- Are we really going to The Mario Fannin Well again?: Assistant coach Eddie Gran said Thursday that the Tigers may move Fannin into the featured role against Georgia in an effort to find a front-line guy. Does Auburn have one? I thought Ben Tate was that guy, but it's clear the coaching staff doesn't see it that way. He's been splitting carries pretty evenly with Fannin and Lester of late, which is a messy decision. The Tigers need a No. 1 guy. Going into the Georgia game without a decision on that front is weird to me.
I think Fannin has some skills. I don't think he'll be a No. 1 guy. He doesn't seem all that quick to me (in relative terms) and he misses assignments. He's not a freshman anymore. - So what happens with Chris Todd? Since Neil Caudle relieved quarterback Kodi Burns during the late stages last week, that means 19 is the backup. Todd is becoming a distant memory. It's a shame in a sense because Todd is a very nice kid. He's frustrated about his shoulder. He's not the player he once was. Nobody knows that better than Todd himself. My best guess is that he stays for his final season in a backup-backup role. It would take one heck of a salesman to convince a program -- any program -- that Todd could help them immediately next season. He has one year of eligibilty remaining.
- What's up with the offensive line?: Auburn was prepared to outlast opponents this season. Remember how Tony Franklin wanted to run 80-90 plays per game? The line was built to handle that. The "smash-mouth" stuff was ditched. Then Franklin was fired, Steve Ensminger and Hugh Nall went back to the offense they know -- smash-mouth stuff -- and now the line isn't ready for it.
Look, LT Lee Ziemba is listed at 285 pounds. He's a lean guy. He's also playing with a bum knee.
RT Ryan Pugh is listed at 6-foot-4 (he's more like 6-2) and 280 pounds. Pugh doesn't look that heavy to me.
Those are exceptionally light tackles in an era where guys at that position routinely exceed 300 pounds.
Let's go through the SEC.
SEC WEST- Auburn -- Lee Ziemba (6-8, 285) and Ryan Pugh ("6-4", 280)
- Alabama -- Andre Smith (6-4, 330) and Drew Davis (6-7, 300)
- Arkansas -- Ray Dominguez (6-4, 315) and Jose Valdez (6-5, 313)
- LSU -- Ciron Black (6-5, 327) and Joe Barksdale (6-5, 315)
- Miss. State -- Derek Sherrod (6-5, 303) and *Quentin Saulsberry (6-3, 293)
- Ole Miss -- Michael Oher (6-5, 318) and John Jerry (6-5, 350)
SEC EAST- Florida -- Phil Trautwein (6-6, 310) and Jason Watkins (6-6, 310)
- Georgia -- Clint Boling (6-5, 290) and Josh Davis (6-6, 293)
- Kentucky -- Garry Williams (6-3, 300) and Justin Jeffries (6-6, 310)
- South Carolina -- Jarriel King (6-7, 285) and Justin Sorenson (6-7, 315)
- Tennessee -- Chris Scott (6-5, 310) and Ramon Foster (6-6, 325)
- Vanderbilt -- Kyle Fischer (6-6, 305) and Thomas Welch (6-7, 305)
- Florida -- Phil Trautwein (6-6, 310) and Jason Watkins (6-6, 310)
- Auburn -- Lee Ziemba (6-8, 285) and Ryan Pugh ("6-4", 280)
Auburn and Georgia are the only schools with both tackles under 300. Playing straight-ahead football with the smallest offensive line in the league is not a formula for success.
Texas Tech's OL is huge and they don't seem to have an endurance problem.
ReplyDeleteFirst time poster, long time reader...
ReplyDeleteI think it's odd that Auburn is still undecided at tailback this late in the season. I don't understand the lack of carries for Tate. It seems to me that if you go to more of a "smash-mouth" style, he would get the bulk of the carries. Tate, at times, seems to run "east-west" rather than take it straight up field, so that may have something to do with it.
It's unfortunate that at this point in the season, confusion still reigns on the offensive side of the football.
Texas Tech is an outstanding team and, yes, you're right about their OL.
ReplyDeleteJay I wanted to confirm that you got my shirt order?
ReplyDeleteTexas Tech's OTs:
ReplyDelete6-7, 305
and
6-6, 325
Got it, wartiger.
ReplyDeleteHard not to have confusion with no O-coordinator and no identity. But yes it is extremely unfortunate for us that TF hiring turned out to be such a cluster F@#*
ReplyDeleteI would love to see Texas Tech's OL against bama. I wonder what they would with that whale Cody.
ReplyDeleteProbably run alot a screens and try to exhaust him.
ReplyDeleteIt appears as if I am answering my own questions.
