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10.26.2009

Kiffin gets a second spanking

Hey everyone. Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin again has drawn the ire of Southeastern Conference commissioner Mike Slive, who today reprimanded the loquacious 34-year-old.

The rebuke comes because Kiffin complained after his team's 12-10 loss to Alabama last weekend. Immediately after blocking a field-goal attempt as time expired -- and with the game still in progress -- Alabama defensive lineman Terrance Cody removed his helmet to celebrate.

Kiffin argued that Cody should have been flagged for a personal foul. As a result, Tennessee, he agrued, should be allowed to attempt the kick again 15 yards closer to the uprights.

Charles Bloom, a top SEC official, said time had expired by the time Cody removed his helmet. The game had ended.

``I'm sure we'll get one of those letters that mean nothing, that Bobby (Petrino) got last week, but Florida and Alabama live on,'' he told reporters afterward.

Here it is:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Oct. 26, 2009) – Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive has issued a public reprimand to University of Tennessee head football coach Lane Kiffin for his public comments concerning officiating Sunday.

"Coach Kiffin has violated the Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics," Slive said. "SEC Bylaw 10.5.4 clearly states that coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials.”

``This is the second reprimand for Coach Kiffin in this calendar year. Coach Kiffin is on notice that for any further violations of SEC policies will subject him to additional penalties including suspension.”

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

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

229 Comments:

ehyou said...: War Eagle!!!; 1:32 PM
ehyou said...: My hatred of Ole Miss is substantial.; 1:32 PM
ehyou said...: I guess Monty was away from home too much to teach little Lane that big boys don't whine.; 1:36 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: I thought this was funny.

I hope Kiffin gets another warning.; 1:37 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: This is very funny.

Sorry, but I think Kiffin has a legit point with the Refs.

How do you think the refs will be addressed after the season?; 1:38 PM
michael said...: Didn't Alabama recover? That's a change of possession and no re-kick.

I really hated Kiffin... but he might start growing on me.; 1:39 PM
ballin said...: I hope Kiffin stays in the league a long time for the entertainment value.; 1:40 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Michael- It's not so much that one call, but the other things that have happened up to that point in the game.; 1:41 PM
ballin said...: The refs didn't throw but one flag on the prima donnas the entire game. Did he really think they were going to be flagged after the game was over?; 1:42 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: maybe there's a chance with Layla at Ye Olde Steakhouse after all. she can't tolerate this kind of behavior forever.; 1:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Yeah michael thats the problem that Kiffin doesn't address. Alabama recovered the ball...

Kiffin needs to take his loss and go home.; 1:48 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Techinically, what Cody did was a penalty..should it have been called? Not in my opinion. There were other comments made by Kiffen that are more telling than the last call, such as managing your end game plan around the fear that a magical flag was going to appear to push you out of field goal range has some validity to it in how things had gone during the game and in the season. It looks like the SEC intentionally or not intentionally are protecting it's higher ranked teams. It may just a strange coincidence, but it really seems to be happening this year for what ever reason.; 1:56 PM
ballin said...: $$$$$$$$ that is why. Tebow and Satan in the champ game. Anything else will be a disappointment for the league office.; 1:57 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: The game was NOT over when he took his helmet off. The flag should have been thrown, unquestionably. Unfortunately (for UA-T haters), it apparently would not have mattered. Per article at SI.com, it would have been treated as a dead ball foul, even though it was a live ball event. Since there was change of possession during the play and no time left after the play, it would not have given the vols another play. But it was a blown call.; 2:01 PM
KJtiger said...: Eddie here here! I had a conversation with a bubby today and I said the exact same thing. Lower teams are getting the shaft. See AU-KY and AU-LSU.; 2:01 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: "How do you think the refs will be addressed after the season?"

My guess is "Former Ref"; 2:03 PM
michael said...: Kiffin should fine himself for playing for a field goal with 48 seconds after making a first down at the 27 or so. What in the world was that? Work your hardest to get at least a few more yards there. That would have been huge.; 2:06 PM
Seanzie said...: At least with this game, we get it out of the way early. And if we lose, then I have the rest of the day to do something else as opposed to waiting around all day and then blowing the night. Or we could just win...that'd be nice.; 2:07 PM
Seanzie said...: Nothing wrong with playing for the FG. They just have to execute in the future. The UT staff would have taken that situation 9 out of 10 times prior to the game. They had it and thew blew it. Officiating is irrelevant. FSJ, be nice to those UT folks, it's not everyday they make the No. 1 team look silly.; 2:08 PM
AUNugget said...: they missed (or at least didn't make) two other field goals in the game too. you can whine too much about the last one because if you execute on one of the others you didn't need that last one.; 2:12 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Live to punt.; 2:12 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Jay G- That is if you can execute the punt properly. :); 2:13 PM
michael said...: This guys is my hero:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyVd4dqfT-8; 2:14 PM
ballin said...: Play for the long field goal when you were already 0-3 on the day. Smart move when you could have picked up several more yds. Especially since your kicker had already lined one into Cody's midsection earlier.; 2:14 PM
Seanzie said...: You guys are missing the other what-if...if there is a turnover, a sack, busted play, run out of time, etc...Kiffin gets called a maniac for not kicking the ball when he has everything in his control. UT had the ball in their court...they just blew it. Distance in that case was not a factor. The UT offensive line collapsed.; 2:16 PM
AUNugget said...: yeah, lung vernquist made a comment about how low the first field goal was and if that would matter later.; 2:17 PM
AUNugget said...: you guys see what i did there?

