This Auburn Team Is Special
by Jay Coulter on Nov 16, 2009 3:00 AM CST
in Football
36 comments
The look on Auburn running back Ben Tate's face said it all as the clock hit zero in Sanford Stadium Saturday night. He left everything he had on the soggy turf in North Georgia. As has been the case on too many occasions this year, giving everything was not enough. This senior class will never know the joy of beating Georgia.
Auburn turned in what may be its best effort of the year in Saturday's 31-24 loss to rival Georgia. It was far from its best game, but you can't argue with the effort. Georgia's Mark Richt would likely have at least two more wins, maybe more if he could get the same get up and go from his star-studded roster.
The 60 minute session in Athens was a case study of Auburn's season. Gus Malzahn's offense showed flashes of brilliance, but like so many other Saturdays it was not sustainable. All of the fears about the Tiger defense came home to roost. Even with the Dawg's A.J. Green out for most of the game with injury, Georgia exposed the Auburn secondary for what it is - a patchwork unit with many guys who have no business playing deep into November.
Saturday's loss hurt. In some small way that's progress. Last season's losses brought anger. This year they bring hope. Chizik started the season with a skeptical and divided Auburn Nation. In 11 short weeks he's brought the family back together. Most were outraged over his hire - count me among them. Today I'm sold. Chizik was the right hire and he's my coach.
This team will go down as one my favorite. They'll not be remembered for greatness and will hardly leave a mark in the record books. In all my many years of following Auburn football, few teams have cared and tried as hard as this one. These players have endured a coaching change, the hiring of an unpopular coach and a prolonged quarterback battle. It would have been hard to blame them if they simply threw up the white flag and went to the house. In fact, many of them did.
The ones who stayed will leave a legacy. No, this senior class will never walk out of Sanford Stadium with hedges in hand, but they will be remembered for much more. They've put Auburn football back on the path to redemption. There are enough storylines from these players to make a dozen Lifetime movies.
I'll say it again, is there a better story in all of football than that of quarterback Chris Todd? A year ago he was loathed by most fans and his name was interchangeable with embattled former offensive coordinator Tony Franklin. Smart money said he would do what he's always done, look for greener grass and move on. Now, with one regular season game left, you hate to see the senior leave.
How special was the touchdown catch by Kodi Burns in the first quarter? He's hardly the heralded player fans thought he would be, but it's hard not to love him. He may not be big on skills, but his heart more than makes up for it. His selfless actions back in August when he lost the staring quarterback job to Todd set the stage for this team overachieving.
Now we turn our attention to the big one, the Iron Bowl. There's no kidding ourselves. This is a tall order Auburn is facing. If you didn't have a dog in the hunt, you would give the Tigers no chance. This is one good Alabama football team, especially on defense. On paper, they are better at virtually every position on both sides of the ball.
With that said, don't throw in the towel just yet. Auburn will have two things going in its favor - fresh legs and big hearts. That may or may not be enough in two weeks. Regardless, this team has brought a lot of joy to fans over the past three month. Auburn football is fun again. There's hope in the air.
I already can't wait until next year.
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My sentiments exactly....
I’ve already said this is my favorite team as well. Hope is eternal, like our love for theses Tigers.
WAR EAGLE!
"An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject"-Thomas Jefferson
MMMMMM....
I love the guys they have heart. But favorite team, wow, not even close to being with you on that one. With one game to go this has been statistically the worst defense in Auburn history and on offense its been jekly and hyde all year. They have done well with the cards they have been dealt, but I am ready for this team to fade into the sunset and start 2010 fresh. With that being said anyone want to buy my tickets for the iron bowl they are in the endzone section 43, a pair. I would love to sell them to an auburn fan and not a bama fan if I can, but money talks. The date, money and family obligations make it a no go for me. War Eagle.
by patdyeswildturkey on Nov 16, 2009 8:55 AM CST reply actions
I hear you Jay...
It really erks me when i hear other people talk about how the players just quit in the games they lost. Its like they watched a different game than i did. I’ve said all year that i have been very proud of these Tigers. To win under these circumstances has been a joy to watch. I too am looking forward to next year and especially the year after that (when i truly think we will be competeing at a high level), but there is something special about this group that i will always hold dear. You said it best Jay, “Heart”.
Now if we manage to beat bama, well….. Then Jay might be on to something.
Let the beard grow.