ReplyDeleteI could see Texas Tech running a lot of screens to get Cody running back and forth. I think the Tech offense would be trouble for Alabama...or pretty much any other team.
ReplyDeleteTT and Florida?
ReplyDeleteThere's some speed there.
ReplyDeleteMike Leach is a pirate, not a whaler
ReplyDeleteI like the cut of Texas Tech's jib. I would imagine alot of points would be scored in a TT/FL matchup.
ReplyDeleteJay
ReplyDeleteIs that Johnson kid going to qualify for next year. I think he runs around 330 or so. He could provide a little beef at right tackle next year.
Yeargh - The Cap'n don't be needing a cabin boy, seeker
ReplyDeleteI am now a cabin man!
ReplyDeleteI think Jermaine Johnson is going to make it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it has been answered before, but was the hire of CTF a CTT decision alone or did CTT hire him based on strong suggestions from the $$$ people?
ReplyDeleteSo Scott Brown (AuburnUndercover.com) says lose out and CTT is gone, but Phillip Marshall (AuburnUndercover.com) says he stays. I guess they don't share sources?
ReplyDeleteThanks Jay
ReplyDeleteEddie Gran is the coach that referred Tony Franklin to Tubs. From Tony Franklin's first interview on Finebaum, it didn't seem like Tuberville put much thought into the decision.
ReplyDeleteIs Jermaine germane to the situation?
ReplyDeleteThe smallest tackles in the SEC? And we are going to play smash mouth ball? Ummm, this is bad. Very very bad.
ReplyDeleteMonica: That logic to me makes no sense. What is the difference in winning the next or losing. I have been reading the same and do not understand. That should be irrelevant in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteHow could you make a decision of that magnitude without putting much thought into it?
ReplyDeletePay no attention to the man behind the curtain. That's Tommy Tuberville's image to me. Surrounding himself with a great staff has kept him out of trouble for the most part, but he's gotten stale and so have they. His judgment in hires is clouded by the BBQ crew. If they give him the opportunity to stay on and hire a new OC, his loyalties to the BBQ crew need to null and void.
ReplyDeleteI don't know jrmax, maybe Franklin was trying to make Tuberville look bad. Go listen to that part of the interview if you haven't heard it. I never understood why Tuberville hired Franklin in the first place. It never seemed like Auburn football.
ReplyDeletere: monica
ReplyDeleteI don't think either of the guys know, because I don't think any sources really know. My guess is there are still ongoing discussions. Only GUT feelings going around.
That's why I pay the big bucks to post here at HABOTN. Jay's gut feelings are worth the price of admission.
So AU's tackles need to gain weight.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful problem THAT must be!
They can come to me for pointers.
Here's a freebie:
Go ahead and try the dessert.
So you're saying that no rib will be spared?
ReplyDelete(in regard to firing bbq crew)`
ReplyDeleteJay, all things considered with Marion Fannin, could the lack of reps at RB during early part of the season combined with the revolving door we've had at the position played a role in his lack of development? I see it as very possible for him to be stepping up at this point in the season. I'm just glad someone is impressing the coaches and giving them a reason to believe we have a no. 1.
ReplyDeleteNice wizard reference. I think that is on the tube this week. I think CTT loyalty to the BBQ gang should and will be tested this year. My question and this may be the million dollar question is wether CTT has the want to to change and "get er done". Everyone assumes he does but we all know what happens when you assume.
ReplyDeleteI don't quite understand the love Ben Tate gets. I think he is decent, but man, he hits the hole softer than anyone. I think once he gets his head of steam he is the best we got. I think he should get carries, but I like the idea of letting Fannin see what he can do with the main workload. Might as well find out now what the guy can do.
ReplyDeletebarkley I think it was the easy route.
ReplyDeleteSmash-Mouth refers to what happens to our backs when they hit the line of scrimmage. Maybe no one wants to be #1.
ReplyDeleted ... headed for the featured quote again.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen or met or even confirmed that Scott Brown exists.
ReplyDeleteI saw Scott Brown on Finebaum one time. He's a hefty dude.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTate almost had 1000 yards last year. He isn't designed for this shotgun off tackle running that they are asking him to do.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt Tate can get it done. He is especially good at turning on the burners after getting 5 yards into the defense. With our current o-line practicing the sieve technique, though, I think we are better off with someone like Fannin who hits the hole hard but doesn't have as much instinct at the second level. Tate hasn't been getting to the second level. It's not his fault, I just think he is not a good fit for what we are capable of right now.
ReplyDeleteLester is my back of choice. He's got some fire in his gut and I like that. I just wish he could hang on to the ball a little better.
