Upcoming Posts and Images

 Just a quick little post about some of the things we will bringing your way in the near future. First I want thank some folks for their support through all of this sites initial growing pains.

 I would be remiss if I didn't thank my wife first. She has the patience, read lack of interest, to allow me to spend hours at my desk right now while getting this blog up and running.

 Secondly, I would like to thank Rick Palmedo, known as @tgrfan89 for his contributions. Without which, I would be circled by buzzards by now.

 To those of you who have chose to follow me in this new venture I owe you many thanks. You have been the source of encouragement, and inspiration for me to continue doing what I have enjoyed for 4 years now. I do love writing about our Tigers.

 Writing is much easier when you have people around you that want to see you succeed. Take for example @AUlteredego. He has allowed us permission to use his images, which rival the best on the planet. Here are a few samples.






As you can see, his talent knows no bounds.


 Some of the things we will bring you in the little time left before the season starts will be the true depth chart when it is released.  Pregame views, and post analysis will be where we concentrate our efforts during the season. Any breaking news we will of course bring you the headlines, although leave the details to the beat writers that actually have access to that information.

We would like to encourage each of you to join our site. Comment as often as you like, and follow us on twitter at @AUTigerBloggin and @tgrfan89.

 On that note, I wish to thank each of you again.

WAR EAGLE!

Being Positive

 photo from Google images

 While listening to the "Eyes On Auburn" podcast the other evening, I listened as one caller stated that Auburn only "needs positive fans", and if anyone is going to "complain", or act negatively towards Auburn then they need to go follow intramural, or something very close to that.

 Let me state here and now that the caller is right. He is also wrong. I'll clarify my stance.

 Being positive is always the best way to look at things. Sometimes it is very difficult to do, but it is the best practice.

 Take the case of Jovon Robinson.We all know by now that there are some improprieties in his grade transcript.  That is a negative situation. To say that this is not good for Auburn nor Robinson, while being true, is still a negative statement. I believe that there is nothing wrong with thinking this way. Because it is the truth.

 The positive outlook would think that although something isn't right in this case, there is not anything saying Auburn University or any of it's associates had anything to do with this. You could even go as far as thinking that even without the grades that were misreported,  Jovon Robinson  had good enough academics to qualify at Auburn.

 Oh but the negative thinkers are all gloom and doom, and are spouting off  that Auburn is going down for this one. I choose not to think this way, for obvious reasons. First there is the burden of proof. Without proof, there is nothing to worry about. The Cam Newton situation taught us that. No matter what the press reports, until the NCAA and Auburn University tells you something is wrong, then don't even give it a second thought.

 Gene Chizik, and most likely the compliance department at Auburn decided to keep Robinson out of practice until this thing gets cleared up. A very proactive, and positive sign that Auburn University won't take any chances in this situation. I applaud them for that.

 WAR EAGLE!

Media Darlings: Amen Corner

 In the first part of this series we looked at the opening month of September and the 2012 campaign for the Auburn Tigers. Then we promptly followed that up with a look at the schedule for October.

  

With a great amount of luck, and very few injured contributors this squad has a chance to enter November, and “Amen Corner” undefeated. Unfortunately, this writer doesn’t see Auburn leaving November without a loss. Neither does HULK.

 By the way, if you are not reading The War Eagle Reader, you are missing out. No, we do not get props, or pay from TWER, they are just that good. Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

 Realistically, two of the teams in November should be wins for our Tigers. New Mexico State, and Alabama AandM should not pose a problem for Auburn in 2012. We won’t bother with breaking either team down, just state that a victory for Auburn in these games, is all but virtually assured. That leaves us with the two biggest rivalries in the SEC.

GEORGIA - The South’s oldest football rivalry…

 The Bulldogs return the most talented team in the conference this season. Don’t let the off season news lead you into thinking that UGA won’t come to play every week.

  

Although they could lose the opener in the first week in Missouri, look for Georgia to win the East, and secure a spot in Atlanta. Georgia will have the advantage of experience, and will need this victory to do that.

 As tough as this is to call, I see an Auburn loss to UGA, leaving Auburn with a 9-1 record in the season to this point.

ALABAMA – The Iron Bowl

 If this game were in Auburn, I wouldn’t hesitate to give Auburn the advantage. It’s not, I can’t, and it leaves a feeling in my stomach like I have been kicked by a mule.

