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2.02.2010

My journey heads east

Hey everyone. I soon will begin my trip toward Spartanburg, S.C., where tailback Marcus Lattimore will make his decision between Auburn and South Carolina later today.

As I have said before, I am going for the story. Don't read too much into my decision to go. I'm not going because I'm 100% sold on him choosing Auburn. I'm going because ESPN says he's the nation's top tailback recruit and this situation has intrigued me since last summer.

Lattimore's announcement is scheduled for 5 p.m. CST. I'll update you if that changes.

Photo credit: Greenville (S.C.) News

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

419 Comments:

Eddie McCoy said...: No Lattimore Auburn Commitment, but Safe Journeys!; 7:14 AM
Unknown said...: I just installed a linux version of chrome called chromium. The obvious first thing I miss is the ability in firefox to zoom in. Does Chrome have this? It is one of the neat features of firefox because it zooms both text and graphics.; 7:17 AM
Unknown said...: Jay, I hope you have reserved a spot in that church. It sounds like it will be packed.; 7:18 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I'll be there early, that's for sure.; 7:18 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: I see where Jeffrey Lee has chosen to stay home for this one. Read into that what you will.

Like I said, I'm going for the story. I want to see this.; 7:19 AM
Jet said...: Drive carefully.; 7:20 AM
Norm said...: Steve - Chrome does zoom by "CTRL+", and "CTRL-" will zoom out. This is extremely useful to me while I still experience vision issues.; 7:20 AM
Norm said...: Don't know anything about the beta version of Chrome. The version I've been on for about 9 months works just fine for me. In my personal experience, beta versions of something have all the faults/problems/irritations/bugs/security holes/etc that say a 2.0 does not. The differences and improvements between 2.0 and beta can be staggering. Of course, in my personal experience, "beta" and "2.0" refers to wives. So, it may not be exactly the same thing.; 7:20 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: Have a safe trip, Jay G! I will be interested in reading your story!

I don't know the story, but it's not fair to Lattimore to put that much pressure on him. It should be his choice where he goes to college - esp. when there is scholarship involved - and whoever it is that's applying all this pressure should support him 100% in whatever decision he makes.; 7:21 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Luv- Too bad family and friends have agendas, but I agree completely with you.; 7:23 AM
ehyou said...: I'm sure his heart tells him to stay close to family & friends.

His head should tell him that he will have much more opportunity to shine at Auburn.

I hope the head pounds the heart into submission.; 7:23 AM
Unknown said...: Thanks Norm. That works great and is just like firefox. I should have just tried it:)

Chrome does seem to be very fast. I will probably go back to firefox, but this may grow on me.; 7:25 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: LOL at your last sentence, ehyou!

Family and friends' only agenda should be the happiness and success of their loved one.; 7:25 AM
FSJ said...: Jay....I think you have one of the most interesting jobs on earth. Have a safe trip.; 7:26 AM
Unknown said...: Lattimore lives over an hour from Columbia, if I remember correctly. I am not sure the driving time from Auburn but I would guess it was over 5 hours.

He has said he wants somewhere like where he has been playing, a small town. If that is the case, Auburn would be the answer.

I do hope he just chooses whatever is best for him. He seems like a genuinely good kid. I do fear he will become a "rented mule" if he heads to South Carolina.; 7:30 AM
ehyou said...: Things to do today:

1. Add Shane Corn's name to the idiot list.

Check; 7:32 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: He will be the main back at USCe, but will Spurrier commit to the run? Spurrier is set in his ways and I think it will be hard for him to become a running team, something he has never done.; 7:32 AM
Unknown said...: Who is Shane Corn, or do I want to know?; 7:32 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: For those of you that have used both, what are the advantages/disadvantages of Firefox vs. Chrome?; 7:33 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, Lattimore has been described as a very good receiver, so that may fit him. He has been described as like Ronnie Brown, a very versatile guy.

I also watched him in the HS championship game. His HS offense looks much closer to ours than it does SCs.; 7:35 AM
mytommyd said...: He's going to wait until 5pm?!?! Call me nutty, but if he didn't want all this pressure, just commit early, right? And now he's going to wait until 5pm on the day before NSD to make an announcement. Not that I blame him, but I think he might be digging all this attention, errr, I mean pressure.; 7:35 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Steve- I agree with you. He is much better suited in our offense as opposed to USCe. Oh well. Let's hope we close out on Lemonier and Jones. I wish WTC's mom was right on this one, but this maybe the 2nd miss, but it's not a miss if info changed, which apparently, it did.; 7:37 AM
ehyou said...: Chrome seems faster to me. I like Chrome's tabs better. The incognito feature is very cool for work and public computers.; 7:38 AM
Unknown said...: I like firefox because it is quick, easy to use, and is extremely configurable. There are tons of plugins and customization features.