ReplyDeleteI asked about Scott Brown a while back on the AUC forum. Here's what I got.
ReplyDelete"He is one of the site administrators that asked me to be a mod. Click on "Forum Leaders" link next to "Mark Forums Read", scroll down to SDB and send him a private message. He shared with me the other day that he gets some flack from appearing on the PF show, but does it strictly to help get the word out about AUC."
I really thought Lester would be a good spread back.
ReplyDeleteFannin simply fumbles too much.
Tate takes 10-15 carries to hit his stride. Too bad for him he only gets that number of touches a whole game.
We have no receivers.
Is he SeattlePlainsman?
ReplyDeleteNevermind, I gotcha Mr. Sensible
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jay. No way to argue with those numbers on our tackles.
ReplyDeleteI may be the only one on here that has any sympathy for Chris Todd. I hope and pray that he will heal up and be able to contribute in some meaningful way next year. After what he put up with this season, he deserves to have something good happen to him.
And after being here just a few weeks, I already love Monica and her posts, but that headliner does need to come down - too negative to leave it up for bama week. I vote for Yhprum's Law instead. Oh wait, I don't have a vote.
How about putting it up for one day next week if AU beats GA? :)
Eddie, I'm hoping I get to find out if your promise on the ticket situation is right. Woke up with a bad sore throat and terrible cough this morning. Gotta try to get well to make the game, so I went to the dr for some antibiotics. He also gave me some cough medicine that is gooood. Hope this post makes sense; not sure right now. ;)
man - I am all over the bbq humor
ReplyDelete(which is ironic, since the part of the world where I am now, they don't find much humor in bbq)
Hydrocodone....Yummy
ReplyDeleteLester tries to make a lot happen and that gets him into trouble. sometimes it is better to go down instead of twisting for the extra yard. Tate to me is the perfect back for the west coast in which he was recruited. He is not a lateral scat back that we have tried to turn him into. But since we have gone old school he should be a better fit for north south running,but we continue practice the look out block and he cannot get going.
ReplyDeleteCoosa, I feel for Chris Todd. I thought he did a good job in the LSU game, and seemed to lose his head after getting yanked in the UT game. I don't think he is as bad as a lot of people think, but it's hard to get past how weak his arm was. But yeah, I definitely feel for him, seems like a nice enough guy.
ReplyDeleteHas Fannin fumbled this year, other than the one caused by the ground and ruled down?
ReplyDeleteDon't think so.
I would think that Todd feels like the rug has been pulled out from under him.
ReplyDeleteCTF "come run the spread with me at AU"
CT "ok coach"
CTT "your fired CTF"
CT "oh no"
BBQ and GOOD cough syrup...heaven
ReplyDeletemy running back rankings:
ReplyDelete1. Fannin
2. Lester
3. Tate
These are for a back dealing with a line that can't hold their blocks. I think the WVA game showed our O was better when we were rotating Fannin and Lester
In Tony Franklin's Offense
1. Lester
2. Fannin
3. Tate
It seems like Lester should flourish in an offense like that. Seeing Tate run sideways is like watching a squirrel squat over a bird's nest and try to lay an egg. I'm not sure I know what that means.
Al Borges Offense
1. Tate
2. Lester
3. Fannin
Like I said earlier, despite hitting the whole slowly, Tate can run through tackles at the second level and get you a lot of yards. Not sure why he can't run through tackles ever at the point of attack, but oh well.
ps al.com style: My gut says my rankings are 100% right and if any of you guys disagree with me then you are bammers and screw you.
The following was taken from Rivals.com website and may be of interest to AU people.
ReplyDelete7. The Waiting
Clemson has been without a coach now for four weeks. The Tigers have interviewed former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin and Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables, and have inquired about others.
Why, you ask, hasn’t this thing been wrapped up so Clemson can save this year’s recruiting class? Because Clemson is waiting on Auburn, which is waiting on the whims of fatcat booster Bobby Lowder.
Once Lowder removes Tommy Tuberville as coach at Auburn, Clemson will be free to negotiate with one of the game’s best. The only question: Will Lowder pinkslip Tubs after the loss to Georgia and before the Iron Bowl, or after the Tigers’ six-game winning streak in the rivalry ends in two weeks?
I’m guessing before the Iron Bowl—if for no other reason, to keep Tubs from saving his job with an unthinkable seventh win in a row.
No he hasn't been in that much Phred.
ReplyDeleteProbably because he fumbles a lot.
Would CT even be playing at Troy this year with the shape his shoulder is in? I feel for the kid but TF was trying to squeeze blood from a stone.
