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Monday, January 22, 2018

Far Too Long

Bruce Pearl. photo courtesy of OANews

Hello everybody and War Eagle!

As the title indicates, it has been far too long since my last post. Let's try and get caught up a bit on the happenings around Auburn athletics.

Our women's basketball team is having an up and down season. While showing glimpses of greatness, this young team has struggled as well. I'm confident Coach Terri Williams-Flournoy will get them on the right track sooner than later.

The Equestrian team continues to be a nationally dominant figure. Coach Greg Williams has his team at 6-2 in events thus far. The teams next home match will be against Texas A and M on February 17th at 11:00 am. If you can get out, come support these ladies and enjoy the afternoon. 

The Men's Golf team is drawing national attention once again. Although it's a couple months away, our guys will host the Tiger Invitational March 4th-6th. The event takes place at the Grand National Course in Opelika.

The Women's Golf team has been gearing up for the spring portion of their season as well. If you enjoy a day outside, and live in the Orlando, Florida area, our ladies will participate in the UCF Challenge February 4th-6th. After the football teams loss in the Peach Bowl, the fine representatives of Auburn could use your support. 

Head Coach Jeff Graba has the 16th ranked Tiger gymnastics team ready for another strong run toward the National Championships.  

The Gymnastics team will host Kentucky on January 26th at 7:30 pm. The meet can also be seen on SEC Network. 

Auburn Softball will begin their 1st season under the guidance of Mickey Dean, February 8th hosting the Thundering Herd of Marshall  University. Coach Dean comes to Auburn with a great resume'. 

Our own Bob Comer will be covering the softball team this spring and summer. Bob has a passion for writing, and softball. 

Auburn's 14th ranked Women's Tennis team has started the spring portion of their schedule. Be sure to get out and support these young ladies when you can. Coach Lauren Spencer @CoachLSpencer is not only a great leader for our young women, she's also a great follow on twitter. She's witty, and fully supports all the Auburn teams.

The Men's Tennis team is coached by Bobby Reynolds. The guys will return to competition in Auburn on February 2nd. Their next competition will be in the Crimson Indoor Event at Harvard University. Currently the Men are 3-1 in the spring season.

Last but certainly not least is our Men's basketball team. My goodness how this team has faced adversity, then kicked its tail!

Coach Bruce Pearl has our Men playing as well as any team in the country. Currently 17th in the nation and first in the conference, our guys continue to find ways to win. 

They have built big leads and come from behind to win games. It's an exciting time to watch Auburn basketball.

At this point in the season, it's a near certainty these Tigers will be dancing in the big dance come March.  

A special post about Auburn baseball will be forthcoming. Look for it here!

War Eagle!

Friday, January 5, 2018

2017 Senior Thanks



 "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord life His countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26


As a group, I want to thank this group of seniors. You all have prevailed through many ups and downs.  You have truly been incredible and we will miss every one of you. We really come to adore our Tigers. I have gone through and written and individual thanks to each one of you. It is in no particular order.

Photo credit to @scottbouldin Scott and Janice Bouldin




Photo from my personal collection @tatershell



Daniel Carlson ( Legatron) - Wow, what can I say? You by far have been the most dominant kicker in college football for the past 4 years.  Since about 2008, Auburn has had dominant kickers. It has been a joy to see you kick. I mean, it is a thing of beauty. It is also amazing how well your kicking team worked together. You have been a leader on and off the field. Of course, I fully believe that you should have won the Lou Groza Award all three times. SEC Special Teams Player of the Year is pretty special.  Of course, I am biased. However, the thing I am post proud of is how you read to children at school, you share your faith with other students, and you use your influence for good. I know you have passed down many things to your younger brother.  The legacy of great kicking is just being carried on from one year to the next.  There is a great career ahead of you and I cannot wait to see it. I am looking forward to meeting you in the senior bowl.  I know there are great things in store for you. Thank for your tireless dedication to Auburn. Auburn is a better place because of you. Thanks for the work and time. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family. War Eagle always!



Photo credit to @kimt205



Photo from my personal collection @tatershell

Tre Williams- You have been a absolute joy to watch play football. We are really going to miss you. Thank you for coming to Auburn. Every step of the way, you have done things the right way. I remember seeing you play in high school. You have come so far! Your leadership has been something that has been incredible to see. Thank you for everything you did for Auburn. As a Mobilian, for me, it has been special to see you and Deshaun and the brotherhood that you share. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you I know it is going to be full of great things. I am looking forward to meeting you at the Senior Bowl. Thank you for paving the way for the future generations of defensive players. Auburn is a better place because of you. You will always have a home with Auburn. Visit us when you can and stay in touch. I know we are going to hear great things from you. War Eagle!



