The Battle of Good vs Evil

 I have read this post about life after Bobby Petrino which you can read by mashing HERE, and have come to some conclusions.

 Excerpts from that article reveal what life under Petrino will be for Auburn football players, and what will certainly happen when he leaves. He will leave.

 At the same time, there were rumblings after Petrino's departure that the coach had been too lax when it came to taking action on positive drug tests. The first positive test got you sent to drug counseling. The second got you a one-game suspension. The third got you a four-game suspension. Some later alleged that if there was a first, there usually was no testing done to risk a second or third. But attempts to get even aggregate records were not successful.

 Once new head coach Steve Kragthorpe had replaced Petrino at Louisville, the administration and fans were amazed at what transpired when a definitive drug policy was enforced.

 Players started being dismissed in high numbers, including some who had people around the school scratching their heads, because they'd been otherwise good citizens. Nobody could divulge the real reason for many of the dismissals, though one source close to the program said, "They chose pot over their football futures."

Yes Petrino is a very good coach. I’ll give him that. He is detailed, and very demanding. Two things this Auburn team needs right now. In an article from al.com reporter Mike Herndon, this was quoted from now deposed Gene Chizik.

 "He's very, very precise," Chizik said then. "He knows exactly what he wants; he knows exactly how he's setting you up for the next thing. He coaches those guys in minute details. He knows what he's looking from you defensively to take advantage of what he does. He's really good at it."

 Bobby Petrino is at a crossroads in his life. He has reached that crossroads because he got caught. Not because he had a revelation, not because he had a come to Jesus meeting with his Pastor, because he got caught. He is still in conflict with his mind on the good versus the bad.

 In an age where “Honey Boo-Boo” is acceptable television, I am not at all surprised to see so many Auburn fans think that Bobby Petrino is the best choice available to Auburn. Put simply, Petrino needs time. Time to reveal to his family, that he is a changed man, not someone who is sorry that all of his transgressions became public knowledge.

 My very small request to the search committee is to “Just say no to Petrino.”

WAR EAGLE! 

A- List Candidates

 Just the other day I listed the top three choices I have for who I would like to see as the new coach at Auburn. In case you missed it mash HERE. All of them are no huddle spread formation run first coaches. Now I would like to give you three more names, that given an opportunity, would be good coaches at Auburn.

 David Shaw is the head coach at Stanford. He has them playing in the PAC-12 Championship this week, and is a remarkable personality. He lead Stanford to an 11-2 record in his first year and this year thus far they are 10-2.  He would be someone the family could fall in love with, and the media would love him too. Good luck getting him out of the Cardinal grasp.

 Mike Gundy is the head coach at Oklahoma State. T. Boone Pickens is the big money investor in OSU athletics. Gundy won't be cheap if Auburn goes after him. He is a proven winner and a heck of a good coach. Many of his players are in the NFL. When Trooper Taylor was at OSU working with Gundy, they had the 6th best offense in the nation. Yeah, that Trooper Taylor, the one on the road recruiting for Auburn as you read this.

 The last of the "A" category coaches is Charlie Strong. He is last for a reason. His AD mentioned the other day to the media that he would match any and all offers made for Charlie Strong, and he would do whatever it takes to keep him at Louisville. We now know why, the Cardinals are making the jump to the ACC in 2014. 

 I know the A List everywhere else consists of names like Jimbo Fisher, Chris Peterson, Jeff Fisher, but really these are unrealistic choices. If any one of these gentlemen accept the Auburn job it would be considered the hire of a lifetime.

 No one really knows just yet who will be the next head coach at Auburn. There are some names in the NFL ranks that are assistants right now, that would be looking for jobs in the very near future. Any number of these could be potential candidates. There are at least four NFL vacancies expected at seasons end. Philadelphia, Dallas, Buffalo, and Miami.

 Patience is the key, and time will tell us all we need to know. Until then...

WAR EAGLE!

Making Sense

The hot topic is the AU coaching search. Who would make the most sense to bring to Auburn? How would certain styles of offense and defense work in the league? Who among the believed names among the myriad lists of candidates, would get the most out of our current recruits? All questions that are bringing emotional responses among the AU faithful.