ReplyDeletehe hasn't fumbled this year but he still hangs the ball out there. Makes me nervous, but it's worked so far.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Mario quicker than Ben?
ReplyDeleteI have a "source" who talked with Todds former HS coach and saw him over the summer at a coaching clinic at AU. And his words were that he is nowhere near what he was in HS. I think Jay nailed it earlier in the year when he said a AC separation is not easy to recover from in 1 year. Now why did our coaches not see that?
ReplyDelete"Seeing Tate run sideways is like watching a squirrel squat over a bird's nest and try to lay an egg. I'm not sure I know what that means."
ReplyDeleteI absolutely have no idea what that means but it made me laugh.
Sensi ... I disagree whole heartedly with you on this one. Tate is too freaking slow to the hole and tiptoes like a speed guy, which he is not. AND he couldn't turn the corner if they made the field 100 yards wide.
ReplyDeleteLester is just too dang small to make his own holes, which he is being forced to do because we suddenly are unable to block.
Fannin is the only guy on the field, with the exception of Kodi, who can create on the fly. Period. What is the source of your Fannin hate?
I don't understand some comments that disparage the BBQ Crew. They have been a bunch of very successful coaches.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Ron Mexico?
ReplyDeletePhormerly Phred, Tate has more speed than you may realize. I think I read where he is faster than Lester, although I am sure Fannin is quicker. Tate, to me, lacks quickness.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked that Tate metaphor Seeker. I was trying to say Tate running in the spread was unnatural, but then I feared the comparison would be lost while people sit there imagining squirrels laying eggs. Now I did it again. What were we talking about?
ReplyDeleteAnd you have about as much chance for three Auburn fans to agree on the best pizza toppings as you do to get them to agree on the best running back. There's just not much separation. No r brown or caddy for sure. But Fannin is the best, and I am sure of it, and anyone who doesn't think that is an idiot.
at the clinic?
ReplyDeleteTate's speed is deceiving. If Tony Franklin would have kept his Sun Belt offense in Troy, Tate would be one of the top RB's in the league.
ReplyDeleteI believe I heard CTT says Tate was one of the fastest guys on the team
ReplyDeletei have no doubt Tate has a good 40 time. I also have no doubt he is the slowest getting to the hole. His first 3 yards aren't nearly as fast as his last 37 in the 40 yard dash.
ReplyDeleteseeker-- it was a coaching clinic in AU and He saw todd doing some "voluntary" workouts with the WR's
ReplyDeleteMichael
ReplyDeleteI think Fannin is the only back we have with star potential. He hasn't been a RB for very long and it sounds like he may finally be figuring it out. Last year he was carrying the ball like a scrambling QB hence the fumbles.
kj
ReplyDeleteI was answering the Ron Mexico question.
I Think Tate has a hami issue also. But you are right the ball he carries looks like it ways 30lbs
ReplyDeletemy apologies!
ReplyDeleteI also always found it interesting the Ronnie Brown was faster than Caddy, but Caddy had the quickness. Caddy would fake you out of your shoes. Ronnie would knock you out of them. Just different approaches.
ReplyDeleteno prob!
ReplyDeleteWhat made bo great was he had Caddy like quickness, world class speed, and ronnie brown like hitting ability. He was a back that could take his choice of running around our through you.
ReplyDeleteI was watching the highlights from the 2004 Auburn-Georgia game, and no lie, my eyes started watering. And I am not an emotional dude. Seeing those running backs and receivers, their swagger (I hate that word. never let me use it again), their athleticism, it was just night and day compared to now. I think I am only able to appreciate that year more now that time has passed some.
ReplyDeleteI say screw 2008, I am going to skip the game this week and watch 2004 youtube highlights. I think I will be a much happier fan by the end of the day.
I prefer Markeith Cooper, the Lizard. He could do neither.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete2004 AU/GA game is my favorite game i have attended. Ladies next to me had bourbon in their bras...oranges were being tossed ...National Championship was on the field. Good Times
ReplyDeleteI disagree sensi. I think just as easily these guys who "create on the fly" are convinced their creations will lead to more yards which is better for the team. I'm sure they are more upset than anyone when they lose yards.
ReplyDeleteI also would not put Fannin in that category. In my opinion that guy runs in a straight line more than any of our other running backs. If there is any knock against him, it's that he doesn't have a feel for when to put on a move and when to put his head down. But he is still learning.
michael, it wasn't just the abilities of the 2004 runningbacks, it was the attittude and second effort. I remember the LSU game that season and seeing how even after they seemed to be stopped they would still be fighting for more yardage. Repeatedly you would situation where they could have easily just gone down and been satisfied with the gain, but they always fought for the extra yards. That more than anything is what I loved about those two. Both new they were going to be rich playing in the pros. Both still gave outstanding effort. I didn't even see that kind of effort out of Bo his last season.