 Sure, Alabama has to have some defensive backs mature and quickly, but by this late in the season, they should know their assignments, and be able to execute without having to think about it.

 Earlier in the year they may lose a game, maybe two, but after 2010 they won’t be allowed to let Auburn come to their place, and pull off some last minute miracle.

MY TAKE…

 The media of course will talk of the collapse at the end of the season, and some will question Gene Chizik and his ability to lead Auburn to another SEC Championship.

 That talk will be smothered and covered by the best Auburn defense seen in decades in 2013. A second year of Scot Loeffler’s tutelage, will lead to Auburn being an offensive juggernaut as well.  Auburn will become the favorite to win the SEC, and a national title contender once again.

 In the meantime, let us know what you think Auburn's 2012 record might be. You can do so in the comments section. Thanks.

 

WAR EAGLE!

MY FAVORITE AUBURN FAN

For so many Auburn fans, Jordan-Hare Stadium is a place where memories are built for the first time. Older fans gather at the entrances and renew their spirit in Auburn lore and the memories they have made over the years. For new fans, Jordan-Hare becomes a passageway to many firsts: The first time they witness the eagle circling the stadium, the first time they see the team rush out onto the field, the first time they shout in unison with 87,000 others, “WARRRRRRR Eagle! HEY!” They are witnessing their first victory and even their first defeat.

For me, though, Jordan-Hare holds a much more special memory. It is not a first memory, but a last. It is the memory of the last game my mother, Olive, ever saw in person in our beloved stadium.

THE FAN

My mother came to the United States as a young teenager back in the early 50’s. She came to this great land from Ireland, became a citizen, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother over the next 50+ years. She saw four children attend Auburn through the years, and she was my favorite Auburn fan ever.

Football Saturdays at home were something special. Making her stay in the kitchen or in her bedroom, not watching for fear Auburn would lose, became a family ritual. Mom wringing her hands was as much a part of an Auburn football game as was the ball itself.

AN AUBURN FOOTBALL SATURDAY

The best parts of the season were the games we all went to together. Loading up early on a Saturday morning to make the 2-hour trek to Auburn to see the Tigers play was always a highlight of any week. Knowing mom was going made it that much better. We laughed, we sang, we told jokes and reminisced about past games or just talked about whatever was a topic for discussion. It was always a great time.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

That all changed in the spring of 2004. For the second time in her life, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemotherapy would be the method of treatment and it would continue for the next couple of years, taking more and more of a toll on her body as she tried to beat the worst disease I know.

By the time 2006 rolled around, she was beginning to slip away as the treatments grew harsher and the outcome bleaker. In September of 2006, I had surgery on my ankle for two torn ligaments--two days before the Auburn-LSU game. I knew my chance at going was minimal at best.

For mom, the chance to go was even less than that. Funny thing about Auburn Football though, it has such a pull that we both just “sucked it up” and made our way anyway.

THE FINAL GAME

I’ll never forget being on crutches, trying to navigate my way across campus. Mom was in a wheel chair because the Chemo caused her hands and feet to crack and walking was immensely difficult. About half way to the stadium, I was spent. I was about to say, “Forget it” when mom gave up her wheelchair for me. She limped for a while and I gave the chair back. We alternated until we finally reached the friendly confines of the stadium. Neither of us moved until the game was over.

The game was another Auburn-LSU classic. Auburn was third in the nation; LSU was ranked sixth. Number 3 pulled out a 7-3 win in a defensive struggle; all was right with the world at that moment. Little did I know that would be the last time I would ever step foot into Jordan-Hare with my mom there also. It was the last game she ever saw in person.

THE ULTIMATE LOSS

By the time the 2007 season started, Mom was gone and all that was left were the memories of her cheering the Tigers to victory so many times before. Gone was the laughter and the nail biting. The blessing of having someone you love so much there with you, through the good time and bad, vanished when she passed away. Auburn Football forever changed for me.

Stepping into the stadium for the first time in 2007 and realizing she would not be there with me was one of the hardest things I have ever faced. My memory of her at a football game has not diminished, my love for Auburn has not wavered but the significance of football has taken on a whole new meaning. It is now less about wins and losses. It’s about family, and friends, and time spent with those we love. There are so few football Saturdays throughout the year. I, for one, take none for granted; we never know which will be our last.

