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8.02.2009

Le Schedule is released

Hey everyone. I'm relaxing this weekend because, as you know, we have a big month ahead.

Auburn has "released" its "practice schedule," though there isn't a ton of information to glean from the document.

Aug. 4--Reporting Day
*Aug. 5--First day of practice
*Aug. 6--Practice
*Aug. 7--Practice
Aug. 8--Practice
*Aug. 9--Practice (First Day in Pads)
*Aug. 10--Two practices
Aug. 11--Practice (FIRST SCRIMMAGE)
Aug. 12--Two practices
*Aug. 13--Practice
*Aug. 14--Two practices
Aug. 15--Practice
Aug. 16--OFF (Fan Day, 2-4 p.m. Jordan-Hare Stadium)
Aug. 17--OFF (First Day of Class)

UPDATE: Reporters will be allowed to shoot portions of several practices. I have identified those practices with a *.

ALSO: I wrote this story that appeared in today's editions of the Advertiser. Check it out and tell me what you think.

SteveFC already has.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

Questions? Comments? Post directly to the blog below or email me at jgtate@gannett.com.

201 Comments:

WarEagleRK said...: uno; 1:12 PM
Jet said...: Practice? Practice?!?

Man, we're talkin' 'bout practice!; 1:22 PM
j-z said...: Woooooo HOOOOOOOO! PRACTICE! Now, if we could just go watch practice.; 1:24 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: PERSONAL ANNOUNCEMENT

New Weezer songs out for Rock Band 2.

ISO fellow 360 owners thirsting for a chance to knock out Jonas, Sweater Song or Pork/Beans.; 1:25 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: any stealthy plans to peek in on practices?; 1:29 PM
Jet said...: THT ...

It wouldn't be stealthy if he told you.

Just remember ... he's Tate, Jay Tate.; 1:35 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: It's still not clear to me if we'll be permitted to film portions of practice.; 1:44 PM
Norm said...: Nice writing in the Aggravator today Sports Writer Tate.; 1:56 PM
Jet said...: Please note who had post No. 007 on this thread ... Tate ... Jay Tate.

I'm sure "Q" will have a camera for you suitable for filming practices.; 1:56 PM
Jet said...: In Jay's presence, other beat hacks are shaken, not stirred.; 1:57 PM
Unknown said...: It occurs to me that we may want to provide Jay some questions to keep in mind. Yea, everyone wants the answer at QB, but there are other question marks too.

Probably the most interesting would be how Malzahn intends to use French and McCalebb. They both have track star type speed. Neither is likely to be a starter.

Frenchy will likely be in the receiving rotation, although I am thinking Benton and Blake will get a lot of playing time too.

McCalebb isn't big enough to be the go to guy at tailback. He isn't going to carry the ball 25 times a game. Tate will be that guy. But although Tate is fast, McCalebb is faster. Somehow we need to get the most of his speed, possibly as a receiver.

I find it highly likely that Burns ends up as the number three QB. Should he redshirt? That doesn't sound too appealing since Moseley and Rollison will only get better. Will the coaches try to use him in different ways including in short yardage situations?

When will we know if Phillips will be elligible?; 2:01 PM
Unknown said...: As for peeking into practices, I wouldn't expect to see that. Getting banned from the Auburn facilities would be bad news for a reporter.; 2:04 PM
Jet said...: Ex-AU golfer Roland Thatcher sets himself up for a nice check. Shoots a 64 to tie Tiger for the lead ... he won't finish first because others have several holes to go, but he'll get some serious cheese.; 2:05 PM
Unknown said...: About to watch Bama against Utah on FSDNP. No way does the mighty Tide get beat by a bunch of mormons again.; 2:22 PM
Unknown said...: I liked your five questions article Jay, although I think one of the questions should have been the health of the linebackers, rather than the defensive line.; 2:48 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: from prior thread...

WERK - yes, today's was a tough choice. Just as tough as tomorrow's ;-)

Everyone having a GREAT BO JACKSON DAY?

WARRRRRR EAGLE!!!
GO TIGERS!!!
I'm still hatin on the Sabbath; I hope that's ok, Brother Jet.; 3:01 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Steve: Do you foresee big things from Mike Blanc, Jake Ricks or Zach Clayton?; 3:23 PM
Anonymous said...: In years past, wasn't there a higher concentration of 2-a-days during 2-a-days?; 3:25 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I don't think Chizik is a big fan of "two-a-days" ... as in two practices per day.; 3:27 PM
Aeronaut said...: Why don't we have any depth anywhere?

If Taikwon Paige gets cleared, the 2009 class (ranked 19th) will have as many 4*s enrolling as the 2007 class (ranked 7th).; 3:33 PM
Anonymous said...: JG....any idea if the listed 2-a-days are going to be 2 sessions on the field or a class-field combos.

