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2.16.2016

Welcome to another 5k

OK. So you all have reached 5,000 posts, so THT has asked that I make a new thread. I'll gladly acquiesce. But first, a photo of the always-lovely Jenna Fischer to user in a new post. Please enjoy.

4999 Comments:

bubbs said...: Who's to say you're not modeled after Russian robots though?; 11:15 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: if he's modeled after one of those Russian robots, I hope it's the one that is going to mess with our election.; 11:25 AM
bubbs said...: As in void the whole dang thing?

I'd be for that.; 11:35 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I wonder how they figure that in with the division standings?

They'll probably rig the outcomes of the games so that UF doesn't factor into it. That shouldn't be too difficult with UT already holding a tiebreaker advantage over UF and UG.

I.e., there is no way UF will be allowed to win @ Arky ;-) That will allow UT to slip up twice (as in their next 2 games) and still win the division; 11:40 AM
Unknown said...: I can't get criticizing our election. Who has a more hilarious election process than the United States? Noboby, that's who. This one has been so funny they would make a movie out of it. The only problem is, how could you make it seem believable?; 11:55 AM
Unknown said...: Just thank heavens the Vandy vs Kentucky game wasn't canceled. If they didn't play that would mean,...um....well, I am not sure anyone would notice.; 11:57 AM
bubbs said...: Wasn't it just last year that LSU didn't play their opener because of weather?

Pretty clever. They're figuring out how to play fewer games than errbody else.; 12:06 PM
Unknown said...: Since Florida and LSU aren't playing, Auburn is now going to play on ESPN instead of the SEC Network. Good stuff.; 12:23 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: bubbs, they're also figuring out how to make less money.

I remember the good ol' days when we only played 10 games, plus an occasional bowl game. Some teams now play 15 games and just about everyone gets a participation trophy. I don't like it.; 12:49 PM
Unknown said...: Back when we only played 10 games, you also were lucky to see a game on TV. Once or twice a year was it.; 1:27 PM
bubbs said...: I like playing bunches of games and being able to watch 100 every weekend.

Granted, I usually only watch AU and pieces of some other interesting games but still. I like having the option.; 1:44 PM
michael said...: When I was young, you got a telegram from your cousin telling you what the neighbor heard while listening to the radio broadcast of the game. And we liked it! We didn't complain none!; 2:12 PM
bubbs said...: When I was young, they had horseman that would ride from town to town ringing bells and shouting scores. I remember one season where the horseman for our town lied about the BC games the entire season. It was early summer before we realized they didn't win the national championship OR have a coach.

But you know, whatever. We can go back to that. It would be great.; 2:28 PM
Unknown said...: White Lightning will strike MSU tomorrow. Auburn wins by at least 3 scores.; 3:35 PM
bubbs said...: Isn't white lightning moonshine? So are the AU players drinking it, the MSU players or Gus?

Come to think of it Gus may have been drinking it for the past couple years. Maybe he'll gift some to Mullen.; 4:10 PM
michael said...: When I was REALLY young, teams were only allowed one fan apiece, and the fan had to be a blind child. And it was a time before human language had developed very much, so this child relayed the results of the games to the rest of us with crude grunts and and banging of rocks together. And it was also before numbers were figured out so you never really knew who won the game.; 4:29 PM
Unknown said...: Man, I was so sure BC would be great when I found out Scot Loeffler was the OC. How did it go so wrong?; 7:29 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Hey SFC, should that last play in the LSU game have counted...disregarding that anotherillegal motion penalty should have been called?

b. The 10-second rule does not apply if the game clock is not running when the
foul occurs or if the foul does not cause the game clock to stop (e.g., illegal
formation).
c. After the penalty is administered, if there is a 10-second runoff, the game clock
starts on the referee’s signal. If there is no 10-second runoff, the game clock
starts on the snap.

Someone explain why C. did not apply.; 8:41 PM
Unknown said...: I think it is because the clock wasn't stopped by the previous play, but I am not rules expert. The don't complain if the call is in your favor rule does seem to apply.; 2:19 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: The don't complain if the call is in your favor rule does seem to apply.

That's the type of rule book insight we've been missing around here!!; 7:56 AM
Unknown said...: Les Miles to Texas would be interesting.; 8:41 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm not sure any program bigger than LSU would be interested in a 62 yo coach with a history of poor time management.

Are you still above water SFC? It's been raining here nonstop since I went to bed last night. Crabtree Creek in Raleigh is undoubtedly about to flood, if it hasn't already. It can flood on a humid day. Back in the 60s they built a mall next to it. ND @ NCSU should be a great splashy game on real grass. I can't wait! It's a noon kickoff. If I wasn't sick as a goat I'd be over there enjoying some real football.; 10:35 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: LSU also jumped out big against MSU. AU needs to impress me and not let MSU get back in this game.; 11:37 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: SHOVE THAT BALL ACROSS THE LINE! That's a very refreshing approach. I like it!; 11:48 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: ok, what did we do with all those AU football tickets?!; 12:25 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I never played organized football... was that the turtle offense or the possum offense we used in the 2nd half?

NC rainfall totals

Tar Heel, NC, just below Fayetteville, has over 14" in the past 24 hours, including 10.6" in 6 hours

SC rainfall totals; 3:44 PM
Unknown said...: I only got a couple of inches of rain here. Things have been fine.