 Auburn has recruited for the spread offense that last four years. We have some of the top talent in the country. How can I say that? AU was constantly rated among the best in recruiting and those top 10 schools over the past four years have consistently competed for conference and national championships. No way the percentage of those recruits that did not pan out all landed at AU. That indicates that the talent is already at Auburn.

 Most of you know, that I liked Gene Chizik. Although Chizik gambled and lost on his BCS title giving him more than one year to change his philosophy, he still has my respect. He made a terrible mistake to change to the pro-style offense. 

 Why do I say that? Because Alabama has lost four games in the last three years. Those losses have come to AU running a  Hurry Up No Huddle spread attack, and Texas A&M running the same style of attack. The other two losses were to LSU, and South Carolina. Alabama missed 3 or 4 FG's which would have won them the game against LSU. Using that as a criteria, Chizik should have never left the HUNH spread attack.

 That would seem to narrow the search list, or would it? Chris Peterson is on that list, and he runs that style of offense. My personal choice of Gary Patterson runs an exceptional offense, and very inventive defense. Patterson is the one guy that has a proven record of coaching up the talent, and also making the changes needed to adjust to different styles of offense that he faces. Read this STORY then come back and tell me you don't agree.

 The other name on the popular lists is Gus Malzahn. Malzahn would fit the easiest with the current staff, and players. He has worked very successfully with the offensive coaches, winning a BCS title. I'm sure he would replace Coach Loeffler with Rhett Lashlee, as offensive coordinator. The rest of the offensive staff he would be comfortable with. That would keep the recruiting class mostly together.

 There are some other names out there that could be great hires, too many to name here, these three are three that I wanted to highlight. We will come back and look at more, unless a coached is named soon.

WAR EAGLE!

Gymnastics 2013 Preview Meet Recap

Give Us Barabbus

From the mind of Mike Priceless.

A Closer Look

The odds on fan favorite right now is Bobby Petrino to be the next head football coach at Auburn University. I will attempt to rationalize why that is not a good thing. Using only published facts, and only look at his coaching career,  lets look at how a Bobby Petrino hire would look at Auburn.

Petrino has an overall coaching record of 75 wins vs 26 losses as a college coach. Breaking down his record shows that his SEC coaching record is 34-17 and just 17-15 in conference play. In Bowl games he is 4-3. Not as impressive as the overall, but not a losing record. His only BCS Bowl game as an SEC coach was a loss, bringing his BCS Bowl record to 1-1.

 Petrino has coached his teams to two conference championships. The 2004 Conference USA and 2006 Big East. He never had Arkansas in the SEC Championship game. Petrino never beat Alabama while at Arkansas.

 Now that we have all the facts, let's put to rest the Bobby Petrino talk. He is not what Auburn is looking for.

WAR EAGLE!

Smooth Sailing

Smooth sailing ahead

 In case you missed it, there will soon be a new captain of the U.S.S. Auburn Football. Once the new captain is named, he must make a few course corrections to get the ship headed back in the right direction. 

 Gene Chizik is a man that I respected, and liked as an individual. His tenure was never one that we could just sit back and relax. He brought excitement to Auburn recruiting. Chizik and his staff proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Auburn could, and should recruit with the very best in the nation.

 He also believed that Auburn could contend for a National Championship, and he proved it by winning his first attempt at one.

 He represented Auburn with class and dignity. Speaking of which, I must get this off my chest. Auburn and Gene Chizik were shown a great deal of respect by Nick Saban in our last contest with Alabama.  For all his media tirades, and his sometimes sketchy sideline theatrics, taking a knee on fourth down, instead of giving the back up squad a nugget to enjoy was a class move by Saban.

 Whomever Auburn decides to hire as the next captain of our ship, I hope that they represent Auburn as well as Gene Chizik has. I hope that they embrace and love Auburn in much the same way as the Chizik family.

 Thanks Gene Chizik for all the great memories of 2010. Though you accomplished much more while here at Auburn, you gave the Auburn family something it hadn't had in this generation, a National Championship! We will forever be grateful for that. 

 Until the next storm arises, and storms will come, there are smooth seas ahead. We just need to get the course corrections made quickly, so we can get back to enjoying our football cruise.

WAR EAGLE!

Players Reaction To Chizik Being Fired

Some of the players react to Coach Gene Chizik being fired.

