2009 Season, You Heard It Here First
by WarDamnZach on Sep 1, 2009 9:00 PM CDT
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I know that you all have been waiting on my predictions for the season. *Sarcastic* As some of you may know this was what I did at my old "job" at WarDamnTailgate.com. I have looked at every matchup, and thought about it until my brain hurts. You know what that means? Very little I can promise you, but know that I have read posts and blogs all over the net and re-read Acid’s breakdowns and have come to my own conclusions. There is a very obvious theme with the 2009 version of the Auburn Tigers.
And with that, this post is brought to you by the number 1993 and the word Health.
This team reminds me of the 1993 squad so much it is scary. We had a new coach that has very little head coaching experience. Depth was an issue on defense, especially linebacker and the secondary. Speaking of linebacker, we even had a new linebacker in 93 that turned out to be a stud. His name was Jason Miska… remember him. He only would "blow people up," he was the great run stopper. The Tigers also only had only a couple of wide receivers that had game experience in 1993. Does any of this sound at all familiar? In no way am I saying that the 2009 version of the Auburn Tigers are going to shock the world and finish the season undefeated, but they could surprise a few folks, especially if they can stay healthy.
Sept. 5 - Louisiana Tech – WIN – Most media outlets are calling this game to be very close. While Derek Dooley has got a great squad in LaTech, I do not think they are ready to pull the upset. This game will be like the opener for
Sept. 12 -
Sept. 19 -
Sept. 26 - Ball State – WIN – Although I would call this a trap game, the
Oct. 3 - at
Oct. 10 - at
Oct. 17 -
Oct. 24 - at LSU – LOSS – This rivalry is re-dunk-ulous… It is a close game every year, and the most talented team does not always win, but in this case I have to take the more talented team in LSU.
Oct. 31 - Ole Miss – WIN – I am not drinking the Kool-Aid on the Rebels. I give them credit for all the great things they did last season but I just don’t see it. They are the hunted this season. Jevan Snead is not going to sneak up on anyone. They looked great in their bowl win over Texas Tech though, which is scary. I am taking
Nov. 7 - Furman – WIN – Game over… but they do have a cool mascot in the Purple Paladins. Too bad they changed it from Christian Knights. That made them Furman University Christian Knights. As my mother used to say… "That is not a very pretty word."
Nov. 14 - at
Nov. 27 -
I know that 9/10 wins is very optimistic, 8 wins is more likely because
These are my picks, take them how you will. I see 9-3, but 5-7 is very possible. 6-6 will not "kill me" assuming it is based on injury or luck not coaching or lack of production. I had enough "lack of production" last season to last me a life time.
Let us know what you guys think?
War Damn Eagle
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I said 9-3 regular season....
With a win in a Bowl game. I beleive the very next post was and I quote…“you’re crazy”.
A 9-3 regular season record should land us at second place in the West. So yeah, I’m crazy!
"An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject"-Thomas Jefferson
Yourt not crazy
I bet we can go 9-3 too. Last year we had every team we lost to on the ropes except for the last one but that’s another story. Keep in mind we done that with a ton of misery offensively. This year we’ve got our act together and if our offense can gel then we’ll be a dark horse SEC west contender. Mark it down.
And the last game we have every shot to beat to. I’ll call it a win. Look at what Tulane and Utah did to Alabama without Andre Smith. I know we were better than Tulane last year and guess what Andre Smith ain’t playing for them this year. With the troubles they are having with the fishing duo and SO MANY players missing practices they won’t be as focused as they were last year and if VT beats them which is very likely then that should do them in for a 8-4 at best year.
Georgia won’t be a loss I can promise you of that. They got LUCKY AS HELL last year and that was with two of their best QB and RB of the Mark Richt era I’d say. We held them on the ropes and if it wasn’t for our lackluster playing calling and our offensive woes, we stood a shot at beating them by a fair margin. I think this year with a great coordinator calling the plays, we’ll handle them with ease especially since Stafford and Moreno are long gone.