ReplyDeletehey, what the heck happened to the sensible post I responded to? Self-banhammering, are we? Am I just talking to myself?
ReplyDeleteI see Fannin as having potential. He should probably get a shot. I view Tate as a good solid back that might even make it in the pros. As for Lester, I have been disappointed. He always seems to come up a bit short. I have never seen an outstanding game from him.
ReplyDeleteSouth Carolina is a 23 point dog this weekend at Florida. When's the last time Steve Spurrier lost a game by 23 points?
ReplyDeletestevefc, I agree. I see that fight out of Fannin more than anyone else on our team, and that's one of the things I like about him.
ReplyDeleteLester's best run was at the end of the bama game last year and it was only for 3-4 yards.
ReplyDeleteSo anyone want to put on their psychologist hat and compare the UF reaction to Spurrier and the LSU reaction to Saban? Is it just because Spurrier has put so much more into Florida that they can't bring themselves to hate him? Is it because South Carolina will never be a threat no matter who is coaching? Is it because LSU fans are just a bunch of idiots? Discuss.
ReplyDeleteAU clobbered Spurrier a few years ago at AU
ReplyDeleteI haven't swung the Banhammer here.
ReplyDeleteFL fans are happy because they have a good coach with Meyer. LSU fans are pissed because Les looks like a goob with that hat.
ReplyDeleted ... why not share just where in the hell you are?
ReplyDeleteNot saying you did, Jay. Sensi put up some thoughts and then took them down. Self-banhammering I called it. Perhaps a better phrase could be used. Maybe hammeringselfban. Yeah, that's less confusing.
ReplyDeleteI didn't say Tate was slow. I said he hits the hole slow. There's a difference.
ReplyDeleteAL.com reporting about bama players getting into a fight
ReplyDeletebanhammerbation
ReplyDeleteYeah, Seeker, but Spurrier was available when Meyer was hired, so in that respect it's even worse than Saban. His old job was not available. Seems like Spurrier was offended that they required him to interview, so he was all like "F it, I am going to start something elsewhere." Am I remembering that right?
ReplyDeleteI think me and phred are on the same page on this running back thing. Everyone else is a bunch of bammer idiots.
ReplyDeleteI think you are correct. I think Spurrier is content with his Augusta membership and mediocre expectations.
ReplyDeletelove banhammerbation, Monica. So shall it be called when one self deletes. Mark it in stone. Write it in blood. Verily, verily, in the name of Tim, and so on.
ReplyDeleteMark it, dude.
tide players fighting with frat cats, lovely
ReplyDeletebanhammerbation. Isn't that how the singer for INXS died?
ReplyDeleteSomehow I can't see them doing much in terms of personel to change the results of tomorrow's game. Giving Fannin a few more carries probably isn't a bad idea.
ReplyDeleteI do think UGA is vulnerable. Their defense isn't rated that high. Their offensive line isn't that solid. It is just hard to beat having the best QB and best RB on the same team.
Our hopes have to lie in our defense playing an outstanding game. Hopefully we can score some points with the special teams. I can't see us winning this one without scoring more than 3 touchdowns. These days anything more than one touchdown seems like a miracle for this offense.
michael, I think you are right about Spurrier. He should have been hired back at Florida without an interview. All he should have had to say is my resume is in your trophy case.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but I don't think the Florida brass is beating themselves up too much over the decision.
ReplyDeletemichael, Florida has done well, but a lot of it had to do with the players they have. Lets see what happens when Tebow is gone. Zook left that program in good shape.
ReplyDeleteNo one was complaining about the way Tate hit the hole until we started trying to run him east-west out of the shotgun.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Miles is my hero. The God's of dumb luck smile on him. I do suspect that when the God's change their mind, the LSU fans will eat him alive.
ReplyDeleteGang:
ReplyDeleteTurbo Prop (son of Jet) and I just got back from a seminar at AU today and Gogue spoke. After writing down every he said, I determined every other letter spelled out, "Our football team is doomed! Tommy is toast!"
Florida was wise to turn its head away from Spurrier ... reunion tours usually aren't good ideas.
ReplyDeleteGreat programs make the tough decisions, despite the winds of popularity.
Say my name peeps!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm headed to the BIG Wetumpka @ Auburn High game. Talk with you all later.
ReplyDeleteJGT ...
ReplyDeleteAnd who said Auburn football was irrelevant?
"No one was complaining about the way Tate hit the hole until we started trying to run him east-west out of the shotgun."
