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6.21.2010

Let the watching begin

Hey everyone. Hope you're having a great SUMMER SOLSTICE. It's the longest day of the year, so make the most of it!

I'm just here to pass along some information about two Auburn football players.

Linebacker Craig Stevens and offensive tackle Lee Ziemba have been named to award watch lists. It's a rite of passage for college seniors. These two players are, in my opinion, deserving.

Stevens has caught the attention of people who administrate the Nagurski Trophy. The senior-to-be was credited with 90 tackles last season. He also was one of the four players who participated in all 115 snaps of the Outback Bowl. They don't come tougher than that.

Ziemba is up for the Outland Trophy, which goes to the nation's top lineman -- on offense or defense. The Arkansas native is tall, strong, durable and generally good. What else can I say?

Photo credit: Todd Van Emst/Auburn University

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

1073 Comments:

Honey said...: Please don't blow this win for Kawakami.; 6:07 PM
Honey said...: He's pitched well enough this season for at least one win.; 6:08 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: platypus?

Are you implying that Norm lays eggs? Or has venomous heel spurs?; 6:09 PM
stupup74 said...: The way chipper has been swinging the bat, I wish he would have started talking about retiring sooner in the year.; 6:17 PM
Norm said...: Let's go with the venomous part since only the males are venomous and only the females lay eggs.; 6:17 PM
Honey said...: Why do the Braves have to do everything the hard way?; 6:20 PM
ehyou said...: It can't ever be simple, can't it.; 6:20 PM
stupup74 said...: KK did pitch well today. Jurgens has to pitch well in his bullpen to start on Wednesday.

I hope the braves don't rush JJ back. I think KK can at least get us to the All-Star break.; 6:21 PM
Norm said...: Good gracious.; 6:23 PM
Honey said...: I do not like O'Flaherty; 6:24 PM
Honey said...: Do ya think you can throw a strike?!; 6:24 PM
Norm said...: Not yet he can't.; 6:25 PM
Honey said...: 7 pitches before he throws one strike; 6:25 PM
Honey said...: Arghhhhhhhh!!!!; 6:26 PM
Norm said...: Ridiculous.; 6:26 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: STAY AWAY FROM NORM's HEELS!

Maybe we should put Norm on the US soccer team. A few heelacious encounters with the opponents will do wonders.; 6:28 PM
ehyou said...: They want me to have a heart attack.; 6:32 PM
Norm said...: That was tough to watch.; 6:32 PM
Norm said...: That was a ball but the Braves'll take it.; 6:32 PM
Honey said...: Boy, that was a lucky call. Sure looked like it was off the plate by a lot.; 6:32 PM
ehyou said...: That was a glimpse of the Braves for the last 3 or 4 years without a for real closer.; 6:46 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Clempson & USC battling right now to see who gets to play UCLA in a best of 3 for the CWS championship. I don't really care who wins tonight; I only care that the winner tonight stomps UCLA.; 6:55 PM
ehyou said...: Who are you and what did you do with the real Kelly McGillis?; 7:07 PM
digger4au said...: If soccer last till July 11 can we run this baby to 1500 or maybe even 2000.
Go Hotties; 7:25 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Andy Bitter reported the other day that Auburn will host

The NCAA Women's swimming and diving championships will take place March 15-17 at the James E. Martin Aquatics Center,

and NCAA Women's gymnastics Regional will take place April 7 at the Auburn Arena.

Is that worthy of a new thread? Um, no.
Digger, your goal remains achievable as there isn't the least bit of other AU news to report right now.; 7:39 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: but we'll never get there if the rest of y'all don't help out.

