HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 I am already looking forward to the next football season. The final game against Memphis gave me hope that Auburn will be better football team next season. Of course, I was disappointed that Auburn was playing in the Birmingham Bowl; however, I did want Auburn to beat Memphis since I did attend the two prior games that Auburn did lose to Memphis in 1975 and 1976.  I was expecting the Auburn Football team to be flat on Wednesday morning, but they proved me wrong in the second half. TheAuburn defense held the potent Memphis offense to 206 yards and Paxton Lynch, the heralded QB for Memphis was only able to throw for 104 yards.

Sean White did struggle most of the game, but Jeremy Johnson came off of the bench in the second half to direct Auburn to two touchdowns. The Memphis defense seemed to be baffled when Jeremy Johnson entered the game because he did present a run threat. I was happy for Jeremy and he played one of his best games at Auburn. Jovon Robinson had 27 carries for 126 yards and did receive the MVP award. Also, Peyton Barber added 40 yards and entered the 1,000 yard club for the season.

Signing day is approaching and I expect Auburn to have a top 10 class. I expect Auburn to recruit some good 
receivers and two new quarterbacks will be on campus next season. The battle for the quarterback position will be interesting since Jeremy Johnson has stated that he does expect to return. I still remember Jason Campbell who led the Auburn Tigers to an undefeated season in 2004 and an SEC Championship as a senior after struggling in prior years. 

As Gus Malzahn said yesterday: "We've got a lot of momentum heading into next year."

Happy New Year!

Auburn Football highlights vs. Memphis

As disappointed as I am that we played a Bowl game in Birmingham, Alabama, the very place we fought and won the right to never have to play again, this Auburn team left an indelible footprint on the Legion Field turf about the current state of Auburn football. 

Auburn football is alive and well. 

Last season ended with a tough loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. A harbinger of things to come. This season saw our team lose four games by a single TD or less. What we saw on December 30th was far and away something different. 

After starting good, much as it did all season, the Tigers struggled offensively in the 2nd quarter and found themselves in a tie at the half. The halftime adjustments, whatever they were, must have lit a fire in this team. These Tigers came out in the 2nd half and put on a defensive show, which allowed the offense to gain some footing, and push the Memphis team around.

The end of the 2015 football season has me feeling much better about this team than I did going into the Bowl game. I couldn't ask for a better performance from an Auburn defense than what we saw. 

So, now what do we look forward to? With Kevin Steele being named the new DC, and a very good recruiting class coming in, can we expect a much better result next season? I certainly hope we can Dab on 'em.

WAR EAGLE!

Auburn Women's Basketball Defeats George Mason 88-59

 



Auburn Women's Basketball team is on fire! Playing defense, and scoring at an incredible rate. 



War Eagle!

Diamond Head Notes

The Auburn Men's Basketball team is in Hawaii for the Diamond Head Classic basketball tournament. This first video is a short practice piece.

First up is New Mexico: This would be a tough contest and one the Auburn Men would have to play almost to perfection. 

I continue to be impressed with this team They never quit, and they find the way to win bringing their record to 6-3

War Eagle!

Auburn Basketball highlights at Xavier

2015 Auburn MBB StarWars

Why Choose Auburn?

Auburn Women's Basketball Defeats Winthrop 76-33 | Highlights

Auburn Basketball Highlights vs. Mercer

HEISMAN, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL & MARRIAGE

  

The sun is setting on another college football season. For all of us who are Auburn faithful, it comes upon us with a mixed bag of emotions.

There are those that are saying "I told you so" and talking about the highly rated preseason expectations of this Auburn team. These are the folks that said it was a curse for Auburn to be so highly thought of in any preseason publication.

Of course, the fact that those expectations weren't met have some calling for the heads of Jay Jacobs, Auburn's Athletic Director, and the football team's head coach Gus Malzahn, to be served up on a platter. I think that line of thought is a little premature. Next season should be much improved, and if not, those heads may feel like they need an extra set of eyes to watch their backsides, if you know what I mean.

Nobody like losing to Alabama. Nobody!

The feeling is worse when Auburn was predicted to win the SEC. I get that. Believe me, I get it. 