I’m telling you guys the beard has special powers. Todd, just keep the beard man and quit the shaving. Hahaha, just joking, but seriously-keep the beard.
so disappointed, but hopeful. ready to take it to the tide.
no bones, after green was OUT UGA went to the run most,… and in the big picture of the game, we didn’t stop it. AU got shredded with some key runs and passes late. it was strange to see the box score and the rush yards UGA had.
my biggest frustration during the game though wasn’t the D… it was the play calling that seemed to go stale on the AU offense. I have never thought the AU offense predictable at all throughout the season, but Sat. night…over and over again we opened up 1st down with a run of 2-4 yds…then a long bomb of a pass on 2nd-incomplete. The 3rd and shorts we were getting in the 1st half didn’t come in the 2nd quarter/half. greedy for yardage in a game when sustained, long (focus on 1st down yardage) drives would have been a strategy that would have made more sense to me.
the effective 2nd down plays (again,…usually after a 1st down run play) that I recall moving the chains well…or resulting in a 3rd and short…were the screen passes to Fannin or Mccaleb. These plays rarely ever had much trouble finding 5-10 yds. with the relatively heavy pass rush, the short passes seemed to work well.
I understand the long pass worked a bit with adams, fannin, and trott early,…but it seemed the UGA D started to take this away, and when they did…we should have settled back into a move the chains focus… in my opinion.
ESPECIALLY when the game had the feel that it was going to be a trade scores and see who has the ball last deal.
AU had a great opportunity to take the crowd out of the game in the 2nd Quarter, but the offense started to sputter…for me, this was the turning point in the game.
I have so much love big Ben and his effort. i hated that he didn’t get this W. we allowed this mediocre UGA D to get fired up at home, and they turned the game around on us.
hopeful ben tate and this good group of seniors that has been fighting all year can finish this season strong and go kick some…
srl_AUarch.98
"Now, with one regular season game left, you hate to see the senior leave."
This is the only statement in your piece that I can’t agree with. Yes, there’s no doubt that Todd has been a great story this year, and he could’ve given up after having surgery in the offseason and with a new coaching staff coming in, but he worked his butt off to be the best QB that we have right now. He’s shown a lot of heart and perseverance, and I will always respect him for giving his all. However, having said all of that, Todd is what he is. I am looking forward to having a QB that will go through his progressions and not stare down one receiver all game long. Look, I think it’s great that Todd has built good chemistry with Darvin Adams and has his go-to guy in Adams, but Todd missed more than his share of wide open receivers on certain plays Saturday night trying to fit the ball into Adams. Saturday night wasn’t the first game that this has happened, either. It just bothers me that most of the time, Todd doesn’t go through his reads. Usually, if Darvin isn’t open, it’s a dumpoff to Tate or Smith in the flat. While I’m appreciative of everything that Todd has put into this program in his two years here and fought like heck when everybody gave up on him, I won’t necessarily hate to see him leave. Nothing against him as a person or a competitior, but we can do a lot better at QB.
Tampa dawg,
I am sure a degree from thUGA is worth a whole lot with all of those Hope kids watering it down.
Also, to HamDawg, very classy post, almost as classy as the thUGA player who held Demond Washington in a rear naked choke hold for about 5 second after the play and only let go when the ref turned around.
HamDawg
I was looking forward to the inevitable “UGA has no class” reply. I refer you to the guy in section 606, wearing orange and blue referenced above. My Auburn friends have always told me how you just don’t hear crap like that on the Plains. Apparently, you never see fans throw stuff after losses either, so I guess the half-empty (or full, I’m an optimist today) Coke bottle that flew past my head and onto the seats below as the clock wound down was just a figment of my imagination.
I also refer you to Eric Smith, AU RB and friend of Auburn law enforcement, dancing on the field waiting for a kickoff. No video evidence, but from my perch he looked to have a case of the rockin’ pneumonia and early signs of the boogie woogie flu.
And there’s always Ryan Pugh, Captain Chop Block. I could be wrong, but Rennie Curran’s head doesn’t appear to be impeding the ball carrier’s progress here:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SO8Y3MIsoP8/SwDbfjWpHLI/AAAAAAAAGnk/vWdM40nZt3U/s1600/AU09007.jpg
Thanks, Ryan. We can always count on you to jar the conversation back to “pot/kettle” land. Keep your self righteous whining to yourselves.
No one was whining until you came here to make fun of a player with a concussion. Now go away.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 16, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions
A concussion?
News to me. I just thought he got trampled. Hope he gets well soon. Also, if you look closely there appears to be an AU helmet without a head in the left of the photo. I’m sure Ryan Pugh saw that, and was just working to get his teammate alternate headgear. Commence the, “Well, I saw a UGA player with a knife on the field trying to stab Chris Todd”
Then maybe you should do a little research before you go spewing garbage from your mouth. And now, if you are all out of ignorant comments to make, please go troll somewhere else. Why don’t you try the UF blog.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 16, 2009 2:46 PM CST up reply actions
To the Whoopi Goldberg fan...