It must be great to be Charlie Strong these days. Coach, do you feel like you should be fired now, or should they wait until the end of the season?; 5:20 PM
Unknown said...: I loved how Auburn honored Tuberville in the second half. The Tubershell lives!!!; 5:21 PM
THT said...: how about Les Miles to Purdue? Just throwing stuff against the wall.

On Friday, Texas AD Mike Perrin indicated he, and most of the fans who contact Perrin, remain in Strong’s corner. “I want to see an improved program,” he said.

Strong after Saturday's game, "No improvement at all"; 10:50 AM
bubbs said...: It was the Tubershell. But we have a Tubber like defense, so there's that. I'm okay with it.

There is a bitter taste to this season, because you can see where we're a QB away from being a really good team.; 11:57 AM
THT said...: interesting game on Saturday

Final Score:
Limestone (SC) 6
Catawba (NC) 0

First downs:
Limestone 2
Catawba 21

Total offense:
Limestone 48
Catawba 322

Turnovers:
Limestone 1
Catawba 7; 12:13 PM
michael said...: A QB away from being a really good team? A little harsh. I don't think Grit Laser is the thing keeping us away, necessarily. If he gets time, he's a dang solid QB.

I'd say the bigger problem is inability to block elite pass rushers. You fix that, and the Grit Laser offense scores bunches even against LSU/A&M/Clemson.

Yes, given the line we have, I'd say a true dual threat QB could make Auburn a top 10 team easy... but I still say it's too reductive to say we're a "QB away."

And having said all that, I still think Auburn can be a really good team this year with the current personnel.; 12:19 PM
michael said...: I will say this: I think if they had started JFIII from the beginning of the season and let him work through his difficulties, the team would be better off by the end of the season. Probably would have lost to LSU, though. But you can see how much dang potential he has.; 12:23 PM
THT said...: I'm curious (and hope to never find out)... if AU had more RB injuries, who would we see first at RB... JFiii? or J"R"F? I suspect the latter simply due to experience/dependability. Unless they've been secretly giving JFiii reps at RB.; 12:34 PM
michael said...: I say put in Monty Adams at RB; 12:43 PM
bubbs said...: When I say "QB away" I am speaking of the dual threat QB that Gus' system thrives on. White is not a bad QB. He's a good QB. Middle of the road SEC talent. That's nothing to sneeze at, but I'm coming around to the thought that his system needs someone with an arm AND wheels to really make things hum.

I disagree on JFIII. They wanted him to take the job, but he couldn't get it done. All I know is that they haven't let him throw it except 2 or 3 times(?). Also, there was that time he had to run to the sidelines to get a play (because he didn't understand the cards?)... I dunno. He's an athlete but that stuff makes me think he might not ever work out at QB.; 1:07 PM
bubbs said...: If KJ/Pettway are hurt, I think the next available body with the most TDs would be Monty.; 1:08 PM
Unknown said...: White, the middle of the SEC QB is leading the SEC in completion percentage and is currently on pace to have the second best completion percentage in school history. Not bad for a middle of the SEC player.; 1:27 PM
bubbs said...: Lies, damned lies and statistics.

I stand by my assessment of White. Good but not great. Also, not the best type of QB for Gus' offense, regardless of what Gus thinks.; 1:31 PM
Unknown said...: Also, being ranked third in terms of QBs in the SEC isn't bad for a middle of the pack SEC QB. The only two QBs with higher ratings are Chad Kelly and Austin Allen.; 1:37 PM
Unknown said...: And being ranked second in terms of yards per attempt isn't bad either, considering White is a middle of the pack SEC quarterback. The only QB with a higher YPA is Chad Kelly. So, yeah, I guess for a middle of the pack SEC QB, White is doing okay.; 1:41 PM
bubbs said...: I would consider Allen, Knight, Hurts, and Kelly (no particular order) to all be better QBs.

Here's the good news. If I'm wrong and he is a top QB, and the OL has played much better the last two games ... you gotta like AU's chances of running the table from here to the SEC championship game.; 1:45 PM
Unknown said...: Well, Cam Newton and Jason Campbell had higher QB ratings than White. Other than those two, I can't think of any other starters that came close. Nick Marshall didn't. There are probably some with limited playing time that did. I imagine Jeremy Johnson's QBR looked great in 2014. Of course, not playing much kind of helped him out a bit there.; 2:00 PM
Unknown said...: I would defintitely consider Kelly better at this point. The others are questionable. Knight is very inconsistent. Hurts is good, but I think a little overrated. I don't consider Allen as good.

What impresses me the most about White is that he does what he does while throwing to a lot of different receivers, most of whom are inexperienced. Those with experience aren't impressive. Stevens is his go to guy and they guy can reliably be counted on to drop an easy one pretty much every game. Marcus Davis isn't as sure handed as Stevens.

As for JF3, I don't consider him a starting QB. I think he should be used the same way he was in junior college. He isn't likely to ever be an accurate passer, although hopefully he will get good enough to throw the deep balls. That being said, I think they should be playing JF3 a lot more than they have. Against Clemson you saw how they were all over him. They expected him to be the starter, so they shut him down. But you have to make every team prove they can shut him down. Plus, we cannot afford for White to get injured. If that happens it is very likely Jeremy Johnson will be the starter. Nobody wants to see that. White should have never played in the second half against MSU.

