8.05.2009

Late notes, 8/5

Hey everyone. Practice has ended. Here are a few items of interest:

  • Gene Chizik said Justin Albert is off the team. That's a wrap.

  • Chizik said Pierre-Louis is on the team, but won't return until Aug. 16. That's when school starts. Chizik noted that Pierre-Louis' issue is not physical.

  • Chizik said Terrance Coleman and Joshua Jackson, a pair of DT signees, have opted for junior college.

  • Our friends at AuburnSports.com say S Daren Bates has gained quaification and will report on Thursday. That leaves DB Taikwon Paige as the only signee lacking firm plans for the fall.

  • Offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn said he will choose a quarterback, one guy, to be The Man during the fall. He is not a two-quarterback guy.

  • Practice was split into two shifts. Half the team spent 90 minutes on the field while the other half worked indoors on conditioning and weightlifting. At the half-way point, the two groups switched.

    ``Don’t read into it – there was no rhyme or reason," Chizik said of the personnel groupings. ``We split the squad up so we could basically have two practices and really focus on reps. We were just trying to be a little bit creative in the ways we can give guys reps, especially to find the young guys that might be able to help us."

  • Malzahn said he'll start implementing the Wildcat formation stuff soon -- ie later this week.

  • Robert Cooper, the 2009 signee from Daphne who was expected to grayshirt this season, has been moved to tight end. He is a receiverish tight end if you know what I mean. He now is on scholarship.

  • OT Aubrey Phillips is a big boy, no doubt, but I was surprised by his (relatively meager) size. If you recall, FSU complained about Phillips' weight during the summer in Tallahassee. He looks like a standard, thick offensive lineman to me.

101 comments:

  1. Norm!

    Too bad about the DL guys leaving for junior college.

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  2. Well, about the guys that were kicked off. I tell my kids. Hang around good folks, you'll always have a ride. Hang around bad folks, you'll be hitching a ride. Those kids lost their ride, free ride through college. Justin would have earned one of those scholly's.

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  3. Thanks for the notes. Good info there.

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  4. Soooooo now FSU likes stealthy O-linemen? hahahahaha

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  5. sounds like bates and paige also were not cleared. As in weighing their options. Too bad. Paige was needed for depth at DB

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  6. JGT: we seem to have reasonable TE depth, could Cooper not be a "linebackerish" LB?

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  7. Jay G. Sounds like the FSU kid wasn't really a pig then. have you seen Sullen, OL from Auburn HS. I recall he was huge and needed to lose a lot of weight. What does he look like.

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  8. This whole PPL situation is so strange. Are we in for another Lester style shady half season no-show?

    re Phillips: The FSU line coach is the old West Va line coach, and I know he liked em extra thin on the line when there.

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  9. Goldberg is reporting Rollison and Moseley came out to the outdoor practice field a little later. Did you see if they were running with the varsity, or did rest of the players come out with them.

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  10. Jay I just saw a blog that stated Bates was recently cleared. Can you confirm that?

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  11. I saw two blogs that say bates was still in limbo. who knows at this point. We need all the dudes we can get.

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  12. Coleman and Jackson both to JC? Man, that really stinks.

    Justin Albert turned down scholarships from smaller schools to walk-on at Auburn. I hate to see him toss away all of the work he did rehabbing his knee.

    Chizik has done some major housecleaning since he arrived. He obviously means what he says when it comes to doing things the right way. He has gotten rid of players that would have seen playing time. No examples being made of players who would have never seen the field. I admire him for sticking to his belief in building the program the right way.

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  13. Cooper at TE makes sense, although I wonder if he will also play some h-back, which I think some of the TEs will be doing.

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  14. Did Todd throw today?

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  15. depressed. A far cry from what Satan did at UAT. Chizik takes a stand and means it. Satan tried to get wins out of his criminal talent and only put his foot down when they quit performing.

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  16. DB depth isn't a huge problem. LB is our biggest depth issue. We could also use another DE, so TC going JUCO hurts.

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  17. I am not sure where Satan comes into the discussion. Chizik seems to have team discipline under control.

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  18. Steve. I think Safety has become our biggest depth issue. Don't think Mike McNeil will be full speed this year.

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  19. I read in a blog that you can believe what you read in some blogs and not others. This has been verified by a credible source.

