My top 10 list
Hey everyone. I'm pretty doggone enthusiastic about getting 2008 behind us.Mama always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on.
It was a rocky year for everyone in a lot of ways. The upside, of course, is that the HABOTN expanded well beyond my expectations. You all have made my job significantly more enjoyable. Without that jolt of enthusiasm, I probably would be out of the business by now. You guys make my job fun.
OK. Enough with that. Let's talk about something ... fun.
MY OFFICIAL TOP 10 AUBURN MOMENTS OF THE YEAR
- The two hours after Tuberville resigned. (11/3/08)
- Tony Franklin saying he would boo himself.
"Well, they should. Hell, if I was them, I'd boo. I'd boo me. I'd be angry. Everybody's expectations were high. My expectations were high. Hell, if I was a paying fan I'd be pissed. This product has not been good, and it was my product. I don't blame them for being upset. I don't take it personal. When they said how wonderful you were, I didn't take that personal because I knew it wasn't true. I said all along that I wasn't very smart and y'all thought I was joking. Now you know. It's pretty true." (9/28/08) - Watching Tony Franklin pack his car in front of the complex after being fired.
*The grad/student assistants later chided us for taking Franklin's "dignity" by taking pictures of the situation. Franklin DID THAT ON PURPOSE, fellas. (10/8/08) - Realizing that Gene Chizik was Auburn's choice.
I knew the "winner" would be someone off the map, but I didn't know just how far off the map Auburn would go. (12/13/08) - Ryan Pugh's interview about the offense after the Vanderbilt game.
"Just getting away from what we were successful at in the game is just frustrating as a player. But we have no control over that." (10/5/08) - Ben Tate's interview about the quarterback situation.
"Everybody's got their own opinions on it. I'm not really going to say mine. I think everybody can pretty much see who should be the guy out there." (8/24/08) - Tony Franklin calling himself a "dumbass" after the Tennessee game.
"It might be the dumbest call I've made in 10 years. It's a third-and-short call, not a third-and-long call. I was being a total dumbass. That's what I was." (9/27/08) - Getting caught in the media tent during a two-a-days rainstorm.
*Goldberg has footage of this debacle. Everyone (wisely) left just before the rain came. I thought being under a tent was a good idea when the rain came. Goldberg and Jeffrey Lee concurred. Then wind toppled the tent and we were had lads.(8/14/08) - Tez Robertson on Frank Tolbert being posterized on a dunk against Xavier.
"You just have to own up to it." (1/6/08) - Tez Robertson on what he'll do after ditching the headband that covered his forehead gash.
"I'll be regular ol' Tez without a headband."
posted by Jay G. Tate at
10:19 AM
166 Comments:
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Thanks for the HABOTN, Jay. You have truly created an oasis for Auburn fans. Merry new year.
Jay G. The HABOTN made this year survivable. Nuff said.
RE: Your Top 10 List
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. This is the kind of stuff I just eat up. I get a kick out of know what beat guys find the most (fill in the blank).
Jus tread "Tribes" by Seth Godin, Jay you have executed it perfectly. If you haventread it, it is a must read. Whats the word on Clint Mosley?
I think my #1 moment of 2008 was when I realized that the mea culpa experiment was not a joke.
I barely know who Clint Moseley is. So, no, I don't know the latest or whatever.
Jay, the HABOTN greatly enriched my life this year....even as a Bama fan. I thank you for that.
BHarris - Great book.
Jay
Are you alluding to moving on to other pursuits? The combination of the criptic comments concerning delaying your travels yesterday, and then today-- just worried.
If this is about ESPN, I have no comment. You know that.
Monica couldn't have said it better.
The HABOTN has provided the solace, humor, et al. that so many of us in the Auburn family have needed this year. Being able to come here and interact the way everyone does has definitely been a bright spot during the dark days of 2008.
Looking forward to a spectacular 2009!
Happy New Year Hotties!
Wow, JayG, what's your definition of "Top"?
Would that be Top 10 as in "I can't wait to see the meltdown on the HABOTN after I report this to the hotties"?