I don't give a rip about QBs rolling up big numbers. White needs to sit whenever possible to avoid injury. Having to prepare for JF3 will cost opponents prep time. Let them share the load.; 2:44 PM
michael said...: JFIII 4 Life; 2:45 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I agree with bubbs and SFC.; 6:18 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: LSU vs FL battle more entertaining than the game; 6:28 PM
bubbs said...: It'll be interesting to see how that ends up. It will also probably play a large role in how the new commissioner is viewed. If he doesn't make sure this gets figured out, I wonder about the length of his tenure.; 9:13 AM
bubbs said...: I have no idea what happened at Baylor, but I don't think anyone else does either. Sounds to me like the accrediting organization (SACS?) needs to force and independent investigation. Or maybe the state since it involves Title IX?

http://footballscoop.com/news/baylor-staff-simultaneously-tweets-truthdontlie-hashtag/

Either way, I think you'll see enough confusion to make Briles less than toxic next year. He'll get a shot at a big gig if he doesn't take one at the end of this year.; 9:22 AM
THT said...: Sidney Crosby suffered a concussion in practice. PRACTICE!!! Why on earth was he even out there? The team is being very secretive on exactly how it happened. If he got checked by somebody, I'm guessing that body will never be found.; 11:35 AM
michael said...: I think at this point Crosby gets a concussion every time he sneezes.; 11:52 AM
bubbs said...: How are Stills, Nash and Young fairing?; 12:04 PM
michael said...: They are all still bummed Melissa Etheridge didn't ask for their sperm.; 12:22 PM
bubbs said...: In that case, I suspect they all have concussions.; 12:42 PM
Unknown said...: Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, and Briles? It does kind of have a ring to it.; 10:12 AM
bubbs said...: FPI likes us better this year than last. I scoffed at them last year, and was proven foolish. I'm more inclined to give them some credit now:

http://auburn.247sports.com/ContentGallery/Top-10-Tigers-Auburn-rises-as-ESPN-FPI-predicts-remaining-wins-48191028; 11:43 AM
Unknown said...: Thanks for sharing that, Bubbs. Most of the numbers seem pretty reasonable. The Arkansas number is a bit surprising, but when you consider we have a open week before them, we have them at home, and they have a stretch of tough games before this one, it is very reasonable.

The only number I really question is the Georgia game. They seem to always get better by when they play us and that freshman QB should be ready. It will likely be close.; 12:05 PM
bubbs said...: Both of those stuck out to me. We need to beat Arky, so I like that number.

uga ... I dunno. Maybe that's been such a nightmare of a game lately that I'm having a hard time believing. If we can win that one, it will end up being a season Gus can build on.

The bammer game stuck out to me, too. Close to 25%. Honestly, that's higher than I would have expected.; 12:36 PM
Unknown said...: Yeah, we have a shot against Bama, but things will have to improve. Teams with great pass rushers have done well defensively against us. Hopefully our tackles will continue to get better.

I will be happy if we get 8 wins, although I am not sure that makes Gus totally safe. Nine would probably do it. Lose to Vandy and all bets are off.; 12:57 PM
bubbs said...: I think 7 wins keeps Gus his job. Wouldn't be pretty, and he'd be on the hottest of hot seats, but I think they'd let it roll one more year.

We'll see. To get 8 wins, we need to knock off OM or uga in addition to arky. I can see it, but it wont be easy. I don't like our chances again OM.; 1:22 PM
Unknown said...: You may be right simply because Auburn would owe Gus too much money. Also, this team is very young, so things are looking good for the future. Pettway, KJ, and White will be around for years to come. They are playing a crap load of freshmen and sophmores.; 1:41 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Ivanka called and invited me to a Trump/Pence rally in Raleigh. Mike Pence will be there, but Donald won't be there. More importantly, I don't think Ivanka will be there.; 1:41 PM
michael said...: I think 6 wins keeps Gus his job.

Let us know how the rally goes, THT.; 2:11 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I don't watch the local news, michael, so I won't have any idea.

Gus can keep his job with 1 win.; 2:13 PM
Unknown said...: This is election is like having to choose between getting shot in the head or getting shot in the heart. Just surprise me.; 2:36 PM
michael said...: I'd choose getting shot in the heart. I can be more dramatic that way.; 3:05 PM
bubbs said...: *bubbs scribbles something in the "MJT" file.*; 4:14 PM
michael said...: Are you on a Death Panel or something? If so, thank you for documenting my request.; 4:24 PM
bubbs said...: DON'T ASK ME ABOUT MY FILES!; 4:25 PM
michael said...: Well this stinks. I was just about to ask you about your strip of roughened metal used for smoothing and shaping the fingernails and toenails. Guess I'll just have to hold onto that question.; 5:07 PM
Unknown said...: t is official. Sean White is the man. It wouldn't surprise me if he is the man for the next couple of years.
http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2016/10/what_roles_auburn_backup_quarterback_john_franklin_iii_jeremy_johnson.html#incart_river_index; 8:48 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I hope he'll have a Sr season like our prior White quarterback.; 9:05 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Great match going on between the Sharks and Jimmy's Kings; tied at 2nd intermission.

In case y'all missed it, Toronto rookie Auston Matthews showed why he was #1 pick in the draft, scoring four goals in his NHL debut. Unfortunately for him, the rest of his team scored 0 but gave up 5.

