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1.02.2009

Sugar Bowl discussion

We're here watching Alabama ~~struggle~~ play against Utah in the Sugar Bowl.

Come read and enjoy.

702 Comments:

Monica said...: You HAVE to be a coach if you're name is Trooper Taylor!; 9:38 AM
astatguy said...: Yummm Jet. Might I suggest you also put some sugar in that bowl?; 9:40 AM
scott,will not,from tucson said...: don't know if it's been posted here yet, but orgeron is going to tenn. as recruiting coordinator. (per the AP); 9:42 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: This is a pretty doggone prolific performance, you all!; 9:58 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Trooper is an excitable guy and a top level recruiter...however the problem they had at UT was finding a place for him to coach. He went from special teams to RB's to WR's.

He went to Oklahoma State as the assistant OC if I remember correctly, so we'd have to give him something comperable.

However, he'd be a good guy for us to get.; 10:06 AM
Jeremy Eubanks said...: Three pages of gloating over the demise of the enemy.; 10:07 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Apparently we continute the streak of 1-AA opponents with Furman in 2009 and my other alma mater UT Chattanooga in 2010.

Why do we do this every year?; 10:09 AM
AUfan said...: RK, my feelings about Trooper are the same as they were about Garner. A coach that can recruit like they can you find them a place on the staff. While I don't think he can equal RG in recruiting, I do think it would be a nice boost to AU's recruiting efforts. The UT folks hated to see him leave.; 10:09 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Depressed,

I agree. Living here in TN, I know the UT people didn't want him to go. I'd be glad if he was on board here at Auburn.

That guy will be a HC someday.; 10:12 AM
tigerfan44 said...: Alabama has only 9 scholarship seniors. How do they free up 16 more spots, 2 juniors leaving early and still that leaves 11 to attrition. That is a lot.; 10:14 AM
michael said...: I woke up today, and the sweet aroma of Alabama's loss was still hanging in the air. What a good day it is!; 10:18 AM
GregD said...: Question for you all....

The winner of the Fla v Okl game will be #1. Barry Switzer says Utah should be #2... but will they move 1 loss USC or if 1 loss Texas hands it to Ohio State - will they move Texas to #2?

Just curious where you all think undefeated Utah will fit in the final rankings.; 10:31 AM
AUBigCat said...: Jay glad to see we didnt need to raise any bail money for you. I started to worry when the numbers reached 500+; 10:33 AM
Jet said...: Staff:

HC -- Chizzle
OC -- Malzahn
OL -- TBA
RB -- CurtiZ
DC -- ElliZ
DL -- TraZy
LB -- WilliZ
DB -- HarbiZon

WR/Onside kick return coach/sideline maniac coach/ recruiting coordinator -- Trooper; 10:38 AM
Jet said...: Where does Utah fit? Don't know.

All i know is that they gave UAT fits last night. That's the only thing that matters to me.; 10:39 AM
WarEagleRK said...: tigerfan44,

Most teams over sign, because they know there area always some who don't qualify.

We do the same thing.; 10:40 AM
Monica said...: Jet woke up snarky I see.; 10:42 AM
Jet said...: 3 cups of coffee = snarkfest '09; 10:47 AM
Kathy said...: Good morning Hotties. Still feeling the afterglow of the Utah win. Holiday is officially over. Decorations all put away. House back in order.

Any new AU coaches? Any new rumors?; 11:00 AM
AUfan said...: jet, that would be a nice-looking staff. I have to ask though-did Pat Dye really not have much influence over hiring assistants? I don't see anyone on that list that screams Pat Dye choice, unless it is Ellis Johnson. Do they have connections from Alabama days? Still can't believe we lost out on Searels and Garner.; 11:00 AM
Kathy said...: FYI: Turner Gill/Buffalo on ESPN 2; 11:00 AM
Kathy said...: What about Antonio Coleman? Isn't his press conference this morning?; 11:03 AM
AUMom said...: We owe Utah two debts.