6-6
LOUISIANA TECH W 24-20 (1-0, 0-0)
MISSISSIPPI STATE W 20-10 (2-0, 1-0)
WEST VIRGINIA L 13-31 (2-1, 1-0)
BALL STATE W 28-10 (3-1, 1-0)
at Tennessee L 24-27 (3-2, 1-1)
at Arkansas L 20-33 (3-3, 1-2)
KENTUCKY W 35-17 (4-3, 2-2)
at Louisiana State L 10-24 (4-4, 2-3)
MISSISSIPPI W 17-15 (5-4, 3-3)
FURMAN W 41-7 (6-4, 3-3)
at Georgia L 20-24 (6-5, 3-4)
ALABAMA L 12-20 (6-6, 3-5)
"You just keep pounding balls into the gap. The one thing you don’t want to do is hit a home run. That’s a rally-killer." - Jeff Francouer
Bet you a case of Stella Artois....
we are better than 6-6 at the end of the year.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
I guess Sparkey already beat me to it
I’m not going to bet on Auburn’s season record this year because we’re so unpredictable! Looking at our schedule, I could see us winning any of the games, but I could also see us losing any of the games (except for Furman and probably Ball St.). 1-11 to 12-0 is a pretty large spectrum to choose from. That said, in reality I think we could go anywhere from 4-8 to 9-3. 6-6 just seems most realistic.
"You just keep pounding balls into the gap. The one thing you don’t want to do is hit a home run. That’s a rally-killer." - Jeff Francouer
Todd...
I’ll take you up on that bet. I hope that I’m wrong, but if I’m not make sure you purchase a case of October Fest early on of Sam Adams. :-) I would gladly drink some of the Artois with you if I’m incorrect.
I imagine...
Other people would be really bothered by what you said in the other post. But, honestly I thought it was really witty and possibly justified. I am the pessimistic fan as always. Having said, I’m going to be there Saturday cheering my brains out by the way. I may not seem like it because of my Eyore mentality, but I really am Orange and Blue through and through. Anyway man, hope you’re having a good week.
Where are the bammer trolls?
I figured they’d eat us alive for this post, lol. I’m saying 8-4 regular season. I hope I’m right, and I REALLY hope WDZ is right. War Eagle!
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
Well...
…except for the UGA prediction. We need to beat them this year.
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
I'm your huckleberry
Really? 7-0 to start? I’m a homer, but damn… I would always like to play the barn with both of us undefeated, but WOW! The troll has spoken…
by rolltidefromaz on Sep 2, 2009 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think
our 8-4 (or so) expectations of our team are any more outlandish than bammers’ expectations of their team. A national title with a new qb and like half your o-line gone? I’m not saying you personally expect that much (or maybe you do), but that’s ridiculous. I know some bammers think that highly of their team.
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
A lot of things
can change from season to season. I know AU is thin in a lot of areas, but if we can stay healthy enough, we have a shot at a really good season. Even if we get bitten by the injury bug again this year and have another bad season, it won’t last. A program like AU will never be down for very long.
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
Of course I drink the Kool-Aid
But I’m also realistic about 3 games in particular. LSU, Ole Miss, and VT. If we win 2 out of 3, we should play in ATL.
by rolltidefromaz on Sep 2, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
We'll see
First of all, Bama had a lot of luck last year. Yes, they were really good too, but they were lucky in the whole thing as well. I think the Auburn fans are maybe a bit over optimistic. Right now though, the UA fans are being arrogant and way too confident they’ll go right back to Atlanta. I am wondering if they think they WILL NOT CAN beat the Gators when they get there. There is certainly a difference in the attitudes between will win and can win. I’ll be hearing about them winning the SEC already before the first game is even over this year.
What would
winning or losing vs. VT have to do with playing in ATL in December???
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
Well you know...
When it’s Bama, I mean isn’t the first touchdown they score this year an indicator they’ll be taking home the crystal this year??
Peach Bowl Bound
Sorry – Chick Filet ….. 9-3 regular season, get to beat FSU in Bowden’s final game on New Year’s Eve. Ten wins and beating FSU – I’d call that a pretty good year.
Yeah, the big X factor will be injuries because we are so thin.
La Tech – W. They are over-rated. We have Gus.
Miss St – W. However, don’t discount their big men up front,. If we can win the battle on the front lines, we take this one easy. Our offense will be better than their offense. But will our defense be better than theirs? In the end, our play calling saves the day. Kodi scores a TD from the wildcat. woohoo
West va – W. It will be a close game. But we did fine the first half against them last year, but screwed the pooch 2nd half. We don’t make that mistake this year. Fewer penalties, better kicking, and a good offense put us over the top.
