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4.18.2009

It's A-Day ... today.

Hey everyone. Auburn holds its ~~14th spring practice~~ annual A-Day Game today at 1 p.m.

I'm sure many of the HOTTIES will be in attendance. I will not ... for reasons we've already discussed for too often. My man Bag Moon will be there to chronicle the day's events for you all ... in the newspaper.

I'll see if I can get him to post on the blog as well.

For those of you who will be there, definitely post your observations in the comments section. I'd love to keep up with the game here.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

334 Comments:

Seanzie said...: Now you're just being mean, Jhag.; 2:54 PM
Unknown said...: I didn't really see him play favorites. I just got the impression he was unable to coach his assistant coaches. Some of this was Tuberville's fault, because I get the impression that Tuberville didn't give him the opportunity to change shis staff. But you have to admit that after Franklin left, Kodi took over at QB, our offense turned to pooh.; 2:55 PM
Seanzie said...: Steve the sad thing is, we had opportunities to win games and Kodi just couldn't make a play. I mean that's insanely frustrating to watch as a fan. I'd rather watch a gunslinger go out there and make plays and maybe have a goof-up or two but at least the ability to make a play exists.; 2:57 PM
Unknown said...: Yea, we were basically out of options. The offense was too simplified. Caudle or Trotter may have made a difference. I don't know. It was just clear after the second half of the LSU game that we didn't have a QB.; 2:59 PM
Seanzie said...: Well we're going to have wait another year on Trotter and by then we'll have a Parade All-American on campus.; 3:00 PM
Unknown said...: Kodi did have some bright spots late in the Arkansas game, against Ole Miss, and against Georgia. He was just inconsistent.

As for the Iron Bowl, it looked like Brodie Croyle coached him up for that game.; 3:00 PM
Seanzie said...: I think the next couple of years are looking really good as far as personnel go, we just have to go out and get a couple of good O-Line and then pull a couple of JUCO kids.; 3:00 PM
Unknown said...: Yea, I am hoping Rollison will be good. I really wanted to see us get Ray Cotton, but the coaches did a great job of finding a top rated replacement.; 3:01 PM
Seanzie said...: Steve, in those same games you stated, he made a lot of stupid plays also. His INTs were costly against Ole Miss and against UGA he couldn't make a pass when it counted.; 3:01 PM
Seanzie said...: Well Rollison >>> Cotton. Hands down, no comparison.; 3:02 PM
Unknown said...: We look pretty good at the skill positions, but I worry about offensive and defensive line as well as linebackers. It looks like our defensive secondary could be very good.; 3:02 PM
Seanzie said...: We're going to need a bit of luck to make it through this year, but I don't rule out a run to the Music City Bowl, as a Titans season ticket holder, that would suit me just fine.; 3:03 PM
Unknown said...: Seanzie, you can't really make that comparison. They are two different styles, not to mention neither has played a college game. How many games have you seen each play?; 3:04 PM
Unknown said...: I was wondering if we could borrow some Shreveport of Bust signs from some Bama fans.; 3:04 PM
Seanzie said...: I make it based upon the opinions of folks that have seen them both extensively. One is referred to as a much more polished passer, the other is referred to as a project type guy. Just sayin.; 3:04 PM
Unknown said...: All I really can tell you about the two is I saw clips of each on youtube. Cotton is more of a Jason Campbell type. Tyrik is more of a Kodi type, but hopefully he is a Kodi that can run an offense.; 3:06 PM
Unknown said...: Cotton turned around the high school program he went to in Maryland. He seems to be a leader. I must admit I am not as familiar with Tyrik. You really just can't compare. The experts loved Leon Hart.; 3:08 PM
Seanzie said...: Well for our sake Steve, you better just hope everyone else is right and that Rollison is the real deal, he's the one that will be here, Cotton will be with the competition.; 3:08 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I hope Cotton never torches us at OM; 3:13 PM
Unknown said...: Yea, we shall see. A lot of it also has to do with coaching. We did a crappy job of coaching Jason Campbell, although talent finally won out. By the way, Kodi was suppose to be a great QB, and actually Caudle was very highly rated too.