ah, man...i kill me.; 2:23 PM
AUNugget said...: i meant....i kill the board.; 2:24 PM
michael said...: Your QB has driven you down the field, you have 40+ seconds, your field goal kicker has had a horrible day, I think it is beyond conservative to just sit down and kick it at that point. I questioned what the heck he was doing well before the field goal was blocked.; 2:24 PM
michael said...: I mean, percentages skyrocket even if you just gain 7 yards and kick a 35 yard field goal instead of a 42 yard one.; 2:25 PM
AUfan said...: Hard to believe how much more entertaining UT is with Kiffin instead of Fulmer. I still say Kiffin will do better than a lot of people think, and they won't be laughing at him anymore.; 2:29 PM
ballin said...: Distance was, and always is, a huge factor. He couldn't get a 47 yarder close at the end of the first half.; 2:29 PM
Seanzie said...: Kiffin has already done a bang-up job to this point. His recruiting is looking really good. I think he was a good hire.; 2:30 PM
digger4au said...: I thought and said the same thing while it was happening. Why not get to the line of scrimmage and get some more yards even maybe a touch down. They were moving the ball on a tired Bama devense. Dum De Dum Dum
Odds are Kiffin WILL open his mouth again this season.; 2:30 PM
API said...: Jay, since Montez and Harry are 'off' the team, can you freely interview them for a story or does the AU Athl Dept still restrict who you can talk to and when?; 2:31 PM
digger4au said...: A tired defense too; 2:31 PM
Anonymous said...: I hope Spurrier beats his butt on a controversial call..; 2:33 PM
Seanzie said...: I hope Bammer loses to Miss State.; 2:34 PM
wes said...: michael,

i'm with you 100%. before the kick i was shocked they chose to run out the clock. you're short from 47, blocked from 45, and now you put all your hopes on the kicker? learn from history.; 2:34 PM
digger4au said...: Judge declares youthfull defender status for Eric Smith.
Does this mean the case is closed and over with?; 2:35 PM
Anonymous said...: Now that's not nice Sean..... :-); 2:35 PM
Seanzie said...: Y'all are crazy. You gotta remember who their QB is. He had what he wanted...they had a shot at a game winner. They didn't execute. Period. If they make it, we're lauding him as a genius. That's football.; 2:39 PM
Unknown said...: Bless Kiffikin's heart. He just can't get the taste of shoe leather from his mouth.

As for the call, I don't care if the clock hadn't run out. Bama was the better team and deserved to win. I am glad we don't have such a whining poor example of a head coach. If Kiffikin keeps it up, eventually Bama will seem like a classy program in comparison.; 2:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Happy Birthday, STEVE!; 2:45 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 2:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Nevermind; 2:48 PM
Scott Chocolate said...: Yeah, Sean, it's not nice to jump ahead. Let's talk about Bammer losing to LSU first, then we can talk about them losing to MSU, AU, and in their bowl game. We'll give them UTC. Of course, this scenario may require us to hire whomever whacked Sensi's knee to do the same to Bammer's whole team. I'll chip in!; 2:49 PM
API said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 2:51 PM
michael said...: Banhamerbation abound!; 2:54 PM
mytommyd said...: So does this all mean Coach Kiff is now on double probation working his way to double secret probation?; 2:55 PM
Unknown said...: Thanks Sensi!!!; 2:56 PM
Anonymous said...: Still waiting on the Finebaum bombshell...; 3:03 PM
stupup74 said...: Kiffin is funny. I think it is funnier that Bama fans are madder about Gary Danielson's call than UT fans are about 'helment gate'. I live in Chattanooga, no UT fan in my office is really mad over the call.

I think Danielson and Kiffin are mistaking the college rule for the NFL rule, made famous by the Dwayne Rudd play from 2002.

As the college rule is written, the call was correct because Bama recovered the ball. If the ball had NOT crossed the line of scrimmage (I couldn't tell if it did from TV) and UT recovered it, then Bama is still on D and the game cannot end on a defensive penalty and UT could kick again 15 yards closer.; 3:04 PM
Scott M. Brannan said...: no one i've talked to here in Knoxville today is really in a fuss over the call either.; 3:07 PM
stupup74 said...: The overarching issue with the SEC, as it is in MLB, the NBA, and most sports league is that officating in sports in general is ABYSSMAL!!!!!

The incompentence doesn't just affect those playing in big games. AU had a call in the UK where UK was CLEARLY in an illegal formation inside the AU 10 on the tying TD drive for them. Even Brock Huard noticed it.

Then Saturday, AU had it working on the first drive then on that third down and 1 where LSU clearly jumped in the neutral zone and they called McClain for a false start and killed the drive, and it went way down hill from there.

I don't think there is some conspiracy, expect that there is no pipeline for new, younger blood in officiating.

The SEC has to do something about the state of their officals.; 3:15 PM
stupup74 said...: One other point, Gary Danielson is a fine color guy, he isn't perfect.

I hate how Bama fans want EVERYONE to praise their team at all times. They are so freaking paranoid.

At least for their sakes, Bama and UT fans didn't have to listen to Mark Jones and Bob Davie while their team was getting waxed.

NOW THAT WAS TORTURE I DON'T WISH ON ANYONE!!! I literally had to turn my suround to MUTE.; 3:20 PM
AUfan said...: Kiffin may have a method to his madness. Maybe he feels like by coming out and saying in public what several coaches probably think in private, it puts the spotlight on issues that the SEC office would rather sweep under the rug.

