Post-practice notes, 8/19
Gotta do these quickly.
- OL John Sullen was working with the first-team offense on Wednesday ... at right guard. He's a tackle by trade. The presumed starter at RG, Byron Isom, is out with an undisclosed injury.
- Assistant coach Tommy Thigpen acknowledged that he thought S Daren Bates' first scrimmage performance was a fluke. Then Bates put together another strong performance at the second scrimmage. ``I didnt know much about him," Thigpen said. ``I just knew we needed a body. (Bates) is very promising."
- DE Antonio Coleman on Bates: ``Where the ball is, he is."
- OL Ryan Pugh on why he likes Gus Malzahn's offense: ``You don't want to run sideline-to-sideline all game long. You see a lot more downhill running."
- Asked if he would consider moving a player from another position to linebacker, Gene Chizik sounded despondent: ``Those types of players aren't on our team right now. They're at other places. There are no other options."
posted by Jay G. Tate at
10:37 PM
91 Comments:
Mission Accomplished!
Don't mess with Texas!
crazy. headed to bed and i get tweeted. nice work Jet.
please, please, please hold together OL!
it's 16 minutes till day 16 so here it is:
HAPPY DAMEYUNE CRAIG DAY! (sorry THT, i had to.)
safe travels home JG.
Thanks, homes.
Nice work JG!
I am sooooo much more concerned about out LBs than I ever was about the OL :(
I lose again
We'd run a 5 man front, but we don't have the depth up front.
And we'd run a nickel the whole time, but we don't have the depth there either.
Muschamp ran a lot of nickel in 2007. We were guessing here in the clubhouse ... maybe 70% of the time?
So that's nothing new.
Nickel has gotta be the plan, doesn't it?
After revolutionizing recruiting with things such as the tiger prowl and big cat weekend, today Coach Chizik announces an innovation to the game itself. He will request the first game of the season be two hand touch.
And by the way, the way things are going, we won't be able to afford a nickel. We will be running a 4 cent defense on occasion.
i can remember the cheer from the crowd the first time DC went in at QB. we had been chanting his name all game. JH went nuts. it seems like he had a scramble for loss on the play... he improved a bit over the years from there. if anyone knows what his first AU play from scrimmage was refresh my memory if i'm wrong.
I've heard of coachspeak, and poormouthing your team, and even sandbagging. . .but somehow, I don't think there's any good that can come of a HC sounding despondent.
Just sayin'. And all that.
I am with you Fearless. Although I think he may be exagerating a bit. There are things they can do. Ford playing linebacker is a possibility. Often a DE or DB can make the switch.
The other obvious place to look for an LB is runningback. The ones that come to mind are Fannin, Tate, and Smith. Of those, Tate would never be moved and I think Smith is a bit slow for LB. Fannin would be a possibility if he were willing.
On the upside, maybe we could innovate here just like at recruiting. We could have the first defense with a quarterback.
Another thing I have been considering is how our offense fits in with the depth problems. Basically, it doesn't. With depth problems you would want to shorten the game, which would mean running the ball a lot and winding the clock.
Hopefully we will be able to run. In terms of winding the clock, the fast pace offense would have to just get to the line and not snap the ball until the clock ran down. This is an option, although the linemen couldn't remain in their stance the entire time or it would wear on them.
This is going to be a very unique season.
Good morning, Hotties. scottie b, I can't believe you stole Tar Heel's thunder!
I'll give the quick Dameyune Craig write up that THT requested from me.
Mobile native Dameyune Craig played at Auburn from 1994-1997, getting his first significant time as a sophomore in 1995 as a back up for Patrick Nix. Coach Bowden used Craig in many short yardage situations and almost exclusively as the goal line quarterback to take advantage of his speed and to prepare him to be the starter the next year.
Craig was a two year starter leading us to a disappointing 8-4 record in 1996 and a win in the Weedeater bowl in Shrieveport.
However in 1997, Craig was the man, even receiving some early season Heisman talk until a loss to Florida and a still unexplained 20-0 defeat at home to Mississippi State helped derail those dreams.
In 1997 he set an Auburn record with 3,277 yards passing and leading the team to the SEC title game vs Tennessee and a 10-3 record. Craig was responsible for 79% of Auburn's offense that year as the team averaged less than 75 yards rushing per game. If Auburn didn't have Craig behind center, they would have struggled to get to six wins and a bowl game, but with him they finished one point short of an SEC championship.
Craig went on to a brief career in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers. He does still hold the professional football record for most passing yards in a game, when he threw for 611 yards playing with the Scottish Claymores in the NFL European league.
So everyone tip your HABOTN hat to a true warrior of the gridiron and a man sometimes carried Auburn on his back for two years to 18 wins.
Honorable mention to:
Greg Taylor, a diminutive WR from the early 90's.
Daniel Cobb, who holds the Auburn record for most TD's passing in one game (5) and most INT's in one game (4). Both records occured in the same 2001 game vs LaTech.