STILL WATCHING

Wherever she is, I know Mom is watching over my family and me. I know she is proud that I have the first second generation Auburn Tiger in my oldest son, a junior at Auburn. I also know that she is up there smiling and giving us a big WAR EAGLE each and every Saturday as the Tigers take the field. I miss her each and every day. Nothing will ever change that. However, to Olive P., My Favorite Auburn Fan, I say I love you, Mom. God Bless and War Eagle!

Special Moments for Walk-On Athletes

While I hope Auburn takes a victory from the Vanderbilt Commodores this fall, you have to like the way Coach Franklin surprised Marc Panu, the walk on fullback with a full scholarship.

Thanks goes to cbssports.com for providing video.

Media Darlings Volume 2

 Continuing the series we head into October. Auburn earns a well-deserved week off after what is sure to be a very physical game with LSU, and then entertains the Arkansas Razorbacks before taking off to visit Ole Miss and then Vanderbilt before returning to the comforts of Jordan-Hare stadium to take on Texas a&M. 

 So without further ado, here are my preseason pickings.

Arkansas Razorbacks…

 This is probably the most difficult game on the schedule to pick. After the motorcycle antics of their former coach Bobby Petrino, the Hawgs find themselves in a unique situation. The players will start the season with the same group of assistant coaches, but the program is being directed by a new head coach in John L. Smith.

 It is not my wish to delve into the mental aspects of the team after having gone through that ordeal, simply to state that things will be different. The word from Arkansas AD is that Smith is to let the coaches coach, but Smith will have control over everything from practice schedules, and team meetings and so forth. Some things inherently will change from the way that former coach Petrino had done them.

 Is it enough to change the way the players react and play?    It’s hard to grasp at this time, so I’ll give two predictions.

 First, if there is no real meddling by Smith into his assistant coaches and there preparations then Arkansas could be a very good team this season.

 Arkansas has a tremendous amount of quality talent returning, and a coaching staff that has won some big games. Every single game played in the SEC West is big, so the Hawgs won’t have trouble being amped and the loss the last time they were in JHS will be motivation enough to be focused. If this is the case, and Arkansas is playing up to potential Auburn could lose this game by 10 points or more.  Making their record 4-1

 The second scenario is that John L. Smith can’t help but meddle with the assistants that he inherited, and disrupts the continuity of the staff. How much disruption? How does this translate into on field performance?

 Let me state that any action by Smith that would create an imbalance in the coaching staff would be disastrous, and an eventual Auburn victory. Leaving Auburn undefeated up until this point and 5-0 on the campaign.

 I actually had the Razorbacks winning the West division this year, until the motorcycle ride from hell happened. We will all have to wait and see just how well John L. Smith does staying out of the way of the assistant coaches. They are not his assistants, he didn’t hire these guys he inherited them.

Ole Miss…

 I know Hugh Freeze came into Auburn with Arkansas State and created havoc with his offense on a Ted Roof defense. This is still Ole Miss and Ted is gone to purgatory in Penn State. This isn’t the same Auburn defense that was rattled by short passes and quick screens. Try that now, and a price will be extracted.

Auburn wins big on the road in this one.

Vanderbilt…

 The last time Auburn was in Commodore country it left embarrassed and minus one offensive coordinator. That won’t happen this time.

  

James Franklin the Vandy coach has recruited rather well, and is saying all the right things, the Commodores are an improved club top to bottom under Franklin.

  

This writer thinks that still won’t be enough to stop what is sure to be a seasoned Auburn offense, and a much more disciplined defensive unit. Auburn will win this game, and really be garnering some national attention with a possible 7-0 record.

Texas A&M…

 The Aggies are a difficult team to get a clear picture on because of the new coaching hire during the transition to the SEC. If you will pardon the analogy, changing the Chief of the tribe, and learning new hunting grounds makes things very difficult. I’ll give the edge to my home standing Tigers.

 Next up is November, and “Amen Corner”.

WAR EAGLE!

August 7th Practice video

A special thanks goes out to 247Sports for the video of the Auburn Tigers while they practiced this morning

A Saturday on the Plains by Rick Palmedo (@tgrfan89)

     They descend upon the Loveliest Village on the Plains from near and far. The vast majority of them have the same wish, the same hope, the same dream, a victory by the home standing Auburn Tigers.

