Could This Be the Best Game Ending Play in Auburn Football History?

It is easy to tell that this is a Photoshopped version of the actual play.

I am sure that we are still on "Cloud 9" after the historic victory over Alabama.  I thought I had seen the best play in the UGA game the week before until last Saturday night.  I was walking at Chastain Park in the ATL this afternoon and several people came up to me and talked to me about the game. Of course, I was wearing my old school "A" Auburn baseball cap.

I have watched the TD run by Chris Davis; however, I would like go back to the timeout that was called by Gus Malzahn.  During the timeout, Gus Malzahn did make an important change on the field. He directed Chris Davis to the end zone to return the field goal if it fell short. Chris Davis did field the ball about a yard from the end line and started his journey into Auburn Football history.
 He got at least a 20 yard jump on the Alabama special team players and some were just standing around to see if the field goal was good. Also, I did notice two great blocks by Kris Frost and Ryan Smith which assisted Chris Davis on the run.  Auburn had a lot at stake in this game and they did beat the number 1 team which earned them the right to play Missouri for the SEC crown so, I will rank this play as number 1 on my list.

It is great to be an Auburn Tiger and I will be ready for the game on Saturday in the ATL.

Crazy Train

Toomer's Corner the day after the Iron Bowl 2013

 I want to take "one second" here, to thank those infuriatingly awful referee's that allowed that one second to be put back on the clock. I promise that is the last time in this post.

 First, has anyone other than me noticed that the song that was being played over the JHS sound system, just prior to the snap, was "Crazy Train?" How apropos! We have been on a wild ride since that moment. A stroke of genius it was to pick that song, and play it at that exact moment in the ball game.

 To setup that fateful play, I don't have a better sporting reference to compare how it all unfolded, than boxing. So, here goes...

 Auburn landed the first good punch, a left jab to the head. AU 7 - UA 0. Then Alabama landed a furious combination to the Auburn midsection UA 21 - AU 7. Finally Auburn got it's second wind and punched the Tide right in the mouth. UA 21 - AU 14 at the break. 

 The second half started with Auburn standing at the bell, and walking right up to Alabama and throwing another punch to the face of their opponent. AU 21 - UA 21. Then the team danced around a bit, and Alabama threw the "Hay-maker" and connected! UA 28 - AU 21. To everyone's surprise, Auburn did not falter, they didn't even look stunned. Auburn gathered, and positioned itself for the body shot to tie the game. AU 28 - UA 28. 

 The final play is where everything really gets interesting. As these two teams were nearing the final bell, everyone in the audience and on one sideline was preparing for overtime. One sideline. Not, both sidelines. With Alabama seeming frustrated that the contender could go toe to toe with them, they attempted one more "Hay-maker"  and missed. That set them up for the upper-cut to end all upper-cuts, Auburn connected, and the Heavy Weight (see what I did there?) Champion was laid out on the canvas!

 Auburn fans everywhere have been burning up the rails of that "Crazy Train" ever since!

WAR EAGLE!

The Iron Bowl Crunching The Numbers

#3   The number of Consecutive Championships Alabama had hoped for before Auburn got in 
        the way!

#32  The number of seconds left in the game when Auburn it tied up!

#1     1 Second  (NEED I SAY MORE?)

#56  The number of yards for a FG that Alabama needed to win the game!

#109 The number of yards Chris Davis ran for the "Famous" Touchdown that gave Auburn

          the win!!

#30    November 30, 2013 The Day Destiny Brought Down A Dynasty and Bo Jackson's

          Birthday

#34   The number on Bo Jackson's Auburn Jersey  AND  The number of points Auburn scored

          to win the game!

#2     The number of settings needed for Gus and Kristi at the Waffle House to Celebrate the Greatest and Most Impressive Auburn win so far in 2013!!

#365  The number of days Auburn gets to brag about bringing Bama down!!!
                                    

    $$$$$$$0000000000000

        Beating BAMA and Busting up

         their hopes of a National Championship 3Peat

 PRICELESS!!

WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!

poetic Tiger

       

My Thoughts: The Iron Bowl

Oh my Lord in Heaven! 
http://t.co/BHcnSg2uHx

I do not know, if I will ever hear those words again, and not smile from ear to ear. The link by the way, takes you to the audio call by Rod Bramblett who is the voice of the Auburn Tigers. @VoiceofAUTigers is where you can follow him on Twitter.

 This game started as a slugfest. It was billed as an "Epic Iron Bowl", it sure lived up to the pregame hype it had received. Since the Tigers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Georgia, the national media has been talking about this game. Of course, very few experts gave us a chance to win the game. 
 Auburn scored the first points of the game. Alabama answered with 21 points, and was threatening to blow Auburn out. 

 Auburn answered the bell every time Alabama scored. The defense rose up in the second half, and even stopped one 'Bama drive on downs. Tremendous effort was given on every front. Steven Clark nailed some absolute killer punts that were downed inside the Alabama 5 yard line. 
 Every aspect of the Auburn team was playing well.

 Auburn missed on three big pass plays, that would have either scored, or would have resulted in a big play. Too few to pick and complain about.

 Auburn won the game because they never gave up. They refused to believe that they were going to lose the football game. Even when the whole world thought we were in for some overtime football, these young men had already decided they had other plans. This group of gallant Tigers, were making plans for Atlanta, and the SEC Championship game.

 This was a very special Iron Bowl for me personally. Meeting new friends, and finally getting to meet some of you that follow the blog, made the day. That I was able to spend it in Auburn with family and friends is a memory that I hope I keep until the day I die.

War Eagle everybody!

Was this the best play in Auburn Football history? I think so.

Here is a photo of the score board after the "historic" victory over Alabama on Saturday night compliments of "Auburn Chopper". I am still having to pinch myself to be sure that Auburn won this game. Auburn was picked to finish in the bottom half of the SEC this sesaon and now they will be playing Missouri for a possible shot at the "Crystal Football". This season may go down as one of the best in Auburn Football.
War Eagle!

Iron Bowl 2013

In Celebration of our AUsome  2013 Iron Bowl win and seeing all the creative ways Auburn Family and Fans have reinvented the tradition of tree rolling, I thought it would be a good time to publish again the poem about the oaks on Toomer's Corner.
It is true that The Auburn Spirit and Tradition Cannot be Poisoned!  It will live on Forever!!

Originally Written on Feb 18, 2011

After the Iron Bowl 2010, a deranged individual poisoned the Oak Trees On Toomer's Corner.
This Poem is a Memorial to The Mighty Oak Trees!


The Mighty Oaks of Toomer's corner

from a tiny acorn grew;

There is no way of counting

the storms they have been through!

They have stood there on that corner for over 100 years!

They have witnessed joyous occasions

as well as many tears;

If those trees had ears to listen,

who knows what they have heard!

They have joined in conversations

without ever uttering a word!

If those trees possessed a heart,

Then we'd know that deep down in their soul,

They shared those prideful celebrations,

when their branches were elegantly rolled!!!

If those trees were given eyes,

and they were able to see;

They most likely saw tears and sadness

in the eyes of their enemy!

They probably sensed that he was hurting

and angry to be alone;

A person without any true friends

or a real place that he could call home!

They would probably say,

“ Pity and forgive him

for he knew not the love we’ve had!”

“Some people can only express themselves

by doing things which are bad!”

And if those trees were given a tongue

to tell just us how they feel;

They'd probably say,

“We are hanging in there….

Trying to hold on to the things that are real!”

“We are leaving you fond memories

that never will be gone!”

“For we have left behind many acorns;

And our legacy will live on!!”

“So keep on fighting Auburn Tigers,

Keep watching the War Eagle Fly!”

“Our Roots and Branches may rot away,

but our Love For Auburn will Never Die!!”


WAR EAGLE!!!!!!!!!!!

poetic tiger

The Scene in Auburn: A Video Compilation

Because we can't come up with the right words just yet, we wanted you to at least see what all happened at the 2013 Iron Bowl.





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We saved the best one for last. If you cry, it's okay.

