The Ending of an Era, the Beginning of Another

The End of the BCS

With the last couple of weeks left, in what we know it as the BCS standings, the Auburn Tigers are ranked 4 after a very disappointing season in which the Tigers only won a total of 3 games. Since the beginning of the BCS there were always those teams that have been on the outside looking in. Auburn in '04, Boise State a couple of times, and in this very last year could be yet another. Ohio State has owned and dominated in the last two years. Problem is, they haven't played a schedule that demonstrates they should stay above a 1 loss Auburn or Missouri. Let's say that Auburn does beat Alabama. Auburn wins against Mizzou or South Carolina. Would the voters keep a team who has won against 3 top ten teams out? Under an Ohio State who hasn't played a top team all year? We shall see in the coming weeks.

 

Malzahn's Present and Future

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

Not even the most optimistic Auburn fan would have predicted that Auburn would be going into the Iron Bowl 10-1, 6-1 in SEC play. Not even myself. I am and optimistic realist and would have been happy with an 8 win season. Anything better than last year. Gus Malzahn believed it would happen. He also gave hope to all the players and staff that it was possible to compete and have Auburn's name thrown around as an Elite SEC team again. Another name being thrown around is Malzahn. A semifinalist for the Coach of the Year award and well deserving. Him and his coaching staff have instilled discipline and a fire inside the locker room that has transcended on to the playing field. The Iron Bowl on November 30th could be a staple win and seal up those Coach of the Year talks and place an even bigger question up in the air... Pasadena?

 

As the end of a long, much aggravating system comes to an end a system arises at Auburn once again. One that has prospered and one that may put Auburn back into the prestigious powerhouse that it has been in recent years.

 

 

 

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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!