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11.07.2008

How slow has this gotten?

Hey everyone. It's one day before the BIG homecoming game and I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed. You know the feeling. It's like when Ben Tate takes a hand-off out of the shotgun formation and starts that arduous journey beyond the tackle.

Play builds slowly, create little suspense. Kinda like this week.

Will Auburn beat UT-Martin? I think so. The Tigers are so much bigger along the line. Surely that will be enough to let guys like Tate and Brad Lester get into the defensive backfield more than occasionally.

I predict a 24-10 Auburn win. That would be a scoring bonanza.

Who will play? Lots of people you don't know all that well: Spencer Pybus, Dee Hood, Drew Cole, Eric Smith ... maybe even Adam Herring.

That's about all I have for you.

ON-CAMPUS SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY:

9:30 a.m. - Tiger Team Village open
11:30 a.m. - Tiger Walk
11:30 a.m. - Public gates open
12:10 p.m. - Spirit March
1:05 p.m. - Pre-Game begins
1:10 p.m. - Eagle Flight
1:30 p.m. - Auburn vs. UT Martin

ONE OTHER THING: Live blog or comment-based quarterly posts? Which would you rather use tomorrow?

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

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

264 Comments:

Eddie McCoy said...: Stealing my pick. I like quarter based posts like previous the best.; 12:20 PM
Anonymous said...: jay, is it just me of is Spencer Pybus always one second too late on every freaking thing he does. He is the little white kid, #39 right? Why does he get too play so much? Please tell me we are not looking at another Tre Smith where no matter what the kid does/does not do he will play. Pybus is awful!!!!; 12:23 PM
Monica said...: Spirit March - now that'll be a fierce event.

Things are bad when a game time, live blog seems manageable.; 12:24 PM
Unknown said...: Comment based quarterly posts work for me. I can't watch the game and get too involve online. I have to keep my game face on.

Speaking of the game, you people have got me paraniod. I have visions of loosing to UT-Martin. It is scary.; 12:31 PM
WarEagleRK said...: I think that was my score prediction too.; 12:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Auburn 21, UT-Martin 14

Auburn has a size advantage and even if it is going the wrong way, it's still hard to get around. I figure the game plan will feature plenty of running and playaction passing. Auburn jumps out to a 21-0 halftime lead and the 3rd stringers give up a couple late scores after most of the students are gone.; 12:34 PM
Unknown said...: The Skyhawks have scored 42 touchdowns this season. We have scored 14.; 12:35 PM
WarEagleRK said...: 3 TD's in one game, if it's all offensive then that ties the record for the most offensive TD's in a game this year.; 12:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Probably a good bit of ole' number 19, Caudle in the 2nd half too.; 12:36 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Let's hope for no trivia girls today.; 12:40 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: No comment on Trivia girls from me anymore.; 12:43 PM
Taylor said...: hey all

ive been MIA lately - work has picked up a bit.

anyway, whats with knox not acknowledging that slaughter has talent?

i read something after the game last week where know or TT said he isnt a gamebreaker type, etc.

“He’s been working hard,” Knox said. “That could happen for any one of them at any point in time. It was just the luck of the draw that day. It was his day. Balls came his way and he made his plays. That’s kind of what we expect him to do.
“This week it could be any one of them. But last week it was him, and I’m sure he’s been working this week like it’s going to be him again, so hopefully it will be.”

this would get me down if i were a player.

thoughts?; 12:43 PM
Anonymous said...: I have tried to avoid reading anything and being on as often. It just doesn't work. Is there a therapy group for Hotties?

Does anyone think AU can score more than 35 pts?; 12:43 PM
mytommyd said...: Had to do some checking - they lost to USF 56-7 and beat Baker? 56-0 and Concordia (AL)? 87-21 in the first 3 weeks of their season. Their other loss is to Tennessee State.

Although I really have no idea what that means for this week, other than I can't believe I'm even thinking about us not preforming well against UT-Martin.; 12:46 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: au1n04- We CAN score more than 35, but reality says we won't.; 12:47 PM
mytommyd said...: Preforming - is the idea of formation before it happens; 12:47 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mrtommy- Is Concordia a school for the blind in AL? I've never heard of them.; 12:48 PM
WDEwg said...: I do. I sure hope that we leave our starters in for most of the game. Build some continuity. Use this as a live dress rehearsal. Since the NCAA limits the number of practices, use this one as a 2.5hour scrimmage.

Course, if it is close- -they'll have to play the whole game to get a W.