I just installed Chromium, similar to Chrome, and it appears to be very sleek looking without a menu bar at the top and is extremely quick, faster than firefox from my initial impressions. Chrome seems like it has lots going for it in terms of simplicity and performance. I do like Google and like their development philosophy. I am assuming Chrome will have some advantages with having tools available at google for it, but I am guessing.; 7:39 AM
Jet said...: Don't be hatin' on Latt.

If I had been so lucky to have been recruited, I would have brought a shotgun and then yelled "PULL!" blasting UAT and UGA hats out of the air before slapping the AU hat on my head.; 7:40 AM
Unknown said...: The other big difference in Chrome is that when you refresh the page, you stay where you are. Firefox might be able to do that, but it doesn't by default. I kind of like it.

Chrome's zooming is just as good as Firefox, but quicker. Bother are much better than Internet Explorer.; 7:42 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: FSJ- Happy Birthday!; 7:52 AM
ehyou said...: Well shucks, I didn't realize.

Have a good one FSJ.; 7:53 AM
Anonymous said...: This Latt thing has been very interesting to watch. We are a #3 class without him. And everyone keeps saying we lost him, and we never had him. Fun stuff.

FSJ - Happy BDAY my good man!; 7:55 AM
mytommyd said...: Not hatin' just noticin'; 7:57 AM
Scott Coats said...: I think speed is the #1 attribute of Chrome vs. Firefox. much faster load times.; 7:57 AM
mytommyd said...: And Happy Birthday FSJ. Kinda surprised you released the iPad before you're birthday though; 7:58 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: Thanks for the input, guys! I just downloaded Chrome at home yesterday, so I think I'll stick with it.; 8:02 AM
Scott Coats said...: I like the newer beta version. It allows extensions. Chromed Bird is a great one if you use Twitter much.; 8:05 AM
Unknown said...: I decided to look and see if there was a way for firefox to remember where you are on a page when you refresh. I ran across something called SessionSaver which seems to work on every page except the blog comments, which is what I wanted it for. Now that is some ironic irony I could do without.; 8:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Look at all you IT techie geeks. Very nice!; 8:08 AM
martini35504 said...: So far, everyone is predicting that we will go 0 for 3 on Lemonier, Lattimore, and Jones. What are the backup plans? Cyanide pills anyone? :); 8:12 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: what happened on the drive to work? The mood in here went down the toilet.

all you doomsayers need to get a grip. I wasn't aware Lattimore announced at 6 a.m. I thought he was announcing (for Auburn) at 6 p.m.; 8:14 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: You tell 'em, Tar Heel!; 8:15 AM
Unknown said...: From what I have seen, Lemonier is ours. Jones seems to be, too. Lattimore is probably the most iffy.
I don't think there needs to be a backup plan, other than possibly picking up another DL. We already have a solid class.; 8:15 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: THT- You are setting yourself for a big fall. Be careful of that trap.; 8:16 AM
Unknown said...: Some have wondered if Ambles might end up choosing us, which is interesting, but if we don't get any more commitments, this class fills our needs.; 8:17 AM
Norm said...: Y'all should take my position; I expect the worst, that way in a worst-case scenario, I'm not disappointed and if it's anything other than worst-case scenario then I'm definitely pleased.; 8:19 AM
martini35504 said...: Of course, we are oversigning anyway, and would have to send some to JUCO or grayshirt them. So if any that sign elsewhere don't qualify, that would provide some sense of satisfaction.; 8:19 AM
martini35504 said...: Are Jones & Lemonier both announcing tomorrow?; 8:21 AM
mytommyd said...: Ya know what kids, I'm going to trust in Coach Chizik and his remarkable coaching staff. We're gonna be just fine.; 8:21 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: ....resist temptation to read...too much into.....JG's arrival in SC.....

whew.; 8:24 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: Is any Auburn fan not trusting in Chizik and his staff right now?; 8:24 AM
Seanzie said...: Eddie, that's terrible substance to start this thread.; 8:26 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: Story for you:

