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11.06.2008

Thinkin' on a Thursday

Hey everyone. Thanks for providing a 200-post rally yesterday. I know it's been tough with this being UT-Martin week and the lack of positive news and whatnot. You've had a lot of obstacles. Still, you arrive here and maintain your reputation as the most intelligent, insightful and succinct Auburn fans around.

Congratulations.

Today's plan looks a little sumpin' like this: Video around 3 p.m. CST because I've got the semi-annual trip to the dentist earlier in the afternoon.

Also, I'd like to run a campfire around 4 p.m. CST to answer your questions.

See you in a bit.

STORIES FROM TODAY'S EDITIONS OF THE ADVERTISER:
11/6: Auburn's mission clear: Just run, baby
11/6: A short notebook featuring Jake Ricks and Thomas "Tommy" Trott

STORIES FROM PREVIOUS EDITIONS:
11/5: Wideout Slaughter wants to help Auburn's offense
11/4: Offense praises Burns' progress

219 Comments:

Anonymous said...: I can't believe I'm going to quote the tool known as John Longshore, but this point bears sharing with you all.

Nick Saban has coached 22 games at Alabama and they are ranked #1.

Tommy Tuberville has coached 122 games at Auburn and we have never been ranked #1.

That makes me sick. And as much as we might like to say it doesn't matter, we all know it does.; 8:39 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mr. S- Your not going the pre-season sporting news in 2003 where we were Number 1 :)!!!!; 8:42 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm talking about the AP or the ESPN/Coaches poll.

The polls in the season count. The preseason doesn't mean jack.; 8:45 AM
James in Auburn said...: I missed the 200 post rally yesterday - bummer. May miss more today - the State is making me work more than usual this week...

That's a painful quote there Mr. S.

I guess Auburn would have to go back to CPD to find a #1 ranking in the regular season. 1985 maybe - before the UT game?

Which begs the question - where does Auburn find the next CPD?; 8:47 AM
Anonymous said...: You know, I like to drink Pepsi. I like the Double Stacker from Burger King.

I love Auburn and Auburn football.

But this whole being cool with second place stuff is getting really, really old.; 8:49 AM
James in Auburn said...: Second place is the first loser - nothing more.; 8:50 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned how Auburn's next hire would have to be splashy to compete with Saban?

Remember how many people immediately said Auburn never should consider what Alabama's doing?

I'm glad you see things my way, Sensi.; 8:51 AM
michael said...: Well, you could always switch to being a bama fan. They're really not all that different from us, they just support a historically more successful/popular team. Maybe try it for a week and get back to us.; 8:52 AM
Anonymous said...: Sensi says, "There's no points for second place. Unless you are an Auburn fan because you are told to live it with by the coaches, the admins, and the whole culture."

There's you a new quote Jay G.; 8:52 AM
Anonymous said...: No way is Hell, Michael.

I can be friends with Bama fans, but no thanks.

No offense to FSJ, by the way.; 8:53 AM
Bfoster18 said...: My goodness. The line at Bass Pro to buy firearms these days.
Any Charles Scott fans out there today?; 8:53 AM
shesaid said...: Sensi, the Sabanator has Tide's mystique in his favor. They will always get the benefit of the doubt when they are successful. That's what success does for you I guess. The proof's in their ascent up the rankings in huge chunks this season. Auburn would never jump that high that quick in the polls for a win over a #2 team in the beginning of the season.; 8:54 AM
michael said...: and while we're talking about getting someone "as splashy as saban," how likely is that? Saban is one of the top 2 or 3 coaches in football, maybe only Pete Carroll is held in higher regard. And need I remind you, RichRod, who took the crap Michigan job, rejected the bama job, and those bunch of morons only got Saban by the skin of their teeth.

So, just saying, you might lower your expectations a little bit on whoever the next coach will be if Tubs is fired, because whoever it is, he almost certainly won't be on Saban's level.; 8:55 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: "If your not first, your last"- Most famous qoute in sports.

We're last, almost literally in the SEC.; 8:57 AM
Bfoster18 said...: Saban's level:

2-4 vs. Tuberville's level

Tubs will not be HC in '09. That's officially my last time to say it. But, Tuberville will win his last game as an Auburn Tiger in Tuscaloosa. And it won't be a miracle as the masses will call it.; 8:59 AM
shesaid said...: I would never want a coach like Saban. He's a supreme a-hole. They love him right now because he's winning. Let's see how much they love paying him $4 million when he lays a few eggs next year (just my opinion). Losing a senior QB hurts. We've witnessed that all season.; 8:59 AM
Bfoster18 said...: And having a 6 year senior QB is a blessing.; 9:01 AM
Anonymous said...: Mr. Sensible is 100% correct. It makes me mad every time I hear an Auburn fan say "oh we couldn’t get...fill in the blank", "he wouldn’t come here", "he would want too much money". Saban has brought in 20 times his salary just in the sale of bama car flags. Anything less than a big time hire or attempting a big time hire is settling for second best which will not win in this league.; 9:08 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I'm with you, krewe.

Fire Tuberville? You'd better be ready to drop $4+ million to bring in someone who alters the landscape.

That's on top of the $7.75 it'll take to get rid of Tuberville and his guys. And another $2 million for The Landscaper's buyout.; 9:11 AM
Quitstina said...: Shesaid said it.; 9:14 AM
Anonymous said...: An interesting take home from the Ole Miss game in the way of stats are the yardage and catches Sgt Slaughter delivered considering OM's very physical bump and run style. They held Julio Jones to nothing. 1 catch for 4 yards.

