go vanilla and put them in situations that enable them the best chance at winning.
Franklin was night right in benching Kodi and you're the only person saying that. Kodi didn't deserve to be benched after the La Monroe game since he played slightly better than Todd.
I thought the fix was in on Kodi by TF, and that's the disappointment because Kodi is a raw talent that could be very special.
That's why I can't wait to see who gets their hands on him to refine him.
Jay G is now the shizzle. Not only front page in addition to his usually yeoman like work on his sports page. But, he made mention in the business section: The headline reads "Tate's Auburn blog hottest 'neighborhood' on the net. Terry Manning on the article. Page 3E.
I'm so proud.
Kodi must be on the Jason Campbell Plan for OC's.
Was he not the shizzle before?
When is the front of My Life going to bow to the HABOTN?
My hopes were that CTodd would start long enough for Kodi to catch on and take over. Todd's future is in coaching, Kodi's could be a lot of playing time. kodi is just now starting to look like a Qb. Thank goodness.
John Madden says:
Some teams are going up. Some teams are going down. Some are staying the same.
BRETT FAVRE.
Bob Neal on "Talkin' Football" just said that he loves the BCS b/c it causes controversy and gives his crew plenty to talk about.
I agree with Hoopie with a caveat. Todd's shoulder was so much worse than we were all told. I think the real question is why Neil Caudle was so quickly considered non-relevant. I mean Steve Spurrier went to his 3rd team QB before he found a winning combination.
Because we know what we know now about Todd, I believe the coaches should have taken their medicine early and I believe our record couldn't be any worse, and maybe better.
It is not any fault of Todd. He is a gamer and competitor. However, physically, he couldn't go. It was like trying to win the Kentucky Derby with a lame horse. I would rather be riding a horse that, while wild and unpredicable, was healthy and could get better.
Denny - Have a link to that?
I'm about to watch True Blood on HBO while my wife watches 24. Should I be ashamed?
If AU fans stay true to form, they will be screaming for either Trotter or Cotton after Kodi's first bad game next year. AU fans love the backup player.
No, you should be depressed .. and you are.
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is a win in the 2008 Iron Bowl...
Your pal,
FSJ
No link that I can find. It is an article by the Online Business director. I'll keep looking.
I'm watching The Horse Soldiers on Encore Western. That's what men do, they watch men doing manly men kind of things.
Dear Santa:
Forgive my selfishness. Do not give me a victory Saturday ... give it to Auburn ... after all, Christmas is the season of giving.
Your pal,
FSJ
Saban watches Jon and Kate Plus 8 and What Not to Wear
I knew it Denny. Along with my other issues, I am a metrosexual.Damn.
OK Hoopie - This is one AU Fan bashing session of yours I'm going to interrupt.
It's not just AU fans who love the backup player. The backup player is the most popular player on every team. The greener grass and all that.
Jet ... Saban + Clinton (from Not What To Wear) = Love
Neal had "Stan White Syndrome" in the spring scrimmages. Franklin seemed to write him off after, on several occasions watching receivers long enough for the D to have no doubts where the ball was being thrown.....then throwing it anyway. Neal looks good in practice, but his injury history has never afforded him an opportunity to get reps. I would pick Kodi over Neal when selecting a QB that needs reps to get better.
The new OC will have a serious mish-mash of issues to sort out.
Depressed - There are several guys here who like True Blood. I watched to find out what was the attraction. It's pretty much dark humor/soft porn.
Mystery solved.
I think Zow should start....
I think Watts should start.
I knew it! My wife watches that show, and I walked into the room one day and said, "I just know that he and Saban love each other."
That guy put together the sharkskin suit with the teal shirt for Nicky.
Depressed AU Fan,
Don't worry. I am going to watch House again at 9.
Which we all know is more appropriate than soft humor and dark porn
I'm hoping for the Real John Parker Wilson
Mon....the UGA fans I know don't seem to have those issues. I'm not around Bammers, but my brother(Bammer) said that he doesn't hear those complaints from Bama fans.
I guess I need to pay more attention to other teams.
Multiple sacks brings out the real JPW. Hasn't really happened this year and most even teams know that is what is needed to happen.
When the QB struggles, people are interested in the backup.
Last year, UAT was down on JPW ... LSU can't figure out their QB ... State had its issues ... UGA's had it in the past.
For UGA and UAT, it's not an issue. But will be in the future.
Hoopie,
It all depends on the QB situation. At Georgia and Alabama this year, no QB controversy. When Brandon Cox was the QB, he was the man for most of his career. When Zow and Watts were fighting it out, there was plenty of problems. I seem to recall at GA there was trouble a few years ago.