Does the NCAA limit the # of fall practice sessions like in the spring?; 3:35 PM
Unknown said...: Jay, I think Blanc, Ricks, and Clayton are pretty solid. None of them seem to be a SenDerrick. With Fairley coming in, we seem pretty solid on the defensive line.; 3:41 PM
Unknown said...: We have some depth on this team, particularly at tailback, quarterback, inside defensive linemen, and to some degree the secondary and receivers. We did have plenty of depth at long snapper until Dax left.; 3:43 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I think Ricks and Clayton will do just fine. Blanc may also, I just don't remember seeing enough of him to make that determination.

Hoopie - yes, the NCAA limits everything. I'll see if I can track that info down, unless someone else already has it?; 3:45 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: "new" =2003

Under the new NCAA guidelines, football players are allowed to wear only their helmets on the first day of practice and gradually add equipment over the next four days. Instead of the rigorous two-a-day practices from the start, teams now practice just once a day until the sixth and eighth days, when a double dose is allowed. Two-a-day practices on consecutive days are forbidden.; 3:48 PM
Unknown said...: I think the NCAA limits the number of hours a player can practice to 20 hours a week and 4 hours in a day. I also believe the preseason practices are limited to a maximum number, possibly 29.; 3:57 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: yep, SteveFC is all over it:

During the Playing Season:
Student-athletes may engage in only 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week of countable athletically related activities. A countable athletically related activity is any activity with an athletics purpose involving student-athletes that occurs at the direction of or supervised by one or more institutional coaching staff members (including strength and conditioning coaches).

The following regulations apply to activities during the playing season:

Student-athletes must be given a day off during the playing season (except during post-season play and vacation periods)
A competition day equals three hours
Student-athletes may not practice following a competition
Weekly and daily hour limitations and the day-off requirement do not apply to practice before the start of the academic year (see below for football preseason regulations) or during vacation periods during the playing season
Weekly and daily hour limitations and the day-off requirement do apply during final examination periods
The four hours per day requirement does not apply to golf practice rounds (though the weekly limitation still applies)
Preseason Practice:

Student-athletes are permitted 29 actual practices prior to the first contest of the season.
All new and returning student-athletes are required to undergo a five-day acclimatization period in which only three hours of practice are permitted per day.
After the five-day acclimatization period, no consecutive multiple-practice days are permitted.
Three hours of practice are permitted on single-practice days.
Five hours of practice are permitted on multiple-practice days.
In addition, during multiple-practice days student-athletes must be provided three hours of continuous recovery time during which no activities are scheduled.
Outside the Playing Season – Academic Year:
Student-athletes must be given nine designated weeks of discretionary time (in which there are no required/recommended activities) between January 1 and the beginning of voluntary summer conditioning in June.
Outside the nine weeks of discretionary time, student-athletes may be required to participate in up to 8 hours per week of required strength and conditioning activities and film review.
No skill instruction is permitted outside of the playing season in football. However, game film review may be required for up to 2 of the 8 permissible hours per week.
Spring practice may occur for up to 4 hours per day on 15 designated practice dates.
Student-athletes must be given two days off from required activities per week, even during spring practice.; 3:58 PM
Unknown said...: In comparing our linebacker position with our interior line position, I do think we have better starting linebackers than starting interior linemen, but the big worry here is the second string linebackers. There is a much bigger drop of than on the defensive line.; 3:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Aero, I'm gonna try to answer concisely. Prior to the 2009 class qualifying, we have 52 on scholly(by my count). We had inordinate attrition to the 2007 class(only 13 remaining). We have also lost many of the high rated recruits and not the lower rated ones. We have a higher than normal ratio of guys that probably won't ever contibute and an imbalance at several positions. For example, we have 5 H-backs and 4 qbs. The change to a spread offense and the coaching change each contributed somewhat, but some of it was just bad luck.

2 of the 3 that we kicked off this summer, played as freshmen and had 3 good years ahead of them. Grades, illnesses and injuries have taken their toll also.

We presently have:

7 ea.----2005 class (RsSr)
15 ea.---2006 recruiting class
13 ea.---2007 class
14 ea.---2008 class
3 ea.---2009 Juco on campus