--
Buck
Thanks for keeping us in the know through all the drama this year Jay. Now find us a new basketball coach.
Is it just me, or did the top 10 list leave one off....as in I counted 9.
Ok. I don't know anything about it, so I'm no better or worse off.
All I can say is that I'm a big fan of your work, and not sure what I do, or where I'd go with out it- -so Thanks.
I also forward the link to other AU fans I know at least once or twice a day.
Happy NY's to you and all.
Jay GT-
My wife appreciates you breaking my ebay habit. She'd probably prefer I do something more productive, but at least my obsession/addiction with HABOTN doesn't affect our checking account. Thanks so much to you and all the Hotties for such fun times.
That's the AU year in a nutshell The Top Ten list has only 9...
LOL schley!
Luke...
He's saving #1 for midnight...
Hannah Storm spotted at the Omni Royal Orleans on St. Louis St.
I'm sure that means nothing.
What is this I keep reading about Jay G, ESPN and Hannah Storm? I was away over Christmas and didn't get to keep up with HABOTN.
Monica I see the top story for Rivals has changed and is saying something about Mosley and a Christmas present. Did we offer him??
Jay G. This has been a pleasure and theraphy for all us HOTTIES as it's a place where all of us can come to just chat n talk Auburn Football and many other things in life.
I have enjoyed you as well as allthe other Hotties.
I wanted to say thank you and let's get ready for 2009.
Happy New Year everybody!
Moseley 2008 stats: Moseley completed 209 of his 313 pass attempts for 3,758 yards and 35 touchdowns with only five interceptions. His completion ratio was 66.8%, averaging 250.5 yards passing per game gaining him better than a 200. quarterback rating.
I'll take him!
So who is this Mosley kid and who else is going after him?
Big Cat - Moseley hasn't heard from Gus yet. Still waiting on a firm offer. He's also hearing from Alabama and South Carolina.
Chiz called Moseley on Christmas day. Said as soon as he had the OC and could schedule it they would watch film and evaluate him.
Moseley has firm offers from Marshall and a few others.
happy new year, folks. don't follow charles barkley's example!
Barkley mug shot- was he wearing platform shoes?
JayG and Hotties, as another year draws to a close it has been a privilege and much fun to be associated with such a "Family" A special thanks to you JayG for refusing to accept "I Heards" and verifying all you report ... the best on the net. May you and yours (this for all) have a safe prosperous new year
Mon - I sure hope Chiz didn't call Moseley. The truth is (I hope) that Moseley called Chiz on Christmas. The Chiz knows better than to call recruits during dead period.
Right back attcha, 365!
B- you have Facebook email.
Tar - You can call during Dead period.
did the chiz get anywhere with dre kirkpatrick? or has he drank saban's blood from the golden cup already
Thanks Mon- If AU is looking to hire someone for NCAA compliance, I will readily endorse you. I thought dead was DEAD, but you are so right.
Cheers :-)
Dre had one more official visit he could legally schedule. He said that might be with Auburn. I haven't read it anywhere if he made that decision of if there's been any progress with him.
JGT, thanks again for a record-breaking 2008! it was a good one. i'm sure 2009 will launch the HABOTN into infinity....and beyond!
TarHeel, the HABOTN has helped ease my ebay habit as well. i just....couldn't....stop.....myself.
I guess I need a 10th! ha ha ha
I appreciate the endorsement. ha. Here's a little light reading for you, Tarbaby.
Division I Recruiting Bylaws
Calling during the dead period is fine. They just don't do in person visits.
Jay, you must be terribly disappointed that Tony Franklin was let go. That guy has to be a favorite of every reporter.
This year was definitely a transitional year, but this next year will really determine whether this year was good or bad. It will all depend upon the Chiz. If we win 8 or 9 game next season, this could work out okay. We also need 3 or 4 high profile recruits to join the ranks or we are in for a couple of bad seasons 3 and 4 years from now. Last season's class was sub-par. So far, this one isn't as good as that one.