A guy I just x-rayed saw my AU ID clip and said "War Eagle!" I asked him what happened and he said he had fallen off scaffolding 15ft onto the pavement. This happened a week ago in Shreveport. They only kept him in the hospital there two days and sent him home. He was hurting so bad yesterday that he came to our ER. He said, "That's what LSU fans will get you." I laughed and asked, "So, the doctor was an LSU fan?" He said, "Everyone in that hospital was." I said, "UGH. That's ALMOST as bad as all of them being UAT fans." He agreed.; 8:27 AM
Seanzie said...: How can information change from late last night to early this morning?; 8:27 AM
Unknown said...: Eddie, I am pretty sure nobody is screaming at the airport any longer:) I wonder how that guy feels now.; 8:27 AM
Anonymous said...: I have heard nothing that we go 0-3; 8:27 AM
Unknown said...: Yea, I haven't seen that 0-3 prediction anywhere. Also, I haven't seen anyone predict we don't get Lemonier.; 8:29 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: I'm already thrilled with who Auburn has so far. If a couple are lost, I'm not going to be disappointed. Just look what Chizik and Co. did with what they had last year.; 8:30 AM
Anonymous said...: Luv - I think you can say goodbye to DJ; 8:30 AM
Unknown said...: I am still thinking we get Coleman, too. Nothing seems to indicate he changed his mind other than some young guy at Miami. I don't buy it.; 8:31 AM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: Hear that folks, JG's using CODE WORDS!!! Thanks for the heads up, Jay. Nice to have Lattimore in the fold.; 8:33 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: Like I said, I'm not disappointed by any that are lost at this point - just as long as the ones that have verbally committed send in their LOI! This class is way better than any I've seen since I've lived here.; 8:34 AM
martini35504 said...: For what it's worth:

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1046679; 8:37 AM
martini35504 said...: For whats it's worth part 2:

http://recruiting.scout.com/2/939802.html; 8:40 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: IN CHIZ I TRUST.; 8:40 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: martini - you must be shaken and trying to stir up something.

I don't see wtc's mom on that list!

This is really sad. For someone like me, who always poor mouths so as not to be disappointed if my inner hopes are dashed, to have to come here and have to spout positive thoughts is just disappointing.

We are going to get Lattimore, Lemonier, Jones, and Coleman.; 8:45 AM
Seanzie said...: For the record, ESPN says the best running back recruit is Michael Dyer and is ranked No. 7 overall at any position. Lattimore is the second best tailback according to ESPN.

ESPNU 150; 8:45 AM
stupup74 said...: I just want to keep Coleman. It would be nice to get the big DE. I would love to have Lattimore, but if goes to SC, then lets take that spot and get some more DBs.; 8:47 AM
wtc said...: Some of these poster need a Tony Robbins cd to listen to. AU is doing well. Nothing has changed. We pass TX in the. Rankings after today. Maybe.; 8:47 AM
martini35504 said...: From my neck of the woods:

Could Cordova's Ryan Smith change schools Wednesday?

http://blog.al.com/segrest/2010/02/post_7.html; 8:47 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Thank you, wtc.; 8:49 AM
martini35504 said...: Listen, I'm thrilled to be where we are, if we don't sign another guy I'll be happy. I'm not predicting this, just showing you what others think. This is as interested in recruiting as I have ever been. But, honestly, to think we're going to get everyone we want that is left is unrealistic and if you were to walk into the AU Athletic complex, I'm sure you would see a Plan B on the recruiting boards.; 8:50 AM
Michael Seale said...: A quote in an ESPN Article yesterday(http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/notebook?page=notebook/signingdaypreview2010) about Lemonier, "something about this this situation has said "seminole' for a while now", he predicts us to go 0-2 with Latt and Lemonier, but I don't buy into that all that, I will just wait for the next two days to play out; 8:50 AM
wtc said...: Smith was in last week. He is plan B.; 8:51 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: can any of yall imagine a year ago us debating how high in the Top 5 of the recruiting rankings we would be come signing day? amazing isn't it?; 8:53 AM
mytommyd said...: Nope. I've decided we're getting everyone we want :); 8:53 AM
Anonymous said...: I think AU is doing Outstanding!; 8:54 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: there you have it. mytommyd has made an executive decision and all you worrywarts have to abide by it!; 8:55 AM
Anonymous said...: wtc - were you not going to be out until "after" signing day?

