gus acts a little disappointed in the talent of the players...he really has his work cut out for him. Bull loves Auburn and understand about coaching changes Ontario has heart and that's what is important!!
I was looking forward to seeing Onterio on the field before... But, now, I really want to see him succeed, on the field and off the field. It is always nice to see a kid do whatever it takes to build a better life for himself and his family... and do it the right way.
I wish we had a full roster of players with the heart of Onterio and the love for AU that Eltoro exhibits...
if anyone thinks OM is too small, remember one name Tyrone Prothro. he would be playing on sundays if not for a dumbarse coach trying to run up the score in a game that was over. football should be easy after what OM has been through to this point. we should all be rooting for him even if he never plays a down.
also one of my favorite AU players of all time was DB Fred Smith (if anyone remembers him). i bet he was not even 5' 7" but made lots of bigger players eat a lot of dirt and see a lot of stars. kinda like a tiny Junior Rosegreen.
Way to burn the late night oil Jay! Your dedication is always appreciated!
WEG Da Bull could be the veteran leadership that our D lost in Powers and Marks.
D.Miller Da Bull's love of AU is going to win alot of future recruits. He should host all of our top targets.
Chip who could forget Fred Smith? He and Chris Shelling led the greatest AU comback I've ever witnessed. The 94 game against LSU. Both of those lil fellas would lay you out. Fred's sister was a pretty good lady Tiger for the bball team too.
I don't think Gus acts disappointed. I think Gus is just intense and pretty much never satisfied. Perhaps I should offer him some sessions...for counseling of course.
Morning Hotties - have a good Monday doing what you do. I have the day off and will do some stuff with the cub, some stuff around the house and just generally goof off. Yeah right, there's no goofing off but at least part of what I say is true.
Rockford Files is always good. Jim Garner is top-notch. I'm late to the football material, but Eltoro has to be one of the football player recruiters for the upcoming season. Could you say no to that man?
Ehyou, for some reason that video is no longer available. I have a feeling Micahel and the other powers of the puppet hour had it stricken from you tube
I don't know how any of this will work out, but it FEELS like the football team has a better drive to it. I was in Auburn this weekend and got to take a peek at the team practicing, and my my my, there is definitely an intensity that you didn't notice from everyone last year. I do hope it correlates to great play on the field but only time will tell that. I'm with the folks that are cautiously optimistic as far as game day play goes.
Well Tommy, in my experience, there's nothing like a little egg on the face to motivate people to work hard. Nobody associated with Auburn football will ever be content with 5 wins. Period.
I honestly believe these coaches are determined to get more and more out of the players. I think the attitude of the former staff was much more ho-hum "well this is what we've got, I guess we'll have to live with it".
I didn't get to play golf this weekend 'cause we went to Silverstar (the very first time I've ever been to a casino), so I didn't get to work on the tip you gave me, Seanzie. But, I will be sure to this coming weekend.
"Let me tell you about a little thing I like to call 'mind over body' ... You see, whenever I start feeling sick, I just stop being sick and be awesome instead." Barney Stinson
I hear ya Luv. It looks and sounds like they are practicing what they are preaching this year. Last year as I recall they were still doing that little choppy foot thing and going at it like they were just doing some warm ups or something, when they should have been working like they seem to be this year when trying to learn a brand new offense and defense. The only thing that has me concerned is depth. Hopefully their work ethic in the spring will take care of that.
I think with time comes complacency, and with complacency comes mistakes. The mistake, the Tony Frankling experience, but the cause of which was made by the other guys. It's good to get new blood in the system, it's good to get some of that fire back. AU's 2009 season should be much better.
I think I just got Jello in my sinus cavity. I can't yet confirm if that actually happened, but I'm experiencing the same burn as when you go swimming in an over-chlorinated pool.
They have nothing. One injury and it's going to get ugly. It's amazing ... they only signed two dudes there. One of em, John Sullen, is a 100-to-1 shot. I have a much higher opinion of Andre Harris. He'll be a good guard.
No, I ate it, and think I exhaled as I was swallowing, forcing some Jello up that way. I don't know if this is even physically possible, all I know is that my sinuses started burning at the moment I took my first bite of Jello.
hulu is great but for some reason my Shockwave or whatever at work has crashed and killed my tv watching/listening for the past week. not very happy about that. grrrrr.
DepressedAU, I am by no means an evaluator of talent. And all I saw was a small portion of practice. That being said, EVERYONE hussled EVERYWHERE they were going. There was no lollygaggin'. Guys miss the pass, they go run and get the ball they missed and run it back. They did some sort of blocking exercise, the horn sounds, immediately everyone's going to their next exercise. It just seemed to be very organized and purposeful, not a "well let's see if this works" feel to it.
Wow, Hulu isn't blocked here either, but I'm sure my frequenting of said site will surely have it locked down within the week. I'm shocked HABOTN privledges haven't been taken.
Thanks for the reply, mytommyd and Jay. My fear is a good coaching job could still equal a 7-5 record. There are just so many good SEC teams on the schedule.