On the plus side, getting Gus Malzahn was major. As I watch the bowl games, I can't help but notice so many wide open spread attacks. Hopefully we will be running some form of smash mouth spread:)
Added a 10th -- my Gene Chizik?? moment.
Mon Thanks for the reading material. I'll start on it right after I take my coma-inducing cough medicine.
Jay, I heard where Chizik's in home visits that he made before staff was hired did not count as his one in home visit. Any truth to that.
TAR!! Glad to see you posted that awesome pic of you and Mrs. Tar. reppin Auburn in Wyoming. Greg and I are planning a trip to the Grand Tetons in about 2 years.
I'm sorry to hear you're still sick. :-(
Mon - avatar change from the smiling burro is in keeping with my NYRes to try and not be such an A$$ all the time.
wyoming and montana are 2 of my favorite places I have ever been.
Mon- do you know anyhting about Canaan Valley's skiing and scene?
I saw Willie Nelson outdoors in Big Sky, Montana in 1999. It was spectacular, what i remember of it.
Well, 2008 saw me leave a profession and come 2009 I will be doing something different for the first time in 5 and a half years.
I am going from a job that caused me to work more hours than anyone else in just about any other job to workingn 40 hrs a week.
I'll be adding a new kid to my fam in march and the beat goes on.
Not the best year except for finding this blog - War Hotness
tigerfan44: my recruiting go-to guy, Bryan Matthews, says those visits should count.
He was the head coach and the head coach gets only one visit.
With that said, new loopholes are found all the time ...
Harrison - Canaan is gorgeous, very family friendly. Great for boarding, Green Circle and Blue Square. (none of which I do, btw). Although someone just told me they have a 3 foot base right now and are expecting more snow in the next couple of days. Very affordable, decent accommodations and food. ZERO nightlife. Snowshoe is more challenging a little more upscale and more nightlife.
I like Arapahoe Basin.
The Schoolmarm in particular.
we are trying to decide between snowshoe and canaan valley, but we like to have drinks after skiing
Jay, skiid in A-basin last year. awesome. although whistler, b.c. has been my favorite with vail a close 2nd
Vail is cool. I love the Saab police cars there.
Ms. Peace Corps that works here in my office said go read the reviews at www.goski.com to decide between Snowshoe and Canaan.
I'll take a beach any day over the skiing.
However, feel free to email all of your travel tips about Wyoming and Montana! I can't wait!
best ski slope food- Deer Valley
best run - Horseshoe Bowl at Breckenridge, so steep the snow kicked up by the back of your skis falls over your shoulders
best overall skiing - can't decide: Whistler/Blackcomb, Vail, Snowmass
vowed never to ski again: anything east of Colorado
Ok, have to vent a bit about movies I've recently watched.
I have been let down tremendously by one, knew one would suck but paid the 19 bones to see it (w/wife-unit) and saw a good one as well.
Marley and Me
Michael Clayton
Tropic Thunder
Knew would suck
good one
really disappointed
Anyone else UNDERWHELMED by "Thunder" after reading reviews?
gone to get a late lunch with Miss TarHeel; ttyl
I just watched Christmas Vacation for the tenth and final time this month. I'm a little OCD about it. For the last 15 years, I've watched it 10 times every year during the month of December. I don't know why.
The thing is, I just discovered something that makes the movie even more fun to watch. When Eddie brings Mr. Shirley back to Clark's house, I just imagined Jay Jacob's head on Brian Doyle Murray's body. Made me feel better about a lot of things.
Is that so wrong?
Sorry to hijack...
Chris in Inv, your 2008 sounds alot like mine. I was a banker for 5.5 yrs and was bored senseless. In Sept 09 me and the fam packed up and moved back to AU. I have been in a transition phase for the last 3 months but am hoping for smooth sailing in 09. One big difference is I do not PLAN to add to the family at any point this yr. Good luck with the new little one.
Skiing is too much like work. I like my vacations with alot of sand, lots of drinks with umbrellas, stress free,and very little chance for injury or breaking a sweat. Monica, meet you by the pool in an hour.