Just askin' I figure you can't stay away!; 8:56 AM
wtc said...: I am not calling anyone out. I just think we land Lemonier and I still feel good about Lattimore. Maybe he goes elsewhere but I say we get until we don't.; 8:56 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I wonder how high we can get the post count before JGT gets to his destination.; 8:56 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i'm thinking 400 or so THT.; 8:57 AM
mytommyd said...: By the way I took at last year around this time. There was a lot of talk on how Nutt was going to sign all those kids. Pretty interesting stuff from last year.; 8:58 AM
Anonymous said...: I think I just heard that CGC may be on Rivals Radio this morning.; 8:58 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: "recruiting is going day by day"; 8:59 AM
Anonymous said...: This is waaaay better then wondering when xCTT was coming back from Duck Hunting.; 9:00 AM
Anonymous said...: "we are excited by what we have accomplished"

"our plan is on track"; 9:00 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: xCTT... that's a cue for Steve ;-); 9:00 AM
Anonymous said...: I was waiting.....; 9:02 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: DARVIN ADAMS!; 9:03 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Scottie - just imagine how high the announcement thread post count will get on JGT's way home.; 9:03 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: I hope that I am reading the tea leaves wrong. I would be thrilled. Jeffrey Lee not going seems a big indication to me, but hell, I could be reading way to much into this.

This class is SOLID, and I don't think anyone can really argue against it. I just think the BUZZ factor can be really amped on the signing day shows if Lattimore chooses Auburn or USCe. Does BUZZ matter...probably not, but it doesn't hurt in spring boarding you to a good start to the next recruiting class.

I hope I am completely wrong on the Lattimore thing. Also, I still think we need another class just like that to really make some legitimate noise in the SEC and be true contenders. I think this is a solid start and hopefully it continues. All signs are pointing good for next class already.; 9:04 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: have a safe trip Jay

I would love to get him but I hope he picks what is best for him.; 9:04 AM
Anonymous said...: Oh sorry....CGC on Rivals tomorrow possibly.

Duh.; 9:04 AM
stupup74 said...: I really want Lattimore, but getting him almost seems like overkill in a way. (A really, really good way.)

I make the analogy: pretend you are a walmatian, aka Bammer, (I know we shudder at the thought, but pretend). You saved up all your money from collecting cans and saving your mullet for research, and then went out and got yourself a HDTV. It is great and all, but then you decide you want another one, but your 1985 single wide's mortgage is in default. Do you really need another HDTV?

The 1st HDTV in my parable is Michael Dyer. The 1985 trailer is the Auburn Defense. The other HDTV is Lattimore. We could really use a ready made cover guy or 2, and an LB on the other side of the ball.

This is why I love signing day. I also love my job where I can post useless drivel and not get in trouble.; 9:05 AM
wtc said...: I was out of pocket working. Have had more time than I thought.

Get some.; 9:05 AM
mytommyd said...: You know what's even MORE interesting, is checking out JGT's notes from Signing day two years ago. Talk about the change in the levels of expectation.; 9:08 AM
Anonymous said...: Ok, just for information purposes, I will verify tonight at 6:01pm EST.

Jamie Newberg on Rivals Radio just said that he is 80-85% for Latt going to USCe.

He also just said that he thought someone else would commit yesterday but didn't.; 9:09 AM
stupup74 said...: I just want to see someone on signing day do the hat dance and put on an Auburn hat. I honestly don't care who it is.; 9:09 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: Stu there are some nice 1985 single wide' always talking bout my job thats fine; 9:10 AM
Ack7677 said...: Hey Martini,

It's good to see another Aubie in our "neck of the woods" (Smith Lake, to be exact).; 9:11 AM
Anonymous said...: He thinks 2-4 on the last 4.

Jones - Arkansas
Latt - USCe
Whittaker - AU
Lemonier - AU, said that a couple days ago thought FSU but now is thinking AU and pretty confident about it. Thinks the Whittaker pick up was the most important of them all.; 9:11 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: wtc's Mom is the only recruiting analysis I follow. All others are pretenders.

mytommyd - you're right about '08. Here's what JGT posted 2 days after NSD...

I said yesterday on the blog that I'd give Auburn a C- or a D+. The final grade, the one that ends up in the paper, will be a tad higher.

I look around and see some pretty good players. Raven Gray should be excellent. Jermaine Johnson should be excellent no later than 2009. Cameron Henderson has stud potential. I feel the same way about Jomarcus Savage, T'Sharvan Bell, Harry Adams, Reggie Hunt and Freddie Smooth. Any number of the other guys could emerge as Sen'Derrick Marks did two years ago.