Hulu isn't blocked at my office either, however the internet stream doesn't seem to want to view the clips. I can feel big brothers eyes watching me as I try to link up to another clip that won't play.
Between 5-8 wins. I mean, I am sure Malzahn is good, but how good could anyone make the current batch of QBs? And I hope the o-line will be better since they are slightly fatter, but I will believe it when I see it. Really, good o line play and half competent QB play will make for a pretty good year. Those two things are far from certain.
And one thought with that Micheal, if our offense is halfway decent, our defense won't be worn out by game 5. I also think we will not have to worry about a 3-2 game with us scoring all the points this year.
Well Michael, we won 5 games last year in a complete disaster scenario and were competitive and led in in 6 out of the 7 losses. Anything less than 7 is to be considered a failure in my mind.
I know this is probably old news to all of you, but I just read that UAT hired Grant as their new basketball coach. Has FSJ made any comments regarding this hire?
Thanks Seanzie!! See we did have a good D last year, but there's no way you can ask them to rescue the offense game after game. I think we won't see them have to do that this year, or at least not as much ... I hope. See cautiously optimistic.
Mon....just to pick up from your post last nite. My partner and his wife were emptynesters in house with 6 BRs. The now have 3 foster kids...just b/c they want to make a difference. If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
JGT I hope you are right about recruiting 6 OL this coming year. Something that concerns me is that, according to Scout.com, we are presently on the "interested list" for 1 of the top 30 OTs. I know there are many more good OL out there to recruit, but wouldn't you think?....
I hope Onterio has people in his ear letting him know that another way to get his mom off the streets is to make sure he makes good grades, gets his degree, and then gets a normal job. Just hope he isn't putting all his eggs in the NFL basket.
I agree about the diaclaimer, I also hallucinates and had nightmares last night from The Eltoro sighting, from now do a viewer descrerion advised before.
The OL situation scares...and no offense to SteveFC who praises the recruiting over the past few years, the proof is there in the lack of quality depth at key positions (mainly the OL and secondary) and lack of playmakers.
Evidently Antonio Coleman described Onterio as fast as, according to Jay G, a word starting with f and ending in k. I don't recall a firetruck being fast. Now getting run over by a firetruck I get that, and at 170 that's quite a load considering he's so light. Just found that interesting as I was looking on the hompage waiting for Mr Tate to put up another thread that I could potentially not be the first to post.
Well, I don't know. He's met with UK two days in a row now. Granted, I've had multiple interviews with firms I knew I wouldn't be working for, but it seems as if that's an indication of his interest.
Gloom and Doom this mornig. I understand we are all just being realistic but who robbed the kitchen. How did we go from a cubbard full to empty in just one year. Was the last coaching staff magicians with just smoke and mirrors after 9 good years?
I hope we are partially wrong in this evaluatiion.
The excitement is more about the future than next season. I think the staff here can build a winner. But like I said earlier, exactly how good could any coach be with these QBs? I hope I am surprised this season, but I am not expecting a whole lot.
AU1N04 It is what it is and I trust Jay's opinion along with others. Jay has seen the cubbard and understands what is going on. It just mystifies me how the train can run of the track and not even realize it is on a curve.
Harrison - are you quoting me or did you independently coming up with the aim for the ground statement or am I unknowingly quoting someone else when I say it?
Recruiting is like any other job. If you don't go full speed all the time you get behind and lose the race. Cupboard is the right spelling sorry about that.
I don't want credit, I am just trying to get to the bottom of this. I have been saying it for years thinking it was mine, but I have been wrong before. (turns out the song I thought I came up with in my head entitled "I'm Bad" was actually a Michael Jackson song from the eighties.)
Re: O-line, I'm willing to bet big money we go and nab at least 2 guys from JUCO as well as the number of guys we'll target coming into next year's class. That could help fill out the depth chart with guys that have a reasonable amount of experience. Thoughts?
I think this situation we find ourselves in at the OL position is just part of the perfect storm of events that lead to our current status. In 2007 we took 8 OL. 3 didnt pan out (Brandon Earl, Jermaine Johnson, and Nick Fairley) and ond got hurt (Chaz Ramsey). 2008 we took 2 (Johnson was from 2007) and Freddie Smooth and neither panned out. In 2009 we lost a few because of the regime change and ended up with only 2. It's not like either staff just blatantly ignored this need. We should get Smooth back from JUCO. He's now 6-6 300+ and hopefully several more. Lets hope we can hold on until then.
So a small victory for me today, I had lunch with a Bama alumnus and we got to talking about next year, I stupified him with my knowledge...it's always fun when you know more about their team than they do.
Maybe Ben Tate could play OL. At least he could be the fastest person at that position. Ben Tate running the forty in 4.4????.....maybe Ben traded his jersey # for his forty time. We'll know this is true if he comes out of the tunnel next yr wearing # 51.
See with the 40 Ben Tate actually gets past the starting line. If he had to get to the starting line a an angle, he'd never finish it. At least after the first 4 times he ran. On the same side.
You know Ben Tate has good top end speed. He has broken a few long ones. The guy just takes longer to get going than most runningbacks. He is especially ill suited for running sideways 10 yards before cutting it up.