Hockey is back!!!; 11:42 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: well, rats. I fell asleep before the 3rd period started :(; 8:47 AM
bubbs said...: Maybe I do woodwork or metal work or nail work, MJT. But that's none of your bizness.; 9:28 AM
bubbs said...: That's two strikes, SFC. An al.com link AND written by Madmin. What are you thinking?!?; 9:40 AM
E-Bro said...: THT wants Sean White to get hurt in the very last game of his Auburn career. That's mean.; 10:08 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I said nothing about a particular game. But if he needs to take one for the team to beat ua-t that season, I'm sure he'll be all in.; 10:19 AM
E-Bro said...: Make him understand.; 1:30 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Important trivia...
On a perfectly clear day with perfect vision, one can see 211 miles from the top of Mount Everest.

The world’s longest line of sight is not from Everest, but from Dankova, Kyrgyzstan (5.971 m.) to Hindu Tagh, China (6.436 m.) a total distance of 538km (334 mi).

AU fans are thankful their line of sight doesn't extend to the cesspool of West Vance Community College.; 1:34 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: ok, I've got to run some errands and...; 1:48 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: practice a map talk.; 1:48 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I want to make sure y'all don't mess up the most important post of the day...; 1:48 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!; 1:49 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: leave the messing up to me. I think there are about 13 too many!

Of course not! You can never have too much BEASLEY!!!; 1:50 PM
michael said...: I just have no idea what was even happening with that 22BEASLEY post.; 3:55 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Don't fret, hotties. I know there is some consternation about the lack of a football game on this CAMPFIRE tonight. No need to worry. We've got Penguins (sans Crosby) vs commies at 8 on NBCSN; 6:32 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Florida @ LSU on November 19; 7:57 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: that was a great story at the campfire about Steve Brown's ring.

Penguins win in a shootout! Geno gets a shootout goal. Ovechkin with the shootout outcome on the line got stonewalled by The Flower. GO PENS!!!; 10:12 PM
michael said...: Sorry I missed the campfiyah THT! My wife had me working like a rented mule last night. In-laws are coming to the house today.; 8:26 AM
bubbs said...: Big if true.; 8:59 AM
michael said...: There's really no way of knowing if anything I tell you is true; 9:32 AM
bubbs said...: Or is there?!?!

There are ways, dude. You don't want to know about it, believe me.; 12:09 PM
bubbs said...: Hey, THT, what do you think of this Auston Matthews kid?; 1:47 PM
michael said...: He hates him.; 2:54 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: He needs to be in a Penguins sweater.; 3:16 PM
bubbs said...: I have it on good authority that you hate him. Does that mean the sweater is like a straight jacket or something? You're a confusing hockey fan, THT.; 4:21 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: bubbs, I had Hursey's barbecue for supper. I'm guessing that you didn't.; 9:03 PM
THT said...: mercy, I was counting on a win vs Vandy. Please don't let us fall further behind them in the series.; 8:03 PM
Unknown said...: I think Auburn trucks Vandy and Georgia. The season will likely be decided in the next two games. Win both and it is a great season. Win one and it is still good. Lose to both Arkansas and Ole Miss and it will be very disappointing.; 10:49 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: MrsTHT says we're going to the game on Saturday. I have my marching orders.; 10:43 PM
bubbs said...: THT, please win us the game before the last second this time.

Thanks
bubbs; 8:51 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm just glad that Arky will be giddy instead of angry. They give us enough problems anyway; we don't need them to arrive all ornery.

Penguins hockey tonight vs Avalanche, but I'll be stuck at the Buy More stocking shelves.; 9:12 AM
E-Bro said...: Go Avs!; 10:11 AM
michael said...: Go Avs Not!; 10:55 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I concur with michael.

I never thought I'd be writing this... only 25 days until AU's basketball season starts.

GO TIGERS!
WARRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!; 12:01 PM
bubbs said...: The bball season should show up just as your getting over the disappointing football season (as predicted by SFC).

So that'll be nice!

Not to mention just about the only way we could be disappointed in a bball season would be if Pearl left.; 2:29 PM
Unknown said...: There is nothing disappointing about this football season. Some butts will be kicked.

Has Auburn finally found a backup QB?

https://www.seccountry.com/auburn/where-in-the-offense-is-jason-smith; 2:37 PM
michael said...: If Jason Smith was going to see time at QB, it should have been during last year's debacle. Why have him spend any time there this year?

Sad to see he isn't getting a lot of action at WR, but we have a lot of bodies at that position now.; 3:38 PM
E-Bro said...: Jason Smith for Jet Sweep 2016!; 3:45 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: That's a real sad statement on JFiii's future at QB. Is he practicing with receivers yet? I think he'd be a great jet sweeper.; 4:00 PM
Unknown said...: The alternative at QB if White gets hurt was Jeremy Johnson. JF3 is the change of pace guy, but can't run the entire offense. He has a role to play, and it is similar to what he did in JUCO. His chance to be the starter was probably assuming we had issues at receiver. Once that turned out to be wrong, JF3 wasn't in the picture.; 4:23 PM
Unknown said...: I was thinking they would get Woody Barrett ready to play this season, but now that it looks like White may be the starter for the next couple of years, wasting a year of Barrett's eligibility doesn't make sense.; 4:27 PM
michael said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 4:32 PM
michael said...: Lay of the land now: according to the coaches, JFIII has been the true backup since week 2. JJ is designated cheerer. From the articles I am reading on Jason Smith, my impression is that they feel bad for him and are just letting him kind of wander wherever he wants to during practice. Woody Barrett will be the hero starter in a couple of years and turn out to be terrible. Rinse, repeat.; 4:33 PM
bubbs said...: I'm still not sold that White has 2017 locked up. Depending on how WB looks and if we bring in Stidham, White could well end up as the #2 qb next year. I'm near positive that Gus will give up ~5% completion rate if he gets a true dual threat qb in return.