I still believe the current SEC leadership is quite content to keep counting the money and try to keep any shady happenings out of the public eye. Maybe Kiffin found this out early and decided he was better served by taking his complaints to the media and not keep it quiet. I'm not sure that is a bad thing.; 3:22 PM
Unknown said...: That was a legit complaint about the helmet. Of course, if you manage to make even two of those three field goals they managed to botch they would have won, but I digress. Jackass Cody should just leave his helmet on and maybe rethink hauling ass down the sideline ala Andre Smif at his combine last year. Like a bowl full of jelly.

Terrance Cody and Verne Lundquist may just be twins separated at birth.; 3:38 PM
LuvAU41 said...: It's been a LONG time since I've posted and, believe it or not I have not been lurking. My partner will read some comments and/or Jay G's posts to me occasionally.

1. I agree with Steve and the proverbial (sp?) foot in Kiffin's mouth. I do think, though, UT is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years. I think they have improved with every game (unlike AU).

2. The SEC offciating has been utterly atrocious this season and I agree with ballin that it is $$$$ driven - and most of you know how I feel about that.

3. Last night IV said something to the effect that he gets the feeling that CGC is being told what to do. I happen to agree and I think it's the BOD working thru their Assistant Lackey, Tim Jackson. He is ALWAYS in the locker room (on Auburn Everyday when CGC is talking to the team there TJ is right behind him - EVERY episode. He is ALWAYS on the sidelines. And, he was in the hotel conference room where the team had dinner Friday night (I know this because we stayed at the team hotel and I saw him standing outside the room in the hallway talking on his cell phone - I wanted to walk up to him and punch him the face!). As Assistant AthleticS Director, I don't think he has any business being in these places. He needs to be doing whatever it is the AAD does and not breathing down CGC's neck all the time.; 4:00 PM
LuvAU41 said...: Sorry that was so long. Also, I want to reiterate Kathy's sentiments from this morning: It's always great to be an Auburn Tiger! War Eagle!!; 4:01 PM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: I can't believe I'm seeing it, but Kiffin has shown himself to be far more successful thus far in improving the product he inherited than the Chiz & Co. At this point, I doubt that there's anyone in the SEC we could beat (including UT and MSU).; 4:05 PM
tigerfan44 said...: Why did the ref point out the ball to the bama players after the block. Is this common practice? Just looked odd for a ref to show a team where the ball is. Bama is good enough to not need help from ref.; 4:06 PM
michael said...: Welcome back, Luv!; 4:07 PM
LuvAU41 said...: Thanks, michael! I won't be posting as regularly as I once did 'cause I really need to be working when I'm at work!; 4:09 PM
Scott Chocolate said...: Luv, didn't your number used to be 68 instead of 41? Anyhoo, welcome back!; 4:15 PM
LuvAU41 said...: Scott, thanks! And, yes, it was 1968, but I deleted that account!

Must go start dinner. Have a great evening and War Eagle!; 4:29 PM
Miller said...: When will Slive publicly reprimand the SEC officials that are doing such a piss poor job this year?

I'm sorry, but these 'reprimands' are a joke. It's like getting slapped on the wrist with one of those slap bracelets that everyone had in the late '80s/early '90s...

Hammer pants and slap bracelets... ahh... those were the days!; 4:31 PM
IV said...: Welcome back Luv.; 4:33 PM
michael said...: D Mill - he did suspend that one crew. It doesn't get much more serious than that.; 4:39 PM
Kris said...: I will join LUV in making a return to the HABOTN....I have read every day since my last post....appreciation from a distance if you will. My second child arrived nearly nine months ago and with a wife that works as hard as I do simply did not have time to contribute anything of substance. Now that I have a little more time (and an I-phone), I will try not to flail in that regard....; 4:41 PM
cincytiger said...: Luv,
Welcome back!! I tried to email you but that email didn't work. The testosterone has been thick here, we needed some more of the female persuasion as Andy Griffith would say. :)

And welcome back Kris, too.; 4:47 PM
ballin said...: Suspended - Mullen wants a banning.; 4:50 PM
Unknown said...: Personally I think of bad calls as just part of the game. If you can't overcome a bad call, you probably didn't deserve to win anyway.; 4:50 PM
ballin said...: True only part of the time Steve. Sometimes when teams are playing even, one bad call is all it takes.; 4:54 PM
tigerfan44 said...: Bad calls are part of every game. But a ref pointing out where the ball is, that's not explainable.Would a home plate umpire show the catcher where a passed ball went?; 4:57 PM
Kris said...: Although I do not in any way think the refs cost us the game Sat. there were some very suspect calls against us on LSU's first drive (40 yards worth I believe) and I for one would have liked to have seen CGC at mid-field going Bobby Cox on the head ref-especially after the shafting we had gotten in the previous two games. Like him or not, agree with his crticism of the officiating or not, Lane Kiffin stands up for his team even at risk of ridicule and ire from the SEC.; 4:57 PM
ballin said...: So Steve Auburn didn't deserve to win when the obvious holding penalty was overlooked on Stabler's touchdown run?; 4:57 PM
JD said...: sup all, guess everything but Auburn's scoring lately!; 5:08 PM
IV said...: Welcome back Kris.; 5:13 PM
IV said...: Steve,

Can't agree with you on the fact that good teams always overcome calls by the officials that were wrong.; 5:15 PM
Unknown said...: You understand perfectly, ballin.; 5:15 PM
Jay G. Tate said...: Welcome back, Luv and Kris.