Being a Furman alum, I'm pretty up on good 1-AA teams, and I hadn't heard alot about UT-M, so hopefully we can pound them early and often; 12:50 PM
mytommyd said...: Yeah I've never heard of Concordia or Baker. But I will say they also beat Austin Peay, Murray State and Tennessee Tech who I have heard of. No idea if they're any good or not this year though.; 12:50 PM
WDEwg said...: Nice negativity out of Jay with the Ben Tate running out of the shotgun reference!

Yes, I know it's true. Just painful to read and think about.; 12:51 PM
Anonymous said...: I have a friend who went to Concordia (the one in Wisconsin).

Link; 12:52 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Tenn Tech is coached by Watson Brown.

As far as the comment on Pybus, he is a freshman, so I'm sure he hasn't caught up with the speed of the game...plus it wasn't like he was highly recruited anyway, so there might be reasons for that too.; 12:53 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Interesting. UT Martin will make this game closer than most expect just because how our team has played the last few weeks. It has no confidence in what it is doing or supposed to be doing.; 12:54 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Did everyone see where Ryan Leaf was suspended from his QB coaches job at West Texas A&M for asking one of his players for pain killers?; 12:55 PM
mytommyd said...: Just checked on Concordia. They are in Selma and from what I saw on their website, seem to be a Christian school. Formerly Alabama Lutheran Academy. http://www.concordiaselma.edu/; 12:55 PM
Unknown said...: The thing with Tate is that he is fast. It just takes him a while to get up to speed.

As for us scoring 35, maybe if the defense kicks in a couple of touchdowns.

I am hoping that a lot of the walking wounded don't play, especially on defense. The only way I see us staying in the game with UGA or Bama is for our defense to return to early season form.; 12:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Live Blog-
On a different note:
How is Tub's marriage?; 12:56 PM
Monica said...: We won't score 35 points.; 12:58 PM
WDEwg said...: AS usual, Steve- you and I agree. I hope we keep the Pybus' and D'Hoods of the world out there the entire game getting reps and making plays. We need Marks and Coleman and Powers and co to be healthy(ier) for UGA, and then have another week off to get ready to give John Jacob Jinkle Hymer Wilson the beating of his life.; 12:59 PM
WDEwg said...: Mon- bite your tongue. I'm going to be wearing my lucky hat and golf shirt.; 1:00 PM
Monica said...: That sounds like a lovely ensemble, but unless it comes with a high powered magic wand...; 1:01 PM
Anonymous said...: RK - Leaf resigned and now the Po Po is checking to see if he did anything illegal. It seems as though if he is asking from a player, a trainer said go away.; 1:02 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Tim- Why does everyone bring up Tubs marriage? I believe that is a low blow in the rumor mill. I don't buy it one pit. Also, people shouldn't float that out there in my opinion. It just isn't right.; 1:06 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: wdewg- If your ensemble came with a Breswster Nation T-shirt, I bet it could pass inspection.; 1:07 PM
Anonymous said...: How is that even a topic? We have a nice picture of his mother at the WVU game.; 1:08 PM
Unknown said...: So, I am of the opinion that we have sucked worse after Franklin was fired. I have been assuming this is the consensus. Are we in agreement that being de-Franklined hasn't proven beneficial?; 1:09 PM
Unknown said...: Personally, I find speculating about Tuberville's marriage a forbidden topic. It just isn't something that should be discussed publicly.; 1:11 PM
WDEwg said...: The golf shirt is blue, not orange but it is lined with magic pixy dust-- so we are cool there. I will also be sending lots of encouragement telepathically to the guys on the field.

So, don't worry. We're covered.

Answer the de-franklined in next post.; 1:13 PM
michael said...: Seems like a day that could use some more youtube.

Here is some Tommy Seebach. You may have seen him before. If not, enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IKi3n6YnMA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFGzGfym-7Y; 1:16 PM
WDEwg said...: Steve-
Actually, I do think we are better (or will be better) after the being de-franklined.

Here's why. With Franklin, we'd still have no running game (which basically is a wash with what we have now). BUT-- Todd would still be the starter, and so we wouldn't have the potential for playmaking at QB.

I think it will take time, and we will have to suffer through some bad decisions from KB, but overall- he gives us a better shot to make plays than Todd, Caudle (i guess, haven't seen him much) or Trotter.