Ball St – W
Tennessee – W. I don’t know why some people think we can’t take these guys. Our offense is better than theirs. Defense might be another story. As long as we are healthy, especially up front on OL and at LB, we should hang tough. This might be one of those games that goes down to the last two minutes.
Arkansas – Toss up. I used to have this down as a W, but I’ve been reading some things about the Hogs which give me jitters. They are big. Another game that hinges on our defense.
Kentucky – W. We are more talented than they are on both sides of the ball.
LSU – most likely L. However, all is not rosy for them either. But they have a lot of depth. If Jefferson lives up to his potential, our defense will be tested to the max.
Ole Miss – most likely W, if we have our starters. If we hae to replace OL, DL, and LB, that might tilt the slim margin against us. Another two minute drill special.
Furman – W.
Georgia – most likely L. The only way we pull this off is if their offense does not come together. But it is late in the season and they should have worked out the kinks by now. Along that same line, though, our yound defensive starters will be more experienced, too. Our seconary may have to pick up the slack from a banged up LB crew. This gives up the middle, but stops the big gains.
Alabama – Toss up. I don’t care what happened all season, who is ranked what. This game is off the charts. There will be plenty of emotion this year. Expect to see some tears for sure.
That 8 Ws, 2 Ls, and 2 toss ups.
The thing about georgia...
They BARELY beat us last year, and we were awful last year. I know they’ve kind of rebuilt after the departure of Stafford and Moreno, but IF we’re relatively healthy I can see us taking this one in athens.
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
I'm much more inclined....
to agree with you on the “toss up” of the bama game than your labeling of the Ole Miss game as “most likely W”…..While all of our own predictions have the ability to look foolish as things develop throughout the year, I think you are way out of line to think that Ole Miss is going to be such an easy victory at this point in time….I can’t say that I’m drinking the Ole Miss koolaid any more than you are, but there is no basis to think such a thing right now….
clarification for accuracy in the media
you say “I think you are way out of line to think that Ole Miss is going to be such an easy victory at this point in time”
I said most likely, which is a couched term, meaning there is a possibility of us losing. I also said it was incumbent on injuries. I already see that Auburn is thinking of going to a nickelback defense, in which case they are gonna have two linebackers. I don’t like that at all, not against Snead.
I also say at the end, another two minute drill, meaning it will be right down to the wire. Close. Not “an easy victory.”
Eh
I have to think Tennessee’s mediocre offense was a bit better than your mediocre offense last year. Well, the stats kinda sorta say so. Actually, Year2 over at Team Speed Kills had a good look at scoring defenses / offenses of last year, Table #3 has the “adjusted offensive points per game” thingie.
Kirk Herbstreit: And this years Heisman Trophy goes to .. TIM TEBOW, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA!!!
[ Begin music]
Jim Ross: My.. My god, is that Eric Berry's music??!!
Kirk: I hope not ...
I agree
I agree completely. I feel the Tigers will hit a brick wall at LSU (Coincidentally, so will the Gators). I think LSU is a run-away favorite for both the West and the SEC. The UF-LSU game is simply the first half of the SEC Championship.
The biggest fear I have is injuries that will hamstring our defense in the later half of the schedule, when we really need them to be healthly against UGA an UA.
War Eagle! Hope springs eternal, and there will always be a chance in the Iron Bowl – Punt, Bama, Punt!
Sullivan013
You aubbies are sure high on LSU this year...
I wish I shared your confidence.
Auburn 6-6
LOUISIANA TECH L
MISSISSIPPI STATE W
WEST VIRGINIA W (S-E-C, S-E-C!!!)
BALL STATE W
at Tennessee L (Crompton will rebound)
at Arkansas L
KENTUCKY W
at LSU L (3 straight!!!)
MISSISSIPPI W (Ole Piss falls apart starting here)
FURMAN W
at Georgia L (I don’t get why everyone is so down on the dawgs…They have the best O-line in the conference people!!!)
ALABAMA L (frickin crap)
The losses to UGA and Bama have more to do with those teams being really really good than Auburn sucking. By the end of the year I expect AU to be good as well and they will probably tear some poor ACC team a new one in a bowl game.
Ain't no way
Auburn pulls a Gillespie.