Who dat in Huntsville just got here?; 8:02 PM
E-Bro said...: Still wanna know how I became HABOTN ninny? Not complaining or anything. Really, it's an honor. But how did I earn it?; 8:03 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: E-Bro - I think it's sort of like salvation. You don't earn it; it's a gift. Or maybe in this case, it's a re-gift. So who bestowed such an honor?; 8:05 PM
ehyou said...: It was a secret ballot ebro. Only the cool people voted. Specifically, me.; 8:10 PM
E-Bro said...: Oh, well that makes sense.; 8:23 PM
Jet said...: I guess she took that code name "Charlie" seriously.; 9:14 PM
Jet said...: I'm challenging the results of the Ninny election. I think PF won.; 9:15 PM
Norm said...: You're all ninnies.; 9:58 PM
ehyou said...: You guys are alright. I don't care what anybody says.; 10:15 PM
Norm said...: Guess who's 30; 10:19 PM
Honey said...: Don't call me Shirley; 10:24 PM
Honey said...: Sweet dreams, Hotties. See you in the morning. Anyone want to go walking about 5:30? I'll wait for you by the mailbox.; 10:25 PM
ehyou said...: I won't be walking but will make the early service, which is an accomplishment for the brood.; 10:29 PM
ehyou said...: Flor d'Luna; 10:40 PM
Honey said...: Morning, Hotties. Off to walk and then we, too, are off to the early service. Have a great morning.; 5:37 AM
Honey said...: Y'all not up yet? C'mon, the day's awastin!; 6:41 AM
Jet said...: Something's 30? What is it?; 6:57 AM
Jet said...: No one has commented on it around here ... perhaps it's because of our tie to him through Barbee ... or we're paying more attention to the World Cup or the Braves ... but if I were a UK fan, I'd have a tough time dealing with Coach Cal's declaration that five players being drafted in the first round that it was the "greatest night in Kentucky basketball" history.; 7:11 AM
Anonymous said...: Before I break this down let me set a few things straight. Chiz was hired at Auburn to improve the Auburn defense and create the domination on the defensive side that we are used to on the lovliest village. Last year was all about Tubs and his lack of recruiting. The 2010 recruiting class was incredible and there are several incoming freshman that can contribute to the resurgence of the Tiger D!
DL - Bammer lost everybody up front. Cody is gone. Deaderick and Washington are gone. The bammers are hoping Dareus can carry the load but there isn't a whole lot to go with him. Chapman is a poor man's Cody and they have nobody else to start opposite of Dareus. Our beloved Tigers have something up front we didn't have last year - DEPTH! We can play up to 6 DT's throughout the game and a couple of newcomers, Lemonier and Bonomolo, will be dominating before the end of August! We lost Coleman but we won't feel that at all. I'm so excited about this unit and believe they aren't getting the national respect they deserve. HUGE EDGE AUBURN

LB - The turds are led by a gimp in Hightower. They lost their heart and soul when that thug got drafted by the Raiders. They have to replace 2 other starters as well. They have recruited a bunch of LB's over the last couple of years but they've done nothing so far. The Auburn LB's should be the team's most improved unit. Bynes and Stephens are All SEC guys but would never get voted because of the lack of media respect we get. Bates may move up or stay at safety. It doesn't matter because Holland, Owens, and White will all contribute. Holland and Owens will be freshamn All-Americans! Enjoy these guys now because they won't be around but 3 years. If Freeman can contribute the way he is capable then I believe this unit will be the SEC's best. Too much talent here - AUBURN IN A LANDSLIDE!!

DB's - Bammers lost everybody except Barron. Kirkpatrick is highly thought of but my source tells me it is doubtful that he returns from off season shoulder surgery. They have nothing but skinny overrated freshman and an LSU reject to fill the void. They have no other options at safety and their staff knows this will be a long year for their back unit. They are dreading the day they have to face Cam!! The Auburn secondary struggled with injuries but Ethridge and company will be a fine unit. It is hard for to worry about the secondary a lot because we know that Chiz has a history of producing Thorpe winners. There is a lot of depth at corner and a couple of solid recruits that can help. This isn't a great Auburn secondary but the turds would take it in a heartbeat. EDGE AUBURN; 7:35 AM
Anonymous said...: QB - I know the bammers have a guy with a National Championship ring and he hasn't lost a game as a starter going back to high school but deep down the bammers wish they had a duel threat stud like Cam. If either team loses their starter then our beloved Tigers can withstand the loss much easier with a talent like Caudle or Trotter ready to step in. Bammer has a skinny runt and an overrated kid from Virginia. BIG EDGE HERE
RB - No doubt the bammers get the pub with the worst Heisman winner ever and Richardson. The bammers will mess up and not give Richardson enough carries and he'll look to transfer (this is straight from a very reliable source). The punch belongs to Auburn. Dyar will make us all forget Bo Jackson and Fannin will step up big time. McCallebb is the speed weapon needed in this offense. Everybody will say bammer has the best RB's in the country but I wouldn't trade our guys for anybody. CLOSER BUT THE EDGE IS STILL US

WR - Julio, Julio, Julio...that is all we hear but he is so overrated. I don't care if he bitch slapped us last year on the game winning drive or not. He is OVERRATED. Darvin Adams is the best WR in the state and a top 3 guy in the country. While bammer is Julio and nobody else, Darvin is surrounded by playmakers. How good are we? So good that former 5 star Benton can't get on the field. Trooper is the best position coach in the SEC and the guys love to play for him. This one is a landslide...AUBURN BIG EDGE

TE - We don't use one and they lost their best guy. BIG EDGE TO AUBURN HERE!

OL - Why even waste my breathe here? They have a couple of Outland candidates but they will miss Johnson and Davis big time. Love and Fluker are very close to requesting a transfer to get away from Sabear (this again from my very reliable source). Their center is a midget and they have no depth with experience. The Auburn OL is one of the finest units in America. We have 4 starters coming back and the most underrated player in the SEC in Ziemba. BIG EDGE HERE AS WELL BUT WE HAVE AN EDGE ON EVERY TEAM IN THE COUNTRY HERE!