I'm of the opinion that given more weeks to establish report with Slaughter, Trott, etc.- -we'll look better on offense--even running the no-adjustment enchilada (jay's analogy)- and will be in better shape by the time Iron Bowl gets here.; 1:16 PM
scottatl said...: Whoever blasted Pybus, at least log in under a name.; 1:17 PM
WDEwg said...: I also suffer from "Weekly Adjusted Optimism Syndrome". The symptoms are despair on Sunday (sometimes Friday) through Wednesday. With unfounded, but unshakeable stirring of hope on Thursday, reaching an alltime high on Saturday morning.

As of yet, there is no cure, and no real explanation for the condition.; 1:19 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I say no bashing of players. They give to much already to be ridiculed.; 1:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Michael,

I see your Tommy Seebach and raise you some Mitch Malloy; 1:21 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: wdewg- Stand up with me and say,
"I'm an Auburn Football Addict" and introduce yourself to everyone in the room.; 1:22 PM
scottatl said...: QUESTION TO ALL:

If CTT goes, who wants to see Rod Bramlett go with?; 1:22 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Rod Bramlett, very good man, very bad play by play guy. I would like someone else.; 1:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Ouch ScottATL.

Though is we make a change in the broadcast booth, Barry McKnight is the guy.; 1:23 PM
scottatl said...: I hate to say it, but Rod is not my fave, good on baseball, but he just doesnt cut in in Football. I had some friends who worked at Auburn Network at he time of Jim Fyffe's passing and they though Paul Ellen would get the job.; 1:25 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I'm posting this from Rivals, Jay's Pick:

Jay Tate: Auburn 24-10. Someone finally gives the Peach County Prophet a chance and look what he does with it. Chris Slaughter may be one step away from the doghouse, but he's two steps ahead of every defender.

I like the last line the best. Thought all would enjoy. Jay is battling a quarter flip for worst record this year.; 1:26 PM
michael said...: Mitch Malloy has some great hair, Sensible! I wonder what conditioner he uses.

I wonder if there was some island where Jan Terri, Tommy Seebach, and Mitch Malloy all came from. Maybe another planet. Wasn't there some sort of prophecy in the Bible about how the anti-christ would be the offspring of Mitch Malloy and Jan terri, and Tommy Seebach would personally train him in evil? Can't remember the exact stipulations.; 1:27 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Tuberville's marriage?

Seriously? Is there where we're headed? That's why I took "anonymous" off the RoF.; 1:27 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Auburn needs someone from outside the program doing the play by play. Jim Fyffe didn't come from within and he worked out just fine.; 1:28 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: (I don't take those pick contests seriously. I fill em out in 15 seconds and away they go ...); 1:28 PM
WDEwg said...: Hi everyone, I'm WG and I have an addiction.

And the only cure is more cowbell.

I'm sorry to say it-- but I agree. I'd like another Play by Play guy, and maybe even replace Stan "the Wet Blanket" White.; 1:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Michael,

There's always this guy; 1:28 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I figured as much Jay, but I love your last line. It was great.; 1:29 PM
michael said...: Tim has always been interested in the personal affairs of our head coach. He is just curious, I guess, That's why all his friends call him Whiskers.; 1:30 PM
Monica said...: Josh Moon - great line.
"and introduce himself"

Nice.; 1:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Barry McKnight

click here

and here

to hear the man at work.; 1:30 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: As far as Spencer Pybus goes ... he's doing what he's supposed to do. Since he hasn't been alive, uh, at Auburn long enough to understand the defense, he's doing everything at 100 mph.

That's what he has been taught to do.

So ripping him for busting his butt ... he probably takes that as a compliment.; 1:33 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mr. S- I'm sold. Barry is very good. Bring on Barry!; 1:33 PM
Anonymous said...: I've decided that each Friday I will post this to bring cheer to the blog.

Enjoy; 1:37 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Interesting quotes by Auburn President:

Gogue Comments about Tubs; 1:38 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Wow Mitch Malloy. That guy was almost the singer in Van Halen at one point.; 1:39 PM
Anonymous said...: Was that during the Gary Cherone days?; 1:41 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Yes, Malloy apparently played with the band and was offered and took too long and that's when VH's manager at the time pulled Cherone in. (He was Extreme's former manager.); 1:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Eddie,

That is interesting, but it sounds exactly like how Dr. Gouge handles things - delegation.; 1:43 PM
Anonymous said...: scottatl...I blasted Pybus. Now can you explain to me why having a name make my comment any better/any worse?; 1:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Since we are on an Auburn blog and have gone down the music road, check out this Auburn student spittin' rhymes.