ReplyDeleteThank you. Ben Tate suddenly gets put in an offense that doesn't fit his running style and all the sudden everyone forgets he carried us at points last year.
Actually I heard quite a bit of complaining last year about Ben Tate being slow to the hole. This isn't a new development, it is just further exposed by having him run laterally this year.
ReplyDeleteAnd further exposed by the breakdowns in the interior line blocking.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long year. Thanks for being cool to chat and argue with Hotties.
If being slow to the hole gets 5 yards per carry and 900 yards in a split role, then I'm fine with it.
ReplyDeleteTrue dat rk, know what else i'm ok with, duck collards and bbq chicken with red beans and rice, wish i could email all yall some, i love having friday nights off, it means being gratified in ways saturday has been unable to bring me as of late.
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that Spurrier is probably the best head coach in the SEC in my lifetime. His Florida teams were very dominant and if he ends up at another school with that kind of athletes, he will likely be just as dominant.
ReplyDeleteBinoba you're killing my. My leftover chicken just doesn't quite seem as appealing.
ReplyDeleteSteve, no doubt Spurrier is probably the 2nd or 3rd best coach in SEC history.
ReplyDeleteI hate inaccurate historical references. Seeker, you have done it. Lester's run at the end of the Bama game was for 12 yards.
ReplyDeleteAuburn took it down to 1:06 with a fourth and one at the Alabama 30. When Lester ran up the middle for 12 yards, the game was over.
http://huntsville.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=huntsville&cdn=citiestowns&tm=296&gps=154_2638_1276_597&f=20&su=p554.12.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//alabama.scout.com/2/705041.html
Spurrier is up there but i think he lost his mojo in washington , though. Auburn is as disorganized as i can remember, i'm done complaining and i'm waitin for the product to get better. If it doesn't , i'm really gettin nothing done knowing i could call a better game at OC, so i've decided to wait and see, hopefully we can pull one out of the hat in the last two weeks, but i'm doubting it with what i've been shown thus far.
ReplyDeleteDenny Crum, you are right about Lester's Iron Bowl run. Actually, that was the highlight of the Iron Bowl. He just kind of took several pachyderms for a ride.
ReplyDeleteThat was a beautiful run.
ReplyDeleteDenny, I have a question for you. Where does all your knowledge come from? You have so many anecdotes and quotes from crazy places and people, and they are always applicable. Do you make them up? Are you really that well read? Either way, I am proud to say I post on the same message board as you.
Damn, denny crum, hate is a pretty powerful word, but puttin your heart into auburn football this year probably calls for some strong language to be used by all who have been forced to stomach it.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone mentioned Brian Kelly as a possible replacement if Tuberville is forced out?
ReplyDeleteIt seems like he is doing well at Cincinnati, and he won two Division II national titles at Grand Valley State.
yeah, but tubs will be back next year if he wants his job, that will say a lot about who our next coach will be. Tubs can cut the q boys or ride off with em in the sunset, either way we're rebuilding next year. Can't really believe these guys couldn't keep the ball rollin, just pitiful.
ReplyDeleteBack to the original points of Jay G.'s post today, how did a strength of this program for decades become so mediocre in one year?
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's the players all together. I think this year's problems can be simply summed up by remembering that our offensive line coach and Tony Franklin simply couldn't or wouldn't work together.
Now, the front line is what it is. There may be no fixing it this year.
But what about next year?
Back after a 2 hr nap - cough is gone. :)
ReplyDeleteAU wins tomorrow 18-17.
Down 17-10 with 2 seconds left and the ball at midfield, AU calls for a Hail Mary and sends all receivers to the end zone. Unfortunately, our line can't hold off the 2 man GA rush and Kodi is forced to run, makes it all the way to the end zone. Bad snap on the extra point and Byrum is forced to pick it up and runs it in for the winning 2 pt conversion.
That was the vision I had during my nap. :)
See, cough syrup can even make you believe Auburn has an opportunity to win a football game.
ReplyDeletecough syrup, that's straight peote button talk right there. Just hope we don't lose by 40. Don't get me wrong, we got the guys to "compete", our ineptitude at the OC position will cost us yet another game.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI talked to a Coach tonight who coached against Ray Cotton in his last high school game at Meade in Maryland. This is what he said about him:
ReplyDelete"He was alllll that!"
"I was like s*^&!" (insert Saban's word there)
"He's the real deal."
"His size, long torso strength and good arm sets him apart."
"He could go deep or hit the short routes w/ a nice touch."
"He was very accurate."
"2nd play hit a kid in full stride down the right sideline for 6."