As for Bama this season, I am thinking this team will get their reality check cached early.; 3:13 PM
Monica said...: That's a pretty pink tie.; 3:14 PM
Unknown said...: I hope we get a chance to pound on him a bit at Ole Miss. I really didn't like the way he flip-flopped.; 3:14 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Monica!; 3:15 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Bama's QB's don't look very good; 3:18 PM
Unknown said...: My guess is VT wacks Bama early. They also lose to Ole Miss and LSU.; 3:21 PM
David in Opelika said...: Just back from the game. I liked the throws down the field, though Caudle missed an easy one on an overthrow.

Lots of explosiveness at running back.

Now to wait till Fall.; 3:23 PM
Unknown said...: Did I read right? Did McCalebb have two long runs for TDs?; 3:24 PM
Unknown said...: There are articles on al.com on A-Day.; 3:26 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I need stats; 3:26 PM
Unknown said...: Onterio McCalebb 2 rushes 75 yards. Ben Tate 4 rushes for 72 yards. Ben Tate is such a slacker. I think I could deal with those types of stats come the fall.; 3:28 PM
Seanzie said...: Some Tahd fan on AL.com is saying ESPN is dumb for not switching from the NBA PLAYOFFS to go to their glorified exho...what a joke.; 3:30 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Onterio only got 2 carries 75 yards
Tate 4 carries 72 yards; 3:31 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Eric smith didn't play; 3:32 PM
Unknown said...: I think those were first half stats. I aslo see a comment that the scrimmage was manly run focused. They didn't really open up the passing game. It seems ironic, because it sounds like they had more long scoring plays than we had all season last year.; 3:34 PM
David in Opelika said...: We did find out what those odd little orange shower caps that some players wear over their helmet.

Orange shower cap on helmet = receiving team.; 3:34 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Bama starting kicker missed 32 yarder...nice; 3:35 PM
AUfan said...: Hi, everyone, just in from the game. My first note is I saw Gabe McKenzie after the game on the field signing autographs. He had an Auburn t-shirt on, I'm hoping this is a good sign for his return in the fall.; 3:38 PM
David in Opelika said...: Based on what I saw today, I'd give the ball to Caudle. He looked better with the ones than Kodi did. Kodi's long pass should have been intercepted. It hit the safety in the chest and bounced off. Caudle's only close call came on a barely tipped ball over the middle.

McCalebb looks fast. Fannin is a beast.; 3:40 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Puntfest in Tuscalooser; 3:41 PM
Monica said...: Kiffin really thinks any publicity is good publicity? I wonder if he actually said that.; 3:42 PM
Unknown said...: I was wondering how our punters did. I like Durst, but Shoemaker is the most creative. Shoemaker's onside punt against LSU was something new he contributed to college football.; 3:43 PM
AUfan said...: David, you are right about McCalebb, he can really fly. I hope to see the return of some big plays in the Auburn offense this season.; 3:43 PM
Monica said...: Terrence Cody is going to weigh 600 pounds after he's finished with football.; 3:43 PM
Seanzie said...: Why does a punter need to be creative? Not having Durst is a key part of why we lost to LSU.; 3:43 PM
Dear Leader said...: OK just finished watching the game I TIVO'ed....

Call me old school but I like my qb's to throw a spiral..