Heisman Trophy

 The Heisman is not an MVP award.

Here are the first three lines from the Heisman Trust mission statement:
"The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award."

I can't argue that Derrick Henry doesn't meet all of those parameters. I will however say, Clemson's quarterback Deshaun Watson was more instrumental in Clemson making the College Football Playoffs than any other player on the other teams. What I mean to say is: Clemson is not where they are at seasons end without Deshaun Watson.

 Jonathan and Ashley sitting in a tree...

A very special congratulations to Ashley Kotero and Jonathan Wallace who are now engaged to be married. Ashley is a former Auburn Soccer player, and now works for the university in it's sports media department. Mr. Wallace is an Auburn football player in the line of Kodi Burns, who was a starting QB during the latter part of the 2012 season, and like Kodi, switched to WR, and back to QB when the injury situation occurred this fall. "Anything the coaches want me to do" is a mindset for every athlete, and that mindset will serve Mr. Wallace well as a husband. May God bless both of you.

Auburn Basketball

The basketball team is showing that it can play with just about anyone, and their steady improvement is a sign that they will be a tough team to beat. They certainly won't win them all, as was the case vs. Middle Tennessee, but this team is going to win some, that many think they shouldn't. Those wins, just may be enough to go dancing. The excitement of what could be is palpable. I for one am looking forward watching these guys play.

WAR EAGLE!

The War Eagle Supper Club

I was Auburn yesterday and I visited the "War Eagle Supper Club" one last time. The club will be closed at the end of this year, but I was told that they may relocate. 

There was some great music played in this building. A true Auburn landmark.

WAR SUPER CLUB EAGLE!

Xmas in Auburn

Here is a view of Samford Hall on my walk last night in Auburn. Merry Xmas!

Auburn Gymnastics - 2015-2016 season

The Auburn Gymnastics season will begin this Sunday at 2 p.m. CDT at the Auburn Arena. Admission is free and there will be an opportunity to meet the team and obtain autographs at the conclusion of the meet.

War Eagle!

More Than Just Football

 
Pictures from my personal collection @tatershell

I have been to Auburn for the last two weekends. I don't think I have gone to two games in a row in a long time. The week of the UGA game, the AUMB put together a spectacular halftime show.  If you did not see it, take the time to watch the video. Try to watch the split screen version. As an alum of college marching band, I cannot imagine the work that went into this show. The timing had to be perfect. It is not easy to get that timing down with 300 members, but add the timing of the video and the Aubie events (notice how the beat of the band's music matches the movements in the video).

   

Aubie Goes Back to the Future - an Auburn University Marching Band Halftime Show from Auburn Bands on Vimeo.

This past week, there were several things that went on that were special. Shon Coleman was honored pregame with the James Owens Courage Award. I cannot think of a person more deserving than Shon. He has exemplified bravery and has demonstrated that he is a true Auburn man.  

Since it was Veteran's Appreciation Day, Auburn honored many veterans. None was more moving than when they honored Bennie Adkins. He and his wife just celebrated a REALLY long wedding anniversary- I do not remember the exact number. He had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The large groups of military at the game all saluted. When he returned the salute, I had tears running down my face. I just couldn't help it. If you were there, you know what I am talking about. There is just no way to replicate that moment. 

Then the AUMB gave yet ANOTHER amazing performance. Perfect formations. Fire batons. Patriotic music. What else could someone ask for?

                                                 

                                                  picture from my personal collection @tatershell

It is always nice to see the non-regulars get some playing time. Johnathan Wallace has been unselfish and a true Auburn man. He stood tall when he was called upon and he took a backseat to others for the better of the team. All along, he has been ready.

                                          Picture from my personal collection @tatershell

Another great moment was when Tucker Tuberville got to play. Tucker has sweated and sacrificed to be the scout team quarterback. It meant more later, when I found out his dad was there to see him. At the end of the day, the players and coaches are sons, brothers, and dads. They are more than just the number, position on the field or a name in the program. Turns out, I was sitting only a few seats away from Tommy. I wish I had been able to say hi!