You’ll probably have to look that up later. Take your time. Drink plenty of water, take lots of breaks. Aspirin for headaches, Midol for cramps.
You got me. I’ll have to go to the Florida blog to spew my hate. In the meantime, glass houses, etc.
And one constructive comment… Roof needs to shore up the squishy soft middle of that D Line. Ingram is going to be getting his mail there by halftime of the Iron Bowl.
Glass houses? Whoopi Goldberg?
WTF are you smoking? You are so ignorant it is funny. You go ahead and comment all you want. You really represent your fan base well.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 16, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions
Sigh...
Whoopi Goldberg made a movie called “Jumpin Jack Flash”, long after the Rolling Stones wrote the song.
Glass houses refers to the continued criticism of “thUGA” players when AU linemen have earned a reputation for aiming for the knees of defensive players.
“Those who live in glass houses…” Never mind. I’ll try drawing you a picture next time…
I know what you think you meant by the glass houses remark.
I am just trying to figure it out how it was relevant in this “discussion”.
By all means though, please continue to troll and show your ignorance.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 16, 2009 4:50 PM CST up reply actions
Ham
Looks to me like Pugh is getting shoved in the back by a thUGA player. And also appears that there is an AU helmet flying around in your pic, but I am sure no one was going after that players head, because thUGA/Soulja Boys just don’t do that, right? CMR recruits the same type of thugs that he recruited at FSU. It is pretty common knowledge. Living in Columbus, GA for the past 10 years I have come to realize that thUGA fans are no different than bammers. Most of them have never seen the campus except for the occasional football game. I actually see more Florida Alumni stickers here, than thUGA alumni stickers, but there are a lot of thUGA fans. When asked about it, they reply with something like, “I pull for them because it’s my state.”
Right.
And they only teach you the words to “Weegle Weegle” when you get your diploma. Next.
What does that even mean?
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Nov 17, 2009 9:59 AM CST up reply actions
Exactly whay I would expect...
Spoken like a true thUGA, “fan.” Don’t argue against my post, just go for a cheap insult. My post was based on my actual observations…. Yours?
First of all...
Don’t call me son! Remember, you came on the Auburn blog to start talking trash. I did not come to the thUGA site. You know that I am right on this and that is exactly why you turned to insults. That is pretty obvious. And by the way, when did I say that there were no non-graduate fans of AU. I don’t recall saying that at all. I just stated my observation from living in Georgia for the past 10 years, “son.” I have yet to meet a single fan of thUGA that even attended the school for a day, and I know a lot of fans. Obviously I hit a nerve! Did my post hit home, Mr. Sidewalk Alumni?
Next topic: You have yet to respond to the choking of Demond Washington, or Pugh being shoved in the back in YOUR photo or anything else, but I will address your concern over Ryan Pugh. Of course no Auburn fan is going to condone chop blocking or any other type of illegal/dirty play. If that is the type of player that he is, then I would expect the coaching staff to discipline him accordingly. We’ve seen Chizik kick players off the team for less, like cutting up in class or not attending class. I am not going to get into a debate with you over which team has more thugs. It is pretty much common knowledge that Georgia has had more trouble with the law over the past several years. Of course, not as much as UAT.
Actually...
My dad played with Jake Scott and Bill Stanfill, and butted head to helmet with Erk Russell, so if that makes me “sidewalk alumni”, so be it.
My point is that the whole “DURRRRR U DIDN”T GO TO THIS SCHOOL" argument is pretty much a wash, regardless of which bumper sticker you’ve got on your car. Everybody has the sidewalk alums.
Show me the video on the choke hold. You can Google “ryan pugh chop block” and get 9,240 hits. As to Pugh, it’s been shown repeatedly that he IS that kind of player, and yet he still starts for the Boy Scouts of the SEC, the Mighty Tigers. So again, you have no response other than to say “BUT HE”S GETTIN PUSHED". It’s football. I’m sure the big ’ol bad Bulldog that pushed him will be disciplined soon.
And if riding scooters on the sidewalk and driving w/o license, or walking around drunk is evidence of rampant criminal activity, I’ll take that over drug dealing (Bama), firing AKs at a party (UF), armed robbery (UT), or Robert Baker.
Four in Row.
Cheers.
Bullshit....
on the Pugh statement……I don’t care how many hits some youtube video gets thats not evidence of what kind of player pugh is……go away.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Jay, excellent post.
