Postgame reaction
TOMMY TUBERVILLE SPEAKS- On if he saw this kind of season coming: "I knew we were going to struggle. I put us in a bind early in the season. I think we'd have gotten a couple more games along the way had we been doing what we're doing right now. It's kinda like we're in the third or fourth game with the offense."
- On the players' ability to eschew the Tuberville-needs-to-be-fired talk: "This team is not playing for me. I don't want them playing for me. I want them playing for Auburn. That's what it's all about. Coaches go and come. Our coaches work very hard. I'm not putting any pressure on the coaches. I want theses players to play for themselves and their school."
- An unsolicited rant after being asked a question about Chris Slaughter: "We don't have a playmaker. There's nobody will will step out there and be that playmaker. Everybody's trying to wait on everybody else. We've got some good guys. Sooner or later, someone has to step up and make that big play and give us a lift."
- On if the team quit last weekend: "They did play all the way through last week. It's ridiculous to say these kids have quit. These are Auburn kids who work hard. They put in more time than most people do in a full-time job -- just to play a sport. They're trying to win every game they play."
JOSHUA BYNES SPEAKS
- Asked if he's worried about getting to a bowl: "Next question."
KODI BURNS SPEAKS
- On if he 'throws up his hands in despair': "Not really. This game we moved the ball pretty well. We got a little bit of momentum going in the second half. But like I said it's the same story -- I know you've heard me say it -- we shoot ourselves in the foot, and it's mostly my fault."
- On being thrust into a difficult offensive environment: "Yeah, it's kind of unfortunate instead of starting off at the beginning of the year when we were doing OK -- we were still struggling -- it's kind of unfortunate that I get thrown in now and try to take this team over and lead them. But like I said, I've been waiting on it all year, waiting for my opportunity to go in, and I've just got to do a lot better. Today, I got a little bit better. I felt like I was in a groove here and there. The turnovers -- I can't do that. I don't want to take anything away from Ole Miss. They did a great job on offense, a great job on defense, but if I'm throwing it right to them, I'm giving it to them."
Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University
Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.
posted by Jay G. Tate at
4:05 PM
182 Comments:
Tuberville knew we were going to struggle like this? I call BS. He was setting up expectations for success. It wouldn't be hard to go back and find words from him ("You haven't seen the spread like we're gonna run the spread"**) to that effect.
**In retrospect, he was right about that.
I hear ya, roman.
Are we going to have a campfire tonight ?
Not unless you want to drive me back to Montgomery and let me moderate the chat. Then we can have a campfire.
Every interview tubs did during the offseason was about getting to atlanta... I don't think he saw this season coming.
Well, I am almost convinced that Tubs doesn't make any staff changes aside from hiring another OC. He thinks Auburn is close. So, why make drastic changes?
Jay, from reading your blog I get the impression that Tuberville is beginning to loose his cool a bit. He should have praised Slaughter's performance but went into a rant. This is not a good sign. What is your impression of Tuberville's demeanor?
Just remembered that AU has kept one streak alive all season long: They have failed to cover the line in a single game. I'm not a betting man, but if I was, I'd be taking/giving whatever points there were to bet against AU right now.
On offense it's like we have one goal and that is to get a first down. We expect to use all three plays to get that first down.
The goal on offense should be to get as many yards as possible and first downs should be a byproduct.
The worst thing is seeing all the hype in the summer (e,g Auburn Sports Headlines 'Spread Eagle', 'Wide Open')........Then at halftime tubs says you cant win in this leauge if you dont run, WTF!!!!!!!!!! He hired Tony Franklin in the offseason. This is on CTT...Bottom Line....A mediocre Auburn Team who could run the ball would have crushed this ole miss team.
We went trick or treating against Ole Miss and came back with a bag of trash.
SteveATL, that exemplifies the fundamental problems with this offensive philosophy.
I didn't mean to make it sound like talking about Slaughter set him off.
Tuberville said something about Slaughter ... then went into the talk about playmakers. Not sure why that was a good segway for him, but it was.
That pinebox reference is blog quote worthy, huh?