How did Slaughter make so much room if he's not Rod Smith even?

Has was Marquis Daniels always able to effortlessly found the rim and make it count?

Sometimes "lazy" just means you're better than everybody else and you play in a rhythm not determined by the speed of the game.; 9:15 AM
Anonymous said...: Also...

Wouldn't you agree that Burns, Fannin, and Slaughter are the best athletes on the offensive side of the ball (that actually play)?

Is it any wonder that in Kodi's short tenure as a a QB his biggest plays to date are connections with Fannin and Slaughter?; 9:20 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jay, Do yo believe that Butch Davis is squarely the number 1 target?; 9:24 AM
shesaid said...: Sorry to not be on the coaching speculation bandwagon. I cannot, cannot, cannot think of such things with 3 games left in the season. I'm so exhausted as it is, I think my head would explode if I tried to figure out if Tubbs is gone and if he is who we would end up with.; 9:36 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Eddie, I have no idea.; 9:47 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I added links to my stories on the main blog entry. Some HOTTIES mentioned that this would be a helpful tool.

The Dude abides ...; 9:53 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I think we all have no idea, but boy, it sure is fun to talk about :)!!!!!!!; 9:53 AM
Beth said...: I am just not sure that Butch Davis would want to move away from his doctors. He has not been in remission that long.; 9:54 AM
Anonymous said...: In times like these -- wondering why Fannin and Slaughter aren't touching the ball -- I go back to the seminal piece of cinematic brilliance of the 20th Century: "Airplane!"

FLUNKIE: "Capt. Kramer, don't you think we ought to turn the lights on the runway?"

CAPT. REX KRAMER: "No, that's exactly what they would expect us to do."

Remember, this is the gang that sat Kenny Irons for Tre' Smith vs. Ga. Tech in 2005.

Surely, we can do better.

Yes, we can.

And don't call me "Shirley."; 9:55 AM
Mark said...: crudup, julio had 3 catches for 63 yards against Ole Miss.; 9:59 AM
Anonymous said...: I would say that Butch Davis has to be one of the top 3 choices. The problem with the coaching landscape this year is there is no obvious Urban Myers out there. Also the number one consideration better be the ability to recruit because the lack of talent is becoming abundantly clear.; 10:00 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: We can go after Kyle Whittingham of Utah. He is undefeated this year, but I don't believe he is Urban Meyer.; 10:03 AM
Beth said...: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3682303

Is this just people blowing smoke, or will money make things happen if CTT is gone?; 10:05 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Ole Miss' pass defense is last in the SEC, so we should have had a ton of yards.; 10:05 AM
WarEagleRK said...: You can never trust a coach when he says he isn't going anywhere.; 10:07 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: mrsfrontrim- If you read that, Butch Davis has the least conviction in his statements. Both Cutcliff and Spurrier said no way and Butch said he was "firmly committed to building a championship football program at North Carolina." That sounds like Coach Speak 101 if I didn't know any better.; 10:11 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Tubs left Ole Miss in a Pine Box...I wonder if he meant Jimmy Rane's plane?; 10:11 AM
Anonymous said...: I would say look at the coaching roster in the SEC and if the potential candidate doesn’t seem to fit or be as high profile as the others to you, then it doesn’t seem that way to an elite high school recruit either.; 10:12 AM
Monica said...: I've had a recent paradigm shift.

I used to hate that we make decisions in the shadow of Bama because it legitimizes that whole "little brother" picture they paint of us. However, I believe that when properly supported, people often rise to the level of the expectations imposed on them. When a rivalry exits the expectation is that you are better than your rival. Thus, the better Bama is the better we must be.

Does anyone here know Saban? This is a real question. How do we know he's an "a-hole"? What does that mean? I don't think a coach has to give me warm fuzzies to be an ethical coach. I do want an ethical coach by the way.

Krewe - I couldn't agree more. I hate when I hear someone say "oh we couldn't get...".; 10:21 AM
Roland said...: For all of you who want Butch Davis: Are you willing to risk the possibility of probation for a BCS game or a #1 ranking? CTT has at least run a "clean" program. Maybe that's why we don't have any playmakers?; 10:25 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Seeker,

When has the NCAA gone after Butch Davis in the past?; 10:27 AM
ADP said...: Zenful thoughts by Phred ...

In order to start winning, you must stop losing.; 10:31 AM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10:32 AM
Roland said...: The have not, that i know of, but he is a very "agressive" and very good recruiter. Don't get me wrong, i would love to have him as a coach. I am starting to think that AU may need to start buying some escalades of their own. Just kidding, maybe?; 10:32 AM
Anonymous said...: For all those thinking I'm hating on Tubs for not getting AU to #1 in 2004, I realize that was out of his hands mostly.

2004 was a great year. Great talent. Great coaching. Hands down.

But what about the rest of the time. 1999 is out because he was new and it was a mess. Give 2000-2001 as growing period. 2002 was the beginning of something special. 2003 was a clusterduck. 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 all with production going down and losses mounting up.