Ok...boredom question. What player for Auburn is going to going to be on the cover of Athlons and Lindys? Usually they show a different player on each one.
Which is one MORE reason I was so frustrated with our coaching last year. I do honestly our staff this year is going to put our players in a position to succeed, and use their strengths.
Judging from the way every running play developed during CTF's reign, either they were told to run parallel to the line of scrimmage and pick out a hole, or they were just morons.
Everything about last year was bad, it didnt make sense we had talent on the field. It was the system and coaching, I thank god we canned it all, it just wasnt going to work. Kinda like a Bolgna flavored ice cream.
Ben Tate is monster in space with a head a steam, I wouldn't want any part of that situation. Now Ben Tate running along the LOS with undersized guys blocking for him, I might consider playing in that situation.
Monica - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton and a number of other quicker running backs have had quite a lot of success at the college level. Our RBs aren't built for that, and they weren't helped by the sieve approach to blocking used by the line last year. With as bad as the O-line was last year, our RBs needed to get past the line of scrimmage as soon as possible.
Monica, I believe the design last year was for the RB to run along the LOS and read where the hole was and hit it when they saw the opening. Since the OL was a mess, there were no holes and they were basically running into defenders.
I asked Gabe McKenzies uncle at the gym yesterday what his status was. All would say is the same thing, that he had a minor medical issue and would be back "after" spring. He also said they wanted him back at TE, wonder what minor medical issue would not include the Auburn staff or doctors...strange...
should be "Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton and a number of other quicker running backs have had quite a lot of success running parallel to the los at the college level
As for the stretch play, it is designed for a back with the ability to run very fast parallel to the line of scrimmage and then turn on a dime into a gap as one presents itself. Put simply, it generally works fine for Carnell Williams.
As a rule, it doesn't work well for running backs like Ben Tate, who is required by law to have the "This Truck Takes Wide Turns" sticker affixed to the back of his jersey.
I'm pretty sure it's because the coaches wanted to see their faces as they got tackled for a loss. The closer they could get them to the sideline, the better vantage point. So plays were called for that. The plan was to see who played with fear and who played with heart. The players with heart were going to be taken out in the fourth quarter, because Ray Lewis plays with fear, and he's a winner. Simple coaching.
Half of the time, I'm not even sure the OL knew what was going on with the play. Even after some games players were talking about how they had no idea what play was called.
I wanted to hurl things at the tv every time we ran the zone read stretch play with Todd handing off to Tate. Neither player had the ability to run that play (Todd no threat running the ball, Tate is a downhill runner). It was painful to watch.
I think tate has the chance to be very successful in certain offenses. I'm not sure Malzahn's offense is designed for him either, but I'm hoping hes successful.
I think if he played at Wisconsin he could be looking at a 1500 yard season.
Uno....Jay you sure did stay up late to give us the latest! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteone again!
ReplyDeletedamn you...i lied
ReplyDeleteHe makes reference to his difficult home situation there, saying the bit about "getting my mama off the streets."
ReplyDeletehag, you can have my place since you stayed up late!
ReplyDeleteWell Eltoro is a grown man, and a scary one at that...i like his voice, sounds badarse
ReplyDeletegus acts a little disappointed in the talent of the players...he really has his work cut out for him.
ReplyDeleteBull loves Auburn and understand about coaching changes
Ontario has heart and that's what is important!!
Thanks jay, now you can go to bed! Sweet Dreams!
ReplyDeleteand you to jhag!
I'm for any young person that rises above their past to change their life and potentially the lives of future generations in their family......
ReplyDeleteDoesn't matter the color of the jersey they wear on Saturdays either.
Agree 100% faker
ReplyDeleteSIAP...Outstanding commercial here..
ReplyDeleteYou can thank me later..
Not exactly Tom Cruise
I was looking forward to seeing Onterio on the field before... But, now, I really want to see him succeed, on the field and off the field. It is always nice to see a kid do whatever it takes to build a better life for himself and his family... and do it the right way.
ReplyDeleteI wish we had a full roster of players with the heart of Onterio and the love for AU that Eltoro exhibits...
East bound and down, load it up and truck it, we're gonna do what they say can't be done.
ReplyDeleteJust watched that movie, now I want a trans am and a coors light. (althought I'll take a 69 over a 79 thanks)
We're 20 minutes ahead of scheduuuule.
ReplyDeleteif anyone thinks OM is too small, remember one name Tyrone Prothro. he would be playing on sundays if not for a dumbarse coach trying to run up the score in a game that was over. football should be easy after what OM has been through to this point. we should all be rooting for him even if he never plays a down.
ReplyDeletealso one of my favorite AU players of all time was DB Fred Smith (if anyone remembers him). i bet he was not even 5' 7" but made lots of bigger players eat a lot of dirt and see a lot of stars. kinda like a tiny Junior Rosegreen.
Wake I think I missed eastbound and down tonight
ReplyDeleteWay to burn the late night oil Jay! Your dedication is always appreciated!
ReplyDeleteWEG Da Bull could be the veteran leadership that our D lost in Powers and Marks.