Auburn is family to me. All of my life, we've gone to Auburn games. When my grandparents and aunt and uncle were alive, we'd all go together. Those are sweet memories.

Picture from my personal collection @tatershell            

Then, there is always the Auburn Santa. Emma was excited to have her picture with him!!

                                                    Pic from my personal collection @tatershell  

Together all these things are what makes Auburn so precious to me. There are things that are bigger than football. Auburn is one of those. It's a spirit, a moment and a love. 

War Eagle!

IRON BOWL POEM 2015

In the quiet moments we can reflect,

On Iron Bowls of seasons past!!

Bringing back hope when some have lost faith,

And making AUSOME memories that last!

The iron bowl is not just another game!

It is the most important one of the season!

To try explaining  the feeling when we win,

Goes way beyond any reason!!

When all is on the line,

Our tigers always remain in the fight!!

Stretching out far beyond their limits,

Never losing the prize that's in  our sight!!

Sometimes it's a David versus Goliath;

Or it means against a bully to stand tall!!

But having a whole year of bragging rights,

Is the greatest feeling of all!!

This year our Tiger’s path has been rocky;

Some games have brought us to our knees!

We have learned from this humility;

And a win we will achieve!!

We have risen to the top of the mountain

And taken a plunge in the depths of despair,

But the feeling of elation when bringing Bama down,

Is like no other feeling to compare!!

So, With all to gain and nothing to lose,

Our Auburn Tigers will throw caution to the wind!!

Finding an inner strength, we will stay in the fight

And our victory will prevail in the end !!!

WARRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!

The poetic tiger

2015 Auburn Football HYPE "We Believe In Auburn"

It's that week again. 



That week that divides our great state, our paternal family, and even our friends. This week is #BeatBama. This week is #AllIn. This is the greatest rivalry in all of sports. This week is the Iron Bowl.

THIS IS AUBURN
 
War Eagle!

Auburn Football vs Idaho Highlights

Bruce Pearl and Gus Malzahn

An Unusual Auburn/UGA Football Game

I am not a fan of the early kickoffs, but I have always enjoyed attending the the Auburn/UGA game in Auburn. Also, I had planned on attending the Auburn/SE Louisiana soccer game later in the evening. By the way, Auburn did win the soccer game 1-0 in their first NCAA Championship game. It was a beautiful day and I arrived in Auburn expecting to have trouble finding a parking place, but parking was plentiful.  I had heard that a lot of the UGA fans had decided not to attend this game due to the early kickoff time and their unhappiness with Mark Richt. It was the most unusual Auburn/UGA game that I have ever attended. It was evident that the UGA fans did not show up as they had in prior years.  In 2013, Auburn and the Auburn Arena open and the game was on the big screen. The arena was packed on that day and I still remember watching the"miracle pass" by Nick Marshall to Ricardo Louis on that big screen. This time, the arena was closed and there were only a few people watching the game in the food service building nearby. The UGA fans that I talked to after the game were indifferent to the win. One fan told me that both teams were not very good and either team could have won the game. Another told me that this game had no meaning since UGA had already lost to Bama, Florida and Tennessee and their season was over. By the way, the Auburn tail gate experience was exceptional this time. I will always feel that Auburn has the best tailgating in the SEC.

It was another disappointing SEC loss to one of Auburn's rivals. There was very little talk about this game as I walked through the tail gate area outside the stadium after the loss. It almost seems that the Auburn fans have accepted that this season has been a big disappointment and are apathetic. I continue to be baffled by the play calling by the Auburn coaching staff. Auburn had control of this game in the first half by running the ball and then they changed QBs with a hobbled QB and could not move the ball. Of course, as a fan and alumnus, I have to continue to remind myself that the path of this Auburn football team is completely out of my control. Perhaps this is a transition year and Gus will do better next season. I do feel that the Auburn defense is improving. They did perform well enough on Saturday for Auburn to win this game; however, the offense did not perform in the second half.

Some possible future remedies for this Auburn team are:

1) Auburn needs to find a good tight end.