Photo courtesy of Donny Jones @DonnyJones75


Ike Powell-  It’s not frequent that the long snapper stands out,  but you have done it. I know part of it is my personal bias, but I still think you stand out.  You’ve been on my prayer group list for all 4 years.  You have been part of something very special with the kicking team. I know Daniel got most of the glory, but it would never have been as perfect as it was with you and Stovall.  Thanks for doing the fun videos with your teammates.  Thanks for growing the beard which was super fun to see on the jumbotron. Thanks for reaching out to the family of Macy Ray. It means a lot to me to see players doing that with kids.  Thank you for everything. I cannot wait to meet you at the Senior Bowl! Thank you for your time and dedication. It means more than you will ever know for players to do things the right way. Thank you for always representing Auburn the right way.  War Eagle!


Photo Credit to Kristi Stovall


Tyler Stovall- I love a good story. What a story you have. I have loved Auburn football all of my life. I absolutely love to see players like you get to live out their dreams. Thank you for the positive impact you had on the team over the years. You used it all for good. Sometimes college students need a mentor they can look to and you gave them that. My absolute favorite memory of you is the Mississippi State game in 2016. I do not know who the player was, but he attempted to come over the line and take a cheap shot at Daniel. You immediately leaped in front, appearing to say, “Not today!” I love it! Thank you so much for what you have done for the team. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. Please stay in touch with your Auburn family. We are going to miss you! War Eagle!

Photo courtesy of Micah Abernathy @Cover22_


Kerryon Johnson- While not technically a senior, you are thoroughly deserving of thanks.  I will never forget the first tweet of yours I saw. It was the one everyone is probably thinking. It was the tweet about your name being Kerryon in an airport. You have been an amazing Auburn Tiger. Right away, you reminded me of Philip Lutzenkirchen. That is not something I say lightly. You have been someone to look up to since you were a freshman.  Auburn University is a better place because of you. You have done everything the right way. You have given your all to Auburn for the last three years.  Your leadership both on and off the field has been something to be extremely proud of. I got to attend the Auburn-Georgia game this year. That is a game that I will never forget.  Thank you for everything. Congrats on the Offensive Player of the Year. No one deserved it more. Thank you for your time, dedication and effort. You have done it the right way.  Thank you for laying the groundwork for the next group of running backs. Thank you for always representing Auburn with class. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family. We are going to miss you, but it is your time. War Eagle!

Steven Roberts- There are often players who we really do not know too much about until there is only a little time left.  I must admit, most of the time you have been at Auburn I did not know a bunch about you.   I read about your story this year. I do not pretend to understand what you have been through. However, you always made us proud.  I will be honest. I do not know that much about what makes a GREAT corner back, but I have heard LOTS of commentators say you are one of the best in the business. Many have said that you are the best available at that position. I cannot wait to see how it turns out for you. Thank you for always representing Auburn with class.  I know we are going to hear great things about you in the future. Please always keep your church music in your life. It makes you unique. I cannot wait to see how things play out for you. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Auburn. We appreciate it more than we could ever say. Thank you. War Eagle for life!


Photo credit to Fonde Elementary


Jason Smith- I have watched you play since you were at McT then at MGCCC.  I know there have been ups and downs.  I cannot tell you how proud I am of your graduation.  You have something that no one can ever take away from you.  Things were not easy for you, but you worked until you had what you needed to play at Auburn.  I REALLY admire your commitment and dedication to Auburn. You could have easily transferred and had playing time somewhere else. You remained committed to Auburn through it all. It has been an honor to be your “prayer person” these last few years. I will always remember your touchdown catch against Alabama! I know that we will hear great things about you.  Please make sure to keep in touch with your Auburn family. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. Hope to see you in Mobile sometime soon. War Eagle always!


Photo credit to @kimt205


Nick Ruffin- I loved watching your interception this year! You have been one of those players that has demonstrated a quiet leadership over the years. You have been incredible to watch develop as a person. You have been such a huge member of the team.  Your football skills influenced the team without a doubt but your leadership on the team has been worth more than any plays or skills.  I hope you know your value. You are going to be so very successful. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. I know there are great things in store. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family and come back and visit often! War Eagle!