You were missed.

Mullen was reprimanded, too, though I don't know much about the circumstances surrounding that deal.

Once the crew was suspended, officials became fair game. The SEC created this environment.; 5:16 PM
IV said...: An incorrect call can kill a drive. Two incorrect calls can kill momentum. Three or more incorrect calls can kill a teams desire. The more that it happens in a game , the more it affects the team that it is happening to.; 5:17 PM
ballin said...: Well said IV; 5:21 PM
WarEagleRK said...: Kiffin didn't play to win the game until they got the Ingram fumble.

Their last drive they took their time and didn't seem like they wanted to in, then the fumble happened and suddenly that team had focus.

After the big completion he just decided to stop right there instead of at least a couple of plays to get you closer to the FG...when your kicker is kicking low, then you want them to get closer so he won't feel the need to kick it low.

However the guy cracks me up because he's so clueless with the media, so I hope he stays around.; 5:46 PM
IV said...: I think that instant replay has caused more scrutiny of the officials. Sometimes, they do a pointless review of a play and that makes things worse. If a team is moving the ball, stoppage of the game can kill momentum and/or give the defense time to rest and regroup. Then when they do overturn a call on the field, it gives everyone reason to think hey, they can get calls wrong. Well yes, of course they can, they are human. I believe that the replay has hurt the officials by putting doubt in everyone's mind about the ability of the ones calling the game.; 6:00 PM
IV said...: I would not want to be an official in any game that has instant replay and review. I would have hated to have had someone doing an instant review of my work as I went along doing my job.; 6:03 PM
IV said...: Well I guess the officials and I have killed this thread. I am out of here for awhile.; 6:11 PM
Anonymous said...: I'm 54, so I think I can say this. Many of these SEC refs seem to be getting a little long in the tooth to be effectively running up and down the field and still making accurate calls. Cooordination and reaction times slow down with age.

That one ref couldn't make his feet work and couldn't get out of a Bama player's way on 2 different occasions.; 6:30 PM
Dear Leader said...: take it from someone who knows...

Warning mean nothing...

The SEC takes lessons from the UN...

All talk no action..; 6:37 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Wassup hotties. anyone home?; 7:09 PM
Anonymous said...: According to EDSBS.....The AU D has been on the field for 575 plays and are tied for 113th in D1.; 7:09 PM
Unknown said...: Yea, our defense isn't as bad as they have been portrayed.

Actually I am starting to appreciate this season as a good educational experience for the fans. Those that bashed Franklin would have to agree that Malzahn's offense is now performing as bad or worse. It illustrates the problem with knee jerk reactions and judging someone too quickly.; 7:12 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Well hoop, that about splains it doesn't it. Although I'm disappointed right now, after much deep thought I have decided that I know the five reasons we are in the position we are in.
1. Players. We don't have many, and we don't have many really really good ones.
2-5, players.; 7:13 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I am Sponge!

The SEC refs are terrible, but what do you do. I have no good solution on this. Maybe they could use their big money contract and pay the refs as a fulltime gig instead of just a part time gig and train the heck out of them.; 7:14 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Exactly Sponge. We don't have players. I actually believe Bowden left the program in better shape than Tubs. I didn't think that could be possible until this season.; 7:16 PM
Spongeworthy said...: As a follow up, hotties feel free to chime in on this one very important question.

What one player on AU's team has to be accounted for wherever he lines up on the field. Name me one dominating defensive star you have to account for as an offensive coach. Name me one lineman that you have to double team to make sure he doesn't beat you.

Name me one offensive star that can change the game. One receive that has to be double teamed. One skill player that is so versatile you need to know where he is at all times if you are the defensive coordinator.

Answer. IMO... not one on AU's team. We have a few good players, but no dominating ones.; 7:17 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Eddie, you are almost correct. What few fairly good players Tubby left that were probably going to start or provide depth have been dismissed from the team by CGC. Not blaming, just pointing out that in the short run...that has really hurt our chances at least athletically.; 7:20 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Sponge- The only player that fits that category is Ben Tate and he can't do it alone. He is a very good offensive back that teams have to shut down in order to make it easy for themselves.; 7:23 PM
Unknown said...: I disagree. There is talent on this team. Tate and Fannin are both very talented. Ziemba will play in the pros. Coleman and Thorpe will too.

The problem here is more lack of depth than lack of talent, although I don't believe in assigning the blame. I consider it pretty pointless.

If there is anything that could be pointed to as the one thing I would say bad luck. We had an abnormal attrition rate and it was compounded by a coaching change.; 7:24 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Tubs ran off several players as well. They just didn't happen to be expected contributors. I would bet that Chizik and Tubs attrition rate are almost the same. It happens.; 7:25 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- If you are disagreeing with me then you just made my point. We have no depth at any position and that is Tubs fault. All Tubs really needed in his 2nd year was a good RB to make it to the SECCG. Auburn will more than likely sign 2 highly rated backs and still be a super long shot for Atlanta next season. I maintain that Bowden left the program in better shape than Tubs.; 7:28 PM
Unknown said...: Eddie, then you prove my point. This is not a normal attrition rate and it really isn't due to the coaches. We have had an abnormal number of players leave the team. I have no problem with the players the coaches kicked off the team. It is a cost of doing business. We lost other players for various reasons. The recruiting classes weren't bad, but if you look at the players that hung around for a significant period of time, it was horrible.; 7:28 PM
Unknown said...: Blaming it on Tuberville is convienant, yet obviously wrong.; 7:29 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Didn't say talented players. Fannin, Tate, Ziemba, Coleman, Ethridge all fit that category. Dominating players? Coleman is overated IMO.
I will say this. If we had greater depth, and more talent at all positions, that may allow for a few guys to perform much better. ie. Better LB and DL's that could really pressure the QB makes CB's and S's look much better.; 7:31 PM
tigerfan44 said...: People keep talking about depth problems. How does depth help you in the first quarter. We get down by 14 earlier in year and confidence to come back. Now we get down by 7 and we look lost.; 7:31 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: So it's Saban's fault???????