Ron, I like points out of an offense.
But I'm old school.
I mean, 7 pts???
7 pts.
I guess you don't agree?
i couldn't be more speechless and confused. 4-5? frickin' unbelievable.
Is there any chance of shaking things up on the OL by setting LZ down?
He's killing us
dang i thought i came up w/the pine box statement
You thought Ziemba was The Big Problem today?
I mean, I didn't think Ziemba was exactly saving the day for Auburn or anything. But sit him down?
at least it looks like Josh Bynes has learned something from Tuberville..."Next Question."
Pine box statement is a little cold and meanspirited. Tommy is someone's dad, husband, and son. I wouldn't wish that on my worse enemy.
The pinebox quote is funny. I am a tuberville guy but it's getting harder to defend him especially if (or when) we don't make a bowl.
Crudup- my point is that a first down is a moral victory for us. We should be concerned with opening it up, being unpredictable and then the first downs and points will come.
He always seems to let someone blow by him at a critical time.
Check out the sack in the 1st half. The guy just blew by him.
he is the one who initated it. just quoting him...
Anyone who cares to listen, Tommy Tubberville of 1999 is not the CTT of today. No hunger, and absolutley no direction. The guy does not know what he wants to do!!! That is a major problem If you disagree please state your case.
I'm thinking tubs will have a new sense of hunger/direction if he sticks around.
That quote is BS.
Needs to come down
Fair enough. Coming down.
He better.
My wife, who's not big into this like me, remarked that TUberville doesn't have any fire.
I'll be honest guys, Make a move now.
Someone needs to be calling young, hungry prospective HC's and RODNEY GARNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
did no one get that the quote was about his coaching career not his personal life?
I think it is looking like Alabama and Florida in the Sec
I thought it was intriguing alliteration. I don't think anyone was inferring that Tuberville should, in fact, return to Auburn in a pine box for real.
Nonethless, the quote has been replaced.
Heck, I just don't know what to think anymore...it becomes to painful to think.
Sorry but I'll make a prediction:
LSU beats Bammer
Kodi showed us we can open it up now. So, it's up to Ziemba and crew to prove they can half way pave some running lanes now. It's all trivial this season. But putting together a formula to beat Alabama to end the season would make something out of nothing.
Hey, there's an exhibition basketball game Friday night! Woooo Hoooo!!!
that's what i meant when i wrote my version.
i don't wanna worry about bammer
Does anyone think we can hang with Ga after what is happening today?
"Sorry but I'll make a prediction:
LSU beats Bammer"
What makes you think that Chris?
Can I predict a florida victory>>ha.
Tuberville's act is getting OLD.
friggin predictable and oozes of a man who says a bunch of nothing.
To watch his reactions after big plays pi$$es me off.
jay, did you get an overall sense of anger, self-pity, or just plain apathy, (i don't care) from the locker room after the game?
wegirl..don't think so. A terrible GA team could beat Auburn right now, and GA isn't terrible.
When I was a kid, we had a coach named Doug Barfield. Saturdays were about like this one. By this time of the season, you got over a loss pretty quickly. Like today, I'm over it already.
Wow, ROF and front page quote in one week...thanks!
Well, I don't think Cody will come back from his knee problem 100% and LSU will have sucess running the ball and stopping the run.
By eliminating Bammer's run its in JPW's hands.
LSU wins 17-14
Auburn's lack of identity, passion, and general disfunction of a football team reminds me of a story that know called, "The Puppy Who Lost it's Way."
(For all of my Billy Madison friends.
I said at the beginning of the season that I didn't consider Todd an Auburn man and now I am beginning to think that Tuberville is no longer an Auburn man
Phred, I feel the same way. And that is good in terms of my psyche, but worries me that I'm accepting/expecting losses each game.
As one of a bunch of comments - no biggie. I knew it was meant to be funny. As the quote stamped in the header of the blog I've been bragging about to everyone, I thought it was a little on the tacky side and would have been the delight of any bammer enjoying our nightmare. Just my opinion and I appreciate that you replaced it.