2) Auburn does need a read option QB to run the Gus Malzahn offense. Auburn tried to persuade Deshawn Watson to be the Auburn QB. If he had signed with Auburn, this season would have been very different. He is the reason that Clemson is number 1 in college football today. John Franklin is supposedly coming to Auburn this December for early enrollment and he will be ready to play. I do expect him to start at QB next season. 

3) It is time for Gus Malzahn to hand over the responsibility of the play calling to an offensive coordinator. 

We must weather this storm and hope for sunny days ahead.


War Eagle!

Let's Dance with Gus

To me our season is like a father having a daughter who enters a dance recital.

She picks out the dance she wants to do and begins to practice. Everyday she puts in hours learning her dance steps until she has every step, every tempo, every movement down to perfection. You are so proud of her.

The work she has put in. The discipline. The memorization. All of it. You are sure she will win. Or at least, place. Then two days before the big day, the program director says the dance isn't one that has been approved by the committee. So she must learn a new dance.

She has 48 hours to learn this dance well enough to compete. How well do you think she will do? 

Exactly. IMHO that is exactly what Gus & Co have encountered this year. All throughout their summer camp everyone couldn't say enough about JJ. Even analysts were talking JJ and the Heisman. Gus at SEC media days was pumped.

But it all fell apart.

There is no way anyone could have predicted JJ would fold under pressure. Or that Duke would get himself kicked off the team. Or that Lawson would get injured. But it all did and suddenly Gus is having to teach his team a new "dance" right in the heat of SEC West football. With a QB who had never taken a snap in college ball. A defense trying to learn a new DC's schemes and injuries on key starters giving him a roster of freshmen.

 I doubt that Saban could have done any better. And when you compare Gus with other coaches his age, Sumlin, Freeze, etc....they aren't doing very well either. I don't count McElwain. Seems like a lot of coaches have a charmed first year. So we will see. Fisher has some loses himself.

The only young coach that is being consistently good is Dabo( Clemson's Head Coach) and he learned a lot of what he does from Gus. But he also coaches in the ACC and he stays with dual threat QB's.

So really, who do all these fans plan on replacing Gus with?  Meyer, Saban & Harbaugh are older and are not going to come to Auburn anyway. Les Miles & Mark Ritch have had up and down years. We need to stick with Gus. I'd almost guarantee you that next year we will see a difference. If we don't then I might question Gus's abilities. But not now. Not this year.

War Eagle,
Martha

We Will Rage - Beat Georgia

AU vs Georgia Sat. Nov. 14, 2015 Poem

I believe in the Auburn Tigers!

I believe in our men of Orange and Blue;

Who now also believe in each other;

Soon everyone will believe in them too!!

Our Tigers came alive in Texas!

Everything seemed to click!

They knew they needed redemption!

And they knew they needed it quick!!

With pride and confidence,

 they took charge of the game!!

The spark quickly ignited;

Starting a flame!!

All of their pent up emotions;

Were soon laid  out on that field,

Bringing  a true heartfelt meaning 

To “Ever to conquer, ‘Never to Yield”!!

Some call it a rebirth!!

Some say a restoration!!

All I know is our Tigers are back,

With something to prove to the SEC nation!

They are now playing with pride!!;

And playing with heart!!

It was just the boost they needed,

To get a fresh start!!!

There is nothing they cannot accomplish!!

There is no mountain too high!

With War Eagle strength, we will spread our wings;

And take flight in the sunlit sky!

On Saturday we will protect our house!

Beating Georgia Bulldogs is our sole desire!!

Expect a triumphant win for our Tigers!

We are on the prowl and we are on fire!!

WARRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!!!

poetic tiger

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Poetic-Tiger/137682986293169

A Second Chance

I am sure that we were all surprised when we heard that Jeremy Johnson would be the starting QB in the game against TexasA&M on Saturday night. Gus Malzahn and the coaching staff did a great job keeping the news from the news media, although it was evident to me from watching Sean White play in the Ole Miss game last week that he might not be able to play on Saturday night. Jeremy Johnson performed admirably and managed the game with confidence. A great quote from Jeremy after he got the news that he would start at QB read "I'm all about winning. I'm a team player and I just feel good about where we're at as a team".  The Auburn coaching staff kept the passing plays simple with a heavy dose of running plays and Jeremy made some good reads. Auburn  used Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber in the backfield. Jovon Robinson rushed for a season high of 159 yards on 27 carries and the offensive line did a great job opening up the holes in the Texas A&M defense. Auburn was successful in moving the ball on Texas A&M throughout the game and the defense played well in this game with 3 interceptions and holding TexasA&M to 303 total yards. Also, Daniel Carlson continues to show why he will be an all SEC  place kicker and he added 4 more field goals to his portfolio.