Just sayin...; 10:32 AM
Anonymous said...: Good ol' ESPN.com. Point was Ole Miss kept Julio in check by keeping bodies on him. Slaughter doubled the performance Julio provided vs. the same defense. Julio's A LOT stronger than Chris. But Chris wiggled his way into space.; 10:32 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Seeker- Not all good coaches have "NCAA" problems? Butch Davis cleaned up a mess at Miami that was left their by the previous staff. He has no NCAA violations. I have no idea where that is comming from. By the way, the rumor when Tubs was hired by the previous coaches was that Tubs cheated. Do I believe that to be true. Absolutely not. Rumors are just rumors, but I've never heard anything like that about Butch Davis.; 10:33 AM
James in Auburn said...: Question for the Hotties who have regularly attended games this year -

Who is going on Saturday?

In all honesty I have been waffling about it so far this week. When it is all said and done I will make the drive - but I won't be overly excited about it.

Normally there is a nice crowd for homecoming (80k to 82k). Something tells me there may not be 70k in the stand this week...; 10:33 AM
michael said...: Saban has the reputation as a cheater among certain circles. I don't mind people being jerks to the players and media as long as they are good jokes (though you would prefer they weren't), I am cool as long as they aren't cheating. I don't want that cloud of suspicion.; 10:34 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Good point Phred. Do we start this weekend?; 10:34 AM
shesaid said...: Monica, I'm speaking on my perception of him. It's based solely (and very narrowly I might add) on the very unprofessional and completely inappropriate story/attempt at a joke he told to a REPORTER WITH A RECORDER ON where he referred to a Louisiana man working in a ditch as, well, I'm not going to say it but it rhymes with "moon-bass."

Sure coaches have to be a little intense and rub people the wrong way to get things done. I understand that. He just comes off to me as the slimiest of them all.; 10:34 AM
Anonymous said...: Any time you're winning coaching is "great". Any time you're losing coaching is "awful". Saban wasn't so great last year and many were saying he would have two more years to make it happen or the monkeys would start throwing doo doo.

Was Tubs great in '04 or did a team chalked full of NFL talent just beat everybody else they matched up against? Borges was good, no doubt. But Tubs? What does he do? Crack jokes at practice?; 10:35 AM
Anonymous said...: James, I won't be there, but I have a previous engagement taking me away this week.

I can tell you several of the students I know here have sold of given away their tickets.

I bet we don't get 65K in the stands.

The reported numbers will be a bit inflated I'm sure.; 10:35 AM
Roland said...: If you have ever played baseball then you know the psychology of being in a slump. You go to the plate and worry about not striking out as opposed to getting a hit. This AU team is playing not to lose instead of playing to win. That mentality starts with CTT. What does he do when he gets a lead? He sits on it, playing not to lose.; 10:36 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: James- This will be the first game I've missed in a while. I actually just have no desire to watch them play UT Martin right now. The uniforms for UT Martin would be the most compelling reason as of right now.; 10:36 AM
michael said...: crudup - Tubervile is the "Decider"; 10:37 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Shesaid- I will give him a pass their. My neighbors are from Louisiana, and they call themselves that all the time. They say it is a badge of honor for most. I don't think he was saying it to be negative, I actually think he was trying to show personality, but things like that make him go to robot answer man.; 10:38 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Seeker,

Auburn has played not to lose for a long time now...it didn't just start this year.; 10:38 AM
Anonymous said...: Michael, that's the problem. I prefer decision makers to take part in the "process" all week long rather than delegate all the squirrely jobs to the workers.; 10:41 AM
Roland said...: eddie-
As i said, I don't have any info that Butch has the NCAA's eye...the point I was trying to make is this. How far are you willing to go for a National Championship? Everyone heard the rumors about the Bama class from last year. Are you willing to have everyone complaining about AU being shady with our recruiting (again) to reach the top of the mountain. It's really a morality question.; 10:41 AM
Roland said...: rk-

I know, even in 2004 AU wouldn't put teams away.; 10:43 AM
Beth said...: If the number of AU fans at the Ole Miss game is any indication, then I doubt that it will be more than 70K. I did not think that AU fans were so fair weathered, but I guess that I was wrong.; 10:43 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I'm under the assumption that everyone cheats and cuts corners in recruiting. Most people I know cheat and cut corners in their daily life and at work, so you know it happens everywhere. Some just do it to a greater scale than others.; 10:45 AM
James in Auburn said...: You don't have to look "shady" to win MNCs.

Did SS ever look "shady" at UF? Not that I can recall. Has UM looked "shady" so far at UF?

Does MB look "shady" at UT? What about LM at LSU?

Some guys do, like PC at USC, but not everyone.; 10:46 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Unfortunately Auburn fans will show up when we're hot, and many of them disappear when we're not.

I've tried for years to explain that to the people who want to expand the seating at Jordan Hare. We can't expand the stadium until we actually sell out the building for more than just the big games.; 10:46 AM
Anonymous said...: RK, Josh Moon has said it a number of times on his radio program.

When things go south and stay that way for a while, Auburn fans will find something else to do.

He's right on with that one. I'm not seeing a lot of "I Hate Tubs" shirts out there. More like, "I'm an Auburn fan. We're losing. I don't care."; 10:49 AM
James in Auburn said...: So how do you sell out every game? We'll winning helps of course, but there is something else that will fill up the seats - EXCITEMENT.