Yt - Auburn Boys Live; 1:45 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mr. S- I wasn't sure how to read into that, but I believe you would know best.

Thanks for the insight.; 1:45 PM
Anonymous said...: I love how people act like they aren't discussing a coach's future, when they obviously are behind closed doors.

Mal Moore did it with Shula, and now Dr. Gouge is doing the same thing.; 1:45 PM
Monica said...: Is Doug just running his mouth? Is he saying that or not? Come on...; 1:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Wow! Doug Amos drops the bombshell.

He says a member of Tubs's family has said, "we are waiting on our money" implying that the deal is done.

Step out?; 1:47 PM
michael said...: I agree that Pybus hasn't played very well. He really killed us in that Vandy game. But he is a freshman forced to play due to injuries. I am sure he will be the man by the time he leave AU. Like someone mentioned earlier, the effort is certainly there.; 1:48 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I agree FSJ- They act like we are all stupid for even believing that it would go on behind closed doors. I bet he has had several conversations with powerful trustees about this issue.; 1:48 PM
Anonymous said...: Who is Doug Amos? Or should I know?; 1:48 PM
Unknown said...: WDEwg. I think Kodi would be the starter now if Franklin had remained. It was clear early in the season that Todd gave us the best chance to win, but I think the plan all along was for Kodi to take over when he got to the point where he could execute the offense or Todd's arm finally gave out. Todd's arm was gone in the second half against Vandy.; 1:48 PM
Monica said...: Actually he said, "Would you be surprised if I said a member of Tubervilles family said, 'We're just waiting on our money'?"

So did someone say that to him or not?; 1:49 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I heard that too Mr. S & Monica. He is definitely implying that the buyout has been agreed upon. Who in the world in Tubs camp would leak that and why?; 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Sensi - do you want to expand on that a bit more?; 1:49 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Premise: Dr. Gogue makes the decisions.

Jay's take: Riiiiight.; 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...: eddie,

You know they have....Auburn football is BIG business. They wouldn't be doing their jobs if they WEREN'T having discussions, IMO.; 1:50 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Monica- I believe Doug is implying that he has heard that. Why else word it that way.; 1:50 PM
Monica said...: That's a heck of thing to imply.

Doug Amos and Josh Moon - host The Roundtable on 740 AM; 1:51 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: FSJ- Agreed. These actions are all based on SACS if you ask me.; 1:51 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Agree Jay. I know the President had no say in the last coach that was fired mid-season.; 1:52 PM
Monica said...: I won't speculate on his motivation for saying that if it wasn't a real question. I'll just hush.; 1:52 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I'm out till later tonight. Have a great afternoon.; 1:59 PM
Monica said...: I'm out too.; 1:59 PM
scottatl said...: pybusblaster,

The reason you post with names on this site is that the reason most blogs are worthless is due to 'anonymous insults' (hence the name). If someone wants to respond directly to your post, they can do so via your name. Not really a big deal, but since we have good discussions on here it's fun putting comments with names on various topics, so that you can developed an expectation of different posters (e.g. now I know that you, ‘pybusblaster’, doesn’t think pybus can play). You can certainly post whatever you think can get through Jay's screening process, but using name certainly helps and is alot more fun!; 2:00 PM
Unknown said...: Actually, I believe Gouge when he says he will wait on Jacob's recommendation. The question is, who will give Jacob's recommenation to Jacobs? After Jetgate the board agreed to leave athletics decisions up to the president and the president seems to have rightly delegated the decision to Jacobs, but I imagine Jacobs is getting some suggestions. I do think the athletic director should decide things such as this unless there is some major thing that comes up, such as hookers and strip clubs or something.; 2:00 PM
Anonymous said...: scottatl....I see your point. But, since this was my first time posting here did not really see the need of having a name. But from here on out let it be known that I am "pybusblaster"; 2:03 PM
scottatl said...: Welcome aboard Pybusblaster, good to have you!; 2:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Tell you what gang, I'll ask him that tomorrow morning. He's on during the first segment.; 2:10 PM
michael said...: I knew it wasn't Tim, because Tim loves Pybus.; 2:11 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: Sensi, thanks for posting a little POISON on a Friday afternoon. Now I can smile as the last 2 hrs of my work week fade to black. Nice work.; 2:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Jay G., I can imagine you saying that with the same tone as Nipsey Russell in Wildcats.; 2:13 PM
Anonymous said...: No problem, Scottie. I'm hear to sling the hair metal as well.; 2:14 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i was bumpin a little Metallica black album on the way to work this morning. i was diggin' it.; 2:16 PM
Bryan the emailer said...: So, did anyone find out if Doug Amos was being hypothetical or was he serious that someone is Tubs family said "we are just waiting on the money"?; 2:19 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm out for the day, gang.