Isn't Nick the only qb to play back to back years as the starter for Gus?; 4:34 PM
bubbs said...: MJT is right about everything, except for WB having to wait a couple years before starting.; 4:35 PM
michael said...: Stidham could be a game changer, but I don't think WB jumps White unless White really struggles in season. Gus seems very slow to make a change at QB, and very risk averse. I don't know that Gus would even start Lamar Jackson at this point. Would probably be too freaked out by the 1 turnover a game he produces.; 4:46 PM
bubbs said...: I guess they can continue to tailor the playbook to fit White, but Gus has never produced a really good year (W/L wise) when he's tried to play a non-mobile QB. I'm unconvinced that he can do it. I certainly hope I'm wrong, but if we see White for two more years I would go ahead and make other plans on the SEC championship weekend.

I wouldn't play Lamar either. His smile is so fake it's smug.; 4:55 PM
Unknown said...: Most of the time Gus has had a pass first QB. White is currently one of the top 10 QBs in the country in terms of efficiency. Gus also had a QB pass for over 5000 yards in one season at Tulsa, not to mention Alpine at Arkansas State that passed for over 3000 yards. During his coaching career Malzahn has primarily had a passing QB. Much of the zone read stuff came from Hand at Tulsa.

So far White looks like the best passing QB we have had in a very long time. The only one that I think was more efficient was Ben Leard in his one great season.

Also, you seem to miss the fact that White can run, although it doesn't make sense for him to do a lot of it considering how well he throws the ball.; 5:03 PM
Unknown said...: You may want to read up on Malzahn's offense at Tulsa. They were 1st and 9th in the nation in passing during his two years. The myth that Malzahn's offense requires a running QB just isn't based on facts. It is based on Cam Newton and Nick Marshall. You can also check out his high school days, but rest assured Lashlee wasn't a running QB either.; 5:14 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: rats.; 8:51 PM
bubbs said...: I'm not saying Gus can't have 8-10 win seasons with a passing QB. What I am saying is that he doesn't win championships without one. The three where he's made it to a (conference) championship game: Ark, Tulsa, Tulsa ... They lost all three of those.

His offense puts up stats, regardless. Doesn't matter who is at the QB position. But they tend not to hand the team hardware for just breaking stat records.

re: White running. He's got some straight line quickness, but he's not shifty or big. No one will ever mistake him for a dual threat.; 9:16 AM
michael said...: You may be right bubbs, but when it's time to pick a QB, the only thing that matters is what Malzahn thinks about himself and his strengths... and he's shown repeatedly that he doesn't think he needs a running QB.

Like I've said before, I think he does need a true running threat to field a top 5 offense, but this team is changing as well. The defense is becoming the strength. As such, there is a path for the team to win big even without a record breaking offense. I mean, LSU has contended regularly the last 10 years with a terrible offense. There are ways, dude.

So in summary, I am hoping an elite dual threat QB emerges in the future, but I think it is more likely we are in for a multi-year Grit Laser era.; 10:13 AM
Unknown said...: I am looking forward to LSU versus Ole Miss. Coach O's revenge could be sweet.

I am troubled by the Texas A&M/Bama game. If Bama wins, Auburn is in pretty good shape in the West. If not, the Iron Bowl will likely decided if Bama or Texas A&M wins the West.

If Auburn is as good as I think, they should beat Arkansas pretty convincingly, so we shall see. Austin Allen is better than I had anticipated.; 10:37 AM
bubbs said...: @MJT

Things have gotten better with Hand/Lashlee making the game plan and calls. I think they have adjusted to what the players can do. Maybe looking at the past doesn't help too terribly much if Gus has really let go of that side of things. I don't know.

You make the point about LSU. That's also the reason Les lost his job. They have all this talent and great D, but were completely inept on O. I don't think that's the model we want to pattern after.

In summary, if we end up averaging 33 points a game (top 40 offense) the last half of the season, then I'll concede it's possible for Gus to be successful with a team built like this. Great D and acceptable O.; 10:43 AM
michael said...: my point with LSU was just an extreme example. Gus's worst offenses are better than 90% of the offenses Les Miles put out at LSU. If Gus suddenly becomes Les Miles, then yes he will eventually get fired. I see him fielding competent if not elite offenses, which could be enough to win a lot if the defense plays at a high level. Think the Alabama model. Most years they haven't had a top offense during the Saban tenure.; 11:44 AM
bubbs said...: Well, that's just not true, dude.

bammer:
(year/scoring offense rank/scoring defense rank)

2010/18/3
2011/20/1
2012/12/1
2013/17/4
2014/16/6
2015/30/2

So far this year: 6/8; 11:59 AM
bubbs said...: BTW - right now we're at 49 for offense and 11 for defense for 2016.; 12:01 PM
E-Bro said...: Alabama scores a lot of non-offensive touchdowns.

Re: Running QBs

To be fair to Gus, I saw some interview just last week (I think it was the homespun auburntigers.com) where Gus said that no matter who the QB was this year, they were going to ask him to run the ball more this year. And I think they have, even if he's not a true dual threat.