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  20. Todd threw today, yes.

    He looked passable. He wasn't challenged to make deep throws, so it's difficult to assess his physical situation.

    I detected some hesitation in his voice tonight when asked if his shoulder is 100%.

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  21. Yo Steve,
    I will be making a trip to Columbia early next week to check out a grad school program at USC. Is there anything in Columbia that is a must see?

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  22. Sponge, what really stands out to me is Chizik dismissing players from a thin roster. That being said, I hope to see a recruiting class this coming season made up of full qualifiers. Auburn really needs a full class to come in and provide some depth.

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  23. Anonymous9:18 PM

    How much of this offense is deep throws?

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  24. darn right. we really can't afford to start each year with 20/25.

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  25. I think a significant portion of this offense requires deep throws. That how Malzahn rolled at Tulsa.

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  26. WDCWE, I love the Columbia Riverbanks Zoo, but that is just me. I don't get out too much. There is also kayaking on the rivers here, which is pretty cool. There is the state museum. There is also a section of nice restaurants downtown. Like I say, I don't get out much.

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  27. MMMM, great video Jay. Charles with al.com has some good photos. I enjoyed both. Interesting start so far. Wow, first thoughts we have to get guys healthy and keep the people we have healthy. 20 out of 28 not sure if those are good numbers. Many of those 20 will be redshirted, but we need alot of them to contribute and fill the depth chart.

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  28. How many games do you think we could win this season with an above average quarterback? Say a Snead. How many more games would win than out total with our current roster?

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  29. Thanks for the info Steve. I might have to make it to the zoo or a restaurant.

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  30. Yea, deep throws are very important in this offense. I think I read that they threw deep at Tulsa at least 10 times a game. It should be a stark contrast to the bubble screens we saw last season. Heck, last season a 10 yard pass would be considered throwing deep.

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  31. I've tried to be positive about this year, but the lack of depth at so many positions, due to recruiting, dismissals, etc, is starting to really concern me.

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  32. It sucks because all we can see is them running and stretching. However, its better than nothing. 30 days till kickoff. Over the next 30 days so much will take place. I think the NCAA doesnt give the teams nearly enough time to get prepared for the season.

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  33. With a Snead type of QB, we could likely win at least 10 games. Somehow I don't think that will happen, but it is something to hope for.

    By the way, I am really liking how we are going to look at WR. It looks like there is plenty of depth and a good combination of experience and young talent.

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  34. Jay can you get the exact pattern of Chiziks cut sweat shirt as I will go purchase one tommorow to cut up for my own fashion.

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  35. Michael. the PPL saga is, agreed, very strange. Unless he is waiting to see if he will be academically eligible. Odd to show up a week or so late.

    Jay G. I also heard the adams kid that has been shuttled from offence to defence is maybe hurt? Anything on that.

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  36. Depth doesn't to seem to be nearly as big of an issue on offense as it is on defense. Yes, we are a bit thin on the offensive line, but Grimes has said he has 7 or 8 players he would feel good about playing. Those numbers are about right for an offensive line.

    On defense, we have the depth at tackles and DBs, but we have a huge issue with linebackers. We have about 5 that we would feel good about playing. It isn't unusual for a defense to play more than 5 linebackers each game.

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  37. Anonymous9:29 PM

    Thanks, Jay G. I did not know that about the Malzhan offense.

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  38. Off topic, but the babe that does the Mercury car commercials is hot..

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  39. I thought Harry Adams was out there today ...

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  40. Malzahn will have to make a decision pretty fast at qb. I think our starting lineup will be quite different between the LA Tech and the Alabama games. Hawthorne, PPL, McNeil, Trott, Todd, need to get healthy.

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  41. Sensi, there is some Tulsa highlight video on youTube that will give you an idea of all the deep throws. In the highlights of one Tulsa season you will see more deep balls than we saw while CTT was at Auburn.

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  42. Hot women is always a suitable topic. I certainly appreciate women and don't mind a mention of them.

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  43. Thanks Jay. Erroneous info then I guess. Is he big enough to excel at CB?

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  44. Norm. I guess I thought she was hot enough to post it twice. LOL

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  45. I am thinking the PPL thing is an academic issue. It could possibly be a family issue.