Enjoy this one.

It's appropriate for the situation at hand for Auburn.; 2:20 PM
Mark said...: From Finebaum's column:

This 2008 campaign will mark the 11th time as a head coach Tuberville will have lost at least four games and the seventh time he will have lost five or more. It will be the fourth time at Auburn he will have lost at least five. Do five losses count for being a bad year in your book?

For all of the brilliance of the 2004-2006 seasons — when Auburn went 13-0, 9-3 and 11-2 — it can't be ignored that since the beginning of the 2007 season, Tuberville is 13-9 (7-7 in the SEC with Georgia and Alabama to play).; 2:41 PM
Quitstina said...: When will the UGA game be announced?

Also, is anyone else sick of the vimax ads that are on every friggin web site now?; 2:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Game times will be released Sunday.; 2:53 PM
Unknown said...: Kristina, if you use firefox, there is an ad blocker plugin that will get rid of most of that crap.; 2:57 PM
JD said...: Very very very intereting comments by Jimmy Rane and Jay Gouge regarding the Tuberville status.; 3:00 PM
Anonymous said...: I just heard that on Finebaum biscuit.....

Very interesting.; 3:01 PM
Quitstina said...: Care to elaborate?; 3:03 PM
JD said...: The quality was horrible I did like how Jimmy Rane really ducked the question about Tuberville's future.; 3:03 PM
JD said...: Oh not really much to add other that Jimmy Rane publically said that he did not like losing. He also said he had no control over Tommy's future which is crazy speak.

Jay Gouge said that winning was the 5th most important thing on his list when it came to evaluating a program. #1 of course was graduating players which Tommy has done very well in according to Gouge.; 3:08 PM
Unknown said...: Personally, I think running a clean program should be #1.; 3:10 PM
Matt01 said...: Rane said that Tuberville could turn it around "if he wants to". Paul reads a lot into that.; 3:10 PM
Anonymous said...: #1 graduating players - right. Lets join the Ivy League.; 3:11 PM
JD said...: if he wants to- (verb) meaning if we tell him to fire his offensive staff and he agrees to. Not to be mistaken for he has the power and the Board of Trustees have the trust that he will make any necessary adjustments.; 3:13 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: AU1in04........I have tried to avoid reading anything and being on as often. It just doesn't work. Is there a therapy group for Hotties?
Yes, I need one also....can't get any work done!!!!!!!!!; 3:13 PM
Anonymous said...: WEG - It's brutal/great isn't it?; 3:19 PM
FSJ said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 3:21 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 3:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Ok, heading home and a brief break.; 3:22 PM
FSJ said...: Every time I hear a statement out of the BOT I think of the following song...

Superstitious; 3:25 PM
Unknown said...: jrmax, what would you think should be the number one priority and why? And what does the Ivy League have to do with anything?; 3:26 PM
Anonymous said...: FSJ, It's more like this to me.

Auburn's Situation; 3:27 PM
Unknown said...: Finally, a cool song!!! Now we rock.; 3:29 PM
Anonymous said...: How many championships has Vandy won in the last 40 yrs Steve. Yeah graduating players is really a #1 priority.

I want AU to run a clean program and I don't want them to turn into thug you, but you play the game to win. That is what a football coach is hired to do.; 3:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Sorry Thug U; 3:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Tubs will resign after the GA game. Greg Knoxx will take over next year.; 3:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Maybe Knox is a good tutor; 3:38 PM
Unknown said...: Auburn is a university, not a sports team. It is kind of ridiculous putting winning before the education of kids.; 3:46 PM
Unknown said...: Anonymous, what is the source of your information?; 3:48 PM
Unknown said...: Seems like we have a couple of al.com members visiting.; 3:49 PM
Michael said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 3:55 PM
michael said...: graduating kids is nice and everything, but I must admit my main focus is on the game of football, in which success is judged by winning and losing. No one wants to have an unlikable team that gets in fights and in trouble with the law, but would you be this depressed right now if you were a bama fan? Would you be too sad about all the off the field issues in the offseason to enjoy winning?

Not saying it is right or wrong, but I am pretty honest with myself when it comes to what will make me happy during a football season: winning. Things like illegal chop blocks will upset me as a fan and I will whine about them, but if we are winning it seems to all be forgotten.; 3:57 PM
Mark said...: Steve: Tommy is paid to win ballgames. If he was paid to graduate players, all of the professors would make several million a year and have a six milion dollar buyout.