Jet-how about Nick and Kate Plus 8? I can see him and Kate cussing each other out over who has the best "process" for organizing the 8 kids.
Coleman on John Parker Wilson:
"He's thrown like 8 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. I don't think much pressure's been put on him. I've seen him with pressure on him and he threw the ball everywhere and he threw interceptions and he was getting run out of the pocket. We have to get pressure on him."
Nahh Jet...
Next year we are going to run the Notre Dame box with Coffee, Ingram, Upchurch and Trent Richardson in the backfield. No need for a QB.
:-)
Coleman is right. JPW doesn't handle pressure very well. BUT, the bamer ol has been fairly well adept at keeping JPW out of harm's way.
I think we need to employ the flying wedge against Alabama this week.
That is the problem Denny. The Bama running game has allowed them to throw when they WANT to, not when they have to. Makes a big difference for JPW.
jay:
With your decrease in the % for CTT to leave, do you also believe the chance of us winning is going up?
Give Julio a wedgie.
Chances of Tuberville getting fired: 25% and dropping
Chances of Auburn winning this game: 15% and stable.
Again, the wife is a big Jon and Kate fan ... seems to me Jon is the metaphor for Tuberville ... an uninvolved CEO type ... unwilling to cut loose any of the kids that aren't pulling their weight.
Kate is Saban ... in everybody's business, but don't talk to her, or she'll totally go off.
just got in from Nashville & the 1st Titans loss of the season. i need to stay home. i attend games. teams i cheer for lose. oh, well. it was nice seeing Jet Favre, though.
things i thought i would never see on the HABOTN #6: a reference to Clinton from What Not To Wear. my goodness Jay G!
it's even sadder i know who that jabroni is!
Commercials, blech!
Enterprise rent-a-car ... wife holds up 2 nighties ... "red or black?" Husband goes, "both"
In the real world, Jet says, "Both." Wife slaps him and calls him a perv. Separate rooms for weekend.
Commercial comment No. 2
After four hours, I'm calling a press conference.
I think Jon has beaten husband syndrome. He just seems..afraid.
I don't normally read Rhetta Grimsley (too liberal) but at least she hates Alabama too
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=282301&pub=1&div=Opinion
Denny....It's more than Qbs at AU. It's Wrs, Rbs, Dbs..anyone around the ball. More AU internet fans are disatisfied with who is being played than the other teams I'm aware of. I'll ask some UT fans I know and see what they think.
I do remember reading some Bama fans that were upset after the Clemson game b/c Julio didn't get 8-10 passes thrown to him..LOL.
My answer to the Two nighties was always 'None' I strangely got called a perv and you know the rest
the more i think about this game, the more i think it is imperative to find a way to win. in part, to slow the tide (yes, pun intended) by getting 7 and putting a decent last image of this season heading into next year. but moreso, to get Kodi an extra few weeks of practice and another game to start. the more he plays between now and spring and then game 1 next year, the better. may be downright imperative to run whatever offense that is installed next year
Norv Turner? Is he some sort of affirmative action case for inept head coaches?
Jet..I hardly do TV live. DVR the show and watch it in 2/3 the time. Boston Legal has more commercials than others and I can watch it in 35 min.
If we punt to Javier Arenas, we should:
a. Plug our ears and wait for their fight song.
b. Go Tonya Harding on Eddie's kneecap
c. Leave early and beat the traffic.
d. Other ___________________
Boston Legal is the best ... Denny Crane for head coach.
I cna't DVR anything ... wife DVRs about 47 shows.
I tend to agree with you Hoopie. I don't get the dissatisfaction and sense of doom all the time. Even during the 13-0 season it was the same.
When I was around EKU in the early 80s when they were in the national championship hunt, it was always ways to win or how are guys were better. Call it Kool aid drinking, but it wasn't like Bammer delusion. It was more that as fans we were talking about what our strengths were.
Now, I know this year hasn't been like that. In that it seems the fans or at least the HOTTIES seem to see the strengths better than the coaches. I think we would have done even better if we had known the medical information that the coaches know.
Jet, I'll take d-"we knew Arenas could return kicks, but really any of the three return men they have could have made the same play. He is slower than the walk-on return man and therefore more of a role player."
Scottie - I think you should go to the game Saturday and sit on Bama's side and scream as many Roll Tide's as you can.
As much as I don't want to watch us in the the Pizza or Weedeater Bowl, another game would be good for Kodi.
I'm not worried about "stemming the Tide". Recruiting is going well and if we win next year all will be well. Bama will have totally inexperienced Qbs next year and lose the good OL players.