    McNeil getting healthy is important, but we are fortunate there. Our schedule is easier upfront, so there is some time.

    We will need every player we can get by when we head to UT. We will need every player we can get starting with that game. That game and the following Arkansas game will decide how successful this team is.

    Basically we shouldn't have too many issues with depth in September.

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  46. I feel for the kids going to JUCO, you go from running out to a home crowd of 85,000 adoring fans, rock star status on campus, 1st class gear and travel to living in a small town in MS where the biggest entertainment is the gas station deli on Saturday nights, riding a dirty Astro Van to games, taking Art History classes with the kid that works in the deli and dreams of making manager one day.

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  47. Anonymous9:36 PM

    Steve, last time I saw a real deep ball was from the arm of Jason Campbell.

    I saw a lot of "deep" throws from Brandon Cox that went straight up. In fact, some went as high as they went long.

    I'll check for the clips. Thanks.

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  48. Steve, PPL's situation was addressed briefly by Trooper Taylor tonight.

    Taylor said PPL is dealing with a personal problem. I just haven't had time to get that quote up yet.

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  49. Mr. Roper...
    I saw how you looked at Crissy. I bet you even watched Terri on TV after you were gone.

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  50. "He’s got some personal things that he’s dealing with and it might be sooner than (Aug. 16)."

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  51. Jay I havent found a picture of Nick Fairley, Phillip L. or Nose Egaue, how did they look, I think those guys also may contribute some.

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  52. Deep ball. Deep ball. Are we talkin deep ball. Someone remind me what the deep ball looks like.

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  53. Thanks for the answer on PPL Jay. Something being a personal issue is good enough explanation. As long as he will return, I feel good with that answer.

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  54. ppl in my humble opinion, will not be a difference maker. I mean, Franklin was high on him.

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  55. Speaking of deep ball, I just finished watching '05 AU v UGA. Man, what a game.

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  56. Pat al.com has a slideshow with pics of Fairley and Lutzenkirchen.

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  57. I have also noticed that our first 3 games are night games. It is possible the Ball State game could be too. That is good news in terms of conditioning and not needing to deal with the summer heat. We could very well get through September without a game in the middle of the day.

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  58. Hmmm, Dyer has apparently been rated the #1 runningback by ESPN. This is coming from Undercover.

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  59. Steve. I'm worried about the 1st game. They have 18 returning starters and confidence. Even though they really didn't beat anyone of note, I'm still concerned.

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  60. Anonymous9:54 PM

    Don't worry, Steve. When/If Dyer commits to Auburn, they'll drop him and Rivals will remove 1.5 stars.

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  61. Just seeing kids in pads and helmets gives me chills. The season won't be here fast enough.

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  62. Good night Hottie dudes.

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  63. Sponge - you got that right. Plus a head coach who wanted the AU job. That first game is the scariest on the schedule.

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  64. THT, I agree about the first game. It is a game Chizik can't afford to lose. While he hasn't got to win big this season, he needs to win the games we are expected to win or we will constantly hear about 5-19.

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  65. Tar. The worst part of that first game is that if we lose, we will be crucified. AU is always judged a little harsher by the media than UAT, and since Chizik wasn't a popular choice, a loss in the first game will serve as their proof.

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  66. Steve, great minds like ours think alike.....

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  67. You guys worry way too much. No way that game stays close. We win by 3 scores.

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  68. hope you are right Sean. But, we have new offense, new defense. Normally, that doesn't translate into a quick start.

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  69. 93 had more talent and a three year starter at QB. Not the same.

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  70. Sean, until we see this team play, I would take predictions with a grain of salt. I know what I have read so far is encouraging, but until they go out there and prove something, most of it is just talk.

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  71. I'm now working on a second video ... this one includes interviews.

    Should be up around 11.

    If you don't want to stay up, it'll be waiting for you in the morning.

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  72. Good point Sponge. A QB cannot win a game by himself, but he sure as heck can lose one. Until we see someone play consistently at QB, this team is a big question mark.

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  73. awesome, JayGT! Of course I'll be up!!!

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  74. I am also encouraged that Malzahn apparently made it clear he will pick the QB. Last season is was the "we" thing. Chizik, just set back, shut up, and relax. Let Malzahn do his business with regard to the offense.

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  75. Ye of little faith. Looking forward to that second video, Jay.