There is no excitement in the Auburn program now (at least among the fans) and the excitement level has been on a steady decline for the past few years. IMO it peaked between 2003 and 2004, with a brief surge this preseason because of TF.; 10:50 AM
Roland said...: James-

Les Miles looks shady with that huge white hat.
I AM NOT saying you have to look shady to win. Just trying to get a feel as to how much fans are actually willing to put up with.; 10:50 AM
Anonymous said...: I'm not under the assumption everyone cheats. I'm under the assumption that some cheaters have right of passage.; 10:50 AM
James in Auburn said...: Good point Crudup. Phat Phil would be a perfect example of that. UT had issues under his watch (like Tee Martin), but the hammer never dropped on them for some reason?; 10:52 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Unfortunately it's been that way for as long as I can remember. I went to my first game in 1989 and everyone was on fire for Auburn football and the crowd was great.

I remember just 3 years later going to an Auburn/Vandy game and I promise you it couldn't have been more than 45,000 in the building.; 10:52 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mrsfrontrim- It is not fair to label people as fair weathered fans because they do not go the game this weekend. As for myself, until this year, I've missed probably 10 games since 1996, including away games and bowl games. I now have a 3 year old and a 4 month old daughter and I don't have season tickets. Times are not what they used to be as far as money. I am choosing to not spend fuel, food, cheap tickets and time away from family to watch Auburn play a meaningless game. I hate these games. They mean absolutely nothing if you win them, but losing them would be entirely different. You cannot blame people for not wanting to come see this team play UT Martin. You just can't. JMHO.; 10:52 AM
Anonymous said...: rk, you can say that of any program...your 10:46am post. And Auburn just doesn't sell out the big ones. Even a lowly profiled matchup with Arkansas had what appeared to be a full house. I didn't see any spare seats until fourth quarter when many finally figured out this team's true identity.; 10:53 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Fulmer got out of trouble because had an AD in Doug Dickey who knew how to cover things up and make deals to keep everything safe.; 10:53 AM
Roland said...: Exactly right about the excitement level hitting rock bottom. When was the last time fans had the slightest doubt about AU being able to roll over a team like the one coming into Auburn Sat.? That says alot about the state of the program.; 10:54 AM
Monica said...: shesaid - True, Saban, can certainly be abrasive. It's an abrasive business, but I know what you mean for sure.

I can tell you what I do want. I want a coach and a team who has fire in the belly.; 10:55 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Crudup,

At the start of this year, they said they had sold more tickets prior to opening kickoff than any previous season.

For the Arkansas game we were coming off a very close loss to Vandy and for some reason everyone thought that was because Vandy was a really good team this year. Add to that it looked like with Franklin gone we were going back to what made Auburn successful on offense. So there was still promise.

I can almost guarantee had everyone realized Vandy wasn't that good the week before and understood that Auburn really wasn't a good team this year, the attendance would have been greatly different.

For the most part the only guaranteed sellouts are Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Florida & Tennessee.; 10:57 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I wish I could still go down there every weekend for a game, but unfortunately the 3 1/2 hour drive isn't something I can do all the time anymore, so I'm probably as guilty as anyone about missing the little games.; 11:00 AM
Anonymous said...: rk, not sure we really proved anything. But I think it's great that people have more to do in life than to engulf themselves into the expectations of a college football team. It's fun to win. But, if you're losing, who gives a rip? I have Bama fans as friends (it's true) who wanted to see Bama lose every game in '06 just to see Shula get fired. They poke their chests out now, which is normal. But we're no different.; 11:05 AM
Mark said...: Crudup, actually it was Rolltide.com; 11:07 AM
Monica said...: I like Tim Brewster. Yes, I'm aware he doesn't coach in the SEC, but from 1-11 last season to a possible 10-2 this year is a heck of a turn around no matter where you are.

SIX THING TO KNOW ABOUT IMPROVING A COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROGRAM
1. SELL POSITIVITY
2. RECRUIT, RECRUIT, RECRUIT
3. TAKE LESSONS FROM THOSE YOU WORKED WITH
4. FORGET PATIENCE
5. RAISE THE EXPECTATIONS
6. KNOW YOUR ROLES; 11:08 AM
Mark said...: Mr. Sensible,
With your thoughts on the '04 year being chock full of talent, and the slowly going down from there, does that legitimize the bammer theories that the only reason we were on top of the world was that they were on probation?; 11:08 AM
Roland said...: "I feel like if we could put our finger on what was not working, we'd be able to correct it. It's not the same thing. Every play it looks like it's something different. Whether it's a missed block here by one person or a misalignment or dozens of different things, it's causing us not to click as an offense."

- Auburn tight end Tommy Trott

This SCREAMS poor coaching!; 11:08 AM
Beth said...: Eddie, I understand the hardships of the economy and the fact that people have lives, but in all reality, I feel that Auburn fans this year have lost the excitement and therefore are choosing not to make time or spend money. If Auburn was at the same point in the season as the other school in the state, then I think the fans would not care if gas was back up to almost $ 4.00 a gallon. They would flock to the plains. The atmosphere just seems to have changed a great deal this season. I understand that it is hard to get up for a game that does not include an SEC battle but it is homecoming. If you do not like the term fair weathered then maybe you will agree that the excitement is missing and the fans are the prime example of that.; 11:10 AM
Anonymous said...: Mark,
I don't buy the Bammer conspiracy theory number 5, no.

I don't think we took advantage of that situation though. I think we recruited well enough in that time period to beat UA and lot of other SEC programs.

Since then, we have fallen off in talent, especially on offense. There's not explosiveness, no gamebreakers.