 Tre Mason


Jeff Whitaker


 Phillip Lutzenkirchen

Gene Chizik's Statement

Where did it all go?

This is a copy of Gene Chizik's statement to the Auburn family. Thanks goes to Auburn Authority.

I am very grateful for the opportunity that I had during the last four seasons to serve as the head football coach at Auburn University. I’m extremely disappointed with the way this season turned out and I apologize to the Auburn family and our team for what they have had to endure.

In my 27 years of coaching, I have gained an understanding of the high expectations in this profession. When expectations are not met, I understand changes must be made.

While we experienced a tremendous low in 2012, I will always be proud of the incredible highs that we achieved, including three bowl victories, an SEC championship and a national championship.

I want to thank Dr. Gogue and Jay Jacobs for the great opportunity they gave me. I’m confident in their leadership ability to continue to move this football program forward.

I feel blessed to have been surrounded with so many great coaches, players and administrators that have worked relentlessly and dedicated themselves to this institution. I will miss not being able to continue to mentor these players on a daily basis. I’m confident these young men will continue to excel both on and off the field. They are a great group and I wish them nothing but the best.

I’ve been fortunate to spend seven years of my coaching career at Auburn, which is an incredible place to work and live. My family and I have been blessed to call Auburn home and look forward to remaining in the Auburn community.

I have said this many times, but the Auburn fans are the best in college football. They have an incredible passion and love for their school and I want to thank them for their support in good times and in bad times.

As I said four years ago when I arrived, Auburn was great way before we got here and it will remain great long after we leave. My sentiments about Auburn have not and will not change. I wish the next football coach all the best and I anticipate a smooth transition.

I encourage the Auburn family to continue to be ‘All In’ and support this great university and its athletics programs. War Eagle!

Ugghhh The 2nd

The sun has set on Auburn's 2012 season

 It was the most embarrassing display of football I have seen in years, months weeks days. Ugghh I hate feeling this way. I can only imagine how bad the players feel. let's look at the glaring things wrong from a fans prospective.

 Offensive production, no wait, that is an oxymoron. How about the lack of any offensive production can best be described by this statement from al.com
 Auburn's final three SEC opponents scored touchdowns on 16 of 18 first-half possessions.

 What about defensive prowess? Here is the most horrid of all stats from the game, as provided by the war eagle extra...
Alabama led 42-0 after 30 minutes, its largest halftime lead ever on Auburn. Never before in the Iron Bowl’s 77-game history had one team banked 40 points in back-to-back matchups.

from twitter
Bama's defense has now gone 2 consecutive years w/out giving up any points to Auburn.

This is from Joel Erickson at al.com 

Faced with a barrage of questions about whether or not Gene Chizik is the man to pull Auburn out of this hole, the Tigers stood united on one key point.

The Tigers want Chizik and his coaching staff back.

"He should be back," quarterback Jonathan Wallace said. "They know exactly where this program needs to go, and they know what to do. I hope they are back next year. I really have no doubt. I really do believe they will be."

"Of course I want him back," Mason said. "But that's not my decision to make."
"I don't think there are any quitters on our team," Mason said.

 To finish, we have this video of Jake Holland with the media after the game.


 The waiting will soon be over, and the news of Gene Chizik's fate will be told. Until then, we will hope for the best for these players.

WAR EAGLE!

Read more here: http://www.wareagleextra.com/#storylink=cpy

1982 Bo Over The Top

Tiger Walk

2012 Iron Bowl w/ T-WILL

Iron Bowl Time

Tiger Walk- An AUBURN tradition

 What a week this has been. Between all the talk about if Gene Chizik will be fired, and or who will be his replacement at Auburn. We have been attacked again by Pat Forde of Yahoo Sports, with a suggestive headline of news so old, it was common knowledge back in August. In today's news timeline, that is like reading the USA Today paper with this headline "World War 2 Has Ended."

 To make matters worse, some knucklehead, or group of knuckleheads, set fire to our beloved Toomer's Oaks. They were for all intents and purposes dead from the outrageous acts of a delusional psychopath, who decided he would hurt "Auburn fans" by poisoning these majestic trees. Setting fire to them served only to enrage all of the Auburn family. Surely that was not their intent?