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  76. Anonymous10:28 PM

    If Kodi doesn't start, I like him to come in for the wild-tiger formation.

    La Tech has a veteran team with Vince Dooley's son doing a nice job coaching and probably won't make mistakes. They could be dangerous and make us have to beat them up physically. I wish that we started with Ball State instead.

    Good football conversations, folks.....wish I had time to join in more often. Real busy right now.

    G-nite all

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  77. bummer for Albert. i didn't know much about him but still. also hoping PPL takes care of his business and he's ok.

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  78. nite Hoopie.

    i'll believe the 'quick decision' on a QB when i see it.

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  79. PPL has a lot of hype still, but is unproven to say the least. I sure hope he and Hawthorne are available and full speed for LA Tech. Otherwise we'll have to 'cruit Scottie B to run routes

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  80. Poppa Hornet, you know i've got mad skills. sadly, running routes with any speed is not one of them.

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  81. After scouring the web, it seems Malzahn has said Burns and Caudle both look improved from what he saw in the spring. That is a good sign.

    I also read where Todd was practicing with the second team, but there wasn't any detail.

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  82. I also saw something that mentioned Malzahn saying he will start slow the first week with the incoming QBs, but that the second week will be when they will weed people out. It also mentioned reducing the QB race to two soon, which is what I expect to see.

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  83. Isnt Jimmy Brumbaugh the DL coach at La Tech? There will be alot of good story lines for our opener. And Yes I am a bit worried about that game too. Not a lot but enough.

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  84. What? Foosball is the debil?

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  85. Oh, and here is a juicy quote from AuburnByBeaver. I don't know what is the basis for this, but as I say, fear Todzilla.

    "Malzahn seems to want to make a decision soon. Right now, Todd could be leading believe it or not."

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  86. Why is Gus Malzahn on the front page of the Advertiser's link to HABOTN??

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  87. There is also something on auburn by beaver mentioning a DL from LSU that is looking to transfer to a school and get a waiver to play this season. Interesting.

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  88. So, was Justin Albert's absence a suprise to anyone else? And was it a ack-in up issue?

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  89. I see Rick Trickett came up -- ol corch from FSU -- anyone esle hear what Cole Cubric said about RT on D & B last week?

    Dude is a cah-reep

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  90. Steve, the D-Lineman you are referring to is Sidell Corley. He is from the Mobile area, I believe. Bill Cameron implied on Sportscall that he was probably headed to The Evil Empire, but I don't know if that is the final word or not.

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  91. From what i have read Albert was associating with the wrong people. If that is true, I am glad the coaches put a stop to it.

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  92. I thought the evil empire was more interested in running players off these days. I read on here earlier that Petty "Should have signed with Auburn" Smith is now a grayshirt.

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  93. LSU DL Sidell Corley

    http://blog.al.com/bamabeat/2009/08/sidell_corley_i_just_felt_like.html

    Looking to come "home" -- But this is on the Criminla Tahd beat. But good lawd, could he see the field at AU or what??

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  94. I wouldn't think LSU would release a guy that would play for an opponent. I don't see how he could get by without setting out a year.

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  95. Cameron said by his count Alabama was at 84 scholarship players with their grayshirts, and Corley would be #85. He seemed to think Corley might join Phelon Jones, the former LSU safety and high-school teammate of Corleys'. I remember them both when they came out of HS, they were considered top 10-15 players by most accounts. I don't know if you have ever listened to Bill Cameron, but he is usually pretty reliable in what he says. I am just repeating what I heard on his show today.

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  96. That would be the second player they have accepted from LSU. Did that CB from Mobile go to t-town after AU passed on him?

    Corley kid has had some aweful family issues that he's dealt with lately. Mother shot to death and uncle drowned. I hope he lands on his feet even if he goes to the tuscaloser

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  97. Eddie, great job. Yea, one blip at the start with the goodnight everyone. You almost broke the record for the shortest radio program I have ever heard, but after that you and your brother were rolling pretty well. Sensi is a very good host, but I must admit I liked how you and your brother did.

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  98. Great work JGT, you continue to be the best in the biz.

    you get one extra point for the Spinal Tap reference at the beginning, taking your total to...11, of course

    So Chris Todd now has a "Rookie of the Year" Robo arm now? whoa....

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