NOTE - From my source...Pendry has grown tired of Sabear and may quit before the season starts!; 7:37 AM
Jet said...: Wee ...

I'm looking forward with great anticipation your analysis that results in us actually having won the national championship last year.

I hate UAT, but I won't let it get it in the way of understanding where we are. We're not there yet. And it's because of what you said at 7:35: "... Tubs and his lack of recruiting." We've still got a ways to go. Don't set up Chiz and Co. to fail.

I'm gonna play the Hoopie card here and draw the line on some invalid positive speculation. Be optimistic, but be reasonable. Ten wins are possible, not probable. Better than the Infidels at every single position? Nope.; 8:29 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: 69 days til we kick off a season with the greatest players in the whole universe... at least that's how I interpret wee's assessment.

GO TIGERS!!!

WARRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!; 8:56 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: "TE - We don't use one and they lost their best guy. BIG EDGE TO AUBURN HERE!"

Following that line of thought, I'm richer than Bill Gates 'cause I don't have all that money that he's stuck with.; 9:02 AM
Kathy said...: Weeman I LOVE your assessments!!!

I just want everyone to stay healthy and hope for Zac to get the green light when he visits the doctor at the end of July.

Cincy, sorry I missed the 5:30 walk. I slept in this morning! Actually, my husband and I have been taking a 3 mile walk every weekday morning at 4:00 a.m. Not a lot happening in the neighborhood at that time! We do our walk at night during the weekends. I've started my football training early. With the heat we are experiencing in June, by that first football game in September, it should be REALLY hot in Auburn.

Have a great Sunday Hotties!; 9:37 AM
CHB said...: WeeMan brining the early morning hate. Some of it was true and some was homerized, but I like the optimism.

I'm brining the hate as well today because I am at work on a Sunday (I don't get paid to work today).; 10:34 AM
CHB said...: WeeMan brining the early morning hate. Some of it was true and some was homerized, but I like the optimism.

I'm brining the hate as well today because I am at work on a Sunday (I don't get paid to work today).; 10:34 AM
digger4au said...: Good Sunday morning Hotties!
Cincy I did my walk but missed you by hour and a half and about 55 miles.
It is obvious to me that the USA has indeed become competitive in soccer but have a ways to go to be top level or world class.
The Braves gonna give me a heart attack.; 10:51 AM
Jay G. Tate said...: Thought I'd say HELLO to the HOTTIES after a pretty long respite.

How are things?; 12:08 PM
E-Bro said...: I was doing better before the Ghana game yesterday. Looking to Brazil 2014 now...and 2010 Auburn football of course.; 12:17 PM
E-Bro said...: Jet...concerning your comment at 7:11, I too saw that comment from Cal and did not a double take, but a quadruple take. I am too distracted to by the World Cup to really pay it closer attention, but I'm wondering what the Kentucky fan reaction to that is?

I mean, they do take more pride in their legacy of multiple national championships, final fours, UK2K, etc, right? And not five guys in the first round, right? Is next year's media guide cover page gonna be John Wall in Washington Wizards garb?; 12:20 PM
Anonymous said...: Jet ....I normally leave wildly positive speculations alone, but Weeman's analysis is approaching Pollyanna on crack.

Thanks for your 8:29 am post. I get to keep one of my speculation cards to play later.

I guess an advantage of living away from Alabama is that I rarely come in contact with Bammers and don't hear the stuff that has Weeman so riled up. I don't care what Bama does until right before the IB, so comparing our football status to theirs just doesn't compute for me.

Bama has a very good coaching staff and a lot of talent, so I can't give us the edge in every category simply for that reason. I could also "break it down" to support that Bama is better on paper, but it just ain't that important in June.

Auburn especially, has some large issues that all need to go our way in order to predict championships. Imma gonna see how players and schemes develop and then maybe break down the IB in November.

9-3 sounds about right. 11 or 12 wins would require most everything to go our way.

This is the time of the year where many fans are reading preseason mags and getting real positive.; 12:37 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12:38 PM
Norm said...: Jet - it's a movie but that's not important right now.; 12:38 PM
Anonymous said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 12:38 PM
Norm said...: I'm going with something like 9 - 3 for '10. I'm standing by my earlier prediction of AU playing in ATL in '11. I'm not going to break it down for you, just recall that I've put it out here.

Keep Hate Alive.; 12:41 PM
Kathy said...: A quick drive by from JGT!; 12:42 PM
Anonymous said...: JG ...We're good. Just muddling through the doldrums. Hope you are enjoying it.