That's a recruiting problem first. And a coaching problem second.; 11:11 AM
Unknown said...: Well, the dead horse has been beaten repeatedly and is still getting up. Remember back when Auburn got Tuberville? He and Frank Beamer were the hot commodities at the time. If Tuberville is offered the opportunity to seek other employment we will find someone.

I do think that Auburn has a good reputation with coaches. There are not a lot of schools that consistently keep coaches as long as we do. I doubt that will be an issue.

I really think we need to look at priorities. To me, the priority is running a clean program and graduating football players. Winning is important for numerous reasons, with financial being the biggest.

Also think about the OC and DC turnover that Tuberville has endured, but has maintained the program at a high level.

I do think Tuberville made a mistake getting rid of Borges. He was a good OC that wasn't looking to go somewhere else.

Give it some time. Someone mentioned that we will know if Tuberville will be around during the off week. Let's see.; 11:15 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: mrsfrontrim- I will agree that the excitement is down. I still say the best crowd you could hope for if this team was doing well is around 80K. I say it ends up closer to 70K. People will come support Auburn, good or bad in my opinion. I will be at the Georgia game, even though I am "expecting" us to get it handed to us that game. I say that will be more of an indication of "true" auburn fans than this UT Martin game. Like I said earlier, I hate these crappy games. I wish they would get rid of the 12th game if this is the best we could do.; 11:17 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I don't think we took advantage of the time Bama was down either. They didn't have bad recruiting years when they were down. For the most part they just had a bad coach in Shula who wasn't ready for the big time. He didn't do too bad in recruiting though.

We had a chance to go for the kill back then though, and we didn't do it. Much like when we have chances in a game to go for the kill and we just sit on the lead. It's not that different.; 11:17 AM
Mark said...: I'd say six wins in a row is a kill. I'm not sure how you define it.

Now as far as the SEC goes, CTT has woefully underperformed. I do not see that getting better. Every school around him has a quality coach (okay, I am stretching with Nutt) so recruiting is going to be tough. Assuming UT puts a quality guy there and we are surrounded by good tough coaches.

He either needs a top notch recruiter on staff in addition to a solid OC, or he needs to be the play by play guy on the Raycom games.; 11:21 AM
Anonymous said...: Tubs has one SEC title.

Even Mike DuBose got one of those.; 11:23 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Mark,

My comment had nothing to do with beating Alabama on the field. It was more about trying to make in roads in HS's and parts of the state they would always pull players. More about putting the image out that Auburn is the place to be and not letting talent who was unsure about where they wanted to go get away to Alabama or even out of the state.

I think we dropped the ball in elevating the status of the Auburn program overall in the state of Alabama and in the SEC during the time that Alabama was down.

It had nothing to do with the 6 in a row on the field.; 11:26 AM
WarEagleRK said...: He couldn't be the Raycom play by play guy, unless he's willing to be "Dave" Tuberville.; 11:27 AM
James in Auburn said...: Wow Mr.S, I have always figured I was one of the more cynical posters on here, but the Dubose comment is pretty low, lol. I like it!

Reminds me of the saying about a broken clock being right at least twice a day.; 11:27 AM
Roland said...: Monica-

I think that is the same 6 step plan fom Little Miss Sunshine.; 11:33 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: New HABOTN lead quote ...; 11:34 AM
shesaid said...: Eddie, I'm of the opinion that just because they call each other that, doesn't make it right for him to do it. But I guess that is a conversation for another day and another blog! I'm biased anyway because no one is going to change my opinion of Saban. I just hate that guy. I also always hated that Napoleon Bonaparte so maybe I just hate guys with "Little Man Syndrome."; 11:37 AM
michael said...: Sometimes I feel like Auburn has "Little Man Syndrome"; 11:40 AM
shesaid said...: Some of the fans do for sure, Michael.; 11:40 AM
Monica said...: Little Miss Sunshine has won more titles than Auburn.; 11:41 AM
WarEagleRK said...: My syndrome is more one where you don't have to accept being at a certain level just because that's how things have always been.; 11:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Nice work, Phred.; 11:49 AM
Anonymous said...: "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." - BHam Mayor Larry Langford (probably quoting someone else); 11:50 AM
Unknown said...: I think we have forgotten the Bowden years. When Tuberville took over at Auburn we were at an all time low in my lifetime. We had the least amount of talent I can remember of an Auburn team, and yes, I am including the Barfield years.

Tuberville took a chance this season. It didn't work out. So, now lets get back to Auburn football. There is no reason to change head coaches. Auburn is recognized nationally. We were in the top ten earlier in the season, which is hard to imagine at this point. We do have talent.

The problem at Auburn now is one simple thing, attitude. The players on offense lost faith in the Franklin System. Having Franklin explain how he was an idiot every week might have had something to do with that.

Now the offense is rebuilding. You don't just change offenses and expect to immediately be successful when you do it in the middle of the season.

We should see some improvement in the next few games. Whether it translates into wins, I don't know. Burns has proven he can pass the ball. We are now at the point where we should be able to take what the defense gives us.

Be patient.; 11:50 AM
Monica said...: AMEN RK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wish that syndrome was epidemic.; 11:51 AM
Monica said...: 4. FORGET PATIENCE
"It takes time to build programs, but I can't walk that line with patience. I'm an impatient guy. Someone asked me recently, 'When do you want Minnesota to start winning?' I said, 'Yesterday.' "
Coach Tim Brewster; 11:52 AM
James in Auburn said...: Steve,

I was patient - in 2005, when we dropped the season opener and were 5 missed FGs away from the SECCG.