Sorry, Tubs gets the blame and its for far more reasons than it's convienent. He got cocky in his status at Auburn and got out worked by bama, georgia and florida, the base states of which most our players come from. He decided that he couldn't or didn't want to recruit against the big boys and declared that he would get players that wanted to be at Auburn. If they wanted to be at Auburn so much, where are they now?

Sorry, Tubs has us serving a probation type of penalty for over paying him and over hyping him. He gets the brunt of the blame from me and that hasn't changed in over a year for me. I knew we were screwed when Saban locked down the state and every prospect we were interested in in his first full year of recruiting. Tubs just mailed it in and got his pay day.; 7:34 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Steve, that's where we part ways in opinion. Obviously, all is not Tubby's fault. Plenty of blame to go around, but ultimately, this team is not neary as talented at our 2004 team. Since we were never investigate by the ncaa, why would this team be in the shape it's in now. Regardless of our BOD, who shares the blame, Tubby and company were the highest paid coaches in the SEC for a while, pre Saben. They didn't earn their pay last two years.; 7:35 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Tigerfan- We don't have 11 SEC caliber players on the field at the start of the game on both sides of the ball right now is why that is happening in the beginning.; 7:35 PM
Spongeworthy said...: To Eddies point, I know several HS coaches in the B'ham area. All to a man, even the one or two that are AU fans, have said Saben and his coaches flat out worked Tubby, hands down. Saben had extra help now....which I still believe will come back to haunt them, but not on all players, not even the majority. They just kicked Tubby and company's A--. Also, has anyone noticed that Richt basically shut us out of GA too. Chizik is showing signs of getting us back in the game.; 7:39 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Taking hits on the the football field has a cumulative effect. Lack of depth starts showing up worse as the season goes on. Bama has a lot more in the rotation on defense than AU, and even their D looked tired at the end of the UT game. That's after they played three tough games in a row.; 7:43 PM
Kathy said...: Welcome back Luv and Kris (congrats on the new baby). You've been missed.; 7:44 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Scout says that Dyer know's where he will go and will announce some time during the week of his last game.

Man. We need DL's and OL's.

McCalleb told reporters he has no trouble running to the right, but can't cut if he runs to his left. Wow. What good info to let Ole Miss in on.; 7:52 PM
Anonymous said...: Jay Coulter has a nice read that ends up calling for AU fans to learn now what took Bama 10 years to learn....that is to not pile on the team and coaches, generally support them and complain quietly.

Are we smart enuff to learn that? or are we gonna be consumed with piling on and sporting our football acumen?

Here it is:
http://www.trackemtigers.com/; 7:58 PM
scottatl said...: I am more mad at Tubs than anyone right now...I was in school we he came on board in 98 and he was hocked at what he found....little did he know that 10 years later he would do the same to his successor.

At least Shula had some great recruiting classes before he got canned.

Out of tubs last two classes 19 of the 58 players signed remain on campus; 8:01 PM
Spongeworthy said...: In other breaking news, AU just announced they were starting a basketball program. They will be allowed to practice in the old aux gym after the womens team, led by dynamic Nell Fortner, gets through with their practice. Officials in the athletic dept have considered scheduling the girls and boys games on the same night in hope that those coming to watch Nell's Tigers will stay over and watch the mens game too.; 8:05 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- No offense, when Bama hired Saban, they knew they had hired the right man. When Auburn hired Chizik, most thought the same, WTF. Situations are completely different. Chizik is fighting to not be Shula in this state not the automatic confidence of NC around the corner that Saban provided their fan base.

With that said, like i've said befoer, i'm not calling for coaches to be fired. I've said it over and over again, and I will keep saying. I blame Tubs and him alone for where we are today. Would I like to see the team play better, absolutely. Do I think it can..not so sure anymore. Coaches deserve some blame, but not calling for jobs. If you think that bama fans weren't pissed losing to LA Monroe than you are sadly mistaken. They melted down over there.

When football became such a big $$$ business, this was sure to follow.; 8:06 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Hoop, we are going to complain when things are bad, praise when things are good. After all, this is America. We love our hero's and we love to tear em down when they fail. Now, if we could just get a good adultry scandal going, preferably in Tuscaloosa.; 8:09 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Saban turned it around in a hurry at UA, which actually gives me hope for AU. Say Chizik gets three or four JC players in that count against 09 class, maybe a couple of early HS grads to do the same, then gets in 25 new guys for the feb class. That gives us 31 for next year. Maybe Savage makes a full recovery from Achillies injury, McNeal returns full speed, maybe Pybus is able to play again. Things look up in a hurry. Maybe we even have some injury luck and a walk on defies all odds and shows why he should have been a four star. Hey, it could happen.; 8:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Eddie--Sponge, I hear you on the justifications. These have been around for awhile and are accepted as conventional wisdom in certain circles.