First, they vanquished the Tide last night.

Today they have knocked all talk of USC as National Champions from consideration.; 11:04 AM
Unknown said...: I am mulling over the Utah beat down of Alabama and still trying to figure out how they did it. Somehow they were able to shut down the Bama running game and turn them into a passing team. I didn't see that coming.

As for who is #1, the BCS will choose another BSNC, but Utah is #1 in my book.; 11:05 AM
AUfan said...: Kathy, hot new rumor of the moment is Trooper Taylor from Oklahoma St. Former WR coach at Tennessee, great recruiter. All indications seem to imply AC will be coming out for the NFL draft.; 11:07 AM
Kathy said...: I was reading Trooper rumors last night on the Oklahoma State forums.; 11:09 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Coach Luper will coach RBs like we thought.

Rivals had a typo.

http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/; 11:10 AM
Jet said...: Depressed ...

We hyperventilate and get ourselves all in a tizzy. Why? Because it's fun. Usually, though, it's misguided.

We've been operating under the idea that Dye is the Godfather, pulling the strings. Maybe he's tried, and maybe too hard and it's scared some away.

This plan smacks of Chizik to me. This is a plan he could never implement in Ames, Iowa. But he could in Auburn.

I've presumed for a few days that Rodney wasn't coming ... either by choice, or no desire by Chiz. As my 18 y.o. said this morning, if you laid out that staff and you didn't know who the head coach was going to be, well, it would be almost worth taking sight unseen.

I like the way this is shaping up, even if we don't get Rodney.; 11:10 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Read up - The Utah team said $aban's comments about being their being only one 12-0 team in a "real" BCS conference pissed them off.

And they lined up a ran the ball down the Criminal Tyde's throat with 4 mins to go and up by 11.

They said Bammer didn't show any heart.; 11:12 AM
Monica said...: I think it's more than a rumor.

"AuburnSports.com has confirmed that Chizik is in discussions with OSU co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor." That's from Rivals.; 11:16 AM
Jet said...: Everything Alabama did on offense was predicated on Andre.

They run left, he protects J.P.'s back.

Without Andre, the game wasn't about Alabama's superior strength, but about Utah's superior speed.

The key to winning football is imposing your will on the other team -- defining the game on your terms.

The most impressive part of the game to me was that Utah responded when UAT cut it to 21-17. I posted at the time that I thought the game was over then. It wasn't. But it was a few moments later when Utah scored to make it 28-17. I wouldn't have believed it.; 11:17 AM
Jet said...: A Trooper in my rearview mirror that's driving up fast on me that I'm glad to see!; 11:18 AM
Kathy said...: Nice raise for Luper. His salary is jumping from $228,000 to $400,000 a year; 11:22 AM
AUfan said...: jet, hyperventilating and working myself into a misguided tizzy are both common traits of my AU outlook. Thanks to you and turbo-prop for a glass half-full perspective. Lots to like in the staff make-up, Trooper would make it even better.; 11:24 AM
Unknown said...: I am not sure why people keep wanting to think Pat Dye is influencing what is going on. After the Chizik hire, Dye made it clear he didn't have anything to do with the selection. He said more than that. He specifically said he only talked with Jay Jacobs twice, once when the coaching search started and once the day before Chizik was named. In both cases he said he didn't tell Jacobs what choice he should make.

The waters have changed at Auburn. Things changed after Jetgate, although people don't want to believe it. Sure, Lowder/Dye will always have considerable influence, but I believe Gogue is telling the truth in terms of how the athletic department is being handled. Gogue is behaving like an administrator, rather than a fan, and it is very apparent.

I think the lack of Dye influence is clear when you see what went on with Willis. I do believe that Chizik was making a statement that he is in charge by delaying the hiring of Willis.; 11:26 AM
Jet said...: Believe me, Depressed, I've turned hyperventilation and tizzilation into an art form.