 Tomorrow our young, and desperate team will enter Bryant-Denny stadium, and try to weather the storm that is sure to be awaiting them. My hope and prayer is that none of the players get hurt tomorrow, on either side of the ball. I hope the contest on the field is hard fought, and that all can hold their heads high when it is over. Sure, I hope for an Auburn victory. I am after all a fan and an optimist.

 Friday night, when the battle has been done, and the smoke clears from this horrid season we have all endured, I trust that the Auburn family will act as one. With class, and dignity befitting our creed.

WAR EAGLE!

Happy Thanksgiving

We would like to wish all of you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

WAR EAGLE!

Omni Hotels Classic Preview

The Auburn Family

Jonathan Wallace Impresses

Every time that the media interviews Wallace, I come away impressed with his intelligence, and poise. Enjoy this video courtesy of al.com

Auburn Volleyball Hosts Florida & Kentucky

Prosch Excited About 1st Iron Bowl

 Jay Prosch is "definitely excited" to play in his first Iron Bowl this week. He also wants to insure that Tre Mason reaches the 1,000 yard rushing mark. Listen as Jay talks with the media earlier this week. Video is courtesy of al.com

Person's of interest

Thanksgiving Post

giving thanks for all things AUBURN

 It's that time of year again where we stop, and with a truly heartfelt appreciation, give thanks. We were taught in elementary school that the Pilgrims gave thanks to God for the "new" found land. They shared this feeling with the local native American tribes.

 In honor of that notion I would like to give thanks to those who have helped me along the way. Writing for Auburn is a passion of mine. I don't make any money doing this. My devotion is from a love and appreciation of all things that Auburn stands for.

 Years ago, when I first started using the internet for its designed intention(reading about Auburn football) I came across this site called Joe Cribb's Car Wash. Its owner was a fellow by the name of Jerry Hinnen, who now writes for cbssports.com. That blog was a delight to read, and Jerry would interact with those who commented. Imagine my thrill back then that I could discuss Auburn football with people all over the world, that I would never have a chance to meet. I was hooked, so thank you Jerry Hinnen for piquing my interest in Auburn sports blogs.

 I eventually found other AU sites, and commented on some of those, and then started writing some of my Auburn football posts on Bleacher Report, as KoolBell. Thanks to the creators of BR for allowing me to start something that I would eventually love doing.

 Then one day while checking my email for comments and messages from readers of BR, I came across an invitation to write for Phil Steele on his website. That was a huge step for me. I jumped at the chance, and learned even more about this wonderful world of blogging. Thanks especially to Brandon, who works for Phil, for supporting me, and my efforts to become their #1 blogger.

 While I was writing for Phil Steele, I received an invitation from Jay Coulter to write for Track Em Tigers. I felt honored and humbled at the same time. Thanks to Jay, Paul, John, and Greg for treating me as one of the team right from the start. I learned a lot, and along the way some great friendships were formed. 

 I am thankful for The War Eagle Reader and all of the interesting posts they do concerning many aspects of life at AU. 

 I am also thankful for the work of all the Auburn athletics beat writers, who provide us with much of our video, and news pieces that you see here. They do the heavy lifting for guys like me, and their efforts are deeply appreciated. 

 As with everything, I felt the need to be on my own, and I started this blog that you are now reading. 

 I am thankful to the All Mighty for letting me do something that I truly enjoy, and for the blessings that he has bestowed upon me. I am truly thankful for the readers of any of my posts, from any one of the sites where I have posted. Whether it has been to correct my grammar, my mistakes of the facts, or simply to chime in and be a part of the conversation. That is why I do this. I enjoy the opinions of others, and the dialog that goes with that.

 So, thanks to all of you. God bless, and as always...

WAR EAGLE!

Off Season Humor

Laugh, get mad, I don't care. It's all in good fun anyway, so don't take any of this seriously...
 

Ohio State's Urban Meyer on one of his players: "He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear. In fact, I just saw his grades and he doesn't know the meaning of a lot of words."
___________________________________________

Why do Tennessee fans wear orange?

So they can dress that way for the game on Saturday, go hunting on Sunday, and pick up trash on Monday.
___________________________________________

What does the average Alabama player get on his SATs?

Drool.
___________________________________________

How many Michigan freshmen football players does it take to change a light bulb?

None. That's a sophomore course.
___________________________________________

How did the Georgia football player die from drinking milk?