It just seems to me that same ol' conventional wisdom generally harms more than helps. Check out his points and see if they are worthwhile.; 8:16 PM
ehyou said...: Current Auburn Coaches = Superb; 8:19 PM
scottatl said...: Sponge,

wouldn't count on any of those guys esp pybus (he prob wont play footballl again, and wasnt an SEC player anyway)

Bottom line is we maybe have one player on the defense and maybe two on offense that will sniff the NFL and that is generous

With the offense we run we have to have 20 players on D who can play every game; 8:20 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Hoopie- Who are you accusing of turning on Chizik? Seriously? That is the point of the darn article and i'll be damned if you point that finger at me. I've never said that and I still don't say that. Will I continue to moan and groan at times, yes. I still don't appreciate what you said earlier. You won. You got Sensi to quit the show. So I hope you are happy. I'll be damned if you influence what I do.; 8:21 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Hoop. Generally, I really do agree. Fact is, doesn't really matter who is at fault. We are where we are and it's up to the Chiz to turn it around. Hopefully, he can do that. If he can't, they will hire someone else. Bama will crash and burn again someday, but probably not until they win at least one more championship. But I've always said, its easy to be a bammer. Just know where the chimes are, the bryant museum, say u won 12 national championships, then there you have it.

IT TAKES CHARACTER TO BE AN AU FAN.

War Damn Eagle.; 8:24 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I love Auburn

I hate UA-T

SEC officiating has been atrocious this year

AU has very little talent, and none of the superb variety.

After spending three days in BTR, I don't understand why anyone would want to live there. The place has absolutely nothing going for it.

I'll be in Philly on Tues/Wed for work, maps, and cheesesteaks.

Hi Luv - my name is THT; it's nice to make your acquaintance.

WARRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!
GO TIGERS!!!; 8:25 PM
Seanzie said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 8:25 PM
Seanzie said...: Sorry, my last comment was over the top, but really, some peeps need to put on the big boy pants and learn to agree to disagree.; 8:28 PM
Spongeworthy said...: Eddie, I don't think Hoop was accusing you of anything, just making the point that it probably doesn't do anygood to complain about what was, doesn't help what will be...
Tubs left the program where it is, but he didn't get any support from our big dogs. A lot of ego's around when your talking about millions of dollars. I get it. Don't like the answers, but I get it. AU can be our own worst enemy. It's still better than being a bammer.; 8:29 PM
Spongeworthy said...: about out of battery. I am interested in and value everyones opinions. That's why blogging is fun. Of course, you all know that I'm always right, except maybe once back in 69. LOL. Nite all.; 8:32 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Sponge- My response to Hoopie goes back to what he started last night and continues to. Last week it was RK, this week it's me. Next week he will pick someone else to call a redneck. His schtick gets old and i've just had it. I would like to think that I've been reasonable. Maybe it's time I take a step back from Habotn for awhile. It used to be a place you come and discuss football rationally, now if you saying anything that hints of negativity here, then you get hammered by some because you bring realism into the conversation and not a full time sunshine pumper. I was on a team that got boo'ed at Auburn. I get it and I don't want no high and might Auburn speach sent my way. Hoopie jumped down my back when at the beginning of the year I suggested that the defense would probably not be as advertised and the LB depth would hurt us this season. To suggest people on here just bash Auburn all the time is insane. I go to most every game and I wear Auburn colors a lot of the time. I'm proud to be an Auburn Tiger whether we are winning and losing, but it's ok to be real and discuss things. It is a free country and one ruled by sunshine pumpers or doom and gloomers. The future is bright for Auburn. This season, not so much.

Anyone want to sell me some big boy britches?....; 8:36 PM
Seanzie said...: 2 for 1 down at the place around the corner Eddie...I know a guy. ;-); 8:37 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Sean- I wonder if he will haggle? I need to save every penny I can for my other passion...Disney.

At least Disney is only a little over a month away. Can't wait to get down there.; 8:41 PM
cincytiger said...: I am so bummed because the loan guy told me we probably wouldn't close on Wednesday. :( Keep your fingers crossed we close by Friday. Sorry, I won't be completely moved in and decorated for y'all by Saturday. I am going to be one hot woman if we don't close by Friday. And I don't mean the kind of hot you want a woman to be! :); 8:42 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Cincy- We haven't won since this deal has been struck...correct? What can we do to help you close? :); 8:45 PM
Seanzie said...: Eddie, I'm a big Disney guy myself. I'm going on the Disney boat in Dec. I'm stoked.; 8:46 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Awesome Sean. Auburn Football is 1A for me and Disney is 1B. I spend a lot of time listening to Disney Podcasts and such. I'm heading down in Decmeber for a 10 day stay and then February and March for long weekends. I'm lovin the Annual Pass. When the kids get older, i'm doing the Disney Cruise. Let me know how it goes for you. I'm sure it will be awesome. They get the bigger ship next year, I think the Disney "Fantasy" I think.; 8:49 PM
Seanzie said...: Back to AU football. I firmly believe we will beat Ole Miss, if for no other reason than we have to.; 8:59 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: a high school buddy, now 50+, married sans children, goes to WDW many times every year because he never went on a vacation as a kid.

