Hey everyone. So I was reading CNBC this morning and today is the day most major credit companies will disclose their Q3 numbers.Shouldn't we do something similar for Auburn at the season's middle mark? We'll soon be entering Q3 of the season. It's a parallel. Basically the same. A keen segue.
BEATING EXPECTATIONS
- OT Andrew McCain: The guy spent four years at Auburn before he sniffed the starting lineup, which made people like me wonder if McCain could play at all. Answer: Yes. He's been flagged for one penalty this season and has been beaten for one sack as well. If you think about how he's played 95% of the Tigers' 446 snaps this season, that's a remarkably stable performance.
- TB/FB Eric Smith: He played last season and some people believed they were looking at Rudi Johnson Jr. I thought he looked more like Cencade Pennington Jr. Regardless, it's obvious that Smith's broad base of skills (he's a good blocker, a good runner and a surprisingly intuitive receiver) makes him an ideal fit in that utility-back role Gus Malzahn often employs. I still don't envision Smith as a featured SEC back, but he clearly will hold down a high-profile role as long as Malzahn is around.
- LB Adam Herring: I didn't think he would play again. He was out for so long and, honestly, I heard almost nothing about Herring prior to his move into the starting lineup. Herring has emerged as a competent and useful guy on the weak side. It's rare that I see him make a great play. It's rare that I see him miss a tackle. Ted Roof is OK with that combination.
- Honorable mention: TE Tommy Trott, S Daren Bates, coach Jeff Grimes, WR Darvin Adams.
NOT BEATING EXPECTATIONS
- WR Tim Hawthorne: I know he was hurt. He was cleared a month ago, though, and actually started against West Virginia. I expected him to become a No. 3 guy and have at least 10 catches by now. He has zero. Malzahn was asked about Hawthorne earlier this week and said Hawthorne was "full throttle" at practice. Weird.
- LB Eltoro Freeman: He was outstanding during his lone junior-college season and throughout high school. It was reasonable to expect Freeman to slide into Auburn's lineup. He hasn't done that. Teammates say Freeman tries to be too perfect on the field, which apparently is a problem. Freeman has returned from a self-imposed week of exile. Perhaps that provided clarity of mind and purpose.
- TE Phillip Lutzenkircken: He was a major recruit known for his receiving acumen. He has caught two balls this season, though one was for a touchdown. Two things are working against him right now: An injured left knee and Tommy Trott's dramatic increase in value. Still, I thought Lutzenkirchen was a made-to-order receiver. It looks like he has plenty of technique work ahead.
stay focused
ReplyDelete?
ReplyDeleteBeaten.
ReplyDeleteI would classify smiths hands as Great when compared to running backs...
ReplyDeleteHe has a broad base of skills. Yes.
ReplyDeleteyup, Eric Smith has been a pleasant surprise.
ReplyDeletewouldn't Darvin Adams (my boy--holla!) qualify as exceeding expectations? i had no idea he would be such a threat. catching passes is one thing but going out of the way to out-leap defenders and fight for the ball is something else. and i like it.
I'll add him to HM.
ReplyDeleteHe's been good, though Tuberville always told me DA would be good. I guess that's why I didn't include him.
ReplyDeleteGood list on beating expectations. If Troot had caught more, he deserves that main recognition. He plays about 90+% every down now. His blocking downfiled has been outstanding.
ReplyDeleteGrimes is hands down the biggest surprise of the coaches. Pretty good recruiter also.
JGT - The Bull was known as a big hitter in HS but was out of position way too often on many plays. You can get by with that in HS but not at this level. I was hoping he would have corrected that in JC ball.
ReplyDeleteGrimes is busting his butt behind the scenes on recruiting. He's a key player.
ReplyDeleteI was playing by myself on the other thread.
ReplyDeleteRepost:
Kathy,
I would love for you to come by. We will get there around 10:30 am or so. We are on the green lawn behind Lowder and in front of Miller. Anyone is welcome. And next game we will party at the condo! Woo Hoo!!!
I think the whole OL should be on the list.
ReplyDeleteCincy, are dogs named for former AU All-Americans allowed at your tailgate?