Agree or disagree.; 3:58 PM
Mark said...: Just win baby!; 3:59 PM
Anonymous said...: I don't want AU to turn into Miami of a few yrs back, but if it isn't about winning then what is all the hooplah about?; 4:00 PM
Matt01 said...: Fans Standpoint: Winning may be the most important thing.
Coach/Administration Standpoint: Academia probably should be held in at least as high a regard.; 4:01 PM
michael said...: Gogue's responsibilities should certainly be education and a clean program first. Not saying that he should be concerned with winning like I am. But the reality is that the overall status of Auburn, its buidlings/funding/etc, is helped by a winning football team that brings in big money.

And the big money donors may pull back their donations if they don't get their way as far as coaching situations. Kinda stupid, but it's their right and it's the way it is.

Anyway, Tommy's responsibility is all of the above. Clean program + winning will keep him his job, but not taking care of something like graduation rate would come back to bite him if he did end up in the hotseat. People would bring up, "He doesn't even graduate his players."; 4:09 PM
Unknown said...: Mark, it seems you have been reading from the Alabama playbook. Running a clean program and graduating players comes before winning. Sure, I like winning as much as anyone, but Auburn is a university, not a sports team.; 4:14 PM
Unknown said...: Winning is certainly important, especially when it comes to funding all sports programs. It just isn't the most important thing.; 4:15 PM
Mark said...: Steve, maybe Vandy has it right and we should all run our sports program from the intramural department. We could sure save a lot of money.

I bet we could even get a coach who would take Bobby johnson's salary scale.

Either we want to be a winner or we admit we support losing.

So which comes first the chicken or the egg. You said, graduating players and running a clean program will lead to winning.

Has it? How many SEC titles has CTT won in 10 years? Please don't tell me 1 because Mike Dubose did that and he was as corrupt as they come.; 4:23 PM
astatguy said...: Get off Spencer Pybus' neck! He's playing because we have so many hurt linebackers. He's a development kid and not ready, but he's a good Auburn guy from an Auburn family and doesn't deserve the garbage people want to hand out. Watch him on kick-off's - he's full speed and is the guy who breaks the wedge and is fearless. He's not a step slow, he's just inexperienced and falls for misdirection too easily.

There's nothing like a losing season to bring out the critical whiners.; 4:23 PM
ADP said...: Why the hate for Pybus? That blows my mind. He's a future superstar. FACT.

My prediction - we will win tomorrow and look bad doing it. It's all part of the masterplan.

I guess the fact that you make stupid commercials doesn't effect your credibility as far as judgement is concerned.

Knox takes over? You have to be kidding.; 4:24 PM
Unknown said...: Mark, I don't understand your point. If you need to find out how many titles CTT has won, look it up.

I am not sure why you are referencing Vandy. I am talking about educating Auburn students.

Your post makes little sense to me.; 4:37 PM
Quitstina said...: There is a certain thing called pride and a certain thing called character.

Do you encourage your own kids to cheat? If that is the case, then I see why you put winning above all else. Maybe you should switch to being an NFL fan.

Off soapbox...

So, is it not possible to have both? A good clean program with players who graduate and win? Why must they be mutually exclusive?; 4:37 PM
Unknown said...: I agree astatguy. Pybus shows promise, but he needs experience.; 4:38 PM
Unknown said...: Kristina, well put. I am not sure why some feel that they are mutually exclusive.; 4:40 PM
michael said...: LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!!! i mean, LEAVE PYBUS ALONE!!!; 4:43 PM
michael said...: Kristina, I was thinking the same "why mutually exclusive" thought earlier. In Auburn's case, it shouldn't be. Football isn't like basketball where the graduation rate is totally crippled if you are a top tier team due to people leaving early to go pro. I don't know, maybe that is a problem at USC or other schools, but I know it is only a dude or two at Auburn each year.

The real problem comes in at cheating. The "winning is everything" mentality could lead to cutting corners and giving players escalades and stuff like that. I don't see why things have to be ranked. I would say run a clean program and win and graduate as best you can.; 4:48 PM
ADP said...: My hope is - run a clean program where winning is everything.; 4:53 PM
michael said...: My hope is winning is everything + clean program + everyone graduates + free pudding between the third and fourth quarter in games where we are down double digits.