So I think the final grade will be a C+. A reasonable final day -- say Auburn got Enrique Davis and Robert Quinn -- would have me thinking B+. It's not fair to drop the grade so far based on two guys.; 9:13 AM
ehyou said...: This place is going to BLOW UP tomorrow.; 9:14 AM
Ephemeral said...: Movie: The Man Who Knew Too Much

Director: Alfred Hitchcock

Starring: WTC and his mom

Plot: Don't remember much about it, but at a crucial point crootin crooner/expert Doris Day stands and sings:

Que Sera, Sera...What will be, will be.; 9:14 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: I agree ehyou; 9:15 AM
AUnMobilz (CAM-"Da Man") said...: Guys... guys ....guys.... i Gene i Trust... we can get whoever we want if we show them the following:

1. early playing time
2. great offensives scheme everybody gets touches
3. we were 8-5 last year and could've easily been 11-2....we need you!
4. Who would not want to be in Jordan- Hare on a Saturday night playing football for this TEAM and our FANS!!!!

WDE!!!! we get'em ALL!!!!; 9:20 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: AU1N04

that post at 9:00 is funny; 9:20 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: wow, the number of folks on the 2008 list of signees (scroll about 40% down) who have made substantial contributions thus far is pitiful.; 9:21 AM
mytommyd said...: THT - did any of those guys play this year for Auburn?; 9:21 AM
martini35504 said...: Hey Ack, Jasper to be exact, liked Auburn so much I graduated twice, in '96 & '99...War Eagle!; 9:21 AM
Jay 'W. not Tate' said...: Okay, it's official, I'm worthless in the office today! I can't stop reading AU Recruiting info!!!

D@mn these sites...only kidding. I love this place! Thanks for all the info Jay G!

On the Lattimore issue, I only post here, but I have followed one other person outside of this site when it comes to recruiting predictions this year. That guy is 100% (ST over at auburneagle.com). He has chimed in this morning on a few occasions that he heard something last night that still lends him to believe that Latt will come to AU.

I'm not condoning the site, but just saying that he's batting 1.000 right now...

There is hope.

Heck, even the scout.com link above had 5+ instances where the "actual" was different than what either of the "experts" picked.; 9:26 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: I don't know if someone has already posted it but one of Auburn old baseball players Gabe Gross has signed with the A's this year; 9:27 AM
Jay 'W. not Tate' said...: yeah, and Deron Furr really helped!!!; 9:28 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: mytommyd - I think some guy named Adams saw the field, at least the end zone part of it, on a regular basis.; 9:35 AM
stupup74 said...: Bigdaddy,

Remember, you don't sell trailers, you sell 'Mobile Mansions'.

(Mrs. Bigdaddy's words, not mine.); 9:46 AM
Seanzie said...: To go along with what WTC spoke of earlier...the last couple of years around this time, "surprise" and "come out of nowhere" "sleepers" seem to emerge and declare for Auburn and other schools. The suspicious lack of said recruits leads me to believe we are to get who we're targeting.; 9:49 AM
Wakeriderof87 said...: I'm a Rays fan bigdaddy, so I hate to see our little piece of Auburn leave. That being said his production at the plate left alot to be desired last year. Hope he has a good year in Oakland.; 9:54 AM
FSJ said...: My guess is that Auburn closes with both Lattimore and Lemonier and ends up #2 in Rivals/Scout/ESPN.; 9:56 AM
Seanzie said...: FSJ, you're alright.; 9:58 AM
Seanzie said...: Sometimes.; 9:58 AM
Wakeriderof87 said...: Happy Birthday FSJ, hope it is a good one... just not too good, no birthday surprises from bama recruiting for you I hope.; 9:59 AM
mytommyd said...: Sorry THT - I was talking about the group that you listed @ 9:13; 9:59 AM
Seanzie said...: Yes a Happy Birthday to you, Fake Steve. What wake said.; 10:02 AM
E-Bro said...: Did my esteemed brother call this recruiting class only solid w/o Lattimore?

I'm gonna have to knock some optimism into him.; 10:03 AM
E-Bro said...: Happy Birthday FSJ!; 10:03 AM
CHB said...: Here is my $.02 if it is even worth that.

This class is ranked #3 even without anyone we have left. We all would love to have Latt. but he is not a necessity. I would be much happier if we could get all of our DL targets.

My predictions are that we get Lemonier and Jones and I'm 60/40 on Latt.

As far as backup plans look out for Mack Brown and D. Robinson.; 10:04 AM
CHB said...: FSJ, do walmartians age?

Happy Birthday!; 10:05 AM
CHB said...: Also don't trust the national recruiting guys so much. I have noticed over the past few weeks that they are not really in tune with what is actually going on.; 10:06 AM
snowhare said...: According to ESPN DJ Howard no longer coming to AU.; 10:09 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: FSJ's birthday?