ReplyDeleteWes Byrum probably should be on there after his horrid season last year.
ReplyDeleteI tried to be selective, RK. Why don't you share your list with us?
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about coaches busting their butt recruiting.
ReplyDeletehaha. RK just got the JGT stiff arm!
ReplyDeleteSomeone asked about the DL/OL recruits for 2010. I think AU is taking in 5 OL and they feel good about getitng all of them. One may defect to UT but that should be the only one they lose, if any.They have the backup guy waiting if that happens.
ReplyDeleteAU takes on 3 DL and 4 DE and 5 LB's. From what I was told, all have said they are coming no matter what you hear otherwise.
I wouldn't say Lutz has failed to meet any reasonable expectations ... despite the fact that folks seemed to think he was going to step in and dominate, I think he's done pretty good in the times that he's been used (which has not been often). There are some positions true freshmen can step in in the SEC and make an impact, i.e. DB and RB. TE is not one of those.
ReplyDeleteMe too Cincy! I was actually typing a question regarding Lutaenkircken when I realized there was a new thread. Scary weird. :-/.
ReplyDeleteThe best thing is that all but 1 recruit looks to qualify for the coming year. That is a far cry from the previous few classes.
ReplyDeletethat will be a good thing.
OK on to beating UK.
The fact that Trott is catching anything is a major improvement.
ReplyDeleteI think UK is going to walk into a buzzsaw this weekend.
ReplyDeletewtc - that's fantastic news. I'm waitin till February though.
ReplyDeleteSensi, Trott could always make a ridiculous catch, but the easy ones killed him. I never understood that.
ReplyDeleteBeating Expectations- Wes Byrum
ReplyDeleteNot Beating Expectations- Zac Etheridge
Here is what I expected from Etheridge: Lots of bad angles, lots of overrun tackles. He's met expectations, IMO.
ReplyDeleteexcellent Q3 report, Analyst Tate. So...how have the markets responded?
ReplyDeleteperhaps Trott got so used to catching crappy throws he didn't understand the technique on a good one.
ReplyDeletewtc,
ReplyDeleteThat was me asking about OL/DL recruiting. I appreciate the good information you provide.
Things sound very positive regarding AU recruiting.
Repost question/statement from my FB status:This time next week I'll be in LA picking up a rental car. We'll be in LA for a few days, drive to Vegas to meet up with the resy of my bachelor party for a few days, then back to LA for a couple of more days. Should we get the extra $15 insurance?
ReplyDeleteYes.
ReplyDeleteIn fairness to Wes, I don't think he's beating the expectations that had been placed on him last year. I'm extremely happy that he was able to get things worked out though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing wtc. Gives us something else to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteI'm just surprised we haven't seen more of Lutz since they've already burned his redshift.
We need players that can come in Jan and fill some of last year's schollys.
FYI. Excuse my typos. I'm on the iPhone.
wtc - Can you tell us many running backs are they gonna sign?
ReplyDeleteGood article today, Jay.
I'll do that...
ReplyDeleteI agree with your list, but I would have the whole OL as performing above expectations and Byrum as well.
As far as under expectations I'd put The Bull, PPL, Blake and Benton.
articles, sorry.
ReplyDeleteGot a funeral today during the chat. Ya'll have fun.
Scottie,
ReplyDeleteJust sharing my opinion...that seems to get me in trouble on here lately.
coosa-2 is what they want.
ReplyDeleteNo qb's.
No fullbacks.
Int. Public Offering - PPL
ReplyDeleteAUfan,
ReplyDeleteI don't have overly high expectations for Ethridge so he didn't finish above or below my expectations.
PF - of course not. Unless you will be taking the car to Mexico.
ReplyDeleteI'll hold on the PPL buying...at this point he is a penny stock. Will reevaluate on Sunday.
ReplyDeletejust kiddin' ya RK. i couldn't resist.
ReplyDeleteOh I know, I wear the target proudly.
ReplyDeleteWORK=Annoying
ReplyDeleteWERK=not annoying
Who needs Rivals when we have wtc?...I don't really caee to follow recruiting, but I love some good news.