Florida just went up on UGA 35-3 in the 3rd. At this point I don't think that there is any question that the Gators are the class of the SEC this year. Glad that AU didn't have 'em on the schedule. Also glad that any hope Bama may have of winning an SECC will likely have to go through the Gators in Atlanta. Now if I could just figure out how Ole Miss beat that team in the Swamp...
Anybody that went to AU during the Barfield era is just resigned to see history repeat itself
EVERYTHING --- every problem, no exception, lies and the feet of Tommy H. Tuberville.
My God I wish he would walk away while the program is still (reasonably) standing.
HC - Muschamp
Assist. HC - R. Garner
WEG,
Tubs said he's "10 years more an Auburn Man than most."
PH, Sensi, unfortunately, i feel the same way, when i am watching i keep saying.."i hope they make this first down, but i doubt it" or i hope they stop this 3rd down try, but i doubt it" it is sad
I thought alliteration was the repetition of the same consonant sound.
Bear ... I sensed all three for different people today.
Ben Tate seemed defeated to me. Maybe he was just really down. Bynes was really down, too.
WEGirl, I don't think we beat GA or Bama. I'd be pleasantly surprised with a win against UT.
You know, when AU got the ball back after the punt - and OM had the penalty, I said that it was over.
So many times this year I've felt that way.
Yes, I thought at one time that he loved Auburn but as someone his age I can see that he's tired and don't know what it will take to get it back
Jay G. that's the first time I've read that from you. That scares me. I'd hate to see these guys airmail the season in after today.
Anyone think that Ben Tate is a part of the problem. He seems really opinionated.
I wish he would take 1/2 the buyout and retire to his lake home.
No imagination of offense. That play with Tate or Lester standing next to the QB is the worst run play we have. Unfortunately that seem to be the only one we have.
As I said earlier this week, it is painful to watch the team play.
BTW, our defense is not impressive either. We have a couple of playmakers upfront, but that is it.
Not really.
I like that Tate speaks his mind. I'll never forget he said that it was "obvious to most" who should be the QB.
Too bad that P.O.S Franklin was still on campus and started a player who was injured.
I don't think Tuberville wants to lose games. I don't think the kids want to lose games. But sometimes you can get in a rut. When you've been at the same job for years, you do just enough to warrant that paycheck. Tommy is guaranteed that paycheck. I just don't see the fire and drive there any longer.
do you think all the upheavel in the athletic dept is playing on Rhoades psyche?
funny chris i thought that tate was referring to todd w/that statement.
Just a thought, as we get caught up reading the post we missed, the atmosphere at the game at least in our AU section was the worst that I think I have ever seen at any Auburn game
On a positive note, they sure can't justify an increase in the Tigers Unlimited "donation" or ticket prices!!!
for those if and butters out there my dad always told me,if ifs and buts were candy and nuts we'd all have a Merry Christmas.
Saturdays are WON and LOST in the homes of athletes.
Those athletes want to be a part of a winner.
They want a shot to play on TV.
And to play on sundays.
If your program doesn't offer those chances, you're DONE.
I wondered how we were at the stadium. That's sad, mrsfrontrim.
Chris ... Tate was most likely talking about Todd judging from his later comments. Thought you would want to know.
yeah, i've been thinking of moving seats and now maybe my best chance!!
Definitely might be a good time to request an upgrade WEG.
Well B - My first reaction was Burns but later thought C.T. when he never followed up with it.
What made you lean that way?
What later comments?
Chris, I think it's clear Franklin made mistakes, but he wasn't the entire problem. He went with the guy who knew the offense. No one could have known how bad Todd's arm was hurt. It's clear that it either takes Kodi a long time to learn an offense or the coaches think it take him a long time. He's a smart kid. Today's INTs came from him just trying to make plays. At least he tried.
I posted this earlier but RECRUITING is the biggest concern for me.
Apathetic attitudes will effect this program's ability to attract the players needed to win.
If something's not done NOW we'll be in trouble for 5-8 more years.
"but RECRUITING is the biggest concern for me"
Agreed
I respectfully disagree.