D.Miller Da Bull's love of AU is going to win alot of future recruits. He should host all of our top targets.
Chip who could forget Fred Smith? He and Chris Shelling led the greatest AU comback I've ever witnessed. The 94 game against LSU. Both of those lil fellas would lay you out. Fred's sister was a pretty good lady Tiger for the bball team too.
So his mom is still on the street?
ReplyDeleteI don't think Gus acts disappointed. I think Gus is just intense and pretty much never satisfied. Perhaps I should offer him some sessions...for counseling of course.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning and Happy Monday, Hotties. UGH. Monday. Again. (big sigh)
ReplyDeleteMonica, what other kind of sessions would you be talking about? ;-)
It probably involves calf raises, Luv.
ReplyDeleteand lunges...
ReplyDeleteA Good Morning to all!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was out of pocket this weekend. That's great news about the swim/dive team. War Eagle.
Morning Hotties - have a good Monday doing what you do. I have the day off and will do some stuff with the cub, some stuff around the house and just generally goof off. Yeah right, there's no goofing off but at least part of what I say is true.
ReplyDeleteIMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ...
ReplyDeleteIn honor of my new favorite player, I have decided to change my son's HABOTN identity from TurboProp to ... ElTurbo.
Thank you. That is all.
Good morning swagalicious hotties.
ReplyDeleteI loved the Rockford Files.
ReplyDeleteA very under-appreciated show IMO.
ReplyDeleteHave y'all seen this? It's funny.
ReplyDeleteDancey Dance
ehyou! That's a hoot!
ReplyDeleteShouldn't the Dancey Dance be the official dance of the Puppet Hour??
GO CRAZY GO CRAZY
Dangit. Big Brother has youtube blocked.
ReplyDeleteMonica, is there a story behind the new avatar?
Luv - I've been working on scanning a bunch of photos. That's a pic of me and my Mama when I was about 3.
ReplyDeleteYou haven't changed a bit!
ReplyDeletegood to hear kids trying to make it in life. I hope auburn and the guys benefit from their relationship.
ReplyDeleteLOL not a bit
ReplyDeleteRockford Files is always good. Jim Garner is top-notch. I'm late to the football material, but Eltoro has to be one of the football player recruiters for the upcoming season. Could you say no to that man?
ReplyDeleteEhyou, for some reason that video is no longer available. I have a feeling Micahel and the other powers of the puppet hour had it stricken from you tube
ReplyDeleteMY Tommy - It works for me.
ReplyDeleteThen I must have that same firewall Luv has. Work is just not fair!
ReplyDeleteWhat up people? How's everyone's Monday?
ReplyDeleteI don't know how any of this will work out, but it FEELS like the football team has a better drive to it. I was in Auburn this weekend and got to take a peek at the team practicing, and my my my, there is definitely an intensity that you didn't notice from everyone last year. I do hope it correlates to great play on the field but only time will tell that. I'm with the folks that are cautiously optimistic as far as game day play goes.
ReplyDeleteWell Tommy, in my experience, there's nothing like a little egg on the face to motivate people to work hard. Nobody associated with Auburn football will ever be content with 5 wins. Period.
ReplyDeleteSeanzie, nor the way they played last season...
ReplyDeleteSeanzie, is there a story behind your avatar?
ReplyDeleteYes, it's the story of Barney Stinson and his goings-ons.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen that show.
ReplyDeleteI honestly believe these coaches are determined to get more and more out of the players. I think the attitude of the former staff was much more ho-hum "well this is what we've got, I guess we'll have to live with it".
ReplyDeleteLuv, you can get Seasons 1 and 2 for $20 a piece and they're both 22 episodes long. I consider that to be an excellent value.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get to play golf this weekend 'cause we went to Silverstar (the very first time I've ever been to a casino), so I didn't get to work on the tip you gave me, Seanzie. But, I will be sure to this coming weekend.
ReplyDeleteWell Luv I hope it helps you out a bit, I will say I could use a few tips myself. Although I'm not sure they would help.
ReplyDelete"Let me tell you about a little thing I like to call 'mind over body' ... You see, whenever I start feeling sick, I just stop being sick and be awesome instead." Barney Stinson
ReplyDeletemrtommyd, I'm one of those that is trying to remain cautiously optimistic, but with reports like you just gave us, it's hard not to get excited!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya Luv. It looks and sounds like they are practicing what they are preaching this year. Last year as I recall they were still doing that little choppy foot thing and going at it like they were just doing some warm ups or something, when they should have been working like they seem to be this year when trying to learn a brand new offense and defense. The only thing that has me concerned is depth. Hopefully their work ethic in the spring will take care of that.
ReplyDeleteGosh I'm wordy this morning
ReplyDeleteI think with time comes complacency, and with complacency comes mistakes. The mistake, the Tony Frankling experience, but the cause of which was made by the other guys. It's good to get new blood in the system, it's good to get some of that fire back. AU's 2009 season should be much better.