"Futbol" is a great sport for undeveloped countries because it only requires a ball to play on the sandlot. The World Cup also seems to unite the world for a small while and that is certainly cool.

I watched the game yesterday and fell asleep during it. Even with the enhanced camera work, it still doesn't work for me. I suppose it's like baseball in that you need to have played extensively to understand the subtleties.; 12:49 PM
CHB said...: I don't know if many of you have seen the website for Shon Coleman, but here it is.

G, Do you think you could provide it as a link on the front page?

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/shaloncoleman; 12:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Is Serena Williams on Steroids? She's stout.; 1:36 PM
Honey said...: Well, bummer news. Our condo is still for sale. Apparently, we were dealing with liars. Our realtor had negotiated a contract, which the wife wanted to take home to have her husband sign. She said he was out of town and would sign yesterday, But we found out today they had gone back to Auburn and found another condo for sale by owner and bought it, for $3000 less than ours. They called our incredulous realtor today to tell him the news.

Used to be there was integrity and your word meant something. Not with these people, whom I will control my anger enough not to name.

So, we still have a condo for sale :); 2:25 PM
Unknown said...: Norm, I agree with your 9-3 prediction for 2010, although I don't expect us to be as good in 2011. We will lose a very good group of players and we will be very young in 2011. While both the 2006 and 2007 classes were very good, the 2007 class had a lot of attrition.

My hope is that by 2012 the 2010 class will have us back in contention, but we will still be pretty young. The 2008 class was solid, but small and not great. The 2009 class ended up being one of the worst classes we have seen since the Bowden era.

A lot will depend upon how quickly this 2010 class comes up to speed, but I think when Chizik says we need two or three classes like 2010 to get where we need to be, he isn't exaggerating.; 2:47 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Hoopie: I get to keep one of my speculation cards to play later.

Sorry, Hoopie, but you don't.

Jet: I'm gonna play the Hoopie card here.

Jet wasn't playing his own card, it was one of yours! You need to be more protective of those valuable cards. I have no doubt that you're going to need every one of them.; 3:31 PM
Jet said...: Jet's thoughts over coffee on a Sunday afternoon

1. Serena could be the tight end we don't use anymore.

2. J-SFC, I share your concern about 2011. Losing four OL will hurt.

3. We, too, have a process, so to speak. Remember wise words of Basha, the Zen philosopher: "A flute with no holes, is not a flute. A doughnut with no hole is a Danish."; 3:34 PM
Unknown said...: I don't want to seem too negative, because the coaches have done a great job of filling holes. It is just you can't beat experience.

I can also see us winning the west this season, but it is just that a lot of things will have to go right and a lot of players will have to grow up quickly. It isn't likely, but certainly possible.; 4:00 PM
Honey said...: Wow, Kathy. And here I was impressed that I was getting up at 5:15 am. I don't think I could put one foot in front of the other at 4 am! You go, girl!!!; 5:16 PM
FSJ said...: WEEMAN,

If Richardson transfers due to lack of carries, I'll change my handle on this blog to Trooper's White Towel.

FSJ; 7:00 PM
Unknown said...: I would consider it more likely that Richardson would become the starter than that he would leave. That does remind me of the old days when every years the Bamers were saying that Tuberville would leave and ....; 7:26 PM
Unknown said...: The how lucky we are to have 3 quality quarterbacks seems a bit overly optimistic, too. So far, we haven't seen proof we have 1.; 7:27 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: "Dyar will make us all forget Bo Jackson"

Wee - I think you've gone a bit too far with the hyperbole. If Dyer does that, I'll change my handle to Bear's Disciple.; 7:31 PM
digger4au said...: With all these potential name changes we are going to need a score card to keep up.
If Richardson leaves due to not enough playing time i will become
Littlebopeep.; 7:35 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Correct me if I'm wrong (which I may be since I didn't bother to research), but we don't have a single college (real college, not JUCO) start amongst all of our quarterbacks. That certainly should give us a BIG EDGE over a QB with plenty of starts, all of them wins.; 7:41 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: The guilt of just blowing the BEASLEY x10!!! post is overwhelming. I'm going to go sit in a corner for the rest of the night.; 7:44 PM
Norm said...: Regardless of what happens at AU or UAT, I am now and will evermore be "Norm". So says Norm.

Jet and SFC - your logic is fine and good but I'm not going to waver from my '11 prediction.

Keep Hate Alive.; 7:46 PM
Unknown said...: We have a lot of potential, but many were convinced Rollison would be great. It doesn't appear he will achieve the heights of success greats as Leon Hart or Greg Smith, or even Alan Evans..; 7:51 PM
Unknown said...: Throw Lectron Williams in there somewhere. We need more Lectron Williams in the discussion.; 7:52 PM
Honey said...: Glad to see you aren't all dead!; 8:03 PM
Norm said...: The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated.; 8:08 PM
E-Bro said...: Let us be thankful for the fools. But for them the rest of us could not succeed.; 8:28 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I like 8. I wish I had been born on the 8th.