There was a way to know how bad Todd's arm was hurt in that it had to be seen during fall drills.
I would think.
And I made a call to a radio show after the first game and said Burns was far and away better but the cut on his leg put him out of contention.
I don't know Chris. it seems a lot of guys go somewhere when they think they can play quicker....that's if we have a good coaching staff
5-8 more years?
Chris you need to calm down. This can easily be turned around weather it's tubs or someone else but 5-8 to years of sucking is a bit much
c, tate said after the So Miss game referring to Todd's preformance, "I've known he has those kinds of games in him," Tate said. ``I've seen that from him all along. He went out there today and made the plays. He did exactly what you'd expect from a quarterback. He was great today.
The CTT watch begins in earnest. The university is sequestered and we now await the signal of white smoke coming from the administration building.
I just thought Burns' leg was worse and once healed he would be the No. 1 guy.
Today he showed he could throw the ball but misses high too often.
He should have been taking all the reps in the fall and making these mistakes (and being corrected) in scimmages.
IMHO.
Does anyone notice how many of our 3rd downplays are short passes and we are short of the marker. It is vert revealing when we do not catch the ball. I notice that if we had we would be short of the marker. Or we throw everything towards the sideline and either overthrow it or the receiver gets caught out of bounds? Then you watch other teams launch on e down the middle and hit the receiver in stride? I can't remember the last time AU thre down the middle and hit the guy in stride and he left everyone behind him
Tommy Trott should be that guy...don't know what is going on with him...he looked great in HS
"He went with the guy who knew the offense. No one could have known how bad Todd's arm was hurt."
But he knew he was a Troy State caliber QB.
yes....monica...Larry Blakney should have warned us about Franklin
I didn't hear/see those B.
As far as 5-8 years, did you notice the players that were playing today because of injuries?
Hood and Pybus, while probably great guys, had no business not being redshirted and it shows the lack of talent brought in in the last 2 classes.
The class brought in this year will effect the 2011 season, and so on.
I understand players going where they can play but going where they don't mind sitting a year or two to be a part of championships is also a factor.
Look at Miami defensive players in the 90's. those guys knew they wouldn't play but if thewy waited their turn they would contend and also be first day draft guys.
tommy trott is slow and overrated. He runs sloppy routes and when he gets in the game he drops passes. He's by no means the guy.
woo and weg,
the play book is so cut back that Kodi doesn't like look at the 3 or 4th reciever bc he's coached not to. just another sign of weak coaching.
chris...that's because they wanted to play for a great coach and as soon as the coach is gone so are they....I always want guys that will love Auburn the way I do and remember I went during Barfield so I know bad!!!!!
tuberville came to auburn with horrible talent and made the SEC championship his second year.
THESE COACHES CAN RECRUIT. They know more about what football players look like than any of us combined. This year affecting us for 5-8 years is ignorant.
OK, I just looked over the stats for the Tulsa-ARK game. Tulsa lost, but put up 528 yards on ARK. I know ARK isn't great or very good, but for those that questioned whether Malzahn could put the offense together to play an SEC team and compete, this proves they can put the yards up. They lost because their defense gave up 400+ yards.
Just think this guy is a good OC.
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Chris the fact that these guys are playing will effect us now not as bad 3 years down the road. the real problem is these guys don't need to be playing at this level at all. We are getting our tails whipped as far as recruiting is concerned. And Tubs continues to sell us the crap of going 2500 miles and we don't look at stars.
ron that's why I said should...guess in HS he didn't have to do much to be the greatest on the team
Time to throw out some staff names:
Ok,
Dabo Sweeny WR's coach. He's recruited this area pretty damn good.
Tracy Rocker DL. Nothing else needed here.
J. Willis LB's - retained.
Rodney Garner recruiting cooridinator. He can coach TE's I guess.
I'm big on contacting Dabo. Does his UA affiliation keep him out of consideration? I hope not.
Trott is slowwwww. Today he couldn't/didn't even attempt to sidestep a midfield tackle after making a nice catch.
Did you have to remind me that Tulsa lost?
i don't see don dunn being cut at the end of the year.