ReplyDeletemytommyd, what was your take on the AU talent level compared to previous years? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI think I just got Jello in my sinus cavity. I can't yet confirm if that actually happened, but I'm experiencing the same burn as when you go swimming in an over-chlorinated pool.
ReplyDeleteDid you snort Jello? Is that what I'm hearing?
ReplyDeleteYes, how did you manage to get Jello in your sinus cavity??
ReplyDeleteYou are a jello addict, PF. Get help.
ReplyDeleteThe OL depth is a joke.
ReplyDeleteThey have nothing. One injury and it's going to get ugly. It's amazing ... they only signed two dudes there. One of em, John Sullen, is a 100-to-1 shot. I have a much higher opinion of Andre Harris. He'll be a good guard.
No, I ate it, and think I exhaled as I was swallowing, forcing some Jello up that way. I don't know if this is even physically possible, all I know is that my sinuses started burning at the moment I took my first bite of Jello.
ReplyDeleteDon't you mean inhaled?
ReplyDeleteJay G, that's scary. I wonder why they didn't recruit more players in that area.
ReplyDeleteJay G,
ReplyDeleteThe lack of depth at OL. Are we talking no subs during the game shallow.
John Calarari is meeting with Kentucky today, for the second day in a row. Think that's a done deal.
" I exhales as I was swallowing"
ReplyDeleteIs that even possible?
*exhaled
ReplyDeleteNo Luv, it went up. If I had inhaled, I'd be drowning with Jello in my lungs.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he means what happens when you swallow water the wrong way...?
ReplyDeleteJay, what happened to the old staff and OL recruiting? Coach Tubs used to say he judged the recruiting class based on the lineman.
ReplyDeletelike I said, ehyou, I don't know if it's physically possible. There's a chance I'm possessed by aliens.
ReplyDeletealiens..........sweet. kinda like that hulu.com commercial with Seth McFarlane? if so, that's ausome PF. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnyone know what that hulu stuff is about?
ReplyDeleteyes
ReplyDeleteyou're on the internet. go check it out. Hulu.com (unless you work with Luv, in which case it's probably blocked like most of the other fun sites).
ReplyDeletehulu is great but for some reason my Shockwave or whatever at work has crashed and killed my tv watching/listening for the past week. not very happy about that. grrrrr.
ReplyDeleteMonnie, any more sessions with the trainer nazi?
I could listen to Bobby Knight talk all day.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what happened to Tuberville's OL recruiting. The depth chart is a MESS.
ReplyDeleteThe reserves right now are Eddins (when he gets healthy), Coulahan, AJ Greene and Darrell Roseman.
Yes, it's bad.
My guess is you'll see Auburn sign at least six OLs in 2010.
yes, scootie
ReplyDeleteWow. Believe it or not, hulu isn't blocked - yet.
ReplyDeleteDepressedAU, I am by no means an evaluator of talent. And all I saw was a small portion of practice. That being said, EVERYONE hussled EVERYWHERE they were going. There was no lollygaggin'. Guys miss the pass, they go run and get the ball they missed and run it back. They did some sort of blocking exercise, the horn sounds, immediately everyone's going to their next exercise. It just seemed to be very organized and purposeful, not a "well let's see if this works" feel to it.
ReplyDeleteThat was definitely a WTF moment at the end of Family Guy last night.
ReplyDeleteMonica, you have mail.
ReplyDeleteWow, Hulu isn't blocked here either, but I'm sure my frequenting of said site will surely have it locked down within the week. I'm shocked HABOTN privledges haven't been taken.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply, mytommyd and Jay. My fear is a good coaching job could still equal a 7-5 record. There are just so many good SEC teams on the schedule.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking the same thing about the HABOTN, Seanzie. I will bored out of mind when we aren't busy if I can't chat with the Hotties!
ReplyDeleteHulu isn't blocked at my office either, however the internet stream doesn't seem to want to view the clips. I can feel big brothers eyes watching me as I try to link up to another clip that won't play.
ReplyDeleteDepressed, you better get used to that schedule, I have a feeling there will continue to be good SEC teams on there.
ReplyDeleteI want good SEC teams on the schedule. I just want other teams to say the same about Auburn when we're on theirs.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure nobody says hey look @Auburn, that's a gimme...
ReplyDeleteYeah ehyou, I don't want us to become the homecoming game team .... unless ofcourse it's Auburn's homecoming.
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs to take a big sip of the Kool Aid, there is too much Debbie Downer talk on here for a Monday morning.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Chizik and Co. will let that happen, mrtommyd.
ReplyDeleteFrom what Jay has posted and the little bit I saw, Luv, you would be correct
ReplyDeleteJust trying not to get into a frenzy like I did last year Seanzie. But then again I KNOW , different coaches, different attitude.
ReplyDelete2-10 was my prediction if Tubs got fired. Until I see an on the field product, I will not change.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya Tommy, I was walking around talking about 10-2 being worst possible scenario.
ReplyDeleteFunny how things play out. I have a feeling this is season is going to be different.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBetween 5-8 wins. I mean, I am sure Malzahn is good, but how good could anyone make the current batch of QBs? And I hope the o-line will be better since they are slightly fatter, but I will believe it when I see it. Really, good o line play and half competent QB play will make for a pretty good year. Those two things are far from certain.