$aban can't get away with doing what the Bear did. The difference between 11-1 or 8-4 in the SEC is normally just a few plays.
Denny Crane would just shoot Arenas....and then get acquitted at the trial.
Favorite quotes through the years -- granted, paraphrased.
1. They lined up in the gaps (explanation of running game woes vs. USC and GT, 2003).
2. Any one of them could have made the plays. Regarding Mario's TDs vs. UGA.
Others?
HATE WEEK.....COMMENCE!!!
I like the NIT for basketball and meaningless bowls for football for one reason. Additional game(s) and practice
Video is being uploaded as we speak.
ETA: 9:51 p.m. CST.
SheSaid.....welcome back to the party.
Hoopie ... that's absolutely right.
Jet ... you're talking about the "slants" that flummoxed Auburn for years and years.
I'll take Adlai Trone in 2000: "If Coach said we had a meeting, then we had a meeting. And it was a good meeting."
Since Trott is not available, how about that little used tight end, "Hands" Espenson?
Yeah, the slants ... dear lord, the worst ever.
They sent more people than we had lined up to block. Not fair. Not fair.
Someone get my Lotrel ... BP's rising.
Jay, is the team practicing tomorrow. I thought Monday's were off days with the 20 hour per week rule still in place. I thought that was a necessity.
Boston Legal = good stuff
Entourage going to NYC = good stuff
Jet - You're crankin'
I think Brent Slusher should be starting.
Slants and gaps have confounded us for years. It must be some closely guarded secret.
There are so many quotes that I have lost track over the years.
However, no one was a good as the current head coach at Milsaps.
20 hour week does not count when school is not in session.
My favorite-"the preseason is over, now the real games begin."
My favorite every year and I fall for it. "We were pretty vanilla out there today on offense / defense." Like we are not showing everything. It has been ten years now and I am still a sucker for that one.
Practicing tomorrow, you betcha.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are FULL practices. Two hours or more each.
Tuberville said they'll do a "two-a-day" on Thursday (really just two short walkthroughs) and something small on Friday.
Temps in the 70s expected this weekend. I'm happy.
Just whippin' myself into a game week frenzy.
For a tight end, Philip Rivers is a rather effective QB.
Maybe Trott's future is at QB.
Well, Jared Lorensen was a pretty good throwin' tackle. CTF was at UK when that debacle took place.
school is "in session". just not this week.
Jay ... weather.com says 40 percent chance of rain.
In your opinion, what does bad weather do to the equation?
Lorenzen = The Pillsbury Throwboy!
Trott = Ricola Cough Drops
2ND favorite- "I guess Coach Franchionne(sp?) will have to answer why he's been playing Watts instead of Zow." Tubbs after UA game on infamous Black Saturday.
Wet weather probably helps the underdog because weird things happen in the rain.
Video now posted ... I beat the deadline by one minute.
3rd favorite-"sure we'll play Jason, if fans want to see a high-school offense." Tubs on playing future 1st rd pick Jason Campbell in 2002, I believe. Is that my limit?
You know, the thought just jumped into my head ... can't you see Tony Franklin with a cup of black coffee working at a sketchy Christmas tree lot, pushing scotch pines when you really want a Fraser fir.
Outstanding, Jet.
He'll throw in a free stand and some twine ... he'll even load it in your call for you ... you don't need any firewood, do ya?
We got some nice wreaths, too. Listen, you know, it's the holidays, and we're kinda short this year ... can you help a guy? It's not for me, it's for the kids.
With that 4 day growth of beard, he looked like some guy on his fourth wife working nights at the IGA stocking selves.
Jet - nice.
Or he looked like Jed on the Beverly Hillbillies. Swimming pools, movie stars,,,,the Tony Franklin Experience.
It's not that the trees are bad this year ... it's me. I picked out the wrong trees. I'm really not a good tree picker. Or cutter.
Mea pulpwood.
Denny, you know Milburn Drysdale is all over the bailout.
IGA??? Denny where have you seen an IGA lately?
When I was in HS, worked with some dude who always kept a 4 day growth of beard at an IGA. Just looking at him motivated me to get through college.
We went to Tybee Island this summer, and there was an IGA there ... and a checkout girl with rainbow hair.
It was a kinda spooky, and it was wonderfully old school grocery store.
LOL That sounds just like the IGA in Brewton, AL. My mother wouldn't let us go in there. We called it "the bad grocery story." This was unlike the fancy shmancy Winn Dixie. In desperate times we could go to the A&P.
I love the old stores.
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