Caudle came out on top for me in this game. I thought the rec did a better job catching the ball.... looks like some young talent.; 3:44 PM
Unknown said...: Creativity is key becaause LSU never guessed the onside punt was coming.; 3:45 PM
Seanzie said...: I hope you're being sarcastic.; 3:45 PM
Unknown said...: When is the last time you can remember us having two scores on plays of 70 yards?; 3:47 PM
Unknown said...: Possibly sarcastic. I don't think anyone on our team new the onside punt was coming either, including Shoemaker.; 3:48 PM
Unknown said...: Auburn Undercover is irritating me. I pay for it. I don't pay for al.com. Al.com has the info on A-Day.; 3:50 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Lots and lots of bammer fans left the game; 3:53 PM
AUfan said...: In fairness to the defense, they were playing some players who will probably not see the field in the regular season. It was nice to see some big plays, but the results should probably be taken with a grain of salt.; 3:55 PM
Unknown said...: depressed, don't spoil my unrealistic optimism.; 3:57 PM
AUfan said...: Steve, you know that is what I am here for:-); 3:59 PM
Monica said...: I think treating the spring practice game with full game day hoopla is goofy.; 4:06 PM
David in Opelika said...: You think Jay will blog the wedding for us? Seems only fair.; 4:06 PM
AUfan said...: One other note, I sat in the end-zone and Mike Slade was sitting on the bottom of the stands, said he had hurt his knee, but would be ready to go in the fall. It looked like a MASH unit with Trotter, A Carter and M Mcneil walking around on crutches.; 4:07 PM
Monica said...: Where are the photos from you folks who attended the game?; 4:10 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Good call Monica, we want evidence! Anyone see recruits?; 4:16 PM
David in Opelika said...: Sorry, Mon, forgot my camera. I did remember my four year old so I'm batting .500 for the day.; 4:18 PM
Monica said...: HA David - That IS a plus.; 4:23 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I'm going to Dallas for a bball tourney next weekend...anyone been? Nice place?; 4:28 PM
Seanzie said...: Dallas is meh, at best.; 4:30 PM
AUfan said...: Monica, I have some photos, but no idea how to post them. If you can guide me, I would be glad to share them. There are even some Gus shots for you.; 4:36 PM
David in Opelika said...: At halftime they showed a video on the big screen entitled "Who is Gene Chizik?"

Apparently, he is the subject of cheesy half-time videos.; 4:43 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Anyone catch Ole Miss game on CSS? friends told me that their offense looks unreal; 4:44 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Jevan Snead 11/15 - 261 yards, 3 TDs; 4:46 PM
wtc said...: In Montgomery the game was carried live on College Sport South on Charter (FYI); 4:46 PM
AUfan said...: jhag, just remember, in spring games for every good thing that happens, there is a bad side to go with it. Is the Ole Miss offense that good, or is the Ole Miss defense that bad?; 4:53 PM
wtc said...: I didn't watch it as I was there.
1.McCalleb is very fast. Break away run even against the 2nd team was good looking.
2. We ran a lot of receviers on the field. H. Adams had a couple of good catches. D. Adams had a couple also.
3. Burns can not throw the out flair pass. He waits too long and throws either at the feet or over the head.
4. Caudle has a nice throwing motion. Over threw a couple of recievers, but they were to D. Winters and he was more of a hands guy instead of a speed guy.
5. First team defense looked pretty good. D line and lb's played well. Thorpe covered is man well.
6. AU is very small. Only big men are the starting O line. I can see the two incoming WR's getting ALOT of playing time if they can catch.
7. WR's ran wind sprints after the game onhte other end of the filed. One player was doing sit ups as a punishment. jay discussed that earlier.

Sorry for the long post.; 4:53 PM
wtc said...: FwIW-I think TOdd will be in the mix in the fall if his shoulder is healthy. I just can't see Burns getting it together. Even in warm ups he has happy feet.; 4:56 PM
Monica said...: Depressed - Go to http://www.picoodle.com/ and register and you can upload photo's there. Then you can post the links here and we can view them. Or you can email them to me and I will do it for you.; 4:56 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Remember how this staff said they were gonna picka for sure starter well they still havent announced one...
Figure out which one is worse already!

The race to be Auburn’s quarterback goes on, and it will go on into preseason practice in August. So said offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn; 5:29 PM
chip chip said...: once again, hard to say to me which QB did better. both did well when with #1 OL vs. #2 D. #1 D kept sacking caudle in the first half. it looked like kodi was with #1s in 1st half and caudle in 2nd half. The three TDs on kodi's watch were ben tate runs and the reverse.

here is my take:

kodi made some nice runs to get out of trouble. kodi made the same old bad flair passes at the WRs feet. kodi's long completion was an INT if the walk-on safety can catch at all. kodi overthrew some deep balls to open WRs. the running game seemed better when the threat of kodi running was there.

caudle made better passes on the run. caudle was generally more accurate. caudle threw one right to the underneath LB who could have caught it if he was 2" taller. caudle has better touch on the short passes.; 5:38 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: We got an OL commit...

