Groves Forgets About Team In Pursuit Of Record

By Jay Coulter
jccoulter@gmail.com

Before I start, let me put out this disclaimer: I think Quentin Groves is incredible. He will forever have a special place in my heart for his performance against Alabama last year. Like Tre Smith and Stanley McClover, if he does nothing the rest of his career, he will still be an Auburn legend. Alabama wins do that to people.

With that said, Groves made an alarming comment this week that has kind of flown under the radar. As you probably know, he’s just one sack short of tying the all-time Auburn record. He has admitted being obsessed with breaking it.

Apparently, so much so that he’s been ignoring the play calling of his coaches and doing what he wants in an attempt to get to the quarterback.

"If the play calls for me to drop, I’ll rush," Groves said. "Half the time, I didn’t even know what the play call was. I was thinking, ‘I know I can beat this guy.’ Coach will call a play where I drop and I’d just rush."

What the hell?

You can’t help but wonder whether this made a difference in the South Florida and Mississippi State games. Groves acknowledged being chewed out by coaches. We all know what an important role he plays – that’s an understatement, but to undermine your coaches is totally unacceptable.

You can bet this wasn’t lost on the underclassmen. Why should Groves expect them to follow the coach’s play calling when he doesn’t?  Anyway you cut it, that’s terrible senior leadership.

Auburn practiced for about 90 minutes on Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s contest at Florida. Tommy Tuberville said they worked a little longer each day this week because of the complexities of Florida’s offense.

He said that without question, this has been the best week of practice this year. He also said the players are excited about getting out of town.

"Guys are excited about going on the road, something different," Tuberville said. Four weeks at home is too long. Our schedule has just been all screwed up this year. Now, we’ll have some true tests on the road. This will be the first one. Our guys are excited about it."

Auburn picked up its 15th commitment on Thursday, when they got a verbal from Briarwood Christian quarterback Barrett Trotter. The 6’2, 193 pound Birmingham product has thrown for 976 yards and 12 touchdowns this year.

Trotter said the redshirt being lifted off Kodi Burns had an impact on his choice. He joins fellow Briarwood Christian alum Andrew McCain (OL) on the Tiger’s roster.

If you are not headed to Florida this weekend, you’ve got some good games to choose from on television. Here’s a few of the better ones being televised. All times are Central...

West Virginia at South Florida – ESPN – 7:00 p.m. (Friday)
Miss State at South Carolina – Lincoln Financial – 11:30 a.m.
Oklahoma at Colorado – Fox Sports Network – 12:30 p.m.
Clemson at Georgia Tech – ABC – 2:30 p.m.
California at Oregon – ABC – 2:30 p.m. (ESPN GamePlan)
Alabama vs. Florida State – CBS - 4:00 p.m.
Auburn at Florida – ESPN – 7:00 p.m.