Interesting radio on JOX today...
Will! You're speaking my language, shugah!
I rarely ski, but i tried tahoe once. beautiful place. I didn't break anything. after a few runs, headed back to the casinos where the drinks were free. good time.
Happy New Year everyone. I'm sure 2009 will be a challenge in so many ways but I hope yours is glorious and prosperous in every way!
Jay, HABOTN rocks. Good year and stuff.
Inverness - I too was slightly disappointed by Tropic Thunder. Not laugh a minute like I thought. But the funny parts had me laughing extremely hard, so I still enjoyed it. My wife walked away and got on the internets after about 30 mins, she was not a fan.
This is a wish for all the Hotties to have a glorious new year.
Been doing the family/holiday/fishing thing for over a week and looks like we got some good football news. Probably the best OC hire that we could get. We will need WRs in order to do the vertical passing attack, but I like 'tude.
Chuck.....sux! I wish he wold just forget Auburn, I'm ready to forget him. Had enuff of his antics when I lived in Scottsdale.
1. Whistler/Blackcomb, 2. Vail, 3. Mammoth, 4. Aspen/Snowmass .....doesn't matter though...I'm to old and fat to ski anymore.
The Sun Bowl is on and Verne's play-by-play call causes narcolepsy.
About Barkley - so I guess this might screw up the whole governor of Alabama shtick he has been on for awhile now.
I am disappointed in him. Drunk driving sucks.
I lived about 1/2 miles from Barkley (less expensive neighborhood) in the 90's. He basically did what he wanted and the locals ate it up. Gilbert, Az. is not Scottsdale and those folks aren't impressed. Scottsdale prefers to keep things "quiet", so celebrity DUIs don't happen.
My top 10 HABOTN moments ...
10. Femme Fatale: Monica the Hammer Called to Principal's Office
9. Wilson Pickett Night: Land of a Thousand Threads
8. Cause He Loves That Dirty Water: Denny on Bourbon
7. Monica and Faker: The Best Couple Since Moonlighting
6. A Few Good Men Come to HABOTN
5. Nonsense and Sensibility: The Meltdown That Shut Down HABOTN
4. The Clash Reunion Tour: Should (Tubs) Stay or Should He Go?
3. The Tao of SteveFC
2. Chizzle Fo Shizzle: The Aftermath
1. Love Conquers All, But Hate Is a Lot More Fun -- The Hatin'est Auburn Blog on the Net
if a DUI is the worst thing on your record, then you are pretty squeaky clean to run for Gov. for Alabama
Somewhere "Live To Punt" should be in this top 10 list somewhere. It should also be on our next t-shirt. How about "Live to Punt" on the front and "Punt to Live" on the back?
Jet, you know i love me some hatin'
From a post on an Auburn board:
"Barkley is like herpes, and everyone knows we have him."
Mikey - My wife fell asleep but since she's mucho-prego I'll give her a pass.
I can't say I didn't laugh hard at times and Downey Jr is awsome but from the reviews I read, I thought it would bring more to the table. Plus, the neding, not very believable.
As far as "Marley and Me" - a two hours staples to the scrodum for me.
Man gets hot wife. Gets terrible dog. Man has family. Dog gets old - the end.
Anybody ever spend NYE in the providence airport?
i spent nye on a bus to colorado one year. suck-o
Scottatl-
Is that something I should put on my list of things to do? I must confess, the thought of celebrating NYE in Providence airport had not previously been entertained.
I am in the Providence airport, trying to get that last possible flight home....had to come up here for a recent acquisition for a company I work with....currently sitting at wolfgang pucks with a Budweiser watching the vandy game....life could b worse but dont tell my wife that.
Just want to add my thanks and happy new year to you Jay and all the hotties for making this the best Auburn site ever.
Monica...you'll love Grand Tetons. My Greg and I love it out there. We stayed in Victor Idaho..just over Teton Pass from Jackson Hole. Cheaper, quieter and less crowded in the summer. We're headed to Glacier this summer.