Here's the interview:

http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101116aaa.html; 1:11 PM
bubbs said...: I know that's what Gus said, but the stats don't really show it. Keep in mind that he only started 7 games last year and had a bum knee down the stretch:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/stats/_/id/3121585/sean-white

Sure, he's technically run more this year, but I don't think those are the kind of numbers Gus was implying.; 1:24 PM
E-Bro said...: Thanks for the link to support what I said, bubbs!

Also, keep in mind that he's taken some pretty hellacious sacks for lost yardage this year, especially the first four games, that I don't remember him taking last year as often.

That said, I'm not sure Gus was implying that the QB had to be a huge running threat, but just that he wanted him to run more, and while my memory of last year (even before the bum knee) may be failing me, Sean has been noticeably more active (if not all that effective) in the run game this year.; 3:20 PM
bubbs said...: Dude doesn't even mention White: http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/the-throwback-who-is-the-best-qb-in-the-sec/; 4:31 PM
Unknown said...: White isn't going to be one of the top QBs in terms of yardage because of two things. The horrendously offensive offense in the first couple of games and the fact we have one of the best rushing attacks in the nation. The offensive line play seems to have improved since Dampeer got injured, so I don't think sacks will be a major issue.

We have probably the most highly regarded set of receivers we have probably ever had in school history. Most are young and unproven. You aren't going to continue to get those kinds of recruits if you don't throw the ball to them.

I also saw where we are third in the West. That isn't bad, considering the start, but how good this team is will be shown against Arkansas and Ole Miss. If we win both of those games, we have a good chance of playing Bama for the West title.; 6:01 PM
THT said...: E-Bro, your Avs have let me down on consecutive nights. BOOOOOOOO!!!

I'm glad Penguins weren't on TV tonight. The Habs stomped them.

We watched the first Jack Reacher movie tonight on TV. TC's Mission Impossible movies are mostly awful, but this Jack Reacher movie was pretty good. I'll go see JR2 at the theater if I ever have an opportunity to see it at the cheaper ticket price. If not, I imagine it will eventually find its way to TV.; 11:38 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: michael and bubbs, regarding an earlier conversation a month or so ago...
It's ok if you mark your ballots for Trump. I won't tell.; 6:58 AM
bubbs said...: Have to subscribe to read, but I'm familiar with Metaxas and his arguments. I actually read his Bonhoeffer book. Frankly, I think he's wrong in his thinking. On several levels. Since I can't read that specific article I wont address his points, specifically. More generally let me say two things:

I. "It's never wrong to do right." There's a danger in holding some ethics above others. Clinton holds to some beliefs that are quite abhorrent. Trump does too, they're just not the same ones (at least in word. Let's not forget he's flip-flopped on abortion). I don't believe there is any ethic that we should try to protect "at all costs." i.e. I wouldn't be willing to vote for someone who is pro-life if they also want the penalty for faith in Christ to be death.

B. This one is a little harder to communicate because it's less concrete, but at some point I have to decide if I'm a citizen of the Kingdom of God or a citizen of America. Am I trusting in "kings and chariots," or trusting in the sovereignty of God? America will, eventually, be reduced to a subject for history books. It's not a theocracy, and I'm never called to make my nation state a Christian one. When I have the opportunity to speak into America's political workings I'll always do so with the intention of upholding Christian principles because they're true and rightly protect my neighbor as an image bearer of God. But when asked to make trades or choices on things that both degrade what it means to be an image bearer (abortion/racism/bigotry/misogyny/marriage ethics), I'm not going to play ball. I refuse the premise that I have to play this game.

I believe there are redeemed, Jesus loving folks that will vote for HC, DT, someone else or not at all. I'm okay with that.

All that to say, I'm still not voting for Trump. Or Clinton.

Article for article: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/october-web-only/speak-truth-to-trump.html?visit_source=twitter&start=1; 9:19 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I like your article better, although I don't agree with it entirely. Our country and the entire world are headed down the toilet. That is the inevitable course we are on for our disobedience to God. I will vote based on a delusion that the process, at least in this country, will be slowed or accelerated by the SCOTUS. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any motivation to vote for either of the disgusting candidates.; 9:59 AM
michael said...: re:bubbs on the subject of Alabama's offense: you proved my point for me.

re:THT on Metaxas: I was really disappointed in his tweet last week (that he has since deleted). Basically said, "So Trump used foul language, so what?" Kind of confirmed everything I thought about this election. Many evangelicals have made an idol of political conservatism that has blinded them. People are throwing out their Christian witness to stump for an amoral man-child.

I think I'll vote for Evan McMullin for my protest vote. The 2 minutes of research I did on him makes him seem pretty OK. Now I just have to avoid doing any further research, as I am sure there is something terrible about him that would make me not want to vote for him.; 10:03 AM
bubbs said...: I've settled on Evan as well.

.... I just ruined it for you, didn't I?; 10:13 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I may have read that McMullin is a habitual jaywalker.; 10:17 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: besides, McMullin isn't even on my ballot. I might as well write-in Billy Graham.; 10:23 AM
bubbs said...: He's not on ours either.

Make sure you write in a healthy VP nominee, THT. I don't think Billy can make it through a full term.; 10:29 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: if we're all going to take the write-in path, we should agree on the same candidate to make it count. I nominate Cincytiger.; 11:05 AM
Unknown said...: It really doesn't matter. Trump isn't going to lose big. It's going to be yuge!!! It won't be Walter yuge, but it will be about as close as you can get. Fpr whatever reason, the republican party decided Hillary was the best choice.