ReplyDeletethat was much nicer than my intended post which might have been taken the wrong way, like so many others
ReplyDeleteTHT,
ReplyDeleteI thank you for your support. I'm always proud to be far less annoying than work.
THT,
ReplyDeleteSo you are saying your post was originally supposed to be mean to me?
:-)
scottie iron,
ReplyDeleteThey are very welcome if they can play nicely with my granddogs, Zeke (Sheltie) and Nick (Golden Retriever). The pups like having friends over.
Mexico would not shock me , knowing my friends and brother.
ReplyDeleteTHT,Mexico would not shock me , knowing my friends and brother.
ReplyDeletedarn double posts. when is HABOTN mobile coming?
ReplyDeleteUser error, Pete?
ReplyDeleteCincy, we'll give it a shot. if he misbehaves we'll scoot. if you see me wander past yell NO DROPS!
ReplyDeleteThere needs to be a HABOTN signal like the Bat signal that goes up in the sky before tailgating starts so everyone knows where to meet.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the game this weekend will not be another 8 Yuengling episode like last week. Well I hope it is, just for the UK fans.
ReplyDeletePPLToro ... not meeting expectations
ReplyDeleteJames Swinton ... not meeting expectations.
Raven Gray ... meeting expectations.
WERK, I nominate you project manager for the HABOTN light.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Aubrey Phillips on the expectations list?
ReplyDeleteSnacks ...
ReplyDeleteContact your insurance agent and check and see if your policy covers auto rentals. It probably does. However, purchase an "umbrella" policy from your agent to cover any other "extra liability" you might incur on this trip or any other garden variety weekend. A $2 million policy might be in order.
Your friend,
Jet
Sean,
ReplyDeleteI'll be right on it. Is it ok if the signal is a scrip letter A and and elephant?
Chris Zinn-meeting expectations
ReplyDeleteHendrick Leverette-not meeting expectations
Brandon Earl-met expectations also.
Sure, but if the mob shows up, I'm bailing.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Pinkerton has got to be the most underrated Weezer album. What sayeth the rest of the Weezer fans?
ReplyDeleteDowns exceeded my expectations on his 20 seconds behind the play late hit on Ball State.
ReplyDeleteSean,
ReplyDeleteThe Scrip A is for Auburn and the elephant is to never forget.
WERK - I was going to suggest you go play in traffic and stop annoying all the Hotties. I would have been kidding, of course, but that may not have come across in the post.
ReplyDeleteJet- I think Eltoro is meeting Blackmon's expectations.
Where are they now:
ReplyDeleteZac Hutch
Ulysses ALexander
Mike Harness
Rex Sharpe
Brain West
All from the 2005 class.
THT,
ReplyDeleteI would have been cool with it.
I mentioned last week that Downs's grandfather has his name on a building at AU.
ReplyDeleteJust sayin'.
I'm still waiting on Evander Holyfield Jr. to meet expectations.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Downs has been back inside Jordan-Hare since.
ReplyDeleteSean - to quote someone's (Eddie's?) daughter, "Bad A, Bad A!!!"
wtc,
ReplyDeleteThat's all you need to say.
Hutch is the only name on that list I even remember.
ReplyDeleteMaybe downs has been back in J-H...in his grandfather's suite.
For some reason I remember the names Ulysses Alexander and Rex Sharpe, but no idea why.
ReplyDeleteConfucius say: sometimes player rarely seen missing tackle because player rarely in position to make tackle.
ReplyDeletemaybe Holyfield will KO a UA-T player and make us all happy.
ReplyDeleteMichael- you bring back fond memories of my father. Nobody could make up Confuscious quotes like Dad, AU'39,'42.
ReplyDeleteFreeman reminds me of that girlfriend whose free spirit and zest for life led you to think she was awesome, but then it turned out she was an emotional nutcase.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what this means for his football career. I married an emotional nutcase, so I can attest they are useful.
oops, I spilled an s and an o on the screen. Someone get me a paper towel quick!
ReplyDeleteso did my wife
ReplyDeletemichaeleel,
ReplyDeleteThought of you this morning as I was getting on the interstate....