This coach was kind of enough to link me to the game film if you'd like to see Cotton in recent action. The download will take a while, but it's great film quality and I sure hope we keep Cotton with Auburn.
http://www.sendspace.com/file/apn6xp
An article with good comments about and quotes from Cotton. He already sounds like a leader.
Article on Cotton's Last Game
I am but a simple man that loves Auburn football and of course, College Basketball. My love for Auburn inspires me to heights otherwise unimaginable. I thank all for their kind words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteRight now I am watching UC score against U of L.
LOL at Monica giving recruiting updates...
ReplyDeleteGood stuff.
Mon- I coached Raymond in the 7th grade, before he failed out my middle school. then me bounced around to 2 or 3 high schools (at least Blount & Faith) here in Mobile. Lets just say.. thank goodness he is an athlete, because as a student, ummmm, not too great. he may have gained a lot of common sense and basic knowledge in the "3r's", and lordy lordy, i hope he has, but with that many OCs and a father who was, lets just say, VERY involved with his playing time and coaching, i fear the worst. However, if he can come in and take over, that would be great. (But remember we thought the same of Kodi, and he still may work out). Maybe Cotton at WR/Ath position?
ReplyDelete7 to 7 starting the 2nd quarter
ReplyDeleteFaker - Why are you laughing at me for passing on a conversation I had with someone about a recruit? I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteBear - That's a shame. I hate to hear he has those kinds of problems.
ReplyDelete^^^^Shutting up^^^^^
ReplyDeleteAny ideas from the brilliant hotties on how I can listen to a Alabama high school football playoff game online?
ReplyDeleteWho are you wanting to listen to?
ReplyDeleteT.R. Miller and Slocomb
ReplyDelete10 to 7 UofL in the second.
ReplyDeleteMonica,
You need to be supporting a team like Russell or Ashland High or Greenup County,,,you get the picture.
What is wrong with this year's team? Is it coaching? Players? My answer is much simpler. It is team chemistry. One of the things I have always noticed with Auburn is that usually we aren't good to go at the start of the season. Usually around the 4th or 5th game we will have a game where the offense suddenly gains a personality, the team develops chemistry, and we do much better. Usually toward the end of the season we are going, man, if we could have just beaten MSU or someone like that, we would be in the SEC Championship.
ReplyDeleteThis year we have yet to have that chemistry game. That game where the offense clicks and the players define their rolls. I hope it comes tomorrow.
LOL Denny - You can take the girl outta Alabama, but...
ReplyDeletePaul Blazer in Ashland or West Carter should get your dollars.
ReplyDeleteNot sure Monica, but I heard T.R. Miller was down by 35 pts
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect to your Royalness, Coach Crum, If I were going to follow high school football here it would be Huntington High or Cabell-Midland. It most certainly would not be anyone in Boyd or Greenup County Kentucky.
ReplyDeleteFaker - You must be into that bourbon you said you keep so much of around the house.
ReplyDeleteaight mon I watched half the video..he is definetly the biggest guy on the field..also his team is clearly superior to the other team..that being said boy I hope we can keep that commitment
ReplyDeleteSorry not much for West By God Virginia except to stay at the GreenBriar.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link Mon..I mean a link to Cottons latest game..that's RoF material it is...
ReplyDeleteScore is now 14 to 10 UC over the Uof L Carinals(no D)
ReplyDeletehey I hear thunder outside..hmmmm I got a feeling that this is our time..THE DAWGS ARE GOING DOWN!!!WAAAARRRR EAGEL!!
ReplyDeletevmi is beating UK in basketball 106 to 103 with less than a minute. Nice
ReplyDeleteThank you, Wartiger! Finally, some love! hotties are hotile on a Friday night...
ReplyDeletehostile, too
ReplyDelete17 to 14 Uof L
ReplyDeleteHow can teams like Uof L and UC keep getting better QBs than Auburn. I don't get it.
ReplyDeleteTRM 20
ReplyDeleteSlocomb 7
At the half
MONH-I'd blame it on a somewhat bleak perception for tomorrow..I really belive that we are a great offensive performance away from beating UGA..I get like this a day before the game so you'll have to excuse me..ESPECIALLY WHEN I AM GOING TO THE GAME..SIKED!!! I gotta leave out around 6 am....but can't wait!!!
ReplyDeleteor Monica
ReplyDeleteMonica-You da man. Bringing the cruitin' news and AL high school scores. I promise never throw you under the bus unless I need to.
ReplyDeleteSo back to the original topic. I feel the OL problems started with an incoming class that played very well last year and not much focus on getting replacements to spell them. At the same time, those we did sign either didn't qualify or just have not panned out. if you go back to the names of the players AU recruited for OL, there really isn't much to show for the effort except for the couple that are still playing.