This was the first complete game that I have seen Auburn play all season and I do feel that Auburn can now have a positive end to this football season.

War Eagle!

AU @ Texas A&M

Sat. Nov 6 2015

Poem

We made mistakes with Ole Miss!!

But, Clearly our Auburn Tigers are returning!

They have a winning desire again;

And a fire that won't stop burning!!

Our team is showing progress;

And signs of victory are everywhere!!

Our defense is fighting harder!;

And excitement fills the air!!!

Of course there's room for improvement!!

There are moves that still need tweaking!!

But our men are definitely forging ahead;

And their confidence is peaking!!

New team leaders have emerged;

Like Sean White and Carl Lawson!!

Those guys have the true Auburn Spirit;

And their work ethic is AUsome!!

We are witnessing greatness return to Auburn!!

That Winning feeling is back on the plains!!

The dark cloud of disappointment is fading;

And the bright ray of  hope remains!!

Expect BIG things to occur in Texas, 

When we take the AGGIES by surprise!!!

The never quit Auburn Tigers will emerge!!

And like a Phoenix, our WAR EAGLE will arise!!

WARRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!!!

poetic tiger

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Poetic-Tiger/137682986293169

Game Day Story: Schmid Elementary

This is one of the best things ever!

War Eagle!

Aubie 2014-2015 Highlights

Auburn vs Ole Miss Poem

Our loss to Arkansas was a let down!

A case of too little too late!!

Our team was off balance

Coming out of the gate!!

It took too much time,

To get everyone on beat,

Focus was lost, mistakes were made!!

Which led to our defeat!

It's time to find our  rhythm!!

Stay focused and get aligned!!

We have what is needed,

But we are almost out of time!!

We must shut out the negativity;

Close our ears to all the naysay!!!!;

Take charge of the moment!!;

Stand together and seize the day!!!

It is not a lack of ability

From our tigers or their coaches!!!

But our men seem to lose confidence,

When adversity approaches!

Beating the Ole Miss Rebels,

Would be just the needed spark,

That leads us into a bright future,

And out of the gloomy dark!!!

Tigers remember your commitment,

To be there for your brother!!

Keep your eye on the prize!;

And protect one another!!

Your Auburn Family loves you!

In Auburn Tigers we believe!

Give of your best, heart and soul!

There is nothing you cannot achieve!!

Shut down the rebel offense!!

Bond together, build a wall!!

Let's end the day victorious!!

With Auburn Pride, standing tall!!!

WARRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!!!

POETIC TIGER

2015 Faculty Awards: Geoff Hill

Preseason Waterpark Ride

Interesting discussion yesterday on Twitter. Can Auburn, specifically Gus Malzahn, win Championships without a mobile quarterback?

I believe his resume' at Tulsa says he can. 

In 2007 Paul Smith was the QB for the Golden Hurricane. He had less than 300 yards rushing for the season, and these were his passing stats: 
Gms. Comp.  At.    Pct.  Yards   Yds./Att  TDs     Int      Rating

14

327

544

60.1

5065

9.3

47

19

159.8

Tulsa had the #1 rated overall offense in the country in 2007

I'd love to read your thoughts in the comment section

Many believe that the Auburn defense is the reason the Tigers are sitting at 4-3 instead of 6-1. That could be true, and the first one to admit there is plenty of work to still be done is Will Muschamp, the defensive coordinator at Auburn. 

Below is an interview provided by 247Sports.com and Phillip Marshall




Auburn can win with so called pocket style passer at QB, the defense needs to perform better than it has since 2008/2009. Coach Muschamp is the guy to get things done, it will just take time.