I was patient - in 2006, when Arky ran all over us and when ThUGA embarrassed us a few weeks later.

I was patient - in 2007, when we were 1-2 out of the gate.

I was patient - in 2008, after 3-2 win @ MSST and a tough loss to Vandy.

Since then my patience has finally worn out.; 11:57 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I think James sums up 55% or greater of Auburn Fans.; 12:00 PM
Unknown said...: 2005 and 2006 were good season, but certainly not great. 2007 was rough, but nothing like this year. Since this is a young team, I look for a much better season next year. Don't forget that we are dealing with the stupidity of jetgate now. Jetgate affected recruiting then and we are on the mend. It doesn't fix things to go through something similar.; 12:01 PM
Anonymous said...: James, I'm right there with you, man.; 12:02 PM
WarEagleRK said...: "Burns has proven he can pass the ball."

He has?; 12:02 PM
Anonymous said...: Again, I ask you all.

Is being almost _____ all there is to look forward to as an Auburn fan?; 12:03 PM
WarEagleRK said...: James,

You're dead on.

Steve,

The kids recruited after jetgate are are 5th year seniors, everyone else was recruited after the 2004 season where we should have started pulling in big time interest across the country. That excuse doesn't work anymore.; 12:04 PM
Monica said...: Jetgate recruiting effect should have been seriously negated by an undefeated 2004 and wasn't.; 12:04 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: The problem I have, along with many others I might add, is that I thought next year would be our year. I know our toughest games are on the road, but I thought our QB would have growing pains this year and that we would be rocking in 2009 & 2010. This team was young last year, this year and I bet some will suggest next year also. The problem is that I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel right now. Maybe I got the lense cap on, but I just don't see it. Auburn needs some hope & optimism right now. Does Tubs staying another year do that?? I don't think so at this point.; 12:05 PM
Monica said...: Eddie are you getting 740 online?; 12:07 PM
Anonymous said...: It's working now, Mon.

I was getting ESPN stuff for a bit as well.; 12:08 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: RK- Kodi throws it to the other team more than he does touchdowns. Does that count?; 12:08 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Yepp, got it Mon. Had to shut out of explorer and restart to get it to work.; 12:09 PM
James in Auburn said...: A list of the recruiting class of 2004:

2004 Recruits

Look at the names on that list - only a few that were redshirted are still playing this year - Lester and Tristan being the most notable.

The class was down yes, but the impact on this season would be a small one, 5 years removed.; 12:10 PM
Unknown said...: WarEagleRK, the 27 passes Burns completed against Ole Miss were the 8th most in Auburn history. I would say that proves he can pass the ball.; 12:10 PM
Monica said...: Thanks, Mr. S - The Cumulus Streaming Player won't load from the 740 page for me.; 12:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Gang, I know it's "just UTM" but this is interesting.

They have scored 42 touchdowns on offense this year (19 passing, 23 rushing).

Auburn has scored 14 touchdowns on offense this year (6 passing, 8 rushing).

So, let's just say that D1-AA ball is half of D1-A ball. That's still a 21-14 advantage to UTM.

Any thoughts?; 12:11 PM
Unknown said...: Mr. Sensible, I think Tuberville has made it clear that almost isn't good enough. He could have stuck with Borges and we would have likely still been almost. Franklin didn't turn out to be the answer, but that doesn't mean Tuberville isn't still looking for it.; 12:11 PM
James in Auburn said...: Honestly Mr. S.,

UTM could beat Auburn - they have the ability to score points and Auburn does not. I think this is going to be a much closer game that people think.

Combine Auburn's offensive ineptness, a banged up defense, and what has to be a lack of desire (CTT Spin aside), Auburn should be on upset alert.; 12:15 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Steve,

I'm willing to bet the 3 passes that Burns completed to the other team puts him at a top level in that category too.

This was against an Ole Miss team giving up 250 yards passing per game, last in the SEC. An Ole Miss team that only have 5 interceptions in the 8 prior games.

How many of Burns 27 completions in that game were less than 10 yards? Less than 5?

One game with 300 yards vs Ole Miss does not a passer make.; 12:15 PM
WarEagleRK said...: This weekend, as it has been all year long on offense, we are playing against ourself.

If we execute properly this weekend, no matter what their stats were heading into the game should be a blowout.

If we keep shooting ourselves in the foot, turning the ball over and getting stupid penalties, then we're going to be in a fight.; 12:16 PM
Unknown said...: eddie4au

"Kodi throws it to the other team more than he does touchdowns. Does that count?"

Kodi is basically an inexperienced QB, but I am seeing him grow. He is much better than he was early in the season. Experience at QB is crucial. All the late drives that Cox was able to engineer was because he was very experienced.

Kodi is getting there. I see improvement. He is still making the occasional mistake. Two of those three interceptions were obviously his fault, but I see a lot of potential. I see him improving rapidly.

At halftime of the Ole Miss game, I posted in here that we should throw the frickin football. There was a reason. It was blatantly obvious that is what the defense was giving us. Once Kodi eliminates some of the mistakes, we will look much better.

We still have issues with receivers. They have not lived up to expectations. I say this because on most of our completions they aren't to obviously open receivers. There aren't a lot of the easy throws.

