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9.04.2009

Scenes from Campus: Friday afternoon

Gene Chizik talks to the players following their walk-through on Friday afternoon.

Trooper Taylor addressed the peeps Friday at a pep rally located near Toomer's Corner.

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

290 Comments:

j-z said...: Actually, I wear a 2xl.; 11:23 PM
Kathy said...: I have to say I have so much respect for Kodi. That was one hell of a speech and definitely had me teary-eyed,; 11:26 PM
Miller said...: SEC Football

Planning for the fall football season in the South is radically different than up North. For those who are planning a football trip South, here are some helpful hints.

Women's Accessories:
NORTH: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, waterprooof mascara, and a fifth of bourbon. Money not necessary - that's what dates are for.
SOUTH: Chap Stick in back pocket and a $20 bill in the front pocket.

Stadium Size:
NORTH: College football stadiums hold 20,000 people.
SOUTH: High school football stadiums hold 20,000 people.

Fathers:
NORTH: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath .
SOUTH: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.

Campus Decor:
NORTH: Statues of founding fathers.
SOUTH: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.

Homecoming Queen:
NORTH: Also a physics major.
SOUTH: Also Miss America .

Heroes:
NORTH: Rudy Giuliani .
SOUTH: Herschel Walker & Peyton Manning .

Getting Tickets:
NORTH: 5 days before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus.
SOUTH: 5 months before the game you walk into the ticket office on campus, make a large financial contribution, and put name on a waiting list for tickets.

Friday Classes After a Thursday Night Game:
NORTH: Students and teachers not sure they're going to the game, because they have20classes on Friday.
SOUTH: Teachers cancel Friday classes because they don't want to see the few hung over students that might actually make it to class.

Parking:
NORTH: An hour before game time, the University opens the campus for game parking.
SOUTH: RVs sporting their school flags begin arriving on Wednesday for the weekend festivities. The really faithful arrive on Tuesday.

Game Day:
NORTH: A few students party in the dorm and watch ESPN on TV.
SOUTH: Every student wakes up, has a beer for breakfast, and rushes over to where ESPN is broadcasting "Game Day Live" to get on camera and wave to the idiots up north who wonder why "Game Day Live" is never broadcast from their campus.

Tailgating:
NORTH: Raw meat on a grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
SOUTH: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance from the Dave Matthews Band, who come over during breaks and ask for a hit off bottle of bourbon.

Getting to the Stadium:
NORTH: You ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find it, you walk right in.
SOUTH: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On game day it is the state's third largest city.

Concessions:
NORTH: Drinks served in a paper cup, filled to the top with soda.
SOUTH: Drinks served in a plastic cup, with the home team's mascot on it, filled less than half way with soda, to ensure enough room fo r bourbon.

When National Anthem is Played:
NORTH: Stands are less than half full, and less than half of them stand up.
SOUTH: 100,000 fans, all standing, sing along in perfect four-part harmony.

The Smell in the Air After the First Score:
NORTH: Nothing changes.
SOUTH: Fireworks, with a touch of bourbon.

Commentary (Male):
NORTH: "Nice play."
SOUTH: "Dammit, you slow sumbitch - tackle him and break his legs."

Commentary (Female):
NORTH: "My, this certainly is a violent sport."
SOUTH: "Dammit, you slow sumbitch - tackle him and break his legs."

Announcers:
NORTH: Neutral and paid.
SOUTH: Announcer harmonizes with the crowd in the fight song, with a tear in his eye because he is so proud of his team.

After the Game:
NORTH: The stadium is empty way before the game ends.
SOUTH: Another rack of ribs goes on the smoker, while somebody goes to the nearest package store for more bourbon, and planning begins for next week's game.; 11:27 PM
Miller said...: Shiat that was long!; 11:28 PM
Monica said...: Kathy - it's not available online yet - not sure why - grrrrrrr

Saw some cool video from Fan Day. That Emory Blake seems like such a nice guy.; 11:29 PM
Kathy said...: I enjoyed the show Monica. Very good. Definitely a different attitude with this year's team. And it was great seeing Bo.; 11:32 PM
Monica said...: Good grief I finally watched that Tristan Davis YouTube. He was faster than FAH!!; 11:32 PM
Quitstina said...: I would share my bourbon with Dave Matthews.; 11:38 PM
Kathy said...: The truck is clean and gassed. Heading to Auburn around 10 in the morning if my sister isn't late. After watching the show, I'm getting pumped. Going to be hard to sleep now.; 11:39 PM
Monica said...: I'm ticked that it's not available "on demand" as they said it would be. And no place to lodge my complaint.; 11:41 PM
Unknown said...: Omnica, I would find the nearest hotel with ESPNU.