I wrote preseason, expect to be preseason favorites. That is how championship programs are built! We must accept that we will not win the championship every season, but we must become more familiar with championship expectations.

Becoming more acclimated with highly ranked preseason expectations also means we must become more acceptable of seasonal fluctuations of greatness. An ebb and flow exist even in the best programs. Like a ride in a water park, we must understand the ride will have exciting moments, and moments to relax and catch our breath. Lets learn to enjoy the ride.

War Eagle!

All the Good Things

My cute nieces at J & M Bookstore on our summer trip to AU

Today's game was pretty incredible. It isn't everyday that you have a 4OT game. I wish, of course, that we had gotten the W but it didn't happen that way today. I've heard good and bad things today. I have seen a lot of negative headlines and stories. I have seen fans being ridiculous. I have also seen a lot of fans/family who have been very positive. I have seen players who posted very positive messages. Often, those of us who are positive get labeled as "sunshine pumpers." You do not have to call me one. I am self-proclaimed.  I realize that I do not see life the same way as other people, but I am just not going to wake up and gloom and doom about things. I am not nagging or lecturing. We are all wired differently.  If you are unable to see the game in the same way, here are the things that I saw.

-I saw a team that fought, after being two touchdowns down. I believe this team a few weeks ago might have just given up.

-I saw a coaches that adjusted and kept coaching. You can agree or disagree on the coaching, but I think some things just take a little time. 

-I saw special teams that made some pretty incredible and dependable plays

-I saw a really clean game with very few penalties.

-I saw a QB that is one tough kid. Cliche, I know, but he is the future face of AU football. He took hard knocks and kept popping right back up. He made accurate throws, he made good decisions, and he ran if he needed to run. To quote one of my favorite movies, "That's a baaaad white boy." 

-I saw a defense that made some mistakes but refused to just roll over and quit.

-I saw lots of young players that made some big boy plays.

-I saw players support each other and didn't make excuses.

-I saw a team that fought through FOUR overtimes after a game that was very lengthy in regulation. I don't know about you, but I was quite exhausted. I cannot imagine how the players felt. 

-I also saw a Lutz like play in the corner of the endzone. I just had to give that a mention!

Does there need to be improvement? Absolutely. Did I see mistakes? Of course. Were there some dropped balls that should have been caught? Probably. Did the defense make some mistakes? Surely. I fully believe these players will refuse to just quit. I will always be supportive of the players. Maybe its the teacher in me that works with the athletes in their classes. Maybe its the 8u softball coach in me. All I know is those players make a lot of sacrifices for us to have the enjoyment of football. All in all, I see better days for us. It might be this season; it might be next season. I just know that this team is better than they were in August.  I don't know what is going to happen the rest of the games. The road ahead is tough. There are better days ahead though. If you remember, the 2010 team often referred back to the LSU game in 2009. Even though it was a terrible loss, they saw the coaches keep fighting and coaching- and the players followed suit. You know the rest of that story. No matter what, its great to be an Auburn Tiger. 

-Christy

The Last Time...Arkansas

Auburn Basketball Pearl Jam Highlights

Nice Guys Finish 1st

photo courtesy of Wesley Sinor

Nice guys finish last.

That's one of the many myths you hear from naysayers and people who don't put forth the efforts to realize their dreams.

I believe in work, hard work.

That's a small quote from a wonderfully written message known as The Auburn Creed. 

In the case of Butch Thompson, a very nice guy, his hard work over the years has allowed him to finish first. Today October 22nd, 2015 Coach Thompson was named the head baseball coach at Auburn University. 

His new team is happy. His family is happy. Many of the Auburn faithful are happy tonight as Coach Thompson starts his journey to bring Auburn baseball back into prominence nationally. It starts by being competitive in one of the most competitive baseball conferences in America.

It's going to take work, hard work. I am positive Jay Jacobs has found the right man, at the right time, for Auburn baseball.

WAR EAGLE!

AUBURN / ARKANSAS POEM

Sat. October 24, 2015

With all odds against them;

And their backs against the wall,

Our Proud Auburn Tiger football team

Returned from Kentucky standing tall!!