We will have room for 23 more on scholly. We should have around 19-21 qualify, which should leave room for a couple of Juco OL that we sign in January--haha.; 4:04 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: LETS GET IT ON!; 4:05 PM
Anonymous said...: Correction.....we have room for 33 more on scholly and the SEC will only let us offer to 28.; 4:06 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I thought we didnt have room because we couldnt take Phelon Jones from LSU...we didnt have room so he went to Bama; 4:07 PM
Unknown said...: Powers and Marks heading to the NFL didn't help either. I don't really blame Marks, but I do believe Powers should have stayed another season. He was injury plagued last year.; 4:08 PM
digger4au said...: Auburn has as much depth as many of the SEC teams getting accolades. We are in the same position as most other teams at QB (not counting Fla and Ole Miss). What we lack is coming off of a decent season and new coaching staff. The bad season always hurts a team in pre-season the following year. The new coaching staff can go either way and until they line up and play a few games nobody knows what to expect. I feel like break even or a little better is what we should expect.; 4:10 PM
Unknown said...: And the loss of Blackmon hurt a lot at linebacker. We haven't experienced a lot of problems with players heading to the pros early, but after last season, we lost all 3 of those players that were all big time contributors. You have to expect things like that with a coaching staff change, but it still hurts. I think Marks would have been gone regardless, but Powers and Blackmon would have likely remained.; 4:11 PM
Unknown said...: And the 4 players kicked off the team didn't help matters, but it is something necessary for an incoming coach to do. It sends the right message to remaining players.; 4:13 PM
Unknown said...: There was also other attrition such as loss of recruits, the biggest probably being Jermaine Johnson. That coupled with a recruiting class that didn't fit our needs very well, really put the hurting on us.; 4:15 PM
Unknown said...: There was also an offensive lineman or two we had leave, although I don't recall the names.; 4:18 PM
digger4au said...: Bad decisions in recruiting always hurts and for more than 1 year. Losing good players to the pros can be devistating. Getting rid of deadwood normally helps.; 4:18 PM
Unknown said...: I don't think it was bad decisions in recruiting. Chiz and company just had to get what they could with the little time remaining. No, the class didn't fill our needs, but they did manage to land a few high profile guys.; 4:20 PM
digger4au said...: I was thinking more about the recruits lined up by previous staff not fitting and Chiz having to hang on to a lot of them to have any class at all.; 4:22 PM
Unknown said...: The previous staff always tended to fill the needs, but you can't really blame them for the players that left, although you can to some degree for the non-qualifiers. Guys like Greg Smith, Leon Hart, Chaz Ramsey,...etc, you can't really blame them for, although Nall may have caused the Ramsey thing. Some losses were direct results of the change in staff which pretty much devastated a pretty solid recruiting class.

The 2008 class was small because of several reasons. It was an off year for talent in Alabama and Bama had the new factor going for them with Saban.

The 2007 class was very good, but the attrition is something nobody would have foreseen.

Changing coaching staffs cost in terms of recruiting. It isn't the new staff's fault and there is really no good way to get around it.; 4:30 PM
Unknown said...: I guess you could let the coach go after recruiting season, but I doubt anyone would recommend that one.; 4:31 PM
wtc said...: I'm probably more optimistic than others. I really can see AU winning 8 + games. La Tech, Ball St., Miss St., W Va. TN should have AU at 5-0. I see NO reason to lose any of those games from a talent standpoint.

Not sure about Ark, but I think they have zero on defense. Ky and Furman give AU 7 wins. The others have a lot of questions for AU.; 4:42 PM
digger4au said...: I am not one saying the previous staff did a bad job maybe not as good as they should have. But they did go after a different type player for 2009 and by the time Franklin was gone it was too late to change the flow.; 4:42 PM
wtc said...: If the offense jells early. i like our chances throughout the year. I beat down on La Tech would be nice. It would also be great to see a lot of players get in these games to get some playing time.; 4:43 PM
digger4au said...: I think 8 is very possible but so is 6. Could even suprise with more but I do not want to get over optomistic and hear/feel the THUD!; 4:45 PM
wtc said...: My fear for Au is the expectation of a lot of points from this offense. Last year I expected AU to rack up points early on. They struggled the first game and I was very disappointed in the points put on the board. Unfortunately I made the mistake of saying the offense in 2008 could not be any worse than the 2007 offense.; 4:45 PM
wtc said...: Same here. Just cannot for the life of me understand how AU could be picked 1st in 2008, fall so far and then everyone thinks they have very little talent.; 4:47 PM
wtc said...: I see where Trovon Reed has AU in his final 4. He brought 10 family members with him according to PMarshall. No subscription so i do not know what else is said.; 4:48 PM
digger4au said...: After last year expectations should not be very high. Until they can prove that they can do it most fans will take a wait and see attitude.; 4:49 PM
digger4au said...: Yes I have been reading about Reed and Auburn still has a chance. Would be a great grab.; 4:51 PM
Unknown said...: I see why Auburn was ranked 1st in the west last season. If we had an average offense last season we would have been in competition in the west. We didn't come close to average.

I also said our offense couldn't get worse than 2007. Well, boy, was I wrong.

Now I am going to go out on a limb. I saw a bleacher report where the main question with Auburn is if our offense will be better. If our offense isn't better this season, then look for Chiz to be on the hot seat quicker than anyone could ever imagine. I don't think there is anywhere to go but up for this offense.