I could be pretty happy with a program like that.; 4:59 PM
Quitstina said...: Mmmmmm...pudding; 5:01 PM
michael said...: darn right mmmmm.... pudding!; 5:06 PM
Mark said...: Steve, If you do not understand that most Auburn fans want a coach to win ballgames as a primary job responsibility, I guess we don't need to discuss it further.; 5:13 PM
ADP said...: Don't forget rainbow sno-cones in the locker room after the game, like the ones we used to eat up at the ball park.; 5:14 PM
Unknown said...: mark, this is the second time you have posted wierd things as if I had said them. Please think before you post.; 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...: I am predicting Brad Lester has his first ever 100 yard rushing game as an Auburn Tiger.; 5:22 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I was going to point that out the other day, but I forgot.

Number of Brad Lester 100-yard games: Zero. Seriously. Isn't that amazing?; 5:23 PM
Unknown said...: tigerfan44, I hope you are right. Lester has been kind of like Davis. It always seems something gets in the way of him having a breakout game.

I do think it likely that Tate gets a lot of careers. He has been our most consistent back.

What I would like to see most is us get ahead far enough where we can rest those two and let Eric Smith show what he can do. There was talk about him early on, but he hasn't been a blip on the radar sense.; 5:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Lester scored a lot of TD's though.; 5:26 PM
Unknown said...: A lot of people thought that the spread would work very good for Lester. It just hasn't turned out that way.

I can remember reading articles on him about how he tended to overwork and that resulted in some of his injuries.; 5:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Jay, you think lester will play long enough to get the 100 yrd mark?; 5:29 PM
Unknown said...: tigerfan44, many people think this game will be closer than you might expect. I hope not, but if it is, I would expect Tate and Lester to get a lot of carries. I don't think we will try to rely on the passing game to win this won. CTT has to know that a loss hear would be just like turning in his resignation.; 5:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Tate is better back than I ever thought he would be, but fannin has a chance to be great. Minus fumbles and injuries.; 5:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Steve you are right about the loss.; 5:34 PM
Anonymous said...: Any OC candidates you know of. I know CTT said he had a stack of resumes. Do good OC send out resumes or do coach's go after good OC.; 5:36 PM
michael said...: I would rather Kodi air it out this week and get some good practice. I don't think we'll be able to run it against Georgia or Bama. Might as well get the kid some work in while we can.; 5:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Our o-line need some confidense though Michael. This game do wonders for them.; 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Michael just looked at your blog for the first time. Love the post about arguing tips. My brother in-law also is an engineer in huntsville (structural).; 5:47 PM
ADP said...: You just made my point!; 5:54 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I've got my formal thingy tonight, so this is the end of the road for me tonight.

Will Lester play long enough tomorrow? No way.

Talk with you in the mornin'.; 6:06 PM
Quitstina said...: "You just made my point" will now find its way into every argument I have.

And why am I just now checking out Michael's blog when I have already deemed him funniest hottie evah?; 6:38 PM
Monica said...: Faker- Bringing the funk with Stevie Wonder! I enjoyed that!

Mr. S. - Barry McKnight is awesome. I'd love to hear him calling the plays.

AStatguy - Give 'me hell! Ditto everything he said about Plymus and player haters. (except for me because I really do think Ziemba would benefit from my softly smacking his forehead on occasion); 6:45 PM
Monica said...: umm...I meant "give 'em Hell" :-)

Faker - do you ever check your fakesteve email?; 6:49 PM
Anonymous said...: I know recruiting isn't really important around here but what's the deal with Montez Robinson? He staying or going?; 6:55 PM
ADP said...: I heard he's considering his options. But then, I imagine a lot of them are "considering their options" to some degree. I think recruiting is a crapshoot at this point. December and January should be interesting depending on what happens at the end of November.; 7:36 PM
Anonymous said...: I read an article and one of the coach's said they didn't have time to worry about rumors because the where at work from 5 a.m. until midnight. My question is what do they do for that many hours. Only so much film you can watch. I am not trying to be funny I realy want to know what a typical day of a sec coach is like.; 7:57 PM
Cory said...: Basketball team won 98-50. Tay Waller had a big game. Think he has 27.