There was a man standing near the access ramp with a big sign on his back, an umbrella attached to his coat some way, rain boots, and a puppet attached to his chest. I took a picture. Had to be done. I will upload it later.
Any time I type Michael's name I'm always saying it in my head like GOB would say to his brother Michael on Arrested Development.
ReplyDeleteLunch time here in the Nooga.
ReplyDeleteMy father's name is on the plaque regarding the construction of Beard-Eaves Coliseum, but I don't think that qualifies ElTurbo to play hoops at AU.
ReplyDeleteThen again, he shoots 20 percent from the free throw line.
I think we ought to give the Downs kid a break. Rich family, he could have just joined a frat, chased girls, and gone to the games drunk. That's what most kids in his position do.
ReplyDeleteInstead he's out there getting beat up every week on the scout team. And from the way he played, he was really excited about getting to wear the AU uniform and play on that field.
I don't know a thing about him, but I admire him for trying.
I'm not criticizing anybody for criticizing him on the late hit, that was one of the worst ones I've ever seen. But at least he is out there. I never was.
I'm out for a while. Be back later this afternoon. If it is important, someone fb me.
ReplyDeleteMy stock ups/downs
ReplyDeleteUp
McCain and Smith are great picks. Who thought Smith would contribute in any way this season after the fight?
For my third, it is hard between Adams, Bates, and Todd… but I think Todd is the biggest surprise. Who knew the arm would heal like that?
Down
Freeman and Hawthorne certainly fit the bill there. I give Lutz a pass because he is a true freshman, and 5 stars or not, I don’t go into a season expecting anything out of a true freshman.
For my third, I would say… boy this is hard. The team really has exceeded expectations. I will cheat and go with a combo – Goggans and Coleman. I really thought they would get to the QB more than they have. Coleman has more skill, but Goggans has more 1 on 1 opportunities. So they get my third spot together.
Did this thread die because WERK went to lunch or because Brother Jet can't even hit 20% of his free thows??
ReplyDeletewarped minds want to know.
FSJ - I can't wait to see that picture
ReplyDeletehomeless puppets?????!!! what is wrong with this world?????
ReplyDeleteIt's not dead just asleep.
ReplyDeleteCancel my above thread.
Jay G - you seem really high on Grimes as a coach, from his recruiting to his teaching of technique. Is he upward mobile, or do you think he will stay at AU for awhile?
ReplyDeleteCiao Hotties
ReplyDeleteHi THT 2.0
ReplyDeletecinco de mayo, 2.0.
ReplyDeleteSee, I know Swedish too.
2.0 is off to get supper after reading the HABOTN threads and catching up on the Penguins. We had a nice long chat. I miss 2.0. She misses hockey and American grocery stores.
ReplyDeleteSaw this Trooper quote: "you had better have the right players on the field to run the Malzahn "O train" when the play is called"... "You guy's have only seen him on the sidelines calm and collected. I've seen him very upset with his cap on backwards"!
ReplyDeleteTHT2.0 vivete in Italia? Sono geloso…
ReplyDeleteHow long is 2.0 scheduled to be in Italy?
ReplyDeleteDL - THT2.0 is studying in Florence for another 5+ months.
ReplyDeleteel foofarey poopley pompkin
ReplyDeleteT"hen again, he shoots 20 percent from the free throw line"
ReplyDeleteJet,
That would make him a starter for Lebo.
Dang Michael, there some shore nuff foreign talkin'.
ReplyDeleteMTD - Michael is practicing up to be an international playboy or a double-nought spy. He's given up on the brain surgery and short order cooking.
ReplyDeleteNICE!!! Viva Italia...
ReplyDeleteMy sister got to do that and I took every opp to visit.. I would bus tables in Italy if I thought I could support mi Familia
DL - you can't just go wherever you want, whenever you want? Boy, I need to rethink this whole being a dictator dream.
ReplyDeleteWell I think we are setting up at our regular tailgate spot again this week. I wish people would make up their minds....
ReplyDeleteWho says I gave up on brain surgery and short order cooking, Norm? I am a great multi-tasker.
ReplyDeleteI also am raising a grizzly bear at the moment.
Michael is joking.
ReplyDeletemichael........
