Game Wrapup: Auburn 63 - Furman 31

Good warm-up for Amen Corner. That is all.

Game Wrapup: Auburn 33 - Ole Miss 20

• It was a pleasure to see everything clicking on all cylinders
• The defense came out playing with emotion and continued to do so, even after losing Zac Etheridge for the season with a neck injury
  
• The offense found their mojo and will need to bottle it for use in the Georgia and Alabama games
• The better execution on both sides of the ball led to fewer penalties, which led to better field position, and better scoring opportunities
• The defense came out playing with excitement and it appeared as if they arrived at the ball-carrier with evil intentions
• Ben Tate became only the fifth player in Auburn history to rush for over 3,000 yards in a career. He trails only Bo Jackson, Carnell Williams, James Brooks, and Joe Cribbs
  

Game Wrapup: Auburn 10 - LSU 31

At this point, watching Auburn games is mind numbing and stupefying. I understand we have depth issues which affects performance on both sides of the ball, especially defense. I get that we give up big plays here and there, we just cannot afford to give up big plays into the end zone. Unless teams are simply catching on to the offense, we have no excuse for the performance on that side of the ball. Even if they were catching up, is this offense so limited that adjustments cannot be made. It seems that not enough attention is being paid to what the other team is doing on defense and adjusting accordingly.

Game Wrapup: Auburn 14 - Kentucky 21

• The blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown was certainly nice to see, it just made the loss that much harder to swallow at the end of the night.
• I think Gus Malzahn picked up a copy of Tony Franklin's book as he prepared for this game.
• Missed tackles, routes run incorrectly by receivers, overthrown and under thrown balls by the QB. The coaching staff can't say they don't have anything to work on!

Game Wrapup: Auburn 23 - Arkansas 44

• The Tigers came out sleepwalking in the first half. They continued showing their ability to make adjustments at the half, but simply did not have enough to finish in the second half.
• I look forward to seeing how they rebound, as I will be in attendance for the Kentucky game. That game will have a lot to say about how the season turns out.
• I'm disappointed, especially since things looked so promising after the first five games. But, if you were to tell me we would be 5-1 at this point before the season, I would have taken it.

Game Wrapup: Auburn 26 - Tennessee 22

• Glad to see the improvement on special teams. The kickers were spot on as usual and our return units actually advanced the football and had no turnovers! Looks like we have found our punt returner in Onterrio McCalebb. Get the ball in his hands as much as possible!
• Our offense played conservatively, which in retrospect is to be expected, since we were on the road for the first time and had to cope with the crowd and a ball-hawking UT secondary.
• Ben Tate continues to impress with yet another 100 yard rushing effort!
• Chris Todd managed the game effectively. His TD to INT ratio is impressive!Not so concerned about the Sooie Pigs now. They looked impressive against Texas A&M, but so would your local high school team!
• Oh yeah, have you heard the news about our latest commitment? The nation's number 1 ranked punter! He joins the nation's number 1 ranked kicker. I would blow a gasket if we were awarding scholarships to these positions under normal circumstances, but we are about 10 under the limit as it stands now anyway. Welcome aboard boys, just don't miss or shank one!

Four Star OL Prospect Impressed by Auburn

Four Star OL Prospect Ed Christian from Valdosta, GA has decommitted from Florida State after his visit to the Plains for the Ball State game. Kudos to Gene Chizik and his staff for putting the bug in his ear. Now they simply have to land him on the hook in February! He now lists AU as his leader, but we all know the whimsy of youth!

10/18/09 Update: Consider Mr. Christian a Tiger, for now! He committed.

Game Wrapup: Auburn 54 - Ball State 30

• Our defense looked atrocious, however, I'm going to drink the Kool-Aid that we were emptying the bench with a 28 point lead so that we could rest our starters and give the reserves some much-needed reps.
  
• When Ball State loaded up to stop the run, we passed. When the pass loosened them up, we ran. I expect the same formula to work in Knoxvegas. I just hope that our defense can hold them to at least one fewer point than we score.
  
• From the looks of all the in-CROMPTONCIES that occurred in UT's win over Ohio, it looks as if their offense will give us some help in keeping their points to a minimum. We simply have to stop the run and force Crompton to beat us.
  
• Terrell Zachary made an iimpact in the game last night. Good to see someone besides Darvin Adams cath the ball!
  

Game Wrapup: Auburn 41 - West Virginia 30

• Our defense looked atrocious at times, but made big plays when they had to.
  