I see the competition for the world's largest blog comment has heated up.; 11:52 PM
E-Bro said...: GAMEDAY!!!; 12:00 AM
BinOBA said...: yes it is, and war eagle!!; 12:07 AM
BinOBA said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12:07 AM
ADP said...: Where can I see this auburn everyday stuff?; 12:10 AM
E-Bro said...: PP, not sure where you can find it online, but you can find it on TV every Friday on CSS at 3:oo Central Time.; 12:13 AM
j-z said...: Phred, You can see clips here:

http://auburntigers.cstv.com/#; 12:22 AM
BinOBA said...: guess i won't get to see it, i'm certainly not ready to get some sucky cable to see it, guess i'll have to settle for games.....; 12:23 AM
THT 2.0, G.G. said...: Guess what, people?

IT"S GAME DAY!!!!

NO DROPS!!!; 1:17 AM
Chris in Inverness said...: I just burned page by page LINDYs 08 guide.

We should be ah"ight; 1:54 AM
Anonymous said...: Is El Toro Freeman cleared to play?

Word from the skreets is the "hamstring" injury will keep him on the sidelines.; 4:29 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Good morning Hotties!!!

I've been up since 3 am waiting for MrsTHT to finish sleeping. She had a verrrrryyyy loooonnnnnngggg day yesterday traveling from Italy. We will be heading to AUBURN shortly!!!!!; 5:15 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Since we've reached Game Day on the Kickoff Kountdown, Coach Jet has provided us with the following memorial to our favorite Auburn play-by-play announcer, the late Jim Fyffe. Thanks, Jet!!! And WARRRR EAGLE Mr. Fyffe!!!

* * * * *

Game Day – James William Fyffe – The Voice of the Tigers

If Pat Sullivan was the arm of the modern era of Auburn football, if Terry Beasley supplied the hands, if Bo Jackson provided the legs, and if Ralph Jordan and Pat Dye were its coaches, then Jim Fyffe was surely its voice.

For 22 years, from the first day of Pat Dye through the first half of the Tuberville era, Jim painted pictures with his voice like none other. He would tell you he was the most surprised that he would have that opportunity. Those who had the opportunity to know Jim personally would testify to his humility and to the generosity of his heart. Simply, he was always willing to spend time with those who were interested in his craft. It was his way to acknowledged he had been blessed.

A Kentucky native who ended up in Birmingham after a hitch in the military, Jim moved to Montgomery to be the sports director at WCOV-TV, a minor player in the Montgomery television market. Truth be told, in the 1970s, people in Montgomery watched rival WSFA, which first had Carl Stephens, and then Phil Snow as their sports directors.

In Montgomery, Jim was known as the guy who did the public address announcing for Montgomery Rebels games at Paterson Field, and the dude stuck with announcing YMCA Pee Wee football games and wrestling on television. But Jim was always working. He did some football play-by-play for local high schools and basketball work for small colleges for a radio station the television station owned. It led to a big break – the one that defined his career.

Colonial Broadcasting, then the communications arm of the now-defunct bank, won the bid over WAPI in Birmingham to hold the broadcasting rights for Auburn football. The old crew of Paul Ellen, Mike Kolen, and Phil Snow were out. Jim and Pat Sullivan were in.

Ultimately, Jim was best known for his signature call “Touchdown Auburn!” It was something evolved over time. Once he figured out that it irritated Alabama fans as much as it elated Auburn fans, well, that was just fine with him.

Ask any Auburn football fan: they will have their favorite Fyffe football calls. Here are just a few of his notables:

* Nix to Sanders, 1993, vs. Alabama

* Nix to Sanders, 1994, vs. Florida

* Burger to Tillman, 1987, vs. Georgia Tech

* Slack to Wasden, 1989, vs. Florida

* Bye Bye Bo!, 1985, vs. Georgia Tech

* I’m Headin’ to Toomers, 2002, vs. Alabama

Sadly, the Voice left us too soon. Jim died in May 2003. He had accompanied Tommy Tuberville to a banquet at Prattville. Shortly after arriving at his home in Montgomery, he collapsed due to a brain aneurysm. Jim, a long-time diabetic, never regained consciousness. He passed away the following morning. He was 57. In his memory, Auburn University created the Jim Fyffe Diabetes Research Fund.; 5:18 AM
wtc said...: Up early today. gotta run 11 miles at 5:30.

DMiller, are you from Arab? I know a few folks up there.