As for the Arkansas game, take a look at Arkansas' schedule. They play Bama and then Texas A&M before they play us. If I remember correctly, they then play Florida and Ole Miss. Out of those five games, we have to look like a must win for them.; 4:55 PM
wtc said...: I still say AU gets Seastrunk, Reed, Dyer, Dixon, Hurd, Owens, Dakota Moseley.; 4:55 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: I have no idea who will start at QB; 4:56 PM
JgobravesHAG said...: Reed goes where Lache goes; 4:56 PM
Unknown said...: I have read some speculation that Owens will go to Bama. If that is true, it would be a huge hit in terms of our credibility in state, although I think we still will be good in terms of linebackers.; 4:57 PM
wtc said...: Maybe so, but the two prior to AU could beat them up pretty good. You want to win against their best, but I'll take a win (3-2) if I have to.; 4:58 PM
Unknown said...: Who will be the starter at QB? I would put the odds like this.

1) Todd 50%
2) Caudle 25%
3) Burns 20%
4) Anyone else 5%; 4:59 PM
wtc said...: I think UAT thinks because he delayed the decision they have are getting him. I say AU has to lose him. he goes to UAT if AU looks like they are not a cohesive group.; 4:59 PM
wtc said...: Todd is the starter at QB unless the shoulder is still bad. IMO.

I can live with that. He shows promise and, if healthy, can get AU to a point where the others can feel good about coming in. i would love to see Caudle get some reps early if the offense puts up numbers and the game is already settled.; 5:01 PM
digger4au said...: 50% seems a bit high for Todd. But if his arm is back to 100% it may be about right.; 5:01 PM
wtc said...: I think Todd is 85% the starter.; 5:03 PM
digger4au said...: Since he wasn't in the mix in the spring and neither of the other two were named coaches must be waiting on something. but who knows what coaches are thinking; 5:06 PM
Unknown said...: Caudle would be the biggest feal good story and he probably deserves a bit higher percentage because of the biggest reason I don't want Todd. Todd is a senior and will not be around next season. I will be tickled if Caudle becomes the guy, but Todd is likely the starter early because of his experience.; 5:07 PM
wtc said...: I want Todd on that wall, I need Todd on that wall.

Put a saddle on him and a bit in his mouth and ride him until the arm falls off. One year starter is fine with me. Moseley or Rollinson will be the man in 2011.; 5:09 PM
digger4au said...: Unless there is a big difference beween the two Caudle would be my choice just as you say he is a Junior.; 5:10 PM
digger4au said...: If history means anything that would be about 3 games.; 5:11 PM
digger4au said...: Finally talking football real right around the corner football. Catch you Hotties later.; 5:14 PM
Monica said...: LaDarius Owens going to bama would be a "huge hit" to Auburn's "credibility"? I'm not really sure how you get that, Steve.

I say we get 6 wins this year.; 5:15 PM
Unknown said...: We are about a month away from our first game and I am already nervous. We are playing Louisiana Tech and I am nervous. Lose this one and Chizik better find a pillow to bite, because 5-19 coach losing his first game to Louisiana would mean bad things.; 5:18 PM
Unknown said...: Owens has been presumed a lock for us. Bama will likely get Victor Beasley. Both are legacies. It would really hurt our credibility.

I think we win 7 or 8. Six is probably a worst case and 9 is probably the best.; 5:19 PM
Unknown said...: Just watched Bama get spanked by some Mormons. It was so beautiful. It just about brought tears to my eyes.; 5:21 PM
Monica said...: Big Love?; 5:21 PM
Unknown said...: I love big love, but have you been watching True Blood? It is a wacky kind of show and not close to Big Love, but this season is getting interesting.; 5:24 PM
Monica said...: Yes, Eddie turned me on to True Blood.

As a matter of fact Jet, Norm, WTC and I watched it together last night for a few minutes. Jet is REALLY into it.; 5:26 PM
wtc said...: Our unknown is whether Iowa St was a fluke for Chizik or is he really not a good HC.; 5:29 PM
wtc said...: I think AU keeps Owens. However, it would be bad if goes elsewhere.; 5:31 PM
Unknown said...: I think Chizik did well at Iowa State, although the record didn't indicate it. They offered him a raise and bought in to his plan. He played young players to prepare for the future and that likely cost him wins.; 5:31 PM
Anonymous said...: Lack of depth:

1. After our incoming freshmen qualify, we will only have 72 players instead of 85 on scholly. That is around 8-10 less than average.

2. Offense: there are 4-6 players that it seems will never contribute.

3. Defense: 3 starters went pro early, 2 future contributors just got kicked off and a 4 star quit because of physical problems.