Shun Coleman 6 foot 7. 270 pounds
out of Olive Branch Mississippi; 5:45 PM
wtc said...: I do not remember much about the run threat of the Tulsa QB. I know he could get rid of the ball to playmakers, which is what the offense is designed to do. After thinking about how both looked with the #1 offense, I would take my chances with Caudle for now.
As was stated earlier, KB had too manythrows at the feet of the receiver on the flair pass. He is too far into his career to be doing that.; 5:48 PM
wtc said...: AU baseball up on USC 6-4 in top of 9th.; 5:52 PM
wtc said...: Where did you see that jhag?; 5:52 PM
wtc said...: AU signed Nell Fortner for six years at $570k.; 5:53 PM
wtc said...: AU beats USC 6-4.; 6:00 PM
Quitstina said...: Caudle seemed to start slow but I agree that was due more to protection issues. I thought he looked better than Kodi by the end of the game though.

Loved that Trooper had them doing sprints and crunches after the game.

Good crowd. Great weather. Good day to be on The Plains.

Is it August yet?; 6:00 PM
wtc said...: Hit 2 HR's today.; 6:01 PM
AUBigCat said...: Great A-day experience! The weather was near perfect and the attendance seemed good.

My impressions are:

1- We still have a QB race. When you hear the coaches say "they do some things well and then they need to work on some things" that aint coach speak it is truth. I still say Kodi will be the starter. He makes the defense play honest. They have to respect his run threat.

2- McCalebb is fast! And that's not judging the long TD run. He looked like he was jogging on that. I saw him on special teams and he hit a second gear that made me say 'WOW'

3-Fannin lives!!!; 6:04 PM
Anonymous said...: I saw that too jhag about the OL commit. One down, many many more to go.; 6:09 PM
wtc said...: Looked up Tulsa's stats and they had 5 backs with 300+ yards for the season, with one back having 1500+.
I like the thought that we will use a lot of different backs. Tate, Fannin and McCalleb are going to be the rotation. I think the freshman Adcock gets some playing time also.; 6:10 PM
wtc said...: Form his HS coach on Scout.com:

Coach Scott Samsel
"Shun played left guard last year, and he played some defensive end because we needed him on the defensive side of the ball. He looks more like a TE in a tight end offense, but we are going to move him to offensive tackle this year. He pulls and traps very well. Shun has a bright future because of his great feet. He can run a 4.9 forty and can put on another 20 pounds of good weight."; 6:16 PM
Anonymous said...: wtc - sounds good to me.; 6:22 PM
wtc said...: Read this article on McCalleb and can't help but pull for him. He is one of those guys that would not let his surroundings hold him back (according to this article)

http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/218/story/689908.html; 6:26 PM
wtc said...: Sounds good to me also, if he is quick enough to play some TE, he should give AU some quickness at OT.; 6:27 PM
AUfan said...: I saw Takeo Spikes, Pat Sims, Patrick Lee, Quentin Groves, Rod Hood and several other former players there today. They announced them at halftime, but for some reason they just clumped them together as "former players now in the NFL." I thought they deserved to be named individually, but it was still pretty neat to see them return for the game.; 6:31 PM
AUfan said...: Monica, did you receive the E-mail with the pictures in it?; 6:32 PM
Anonymous said...: Has anyone seen anything on what the recruits said outside of Mr. Coleman committed?; 6:35 PM
ADP said...: I think the possibility exists that we might actually be for real.; 6:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Phred - I am excitedly optimistic but with a hint of caution.; 6:40 PM
chip chip said...: RB Lattimore said Seastrunk was right and his visit went great too. He said UGA and FSU are definitely visits he will take but AU has got to be in there now. He and Seastrunk have thought about the possibility of playing together in the system. don't see that happening, but it would be "nasty" as he said.; 6:50 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Lattimore goes to FSU :(; 6:53 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Where'd you see info on Lattimore?; 6:56 PM
ADP said...: Are there two jhags, or are you making comments and then questioning yourself? I'm confused.; 7:01 PM
wtc said...: This is a report on Lattimore:

"I came in Friday and met with the coaches," Lattimore says. "My family likes them. I had a good time the whole weekend. The A-Day game was great. Everything was great. It's the best visit I've been on.