These Tigers have moxy. While last season was long and painful, this season has flown by. I am hoping these Tigers rest up over the next two weeks. I am certainly not counting them out against Bama. This team has no quit and does not seem to be easily intimidated. It’s great to be Auburn Tiger!
by Tiger on the mountain on Nov 16, 2009 6:08 PM CST reply actions
hamDawg, u r an idiot
3rdgenaugrad’s point is verified by your comments. Of course, every school has their sidewalk alumni. But only the sidewalk alumni, like you are, goes around to other school’s websites and talks trash when you haven’t been around all year. I also live in Georgia and graduated from Auburn so I see the woodworks people all the time. I have a lot of friends that actually went to Georgia and we had great normal talks about this game and rivalry. I also know a lot of people who “pull for Georgia because I live here” and the conversations are obviously different. I don’t care who your dad banged heads with, you have no idea what it means to be an actual alumni of the institution or you would not make ignoramous comments like you did. All of his points that were right, you couldn’t address ,you just tried to make shots. 3rdgenaugrad, thanks for your comments and I agree with you 100%. No matter what happens, it is always truly great to be an Auburn Tiger. War Eagle!
So I can't call your baby ugly...
…only you can call your baby ugly. Got it. I’ll be sure to check for a Tigers Unlimited card or alumni tattoo or note from Bobby Lowder the next time a Tiger fan talks smack with me. Can’t have anybody wearing the colors from outside the family.
It’s always fun to engage an Auburn fan in a conversation following a loss. Seriously, guys. It’s a blast. You Barners close ranks, circle the wagons, stick your fingers in your ears, and go, “LA LA LA LA CAN”T HEAR YOU" better than any group I’ve ever seen. If you’ll go back to my original post, I was responding to the Auburn fan sitting behind me during the game, talking much trash and actually using a slur for a homosexual to refer to our coach. That part appears to have been conveniently ignored. Are y’all taking up for this clown? Surely not.
Its tough to respond to an accusation of one player choking another without any proof. Maybe the alleged assault will come out on YouTube in a couple of days and we can talk about it, like Ryan Pugh’s chop blocks. And pardon me if a player getting shoved while in a pile really doesn’t seem to require much discussion. I guess if it reinforces whatever belief you already had, like Georgia players are thugs, then its tough to argue with. Sure, UGA’s had lots of stupid players get arrested for all sorts of stuff. There. You got me again. They also got disciplined internally, like Eric Smith, Tray Blackmon, etc.
Now, you all remember what a bad example I set for all UGA fans/sidewalk alumni by visiting your blog today. Be sure you act like gentlemen at some point in the future when you beat UGA or Alabama again. I’m sure you will.
Again… It’s been a real pleasure.
See y’all on the Plains next year.
Last post on this topic for me...
First of all, I would be glad to show you my Tigers Unlimited card if you asked. Secondly, you should really pay attention here. I never said that Pugh getting shoved in the back was a terrible thing. I was trying to make a point that the reason Curran’s helmet was coming off (in the pic you posted) could be the result of Pugh getting shoved into Curran. You nor I can tell what happened from the pic. It could have been a simple “football play,” or it could have been dirty. We will never know, but for you to assume that it was dirty is nothing more than you trying to start something on an Auburn blog. And you are right, I have no video evidence of the choke hold that everyone watching the game at my house all saw. If anyone DVR’d the game, then you can watch every kickoff/punt return to see it. I personally don’t have time to nor to even argue with you anymore. If you want to discuss the game, then by all means stick around, but if you want to just talk trash and throw out accusations, then you should head over to al.com. See ya!
by 3rdgenaugrad on Nov 17, 2009 7:27 AM CST up reply actions
I am so confused
It seems there are posts missing. Everyone is talking about and referencing crap I cant find anywhere.
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Nov 17, 2009 10:11 AM CST up reply actions
Pot calling the kettle black...
you idiot athens has just as many barns and pastures as AU……you support an Ag school fool.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Great Post Jay
I agree that this is a special team; success is not always defined by wins. I believe we are on the right track, and I am a very proud alumni. Thanks for helping me to remember that fact.
It is amazing to me that the comments to such a fine post can degenerate so quickly to garbage. Geez, I feel like I’m in the middle of a healthcare townhall meeting.
Special Team
They are special alright.
First loss to Kentucky in 43 years.
Nothing consistent about this team.
I’ll be glad to see Todd Go.
We need some offensive linemen who can run and pass block.
Can Ziemba get any more dense. How long into the season does the Dilbert have to be before he quits all the false starts. Geezzzzzz
Well
considering he’s been doing it for 2 seasons i dont think we can count on it changing now
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Nov 17, 2009 10:10 AM CST up reply actions
One false start in the UGA game.....
granted it was at a crucial time but give it a rest.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
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