Wow Jet I helped give you two of your top 10 experiences on HABOTN. I'm a giver and I'm proud.
Your list is good, good stuff.
Tracy - Thanks so much for the info. I've already cut and pasted it into my "Travel" file.
One good thing about airports Scott is there is always beer
Well, gang. On behalf of The Gridiron Breakdown, I would like to thank those of you who listened and participated.
Happy New Year to all the HABOTN - friend and foe alike.
Be well and safe as we pass into 2009.
"7. Monica and Faker: The Best Couple Since Moonlighting"
That one cracked me up pretty good. Nice, Jet.
I had to explain what "Moonlighting" was to Greg! I shouldn't be surprised. This is the man who never watch A Charlie Brown Christmas or Wizard of Oz.
Happy New Year to you, too, Sensi.
Yes...Thanks Jet....
Ball State a 1 point favorite.
Go Golden Hurrican!
Florida a 3 point favorite.
Go Gators!
Bama a 9.5 point favorite.
Go Utes!
Happy New Year Mr. S,
Enjoyed the conversing this year.
SKE
Can we talk about the 800 pound gorilla in the room? (And I don't mean Barkley. HA HA HA HA HA!)
Seriously: The absence of a campfire today is both palpable and inexcusable.
Moonlighting? Does that have something to do with hanging butt cheeks out of car windows?
if you ever fly into salt lake city, have your i.d. ready if you want a beer. they card EVERYBODY. A guy in front of me bought a beer--had to be 70--and he had to show an i.d. just a bit ridiculous.
oh, 95
Mon - you've got mail
Goldberg has video of the rain/tent incident, though it's heavily edited due to coarse language.
The Gold Mine
The laughing you hear as Paul Rhoads bikes by ... that's me. I was having the time of my life.
Great Stuff Jay,
Congrats on the success of the HABOTN and happy new year to you and your family.
SKE
Thanks, Scott.
ScottfTucson- Witnessed the same thing in Atl airport last week. Two times I saw the waitress card 70+ year old women. The looks on their faces was hilarious.
Funny thing about ATL airport is when you are coming from somewhere tranquil and quiet its like a very rude awakening 'Welcome to the Jungle' style
Anyone in the Montgomery area have plans to go see the play about Bear Bryant at the AL Shakespeare Festival?
Dan,
Let me know if you have extras, i can send my dad and he will then have seen practically everything concerning Bama
Dan-
I think you're asking the wrong folks.
GREAT NEWS,
The plane has just left Atlanta and will be here in 1.5....might get home in time to see band of horses at variety playhouse.
I wasn't expecting anyone, other than maybe FSJ, to say yes. I am just picturing the two guys with the Tide boxes/toilet paper and the twins with houndstooth hats in the audience at a play. It amuses me.
dan,
do you have a summary/plot of the play?
Bammer Play House ... formerly known as Alabama Shakespeare Festival, cancels production of "Le Miz" due to financial concerns, but assures its patrons that "Bear Country" is still scheduled. Bammers throughout Central Alabama get their Speedpasses.
Let us all do the right thing. For the next hour or so, we should all be Commies fans. They are giving Boston College a good game.
After this game, I will officially become a Tulsa fan for a while.
Go Commies!!!! Stopped BC on fourth and one!!!
that's right, ZteveFC - go 'dores!!!
On a sadder note, my Pitt Panthers were pitiful in losing Sun Bowl 3-0 to that bammer coached OSU team:-(
No dan.... I will not be attending.
One other thing....
Apparently Tuberville has been on ESPNU today giving analysis of the bowl games and such.
who's Tuberville?
funny jet, but way too true
When did the Al Shakes Fest change? Last time I was there it was a beautiful facility that had a nice art collection and had good shows.
The plot. I think it starts with Bear's birth in a manger where he is wrapped in swaddling houndstooth. I'm not sure about the rest.
HAHAHAHAHAHA
Good stuff, Dan.
Thanks Mon
The pertinent question in re Chuckster ...which was higher his blood alcohol content or his grade point average?