Photo credit to @kimt205


Photo credit to @kimt205


Tray Matthews- We have loved having you at Auburn. There are so many things I could say. This is what I will say. Things work out the way they should. God has a plan for all of us and He has a very special plan for you. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. You made Auburn a better place. I will always remember your fight for Auburn. You gave it everything you had.  To be cliché, you left it all on the field. I watched a focus on you on some show, and you talked about how close you were to your parents. That touched my heart. I, too, am very close to my parents. Never change that. You won’t regret it, ever. Thank you for everything that you have done for Auburn. It takes a TON of courage to make a change in your life, and I completely  admire that about you.  We are so glad that you came to Auburn. You are forever a part of the Auburn family. I cannot wait to meet you at the Senior Bowl. Thanks for representing Auburn with class and dignity. I know we are going to hear great things about you in the future. Please keep in touch. War Eagle!



Caleb King- I got the pleasure to get to know you a little bit through social media this year.  Like I said in another thanks, I have loved Auburn football all of my life. I am totally in awe of you going after your dream and playing for Auburn. Auburn is better because of you. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. Of course, I never played football, but I was in the band in college, so I know that there is an incredible amount of time and dedication. Thank you. You are forever part of the Auburn family. Thank you for using your Christian walk to influence those around you. You made Auburn a better place.   Auburn football is about a lot more than wins or stats in a book. I know we are going to hear great things about you in the future. Please come back and visit and keep in touch with everyone in the future.  Thanks for your time and dedication. War Eagle, always.



Photo from my personal collection @tatershell

Jeff Holland- Again, while not technically a senior, you are deserving of a thanks as well.   You made this past season a ton of fun. It was awesome to watch you take out the other team! It was a joy to have you at Auburn.  I am so grateful that you spent time at Auburn. I know that you are going to do very well at the next level.  I know you are going to do great things and we are going to hear amazing things. Do your thing, Sensei Mud. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. You will always be a part of our family. Come back and visit. Make sure you stay in touch with us.

Carlton Davis-  I have mentioned a few times that I have been a fan of football all of my life, especially Auburn football. I must admit, until a few years ago, I would have had NO idea what a cornerback did. However, I switched over to teaching high school ten years ago. My students have made sure I understood what each defensive position was responsible for. I have been incredibly impressed with you both on and off the field. You do your job with incredible accuracy on the field, yet you do not make a lot of noise off the field. I read in a report that you were one of the best cornerbacks that would be available if you went to the draft, so there is no doubt that you have to do it. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. It has not gone unnoticed. You will always have a home at Auburn. Thank you for sharing your gift and talent with us. Please keep in touch with us. Come and visit often. War Eagle always.

Casey Dunn- It made all the difference in the world when you were able to switch over to center this year! We were really glad to have you come to Auburn from JSU. I was able to attend the Auburn/UGA game this year. I got to see your “rollover” live and in person.  Thanks for coming to Auburn. You may have only been with us a short time, but you have gained family forever. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn.  You effort and hard work did not go unnoticed. Thanks for a fun season. I know you are going to do great things. Please keep in touch with us and visit often. War Eagle!

Chase Ritter-  Walk-ons have a special place in my heart. Please know that your time and effort did not go unnoticed. You have been able to be a part of something bigger than any individual. I know you are going to do great things with your life. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn, both in the classroom and with the football team. You will forever be a part of the Auburn family! War Eagle!

Kam Pettway- Thank you so much for your time at Auburn! I know you were hurt part of this year and it did not work out how you had hoped,  but when you played in the Arkansas game, wow what a game! It was a joy to watch you play football. You have to go on and do your thing now.  We appreciate everything you did for Auburn. Please keep in touch with the Auburn family often. You will forever have a fan in me. I look forward to hearing great things from you in the future! Thank you so much for your time and dedication to Auburn.  War Eagle!

Keenan Sweeney- I must admit, when I watched the video of you getting your scholarship, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for your time and dedication to Auburn. You made Auburn a better place. I know you dedicated long hours without scholarship reinforcement. That is the mark of strong character. You are going to do great things. I cannot wait to see what is in store for you. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family. You are forever a part of it.  Keep in touch with your Auburn family.  War Eagle!

Photo credit to @kimt205



Josh Shockley-  There are many people who wish they could have suited up in the orange and blue. You went after that dream and reached it. I know it was a lot of hard work, especially for a walk-on. We are so grateful to players like you who put all of the hard work and dedication to play.  Thank you so much for your time and dedication to Auburn. I know we are going to hear great things from you. Please keep in touch with your Auburn family. You forever have a home with us. War Eagle!