The cow fell on him.
___________________________________________

Two West Virginia football players were walking in the woods.

One of them said, "Look, a dead bird."

The other looked up in the sky and said, "Where?"
___________________________________________

A University of Cincinnati football player was almost killed yesterday in a tragic horseback-riding accident.

He fell from a horse and was nearly trampled to death.

Luckily, the manager of the Wal-Mart came out and unplugged the horse. ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

What do you say to a University of Miami Hurricane football player dressed in a three-piece suit? "

"Will the defendant please rise.."
___________________________________________

If three Florida State football players are in the same car, who is driving?

The police officer.
___________________________________________

How can you tell if an Auburn football player has a girlfriend?

There's tobacco juice on both sides of the pickup truck.
___________________________________________

What do you get when you put 32 Arkansas cheerleaders in one room?

A full set of teeth.
___________________________________________

University of Michigan Coach Brady Hoke is only going to dress half of his players for the game this week; the
other half will have to dress themselves.
___________________________________________

How is the Indiana football team like an opossum?

They play dead at home and get killed on the road.
___________________________________________

Why did the Nebraska linebacker steal a police car?

He saw "911" on the side and thought it was a Porsche.
___________________________________________

How do you get a former Illinois football player off your porch?

Pay him for the pizza.
___________________________________________

What are the longest three years of a University of Kentucky football player’s life?

Freshman I, Freshman II, and Freshman III.

Dr. Gogue Talks

One last post before I head out on vacation.

Planned Week of Rest

 I have been planning to take this coming week off and be back in time for the Iron Bowl. I will be back in about one week.

Auburn Women's Basketball Intro Video 2012-13

Jay Jacobs To Remain?

Jordan-Hare stadium, home of Auburn Tiger football

 Published reports indicate that Jay Jacobs will remain the Athletic Director at Auburn University. Jacobs job has come under attack by many fans and message board posters for the perceived lack of  improvement in Auburn's four major sports programs. Most recently the failure of the football program to win any of its conference games. There is still Alabama to play this season, and many fans have already written that off as a loss.

 Increasingly the cries for removal of Jacobs along with his first football coach that he hired, Gene Chizik, have echoed loud and strong across the state of Alabama and indeed the country. According to the report by al.com contributor Charles Goldberg "Gogue defended Jacobs at a recent university event,"

 The report goes on to state...
"The university's Board of Trustees will meet Friday morning in Auburn in a regularly-scheduled meeting in which both Gogue and Jacobs will attend. Jacobs is scheduled to address a proposed renovation of baseball's Plainsman Park. Football is not on the agenda." 

What does this mean going forward for Gene Chizik and the athletic department?

 It is my opinion, that if Jay Jacobs indeed keeps his job, that Gene Chizik will be allowed to stay on as head coach of Auburn football.

 This certainly will not sit well with many of the Auburn family that believe that Chizik is the problem at Auburn, and that his style of coaching is perceived as why player development is lacking.

  Until all this unfolds we will be in the dark as to the future of Auburn football, and indeed the entire athletic department. Hold on.

WAR EAGLE!

2010 Iron Bowl - #2 Auburn vs #11 Alabama - "The Camback"

Early Evaluations Part 2

  The title seems to be a joke of sorts since Auburn President Jay Gouge has decided to wait until after the season to evaluate the state of the football program. I don't have to wait, and I see no reason to wait, so I will give my honest evaluations now.   Your criticisms and comments are welcome below, all you have to do is click on the  word comments.

 Part 2 looks at the linebackers and defensive backs. Without a lot of hoopla, lets get to it...

 Defense wins championships. However you choose to look at it, Auburn is about as far away from having a championship defensive unit as you can get. So, this is where we find out why.

 I could go on and on about how we don't tackle well, and how we miss the proper alignments in crucial situations, but Brian VanGorder beat me to the point. Listen as he describes the agony in ways that I could never explain. Being that he, you know, has a vast amount of football knowledge. 

Early Evaluations Part 1

Defense wins Championships

 The title seems to be a joke of sorts since Auburn President Jay Gouge has decided to wait until after the season to evaluate the state of the football program. I don't have to wait, and I see no reason to wait, so I will give my honest evaluations now. 