Our kids have been once. We told them to enjoy it because we wouldn't be going back. MrsTHT and I don't like Florida in general, and WDW in particular. I think I kids did enjoy it and, thankfully, haven't wanted to go back.; 9:00 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: I want to believe that, but I just don't think we can do it right now. I really want to be proven wrong. The offense has to show up to make it happen. Here's to hoping.; 9:00 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I=our...no idea where that typo came from.; 9:02 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: THT- YOu must have gone when it was crazy packed and tried to do everything. WDW has so many experiences thar are best enjoyed by taking your time and relaxing instead of comando mode. That just my opinion.; 9:02 PM
Unknown said...: Depth affects you in every quarter, including the first. Some of our players are playing an ungodly number of snaps. They are beat up. There is no way they can take a week off, when a team with depth would be able to. That is part of the reason depth problems get worse as the season goes on.; 9:03 PM
Seanzie said...: Eddie, I agree with you, but I did a 14.5 hr 4 park dash back in spring break season...it was epic.; 9:03 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm of the opinion the offense emptied all chambers in the first 5 games. All out of ammo, just like Davy Crockett in the Alamo. But just like the heroes of the Alamo, there won't be any quitting. We'll keep fighting until the bitter end, swinging sticks and rifle butts to no avail.; 9:05 PM
Seanzie said...: What an analogy THT! The good news, the Texans won that war.; 9:06 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Sean- I wouldn't mind doing that sometime in the future sans the young kids. Tourplans.com has several interesting 4 parks 1 day plans.; 9:06 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Nice THT.; 9:07 PM
Eddie McCoy said...: Battery is about dead here, so i'm out. Catch everyone in the morning.; 9:07 PM
Seanzie said...: See ya, Eddie.; 9:08 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I've got to go pack and get some sleep before the very early flight to Philly.

WARRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!

GO TIGERS!!!; 9:11 PM
Anonymous said...: I love Auburn, I really do.

I hate to see our guys struggle and more so, I hate to see them look lost out there.

There are various reasons. We have hashed them o're and o're here.

The point is, expressing frustration doesn't make you less in my book - it makes you human.

If my expressions offended you, I apologize. It wasn't my intention no matter what you have been led to believe.

I call things like I see it, but I am not so stuck on my opinion that I am unwilling to learn and adapt. However, I can't just fall in line. If you can do that, you are better than me, I suppose. It's just never been something I could do with anything - especially sports.

So, yeah, that's pretty much the last I'm going to say about this.

Peace; 10:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Eddie....I wasn't pointing a finger at anyone. I was talking about fans in general and my point was focussed on the summary of the article. I addressed you and Sponge because both of you had responded to me ande you seemed interested.

In my response, I purposely acknowledged that your points were conventional wisdom and asked you to consider the article and a new way to look at it.......then you accuse me of slamming you. Newsflash....it wasn't about you or anyone in particular. It was about an different philosophy to fandom.; 10:17 PM
wtc said...: I see where Coleman visited UAT this weekend. Says it went goos, but nothing has changed he is still committed to AU. He thought UAT was a nice place, but really liked the coaches at AU.

For what it is worth.

Ray of sunshine for today.; 10:23 PM
wtc said...: That is Shon Coleman (OL) and it went good not goos.; 10:25 PM
wtc said...: Michigan recieves LOI from NCAA.; 10:26 PM
wtc said...: Anybody think AU shoul duse a player that is onthe field more to reutrn punts. Why bring PPl in to catch punts? He is onthe sidelines, not warmed up, goes out to field a punt and then comes off the field until needed agian. Let a WR catch it since he is already onthe field and used to the rythym of the game.; 10:57 PM
wtc said...: Is this on? hello.

Everyone get mad and go home?; 11:00 PM
LuvAU41 said...: Spongeworthy said...Fact is, doesn't really matter who is at fault. We are where we are and it's up to the Chiz to turn it around. Hopefully, he can do that. If he can't, they will hire someone else. Bama will crash and burn again someday, but probably not until they win at least one more championship. But I've always said, its easy to be a bammer. Just know where the chimes are, the bryant museum, say u won 12 national championships, then there you have it.

IT TAKES CHARACTER TO BE AN AU FAN.

War Damn Eagle.

Excellent, Sponge, excellent! I got all verklempt when I read it. I agree 100%!!!; 5:34 AM
LuvAU41 said...: Tar Heel, don't you mean re-aquaintance? ;-); 6:04 AM
WarEagleRK said...: I plan on "sporting my football acumen" on here even if some people tend to talk down to you when they disagree.

We're all part of the Auburn family, some family members you don't get along with, but we're still all from the same blood.; 6:18 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Agreed Rk.; 6:40 AM
cincytiger said...: War Eagle, Hotties!!! Maybe things will get back to normal now that Luv is back. That's what we've been missing - the LOVE!!!

It's great to be an AUBURN TIGER!!!!; 7:06 AM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 7:29 AM
cincytiger said...: I always wonder what I've missed when I come back to a "Comment deleted" :); 7:31 AM
LuvAU41 said...: I was just thinking that, Cincy!; 7:35 AM
LuvAU41 said...: It may not have been worth reading and that's why it was deleted.; 7:36 AM
WarEagleRK said...: It wasn't me.; 7:37 AM
LuvAU41 said...: You don't post anything not worth reading, WERK [usually, anyway! ;-)]; 7:38 AM
WarEagleRK said...: The check is in the mail.; 7:41 AM
WarEagleRK said...: Well I'm off to my second and final day of mentor training, so hopefully it's a peaceful day here.