Photo credit to @kimt205



Austin Golson- We are so glad that you came to Auburn! You made such a huge difference in the offensive line. I know the players on the o-line do not always get the credit they deserve.  You deserve a lot of credit for your ability to switch around and play anywhere on the line.  Thank you for everything you have done for Auburn.  You will always have a home with us.  I do not know what the future holds for you, but I know it is going to be filled with great things. Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. We are really going to miss you.  Make sure you stay in touch with your Auburn family.  War Eagle forever!


Braden Smith-  We have seen you grow up so much over the last few years.  I know the offensive linemen do not always get the credit they deserve, but this year would not have been possible without you and the other O-line fellas.  Thank you so much for your time and dedication to Auburn. I know you have paved the way for great offensive linemen in the future. I know we are going to hear great things about you in the future.Your work and effort have not gone unnoticed. Please make sure you keep in touch with your Auburn family in the future. Visit when you can.  War Eagle forever!

Brock Campbell- I hope you have some great memories from your time at Auburn. You certainly deserve it. Thank you so much for your time and dedication to Auburn. You have thought that it was not noticed, but it was noticed.  You are going to do great things. You are forever a part of something special.  Please stay in touch with you Auburn family.  You will always have a place with us.  Thank you for everything. War Eagle!

Tyler Carter-  I always like to see the Auburn walk-ons get a scholarship. I actually like to see it at any school. Thank you so much for your time and dedication to Auburn. You will always have a place with the Auburn family. We are going to miss you! Good luck with all of your future endeavors.  Thank you for everything you do for Auburn. Thank you for your time and dedication.  Please keep in touch with us and visit often.  War Eagle!

Wilson Bell-  We are so glad you came to Auburn, even if it was just for a little while.  You are really doing to do great things.  Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn. We appreciate it more than you will ever know. You will always have a home with us.  Please keep in touch with your Auburn family.  Come back and visit often.  We are going to miss you! War Eagle!
  
Darius James- We are so glad that you came to Auburn!  You really made a difference on the o-line. I know a lot of the time, offensive linemen are not given the credit they deserve. Thank you for your hard work.  We are going to miss you.  Your time and dedication to Auburn has not gone unnoticed. You will have a home with us forever. Thank you for everything. I know we are going to hear great things from you in the future. Please stay in touch with your Auburn family and come and visit when you can. War Eagle!

Pete Berryman- Thank you for your time and dedication to Auburn.  Thank you for using your influence for good. I know we are going to hear great things from you. You will always have a home at Auburn. We are going to miss you. Thank you for your hard work.  Please keep in touch with your Auburn family and visit when you can. War Eagle!


All photos used with permission of the owner

Monday, January 1, 2018

Auburn Falls Just Short

artwork by @AURobUSA 

This Auburn team had a chance to set a new historical mark in college football. Instead, the Tigers came up just short, losing 34-27 to UCF in the 50th Chic-fil-a Peach Bowl.

In the history of NCAA football, no team had ever defeated three teams that were 9-0 or better. After taking down #1 Georgia 40-17,  two weeks later this same Auburn Tiger bunch stopped the #1 Alabama team 26-14. Thus setting up the Bowl game against the only unbeaten team in college football.

A vastly improved Tiger crew was still inconsistent at times during the 2017-18 campaign. That inconsistency proved to be too much to overcome against a well coached UCF Knights group. 

Stats provided by the official Auburn Tiger website: auburntigers.com
Team TotalsUCFAU
First Downs2028
Net Yards Rushing16990
Net Yards Passing242331
Total Offense Yards411421
Fumbles: Number-Lost2 - 11 - 1
Penalties: Number-Yards8 - 748 - 61
Punts - Yards5 - 2015 - 196
Possession Time25:4534:15
Third-Down Conversions6 of 14 (0.429)9 of 18 (0.500)
Fourth-Down Conversions0 of 0 (0.000)1 of 1 (1.000)
Sacks By: Number-Yards6-481-6
Field Goals2-4 (0.500)2-3 (0.667)

Here's to 10 wins this past season. Here's to our first year Offensive Coordinator. Here's to our new found stability at the head coach position. And last but not least, here's to our guys that worked so hard through the offseason, and then into the season. Thank you for all that you have done for Auburn, and for Auburn football. 

God bless, and War Eagle!