ReplyDeleteAnd one thought with that Micheal, if our offense is halfway decent, our defense won't be worn out by game 5. I also think we will not have to worry about a 3-2 game with us scoring all the points this year.
ReplyDeleteWell Michael, we won 5 games last year in a complete disaster scenario and were competitive and led in in 6 out of the 7 losses. Anything less than 7 is to be considered a failure in my mind.
ReplyDeleteJust checking on something - did our defense and special teams outscore our offense last year?
ReplyDeleteExactly, Seanzie. This team is entirely capable of failure. It's the same guys that failed last year, after all.
ReplyDeleteI will be surprised if we don't make a bowl, but hey, it's quite possible.
I will hesitate to use the word "failure." This has the look of a .500 team to me. But if it went 5-7, it wouldn't be a failure.
ReplyDeleteMy sense is that this will be a 7-5team. I firmly believe improved leadership will buy us a win or two.
I know this is probably old news to all of you, but I just read that UAT hired Grant as their new basketball coach. Has FSJ made any comments regarding this hire?
ReplyDeleteI believe we are looking at 6-6 or 7-5. Anything beyond that is a bonus
ReplyDeleteFor all those interested, I did a quick calculation of points scored buy offense vs. special teams+defense.
ReplyDeleteOffense Scored 114 Points.
Defense/SPT Scored 93. This tally was neck and neck going into the UGA and UT Martin games when the offense pulled away.
Dang it, by not buy, I feel like an idiot now. Why no edit feature??
ReplyDeleteI think FSJ is still hoping something crazy happens, and Anderson get's hired.
ReplyDeleteI think we could just as easily go 8-8, Harrison.
ReplyDeleteThanks Seanzie!! See we did have a good D last year, but there's no way you can ask them to rescue the offense game after game. I think we won't see them have to do that this year, or at least not as much ... I hope. See cautiously optimistic.
ReplyDeletenow that would be impressive
ReplyDeleteWell, PF, I'm glad they didn't hire Anderson. He's too classy for UAT.
ReplyDeleteMichael, did you have an NFL team in mind when you said that?
ReplyDeleteMon....just to pick up from your post last nite. My partner and his wife were emptynesters in house with 6 BRs. The now have 3 foster kids...just b/c they want to make a difference. If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem.
ReplyDeleteJGT I hope you are right about recruiting 6 OL this coming year. Something that concerns me is that, according to Scout.com, we are presently on the "interested list" for 1 of the top 30 OTs. I know there are many more good OL out there to recruit, but wouldn't you think?....
Hoopie, it's early yet, I'm sure Chiz and the gang will figure it out, they get paid to after all.
ReplyDeleteSeanzie - no.
ReplyDeleteTony Franklin is STILL getting paid to "figure it out." Just sayin'.
ReplyDeletePF - Is there a flavor that you will be smelling all day with your Jello "incident?"
ReplyDeleteWow Hoopie - That is awesome. It takes special people to be good foster parents.
ReplyDeleteIt was sugar-free strawberry. don't smell it, no.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Ont Mc has some pent up frustration and anger. I can't wait to see him take the field.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching that video, I had a nightmare about The Toro last night. From now on JG, all videos of Freeman must come with a disclaimer.
I hope Onterio has people in his ear letting him know that another way to get his mom off the streets is to make sure he makes good grades, gets his degree, and then gets a normal job. Just hope he isn't putting all his eggs in the NFL basket.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the diaclaimer, I also hallucinates and had nightmares last night from
ReplyDeleteThe Eltoro sighting, from now do a viewer descrerion advised before.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately a lot of kids don't see the education opportunity as a way out, they just see the athletics as their ticket.
I hope that isn't the case in this situation, because there are not many 170 pounders in the NFL.
I think the team improves if onterio is a factor we go as far as the qb and onterio take us :)
ReplyDeleteThe OL situation scares...and no offense to SteveFC who praises the recruiting over the past few years, the proof is there in the lack of quality depth at key positions (mainly the OL and secondary) and lack of playmakers.
ReplyDeleteThe OL should definitely be a concern. Especially if guys are coming back from injuries already.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Rk, I argued with Stevefc about that before we don't have playmakers coming up besides Benton, onterio
ReplyDeleteInteresting how the current recruiting class is always the one that is finally bringing in playmakers. We will see.
ReplyDeleteEvidently Antonio Coleman described Onterio as fast as, according to Jay G, a word starting with f and ending in k. I don't recall a firetruck being fast. Now getting run over by a firetruck I get that, and at 170 that's quite a load considering he's so light. Just found that interesting as I was looking on the hompage waiting for Mr Tate to put up another thread that I could potentially not be the first to post.
ReplyDeleteI believe Michael last night mentioned fast as Peter Falk.
ReplyDeleteCalapari had a meeting with his players and all but told them he was leaving.
ReplyDeleteI thought he wasn't interested.