ReplyDeleteyou are better than any pill or bottle of medicine for what ails ya
you make my endorphins jump for joy!!!!!
Thanks kresteenih. Harrison really hates bears, and I didn't want him to think less of me.
ReplyDeleteK, it is/was your birthday. u just call the shots. problem solved.
ReplyDeleteGetting high off michael is fun, but dangerous. Remember, too much michael causes cancer, missinit.
ReplyDeleteat least I'll die laughing....
ReplyDelete(that awesome girlfriend=emotional nutcase comment just tickled me to death...just put a fork in me!)
That analogy really fits the Freeman situation. You know, early on in the relationship, you are running around with the fun free spirited girl, jumping over fences to go play with some horses at some random barn, or climbing on top of the dry cleaner business that has a trampoline like roof fixture... so fun and so wacky, just like Freeman was during fall practice. He was talking on the time, his teammates were like "He is so emotional and encouraging and gets us fired up," etc.
ReplyDeleteWell, then you forget to call her one night (or take Freeman out of the UT game), and all of a sudden you don't love her/him anymore and you had always been faking it and you are a bad boyfriend/coach and we're finished, no wait, three days later we're not finished after all.
And eventually, you get married/Freeman is an All-SEC linebacker.
or you realize she is a nutjob and you run out of the room screaming. i.e. cut him.
ReplyDeleteRK ...
ReplyDeleteFor Evander Holyfield Jr., to meet expectations, he would have to father a community the size of Loachapoka.
DL - I'm guessing if you bussed tables in Italia, you could at least make enough to turn on the lights at night. That would be a step up from running NK.
ReplyDeleteWatson Downs is a stand-up, solid person. That makes him okay in my book.
ReplyDeleteSadly, I think the puppet this morning had a Bama hat on.
ReplyDeletesittin' here just a wishin' we had a Tracy Rocker and Stanley McClover on our DL. Then we wouldn't need the blitzes we aren't using.
ReplyDeleteGive it time THT, especially based off of what wtc was saying earlier this morning. I'm excited about the present with this time, but more excited about the future.
ReplyDeleteteam, not time
ReplyDeleteI cannot ever remember Auburn's defense being in the shape that it is currently in. Jay's article really lays it out. Our offense is going to have to win a lot of games for us.
ReplyDeleteSteve, 1995 (Wayne Hall's last year) is a year where I seem to remember our defense being very unlike Auburn on defense.
ReplyDeleteSteve, can you please change your handle to Captain "SteveFC" Obvious?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
The Management
I'm kidding, by the way.
ReplyDeleteE-Bro,
ReplyDelete1995 was a rough year for the D, but we played tons of freshman on D that year if I remember correctly.
A Captain of anything would be quite a promotion. Still well below Queen, mind you.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it Captain Obvious? Why not Sergeant First Class, Lietenant, Major, General, etc.?
ReplyDeleteE-Bro ...
ReplyDeleteI remember the '95 game in Athens when Wayne told Bowden to go for it on fourth and short in our own territory in the fourth quarter ... not because the defense could stop them from scoring in a short field, but because the defense couldn't stop them from scoring on any field.
Hines Ward was a man that day. Six weeks later, Wayne Hall was off the payroll.
Excuse me, not coaching anymore.
None of them have the ring of "Captain".
ReplyDeleteRK, kudos btw on your earlier reference from Arrested Development.
ReplyDeleteI'll go ahead and say it. The funniest show I've ever watched.
Arrested Development was/is ausome.
ReplyDeleteYeah Jet, if I remember correctly, the only time we gave up less than 20 points in an SEC game was Ole Miss in the first (Tubs' first game at that), and LSU in the Bring Back the Majic Game that we lost.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, Kentucky got 21, MSU got 20, Florida got 49, Arkansas got in the mid 30s, Georgia got in the mid 30s, and Bama got 27. Penn State got 43 in the bowl game. Enter Brother Oliver.
Even back in 95 it wasn't like this. As Jay points out in his article, it isn't just we have 77 on scholarship. It is that too many of those 77 are offensive players. Yea, we had less talent in the later Bowden years, but I can never remember us having this little depth, even back in the 70s.