One HABOTN!; 7:41 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: good luck RK.

i did my best to will Jason Campbell to a good game last nite. didn't happen. he looked absolutely horrid in the first half. my bad.; 7:55 AM
LuvAU41 said...: Scottie B, what has happened to Jason?; 8:02 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: the entire Redskins organization is a mess right now. their defense is decent, though. Jason looked uncomfortable and never set his feet. it was ugly. he had a couple tipped balls. one was was a pick 6 and there were also a couple fumbled snaps. he did come back to throw a TD after they were down 0-17, though.; 8:04 AM
LuvAU41 said...: Might you say a twisted mess? Do you think Zorn will be gone after this season?

Also, WTH has happened to the Titans?; 8:25 AM
Seanzie said...: The problem Jason has is the same he's always had at Washington...the offensive line is awful. Instead of spending 100M on Albert Haynesworth they should have gone and got some good O-Line talent. I really hope Jason is in a new place next year.; 8:27 AM
Seanzie said...: Luv...if you can think of anything that has happened to a professional football team, go ahead and apply to the Titans 'cause you are probably going to be right.; 8:28 AM
LuvAU41 said...: I haven't gotten to see them play this year, but I know they haven't won a game.; 8:30 AM
IV said...: Could a couple of days rest and time away from practice so the coaches can re-evaluate things be just what the doctor ordered? I know that we have a tired team, that was evident at LSU. And I think Gus really does need to take a long look at what has happened to his offense in just 3 short weeks. Maybe some additional film review will bring some answers. I sure hope so. WAR EAGLE!!!; 8:30 AM
Seanzie said...: Well Luv, if you haven't been impressed with Auburn's most recent efforts then you would be disgusted by the Titans.; 8:32 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: the Redskins also lost Chris Samuels at LT for the season. definitely not helping to lose a 6-time pro bowler on the line.; 8:38 AM
Seanzie said...: Chris Cooley is also out with a broken ankle. It's not getting any better in Washington.; 8:44 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I bet Jim Zorn is fired by the end of the day today. The bye week is here and he will probably get the ax shorlty.; 9:03 AM
LuvAU41 said...: But, Eddie, the owner said he was not going to fire Zorn in the middle of a season...(say that with sarcasm, of course); 9:18 AM
Anonymous said...: Good morning friends.; 9:21 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: who's ready for the nightmare on Saturday?; 9:26 AM
patdyeswildturkey said...: waaay to early of a game time. Anyone have an idea what time the bama game will be?; 9:27 AM
Anonymous said...: Bama is off this week.

LSU is a 230 game next week.; 9:31 AM
LuvAU41 said...: Eddie, a friend of mine wanted to stoke your FU Tuberville flames even more. There is a lot of gobbeldy gook to go through. It was confusing to me. The most important part is under the comment section: "Some points about Auburn's percieved "doing less with more..."

AU's Recruiting Woes; 9:34 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: an off-week mid season? what's that FSJ?; 9:35 AM
LuvAU41 said...: Scottie B, AU certainly doesn't know what that is and won't next year either.; 9:39 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: Luv, those are depressing statistics. i had no idea, wow. thanks for posting.; 9:41 AM
KJtiger said...: Luv that is a scary analysis. Those diamonds in the rough really panned out. HA HA The falling asleep at the recruiting wheel is so true. TT phoned it in after 2005 and it is now showing up.; 9:43 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Luv- I saw that earlier. Interesting analysis, but it would even better if they didn't change star values and re-evaluated each class the past 5 years by who was on the team and who never showed up or made it. Our ranking will continue to plumet in that analysis until they get to this class that we are about to sign. Also, as much as everyone hear hates it, Bama will be near the top in a couple of years of that same statistic once Saban's 1st full class thru 5 hit. It's hard to win without players which reminds me of something....FU TUBERVILLE!; 9:50 AM
Seanzie said...: We need more talent. That's an understatement. It was clear that we didn't have the athletes to hang with LSU. They've underachieved, for sure, but they had the horses all along. We don't.; 9:51 AM
digger4au said...: LUV
I didn't mean to scare you the day I dropped by your Tent. J/K of coarse but you did disappear from HABOTN shortly after that meeting. Glad to see you back.
I enjoy reading the pluses and the minuses but it would be a lot better without personl attacks.
Keep the faith and WAR DAMN EAGLE.; 9:55 AM
KJtiger said...: Do you (the board) believe that our troubles are more player execution (talent) or coaching? Or maybe a mix? I wish I could see a view of the whole field when the wrs run out on plays. I have a hard problem believing todd just turned into a statue out there. I beleive it may be both but I think the wrs are not getting open and todd has no where to go. Thoughts?; 9:56 AM
JD said...: I am mad that I ever thought to defend FCTT as a guy who turns 3 star athletes into 5 star athletes. It really irritates me that he tried to sell the AU Family that load of BS when he knew good and well we trusted him!; 9:56 AM
JD said...: KJ, as mad as I was a Chris Todd after last weeks preformance when I replayed the game I noticed that many times he did not have a chance go properly go through his progressions. This OL has regressed again IMHO. Many of these guys started as True Frosh and is is remarkable to believe that they have actually gotten worse from the point they all started 3 years ago.; 9:58 AM
LuvAU41 said...: Thanks, Digger!; 9:59 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: FLIP IT!; 10:01 AM