A Historic Night in Auburn

As I write this post, I am watching the replay of the Auburn/Alabama game. I still have to remind myself that Auburn did win that game last night on another game ending play in the closing seconds. I still remember that only a few sports writers actually picked Auburn to win this game. I heard predictions of 55-10, 45-10, 35-0 from the Bama fans while I was in Birmingham for Thanksgiving.

After arriving in Auburn, I walked towards the field and I was amazed at the people already lined up for "Tiger Walk". The atmosphere did remind me of the 2004 Auburn/UGA game; however, there were many more people on campus yesterday. I was unable to make it to Auburn for the 1989 game and I was told by several fans that the game yesterday had a larger crowd. I walked around the campus and the bars downtown were all crowded and the Auburn Arena was filling up to capacity. What a great atmosphere and day for the Auburn/Alabama football game.  

I did watch the first half in the Auburn Arena and then decided to roam around and listen to Rod and Stan. Those two guys have to be the best announcers for a college football team. They just tell it like it is and paint a great picture of the game.  I did make it back to the Auburn Arena by the start of the 4th quarter and settled in to watch the game.  Prior to the big run at the end, I ventured over to the building next to the Auburn Arena thinking that the game was going into overtime. Saban got the one second back and the field goal was returned for a touchdown by Chris Davis. We were all cheering and hugging one another. I was just thinking how fortunate I was to have attended Auburn University and experience the emotion of this win.

I did go over to the stadium and the noise was deafening. I entered the stadium and it was quite a sight to see all of the people on the field. I took some photos and just soaked up the atmosphere. A student told me that the gates were open when they thought the game was going to overtime. All of the ramps were filled with Auburn fans.

I did go to Toomer's Corner and the celebration topped all prior Auburn wins. I made it back to the Student Center to think about the game that I had just seen. I have been to many big Auburn games, but this game tops them all. What a great football game and even the replay is fun to watch. This team is on a mission which could conclude with a chance to win the "Crystal Football". Auburn 34 Alabama 28 sounds great to me. Also, I salute Gus Malzahn, his staff and the players for giving us this memorable season and night.

 We should all enjoy this win as Auburn fans and let's beat the Missouri Tigers!

The Aftermath: Iron Bowl of the Ages

On Saturday morning my wife and I woke up extra early to attend College Gameday on the campus of Auburn University. I had my Gameday Sign in hand ready to make people laugh no matter who they rooted for.
 We showed up at 6 a.m. and filed into the "pit" ready to hear the predictions and act as crazy as we could. Around 9 o'clock, one of the Event Group Staff took my sign and when asked why they said "We don't like it." Probably Bammers. I made sure I got that sign back though and the order of the day had been restored.
 Of course everyone besides Charles Barkley picked Alabama. We left to eat and had to park almost a mile away to get a parking spot that didn't cost no lower than $60. Filed into the Stadium with plenty of time before the game and as we looked to the nose-bleeds of Jordan-Hare, we couldn't pick out any seat that was not filled. Filled to the brim and ready for what was to become the most remarkable and unforgettable Iron Bowl in history.
 AUHD had a great display of the past and the present. Moments that pumped up every single Orange and Blue fan that was in the range of the sounds and film it played. My wife and I have attended around 6 games this year and this feeling we experienced as we stood there was none like no other.
 From the time of the opening kickoff until the last second of the game, the atmosphere in Jordan-Hare could be heard all over Auburn.

Alabama got the opening kickoff and Auburn would make a stand. This first stand was very special and important. Alabama dropped some passes all night, but the one that allowed Auburn to take advantage of a miscue early made every Tiger fan smile in belief.
 The ensuing drive Marshall missed a wide open receiver that could have easily turned into quick points for the Tigers, but instead they ended up punting. Auburn answered with another stop of their own, but this Auburn would score on a 45 yard TD run from Nick Marshall, this being the first time in nearly 3 years Auburn has lead Alabama.