As for me, Joe Pesci seems like a good protest vote. He seems like a no nonsense get it done kind of guy.; 1:11 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard,
"The Big 12 exists because we have Texas and Oklahoma in the room. If we take Texas and Oklahoma out of the room, we're the Mountain West Conference..."

Sadly, ISU wouldn't be any better than midlevel in MWC.; 1:14 PM
Unknown said...: On second thought, Les MIles would be a great write-in candidate. He needs a job and knows how to motivate people.; 1:22 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: My vote stays with Cincytiger. She has far better clock management skills and her football weekend breakfasts and pregame meals are onion-free and tops in the country; 2:10 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: i'm voting for cooler weather. I am not a fan of 91° in October. I think we impeach the weather Man. By the way it's 41° in Laramie 23° in Fairbanks either place sounds better; 3:20 PM
bubbs said...: How's it looking in the Canadian wilderness? Asking for a friend that's thinking about moving.; 9:16 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: it's currently -12F in Rea Point, NU, Canada; 10:26 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: it's currently +6F with light snow in Resolute, NU, Canada. Their average annual high temp is 9.1F. That may be a bit chilly even for me.; 10:32 AM
bubbs said...: Kamloops, BC looks pretty nice.; 10:45 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I hope it's a lot less expensive than Vancouver.; 10:52 AM
bubbs said...: Not sure about that, but they've got a hockey team. Which is nice.

Looked at a couple cost of living websites. It doesn't seem too bad, with the exception of housing. Then again, I live in a state with extremely cheap housing so my perspective may be skewed.; 11:08 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: it's H!!!

Miami,FL @ VPI and BYU @ Boise State... CAMPFIRE NIGHT!!!; 11:36 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: bubbs, you might want to check out the local crime data for your potential Canadian destinations...

the most Canadian heist of all time; 12:06 PM
bubbs said...: Good point, THT.

I looked around, and it seems like crime isn't too bad there (crime stats not as easily found as I would have thought).

So that's good. Means there are nice vacuums there that I can occupy with my hockey stick acquisition program.; 12:20 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: No need to ask michael 'bout his 'bidness; 3:21 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: al.com headlines...

What are the 3 biggest challenges Auburn will face against Arkansas?
well, I'd say the #1 challenge will be winning. Any other challenge pales in comparison.

'Gus Malzahn is not on the hot seat,' says Auburn's Bruce Pearl
Is BP our new AD? Was JJ fired?; 3:36 PM
bubbs said...: Man, BP as the AD would be awesome.

Can I write that in on my ballot somewhere?; 4:10 PM
bubbs said...: MJT has been outed!; 4:11 PM
Unknown said...: Arkansas played Ole Miss last week and Bama the week before. Meanwhile, Auburn had an off week. If Auburn doesn't kick butt in this one, there is something terribly wrong, possibly due to global warming.; 4:26 PM
michael said...: Not my goats. Anyone could tell from just one look that those goats aren't even collateral.

Never ask me about my business.; 5:29 PM
THT said...: SFC, the forecast is for cooler weather on Saturday. Therefore, I like our chances.; 9:45 PM
Unknown said...: Jarod Evans was the JUCO QB Auburn backed off of once we got JF3. Everyone take a drink.; 4:23 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: SFC, I' don't drink and drive.; 5:13 PM
Unknown said...: Here is a good position by position comparison with Arkansas.

https://www.seccountry.com/arkansas/arkansas-auburn-even-come; 10:01 PM
Jimmy said...: Byron Cowart with a TFL; 6:42 PM
Unknown said...: I thought Auburn would beat Arkansas convincingly, but by convincingly I meant by two or three scores. I never envisioned them stomping that mud whole in them. And then when they walked it dry, I was actually feeling sorry for Arkansas. Never saw that one coming.; 8:34 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: In 3rd qtr, MrsTHT, "35-3, are we sure we're at the right game?"

bubbs, if things keep trending in the same direction you'll get an invitation to our Thanksgiving dinner. I think I'll be having dressing and cranberry sauce with my crow.; 10:21 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!
BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!BEASLEY!!!; 10:24 PM
Unknown said...: Gus should send thank you notes to Jovon Robinson and Roc Thomas. If they hadn't chosen their current paths, we may have never seen how good Pettway could be.; 8:03 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I'm pretty sure we don't need to talk this week about who the next AU coach will be.

What about Texas? Hugh Freeze?

I wonder if Mike Leach is content in the SE corner of Washington. He's doing a great job at WSU, even if he has lost the past 2 season openers to I-AA teams.

Lane Kiffen to Fresno State? I think he'll get a better offer.; 8:27 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Stat of the week...

Even after giving up 543 yds last week, Arkansas's rush defense (yds/game) is still BETTER than Ole Miss's.