We have decent starters at most positions and little depth anywhere.; 5:33 PM
Unknown said...: By the way, everyone should read the bleacher report. The in depth analysis just astound me. I just read a post that said if our offense scores points we have a chance to be good, but if they don't, we are in for a long season. Try as I might, I can't find a flaw in that logic. My prediction is that if our offense doesn't score any points this season, we will have a bad season.; 5:33 PM
wtc said...: If the offense doesn't score we have an almost 100% chance of losing a lot of games.; 5:38 PM
Anonymous said...: La Tech is a well-coached,Senior laden team that will take advantage of mistakes. Not the best "pushover" opponent for a coach's first game. At this point, I'll be happy if we get through it just playing solid ball, don't get hurt and can keep some offense hidden.

I picked us to go 8-4 last year, b/c I felt we couldn't transition to a spread O as quickly as sportswriters thought. Most folks laffed at me. Yeah..I was wrong alright.

This season, we could win anywhere from 5-8 depending on injuries and the offensive QB/coaching ability.; 5:40 PM
wtc said...: I know everyone wants to see some more kids commit, but do you see anymore committing until at least a few games into the season?; 5:41 PM
Monica said...: Do you remember a season when staying injury free was SO important?; 5:41 PM
wtc said...: I agree Hoop. I am also tired of talking it about it and ready to just say, I'll wait until the tee it up.; 5:42 PM
wtc said...: I don't. but stranger things have happened. Look how UAT did last year. They had almost zero injuries to their starters. I really can only think of one injury during the first 12 games for them. Most of their fans fail to realize how lucky they were to have gone that long w/o injuries.; 5:44 PM
Unknown said...: If I were a kid I would wait until after we get some games under our belt to commit. All this talk is fine, but the proof comes on the field. Owens will likely make a decision soon, but out of state prospects will likely wait.

I am hoping we can play bully against La Tech and shove them around a bit. I try to keep my goals modest.

Also, I hope we score more points against MSU than we did last year, along with scoring fewer points for them than we did last year.

I will be okay with 7 or 8 wins this season. Six would be a bit disappointing, but understandable. If we win less than six, put the wheels back on Chizik's double wide. He won't be gone, but his seat won't get much hotter.; 5:45 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: If we score more points than the other teAm on a consistant basis then we will be good.
True Blood is very good, one of my favorite shows.; 5:47 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Monica- 2000 is the last time I thought that.; 5:48 PM
Unknown said...: Eddie, that is almost the exact thing I heard a coach on ESPN say once back in the 80s. When asked about his teams chances, he said that if we score more than they do, we should have a good chance to win.

Let me come out with a firm stance on this. If Chizik loses any games in which we score more points than the opponent, he should be fired.; 5:50 PM
Monica said...: LaDarius had ANOTHER good visit on campus this weekend.

"The visit went real good," said Owens. "It always does. It feels like home. Every time I visit it feels more and more like home. I'm real comfortable at Auburn."

About Roof: "I call him almost once a week," Owens said. "He wasn't in this weekend. He was with the family, but I've gotten to know him real well, too. He's laid back, real down to earth."

About other schools: "I talked to those coaches last week and let them know I'll be coming to check out a game," he said. "I've only been most of those places once. It's not fair to them. It's not fair to me. To only go once, you don't get the full aspect of everything.

all from auburnsports.com; 5:51 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- if that happens then I will give up Auburn Football.; 5:53 PM
Norm said...: Steve & Eddie - if that happens, AUBURN should give up Auburn football.; 5:54 PM
Unknown said...: Hahaha, seems like we are like minded.

I am watching USC play UCLA. It isn't as fun as watching Mormons beat up on Elephants, but it helps quench some of my football thirst.; 5:56 PM
Unknown said...: Monica, that makes it sound like Owens isn't going to commit soon. I wonder if that might open the door for that Connecticut kid.; 5:58 PM
Monica said...: he says he won't commit until have he attends some games this fall; 6:01 PM
Anonymous said...: Some kids need to see a lot of schools in order to compare and decide. Some just know right away. In that same line of reasoning, it's understandable for some recruits to wait and see how these coaches handle stuff.; 6:01 PM
Norm said...: I'd wait to see which school offered me the best and most comprehensive benefits package. That's how I'll advise my boy in about 16 years or so.; 6:03 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: La Tech game worries me more than any others.; 6:03 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- I believe, but I could be wrong, that Owens is almost an Auburn lock and this thing being drawn out could be more of the coaches asking him to wait til their choosing to announce. Of course, like I said, this could be wishful thinking.; 6:03 PM
Unknown said...: THT, other than the Furman game, a loss to Louisiana Tech would be the worst thing that could happen to ChizCo.; 6:08 PM
Monica said...: Why would they ask him to wait?; 6:09 PM
Unknown said...: Monica, it would be to counter any positive momentum that other schools in the state might develop.; 6:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Watching a couple of "Wifey's" TV shows with her each week helps to ensure marital bliss.

During the summer, I am only required to watch "Army Wives". I'm not complaining, I discovered Big Bang/Sheldon in this manner. Army Wives has pourous, shallow plot drama and feel good endings.