• Our offense can apparently run AND pass with effectiveness. You didn't see our run tonight due to the conditions, but our pass stepped up when it had to. I would like to continue to see the pass only when needed!
  
• I got the barn-burner I expected and, despite the rain, was one of the best Auburn games I've ever been to. Auburn-LSU '94 being the other.
  
• Glad to see Tim Hawthorne back to fill the void left by the departure of Montez Billings. Can't wait to hear exactly why he left.
• Excited to know that we should be getting a commitment from RB Michael Dyer in the coming days

Game Wrapup: Auburn 49 - Miss. State 24

• Once again, it's all about adjustments. Auburn made them at halftime, when in years past, they wouldn't or couldn't.
• Congrats again on another record setting night. Onterrio McCaleb and Ben Tate became the first running backs in AU history to rush for 100 yds. in multiple games. This is an even greater feat when you consider we ARE Running Back U! Wonder what Lache Seastrunk, Michael Dyer, and Marcus Lattimore think about that!
• Will be in the loveliest village next weekend to (hopefully) see things in person. Otherwise, will simply enjoy the ambiance! Expecting a barn-burner!
  
• Thinks the offense needs to spread the wealth next week, if possible!
  

Game Wrapup: Auburn 37 - LaTech 13

• I had my worries in the first half, but the team appeared to make adjustments at halftime (unlike last season) and dominated the second half.
• It was especially important that the defense came out and played with intensity. Giving them the ball to open the 3rd quarter had me worried.
• Was really happy with Wes Byrum, he was money, let's hope he stays that way!
• The pump fake and following bomb from Chris Todd to Terrell Zachery was picture perfect. Good to see the two of them finally having an impact.
• Having two 100 yard rushers on the same night was nice! Reminded me of Lionel "Little Train" James and Bo "Big Train" Jackson.

My 2009 Auburn Football Pigskin Prognostication

Game 1 v.s. LaTech - This game concerns me a little, simply because of all of the unknowns surrounding the 2009 Tigers. However, a team that lost to Nevada, Hawai'i, and Army should not give Auburn much of a problem. It will be close only because the Tigers are working out the kinks.
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 28 - LaTech 17
Actual score: AU 37 - LaTech 13

Game 2 v.s. Miss. State - I think our defense will be the difference again in this one, but we should score a lot more than last years 3-2 anomaly. Home field should be worth two touchdowns and an offense with everyone on the same page should be worth two more. The Bullpups just don't know how to win.
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 28 - MSU 6
9/5/09 Prediction: AU 44 - MSU 14
Actual score: AU 49 - MSU 24

Game 3 v.s. W. Virginia - You might struggle to remember that Auburn was up 17-10 at the half of last year's game. There must have been a fistfight in the Tigers locker room at the half as they came back out looking over matched. Home field advantage is the difference in this one, as the freaks come out at night in The Jungle!
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 24 - W. Virginia 21
9/12/09 Prediction: AU 31 - W. Virginia 27
Actual score: AU 41 - W. Virginia 30

Game 4 v.s. Ball State - Where is Ball? Anyway, Gus Malzahn knows how to solve this problem, as Tulsa dismantled the Cards in the Mobile Bowl.
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 42 - Ball State 17
9/20/09 Prediction: AU 56 - Ball State 3
Actual score: AU 54 - Ball State 30

Game 5 at UT - I think momentum is the key in this one, as Auburn comes into the game 4-0 while UT is 2-2 with losses to the hands of UCLA and Florida. Will Kiffin even be the coach at this point or will he be fired in mid-season a la Al Davis?
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 21 - UT 14
9/27/09 Prediction: AU 33 - UT 27
Actual score: AU 26 - UT 22

Game 6 v.s. Arkansas - I'm sad to say that the joyride ends here. Even with orange and blue colored glasses, I cannot see Auburn escaping Knoxville AND Fayetteville with wins. The only reason I am penciling it in here is Petrino seems to be turning things around and has familiarity with the Tiger's type of offense. It will still be close.
8/31/09 Prediction: Ark 21 - AU 20
10/3/09 Prediction: AU 36 - Ark 30
Actual score: AU 23 - Ark 44

Game 7 v.s. UK - The Wildkittens arrive in Auburn only to remember it's not a basketball game and run into a group of pissed off Tigers!
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 35 - UK 13
10/10/09 Prediction: AU 33 - UK 27
Actual score: AU 14 - UK 21

Game 8 at LSU - I really don't think the Bayou Bengals are much better than Auburn to start the year, but by now attrition has set in and c'mon Baton Rouge at night? SCARY!
8/31/09 Prediction: LSU 21 - AU 10
10/18/09 Prediction: LSU 24 - AU 23 in OT
Actual score: AU 10 - LSU 31

Game 9 v.s. Ole Miss - I'm sorry, but I just don't understand the Rebel's hype. Sure, they have great talent, but Nutt couldn't win the SEC with Darren McFadden AND Felix Jones in the backfield. The Tigers squeak by in this one.
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 14 - Ole Miss 13
10/26/09 Prediction: Ole Miss 29 - AU 23
Actual score: AU 33 - Ole Miss 20

Game 10 v.s. Furman - Why bother?
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 42 - Furman 3
11/4/09 Prediction: AU 41 - Furman 17
Actual score: AU 63 - Furman 31

Game 11 at UGA - Playing between the hedges again weaves it's magic as Auburn restores the "visiting team wins" madness to this series.
8/31/09 Prediction: AU 21 - UGA 17
11/8/09 Prediction: AU 31 - UGA 27
Actual score: UGA 31 - AU 24

Game 11 v.s. Bama - The Tigers play with pride and the home field in their corner, but it's just not enough to close the gap... THIS YEAR! See you in T-Town!
8/31/09 Prediction: Bama 24 - AU 17
Actual score: Bama 26 - AU 21

Bottom line - through my tinted glasses I see a 9-3 season. I would be disappointed with 5-7 and, after a period of mourning, satisfied with anything better. But I say 9-3 and a trip to the Cotton Bowl where Chizik gets to take on Texas. I can't see these young, inexperienced Tigers whipping the Longhorns.
8/31/09 Prediction: UT 35 - AU 21. But 9-4 and a full recruiting season under the belt should make things much better in 2010!

My thoughts on recent arrests

I think all of the mudslinging between supporters of Auburn and the "Dark Side" should end. Hundreds of college students get arrested on either campus each week. You cannot expect a football player to act differently than any other college student. You can hope, but that is about it.

Not being at either scene, the best I can give is my opinion. As I understand it, the girlfriend of the UA player saw him talking to a female student at a party on the UA campus. She then proceeded to key his car and once he saw what was going on, he simply tried to stop her from doing that. I can't imagine many of us would have reacted much differently.

The AU player got into some fisticuffs with a drunken AU student. I can't imagine how that started **sarcasm**, given that the AU player was sober at the time. Seems the only thing he was guilty of was being out past curfew.

Now, we know both coaches will handle this with a heavier hand than many of us as parents would, but they are expected to handle themselves with a little more decorum, given that they are representatives of each university.

Your thoughts?

Chris Todd named starting QB!

Can't say I saw this coming, but Chris Todd is now the starting QB at Auburn! After letting this sink in for a few minutes, I must say that he appeared accurate and confident last year before his arm went south.

What I am impressed with more than anything is how Kodi Burns has reacted. He was quoted as saying 1. He does not plan to transfer, 2. He is mature enough to handle this, and 3. He told the team to rally around Chris Todd and that he "has his back"!

War Eagle to you my friend, you are a true Auburn man and best of luck in whatever position you can best help the team!

Memo to Sidell Corley

I understand Mr. Corley wanted and was granted a release from his scholarship to LSU. It seems he has had some difficult situations away from school with the loss of two family members in the offseason. The statement given by his family was that he wanted to be closer to home. Ummm, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and Troy are no closer by driving distance to Mobile than is Baton Rouge. A simple visit to Mapquest would have told them that. Maybe he'll play for the SOuth Alabama Jaguars?

Auburn Recruiting as of July 30, 2009

Recruiting services show Auburn with between 13-14 commits and ranked between 18-24 as of today. The highest ranked recruits so far are four stars Antonio Goodwin (WR) from Atlanta, GA and Cody Parkey (K) from Jupiter, FL. With all the hubbub in regards to Auburn's recruiting efforts, should we, as Auburn fans be concerned right now? I say yes and no! Yes, because it is only natural to want to be ranked higher in any publication's poll for any activity. No, because we have seen recruits change their mind at the last minute and Auburn has a history of turning lemons (according to others) into lemonade! But it sure would be nice to get a couple of five star commitments in the near future!

Welcome to Auburn Football 2009

This will be my attempt (hopefully it won't end in frustration) to blog about all things Auburn Football this upcoming season. It will primarily consist of my opinion on the preparation and outcome of each game. I will not rehash news that is already out there, with the exception of linking to news articles that recap each game. I will also give my thoughts on the Tigers recruiting efforts