It was definitely time for a turn around!

A time to find their rhythm!

A time to fight! A time to win!

Using the talents they've been given!! 

The sweet taste of victory still lingers!

It is a wonderful taste to savor!

And with the team pulling together;

Winning odds are in their favor!!

The time is ours!  The time is now!!

It is our time of new beginning!!

The pieces are coming together now;

And we plan to keep on winning!!

We've had our share of disappointments;

But it is now our time to shine!!

As we travel on to Arkansas,

We will lay it all on the line!

We might have rain!  It may get sloppy!

But we will put the Hawgs back in their pen!

Once again we will come home victorious!!

Our Tigers are again ready to win!!!

WARRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!!!

POETIC TIGER

Rebounding with Auburn Basketball

It's the middle of football season at Auburn University, and for most of the 100+ years of its existence, that would suffice for our coverage of Auburn sports. Not Anymore.

Since the arrival of Bruce Pearl on the Plains, there has been a continual buzz about the basketball program. The reality of it is, Auburn is now a basketball school. So, let's try to get caught up on a few things going on inside Auburn Arena.

After the scrimmage that Coach Pearl just discussed, Junior Guard Tahj Shamsid-Deen was allowed to talk to the media. Among the many items up for discussion were his recovery from shoulder injuries last season. Let's give him a listen.

While prepping this post, we did not want to leave out a very important bit of news that was released October 2nd. Sophomore center Trayvon Reed is still considered a part of this basketball team. In an article by AL.com writer Wesley Sinor, Coach Pearl stated "Tray's doing fine," Pearl said Friday after Auburn's first practice of the 2015-16 season. "We're staying in touch with him. There will be some determination on if and when he'll be back. He's still in our program and we hope to get him back."

In the schedule department, some really good teams are coming to the Auburn Arena like Colorado and Mercer before the Tigers head out to the Honolulu Classic. When the team returns from Hawaii, they will start the SEC part of the schedule.

Date	Game	Location	Time
10/22/15	Pearl Jam #	Auburn, Ala.	7:00 p.m. CT
10/30/15	vs. Brevard College #	Auburn, Ala.	7:00 p.m. CT
11/05/15	vs. Indianapolis #	Auburn, Ala.	6:00 p.m. CT
11/13/15	vs. UAB	Auburn, Ala.	8:30 p.m. CT
ESPN College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon
11/17/15	vs. Colorado	Auburn, Ala.	2:00 p.m. CT
11/20/15	vs. Georgia Southern	Auburn, Ala.	TBA
11/27/15	vs. Northwestern State	Auburn, Ala.	7:30 p.m. CT
12/02/15	at Coastal Carolina	Conway, S.C.	6:00 p.m. CT
12/12/15	at Middle Tennessee State	Nashville, Tenn.	12:00 p.m. CT
12/15/15	vs. Mercer	Auburn, Ala.	8:00 p.m. CT
12/19/15	at Xavier	Cincinnati, Ohio	11:00 a.m. CT
Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic
12/22/15	vs. New Mexico	Honolulu, Hawaii	1:30 p.m. CT
12/23/15	BYU/Harvard	Honolulu, Hawaii	1:30 or 3:30 PM CT
12/25/15	Oklahoma/Northern Iowa/Hawaii/Washington State	Honolulu, Hawaii	TBA
01/02/16	vs. Tennessee	Auburn, Ala.	1:00 p.m. CT
01/05/16	vs. South Carolina *	Auburn, Ala.	6:00 p.m. CT
01/09/16	at Missouri	Columbia, Mo.	8:00 p.m. CT
01/12/16	at Vanderbilt	Nashville, Tenn.	8:00 p.m. CT
01/16/16	vs. Kentucky	Auburn, Ala.	3:00 p.m. CT
01/19/16	vs. Alabama	Auburn, Ala.	8:00 p.m. CT
01/23/16	at Florida	Gainesville, Fla.	7:00 p.m. CT
01/27/16	at Ole Miss	Oxford, Miss.	6:00 p.m. CT
Big 12/SEC Challenge
01/30/16	vs. Oklahoma State	Auburn, Ala.	7:00 p.m. CT
02/02/16	vs. LSU	Auburn, Ala.	6:00 p.m. CT
02/06/16	at Georgia	Athens, Ga.	4:30 p.m. CT
02/09/16	at Tennessee	Knoxville, Tenn.	6:00 p.m. CT
02/13/16	vs. Vanderbilt	Auburn, Ala.	5:00 p.m. CT
02/17/16	at Arkansas	Fayetteville, Ark.	6:00 p.m. CT
02/20/16	vs. Ole Miss	Auburn, Ala.	4:00 p.m. CT
02/24/16	vs. Georgia	Auburn, Ala.	6:00 p.m. CT
02/27/16	at Alabama	Tuscaloosa, Ala.	4:00 p.m. CT
03/01/16	vs. Texas A&M	Auburn, Ala.	8:00 p.m. CT
03/05/16	at Mississippi State	Starkville, Miss.	1:30 p.m. CT
SEC Tournament
03/09/16	SEC Tournament	Nashville, Tenn.	TBA
03/10/16	SEC Tournament	Nashville, Tenn.	TBA
03/11/16	SEC Tournament	Nashville, Tenn.	TBA
03/12/16	SEC Tournament	Nashville, Tenn.	TBA
03/13/16	SEC Tournament	Nashville, Tenn.	TBA