Rob Bironis, current NFL All-Pro kicker who kicked one season at Auburn (then moved on to Ga. Southern) in 1998 before being beaten out by the inconsistent Damon Duval and his 1999 blonde hair. He was an All SEC selection during his one year on the plains.
I would hate to see the long winded write up that RK would write on Craig. It was very good.
I should have known he would find another Bowden player for honorable mention :)!!!!!
Happy Dameyune Craig day!
Linebacker depth is clearly a concern for coaches as well as fans (good and bad ones).
Jay G., are there any of the DEs that could pull the hand up and play outside? Or does the defense system not work that way?
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Am I the only one still optimistic about the season?
Nice work on the write-up WERK.
Enjoyed the podcast last night Sensi. Can we all play nice today?
Absolutely.
I'm still optomistic about the season and the foundation taht we have a chance to lay.
Sorry Eddie...enjoyed you too, of course.
I'm still excited for the year, mainly because I have no idea what to expect.
HAPPY DAMEYUNE CRAIG DAY!
I'm still excited about the season, but the reality of our sitution is starting to set in. I think the offense could very well be the strength of this team. The defense has been so use to carrying them for so long, i just hope they can return the favor if need be.
This has nothing to do with excitement. I'm just pointing out very real issues.
Sorry if it too negative. I'll switch my batteries and try to be more sunshine and clouds and care bears.
US News annual college rankings.
17. Vandy
47. UF
58. UGA
88. Auburn
96. Bama
106. UT
110. USC
128. LSU (tie)
128. Arkansas (tie)
128. UK (tie)
N/R MSU
N/R Ole Miss
We can have the same record as last year, and still be on the right track.
But I think we'll be better than that.
I think we're going to be a fun team to watch.
You don't want to run sideline-to-sideline all game long. You see a lot more downhill running.
YES! YES! YES! FINALLY!
ehyou, I don't much stock in rankings period, but, I'm baffled by those rankings you posted.
Kristina...
My thoughts exactly.
Chris Low's in Auburn today. JGT should say hello.
Luv...
I don't put much stock in them either, but it does give you somewhat of the national perception of your program.
Luv...
You do realize those are academic rankings, right?
LOL OH! No, I didn't. Well, that makes it A LOT less baffling! LOL
Luv, it's not all my fault. THT spilled the beans yesterday. just a bit excited for one of my favorites. RK, you make me very proud with that write-up. nice.
uh-oh, Sensi's gone all Care Bears on us. watch out!
scottie, I was just giving you a hard time. :)
Good morning all. Happy Dameyune Craig day. I have had a chance to go back and read last night's posts after I called it a night. I found a very complimentary post from Monica. I am flattered. Mon, you have no idea how your comment made me feel and just how much it means to me. Thank you so much. I will always remember your very favorable comment and feel like in some small way that after all these years, maybe I have arrived. WAR EAGLE!!!!
Sensi, maybe for every negative thing you say, counter it with a positive statement.
Like, "Our depth chart gives me cause for concern." Then, "Auburn is not UAT."
Auburn is a much nicer place to live than Tuscaloosa.
I hope we never lose to those inbred cousin lovers again.
that's more like it!
Just catching up on all the posts, and now I understand WERK's 9:12 post.
I have to hope that the underclassmen step up the notch or 6 they need to to start contibuting early so that depth won't be as MUCH of a concern by the time October hits.
What's going on folks? I'm suddenly very worried about our depth issues...we might be playing walk-ons on a regular basis. Ah...rebuilding...
O line injury? NNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No, Sean. Fight the evil negativity even if it seems realistic.
Sunshine and rainbows for all.
No, Sensi, you need this care bear for your avatar.
Rainbow Care Bear
But I do love watching younger players contribute and grow their skill sets!
WERK is da man! That was FANtastic!!! Thanks so much. I'll get back in the groove for tomorrow.
Shout out to Joe Campbell, clipboard toting QB most of his AU career, but led the team in passing in 1964 with 30/53 422 yds 1TD 4INT.
I forgot the RB's name who played QB much of that year after Sidle and his torn up shoulder were moved from QB to RB.
oh, and HAPPY DAMEYUNE CRAIG DAY!!!
ACADEMIC ALL-SEC in 1997!!!
ahhh Dameyune Craig, my all-time favorite AU quarterback
He is also a skilled sea captain.
Thanks THT. Glad I could help out.
I haven't read this yet and I don't know if it's old news, but a friend wanted me to post it.
Criminal Tide Strikes Again
LOL It wouldn't have taken any time at all to read it before I posted it.
Yeah, Luv, that wasn't much of an article, huh? ;-)
THT... I would like to nominate Bill Cody, outstanding linebacker from 1963 through 1965 as the honoree for tomorrow.
I just read the first part of Luv's article. I have a meeting now so I will finish the rest of it after lunch.
Michael,
Did you read the part that said fgjklwrec axzmt4 nnijkx?