ReplyDeleteFast as Falk, huh? Maybe Antonio meant fast and pesky as Falk, and just irritates you so much by his running style that you can't tackle him anymore
ReplyDeleteWhere would he go PF?
ReplyDeleteWell, I don't know. He's met with UK two days in a row now. Granted, I've had multiple interviews with firms I knew I wouldn't be working for, but it seems as if that's an indication of his interest.
ReplyDeleteUK looking at Calipari and Donovan? Or is the media just propping up Donovan.
ReplyDeleteGloom and Doom this mornig. I understand we are all just being realistic but who robbed the kitchen. How did we go from a cubbard full to empty in just one year. Was the last coaching staff magicians with just smoke and mirrors after 9 good years?
ReplyDeleteI hope we are partially wrong in this evaluatiion.
I think you are right PF. KY is where he will be.
ReplyDeletedonovan already said he wasn't leaving UF. Calipari lookslike he may go
ReplyDeleteDigger - I don't think there is much doom and gloom, just a bit of reality.
ReplyDeleteThe excitement is more about the future than next season. I think the staff here can build a winner. But like I said earlier, exactly how good could any coach be with these QBs? I hope I am surprised this season, but I am not expecting a whole lot.
ReplyDeleteAU1N04 It is what it is and I trust Jay's opinion along with others. Jay has seen the cubbard and understands what is going on. It just mystifies me how the train can run of the track and not even realize it is on a curve.
ReplyDeletewhat?
ReplyDeleteAt least this year will not be a giant letdown. Aim for the ground, and you'll never miss
ReplyDeleteUnderstood.
ReplyDeleteHarrison - I agree. Underpromise and overdeliver.
ReplyDeleteJAY, what are you hiding from us in the cupboard?
ReplyDeleteJay is just hiding
ReplyDeleteHarrison - are you quoting me or did you independently coming up with the aim for the ground statement or am I unknowingly quoting someone else when I say it?
ReplyDeleteRecruiting is like any other job. If you don't go full speed all the time you get behind and lose the race. Cupboard is the right spelling sorry about that.
ReplyDeletenot sure michael.Maybe i did steal it from you. Maybe George Bush said it, who knows.
ReplyDeleteif you want the credit, it's yours.
ReplyDeleteI don't want credit, I am just trying to get to the bottom of this. I have been saying it for years thinking it was mine, but I have been wrong before. (turns out the song I thought I came up with in my head entitled "I'm Bad" was actually a Michael Jackson song from the eighties.)
ReplyDeleteIn searching for the origin for "aim for the ground," I came across this awesome survey:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tribalwar.com/forums/archive/t-377594.html
Re: O-line, I'm willing to bet big money we go and nab at least 2 guys from JUCO as well as the number of guys we'll target coming into next year's class. That could help fill out the depth chart with guys that have a reasonable amount of experience. Thoughts?
ReplyDeletecould chris todd gain 80 pounds and play OL?
ReplyDeleteMaybe Lee Tilley & Leon Hart can find some more eligibility and finally justify their high rating and scholarship.
ReplyDeleteI think this situation we find ourselves in at the OL position is just part of the perfect storm of events that lead to our current status. In 2007 we took 8 OL. 3 didnt pan out (Brandon Earl, Jermaine Johnson, and Nick Fairley) and ond got hurt (Chaz Ramsey). 2008 we took 2 (Johnson was from 2007) and Freddie Smooth and neither panned out. In 2009 we lost a few because of the regime change and ended up with only 2. It's not like either staff just blatantly ignored this need. We should get Smooth back from JUCO. He's now 6-6 300+ and hopefully several more. Lets hope we can hold on until then.
ReplyDeleteSo a small victory for me today, I had lunch with a Bama alumnus and we got to talking about next year, I stupified him with my knowledge...it's always fun when you know more about their team than they do.
ReplyDeleteI hate to say this, but Fredie Smooth just sounds too cool to play football.
ReplyDeleteSounds like he should have the letters DJ in front.
ReplyDeleteDJ Freddie Smooth
Freddie Smooth, with a name like that there's no reason why he shouldn't be good at football.
ReplyDeleteKind of like Jake Slaughter at fullback, it just works.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Ben Tate could play OL. At least he could be the fastest person at that position. Ben Tate running the forty in 4.4????.....maybe Ben traded his jersey # for his forty time. We'll know this is true if he comes out of the tunnel next yr wearing # 51.
ReplyDeleteBut not an offensive lineman. Sure a receiver. And he never gets hit either. Why? Because he's Smooth, baby.
ReplyDeleteIf Freddie Smooth could squeeze an apostrophe in his name, he could start for any team in the nation alongside Barkevious Mingo.
ReplyDeleteBen Tate
ReplyDeleteRunning Back
Newark (MD) Snow Hill
Ht: 5-foot-11 (Events)
Wt: 204 lbs
Forty: 4.41 secs
Bench max: 350 pounds
Bench reps: 20
Squat max: 625 pounds
Vertical: 32 inches
Shuttle: 3.87 secs
GPA: 3.65
SAT: 880
Class: 2006 (HS - December Grad)
From Rivals...4.41
Welcome to Monday.