I hope he has an incredibly happy one, and to maintain equilibrium, a Wednesday with an equivalent level of disappointment ;-); 10:10 AM
FSJ said...: Thanks guys and gals for the birthday wishes.

Wish that I felt better today. Stupid sinus infection.; 10:12 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: I'm with Ephemeral 100%. Getting so wrapped in all of this is only going to give you ulcers.; 10:15 AM
CHB said...: For what its worth I just saw that B. Mathews is going to cover Latt's announcement.; 10:20 AM
Jet said...: Don't spank the Latt doubters ... of which I am one. It's not a poor ol' Auburn poor-mouthing thing. I think our staff has done its best work this year. It's a great class.

It's the fact that save a Friday visit, this kid has been in isolation for days, and only one school has his ear -- the home state one.

This afternoon, he'll sit in a church with 600 people ... 550 of which want him to play for South Carolina.

Logic of offensive systems, relative momentum of the program and the like don't matter.

Be at peace with our effort, but don't be surprised or upset when he chooses the other guys.; 10:22 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: Who's B. Matthews? We got Jay G!; 10:22 AM
JgobravesHAG said...: No way were gettin Marcus, but Hoopie and Turfman and whoever else can call me out gohead and getcha some; 10:23 AM
Harrison said...: I agree jhag, I would be pretty surprised if he comes to Auburn this summer; 10:25 AM
cincytiger said...: jhag,
Play nice today :); 10:27 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Jet - don't you go telling me I can't be surprised, cause I will be if he announces for the home state school. He sounds like a really good kid, so I wish him well wherever he goes.; 10:27 AM
Norm said...: Jet's not the boss of me. If I feel like it, I'll go all UT fan post-Kiffen announcement.

Get some!; 10:31 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Jay G. Tate's ETA? I'm guessing about 2 EST. Anyone in communication with Homer?; 10:31 AM
Jet said...: THT/Norm ... Do I need to crank up the Silverado Extended Cab and head your way and whup your @$$e$?

Do I?; 10:33 AM
Anonymous said...: Lots of pessimism in here today ... Lattimore is AUs. Ain't calling anyone out just agreeing with THT and stating my opinion. (I tend to follow Cincy with the orange/blue glasses) Take it for what it's worth!; 10:35 AM
michael said...: My mom says all you guys are a bunch of idiots; 10:35 AM
Seanzie said...: I ain't skeered, Jhag. Marcus is all O+B baby. Quit hanging out with the wannabes over at ThaRinger.; 10:36 AM
cincytiger said...: I love people in orange and blue glasses! I'm buying orange and blue glasses for everyone!!; 10:37 AM
Harrison said...: Michael your mom said you still wet the bed; 10:38 AM
E-Bro said...: Does anyone have as much of a problem with the govt looking into the BCS as much as F-Baum?

PF posited that part of the reason Obama is looking into it is b/c his press secretary Gibbs is from Auburn and might still be upset over 2004.

I use to think that the govt looking into the BCS was a waste of the government's time, but let's face it, more than a sporting institution, the BCS is a big business, and I don't think it's uncalled for to investigate a business that may be operating unethically.

Next, let's go after the NCAA who apparently ESPN says it's a done deal that the March Madness will expand to 96 teams, maybe as soon as next year. Tell me that decision isn't business related. There's no sporting motive there at all, no matter how they try to spin it.; 10:38 AM
cincytiger said...: Harrison,
That was supposed to be kept a secret; 10:39 AM
Jimmy said...: THT-
One more tech ?
how do you mask your url's when you post?; 10:40 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: So, Michael, you and your mom on speaking terms again?; 10:40 AM
Seanzie said...: I don't have nearly as big of a problem with the government as I do with Paul Finebaum. I am a firm believer in minimal censorship, if any, however, I wish someone would take his mic away and send him to BK to work with his plants.; 10:40 AM
Norm said...: Jet, bring it brother. I ain't afeared of you.

My point to everyone is, I'm not going to let what any 17/18 year old boy does or doesn't do negatively impact my life. I'll be able to say that for another 14 years until F4* reaches that age, then I'll definitely be impacted. It's not uncommon at all for me to lose a significant amount of sleep but I can assure you that it's never been due to anything sports related.