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31272896&id=47302508
I knew baby Jesus wasn't supposed to be born with buck teeth. That must have been the baby bahr
Baby Bahr
well, that didn't work
Baby Bahr try again
tarheel, i got your check today. your tee will go out on monday.
thanks. ;)
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thanks Scottie B
War Eagle!!!!
crap. BC just scored
Uh oh...some of you aren't cheering hard enough for Vandy.
All of you hotties I wish you a Happy New Year from Mobilz.
Commies!!! Commies!!! Commies!!!
Commies gonna win a bowl game for the first time in my lifetime!!!
GAME!!
Vandy Wins!!
SEC- 1-0
Happy New Year everybody!
Jay Gs momma knows a thing or two. With that said, getting said past behind one sometime takes a little doing.
The HABOTN has been a Godsend for me getting through the last 4 months.
Jay G, I am extremely concerned about Coach Quick. If you can could you send an email if you have a better description of his BT?
Just read where Coach O is going to TN for $600,000. I heard Monty Kiffin would be making $1.3M. TN is really dishing out the money.
Denny, I won't be getting his MRI or anything ...
In other words not much happened at Auburn in '08
Didn't mean that much info sorry.
Monty Kiffin's salary is ridiculous. He's not THAT good. C'mon.
Anybody actually pulling for LSU tonight?
So, LSU or GT? I am torn. I want to pull for the SEC, but I like the innovative offense of GT. Who should I pull for?
HABOTN New Year to the Hotties!
Would someone ask Dr. Lou to please return to the senate. His segment is ridiculous.
Way to go, Commode-A-Dores.
LSU or Georgia Tech?
Hat or Fat?
I'm for Lard over the Tard.
I am affraid I must pull for LSU. We are 1-0 against the ACC and I would like to see us 2-0.
So I guess there's nothing to the rumor about Orgeron to LSU?
His cousin is Bobby Herbert and works for WWL in Nawlins.
The article said Coach O turned down LSU in favor of TN.
I had to wait for permission to turn to the game. What's with those weird GT jerseys? Since when was blue a school color?
it almost looks like the LSU spring game
Vandy was the extent of the SEC teams I'm pulling for in the bowl games.
The rest of them can pound sand for all I care.
Tar - I said the same thing about the GaTech uni's.
We had Vandy versus BC, and now GT versus LSU. Was there a plan to have only schools that wear gold helmets on New Years Eve?
I'm for Ga. Tech.
That was a stupid call.
Jay,
First time listener
Long time fan.
Blog is great and is now officially cool.
LSU has a quarterback now. They will be tough in the future.
He was just decapitated. NEXT
If I understand correctly, the Peach Bowl is being brought to you live in spanktravision. Georgia Tech is getting destroyed.
Ok..I officially take back all of my comments about being afraid of Paul Johnson...
Good grief...
So is this what happens when an SEC defense gets time to prepare for this offense? Maybe I was wrong...
Or more likely Ga Tech's defense is the culprit of this spanking.
Show of hands --- who wanted Paul Johnson to bring his bang-up triple option to Auburn?
Anyone else feel like 21-3 was as good as 71-3?
Umm, yeah. Here's what happens kids when you try to play the triple option against big, fast and strong DL"S/LB's.
Bowden to become UNA's head football coach
Personally, I would love to have seen us running GT's offense. It is pretty impressive and much more than just the triple option. LSU is bullying them around pretty good though. GT will only get better once Johnson gets his own kids into the program.
Terry Bowden to UNA is simply strange. I never saw that coming.
Sorry Mickey but I didn't see one defensive player on the field during all those THREE AND OUTS.
Coach Frannie said that this wasn't a "comeback offense" - umm, yeah.
Jay's got a new thread up with pics from New Orleans.
Yeah Steve - Well, I guess the ChikFil-A bowl is where you'd like to see AU huh?
GT won't have the element of suprise after this season and getting "his" players, um, the defense gets worse.
But hey, we've been through this.
Now he's about to take the the worst ass-whuppin in Chicken Sammich bowl history.
Yea, I would have loved to have seen Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
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