I see improvement. That doesn't necessarily mean immediate wins, but it is a good sign for the future.; 12:17 PM
Monica said...: Thanks Eddie - I tried that too. Can't get the player to load in Firefox or IE. Weird.; 12:19 PM
Unknown said...: One of the more troubling things against Ole Miss was that we started doing the penalty thing again in the second half. When you do that, you put the offense in a bad situation, which leads to turnovers.; 12:20 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- I agree. I was making that comment in jest, though I don't believe Kodi is a good qb right now. I believe he is a young QB with alot of promise. He needs a real QB coach badley. His mechanics and foot work needs lots of work.

WR's have been non-existent for the last 2 years for the most part. WR's don't have to be personally great, you can game plan advantages by running timing routes that are precise and crisp. Also, I want to know who teaches them to catch the ball in the gut. That is getting tiresome to watch.; 12:23 PM
michael said...: Thought this quote was funny. It's Mike Leach responding to Gundy's, "I am a man! I'm 40!!" magnum opus:

"I'm 47, I still haven't made man. Everybody's got their tirades. We're all in glass houses, so you may throw little stones, but not very big ones."; 12:23 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Sucks Mon- they are giving you props.; 12:24 PM
Monica said...: I have 'em now. Eddie you're a prop tease!; 12:26 PM
Anonymous said...: Maybe I'm crazy, gang. But I have to be a little wary of the chances to beat a team that has hit the endzone paydirt 3 times as many times as Auburn has this year?; 12:31 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Prop tease!; 12:33 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Sensi,

Nothing would shock me at this point. Right now we seem to be getting on a good day 2 TD's and a score by either the special teams or the D.

On an average day it's one TD and maybe a FG.

I don't care who we play, that is just scary.

I wonder what the school record is for lowest redzone offense %?; 12:34 PM
Anonymous said...: RK,

Coach Jason Sampson (UTM HC) has got to be telling his team (which had a week off before this game) that if they can score 24, they have a better than average chance to win it.; 12:39 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: SOrry Mon, Couldn't help it.; 12:40 PM
WarEagleRK said...: We should be able to bully them up and down the field if our OLinemen start playing with an attitude again.

Defensively we should be able to stop them pretty consistantly.

However those two paragraphs should have applied to Vandy, Arkansas & Ole Miss too.; 12:41 PM
Roland said...: What defensive starters are actually playing?; 12:46 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Sen'Derrick told me Tuesday that he will play. He wants to keep his streak of consecutive starts alive.

I don't expect to see many other starters.; 12:47 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: I was overloaded yesterday from politics and Auburn. Can't believe I missed the 200 and now I find I am already behind 150 today!!! Can we get a synopis on facebook everynight for those that are slow readers and responders??!!!!; 12:48 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Well I can see the post game talk with Tub following a close win.

"Well we were lucky to get by with everyone being hurt."

When honestly our 2nd string should be enough to stop the Skyhawks.; 12:49 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: RK- I think confidence has a lot to do with Attitude and vice versa. If this team doesn't have it by now, I don't know how you can really expect to see it the next 3 games. Maybe a little bit this week, but I wouldn't expect it the last two.; 12:50 PM
WarEagleRK said...: It sucks, because this would traditionally be the type of game that greats like Marshall Thornton, Justin Fetsko, Chris Butler, Sam Rives, Jamooga Ramsey and others would get to shine.; 12:54 PM
Monica said...: I don't like that guys voice.; 12:55 PM
Monica said...: WEG - I couldn't give you a synopsis without editorializing so I better not. LOL; 12:56 PM
Anonymous said...: RK, don't forget RB Michael Owens. The speedy running back from Deshler HS that never got a part of the offense and was eventually moved to FB.

His career game and TD were against ULM in 2002 where AU scored 70.; 12:57 PM
Anonymous said...: I found this interesting over in Philip Marshall's corner.

"Wide receivers coach Greg Knox said Thursday he has “no doubt” he’ll be back at Auburn next season."; 1:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Maybe we are all way out there.

Maybe the decision has been made.

Maybe Tubs really does have all of the power!; 1:04 PM
Chris03 said...: Interesting personal story...

My girlfriend (she goes to UA) and I decided to get buffalo wild wings on a Thursday night in tuscaloosa (bad idea). It was packed... we didn't know they did the nick saban show live from there every Thursday.

Anyway, we decided to get food to go. I drove to the front of the building and let her out to go in to pick it up. Then a black mercedes pulled up behind my car and saban got out to walk in and walked right by my girlfriend (she was estatic).

When he pulled up, i remembered all the Auburn stickers I have on my car, including S-The Streak, an AU, and an Auburn University one. I know he had to have seen one of them. Haha!; 1:05 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Ah yes, Michael Owens.

Also, in those games it's surprising who you sometimes get to see play who go on to NFL careers.

Trent Green for Indiana in the Peach Bowl back in 1990.

Brett Favre for Southern Miss back in 1990.

Terrell Owens at UTC back in 95.

I remember Justin McCarins getting close to 200 yards receiving against us for Northern Illinois back in 2000.; 1:05 PM
James in Auburn said...: Maybe Knox is smoking something that he needs to share with the rest of us...; 1:06 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Sensi,

Knox didn't say he would be the WR coach thought, right?