888 is just too much of a good thing!; 8:29 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I forgot to research the names in the report relayed to us a few days ago by wtc from his mom.

oh well, I guess I'll just wait til NSD and see what happens.; 8:32 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: and E-Bro, you're welcome.; 8:33 PM
Anonymous said...: Weeman = criminal type??

...just asking; 8:47 PM
Anonymous said...: THT ..your logic is solid. Dangit! I hate to lose one of those cards.; 8:49 PM
Baldy said...: This source of yours makes it sound like AU may win by default as half of Bama is within a whisper of transferring. I'll believe all the supposed disarray at Bama that your source is pushing when I see them abandoning ship. It's good to be optimistic but wow.; 8:53 PM
Jet said...: Feng says AU's players are better than their counterparts at UAT, but neither team measures up to the squad from Pyongyang A&M.; 9:15 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Hoopie, I was thinking something like that. Not that, but definitely something like it.; 9:30 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: THT,

Didn't read the post. Thanks for summing it up for me with one sentence. Forget Bo? Never!; 9:31 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Cincy,

Sorry about the condo. Something will give...; 9:35 PM
Honey said...: Thanks for the love, PF. I know it will sell. I'm trying to give the people the benefit of the doubt. It will be nice when it sells though. I am back up to 9 bathrooms :); 9:52 PM
War Eagle Girl said...: drive-by.......; 9:55 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Cincy,

If you change your mind on this benefit of the doubt thing, leaking their name will get them signed up for every junk mail and cheezy video club imaginable(Girls Gone Wild? I think so...) .; 9:57 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: JGT and WEG drive bys.

Who's next? Quitstina?; 10:06 PM
Honey said...: PF,
Good thought, but I am going to try and behave.; 10:07 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Cincy - I enjoyed watching tOJW tonight on ION. I stopped watching after those yanks whistled Dixie, got gunned down, then moments later ran out to see what had just happened. That always cracks me up. That town was full of extras when OJW rode in; surely they could have used a couple of them as extra yanks rather than re-using the ones that had been gunned down only 10 seconds earlier.; 10:10 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: that holy grail of post counts, 1,000, is just not going to happen tonight :-(; 10:15 PM
E-Bro said...: Well not with that attitude it isn't.; 10:37 PM
Jet said...: I'll get you one post closer to 1,000, but that's it. My butt is heading to bed.; 10:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Those were my optimistic and slightly(or more) exagerrated views of the good guys vs the dark side. We can all dream.

Realistic Views
Offensively: Bammers have a solid coaching staff, McElwain has done well in Tuscalooser and at previous stops. Their philosiphy is a winning brand of football. We subscribe to the same philosiphy but a little more bells and whistles. Run , Run, Run and hit playaction. Gus is one of the most innovative minds on that side of the ball my only concern is once he leaves the script his improvisions are mediocre. But that should be worked out after a year under his belt. Edge here Auburn by a hair.

Quaterbacks: McElroy is a proven winner. Backups McCarron and kid from Virginia are talented but not proven. Cam is a world of talent in the perfect offense what will make or break him will be how processes info. Backups Caudle may be the best backup in the SEC and Trotter maybe the best QB on campus. Edge here Bammies(the kid is undefeated as a starter)

RB's: Ingram and Richardson vs Auburn RB's. No analysis needed Edge here Bammers

WR's: Julio unlike what some of my brethen here like to think is a beast who is also a good teammate from all reports(kid had the drops last year but yet he demands respect expect him to have a year similar to his freshman year). I think we love to hate on him because of all the hype he gets. Now their other WR's besides Maze well really I don't have a clue. Now to what I think will be our strongest position on the field other than O-line. Darvin is the most underrated WR in NCAA kid is a warrior who makes plays and understands the game. T-Zac may be the best #2 WR in the SEC kid has all the tools and the light has finally came on. And with the young guys like Benton and Emory learning everyday we have the makings of a great WR corp. Edge here Auburn BIG(would love to see Benton turn into Julio hate on that all u want) ADD TE's to this

Oline: Will not bore you with details Auburn Big edge here because of starting five. We will have the best Oline in the SEC if not NCAA if we develop good depth. The bammers will be solid on the OL but we should be great.