It's on tonight at 10 pm EDT, so I have that to look forward to.; 6:10 PM
Unknown said...: Eddie, what is your view of Victor Beasley. What I have read suggests he is Bama bound.; 6:11 PM
Monica said...: Amy Wifes makes me ill. Big Bang Theory me likey.

Steve - That reason doesn't make sense to me.; 6:12 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: A chance to keep up with other Auburn prospects while visiting other schools.; 6:12 PM
Monica said...: Army Wives does too.; 6:12 PM
Unknown said...: The USC quarterback is Marinovich. Now, that is what we need. More players with names that sound like insults, you Marinovich.; 6:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Norm....blasphemy....you know Bammer always offers the best benies. You would let him go there?; 6:13 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I haven't heard a ton about Victor Beasly, but I have heard that he is leaning toward Bama.; 6:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Mon...I'm trying to keep a positive 'tude....and you're not helping.; 6:15 PM
Monica said...: I'm sorry, Hoopie.

What I meant to say is I love Army Wives and I think we're going to win all our games and there will be peace in the valley.; 6:19 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Monica- you left out getting all the players we want and bama losing all their games.; 6:20 PM
Monica said...: and all your dreams will come true; 6:22 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Thanks Mon. I'm moving to Disney World.; 6:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Eddie: He is right up the road from us and I know some folks there. None are AU folks though.

It's a 2A school that has no apparent patterns from D1 recruits. Notre Dame, Tenn, Ohio St, GT and of course UGA are the ones that come to mind over the past 6-8 years.; 6:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Onmica = omniscient harmony

later folks; 6:27 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: just finished making my hotel reservations for the home games I think we'll attend: LaTech, WVU, UA-T. MrsTHT and I are ready for some football!!!; 6:27 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: uh oh, I forgot Ole Miss. One more reservation to make.; 6:29 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: THT- good deal. Hope several of us can meet up before a game. Maybe I will start the HABOTN Tailgating Guys & Gals Inc. We will have a great view in the back alley of the engineering school buildings.; 6:31 PM
Monica said...: Eddie - Your dad was funny giving you a hard time on your Facebook about my call.; 6:38 PM
Anonymous said...: TarHeel, we made our motel reservation 3 months ago. Those are the games we're going to stay in a motel too. The others, we're just going to drive down day of and come home after. Where are you staying?; 6:40 PM
Norm said...: Well, I just made my travel arrangements for August to and from California. That's not AU related, but it is travel related so... But, for AU related, my family and another AU couple and their kids from around here will load up the Family Truckster and head to AU for Fan Day. So there's that.; 6:40 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Mon- I know. I was like WTF. He even brought it up to me again on Saturday, jokingly while I was up there this weekend.; 6:41 PM
Monica said...: HAHAHA That is so cute!; 6:42 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Norm- I'll be there too. Wish it wasn't a Sunday, but I will take what I can get.; 6:43 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Hi Luv! Since we usually can't leave until about 6 pm EDT on Friday, we usually stay in Newnan, GA. It's about 60-70 minutes from Auburn. We eschew the hotel breakfast in Newnan and have breakfast in Auburn, formerly at the (old) Foy Union, but now at AU Hotel. We drive back to Newnan after the game. Invariably, the post-game show, including the call-ins, finishes just as we hit our exit.; 6:44 PM
Anonymous said...: We're staying at the Sleep Inn, right off I85 this year. Last year we stayed at the Econo Lodge on College St. Although the staff was nice, the place is a dump. We're hoping that since the Sleep Inn is fairly new, it will be a lot nicer.; 6:48 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Thanksgiving Day we'll be able to leave earlier. Since there aren't any rooms in Auburn, we're going to try a relatively new looking Hampton Inn in Lanett/Huguley.
We'll drive home Friday night after the game so as not to miss a single moment of all the Saturday games. We should get home by about 2 a.m.; 6:49 PM
Anonymous said...: I don't know how you do it TarHeel. I would be sleeping all the next day.; 6:52 PM
Norm said...: Thanksgiving Day, I'll run my first full length marathon here in ATL. Then, home in time to enjoy some food and football. What this really means is that I won't have to travel anywhere and have my IB watching disturbed by sub-par TVs or otherwise interrupted by pesky obligations.; 6:55 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: it's easy, Luv. You just work a 24 hr shift that ends Thanksgiving morning so you can be off T'giving and Friday. Getting home by 2 means asleep probably by 3 or so and games don't start til noon.

I'm out for a bit. See y'all later.; 6:55 PM
Jet said...: Jet's bullet points ...

1. Monica and Mrs. Jet are True Blood fans. Jet is mystified why it is not NC-17.

2.f A HABOTN T-shirt was spotted in the Winn Dixie Sturbridge at approximately 6:30. I decided you didn't need to be bothered by me.