They arrive anywhere from Thursday to Saturday. They eat, drink, play games, and walk the campus. Many are reliving their time at Auburn. Others are here for the first time. Some just come to be a part of the scene. It is a Saturday on the Plains.    
 Early Saturday morning, tailgates are set up for the day. Food is prepared. Beverages are chilled. Fans are up and ready to enjoy the day. There are already tickets being hocked on the side of the street. For the right price, you can sit just about anywhere you want within the confines of Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

 Fans are beginning to stir and walk around campus admiring the beauty of the area they are seeing. Cars line College Street looking for the best parking they can find. Football is in the air.    

 The day is sunny and warm. The food is delicious, the beverages are ice cold. There are few things in life that can top this. Old friends are sought out, new friends are made in the blink of an eye. A game of cornhole is becoming intense as there are just a few tosses left. Winners are made at this point. Losers feel the sting of defeat. But a great time is still had by all.   

  It’s finally time to head to the stadium. The pregame begins. Is there a more majestic site than Spirit or Nova circling the field as 87,000 plus fans scream WARRRRRRRRRR EAGLE HEY!! at the top of their lungs! Let me assure you there is not!!  The intro video for the band, yes folks the AU Marching Band has its own hype video, fires up the fans into an even bigger frenzy. The band takes the field! The Auburn Fight Song and Glory Glory to 'Ol Auburn play as the band gets into position for God Bless America and the National Anthem. Finally, Tiger Rags plays as the band marches into position forming the unforgettable interlocking AU and we all know what is coming next.    

 The huge HD video screen comes to life. Auburn football highlights are shown. Huge hits, big plays, victory on the Plains becomes the theme. And then…smoke and to the delight of the now ravenous crowd the latest installment of the Auburn Tigers takes the field!!!  By the time all of that is finished the crowd is ready for another Auburn victory. The Tigers take the field and it’s time to kick off. The game is another hard hitting affair but on this glorious Saturday Auburn wins another game and the joyful crowd heads to Toomer’s Corner and one of the all time great traditions continues. Young and old alike roll the now world famous Toomer’s Oaks. It’s a scene that will be recreated over and over again with each Auburn victory.     

Oh, there will be Saturday's in which victory is not achieved but every true Auburn fan will take the loss in stride, remember we are All In, and make plans to be back home on the Plains the next time our Tigers take the field. We will cheer just as loud, we will love just as much,and we will stand together as always for we are Auburn and Auburn means Family.           

 Many will head home after the game. Those that don’t will retire to their hotel rooms or RV’s or wherever they may be staying. Parties will rage into the wee hours of the morning. A good time will be had by all because win, lose, or draw that’s how it's done on a Saturday on the Plains!     

 War Damn Eagle!!!

My Take...

Sunday August 5th, 2012

Day four of the summer football practices at Auburn is now over and the Tigers will get a well deserved day of rest on Sunday. There are some questions that we as fans have, so let's take a look at a few of them.

Starting QB...
 The question is on everyone's mind, yet seems to be of little consequence to the AU coaching staff. Both Scot Loeffler and head coach Gene Chizik have stated that "it's too early in the install" to worry about who will be the starting QB for Auburn against Clemson.

  Most Auburn football blogs, and even some news outlets have already crowned Kiehl Frazier the starter, although no one of official capacity is willing to confirm that assumption. My guess is that we will be into week three of practice before any real decisions are made.

Wide Out...
 Trovon Reed  has received high praise this past week. Coach Chizik stated that he was in "really good shape", and"starting to figure the college game out now". It's nice to see Trovon stepping up his play and getting noticed by the head man, although we need to see that translate onto the field. Chizik also said "we really need them all to step up" when he was mentioning the receivers as a unit.

 You have no doubt heard this hundreds of times, and no matter who stated this first, Auburn needs someone, anyone to step up with better receiver play this season. This is truly a case where more is better. The more individuals that step up, the better it will be for Auburn's 2012 campaign.

Offensive line...
 This is a critical area of concern for the Tigers. Having arguably recruited the best offensive line class last year, and one of the best from the year before, it's critical for this talent to show up and preform. Just who will start is still very much up in the air, so is the rotation of relief for those starters.

 As of this writing, Eric Mack is still dealing with the horrible tragedy he witnessed just a few short weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with this young man as he comes to grip with the situation.

 In a few days many of these questions and more will be answered. September 1st will be here soon enough, and with it, another season of our favorite sport of college football.

WAR EAGLE!

BOOM! World Premier

Here you go Auburn fans, time to get pumped up for the upcoming season.