Last time MrsTHT and I watched an AU game from a hotel room in Chicago (2007), AU got trounced by Georgia. Nevertheless, I won't be able to resist the desire to watch a great AU victory on Saturday. I'm counting on the fact that I'll have to watch on my laptop (assuming I can get the WatchESPN web site to work), so it technically won't be the identical circumstances that led to Auburn getting stomped in 2007. I can't believe we are relegated to the SECN while Sakerlina gets the same time slot on ESPN2.; 8:43 AM
E-Bro said...: Just to be safe, THT, watch the game on your computer from the hotel lobby or something.; 10:11 AM
bubbs said...: And don't let Mrs THT watch it with you. Just to be safe.; 10:15 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I was actually thinking about watching it in the lobby.

bubbs, I was not thinking that. I think you've lost your mind.; 10:36 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Looks like when we get back from Chicago we'll be packing up for the drive to AU for the Vandy game. MrsTHT says she wants to go. I'll be honest, it's worth the drive just to get those peach milkshakes in Gaffney. I had one on Friday and another on Sunday. Complete and total peachily awesome peachiness. I may get a scoop of their peach ice cream as an appetizer on the next trip.; 10:40 AM
michael said...: I hope Gus doesn't jump to the NFL after this year.; 11:33 AM
bubbs said...: I wouldn't worry about that, MJT. I suspect JJ will have him sign another extension before our bowl game. We'll have him locked up till 2030.; 11:39 AM
michael said...: always the optimist, bubbs; 11:42 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: have y'all seen the oak trees at Toomer's Corner? Obviously, the burned one looks dead, but the other one looked severely unhealthy on Saturday. It had very few leaves. I don't know how the original trees survived so many years of getting rolled.; 11:42 AM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: 11-2 and a Sugar Bowl date with Oklahoma*. That's what I'm seeing right now.

*or whoever wins the Big "12"; 11:45 AM
Unknown said...: Sugar Bowl? Why not just win the whole dang thing?

I am shocked there is not more sympathy on here for Bert. That game hurt him. It hurt him bad. His self esteem may never recover. He may not even consider himself better than Saban any more.; 11:57 AM
Unknown said...: And it looks like Coach O has the LSU head coaching position locked up. From what I understand, all he has to do is win their next game and it's in michael's bag.; 11:59 AM
michael said...: Still not sure what to think of Coach O... not sure he's all that different from Les, really. The Ensminger offense has been good for a couple of games against so-so defenses. The coaching change coincided with a much more offense-friendly part of the schedule.

But like you're alluding to, the Alabama game will reveal if things really are different.; 2:07 PM
bubbs said...: I'm pulling for the guy. Hope lsu does well with the rest of their schedule.; 2:13 PM
michael said...: Me too.

As far as SEC teams go, I really ain't got no ill will toward LSU. I'd rather see them do well than anyone else besides us in the west.; 2:30 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: I don't care who is coaching LSU. I will be pulling for them the next time they play.

SFC, the math required for us to get a shot at the whole dang thing is way above my pay grade.; 2:35 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: Even if we win out, several teams that don't even win their conference could get playoff spots instead of AU. Louisville is ranked 5. If they win out, they will replace Clemson if Clemson loses in regular season or ACC championship game. Or Louisville and Clemson could get playoff spots if both win out. I think it would be best if Clempson beats FSU on Saturday to eliminate any chance of the latter staying ahead of us.

Even if we win out, I don't think we jump a one loss Michigan or a one loss tOSU, so we need Michigan to win out and keep their playoff spot and drop both tOSU and Big10 championship game loser below us. We need a lot of carnage in the Big Ten. Nebraska @ Wisconsin, Nebraska @ tOSU, and Wisconsin @ NW need to go our way.

Washington and Utah are both ahead of us. They play this week and could meet again in PAC12CG, but plenty of carnage out there will be needed.

Baylor, WVU, Oklahoma... all ranked ahead of us. We need some blowouts there.

Boise is ahead of us with nothing but cupcakes remaining on their way to an undefeated season. Two loss team chosen over an undefeated team?

one loss ua-t might still displace 2 loss SEC champ if we barely beat them. Keep in mind we haven't beaten them by more than 10 points since 1969. Of course, we could win out and not even get to the SECCG. I think ua-t would likely get it if there is a 3 way tie with AU, ua-t, and aTm, based on some bizarre SEC tiebreaker rule that I don't understand. So we need LSU to beat aTm; 3:02 PM
Unknown said...: Win the SEC and anything else is gravy.; 3:11 PM
bubbs said...: Here's the worst scenario, if you ask me: We beat an undefeated bammer and go on to win the SEC championship game. BUT let's say we only beat bammer by 3. I can see where there's a way for them to still go to the playoff and we're left on the outside looking in.

That would sting quite a bit, and more importantly I'd have to hear about it for another 365 days since I live here.

On the other hand, I'd be completely fine with winning the SEC championship game and ruining it for everyone else in the SEC. Just not have an SEC team in the playoffs.; 4:20 PM
Unknown said...: I have a positive outlook. Any time Alabama doesn't win the national title., I consider it a win for Auburn.; 5:00 PM
michael said...: The committee cares about championships and who you beat moreso than losses supposedly... it'd be close, but I'd think a 2 loss SEC champ gets in over a 1 loss bammer.; 5:12 PM
Tar Heel Tiger said...: beating ua-t is the only championship I need. I hate ua-t. All. The. Time.; 5:24 PM
michael said...: How do you feel about page turns, though?; 5:32 PM
Unknown said...: Just remember. Win or lose, we still have Jeremy Johnson. That has to be worth something.; 9:51 PM
THT said...: that was an odorless page turn.; 10:53 PM
bubbs said...: I smelt it, THT. I smelt it.

I suppose all this conjecture will be moot, if we don't win this weekend. As things stand right now, it's the biggest game we have left before bammer.; 9:08 AM