 Your criticisms and comments are welcome below, all you have to do is click on the  word comments.

 This is "Part 1" and we will break this team down by groups, so we don't have a multiple page post. Hopefully this is better for you, as I know it is for me. On to it...

 Let us start up front with the defensive line where we anticipated a much improved unit, and a steady stream of sacks and tackles for losses. None of that ever actually happened, and many AU faithful are asking themselves "why?"

 We have seen the results and listened to commentators talk all year of our defensive linemen being out of position during plays. Why are they still out of position, and not making plays? Does the current coaching staff not see these problems? Were we not promised an "unleashed" defensive front, that would supposedly cause havoc in the backfield? Who is to blame for this failure? Most importantly, how do we fix it? Tough questions.

 It's evident that our Defensive front is still not strong enough to compete throughout the entirety of the game. We went into the 4th quarter of several games this season with a reasonable chance to win. The defensive front for Auburn has been pushed around all season long, period!

 After the first couple of games, most of these nuances have normally been corrected, yet we continue to see the same mistakes game after game. Why?

  So far this season, Auburn only has 56 tackles for a loss. The defensive line is credited with 26.5 of those losses. Out of 719 plays so far, only 26.5 tackles for a loss. So much for the havoc being created in opposing backfields. PATHETIC!

 The start of every half has seen an opposing offense march up and down the field scoring with ease, and putting this team behind. While that may seem to be a coaching problem, and I am sure some of it may be, there also has to be an attitude amongst the defensive players that no team will score on us. That attitude is sorely lacking. Why can't the coaches get our defensive front to play with aggression?

 We have seen so little of this attitude from the linemen on defense this year, that I have to grade the entire unit as a failure. I'll let you decide if it is because of scheme, coaching, or lack of effort. I know one thing for sure, in all my days watching and cheering for Auburn football, I have never seen a more porous defensive front.

War Eagle!

Senior Day 2012

One last Tiger Walk for the Senior class of 2012

Dengelo Benton
 
Anthony Morgan
Ikeem Means
T'Sharvan Bell
Onterio McCalebb
Daren Bates
Jonathan Evans
Phillip Lutzenkirchen
Ashton Richardson
John Sullen
Jamar Travis
Emory Blake
Travante Stallworth

 This week Auburn plays host to Alabama A&M. While it is the first time ever for A&M to visit Jordan-Hare, Auburn will honor the Senior class of this football team. That means the underclassmen will have plenty of incentive to send the Senior's on this team out with a victory in their last home game. 

 Above are the names of those who have experienced the joys of Championships, and the misery of this season. If you go to the game, please give the honor and respect they deserve. They have truly been through it all.

WAR EAGLE!

Josh Holsey: Growing up Military

Ughhh...

 No other expression is needed. No other phrase to be uttered. Just the total disgust, and exhausted feeling that this nightmare may never end.

 This should just about sum up how I feel about the fantastic job Auburn has done on offense this season. Powered by the brain trust that is Scot Loeffler, Auburn has sunk to new lows in conference play. 

 Let's start with a look at scoring.
  Points scored per game 17.3 
  Points allowed per game 28.4

 Don't like those numbers? How about offensive production?
  First Downs total 156, Out of 584 plays that Auburn has had the   ball, only 156 first downs.
  Rushing per attempt 3.74
  Third down conversion Out of 122 third down plays that Auburn had thus far this season, they have  only made a first down 35 times. That is a 28.69% rate. 4th down is just as bad at 28.57%.
  Red Zone rates are really good, until you see how seldom AU actually gets into the red zone. Only 23 times this season. 23! Converting 18 of those trips into points.

 Let's look at these numbers from a SEC perspective, shall we?  Next to last in scoring offense, 12th in rushing offense, next to last in passing offense, dead last in first downs, dead last in tackle for loss allowed, and last but not least, dead last in 3rd down conversions.

 Any questions as to why we looked so bad against our cousins from UGA?

 Normally, I am as positive an outlook as you could hope to find when it comes to my Tigers. Right now, I just don't see anything to be positive about. That saddens me. Because after the way this team played in the second half against New Mexico State, I thought that they would prepare much better for Georgia, and really fight them tooth and nail. It doesn't look to be getting any better either.

WAR EAGLE!