3. I think Victor Beasley's dad is starting to make a difference in bringing his son home.

4. I love WTC's optimism, and I hope he's right.; 7:06 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: well that didn't last long. Mrs&MissTHT tricked me into going for a walk. I made the first 1.5 miles, but they are on their own for the last 2. Whew! It is so muggy. I need ice cream... IV.; 7:21 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Brother Jet - I was hoping (re: 3:01) you might provide a bit of spiritual advice from the Good Book.; 7:25 PM
Anonymous said...: I just hope it's competitive this year.

Last year's team was an unmitigated disaster.; 7:37 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Coach Chizik will be speaking at the Cellular South 1st and 10 Club meeting tomorrow night in Mobile, as reported by Tommy Hicks.

Membership fee in the non-profit club is a mere $300.; 7:39 PM
Anonymous said...: Chris Todd is not the answer.; 7:42 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: yep HH, last yr was probably the most disappointing to me since '75. Here's hoping this year is more along the lines of '72, '74, '93 etc.; 7:42 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: HH - I don't think any of us knows that answer. But I am in the camp who thinks Todd IS the answer IF his arm does not fall off. Unfortunately, I don't think there are overwhelmingly positive odds of his arm staying attached for the entire season.; 7:46 PM
Monica said...: Hudson Hawk - Are you the Hawk I know? Either way, welcome to the HABOTN.

If Todd is not the answer, who would you play?; 7:51 PM
Monica said...: Jet- True Blood is rated R.; 7:51 PM
Jet said...: Well, THT ... I was teaching my Sunday school class this a.m., and honestly referred to Satan as "Saban."

They believed me when I said it was accident until I referred to UAT fans as Infidels and Beelzebubbas.; 7:55 PM
Unknown said...: Rather than say what is not the answer, it would be more beneficial to propose what is. At the time I see no better option than Todd. It may be that someone else steps up later on, but of the QBs we have seen, Todd has been the most impressive. Caudle could be the guy because I have seen little of him and can't really judge. I just go by what I have read from coaches. Burns is obviously not the answer an is likely relegated to third team and possibly a situational player. As for the incoming QBs, maybe later they get a look, but i seriously doubt they will be considered to start against Louisiana Tech.; 7:55 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:56 PM
Unknown said...: True Blood is just rated R because of the boobage. Never really understand the danger of boobage until I got older, but it can hypnotize young boys and make them do weird things.; 7:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Neil Caudle...

...the answer.

Chris Todd's day has come and gone. What good would it do for him to play this year? We'd be at the same spot again next year. With NC, the team gets two years of solid work.

Kodi Burns could fumble a straw on its way to a punch bowl at Niffer's.

The rest are too young to throw to the wolves.; 7:57 PM
Unknown said...: Chris Todd has never been given the chance to play healthy so to say his days have come and gone seems strange.

Caudle could be the answer. Like I say, I haven't seen enough of him to know. I only go by what I read from the coaches.; 7:58 PM
Jet said...: The coaches haven't seen Todd throw, so we don't know and they don't know. I take Gustav The De-Calf OC at his word that it will take a couple of weeks. Presumably, that's the time Todd has to step forward or back off.; 7:58 PM
Norm said...: Beelzebubbas. Nice.; 7:58 PM
Unknown said...: I do see the benefit of getting Caudle work this year so we have an experienced QB next year, but my guess is the coaches will be giving playing time to one of the new QBs.; 7:59 PM
Anonymous said...: Also the answer, Ben Tate.

He'll have a break out year.

Forget about Mario "All Show" Fannin.; 8:00 PM
Unknown said...: Jet, I think you are exactly right. The coaches haven't seen Todd throw any more than we have this summer. What I go by when considering him is someone of the comments by Ben Tate on how hard Todd is throwing the ball.

I have seen quotes saying Malzahn intends to name a starter within a couple of weeks, but I kind of doubt that will happen. What I hope for is that it is a two man race withing a couple of weeks.; 8:02 PM
Monica said...: The answer you have yet to give is if you're the Hawk I know.; 8:02 PM
Unknown said...: Tate has been a very good and our most dependable back. I hope he has a great year. He has the potential.; 8:03 PM
Anonymous said...: I know you not, Monica.

Lots of hawks out there.; 8:06 PM
wtc said...: He may not be, but he will be this year.

Someone mentioned Caudle as feel good story. That is true but I would rather have the best player, even if he gives you just one year, than a feel good story. Nothing away from Caudle, just think Todd (healthy) is the best solution.; 8:07 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: HH - I'm with you on Ben Tate having a breakout year. I'm really expecting (or hoping) we get 100 ypg from him. I would love to see Chris Todd flourish this year and Eddie's man jump the other upperclassmen and be The Man next year.; 8:07 PM
wtc said...: I would think the coaches have seen Todd throw. From Tubbs old office he had a clear view of the practice field (windows are floor to ceiling). While these are voluntary, and no coaches are allowed, it doesn't mean they can't watch from their offices; 8:08 PM
Anonymous said...: From the looks of it, it's my loss, Monica.

