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.

 

 

 

Be sure to follow me @austin_preiss19 on Twitter for Auburn, SEC and much more.

Ghost of Friday Ramblings

 This is not something I intend to do every Friday. I do however have fond memories of my days at Track Em Tigers, and this was my usual slot, so without further delay....

Auburn Gymnastics...
 This is a really neat look at the facility our Tigers use. Just click this link and enjoy.


College Football...
 Last night we had all our dreams come true. The start of another college football season has begun, and unfortunately will be over way too soon.

 There is an age old coaches motto that goes something like "If you didn't play play well enough to put the game out of reach, then you can't blame the officials for costing you the game" Last night was certainly an example of this axiom being as true as life.

 Not once. Not twice. Three times. On three drives in the first half Vanderbilt had the ball on the South Carolina side of the field, and came away with zero points. Nada, zilch! Had the Commodores been able to execute those drives into field goals, they win the game.

 The referees certainly blew an opportunity to get more TV time though. As evidenced by these two pics from @AUZoom  The first picture shows clearly that the USC defender was pulling the arm of the Vanderbilt receiver downward.

 The second picture shows the ball was still in the air, while the pass interference was being "applied", and leaves no doubt that this was a penalty that should have been called.

 You must play well enough to not allow the game to be decided by the men in stripes. I certainly hope the Auburn football team was watching, and came to this same conclusion.

Your thoughts and comments are welcome.

My Take...
  We are embarking on a new chapter of Auburn football. Changes in philosophy on both sides of the ball were needed and welcomed by most fans. While we will never forget the contributions of Ted Roof and Gus Malzahn and their intricate roles in bringing a National Championship to Auburn, it was time for a change.

 Championships are in Auburn's future regardless of what anyone else may tell you. Maybe it doesn't happen this season, maybe it does. Until the games are played it is all just banter. One thing is sure, barring a string of major injuries, this Auburn team will be much better than the media has predicted. I for one can not wait to see the start of 2012 Auburn football.

WAR EAGLE!