Hey I just played UGA on NCAA 08 and I won. Gotta be a good sign right???
ReplyDeleteWartiger - I'm SO glad you're going to the game. Don't forget Kristina has invited you guys to stop by (I think she said across from Foy Hall?). Yes, gamer, that's a good sign.
ReplyDeleteWoot! I preciate it! I'm getting pretty used to that bus. ;-) So, it's all good.
Well I guess I have decided to go over Sat to watch the game. You guys have me believing we have a chance even after the coin toss.
ReplyDeleteWe have tried leading at the half and not leading at the half. Not sure if I like leading and then feeling the dread of knowing we will squander the lead with zero adjustments, or just not leading at all and thinking we might have had a chance inthe 2nd ahlf if we had only been leading at the half.
Oh well, this too shall pass.
I don't care what our record is this is AMEN CORNER HOTTIES time to win this game and get ready to hold up 7 fingers.....
ReplyDeleteUk 103 VMI 111 SWEET. I believe Billy Gillispie is officially on the HOTSEAT of SEC basketball coaches.
ReplyDeleteJAY G. OUCH VMI?
Yum, warm triple chocolate chip cookies!
ReplyDeletemmmmmm cookies - i want em
ReplyDeleteWoot - glad another hottie is going to the game!
Quite tasty with a glass of milk ... just the sort of bedtime snack before a big game.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it seemed a little flat on campus today ... maybe it was the rain.
Maybe it was reality
Thanks for the wonderful video Monica. It is obvious why people compare Cotton with Jason Campbell, very similar body styles.
ReplyDeleteCotton threw a couple of INTs, but he also completed more long passes in that game than we have completed all season.
I don't think he will be able to run like that in the SEC, but he does look athletic and confident. I can't wait to see him play. I imagine he may be headed for a redshirt, but you never can tell.
I am not sure why someone would complain about no halftime adjustments. I have seen them. The best example was against Ole Miss. It is just that our halftime adjustments haven't worked out so well.
ReplyDeleteMe want cookies...
ReplyDeleteI can't go. But I made sure I gave my tickets to a good Auburn man who wanted to take his two sons.
ReplyDeleteWhile the Stewardess is away, the Jet is gonna play -- unfortunately, in the kitchen, making cookies, and eating junk.
ReplyDeleteBad Jet. Bad Jet.
Watch football wall to wall tomorrow since Stewardness won't be back until tomorrow night.
Good Jet. Good Jet.
Lotsa nachos and junk.
Bad Jet. Bad Jet.
I may fix some lobster bisque or something along those lines
ReplyDeleteDenny ... showoff!
ReplyDeleteAuburn just won their first BB game of the season; think the final margin was 10.
ReplyDeleteI wanna know where denny crums' tailgate is...lobster bisque..mmmmmm
ReplyDeleteDenny - what time should we be over?
ReplyDeleteTomorrow might be good for some roast beef, yorkshire pudding, and a nice little red wine
ReplyDeleteI'm on a diet
ReplyDeleteThink we won by 15 ... Vot had 21 or so. He was the man down the stretch, it sounded like.
ReplyDeleteJet is supposed to be.
ReplyDeleteWas a C-130 a year ago, now more like a Lear.
I use sherry and some madeira in my lobster bisque. I learned that on a trip to Bar Harbor Maine.
ReplyDeleteok i am gonna eat me a sandwich then off to bed..it's like being in the 3rd grade going on a field trip the next day...SIKED....night Hotties
ReplyDeleteUC 21 Uof L 20 5 minutes or so in the 3rd
ReplyDeleteBAH HARBAH
ReplyDeletehave fun, Wartiger!
ReplyDeleteGive a WAR DAMN EAGLE for me!
Not only did I decide to go to the game on a late notice, but am being told the tailgate gathering starts at 8:00am. Ouch. Did I say I decided to go, maybe it wasn't me that made that decision. If it was, I would be getting there about 11:15.
ReplyDeleteAt least the tailgating will be well attended. On the corner of Donahue and Roosevelt.
Jet, earlier you said it was flat on campus. I remember the flattest it ever was at Auburn during my 6 year run was in 2006 when we were number 2 and then just got smoked by Arkansas. The atmosphere the whole week was like everyone's dog had died. Gameday came the next week and I remember Kirk or someone talking about how dead the crowd was.
ReplyDeleteOf course, the next week we beat the future National Champion Florida in one of my favorite Auburn games of all time. Remember the blocked punt? Well, anyway, there is hope. We will beat some dogs tomorrow. WAR EAGLE and stuff!