At any rate, Josh Bynes needs a great year as well to anchor that defense.; 8:09 PM
Jet said...: WTC ..

Our coaches wouldn't bend rules. No not at all.; 8:12 PM
Jet said...: Be careful H-Squared ... you'll just be another fly caught in her web.; 8:13 PM
Norm said...: With that last comment, H2 may well be toast. And he doesn't even know it yet.; 8:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Why exactly, will I be "toast," Norm?; 8:26 PM
Norm said...: H2, that's really Jet and I ragging Monica. You're probably safe.

You posted here some time back didn't you?; 8:34 PM
Anonymous said...: First day to post.

I know Jay G. Tate.

Thought it was time I checked out this blog.; 8:34 PM
Norm said...: I'd swear then that I'd seen the HH name here previously. Oh well. Welcome.; 8:36 PM
Jet said...: Welcome to Jay G's world ... we're just squirrels ... except for Monica, she's the spider.; 8:37 PM
Norm said...: Jet - your avatar reminds me of a certain cigar-chomping father of some of our old schoolmates.; 8:41 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Monica = Omnica. We'd call her Queen of Habotn, but that title has already been claimed by Michael.

Welcome HH!; 8:42 PM
digger4au said...: THT Michael will have the puppets after you.

Welcom Hawk.; 8:44 PM
Jet said...: H2 ...

THT is the Ambassador to Ice Cream and Old Maps.

He apparently doesn't sleep.; 8:45 PM
digger4au said...: So Kodi is toast and Caudle is jelly and that leaves Todd king of the mountain.

Hard for me to believe.; 8:46 PM
Monica said...: Maybe his surgery has left him with a new rocket arm?; 8:49 PM
digger4au said...: It better be like the 6 million dollar man so it will last more than 2 or 3 games; 8:50 PM
Jet said...: I'm not ready to jump on the Todd bandwagon ... but clearly the coaches aren't closing the door on him.; 8:51 PM
digger4au said...: The coaches will give them all a chance and I hope they pick the right one.
Can't take a 2008 repeat.; 8:52 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm going to have to relinquish that title, Jet. Would you believe there is no vanilla ice cream in the house? Butter pecan and Strawberry cheesecake are the only flavors here, neither of which tastes all that great with Hershey's chocolate syrup.; 8:57 PM
Jet said...: THT ...

You've have to shoot Ben and Jerry to lose that title.; 8:59 PM
Norm said...: THT - that's an ice cream emergency isn't it?; 9:04 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: who says I don't sleep. I think I'll go on to bed now. Sweet dreams Hotties!; 9:05 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: yes, Norm, it is. Enough of one to put me into profound depression, hence the early bed time. What's the purpose in staying up without ice cream :-(; 9:06 PM
Norm said...: THT - 200.; 9:07 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Norm - I figured there's enough of y'all here to turn the page tonight. It would be nice to put the Kickoff Kountdown near the top of a new page n the a.m.; 9:09 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: besides, I need to go sharpen my shiv since I have to report for my weekly prison sentence in the morning. There's just no way of knowing when I might cross paths with bammer bernie, so I need to be ready.; 9:10 PM
Norm said...: Always best to be well armed.; 9:11 PM
cincytiger said...: Just finished watching Brian's Song. Best and saddest sports movie ever.

Also watched the 1993 season (again). Focused on the RB who I hope is going to be our player of the day tomorrow. He was a beast. Some great runs. I would love to see runs like that this year.; 9:25 PM
Jet said...: Cincy ...

James Bostic was a man. A man.

Don't mention Brian's Song ... I'll start crying.; 9:45 PM
cincytiger said...: Do any of our new players or any of the recruits remind anyone of Bostic? I loved watching me some Bo, but Bostic had some moves.; 10:05 PM
Unknown said...: Regardless of who the QB turns out to be, this offense will be much improved. The primary cause of our offensive troubles had nothing to do with the QB last season.; 10:07 PM
AUMom said...: JGT, thanks for alerting us to your article. I come here every day but never think about going to read the Advertiser.

I hope you have good answers (soon) to the pretty hard questions you asked.; 10:23 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Just received word that some practices will be open for video and still photography.

I have noted those days on the schedule.; 10:31 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Welcome, Hudson, whomever you are.; 10:32 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Jet, I'm disappointed you didn't "confront" the HABOTN-shirt wearer.; 10:34 PM
Unknown said...: That is great news Jay. Somewhere I heard all practices would be closed. At least we might get a little idea between the video and interviews.; 10:34 PM
Jet said...: They were checking out ... Mrs. Jet was with me. She doesn't put up with my foolishness.; 10:36 PM
Jet said...: Make it flip, Daddy!; 10:36 PM
Jet said...: Yea!!!! Yea!!; 10:36 PM