BTW-I saw two guys driving to ATL yesterday in a Murano. What do ya'll make of that?

Jet, et al, you guys crack me up. Great times.
Valkyrie, or whatever. and Woot.

Did that cover everybody.; 5:21 AM
coosa said...: War Eagle!; 5:50 AM
Aeronaut said...: It's gameday Brah!!!

WTC. Save some energy for hatin bammer.

THT: Very thoughtful of you, this has to be the cherry on top. Thank you.

2.0: Thank you for sending MrsTHT back, so THT can spend more time here.

Sensi: dang you are up early.; 5:51 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: all you sissies need to get out of bed!!! IT'S GAME DAY!!!; 5:52 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: coosa, aero, wtc - where's all the other Hotties? Don't they know we're burning daylight?; 5:53 AM
Dear Leader said...: WAKE UP ITS GAMEDAY!!!!; 5:58 AM
Dear Leader said...: Many of my best college memories are with Mr. fyffe calling play by play.

Great job THT and Jet with the assist; 6:06 AM
Dear Leader said...: DWWD is Do what we do???

I thought is was part of one of my favorite songs

I met her on a monday and my heart stood still

"da doo Won Won Won da doo Won Won"; 6:09 AM
cincytiger said...: Good morning, hotties! It's game day!!!!; 7:13 AM
Anonymous said...: Good morning!

WAR EAGLE!

Everyone have a safe and great gameday!; 7:25 AM
riskman108 said...: Game Day... WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!!!; 7:27 AM
Miller said...: GAMEDAY!!! I couldn't sleep.

I miss Jim Fyffe!; 7:42 AM
Miller said...: WTC,
Yessir, I am from Arab. I also have the sneaking suspicion that you may have recently met someone related to me.; 7:43 AM
Kathy said...: War Eagle! Packing up the truck. Plan to leave around 10. I see where there is 30% chance of t-storms this afernoon. Better go get the rain gear.; 7:48 AM
Miller said...: I just want to let you all know that I am extremely jealous of those of you who have the pleasure of being in Auburn today.
I will be sorely disappointed in each of you if you leave the game with any resemblance of a voice.; 7:52 AM
Bellefay1 said...: Morning from Atlanta. Can't make it down today but I had to double check and my new ESPNU is ready to go.

If anyone was curious about the Bama vs. VT game...alot of folks are going to have an experience downtown because in addition to the football game and the pre-game stuff, the Dragoncon convention/parade is happening this morning (grown men dressed up as comic characters/Star Wars/Treck troopers) and it's also the national gay black pride festival.

Anyway, outside of Masters weekend, opening weekend of college football is a time you can truly feel God smiling down upon the South. War Eagle folks!; 7:53 AM
Miller said...: Bammers should feel right at home around those two crowds, Bellefay.

You're correct. God is smiling on us right now. And he's yelling "War Eagle!"; 7:56 AM
FSJ said...: THT & Jet...good stuff on Mr. Fyffe.

That is one of the great things about HABOTN. I have learned a lot about Mr. Fyffe.

I will admit that his Touchdown Auburn calls drove me crazy. So much so that if I were listening to an Auburn game on the radio I would turn the volume down when they scored.

Like was mentioned above that was just fine with Jim.

The new guy's attempt to honor Jim Fyffe doesn't get on my nerves nearly as much. So I lost something too with Jim's passing. I lost something that helps make this rivalry great.

With that said I would like to this time to thank my folks for raising me to be a bammer.

I love football season.; 7:57 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: Jerry and Billy Beasely are writing my letters of rec for my application to AU pretty sure I'll get in; 8:01 AM
Anonymous said...: Good morning all!! I love the smell of Victory in the morning!!

Time to watch the daughter play some soccer and put the AU flag to fly high and proud.

Because today is

GAMEDAY!!

NO DROPS!!; 8:02 AM
Miller said...: I wish the PA announcer inside the stadium would hit 'play' on a recording of Fyffe yelling "TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!" everytime AU scores.

One of Jim's touchdown calls is my default ringtone... I am even thinking of putting the Nix to Sanders (UF-94) call as a ringtone.; 8:03 AM
Miller said...: Those aren't bad LORs to have, jhag.; 8:04 AM
AUfan said...: As great as the 2004 season was, it wasn't what it would have been with Jim Fyffe doing the calls. Can you imagine the joy in his voice broadcasting games that season?

RIP Jim Fyffe. Games haven't been the same since your untimely passing.