Kirk Herbstreit: And this years Heisman Trophy goes to .. TIM TEBOW, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA!!!
[ Begin music]
Jim Ross: My.. My god, is that Eric Berry's music??!!
Kirk: I hope not ...
8-4 or 7-5 seem much more likely
but who knows who things will turn out? Injuries will determine how good this team will be.
Strength and Conditioning
I am not sure who it is, but I know that somebody has been asking what is the deal with our Strength and Conditioning Coach. I would have to impose that question as well. Granted, our depth is an issue. I’m not one to deny something like that so that may very well indeed cause more injuries. However, it did seem extensive last year and if it happens again this year something other than just “bad luck” is wrong. You know, I’d love to steal UA’s conditioning guy. All of this talk about coordinators and things, it seems to me that the Crimson Tide has been doing great on injuries.
I realize they’ve got better depth than we do for the most part, though that is closer than what they would ever admit, they still were going strong close to the end of the year. I’m not sure what they are doing different, but the injury bug really seems to be avoiding them lately. Maybe I’m just looking at it the wrong way. I cannot recall quite how many posts I’ve seen with the sentiment that injuries will determine our year this go around. If that’s the case, I hope are strength and conditioning is much better than it was last season.
And this one
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Sep 2, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions
"Jevon Sneed"
Who in the Hell is that?
Let’s hope you were joking.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Take a picture, trick.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Sep 2, 2009 11:55 AM CDT reply actions
My Bad...
Sorry if I misspelled your fearless leaders name. I shall correct it now.
If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.
Thanks!!!!!11
And I—as one would expect—disagree with your assessment of the Rebels. Jevan Snead doesn’t need to sneak up on anybody. He’ll crash through the damned door if need be.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Take a picture, trick.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Sep 2, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions
His name was misspelled. The thing is that
such misspellings have become a sorta underground, slightly humorous SEC interent meme, as Snead’s name is very oftentimes misspelled or mispronounced by aloof or casual fans (even Rebels).
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Take a picture, trick.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Sep 2, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I'm not. I certainly didn't intend to come off as such either.
I just like to disagree in a spirited fashion.
Red Cup Rebellion - Changing the Culture of Ole Miss Athletics
Take a picture, trick.
by The Ghost of Jay Cutler on Sep 2, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions
Disagree all you want
I knew this post would get some folks fired up… I am just shocked the Bama Folks have not really come a callin. I guess it is the fact that I put our game as a toss up.
If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.
Yeah
I got to say I’m shocked as well. I read what they had to say about our chances and damn…I’m amazed they give us a shot to win any ball games. Last in the West huh? Well, I guess we can’t disappoint them with their expectations of our year. I cannot consider that unbiased analysis.
Who
said Auburn would finish last in the west?
Louisiana Tech – W (+21) : Ain’t no way Auburn loses this game, ain’t no way at all, and I expect a score something like 7-31, 10-31, something around there. Auburn’s biggest problem is their depth, which isn’t so much a factor at all against a team like L. Tech and is less a problem, still, in game 1.
Mississippi State – W (+10) : I do see Auburn’s offense being somewhat better this year, which I honestly can’t say for MSU, no matter who their coach is. I think Auburn’s defense will shut the crap out of the Bulldogs and Auburn wins, but I also expect Auburn to have some problems moving the ball against these guys. Still, Auburn is at home for this one and I’m pretty sure that you guys won’t have to breath too hard.
West Virginia – L (-14) : With or without Pat White, I think W. Virginia is going to be the best team in the Big East this year. They run a pretty tough, unique offense that I saw shred last year’s Auburn team to the tune of 400+ yards. Can Auburn keep that down this year? I’m not calling for a 34-17 loss, but I don’t see a victory here, to be honest.
Ball State – W (+7) : I think this game will be pretty close, scary so for you guys, but I think you pull out the win in the end. For some reason I’m thinking that this will be the game where your depth really starts becoming a problem, and something tells me that Ball State will come out firing hard and get an early lead. But I don’t see this game being a Loss, if I’m wrong here I expect the + will be greater.
@ Tennessee – L (-10) : Yes, yes, I’m a homer, but I think Tennessee is a more improved team than Auburn, and this game is in Neyland. I really think our Freshment will have a big, big impact and Tennessee wants revenge from the wtfumble of last year. