Auburn Basketball Highlights vs. Mercer

HEISMAN, BASKETBALL, FOOTBALL & MARRIAGE

  

The sun is setting on another college football season. For all of us who are Auburn faithful, it comes upon us with a mixed bag of emotions.

There are those that are saying "I told you so" and talking about the highly rated preseason expectations of this Auburn team. These are the folks that said it was a curse for Auburn to be so highly thought of in any preseason publication.

Of course, the fact that those expectations weren't met have some calling for the heads of Jay Jacobs, Auburn's Athletic Director, and the football team's head coach Gus Malzahn, to be served up on a platter. I think that line of thought is a little premature. Next season should be much improved, and if not, those heads may feel like they need an extra set of eyes to watch their backsides, if you know what I mean.

Nobody like losing to Alabama. Nobody!

The feeling is worse when Auburn was predicted to win the SEC. I get that. Believe me, I get it. 

Heisman Trophy

 The Heisman is not an MVP award.

Here are the first three lines from the Heisman Trust mission statement:
"The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award."

I can't argue that Derrick Henry doesn't meet all of those parameters. I will however say, Clemson's quarterback Deshaun Watson was more instrumental in Clemson making the College Football Playoffs than any other player on the other teams. What I mean to say is: Clemson is not where they are at seasons end without Deshaun Watson.

 Jonathan and Ashley sitting in a tree...

A very special congratulations to Ashley Kotero and Jonathan Wallace who are now engaged to be married. Ashley is a former Auburn Soccer player, and now works for the university in it's sports media department. Mr. Wallace is an Auburn football player in the line of Kodi Burns, who was a starting QB during the latter part of the 2012 season, and like Kodi, switched to WR, and back to QB when the injury situation occurred this fall. "Anything the coaches want me to do" is a mindset for every athlete, and that mindset will serve Mr. Wallace well as a husband. May God bless both of you.

Auburn Basketball

The basketball team is showing that it can play with just about anyone, and their steady improvement is a sign that they will be a tough team to beat. They certainly won't win them all, as was the case vs. Middle Tennessee, but this team is going to win some, that many think they shouldn't. Those wins, just may be enough to go dancing. The excitement of what could be is palpable. I for one am looking forward watching these guys play.

WAR EAGLE!

The War Eagle Supper Club

I was Auburn yesterday and I visited the "War Eagle Supper Club" one last time. The club will be closed at the end of this year, but I was told that they may relocate. 

There was some great music played in this building. A true Auburn landmark.

WAR SUPER CLUB EAGLE!

Xmas in Auburn

Here is a view of Samford Hall on my walk last night in Auburn. Merry Xmas!

Auburn Gymnastics - 2015-2016 season

The Auburn Gymnastics season will begin this Sunday at 2 p.m. CDT at the Auburn Arena. Admission is free and there will be an opportunity to meet the team and obtain autographs at the conclusion of the meet.

War Eagle!

More Than Just Football

 
Pictures from my personal collection @tatershell

I have been to Auburn for the last two weekends. I don't think I have gone to two games in a row in a long time. The week of the UGA game, the AUMB put together a spectacular halftime show.  If you did not see it, take the time to watch the video. Try to watch the split screen version. As an alum of college marching band, I cannot imagine the work that went into this show. The timing had to be perfect. It is not easy to get that timing down with 300 members, but add the timing of the video and the Aubie events (notice how the beat of the band's music matches the movements in the video).

   

Aubie Goes Back to the Future - an Auburn University Marching Band Halftime Show from Auburn Bands on Vimeo.

This past week, there were several things that went on that were special. Shon Coleman was honored pregame with the James Owens Courage Award. I cannot think of a person more deserving than Shon. He has exemplified bravery and has demonstrated that he is a true Auburn man.  

Since it was Veteran's Appreciation Day, Auburn honored many veterans. None was more moving than when they honored Bennie Adkins. He and his wife just celebrated a REALLY long wedding anniversary- I do not remember the exact number. He had been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The large groups of military at the game all saluted. When he returned the salute, I had tears running down my face. I just couldn't help it. If you were there, you know what I am talking about. There is just no way to replicate that moment. 

Then the AUMB gave yet ANOTHER amazing performance. Perfect formations. Fire batons. Patriotic music. What else could someone ask for?

                                                 

                                                  picture from my personal collection @tatershell

It is always nice to see the non-regulars get some playing time. Johnathan Wallace has been unselfish and a true Auburn man. He stood tall when he was called upon and he took a backseat to others for the better of the team. All along, he has been ready.

                                          Picture from my personal collection @tatershell

Another great moment was when Tucker Tuberville got to play. Tucker has sweated and sacrificed to be the scout team quarterback. It meant more later, when I found out his dad was there to see him. At the end of the day, the players and coaches are sons, brothers, and dads. They are more than just the number, position on the field or a name in the program. Turns out, I was sitting only a few seats away from Tommy. I wish I had been able to say hi!

Auburn is family to me. All of my life, we've gone to Auburn games. When my grandparents and aunt and uncle were alive, we'd all go together. Those are sweet memories.

Picture from my personal collection @tatershell            

Then, there is always the Auburn Santa. Emma was excited to have her picture with him!!

                                                    Pic from my personal collection @tatershell  

Together all these things are what makes Auburn so precious to me. There are things that are bigger than football. Auburn is one of those. It's a spirit, a moment and a love. 

War Eagle!

IRON BOWL POEM 2015

In the quiet moments we can reflect,

On Iron Bowls of seasons past!!

Bringing back hope when some have lost faith,

And making AUSOME memories that last!

The iron bowl is not just another game!

It is the most important one of the season!

To try explaining  the feeling when we win,

Goes way beyond any reason!!

When all is on the line,

Our tigers always remain in the fight!!

Stretching out far beyond their limits,

Never losing the prize that's in  our sight!!

Sometimes it's a David versus Goliath;

Or it means against a bully to stand tall!!

But having a whole year of bragging rights,

Is the greatest feeling of all!!

This year our Tiger’s path has been rocky;

Some games have brought us to our knees!

We have learned from this humility;

And a win we will achieve!!

We have risen to the top of the mountain

And taken a plunge in the depths of despair,

But the feeling of elation when bringing Bama down,

Is like no other feeling to compare!!

So, With all to gain and nothing to lose,

Our Auburn Tigers will throw caution to the wind!!

Finding an inner strength, we will stay in the fight

And our victory will prevail in the end !!!

WARRRRRRRRRRR EAGLE!!!

The poetic tiger

2015 Auburn Football HYPE "We Believe In Auburn"

It's that week again. 



That week that divides our great state, our paternal family, and even our friends. This week is #BeatBama. This week is #AllIn. This is the greatest rivalry in all of sports. This week is the Iron Bowl.

THIS IS AUBURN
 
War Eagle!

Auburn Football vs Idaho Highlights

Bruce Pearl and Gus Malzahn