I'm struggling to come up with a #15.
Clifton Robinson
Jon Cooley (Was he # 15?)
I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.
The unpredictability of injuries is why this season could be anywhere from a 5 to 8 win season. Most folks earlier predictions(including mine) of 6-7 wins is averaging that unpredictability.
So far, most of the fall camp injuries are just nicks and my guess is that the coaches are keeping those nicked up guys out just to ensure that we can start the season as healthy as possibe. I haven't seen any preseason nicks that change my earlier predictions for 5-8 wins. The defensive depth problems escalated beyond the offense this past Summer when Barnes left and 3 more defensive guys were "run-oft".
The coach's handling of the dilemma that requires juggling between the need for hard hitting and preserving depth will also determine the number of wins. That dilemma is never perfectly solved by coaches and smart fans will appreciate that.
All of this analysis is interesting, but a successful season this year will probably just come down to LUCK. Today's sports fans don't like to acknowledge luck because they can't analyze or criticize it.
I hate relying on Lady Luck, but this year darling...we need ya.
THT... Forgive me. My memory is fading in my old age. I can almost remember when I had a keen memory but not quite. After checking back in some of my books, I discovered that Bill Cody wore number 11 not number 16. I would still like to nominate him for day 11. My bad, please excuse.
I've got someone for tomorrow, and he's dang good. Only problem is, I'm having trouble tracking down where I found him in a #15 jersey. Oh well, if it's the wrong number, just sue me, LOL
Patience, IV, patience.
tht- if you're talking abour Prechae Rodriquex (sp?), then he was #15
THT.. I can almost remember what patience means also.
Harrison, did Precious really do anything to have a day in his honor?
I'm going to do my best, Hoopie.
Love,
Lady Luck
Rodriguez spent a couple of years at Auburn looking like a top level WR, but not playing that way a lot of the time. Very questionable hands.
I think Stan White's back up from 90-92 and top competition for the starting job in 1990 the late Corey Lewis wore # 15 at some point. I could be wrong though.
Maybe we wore # 2. Yeah, I think he wore # 2.
What you read above is my typing out my thought process. Scary.
Harrison - you think I'll give top billing to the person who single-handedly destroyed our momentum in the 2005 Iron Bowl?
Hoopie is right. Analysis at this point is a complete waste of time. We have no idea what is really going on in practice or in the coaches' plans.
Sensi,
Did you see the avatar I found for you?
But, we can wear our orange colored glasses and continue to hope for the best until (or if) something happens to change that. I hate facing reality when I can pretend everything is wonderful.
tht and luv- No I wasn't serious. I thought we all understood my level of snarkiness and overall low outlook on our favorite college football team. my bad
PRod's receiver's coach didn't know how to coach fundamentals. Notice how PR is doing better in the pros? Watch the films, PRod turned his head just as the ball got to him. I get the feeling that CTTaylor will yank you out da game for that.
It would gripe me to no end to watch that coach chew gum and chat-it-up while the WR's were warming up with poor fundamentals. and....yes, I was watching with binocs.
LOL IV - It was my pleasure. I'm happy my comment made you happy. :-)
War Eagle
Yes, I saw it Cincy.
Thanks for the thinly veiled swipe.
Made my morning.
Harrison, sometimes it's hard to discern the level of snarkiness through the written word.
Actually Sensi...I just assumed that MY analysis was interesting, but then stated that Luck would probably have more to do with getting wins than anything.
I never said that analysis was a waste of time and didn't mention practice or plans. I did mention the coach's dilemma regarding practicing hard vs injuries.
Amen Cincy. My reality is I love Auburn and expect them to win every game. Is that truly realistic? No. Is it my choice to go through life happy and positive? Yes.
True dat Luv- I needs me a snark button
No, Sensi, I did not mean that to be meant a swipe at all! I just wanted your care bear avatar to match your new found optimism. Guess my attempt at humor fell flat - sorry.
We've all had waaaay too much time to talk about the upcoming season. It just needs to start already.
i know, I just wish we knew how many days were left until it starts.
RK, great info, but I don't think Cobb holds the record for int in one game with 4. I still remember the bammers after the 1965 Iron Bowl laughing and saying that Alex Bowden complete 13 of 24 passes in the 30-3 loss - 6 completions to Auburn and 7 to AL.
THT, I think that Tom Bryan did most of the QB work after Sidle got hurt in 64. He started the 65 season as the QB, but then went back to fullback when Bowden took over as QB.
Those were the days - the games started at 1:30 and you could plan for that months in advance. If tv wanted the game, they started when we said it would start. Shug said college football was meant to be played in the sunshine in the fall, and only 10 games.
I don't think he would like what it has become.
exactly, ehyou
New thread(s) UP.
Cincy - I got that you were being funny.
Coosa,
For some reason I thought that 4 was the record, but I stand corrected.
Either way, his 4 ints almost blew a big lead for us the week after we had knocked off # 1 Florida.
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