ReplyDeleteI liked Wayne Hall. I thought getting rid of him was part of the end of Bowden.
ReplyDeleteYeah Scottie, I have the complete series on DVD and just continue run through each season time and again. It seems there is always a subtle bit of humor I missed because I was laughing so hard and long the first time.
ReplyDeleteE-Bro ...
ReplyDeleteThat bowl game was the most rain I've ever seen. Period.
Stephen Davis was running like a mad man and then got hurt. Our plan after that was to make Pat Nix try to run the spread, roll out and throw.
It didn't go well.
I have the entire Arrested Development series on DVD as well. They are apparently making a movie, so it least it's not dead.
ReplyDeleteI was at the Outback Bowl as well and that was a miserable time.
That was back when JoePa had an insane win-loss record in bowl games and that was Bowden's first bowl game. Got his little hiney spanked good and proper.
ReplyDeleteAs for Davis, I've always heard it that he took himself out of the game to protect his pro-career. He was cleared to go back in. Can't say I necessarily blame him.
I'll admit I took myself out of the game early as well.
ReplyDeleteI bet Bush Gardens was fun, though.
ReplyDeleteSo, favorite Arrested Development character?
ReplyDeleteMine changed many times over the show, but I'd have to say GOB was my favorite.
Ooh, that's a tough question RK. Probably changed week to week between Gob, Michael, George Michael, George Bluth, Sr., and Tobias. Such a great cast of characters.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, when I get on HABOTN late in the day, I discover some interesting topic in a thread from several hours earlier that has been subsequently dropped, so I don't know if I should pick it back up or not.
ReplyDeleteWhat the h3ll, I'll do it anyway.
This might be the reason why you remember Ulysses Alexander's name:
Uni High
Tobias would probably be a close #2 for my favorite.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's favorite never-nude.
Ah yes, University High. That's why I remember him.
ReplyDeleteah, the never-nude. hilarious.
ReplyDeleteand don't forget, "There's always money in the banana stand."
That Fünke is some kind of something. Boy, this Fünke is all anybody’s ever talking about. So sick and tired of hearing about how brilliant that Fünke is. Overrated.
ReplyDeleteTobias "I just blue myself."
ReplyDeleteMichael "what...nevermind"
Gob's treatise on Rock, Paper, Scissors:
ReplyDeleteThere's not a lot of logic to it. It's kind of like on a boat with "Women and children first." I mean, why should they...
Tobias: Even if it means taking a chubby, I will suck it up.
ReplyDeleteWe have a picture with you with Saddam Huisein.
ReplyDelete"Oh, I thought that was the guy who played the Soup Nazi, I told him I liked his work."
I'm ticked to this day Arrested Development was pulled. The laugh/show ratio was off the charts.
ReplyDeleteWhat's great about that scene is when George says a picture with Saddam is career suicide and then they screen cuts away to a picture of Saddam and Rumsfield in the 80s and they cut back to Michael who says, "Not always."
ReplyDeleteAt the end of the episode where Michael asked Tobias to record himself to see what he sounds like,
ReplyDeleteTobias - "Tobias, you blowhard!"
Gob and Kitty hooking up:
ReplyDeleteGob: Take off your glasses. Oh... wait, wait. Let down your hair. No, glasses on, hair back up. Let's just get that hair right back up.
Kitty: Let me turn the lights off.
Gob: Yes, yes, please.
Kitty: How's that? Is that better?
Gob: It just seems like there's still light coming in from under the door.
Tobias "I'll call the Hot Cops and tell them to dress up as something better themed. Hot sailors, maybe. Or better yet, hot sea.."
ReplyDeleteMichael "I like hot sailors."
Tobias "Mmmm. Me too. "
At Prison:
ReplyDeleteBarry Zuckerkorn: Are all the guys in here... you know? [referencing gay inmates]
George Sr.: Oh, no, no. No, not all of them.
Barry Zuckerkorn: Yeah. It's never the ones you hope.
George Sr.: Hope?
Barry Zuckerkorn: Think.
JGT representing in the Bluegrass : KENTUCKY.COM LOVES THE HABOTN
ReplyDelete