Nice work THT and Jet. A great tribute to the voice of the Auburn Tigers.; 8:22 AM
j-z said...: Ok...I'm now officially kicking myself for not going to the game. One of the Hotties needs to step up and lay somebody out for me today.

WTC, do you REALLY want to know what I think of two guys riding together in a Murano?; 8:25 AM
j-z said...: I think something along these lines would work well:

Here comes the BOOM!

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Happy Fun Ball has been shipped to our troops in Saudi Arabia and is also being dropped by our warplanes on Iraq.

Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.

Happy Fun Ball comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Happy Fun Ball

ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES!; 8:35 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Gameday!

Sitting here by myself reflecting on the day. I'm so thankful for those that are with me, in their respective locations, equally excited as I am that another football season is upon us. At some points, I wasn't sure they would be with with us for another football season, but we continue to be blessed by their presence. Sure, some of them may not give me a heaty War Eagle when I call them, instead uttering obnoxious phrases like Go Dawgs, RTR, or Gator Bait, but we share a love for each other and the game that brings us together more often than not. I'm too lucky. My heart is thankful for the 2009 college football season for that reason.

Then I think about people that didn't make it to another season. Their lives were full of memories of family, friends, and football that happen this time of year. Legends in their own rite. My Grandfather was one of them. He never missed a Saturday without taking the oportunity to say Geaux Tiger. Without him taking me to games before I could walk, I don't know if I'd really understand what I do today. Somewhere, I know he, and the others like him, are with us.

Alright, my eyes have watered. My heart has soared. I've made my morning calls and texts- from coast to coast, to with my loved ones and their teams a good season.

I'm ready! Enough of this sappy $h!t. Get me a bourbon and play me the music of pads crushing together as Eltoro makes his mark. War Damn Eagle.; 8:40 AM
Miller said...: I can already tell I will have to exercise a lot of self restraint not to form tackle someone today...

By the way,
I am 3rd strong SLB for today's game.; 8:46 AM
FSJ said...: Good stuff Peter.

My dear grandmother passed away in May. She loved Alabama football. I know she has the best seat for the game tonight.; 8:47 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: Good morning and War Eagle; 8:48 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: Emory Blake " we are about to shock the college football world." (per fb); 9:06 AM
Miller said...: I like the sounds of that, hag...; 9:07 AM
WarEagleRK said...: It's time to separate the wheat from the chaff, the men from the boys, the awkwardly feminine from the possibly Canadian.; 9:10 AM
Miller said...: IF you're not in the Pick 'Em yet... you can still sign up and get your picks in. You have until 5 minutes prior to kickoff of the first games today to get in....

Get in!

Go to Yahoo! Fantasy Sports and enter our College Football Pick'Em contest.

Group ID# 9404
Password: wareagle; 9:15 AM
Matt said...: It is gameday.

War Eagle.; 9:19 AM
missinit said...: PF...your are making me cry, such sweet relections.

I hope everyone has a wonderful AUsome day. Go make some more memories!

Today I am over here in Georgia truly...missinit.; 9:21 AM
ADP said...: Here's how you win football games if your defense is thin ... keep the defense off the field. NO DROPS!; 9:32 AM
Jet said...: Well said, Snacks.

It is a joyous time of year for me. I will always think of Dad, who passed away nearly two years ago. Today he would have been ecstatic as his children gathered to visit and eat before the game.

He would beam with pride at his grandson who will be working as a TigerHost. He would laugh at the travails of his youngest grandson (ElTurbo) doing the bidding of the members of the fraternity he pledged earlier in the week. He would bounce his great-grandson on his knee. And he'd have a special hug for his lone granddaughter (Stewardess), who found out the day before she would be class attendant at next month's homecoming at her high school.

When he would speak, he would be trash talking one of us. When he would be silent, he would beam with pride at the brood the Lord had blessed him.

For the most part, someone we love gave us this gift of the love of Auburn. For my family, it came from Dad, who came home from a war and got a second education -- one with books.

War Eagle. Let's a have a great day wherever we are.; 9:36 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Well said Peter.; 9:50 AM
wtc said...: Dmiller-you have FB mail.; 9:55 AM
digger4au said...: GAME DAY
and
WAR EAGLE from the banks of the Coosa River
I will be alone today and miss my wife's "Are you going to watch football ALL DAY!!" yes dear and into the night.
I love her and AUBURN!!; 9:58 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: Feels like Christmas morning; 10:03 AM
michael said...: Anything going on today?; 10:08 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Digger- I feel for you man. I hope this day is easy for you to get thru buddy. Hang in there and WAR DAMN EAGLE!!!; 10:12 AM
missinit said...: Oh digger,

I know you're having a tough day but your Auburn family is with you in spirit.