So having said that, if AU gets every current verbal commit to sign this week then I'm excited about the future. If we get Lattimore or other ?'s to sign then I'm even more excited.; 10:41 AM
LuvAU1968 said...: E-Bro, I saw a story about that on tv awhile back. It's DEFINITELY all about the $$$$$$.; 10:41 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Jimmy - I'm a tech dud. Mask? What does that mean?; 10:42 AM
Norm said...: Jimmy, et. al. -
"name you want to call the link"
This should allow for hyperlink in your HABOTN post; 10:44 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Yeh! What Norm said.... except, of course, the part about not being afeared. But I'm not worried. I can run faster than Jet, as long as I don't step in a hole.; 10:45 AM
michael said...: Yeah THT, I am cool with my mom again. We bonded over the fact that all of yall are a bunch of idiots.

And Harrison, sure, I wet the bed. But it is on purpose. I am just lazy I guess.; 10:45 AM
Norm said...: That didn't work as I'd intended; 10:46 AM
Wakeriderof87 said...: Do I need to list the important issues America is dealing with right now? I'm much more concerned about getting our huge deficit figured out and getting the economy righted than I am who plays in the National championship.

The gov't has no business sticking their nose in sports issues. If it was a safety issue I wouldn't have as big of a problem, but this is simply silly.; 10:47 AM
Norm said...: Jimmy, if you want to shoot me an email, I can reply with the code to do that.; 10:47 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Jimmy/Norm, just wait til SteveFC wakes up. He can post it here. Or any of us could email it Jimmy if he provides an address.; 10:47 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: great minds think alike, and sometimes so do other minds.; 10:48 AM
E-Bro said...: Wake...I hear ya, but it's called mutli-tasking.

Like I said, it's not really a sporting issue that the govt is looking into, it's a business one.

Because that's what the BCS is, a business, not a sporting entity.; 10:50 AM
Jimmy said...: Thanks guys; 10:50 AM
Aubie said...: Unfortunately, I am convinced that Lat goes to USCe.; 10:51 AM
cincytiger said...: Aubie,
What convinces you?; 10:52 AM
Jet said...: In re F-Bomb column ...

It was a gratuitously easy column to write:

1. Bash an unpopular president
2. Bash Congress
3. Take a shot at Auburn

Solid column writing is honest, insightful, and challenges the reader to think.; 10:52 AM
Wakeriderof87 said...: If the IRS wants to look at their books thats fine. I guess a case could be made that they are a monopoly but how is forcing a playoff going to solve that?

I don't want the government telling any sporting organization how they have to determine their championship.; 10:53 AM
Seanzie said...: Dang it...I retract my previous optimism re: Lattimore to AU. He is going to be wearking the Chicken on his helmet after all.

Props to Jhag and others.; 10:54 AM
Aubie said...: Cincy,
My source says coaches got a call last night from Lat.; 10:55 AM
FSJ said...: I agree Waker.; 10:55 AM
cincytiger said...: OK, so what has happened that is causing all this surety that Lat is going to USCe? Has he made some announcement? What are you hearing that is convincing you of this?; 10:56 AM
FSJ said...: I don't understand the whole dead period/quiet period thing until signing day, but is there a chance that the AU coaches try to flip Grant if the Lattimore stuff is true?; 10:56 AM
Seanzie said...: So that only leaves Jones, Lemonier and a surprise. ;); 10:57 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: I think the Obama is looking into it because he wants to look better then he is. It is a good move by his part; 10:57 AM
E-Bro said...: Yeah, I guess my point is, I don't think either Obama or Hatch are going to spend a whole lot of time on this.

They'll outsource the deal or let some other staff handle it. It'll just be under the umbrella of their offices.

F-Baum is committing a bit of hyperbole (imagine that) by think Obama or Hatch is really on some sort of crusade to go after the BCS.

They'll probably spend like ten minutes total reading some brief and then move on to other things.; 10:57 AM
CHB said...: Why the change of heart Seanzie?; 10:57 AM
cincytiger said...: wtc, would you ask your mom if any of her sources have heard anything like that?; 10:58 AM
Seanzie said...: Go check the very top sticky at the board we read, CH.; 10:58 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: Waker

I am with you; 10:59 AM
Wakeriderof87 said...: Your right bigdaddy, its nothing but a PR gimmick. Obama is sliding in popularity polls, popular opinion says the BCS sucks, so it makes sense to go after it.