ReplyDeleteSee with the 40 Ben Tate actually gets past the starting line. If he had to get to the starting line a an angle, he'd never finish it. At least after the first 4 times he ran. On the same side.
ReplyDeleteYou know Ben Tate has good top end speed. He has broken a few long ones. The guy just takes longer to get going than most runningbacks. He is especially ill suited for running sideways 10 yards before cutting it up.
ReplyDeleteTommy that's the problem, Tate is a downhill guy, he's had some moments, but running the zone-read was not one of them.
ReplyDeleteYou all need an Eltoro Warning, huh?
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to provide that next time.
(Sounds like Calipari is headed to UK. If that happens, the Kentucky Basketball Reclamation Project is officially on.)
Ok...boredom question. What player for Auburn is going to going to be on the cover of Athlons and Lindys? Usually they show a different player on each one.
ReplyDeleteI say Ben Tate again and AC.
PF, that was a masterful piece of cinematography.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you're saying about Ben Tate, about him not having that burst, but the way Auburn used its backs last year was funky.
ReplyDeleteThey were told to run parallel to the LOS from the outset. If you're a downhill runner, that's exactly what you don't want to do.
I think Ben Tate can be a top SEC back when used correctly.
Nice work with the bammers, Seanzie.
ReplyDeleteBy the way it seems Edddin, (OL) has not lived up the hype much. I recall he played in the Army All-Star game nationally, so who knows.
ReplyDeletewow! they were told to run parallel to the los? i'm no football coach, but i think thats a recipe for disaster. and we cooked it right up
ReplyDeleteWhich is one MORE reason I was so frustrated with our coaching last year. I do honestly our staff this year is going to put our players in a position to succeed, and use their strengths.
ReplyDeleteJudging from the way every running play developed during CTF's reign, either they were told to run parallel to the line of scrimmage and pick out a hole, or they were just morons.
ReplyDeletethere's supposed to be a "think" in there somewhere
ReplyDeleteI think Tate is a 1,000 yard back if used properly.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to run directly into a gap instead of the east/west running they had him do last year.
Could someone explain to me why they would be told to run parallel to the los?
ReplyDeleteEverything about last year was bad, it didnt make sense we had talent on the field. It was the system and coaching, I thank god we canned it all, it just wasnt going to work. Kinda like a Bolgna flavored ice cream.
ReplyDeleteI always thought Ben Tate was gonna be the real deal...hard to believe he only has one more year to prove himself
ReplyDeleteBen Tate is monster in space with a head a steam, I wouldn't want any part of that situation. Now Ben Tate running along the LOS with undersized guys blocking for him, I might consider playing in that situation.
ReplyDeleteMonica - Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton and a number of other quicker running backs have had quite a lot of success at the college level. Our RBs aren't built for that, and they weren't helped by the sieve approach to blocking used by the line last year. With as bad as the O-line was last year, our RBs needed to get past the line of scrimmage as soon as possible.
ReplyDeleteMonica, I believe the design last year was for the RB to run along the LOS and read where the hole was and hit it when they saw the opening. Since the OL was a mess, there were no holes and they were basically running into defenders.
ReplyDeleteI asked Gabe McKenzies uncle at the gym yesterday what his status was. All would say is the same thing, that he had a minor medical issue and would be back "after" spring. He also said they wanted him back at TE, wonder what minor medical issue would not include the Auburn staff or doctors...strange...
ReplyDeleteshould be "Darren McFadden and Steve Slaton and a number of other quicker running backs have had quite a lot of success running parallel to the los at the college level
ReplyDelete"
ReplyDeleteMonica ...
ReplyDeleteAs for the stretch play, it is designed for a back with the ability to run very fast parallel to the line of scrimmage and then turn on a dime into a gap as one presents itself. Put simply, it generally works fine for Carnell Williams.
As a rule, it doesn't work well for running backs like Ben Tate, who is required by law to have the "This Truck Takes Wide Turns" sticker affixed to the back of his jersey.
Jet it also helps when your O-line doesn't get blown up for being smaller than the D-line you're playing.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure it's because the coaches wanted to see their faces as they got tackled for a loss. The closer they could get them to the sideline, the better vantage point. So plays were called for that. The plan was to see who played with fear and who played with heart. The players with heart were going to be taken out in the fourth quarter, because Ray Lewis plays with fear, and he's a winner. Simple coaching.
ReplyDeleteI never want to see that play again.
ReplyDeleteHalf of the time, I'm not even sure the OL knew what was going on with the play. Even after some games players were talking about how they had no idea what play was called.
I wanted to hurl things at the tv every time we ran the zone read stretch play with Todd handing off to Tate. Neither player had the ability to run that play (Todd no threat running the ball, Tate is a downhill runner). It was painful to watch.
ReplyDeleteI think tate has the chance to be very successful in certain offenses. I'm not sure Malzahn's offense is designed for him either, but I'm hoping hes successful.
I think if he played at Wisconsin he could be looking at a 1500 yard season.
It also help when the line is skiddish from having to reset over and over again because of false start penalties.
ReplyDeleteTurn the page
ReplyDelete