And I"m getting that way again.; 11:26 AM
Unknown said...: Kathy, where did you get the $400k number for Luper? That is a lot to pay a RB coach.; 11:28 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Al.com is saying now that Mike Gundy said CHIZ asked to speak with Trooper first before talking to Luper.

And did you read what CCL said about the Chizzel? Mucho respecto in the coaching world for our guy.; 11:28 AM
Jet said...: Steve ...

the willis timing also points to me that the DC has been selected ... and that the DC is cool with it.

My guess is that Chizzle understands, and was probably told, that chemistry is priority 1 for the program.

Once that that assurance regarding Willis was obtained, it was necessary to name him to send the message to his recruits that all is well ... then let the Malzahn story overshadow it to reduce questions about why so long.; 11:29 AM
Kathy said...: Salary info from Charles Goldberg.; 11:30 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: Its very simple Stevie - Most everyone is just assuming coach Dye is lying about it.

And that most everyone in the AU AD's office and department is lying as well.

No one takes anything for face-value.; 11:30 AM
Miller said...: Rodney Garner is interviewing with Tennessee today.... according to Vols Scout.com site.; 11:32 AM
Jet said...: Chris ... "lying" is such an ugly term.

I prefer "practicing the art of counterintelligence."; 11:34 AM
Unknown said...: Chris, usually I don't take things for face value either, especially when it comes to Lowder's influence. The main thing that convinced me was the details Dye gave. If you are lying, don't give a lot of specific details. Someone should have told my youngest son that a long time ago:); 11:36 AM
AUfan said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11:36 AM
AUBigCat said...: Probably because people have been lied to for so long.; 11:38 AM
McLovin said...: US Army All-American Highschool game is coming up at the top of the hour. Here is the Roster http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?SID=880&CID=866621 I don't think Bama will miss a beat with Fluker taking Smith's place. I hate that Bama is getting this kid.; 11:38 AM
Monica said...: Papa was a rollin' stone; 11:39 AM
AUfan said...: Garner interviewing with Tennessee??? Jet, forget everything i said about perspective. How do you breathe in the paper bag to stop hyperventilating?; 11:39 AM
AUBigCat said...: UT is putting a solid staff together over there as well; 11:39 AM
Jet said...: Wherever he laid his hat was his home.; 11:39 AM
Unknown said...: So far, I am admiring what Chizik is doing. A lot of people judged him without knowing the plan he presented to Jacobs. I am beginning to believe that plan included paying a lot of bucks to assistants to get the three qualities he mentioned: great on the field, with the players, and recruiting.

With the way Tuberville was treated, we weren't going to attract a high profile coach, but big bucks will bring quality assistants and having a head coach that is willing to get paid less than average in the SEC is huge.

From what I have seen so far, I like this plan. Get the quality assistants and the head coach will eventually get the salary he deserves.; 11:41 AM
Jet said...: Easy, Depressed ...

Now, if he interviews in ... you know where, well, then hyperventilation should continue until the smelling salts are waved under your nose.; 11:41 AM
McLovin said...: I think Auburn can afford to pay position coaches more since they aren't paying 4mil for a head coach. I honestly think Chiz is fine with it in order to build a winning staff. I know he opted to give almost 400k of his own salary to make assistant coaches salaries more attractive.; 11:42 AM
AUMom said...: And when he died, all he left us was alone.; 11:44 AM
Unknown said...: One of the great things about retaining Willis was the reaction from Petey Smith and Cotton. Both took notice. I wonder if the hiring of Luper and Malzahn will make Scott think a little more about Ole Miss. I guess with Ole Miss handing Texas Tech a beat down, it is doubtful, but hopefully it is still possible.; 11:48 AM
Will said...: I was looking at the '10 sched. I thought we were doing a home and home with K ST. Aren't we supposed to go over there some time soon?; 11:49 AM
Will said...: I was looking at the '10 sched. I thought we were doing a home and home with K ST. Aren't we supposed to go over there some time soon?; 11:49 AM
Monica said...: Clearly, Jet and AUMom are my coolness peers.; 11:50 AM
Will said...: whoops, zorry; 11:50 AM
Unknown said...: I think that Garner interviewing with Tennessee is a good sign, meaning he is still considering a possible move. If he was considering coming to Auburn, he would be foolish to not also talk to Tennessee. They do have a lot of bucks and just interviewing would likely mean Auburn would be willing to pay more. Should we somehow get Garner, I will feel great about the recruiting coaches we will have.; 11:51 AM
Jet said...: Will ....