Next Time: Defensive breakdowns; 10:40 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: weeman - that may be pretty darn close, but it's not as entertaining ;-); 10:43 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Still tl;dr; 10:51 PM
Unknown said...: We could definitely end up with the best wide receivers, although Adams needs some help. Zachery had a good year, especially with the big plays, but we need the third and fourth receivers to step up. Benton, Blake, Reed, or Goodwin could. I could easily see them turning into the best receiving group we have had, but there is still a lot to be proven. Last season Adams reminded me of Courtney Taylor his senior season. He was great, but the supporting cast needed work.; 10:57 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I've got a lot of work to get done here afore I head to bed, so I'm leaving the holy grail quest in y'all's hands.; 11:03 PM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: I'll help, if you just admit that it's "ya'll"...; 11:15 PM
michael said...: But why male models?; 12:33 AM
Peter Frankenschmidt said...: Moisture is the essence of wetness.; 12:35 AM
wellsAU said...: Mer MAN!; 2:31 AM
Honey said...: Good morning, Hotties! Hope it's a great day in your neighborhood :); 5:27 AM
E-Bro said...: michael...Are you serious? I just...I just told you.; 5:36 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: 68 days til kickoff!

GO TIGERS!!!

WARRRRRRR EAGLE!!!; 6:01 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: PF - I ca'nt; 6:02 AM
mytommyd said...: Weeman's analysis rd 2 may be more realistic, but it's not NEARLY as fun to read as the one where he's drinking all the koolaid, and spewing forth the optimism. You keep doing what you do Mr. Wee! I do think its going a little far to say we'll forget Bo, but it wouldn't bother me a bit if he challenged for that spot.

The one thing that I wish were different for us again this year, is playing 11 straight weeks without a break. Although we do have more depth, I just worry that the dings and pops aren't going to get healed quick enough. Especially through that Uk, Arky LSU, Ole Miss stretch.; 6:44 AM
mytommyd said...: And good morning hotties, I think we hit the 4 digit comment count today.; 6:50 AM
Eddie McCoy said...: The goal to reach 1,000 comments. Can it be done before Jay G puts a new thread up?; 6:51 AM
mytommyd said...: Do you all remember the days when JGT had issues with us going over 200 in the same thread?; 6:52 AM
E-Bro said...: Yeah, I've been a proponent of getting our schedule changed. Bama fans can complain all they want about us having a bye week before the Iron Bowl, but I'd gladly give it up so that we're not playing eleven straight games without one.

As I've said before, I think it's a big reason we've lost to UGA four years in a row. 2008 (our worst team in recent memory) is the cloest we've come to beating UGA in that time, and we had a bye week in the middle of the season that year.; 6:52 AM
mytommyd said...: A couple points on QB, its somewhat scary that the QB with the most D1 starts on this team is a WR.

However, Coach Gus has proven that he can take a QB with a decent skill set, not necessarily a great one, and have that guy run his offense with a great amount of success. I hope Cam is getting his passing skills improved, because with his running ability, defenses will be very stressed to figure out which way things are going.

But we probably won't see how much of the offense his been implemented until the second and possibly (hopefully) as late as the 3rd week of the season.; 7:03 AM
E-Bro said...: Hopefully we have the passing game in commission for State on that Thursday night game. I'm expecting a knockdown, dragout fight for a win in Starkvegas.; 7:17 AM
Jet said...: For you younger ones in this neighborhood, MYTD's 6:52 a.m. post in the HABOTN to English lexicon translates to:

"Had issues" = Hissy fit.

We've beaten him down to where it's not as important as it once was.; 7:17 AM
mytommyd said...: I have that same feeling E-bro. I haven't kept up with that team, but I believe Mullen is a pretty good coach, so they may have a better chance at catching us. I like our veteran defense going in. And like I said I don't know much about MSU's team this year, mostly because, well, they're MSU. If their a veteran team under a second year, I think you're right it could be close.; 7:21 AM
Jet said...: E-Bro ... anyone who puts a check mark on that game in Starkville as an easy win is crazy. It has trap written all over it.

1. Mississippi State is aching to show that it has made strides in Year Two of Mullen.

2. Road teams struggle in Thursday night games. It is a total wreck to the routine.

3. It will be Cam's first game on the road.

It would almost suit our needs to struggle some against Arkansas State rather than build up a false sense of security with an easy win.; 7:21 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: HAPPY VICTOR RILEY DAY, #68!

sorry i missed #69 Ben Grubbs Day yesterday. i was a busy boy.

weagles.; 7:25 AM
E-Bro said...: Outside of Bama, Mullen made Scott Field a pretty formiddable fortress to league teams. Should've beaten LSU. Had Florida on the ropes. And destroyed Ole Miss.

That crowd will probably be fired as much as they've been in a long, long time. And they'll be baying for a little of Cam's blood given his recruiting process and the comments from his Dad.