WAR EAGLE!

Sean White: The Baby Faced Gunslinger

Congratulations to Sean White for his winning performance in the game against Kentucky last night. I am sure that you have all viewed his stats of 255 yards passing and no turnovers. He performed with poise in the pocket and reacted well under pressure. I had to remind myself that he is only a "redshirt" freshman. I look forward to watching him play in future games and I feel that he will only get better as he gets more experience. Sean is often compared to Drew Brees, who ironically was engineering a win over the Atlanta Falcons at the same time in New Orleans.

Auburn Girls Soccer and Softball

Here are a few photos from my recent weekend in Auburn. I was able to watch the 2 softball games with the University of North Georgia Nighthawks and the soccer game with the Texas A&M girls. Both teams are very good and hopefully you will all be able to watch them play. 

The Auburn Girls Soccer team defeated Texas A&M 2-0. They have a record of 12-2 and are ranked number 10 in the USA. 

The Auburn Girls Softball team will most likely contend for another World Series birth this season. They defeated the University of North Georgia Nighthawks 9-0 and 15-1. I might add that North Georgia was the Division II champions last season. Clint Myers has done well with this team and I would watch for a new pitcher named Makayla Martin from San Diego. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Auburn does have 12 seniors returning.

Please remember to check the schedules when you are in the Auburn area if you want to see these girls play. 

War Eagle!

     

HUGE SEC Road Win

When Auburn had it's back to the wall, and the odds were against them. In a nationally televised Thursday night game described as a "Program Changer" for the Wildcats. The Tigers took the opening drive and made a statement. Not tonight Kentucky, not tonight!

This young Auburn team had heard all the criticism, felt all the heat. When their backs were against the wall, they performed. In a first half fury that saw the Auburn offense explode with 48 plays, more than half this season, Auburn built a 23-10 halftime lead that they would never relinquish. 

The second half saw a return to the slow down style of offense the Tigers have been using all season, and almost cost them the game. Gus Malzahn and company were content to win a close game, although the outcome was in doubt down the stretch. 

The Auburn defense stood tall when it counted most, and this young team found itself, in a huge road win in Lexington, Kentucky.

Quick Stats	AU	UK
Total Plays	75	77
1st Downs	21	25
3rd down efficiency	11-18	5-13
4th down efficiency	0-0	1-2
Total Yards	405	497
Passing Yards	255	359
Comp-Att	17-28	27-44
Yards per pass	9.1	8.2
Rushing Yards	152	138
Rushing attempts	47	33
Yards per rush	3.2	4.2
Penalties-Yards	5-49	5-37
Turnovers	0	1
Fumbles lost	0	0
Interceptions thrown	0	1
Time of Possession	29:28	30:25

WAR EAGLE!