WAR EAGLE!; 10:16 AM
digger4au said...: Thanks Eddie I am doing a lot better

War Eagle

Raining here on the banks of the Coosa River hope it moves on out if it is in Auburn too.; 10:16 AM
Miller said...: WTC,
You have a reply in your FB mailbox.; 10:17 AM
digger4au said...: Thanks missinit I know they are

WAR EAGLE

Big win tonight!; 10:17 AM
wtc said...: Got it. CHeck your again.; 10:19 AM
Unknown said...: Embrace your todness!!! It is gamday!!!; 10:21 AM
Miller said...: Replied again... small world; 10:23 AM
Kathy said...: So my neighbor just left for Auburn with her 3 kids. I'm am anxiously waiting for my sister to get here. She is never on time. :-(

To all who have shared their stories today, thank you. My grandparents were my driving AU force. I know they are watching from that wonderful seat in the sky as well.; 10:25 AM
Unknown said...: I know my grandparents are looking down now too. My love of Auburn developed from listening to Auburn on the radio, while watching a completely different game on TV. This was back in the late 60s. I love football. I love the Chiz. In Todd I trust. War Eagle!!!; 10:30 AM
wtc said...: THT-great job on the KK. Really enjoyed each day.
I'm headed from the Gump @ 12:30 and will be lunchin' at 2:00 with a big group where tiger walk ends.

ANyone can look me up after 3:15 or so, once the food is gone.; 10:32 AM
Unknown said...: Wow, I just saw where UT averaged 16.8 ppg last season. Didn't we average an astounding 17.1 ppg last season? Seems like the cheer last season should have been we're not UT, we're not UT, we're not UT!!!; 10:33 AM
AUfan said...: Steve,
What kind of numbers do you predict for Toddzilla in tonight's game?; 10:34 AM
Miller said...: My entire family were bammers... they had gone through the bear era and it is what it is... or was...
My uncle bought me a giant Big Al... I used it as a punching bag. I always liked Auburn more... there were something about those colors, burnt orange and navy blue, that drew me to AU. the defining moment came while attending my first Iron Bowl when I was 7 or 8 at Lesion Field. My parents took me and my uncle (only 6 years older than me). Our seats were split, parents sat in the upper deck, my uncle and I sat in the endzone. Auburn scored and I cheered, and a big, fat, drunk bammer sitting behind me dumped his beer down my back and yelled at me to sit down and shut up.
That moment cemented me as an Auburn fan for life. I didn't want to be like those people. I wanted to be better. Next marrying my wife, that was the best decision I have ever made.

War Eagle!; 10:37 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Let's get this thing going. Kickoff can't get here soon enough.; 10:39 AM
Unknown said...: It is depending upon if I go with unrealistic expectations or not. Realistically, around 250 yards passing. Unrealistically, around 350 yards. I am more concerned with the TD/INT ratio and how well he manages the offense.; 10:39 AM
Unknown said...: I hope Virginia Tech wins, but realistically, it doesn't seem likely. The team favored to win the ACC usually doesn't fair well against a top tier SEC team.; 10:46 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: I just hope some fan doesn't take his arm home as a momento. Until that happens, everything will be fine. I'm saying 20-1 he keeps his arm today. War Eagle.

That drops to 3-2 by the UT game, and 5-7 by UGA. Fortunately, TR will be ready to go by then. :-); 10:47 AM
AUfan said...: Heck, I'll be thrilled to see 250 yards passing from Todd. I really don't know what to expect to see happen tonight. I've been waiting for tonight since Gus came to Auburn.; 10:49 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Steve, I utter obsceities in your direction for calling that team top-tier. I don't freakin care what happened last regualar season. It was a fluke. They're currently on a two game losing streak, and they should not be praised with such accolades. Ever. For anything. Hate Bama.; 10:50 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: New threaZ on the way.; 10:52 AM
Unknown said...: Todd passed for about 250 yards last season in a couple of early games, although I don't believe it was in the first one. We did the every other series QB thing last season in the opener, which is when CTF first realized he was an idiot.

I am more concerned with how smart we play. No turnovers. No penalties. Keep those numbers down and I will be happy.; 10:54 AM
Unknown said...: PF, there are six top tier programs in the SEC: Auburn, LSU, Alabama, UGA, UT, and UF.; 10:55 AM
Aeronaut said...: Someone better stream it on channelsurfing.net

I refuse to go to the new thread.; 10:55 AM
missinit said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 10:59 AM