Aubie 2012-2013 Highlights

Auburn Team Video (11-10-12)

In the Trenches with Chette Williams

Coach Flo: Debut Of An Era

Auburn hired a superstar name in Terri Williams-Flournoy to come in and return the Tigers to national prominence. Tonight she leads the Women's basketball team into their first season under her guidance. Listen as she previews Maine, tonight's opponent in the Wolfpack Invitational.

Volleyball vs. Texas A&M

In the Trenches with Corey Grant

Dee Ford & Coach Thigpen Video

 Dee Ford has been impressive in his time with the media. Despite a losing season, he has tried to stay focused, and continue to get better.

  “It would be a huge difference,” Ford said, “not just for us, but for the whole defense. Our turnover ratio would increase. It’ll be a wholesale effect on the defense.”

 On dealing with a losing record this season. 

  “It’s hard, but it’s not as hard for me because I focus more on development,” Ford said. “Especially when we’re in a losing season like this, you know; Are you getting better? Or are you kind of skating through, or are you going backwards? And I just focus on my development, and especially the development of the D-line"


 Coach Tommy Thigpen got in on the chat about getting ready for UGA.
 

Amen Corner

the heart of Amen Corner, the 12th at Augusta National - Golden Bell

 In the deep south, the name "Amen Corner" is held in reverence. The fact that it ties the states of Alabama, and Georgia forever together, increases its meaning to college football fans in our part of the world.

 Bobby Jones, that wonderful amateur golfer who has won so many titles, and the "Grand Slam" of golf, helped design Augusta National, the site of the Masters golf tournament every spring. Along the way while playing the famed course you will find yourself on the tee at the 12th hole. That is the heart of Amen Corner at the worlds most coveted championship.

 One season while the head coach at Auburn, Pat Dye met with reporters and dubbed the annual meetings against Georgia, and Alabama "Amen Corner." These two schools are the two biggest rivals of the Tigers from the Loveliest Village. 

 The ties go a little deeper, in that Pat Dye played football at the University of Georgia, and was an assistant coach under Bear Bryant at the University of Alabama. Auburn is conveniently located between the its two counterparts.

 Dye also told reporters that fateful day, that those two games can make or break your season at Auburn. While Auburn is no doubt not playing its best football right now, winning either or both of these games could sweeten the taste of a very sour campaign.

 So, what must Auburn do to snatch victory from the jaws of those dreaded Dawgs? First, and foremost they must play with a desire like they had against LSU earlier this season. 

 The defense must have a very large chip on its shoulder, and play like they are mad as heck! Take all the frustration of this not so great of a season, and make the UGA team pay for visiting our turf. Tackling must be sure, and ferocious. Pass coverage must not be played with a 10 yard cushion. Big plays should not be given up at any time in this game.

 The Tiger offense must play a ground control, mistake free game. Passes will have to be made, no doubt, but they must be limited at least at first, and allow this Auburn offense to develop a rhythm. 

 Last week, Jonathan Wallace led Auburn on the four longest scoring drive of the entire season. He must be able to do that this week, if AU is to pull out the victory. Georgia has shown a penchant for being able to come from behind in games, so the foot must stay on the peddle until the game ends, or is decisively decided late into the contest.

 I believe Auburn can win this game. I know the odds are against this happening, but I refuse to give up when faced with a challenge of this nature. You will hear the term David vs. Goliath many times this week. Since Auburn is headlong into our Amen Corner, I can think of nothing better than a Biblical battle to describe the challenge.

WAR EAGLE!

VanGorder: Georgia Week

Listen as Coach BVG talks about how difficult it is to play defense against the Bulldogs.

Ladarious Owens Timeout

Auburn Highlights From Field Level

This video is courtesy of al.com

All American Good Guy

 I truly enjoy these interviews with Auburn fullback Jay Prosch. He seems to always have a smile on his face. He seems like a great young man.

 Considering what he has been through in his short time at Auburn, you wonder how a guy can keep smiling. Prosch transferred to Auburn to be closer to his dying mother, Iris Prosch. She had a form of brain cancer that took her life earlier this season. 

 The Auburn family wrapped Jay in their prayers, and held him close, kept him in their thoughts amidst one of the worst football seasons ever on the Plains. 