I just want to government to stay out of football.; 11:00 AM
Unknown said...: For those posting opinions of "experts", please show me where one of the "experts" predicted Auburn having a top 10 recruiting class 6 months ago and I will be interested in what that "expert" has to say. Otherwise, I am sure the "experts" will tend to pick the home state school to be on the safe side.; 11:02 AM
Jimmy said...: From Chris Low’s SEC Blog at ESPN.com

One of the interesting things about Alabama losing Allen so late in the game is that Auburn is likely to pass the Crimson Tide in the final recruiting rankings...For Auburn to even be in a position to have a higher ranked class than Alabama speaks volumes about the job Gene Chizik and his staff have done.

http://bit.ly/9WAmx8; 11:02 AM
Commish of Old Pimps said...: The Obama administration may look into the BCS at the request of Orin Hatch. Hatch (R-Utah) has his nose out of joint about the annual Utah snub.
It's all about bipartisanship (and ball bearings) these days, folks.; 11:05 AM
Seanzie said...: To be quite frank, CFB is a business just like any other business. There are anti-trust laws in place for any and all businesses, save those that are exempt, like utilities. Last I checked the BCS wasn't and if it violates anti-trust rights and keeps perfectly good schools from a bigger pay day then it needs to be investigated.; 11:08 AM
Unknown said...: For those of you wondering how to post a link, it is done like this:

<a href="URL">Title</a>

It is pretty simply once you lear the format.; 11:08 AM
Seanzie said...: There is also a similar hearing/investigation going on with the NFL and how they conduct their business.; 11:08 AM
wtc said...: I have some bad news for the hotties.
As was posted a few minutes ago, Lattimore called the coaches last night and told them he is signing with SoCarolina.
In other news, after they got the call, guess who called? and we said take it somewhere else.
We will sign Ryan Smith Wednesday as a DB. Also hav a surprise up our sleeve that will help alieviate the Lattimore decision. AU will feel real good about the surprise.; 11:10 AM
Unknown said...: If Congress can't find more important things to do than worrying about football, they should be fired.; 11:10 AM
E-Bro said...: FYI, Orrin Hatch was the first to cry foul about the BCS.

He's a Republican.

Obama said before he was elected he might try to throw some of his weight around to change the BCS. He was popular then when he said it. It's not like this is the first time he's considered action.

I know most here are against too much government action, and I respect that, but I thought most wanted a playoff. Obama might help with that.

In the end, he probably won't. I don't in any way see how this action ends up with the BCS going to playoff b/c the govt told it to.

But it wouldn't break my heart if it did. The BCS is a broken system. Yes, it gets it right from time to time (2009, 2005), but usually not (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008).

The BCS was a better system than we previously had in college football. Now it's time to improve it even further.; 11:10 AM
Unknown said...: E-Bro, just because someone is a democrat or republican doesn't make them an idiot. Being a politician seems to, though.; 11:13 AM
Scott Chocolate said...: Apropos of nothing, but I saw something pretty amusing yesterday evening. I had just pulled into the back parking lot of my office after running a few errands. There are a bunch of feral cats that live in the woods behind the lot. I noticed a pair of them engaged in reproductive activity, with a line of about 4 or 5 male cats waiting their turn. I was already kind of chuckling about the waiting in line, when a raccoon emerged from the drain next to my car. He kept looking over at the cats, then ambled over toward them. I'm thinking, "No way!". He walked to within about ten feet of the cats, then just sat down on his haunches and watched. He stayed for about five minutes, then finally headed over toward a dumpster. I guess he's either into cat porn, or maybe that was kind of like dinner and a movie.; 11:13 AM
Jimmy said...: AuburnoverTide

just testing; 11:13 AM
E-Bro said...: For the record, I'm more of a plus one guy myself.

I don't think we need eight to sixteen teams to find a national championship.

But what's wrong with four teams?; 11:13 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: guess who called? and we said take it somewhere else.

I give up. Is he from west of Natchitoches?; 11:14 AM
bigdaddy334 said...: If he had got some other things done first and life was looking up I might say hey take a look Obama but things don't look any better (some might say a little bit some may say worse)All I am saying is get what needs to be done done then play with the BCS if he wants to.; 11:14 AM
Norm said...: That was funny. Animals watch porn.; 11:15 AM
Unknown said...: I don't really see the BCS any better than what we had before. Boise State and Bama ended up co-national champs this season. It is the same deal over and over again. The national championship is pretty much meaningless until they come up with a better system.; 11:15 AM
wtc said...: DJ Howard.; 11:16 AM
Seanzie said...: I bet it was DJ Howard. He officially ruled us out today.; 11:16 AM
Wakeriderof87 said...: I'm all for improving the system... I don't want a full blown playoff, but that is beside the point.

There are alot of things in my life that I would like to change, I just don't want the government doing it.

This is quickly turning into a full on political discussion... Jay G is no big fan of those so I will leave it alone.; 11:17 AM