According to www.nationalchamps.net, our return trip to Manhattan is in 2014. Home and home with Clemson is 2010-11. Georgia Tech is 2017-18.; 11:52 AM
Jet said...: Monica ...

thankyofaletinmebemyselfagain.; 11:53 AM
wartiger said...: Wouldn't be right if I didn't get in on this..GOOOO UTES!!! HAHAHAHAAH; 11:54 AM
Will said...: Thanks Jet. I thought the K ST game would have been sooner. My dad and I like to take a road trip every yr. I guess we'll go to KY in '10.

Anyone been there before? Is it worth the trip?; 11:54 AM
wartiger said...: ohhh I don't like my coment #...oh well...HAHAHAHA; 11:54 AM
Jet said...: Haven't been to Lexington for football. It's on my list.; 11:56 AM
Monica said...: very Sly of you, Jet; 11:56 AM
Monica said...: Had my car flag molested by a Syracuse fan at an Auburn game in Lexington.; 11:57 AM
Will said...: Mon, have you talked w/ A Coleman this AM? I know you have his # on your cellie....don't you?; 11:58 AM
Monica said...: It would be irresponsible of me to comment on the numbers that I do or do not have.; 12:01 PM
Will said...: TD Fighting Turner Gills. I bet Barkley is watching this one, with that special young lady he has been keeping time with.; 12:01 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Well, if we land Trooper Taylor it would ease the loss of Garner.

Taylor was UT's man in So. Florida and was involved in an incident that made small news. Maily someone moaning and groaning about an outsider getting their kids.

Anyone remember that?

And good God - Where is UT getting the $$$ for assistants? Million to Monte and 600 large to coach O?; 12:02 PM
Will said...: Whats the dealie-oh on AC? What timeis his press conf? I think it's going to be one of those deals where he and Terr announce they are coming to AU next yr.; 12:03 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: Few people noticed that Iowa State was pissed that Chiz was leaving, not pissed that he was 5-16 or whatever the number. He had a plan for them, they bought it and new that he was mortgaging their present for the future. They started 11 true freshmen this year.

I believe JJ was impressed with his plan for AU. Impressed with his sense of urgency for AU and a win NOW mentality. He could not afford the best assistants at ISU, now he can. It speaks volumes to his leadership skills that he seeks superstars on his coaching staff to recruit, coach and influence young superstars.

I like high standards...hate low goals because eventually you start missing those as well. I want a shot at a NC every few years, want a real shot at SEC titles 3 out of every 4, I want the goal to be 12-0 and yes even I can live with 10-2 and the occasional 9-3.

Tubbs was always ok with 8-4 and all to many of our family is ok with it also. Falling short of 12-0 is acceptable, constantly falling short of 8-4 is not .... not for my AU anyway.

Thanks for letting me yell...Now let's charge up that hill and kick some SEC ass!

WDE; 12:05 PM
Monica said...: What time is AC's press conference today?; 12:08 PM
AUfan said...: Monica, car flag molesters are scum of the earth. Unless it is a Bama flag of course.; 12:09 PM
Kathy said...: The defensive end has scheduled his own press conference Saturday at 3 p.m. at Mobile's Williamson High School, where Coleman attended.; 12:12 PM
Unknown said...: Big MikeZ16, Tuberville had us averaging 10 wins until we had the Tony Franklin Experience. I don't think anyone is satisfied with 8-4. I wouldn't call 9-3 seasons bad, as long as you throw in some better seasons.