As for the actual team, they have questions about QB (looks like they'll probably rotate Relf and Russell). They'll have to find a replacement for Dixon. They've got some potential playmakers at receiver. Not sure about their O-line. Defense is still young and has to improve for them.; 7:48 AM
ehyou said...: PF, would you care to inform the class what is meant by your comment?; 7:51 AM
Norm said...: Alas, it looks as if I'll never meet the new boyfriend as he's now the former boyfriend.

Keep Hate Alive.; 7:54 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: that didn't take long Norm.

did you ever be-friend him on fb?; 7:58 AM
E-Bro said...: ehyou...See, what 69 means is...well, nevermind.; 7:59 AM
E-Bro said...: Apparently it means dead thread.; 8:23 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: it is early for those central time folks. maybe some futbol will wake them up

as PF would say....

SOCCER!!!!!!!!; 8:30 AM
E-Bro said...: central time folks = slackers; 8:35 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: best thing about ET?

early football games start at NOON, not 11am.

YES!; 8:38 AM
E-Bro said...: I hear that. Though it sucked whenever we had those 8:00 central time kickoffs.

Of course, go live on Mountain Time for a bit when games begin at 10:00 in the morning. Not fun. Though it was nice to have all the college football games pretty much be over by 9:00 or 9:30.; 8:42 AM
ehyou said...: SOCCER

Argentina and Germany are playing awesome and probably deserve to meet in the finals, but it will be the quarterfinals instead. Should be a heck of a game.

The same can be said for Brazil and Netherlands if they make it through their first round matches.; 8:42 AM
E-Bro said...: Yeah, both of those matches would make pretty good finals. Of course, if the winners of those potential quarterfinals meet in the Final, that would be pretty sweet too.

And don't sleep on the winner of the Iberian Derby tomorrow. They'll both like their path for a potential semi-final with the Germany-Argentina winner.

Basically, the quarterfinals are halfway set and it's on like Donkey Kong.; 8:48 AM
Honey said...: Yeah, seems like a slacker central timer had the first post this morning at 5:27, just before she went and walked for an hour!

Off to do the fun stuff - bank, dry cleaner, Sams, grocery store...and maybe squeeze in a few games of Mah Jongg.

Have great day! (And think "condo sale"); 8:57 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: thx Cincy. u 2 gal.; 8:59 AM
E-Bro said...: Sorry Cincy, I was unable to get first post this morning b/c I was already busy at work. :P

Been up since 3:20 HABOTN time this morning. I'm not a proud of it.

Okay, I'm a little proud of it, but I'm definitely not happy about it.; 9:02 AM
Honey said...: Guys, you do not know what a feat it is for me to be up at 5:15. I am so not a morning person! Let me stay up until 3 am! I am very impressed y'all can be at work and functioning that early.; 9:05 AM
E-Bro said...: Trust me Cincy, I'm the same way. I'm definitely a creature of the night. Even though I'm up at 4:20 every morning, I can't make myself go to bed before 11:30 or 12. Don't like to.; 9:12 AM
Norm said...: I don't care what y'all say, THT will agree with me, Billy Powell was most definitely The Man.; 9:14 AM
Jet said...: I'm looking for a 4-3 win in Starkville.; 9:16 AM
E-Bro said...: He was also the Fifth Beatle. Well, him and George Martin.; 9:19 AM
Jet said...: Norm was the third Van Halen.; 9:21 AM
Norm said...: ebro - you're thinking of Billy Preston. Ninny.; 9:21 AM
E-Bro said...: Yeah I am.

Umm...I was just testing you...; 9:22 AM
E-Bro said...: Ninny is as ninny does.; 9:22 AM
Jet said...: Norm played the pan flute. His plans for a mail or phone order album was tragically scuttled when that jack@$$ Zamfir released his two weeks ahead of Norm's.; 9:23 AM
E-Bro said...: Both could rock out on the organ though, no doubt.; 9:24 AM
Norm said...: Oops upside yo head.; 9:25 AM
Unknown said...: MSU will definitely be a concern. With a new QB and new TB, I am concerned about mistakes. It could turn into something similar to the 3-2 classic where we were the better team, but kept accidentally shooting ourselves in the head.; 9:39 AM
API said...: Rhetorical question of the day: excluding Tuscaloosa, what is the redest city in Alabama?; 9:42 AM
michael said...: Is Jay G being funny by letting a post he made on the longest day of the year last longer than any of his other posts?; 9:48 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: JGT is a very clever dude. prolly so.; 9:52 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: that, or he may be waiting till post #999 to put up a new thread.

kinda like Lucy snatching the football away from Charlie Brown.; 9:53 AM
E-Bro said...: Good grief.; 9:56 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: looks like it's up to us to make this happen.; 10:00 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: just found out the boss is buying chick-fil-a sandwiches for lunch since we're doing inventory.