He could be moved to an adminsitrative position and still be at Auburn.; 1:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Sweet Campfire...Maybe i can Beat traffic and make this one.; 1:07 PM
Unknown said...: Wow, Auburn scored 70 in a game. Hmmm, that isn't more than we have scored this year, but it is competitive.; 1:07 PM
Monica said...: Mr. S - I accept ZERO self reports from coaches. They rarely turn out to be true. That's just me.; 1:07 PM
Unknown said...: Mr. Sensible said...

"Wide receivers coach Greg Knox said Thursday he has “no doubt” he’ll be back at Auburn next season."

Hmmm, well, I guess in Knox we trust then.; 1:10 PM
Quitstina said...: Well first Brad Lester, now Knox...

Sounds like CTT stayingt is a done deal (insert eye roll); 1:14 PM
Anonymous said...: "War Eagle" revised for the 08 season

War Eagle, sputter down the field
Never to conquer, ever to yield
War Eagle, clueless and lost,
Don't make another turnover
No! No! No!
No more vict'ries coming this year
It is hell, It is hell,
Watching this team,. Ugh!
War Eagle, lose another for Auburn
Forever #2 in all the land.
Arg!

If you can't laugh at yourself, you'll cry your eyes out. HA!; 1:15 PM
Unknown said...: I just find it ironic that it was Knox that said it. I don't consider myself qualified to evaluate a position coaches performance, but of the offensive staff, Knox makes me go hmmm.; 1:16 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Knox saying he is staying is about as important as me saying I just won the presidential election. Knox is gone one way or the other.; 1:17 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: Zenful thoughts by Phred ...

In order to start winning, you must stop losing.

Okay...love it...thanks...that's probably all I got from what little I've read

And yes, I am going to the game Saturday just to support the players and because I can't stand to stay away; 1:18 PM
Chris03 said...: I'm going to the game Saturday b/c it might be the last time I'll see Auburn win until 2009. And I'm going to the GA game and the Iron Bowl.; 1:23 PM
Hornet said...: continuing the thought on seeing future NFL'ers - the white receiver from K-State is playing for Green Bay now. His name eludes me and I'm too lazy to look it up - but he killed us with those coveted "crossing patterns".; 1:23 PM
Monica said...: LMAO @ Josh Moons sighs on the air. I'm interpreting them as sighs of pain and it's cracking me up.; 1:27 PM
Monica said...: Somebody post when Trivia GIrl Thursday is over.; 1:29 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: I don't think I could be a Trivia Girl unless I had a high pitched voice..........; 1:31 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Jordy Nelson is probably the guy you are thinking of.

He even had a passing TD vs us last year.; 1:31 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Glad I'm not listening if it's the same girls who were on last Friday.; 1:32 PM
Monica said...: and had a lobotomy; 1:33 PM
KJtiger said...: He may be here but I for one hope he is not coaching. Maybe some administrative position. Just my hope and prayer.; 1:33 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: Or I forgot about the giggling ( or is it jiggling?); 1:35 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: They need to get these girls off the air. I don't see how it helps ratings.; 1:35 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 1:35 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: is this Trivia Girl thing serious? they sound like sorority gals.; 1:35 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: They sound like high school girls.; 1:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Just hit me in the head...Trivia Girl Thursday.

I'd rather listen to the history of the Bama 12 than that every week.; 1:36 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: eddie....amen...it embarrasses us football loving women!; 1:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Why not just call it Dumb B*^&#h Thursday?

- Not Tim Hates This Segment; 1:38 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: They had to look far and wide to find two girls in alabama that doesn't know what a two point conversion is. Alabama women are informed. Just ask my wife :)!!!!; 1:39 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: That's harsh Not Tim.; 1:40 PM
Anonymous said...: At least you had the decency to edit your post, Not Tim.; 1:41 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I need to call up. I finally have a reason. To give my thoughts on Trivia Girls.; 1:42 PM
Monica said...: Not Tim don't call girls the B word. Period.; 1:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Do it, Eddie. On behalf of the Hottie nation.

Rescue us.; 1:43 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: Doug says the Trivia Girls are smart!!! Monica they are gone!!!!; 1:45 PM
Hornet said...: Jordy Nelson - that's him
He was pretty fly for a white guy; 1:45 PM
WarEagleRK said...: WEG,

It embarasses human beings everywhere, not just you football loving women.; 1:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Cobra Commander's rework of the fight song is uber harsh.

What gives, man? I thought you were funny but now I want to kick your a!; 1:47 PM
BinOBA said...: I got the pine to accomadate a box for Mr. Knox, i'd work for way less and get way more if i was coach.; 1:47 PM
Anonymous said...: I mean, don't tread on the tradition, CC.; 1:47 PM
James in Auburn said...: Which is worse - Trivia girls or Finebaum?; 1:48 PM
Anonymous said...: Trivia Girls; 1:48 PM
Monica said...: I'm sure they are very nice ladies I just think if they insist on having this kind of "chick" segment they could find a better representation of "chicks". That's just me.; 1:48 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Sensi,

Well he does run the world #1 terrorist orginazation in Cobra. You had to expect him to turn. I'm sure his speechwriters Tomax & Xamot wrote it for him.; 1:48 PM
James in Auburn said...: Wow - that's bad...; 1:48 PM
Anonymous said...: The incoherent part of Finebaum is the callers he allows on to rant.

The incoherent part of the Trivia Girls are the Trivia Girls.; 1:49 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I'm on hold to speak on the round table.; 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Good point, RK.

I call for Sgt. Slaughter to lay the smack down on the CC.; 1:49 PM