"It was big for me because I know a lot more about Auburn than I did," he adds. "Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Bo Jackson, they all came through there. Just the history of running backs they have appeals to me. They're very high on my list right now."

"They (Auburn) shot up real high," Lattimore says. "They are very high on my list. Auburn is a place I could see myself definitely. I'm still working on my list, but I know Georgia and Florida State are going to be on my official visits.

"Auburn, they've got to be now. The whole experience was incredible. I just felt it. You really can't explain it. My mom loved it. My step dad loved it. You really can't explain the feeling. I had a great time."; 7:08 PM
AUBigCat said...: I'd suggest more optimistic caution. The offense didnt run against the #1 defense. It was a combination of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teamers. Still the offense seemed to execute well and the OL did some great blocking even though no one is talking about that. That TD run by Zachery was a direct result of Zimba doing a great job blocking down field.; 7:09 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Well that sounds good WTF, i just remember after his FSU visit he said "perfect 10" and I saw him out in Tallahassee he was doing some underage drinking; 7:14 PM
wtc said...: One thing you can take away from today is there is a BIG drop off in talent after the 1st team on defense. That being said, I did liekthe effort of the backups. Many will get to play due to lack of depth so it was good to see them play alot. I think a few stepped up and made a very good impression today.
BTW-I was pleased the way Justin Albert fielded the punts. Durst boomed some and Albert had no drops. Q Carr did drop one though.; 7:16 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Lattimore said that if he signed with Auburn he wanted to play in a two back set with Lache.

My life would be complete i could then die and go to heaven after they graduated...not happenin' though :(; 7:21 PM
Anonymous said...: Just got a call from JGT....said he needed someone to call him and make it sound like an emergency.; 7:25 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: The crowd of 45,381 was an A-Day record.; 7:27 PM
AUfan said...: wtc, you are dead-on with the statement regarding the drop-off from 1st to 2nd string. Recruits looking for playing time need to give AU a hard look. There is going to playing time available in the near future at most every position. These coaches seem to be selling the program hard, I hope the results match their effort.; 7:29 PM
Anonymous said...: That's a huge selling point and actually what the Evil Empire said last yr. You come, you have a chance to play right away and maybe even start.; 7:30 PM
digger4au said...: Did anyone notice how few false starts and other dumb penalties? Zeimba had none I believe. Green did get one holding penalty but it was a sudden change in direction and he reached out .; 7:40 PM
Anonymous said...: digger - great point! Was there a lot of penalties at all? I did not get to see/hear the scrimmage.; 7:41 PM
digger4au said...: Tate is faster than I thought he was. When he gets up a head of steam he can motor.; 7:41 PM
digger4au said...: I don't remember but that one.; 7:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Well there was a face mask penalty I just read.; 7:45 PM
wtc said...: I think the OL had one and the DB had one.
For those that did not go: The OL huddles in a half circle with their backs to the line about 3 feet from the ball. I noticed they never looked to the sidelines. The rb's and the wr's did but the OL stayed looking at the qb in the huddle and the D when a the line.
I can only remember two point stances the whole day. Did anyone see anything different?; 7:45 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: At Ole Miss your alowed to bring coolers in the stadium for baseball games...no fair; 7:46 PM
ehyou said...: All we can do is show 'em the goods. If they like Auburn, welcome to the family. If they like someone else better, we didn't want 'em anyway.; 7:46 PM
ehyou said...: jhag..
Unless things have changed, we took coolers into the right field bleachers.; 7:47 PM
ehyou said...: Who won today, Auburn or Auburn?
Auburn won today?
Awesome!
I'll sleep well tonight.; 7:56 PM
wtc said...: Now that we have had time to digest what we think we saw, did we feel this way last year at this time? I can't recall.; 8:01 PM
Jet said...: Digger ...