sweet.; 10:01 AM
E-Bro said...: Life is good.; 10:05 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: 41 minutes till i am enjoying a new spicy CFA sammich.

yum.; 10:20 AM
Norm said...: I'm currently "enjoying" some food from our cafeteria with some iTumes to go with it. The music is better than the food.; 10:30 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: random AU basketball note:

i just got back in the office to a voicemail from former AU player Frank Ford. i had sent him some stuff to sign a few weeks back and he called to let me know it was safe & on its way back. how cool is that?; 10:33 AM
Baldy said...: So when the 1,000 post mark is reached, are balloons going to fall from the ceiling?; 10:43 AM
Unknown said...: Some things are just funny. I don't care who you are. You have to laugh at something Jay Coulter proposed. Jordan Hare is named after the winningest coach in school history. The field is named after the second winningest coach in school history, Pat Dye. Well, Tuberville is the third winningest coach in shool history, so what should be named after him? Coulter proposes the new indoor practice facility:) Now that's funny.; 10:46 AM
michael said...: Baldy, when we've hit 1,000 in the past, somewhere a cat died. That's according to blogger.com's FAQ. I have never actually seen the cat die, but I can still appreciate it.

So let's kill another cat today!; 10:48 AM
Unknown said...: What would be funnier that naming the indoor practice facility after Tuberville would be to rename the Beave to the Jeff Lebo Arena just prior to demolition.; 10:51 AM
Harrison said...: Michael, haven't you killed or injured enough cats; 10:52 AM
Baldy said...: My 3 legged asthmatic cat that I had to medicate twice daily for over 13 years passed away about a month ago unexpectedly. Hmmmm.....maybe it wasn't such a coincidence after all.; 11:01 AM
Norm said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11:01 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: i've got a cat. if it's dead when i get home MJT and i will have to chat. i love my cat.; 11:02 AM
michael said...: Look guys, I didn't make the rules. Alfred Blogspot, the great blogging pioneer, made them. How on earth he rigged the blogs in this way is beyond me, but don't shoot the messenger.; 11:05 AM
stupup74 said...: My favorite cat from my youth got put down the other day. I left him at home when I went to college at Auburn.

I was sad. Willie was a great pet.; 11:06 AM
michael said...: You know, some people say that the highly popular "I HATE WHEN CATS DIE" blog is the most ironic site on the internet.; 11:13 AM
Jet said...: API ... Non-rhetorical answer.

Gadsden.; 11:14 AM
Jet said...: Alfred Blogspot's brother, Cedric, was the first champion at Wimbledon to have his tennis rackets strung with cat gut, making him also a pioneer as well.

Sadly, he was a pariah within his family as he did not properly give credit to his brother Alfred for the innovation of using the innards of felines to equip tennis rackets. He got the patent and Alfred didn't.; 11:20 AM
stupup74 said...: Every time the blog page flips, a kitty angel gets its wings.; 11:23 AM
digger4au said...: Gadsden is pretty red but don't hold a candle to Foley.; 11:36 AM
Harrison said...: I agree with Gadsden. Grew up there, will never go back. ever.; 11:38 AM
digger4au said...: Whooolio is number six (6) in Chris Lowe's countdown.
Now ain't that something; 11:43 AM
Norm said...: Baby, baby, what's your claim to fame?; 11:44 AM
Norm said...: She's as heavy, as a Chevy.; 11:46 AM
digger4au said...: Our friend from the Auburn Beat Woodbery has some quotes from Barbee the one I like is
On improving Auburn's defense: "My philosophy has always been based around defense...We were one of the best defensive teams not only in Conference USA but in the country (at UTEP). We're trying to do the same thing here, especially with our questions on offense."; 11:47 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: OVER- (clap-clap-clap)

RATED! (clap-clap-clap); 11:47 AM
digger4au said...: Soooooo true; 11:48 AM
Scott Chocolate said...: I haven't read all the posts (been over on JGT's WC blog), but I'm here to help us get to 1,000!; 11:48 AM
digger4au said...: Go Scott Choc; 11:49 AM
digger4au said...: This old Geezer is huffing and puffing
gimme a hand brother.; 11:51 AM
Scott Chocolate said...: Here ya go, Digger! Hang on!!!; 11:51 AM
Howard said...: almost there...; 11:51 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: who wants the big one?

anyone?; 11:52 AM
Howard said...: 1000!; 11:52 AM
Norm said...: Millennium new page smell!; 11:52 AM
digger4au said...: Way to go now some one do it; 11:52 AM
Scott Chocolate said...: NORM!!!; 11:52 AM
Scott M. Brannan said...: crap. i guess i had it.

1000+; 11:52 AM
Howard said...: or not... dangit. War Eagle anyway.; 11:52 AM
Scott Chocolate said...: Whoa! Check out LCT!; 11:52 AM