I'm not sure about this, but I think Trott was playing with a hip pointer. It looked like that.
Easy there Mexico.
Anyone can be an internet expert.
If you don't believe that the next 5-8 years are in limbo and that making the wrong move could effect those years, well, that's your OPINION.
And OPINION are like a**holes, try and not be one.
jay can we get an updated %
you actually said:
"Tommy Trott should be that guy...don't know what is going on with him...he looked great in HS"
And he is not that guy... I promise
"But he knew he was a Troy State caliber QB."
You should check out Troy's QBs. Those guys are all gamers.
Jay, after Tulsa tied it up 23 all, they gave up the kick-off for a TD. Then no points in the 4th. Tough game to lose though.
I hope Tulsa loses their OC to us later on though.
what hurt worse ole miss loss 2008 or ole miss loss 2003?
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would dabo the bammer come to AU?
B - I'm not nearly as suprised in this loss.
2003 I was suprised.
Didn't that loss cost AU a shot at the West? I could be wrong.
Wasn't that the year UGA won on 4th and 15 at JHS?
ron...are you saying he is not that guy from HS or are you saying he should not be that guy to catch it in stride as you promise?
Well, he does need a JOB.
Chris ... I have to agree with Ron on this one. Right now you are talking like a complete dufus.
That pretty much makes it worse. To say that our coaches CAN recruit, yet we end up with this kind of recruiting and a head coach that lists "to help recruiting" as part of the reason he decided to hire Franklin and his spread.
I have checked out Troy's QB's. They are TROY's QB's.
Gene Chizik's move to TX so he could get a HC job got him one alright.
One that SUCKS ***** through a dirty sock.
Calling each other names is giving me al.com flashbacks. Is that where we're headed? Just asking now.
Ok. I guess I see your point.
I can't defend playing Todd, but if was beat out by Harrell @ TT, maybe he was pretty good. The shoulder injury just did him in. I fault TF for not bring Burns along faster, as he had to know Todd was injuried. His whole game plan rested on Todd getting healed over the summer.
A quote he made after the LaMo game interested me. When asked about the Pierre kid that got hurt on the initial kick-off, TF said alot of our offense went through him and when he got hurt, it limited the offense.
Really, we were running most of the offense through weak armed QB and a true freshman WR.
Huh just tought of this wasn't the loss to OMiss that almost cost CTT the job (Jetgate) wonder what this Omiss loss will do?
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war eagle girl- I am saying he is the guy form highschool who is mediocre in college. By no means "the guy" (playmaker) we need.
Chris isn't the only one with a tone.
Only if needed. I'll tell y'all this about Troy. I think they would be us blind about now.
I'll see y'all later on. Way to much hypothesizin' for me today.
Headed out to get a life.......War Eagle!
I'd put the % at 80.
I'm upgrading.
banhammer, banhammer, banhammer...
I'm X'ing some for the record.
But who's calling who names?
You are all not in a "good frame of mind"
why's that Jay?
lol Kristina
i'm done talking to chris... sorry if instigated it
I wish WEG would stop leaving to get a life. It's putting a lot of pressure on me to do the same.
Sorry
I am in a fine frame of mind actually. I am just not enjoying the Chris_in_Iverness show.
not at all related, but I am loving the Ga Tech score, just can not stand Fla St
Sorry phred that was a joke from the post game campfire
Jay, I think 80 is too low. I keep waivering, but after watching today, this team is totally lost.
I really wish the season was over. Already decided not to make the UTM game and gave my UGA tickets away last week. Just waiting for March madness (not for AU but the bb teams I do follow).
As my fellow ROFer Mr. S would say
War eagle anyway everybody!!!!!!
Going to see the truckers at the tabernacle.....Ill drink one for all yall
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Who would have thought the UF UGA game would be 49-3
if i said what i really felt i'd probably get the BANHAMMER right now.
i've always supported Tubs but i'm at a loss on this one. 4-8 or 5-7? i never even imagined this.....
Gary Daniels just said that Florida runs like 6 offenses...sad because we can't run 1.