If we can continue to get outside shooting like that to compliment Barber, we may have a chance.; 8:00 PM
ADP said...: It would be an extremely pleasant surprise to have a half way decent basketball team. I mean EXTREMELY pleasant.; 8:08 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Tigerfan44- They really do spend about that much time during the season at the office. I know, because I have seen it with my own eyes. They watch previous practice and opponent films early in the morning. They have defensive / offensive meetings later in the morning. Then, they usually meet after lunch to discuss what is going to be run, how many periods the practice will be and so on. Then they meet with players to watch film either before or after practice. Then you have practice. After practice they head over to Sewell for dinner then back to make calls to recruits. These coaches put in very vey long days.; 8:11 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Thats good to hear Cory. I really miss basketball being relevant.; 8:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Thanks eddie, so if you don't enjoy watching hours of film a day don't become a coach.; 8:30 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Thats a fact Tigerfan44. Better be preparred to have a remote sewn into your hand.; 8:41 PM
wartiger said...: yeah gotta agree about the underwhelming feeling I am having...I call it apathy side affect of losing I guess..WAR EAGLE; 10:07 PM
michael said...: Well, this would normally be a pretty apathetic week since it is UT Martin. Add the fact that we might actually use, and that would explain the feelings we are a-havin. We need redemption, and there is no chance of that this weekend. Either we will stay at the same spot or sink even lower.; 10:23 PM
michael said...: Thanks for the blog-love earlier. I am always glad to help people learn to argue better and be more interesting human beings in general.; 10:23 PM
michael said...: oh, and replace "use" two posts earlier with "lose." Those two words rhyme, ya know?

michael gets a triple post score!!; 10:24 PM
Unknown said...: Michael, I think I read somewhere that you are an Engineer working in Huntsville. That explains the "use" thing. I have the same issues with typing. I often spell the word right but use type the wrong word. I think it is a geeky engineer thing. I have my favorite words that I type very quickly and I tend ot use them whether they are appropriate or not. By the way, I use to be a geek working in Huntsville. I am now a geek working in South Carolina.; 11:21 PM
Unknown said...: I ran across an inspiring video. You can see the winning attitude all through it. This team could learn a bit watching the attitude of these players.

I was at this game and the one thing missing from the video is the hit. I saw it clear as day. Our seats were in the upper deck on the end of the field the hit occurred. I will never forget the class the entire stadium showed once they realized that the UGA player wasn't getting up and the applause as he was helped off the field. It was incredible.; 11:33 PM
michael said...: Yep, I am engineering here in Huntsville. What made you leave, Steve? Lots of engineering still goin on in these parts.

I remember the Junior Rosegreen on Reggie Brown hit. It was close to the student section where I was sitting at the time. We were like, "Yay!!.... wait he might be dead. Uh oh."

But Reggie Brown gets the last laugh because he is still playing in the NFL makin a few million. But boy, did he get owned on that one play.; 11:55 PM
BinOBA said...: I feel like Eric Smith will get his share of carries tomorrow with everyone so knicked up. He'll be our 100 yarder tomorrow. Hopefully the offense will produce and Kodi will look even better this week. WAR DAMN KODI!!; 12:18 AM
Unknown said...: Micheal, I ended up going to work for UAB for a while and then got married and worked in research triangle park in North Carolina for a while. Heck, I worked in the middle of Tennessee for a while too. I consulted for a long time, but got hired on with a major chip manufacturer and now work remotely on a project in Oregon. It has been a wild ride.; 12:23 AM
Unknown said...: BinOBA, I hope you are right on both counts. I am excited for Eric Smith to get some caries.

I am also looking forward to Kodi getting more experience. He didn't look much like a QB early in the season, but he certainly has come a long way. Hopefully he will continue to improve.; 12:25 AM
Unknown said...: By the way, when I see a hit like the one on Reggie Brown, I think of some parent looking at the TV and seeing their kid laying face down motionless. Suddenly football becomes unimportant.

I respect Reggie Brown because he was willing to make a catch over the middle when he knew he was going to get hit. You can't criticize the fumble. That kid was knocked out cold.; 12:32 AM
Mark said...: Auburn will win tomorrow going away. i expect AU to win by at least 21.; 12:51 AM
Mark said...: Hopefully, Eric Smith gets many carries tomorrow. I would love to see 150 yards passing and the rest rushing yards. We still have a chance to be bowl eligible. Georgia has proven they have weaknesses. we can beat ut martin and uga.; 1:02 AM
Unknown said...: mark, both Georgia and Alabama have looked vulnerable at times. I can see us upsetting either if the defense gets back to form.; 2:22 AM
BinOBA said...: two; 2:26 AM
BinOBA said...: hundred, doesn't this mean i get to call a series on offense tomorrow? What could it hurt? Won't see that stretch sweep outta shotgun from me!!; 2:28 AM