 This past Saturday, as we watched a young Auburn football team finally shake its self from the doldrums and have fun playing football, we were given a reason to celebrate. Jay Prosch, our All-American fullback scored the first touchdown of his collegiate career. 

 It was a play that was designed specifically for a short yardage goal line run. And it couldn't have happened to a better person. Listen below as Jay talks about his score.

AU Athletics Locker Room Report

This is one of the best of these episodes I have seen. 

Enjoy, and WAR EAGLE!

Tre Mason Loves To Run

Tre Mason has been asking for the football more often during the game. He got his wish Saturday and he delivered with his performance to date. According to the Auburn Athletics official website..

"The Tigers (2-7) gained 475 total yards in the game, their highest offensive output of the season, and held New Mexico State (1-8) to 305 yards, including just 127 in the second half. A total of 311 of Auburn's yards came via the rushing game, the first time for Auburn to top the 300-yard rushing mark since gaining 315 against Georgia in 2010. 

Mason carried 22 times for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Meanwhile, McCalebb made the most of his eight touches, picking up 113 yards (14.1/carry) while scoring two touchdowns".

Jonathan Wallace: The Day After

Auburn fans everywhere are pleased with Jonathan Wallace and his performance  in his first start. Now the question is, "How will he do against SEC competition"?

A Win Is A Win

Listening to Jonathan Wallace one get the feeling that this young man is well on his way to being something very special at Auburn. We will look at his stats after this post game interview.


 Jonathan Wallace performed much like a nervous true Freshman in getting his first start. Then it looked like he started to settle down. In the second half, the play calling made things much easier for Wallace. A steady diet of running plays, paved the way for a more relaxed, and confident Auburn offense. 

 The line on Wallace reads 9 completions on 17 attempts with an interception and a touchdown. His yardage per pass attempt is a very respectable 9.6 yards.  Not Heisman worthy numbers, but a much better performance than one would have suspected for the first career start. Time of possession in the game went to Auburn.

 The biggest difference in this performance and what we have seen previously this season, is that with the ball in the hands of Wallace, the total number of yards he lost was 1. That's it, one yard. I'll take that all day every day.

Highlights from the Homecoming game are below.



   Guiding Auburn to it's first victory in the last six tries, is something to be proud of. That it was against New Mexico State, a team Auburn should handle easily every time they play, is of no matter. Winning the game may be the best cure for what has been ailing this Auburn team.  

 There are plenty of positives to take away from this game, even while tempering those positives with the knowledge of the game was against an over matched opponent.  Auburn looked, and played in the second half, like an Auburn football team. Which is something we as fans have been sorely missing. 

 Now it's time to entertain the Georgia Bulldogs. I say lets treat them rudely on the field, and upset their dreams. Lets take it to them. Keep this momentum, hold it close, and treat it dearly, all the while taking a bite out of the 'Dawgs season.

WAR EAGLE!

Daren Bates' Nasty Stiff Arm

Time Out

 Just a note to my readers that I will be taking a few days off. These were planned around the New Mexico State game, not knowing how difficult a season we would have.

 Have a great weekend everyone, and War Eagle!

Reuben Foster interview 10-31-12

Momentum

Praying something goes right-via Google images

 Can this Auburn team build some momentum? Can Jonathan Wallace provide enough of a spark to give this young team some momentum going into Amen Corner?

 It's a funny thing in college football. All a team needs is to have a couple of things go the right way, and BOOM! they are on a roll.

 Let's look at the perfect scenario. 
Jonathan Wallace will get his first start this week against a very weak New Mexico State team, that really hasn't had many things go well for them. Not that we have either, but let's stay positive here.

 Let's say Wallace comes in and leads this offense down the field for a couple of TD drives, and the offense starts to feel a rhythm that it hasn't felt all season long. As many of you know, that feeling can be contagious. So, the defense starts to get pumped, and playing with some fire. Next thing you know, this Auburn football team is playing like, well, Auburn football teams are supposed to play.

 Confidence is now in place. Just in time for Georgia to come calling. A really focused, and confident Auburn team is now re-energized and preparing for the 'Dawgs like they have not prepared all season long. An upset of major proportions is brewing on the Plains, and this Auburn team is finally out of the funk that held it down for so long.

 I choose to see things this way because the alternative is just too horrible to think about.

WAR EAGLE!