Going into the second QTR Auburn had a 7 point lead, but not for long. Alabama and AJ McCarron finished of the drive with a 3 yard TD pass to Jalston Fowler. Tied 7-7. Alabama would score twice more on a TD pass to Kevin Norwood and a 1 yard TD run from T.J. Yeldon. Down 21-7 with less than 2 minutes to go in the half, Auburn would use a big Nick Marshall run, in which should have been a TD like it was originally called, to set up a 1 yard TD run from Tre Mason. 21-14 halftime.

Auburn received the ball in the second half and didn't waste any time. using the read option, Auburn moved the ball 69 yards to set up a 13 yard TD pass to C.J. Uzomah to tie the game. The next scoring play would be a devestting one for Auburn.
 With a Steven Clark punt to the Alabama 1 yard line, AJ McCarron ran the same wheel route that had gotten Alabam off the 1 yard line in the previous possession, except this time, Amari Cooper broke one tackle and raced 99 yards to put Alabama back on top 28-21 (the longest pass in Alabama history). The next few drives both resulted in Turnover on Downs for both teams and after an Auburn punt and Alabama missed field goal, Auburn was at it again.
 With 2 minutes to go in the game, Auburn had hope. Needing to move the ball 65 yards, Auburn came out rushing the ball. Tre Mason received the ball on 6 straight plays and a key third down to set up what happened next. Tigers ran the read option, Marshall kept it, got to the line of scrimmage, and as the corner bought it, he floated it over his head to a wide open Sammie Coates, who raced 39 yards to tie the game at 28 a piece with 28 seconds left in the game.

We had witnessed what happened in Jordan-Hare just a few weeks ago with Ricardo Louis and "The Prayer at Jordan-Hare", but could another miracle happen against the #1 and biggest rival of the schools history?

As my wife and I stood there watching Alabama move the ball to the 39 yard line of Auburn, the clock hit 0:00. Nick Saban proclaimed that there was a second left. A second to get the field goal unit on the field. With cade Foster missing 2 and having a field goal blocked, he went with the freshman Adam Griffith. With 1 second left, Adams kick fell short. What happened next is probably the play of the century by far. Certainly the greatest ever Iron Bowl moment to ever take place. Chris Davis fielded the missed field goal and headed up the sideline after he got by a few defenders. With a wall in front of him and the clock at 0:00 he sprinted 109 yards to beat the #1 Crimson Tide and seal their destiny in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta.

Rod Bramblett (http://youtu.be/8GKmkD1pUG0) said the fans wouldn't be kept off the field and he was right. I jumped and gave every Auburn fan sitting around me a hug (we were sitting in the Bama Section) in utter disbelief of what just happened, I saw the student section hit the field and off I was to celebrate the winning of the 2013 Iron Bowl in dramatic fashion. While on the field, I congratulated players and fans alike and in the midst of all the crowd I saw Jay Jacobs, Auburn's Athletic director and he looked at me and asked " Are you ready for Atlanta?"

 Still in disbelief and shock we sang our songs and smiled from ear to ear as I made my way off the field to see what it all looked like... pandemonium.

Auburn finished with 393 yards and 296 on the ground. The most Alabama had previously allowed was 165 against Arkansas and 164 against Texas A & M. Mason accounted for 164 and a TD, as Marshall rushed for 99 yards and a TD as well. Marshall also threw for 2 TDs and 97 yards on 11-16 passing. Sammie Coates and C.J. Uzomah had 2 catches a piece and also score a TD a piece with a total of 82 yards. Ricardo Louis, who had been the hero in Auburn's game against Georgia, was ineffective. Chris Davis had the play of the game and got the face time afterwards with these statements:

"We're a team of destiny. We won't take no for an answer."
"I knew when I caught the ball I would have room to run." and "when I looked back I said 'I can't believe this'."

And run he did into the history books and the Auburn Tigers hearts all around the world.

So to answer your question. Yes, another miracle could and did happen on the Plains two games in a row. And yes, Auburn has restored balance in the College Football world. With two TDs in the last 39 seconds, Auburn has changed history? No. Fulfilling destiny.



Be sure to follow me @austin_preiss19 on Twitter for more Auburn Sports and pictures and videos for this weekends game. WAR EAGLE! Atlanta, "We Comin'."