I talked to my bro, and he made the same observation -- no dumb penalties. A face mask is a penalty of aggression, not stupidity. Translated, it happens.

I look forward to getting my hands on the video. After ElTurbo's concert, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings in TigerTown, and I got to see a little of Ole Miss and the Infidels' game.

Either, Ole Miss' defense is a Quagmire (Giggity), or the Rebels' offense is better than the Patriots'.

UAT looks like it has a way to go.; 8:27 PM
Monica said...: Depressed - Didn't get it. monica_wareagle@yahoo.com; 8:30 PM
Jet said...: Sorry if posted ...

Nell Fortner signs 6 year extension.; 8:32 PM
WarEagleBob said...: Wow!! I am fired up for the coming season !! WDE; 8:41 PM
FSJ said...: Bama:

Very good on Defense.

Cody is a monster. DL getting constant push without blitzing.

We will be about like we were on offense last year once Ingram, Upchurch, and Richardson are playing. I also look for one of the incoming stud WR's to take some of the heat off of Julio....who continues to be a man among boys.

Excellent crowd considering it was raining this morning in Tuscaloosa.

As for pics...I have some on my facebook page.

We tried to go to Dreamland after the game...Uh no. Folks were lined out the door and down the street.; 8:45 PM
FSJ said...: One other thing.....Jerrell Harris will play much more this year than last.; 8:50 PM
Wakeriderof87 said...: The OL commit we picked up today is a teammate of the Monster (6-7, 330) Damien Robinson, he's a rivals top 100 player. Sure would be nice if that ended up being a package deal.; 9:05 PM
David in Opelika said...: Last year's A-Day game we threw 81 times for 394 yards. Running backs carried ~14 times for ~60 yards.

44 points were scored in 2008.

This year 45 true offense points (not the wacky scoring system) were scored on 55 plays. Offense gained 501 yards.

At least on the surface, the Gus O is a much more explosive offense.; 9:09 PM
chip chip said...: i did watch most of the other game. julio is still a beast. mcclain is still a beast. their D is gonna be good. if mcelroy gets hurt they are skeeerewd. star jackson plays like kodi but slightly worse with a quicker release and more zip on the ball. maze is a good WR in the mold of prothro. the RBs did not stand out but i'm not sure they ran the 1st teamers much. OL couldn't tell much. the 1st quarter was not shown due to OT in the celtics v bulls game. contrary to bammer belief, the country would rather was NBA playoff overtime.; 9:10 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Hey peeps. I really wasn't in position to blog today. Wifey and I played consigliere for the betrothed.

Thanks so much for keeping things going in my stead. I hate that it came to this, but I'm reasonably sure it was an anomaly.

Things that surprised me:
*No contact on quarterbacks
*Scrimmage didn't last long
*As Josh texted me: "Who is Darvin Adams?"; 9:11 PM
FSJ said...: We didn't run the first team RB's at all today.

They didn't play.; 9:13 PM
chip chip said...: the players definitely seem to have a better feel for gus' O vs. franklin's. i'm sure that has to do with the coaching. as I said before, the WRs really played better than I expected. troop is going to crank out some good ones if we can keep him three years or more. that said, benton, blake & washington will need to come in and add depth to the WR core. benton has a chance to be a starter if he is as good as the corndog hype he received for two years.; 9:14 PM
David in Opelika said...: We missed you, Jay!; 9:15 PM
chip chip said...: thanks fsj. that explains that.; 9:15 PM
Jet said...: So we thump our chests a little ... the real improvement must begin now ...; 9:36 PM
Unknown said...: My guess is the Trotter injury was the reason for the sissy rule on the QBs. Get one more QB injured and out for the season and you could just about stick a fork in us.; 10:28 PM