I was trying to be nice. :-)
not that these guys know anything, but i always like tocheck it during the season
http://www.coacheshotseat.com/CoachesHotSeatRanking.htm
and that was before today
Chris, Ron -- be nice.
You all are studs. Cool it a tad. I know you will.
I'm really suprised how well Meyer's got that thing going.
I was probably one of the ones talking about how it would fly against "SEC defenses".
How snoody was that?
on a positive note, the FSU-Georgia Tech ending was pretty good. much better than the beat-down Florida is giving. ugly. i'm glad they rotated off the schedule.
Paul Rhodes left Pitt for this? Could have enjoyed a win over ND today, instead is part of a 4-game losing streak at AU.
can we please see a banhammer?
Kristina, and how ....
Before I go, the reason this blog is the best is because no one gets weird (chris, ron)...dont start tonight please
Exactly Scottatl. This is the only AU site I visit.
Chris ... I have to agree with Ron on this one. Right now you are talking like a complete dufus.
I would have thought it was "doofus" but hey, a word like that can come in many many different spellings.
I think Churchill used it when debunking Chamberlain's appeasment theory but spelled it with OU.
When are the "notable newcomer" ceremonies?
Chris ... dude ...
the Mr and I are out of here, we are going to drown our sorrows with some good food and drinks, we just hope the Ole Miss fans stayed in Oxford
And Ole Miss beat this Florida team.
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when are the banhammer ceremonies?
Do you guys think Gary Daniels will tear down all those Matt Stafford posters from his locker after this game?
War Eagle!!! Stop worrying, everyone. We'll win out!
I'm in B'ham and the wife and I are having our Anniversay dinner at our absolute favorite place:
OCEAN on southside.
If you're ever in B'ham and want maybe the best seafood and atmostphere in the area - it comes HIGHLY recommeneded. (spell check)
Wish we had half the leader that Tebow is
talk to yall lato i'm out!
After the Ole Miss loss when Tebow gave his "you just wait to see how hard I/we work" speech ....I was so wishing we had a little bit of that
Jay,
Was told this week from a decent source that AU would be going after B. Davis or J. Gruden? have you heard anything to this nature?
I think it was pretty obvious Tate was talking about Todd when he said the choice at quarterback was obvious. At the time, Todd was the best choice we had. Over the last 3 games Kodi has matured rapidly. I like the choices he is making. Yes, I know he had 3 interceptions, but when you throw as often as he did and are inexperienced, it is bound to happen. Kodi is the man the rest of the season.
A little off-topic gang, but does anyone see Texas Tech beating Texas tonight?
I just wanted to know and lighten the mood a little.
I don't consider either candidate likely -- particularly Gruden.
Jay, if you were speculationg, who are the top 2-3 candidates, if Tubbs is out?
Jay are you still in Mississippi or home?
Chris, in practices Todd was consitently the more accurate passer and new the offense better. While he hasn't had the strongest arm, he was the better decision maker at that time. Now things have change. The offense has been simplified a lot. Nptice how few receivers we are sending in patterns? There is a reason for that. Burns doesn't go through his progressions the way the Todd does.
Todd had several great games early, passing for around 250 yards. That doesn't mean that he is the best quarterback now. Todd's arm steadily declined each week. Burn's doesn't have that problem.
I think it was pretty clear that Todd was the answer early but they wanted to bring Burns along. Todd was obviously not going to be a long term answer unless his arms improves, and that isn't going to happen during the season.
I like the changes the coaches have made to simplify the offense. A lot of the simplification is so that Burns can run it. I don't think he is stupid. He is just inexperienced and they will bring him along as he gains experience.
I see Burns having a bright future at Auburn.
Crazy as it sounds. I saw some good things in the second half. TD USC
Does anyone see a how this team resembles last years UA team? If something could go bad it usually did and the players were expecting it to go bad.
I recall the Miss St game when JPW threw the interception befor ethe half and it looked like the UA team dropped their heads and thought, here we go again.
anyone else thinking along these lines.
Woo, I was thinking the same thing earlier, so maybe we have something to look forward to next year!
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