We were among the elite in the SEC this decade under Tuberville. Hopefully Chizik will do better, but there isn't much better in the SEC. This decade we were the third winningest team in the SEC until the Tony Franklin Experience. If Chizik can get us close to where we were with Tuberville, I will be very happy.; 12:13 PM
Monica said...: Anyone else watching the High School East/West game? Some of those TX kids...wow.; 12:15 PM
Monica said...: Amen Depressed!

Thanks, Kathy!; 12:16 PM
Monica said...: Excuse me - "The Army All American Bowl"

Tana Patrick is in this isn't he?; 12:17 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Read what P. Marshall says about his experience with coaches and their "plans".

And yes Big Mike - Iowa St had just offered CGC a two year extension so they were happy with him.; 12:17 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: What channel's that game on? Fox? I couldn't find it on any of the ESPN familys.; 12:19 PM
Chris in Inverness said...: Oops - PM's link

http://www.auburnundercover.com/news/articles/2009/1/1/franklins-tenure-at-au-comes-to-bizarre-sudden-end

Pretty good read.; 12:20 PM
Jet said...: Turner Gill's team is opportunistic.; 12:20 PM
Kathy said...: TN fans are very excited about the Garner interview. Hopefully he is just checking out his options and is still considering Auburn.; 12:21 PM
Monica said...: NBC; 12:21 PM
Unknown said...: From what I have read of what went on at Iowa State, they were very happy with Chizik. Yes, he had a plan. We won't know if that plan would have worked, but it appears Iowa State was happy with it. Iowa State is basically the Mississippi State of the Big 12. It is a very tough place to compete.; 12:24 PM
Jet said...: UConn turns it over for the 5th time in 23 minutes.; 12:25 PM
Unknown said...: How the heck does Utah hold Bama to 31 yards rushing? That is pretty shocking.; 12:26 PM
Jet said...: Steve ...

The short answer .. the left-handed team got its left-hand severed.; 12:29 PM
AUfan said...: If it has been posted I apologize, but has anyone seen what Malzahn is being paid by AU? If the RB coach is making 400,000, I am pretty sure that is more than our previous OC and DC were making. Just interested in what type money the coordinators were being offered.; 12:32 PM
Unknown said...: Utah's quick start has to have had a lot to do with it, but the strength of this Bama team was the running game. If you can't do what you do best, you might as well just give it up. Bama should have stuck with the running game early, regardless of the score.; 12:33 PM
Kathy said...: Ingram's father was arrested just before the kickoff.

"Ingram, 43, who disappeared Dec. 5, the day he was supposed to start a 7-year, 8-month prison sentence for money laundering, was arrested by federal marshals in a motel in Auburn Hills, Mich., just as he was sitting down to watch the game on TV, officials said."; 12:33 PM
Jet said...: I think MalZahn will be in the 600k range. He deserves that kind of coinage.; 12:34 PM
Unknown said...: depressedAUfan, I think $400k is about what our coordinators were making if I remember correctly. I think they were around $450k actually.; 12:35 PM
McLovin said...: 700; 12:35 PM
McLovin said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12:35 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: New thread up.; 12:37 PM
AUfan said...: Jet- I agree totally on Malzahn. Zteve, I was thinking our previous coordinators were in the 325-350 range but was not sure. Thanks.; 12:40 PM
Big MikeZ16 said...: ZteveFC -- I understand the specifics of Tubbs records but I have to say that I had never been more disappointed as I was in 2002, 2003 and 2004. 02 and 03 set us up for incompletion in 2004. We really weren't robbed (imho) we set ourselves up in 03 for it. We had talent in 03 and 04 to compete for NC both years yet we eaked out 9-7 victories holding our breath when we could have been blowing teams out...making a statement.

I like Tubbs and believe in his character but have never seen NC kind of focus, commitment and drive. It starts at the top, in business and in sports the team takes on the attitude and speed of the leader.

Now that's a nickels worth, I'll hush.

WDE; 12:55 PM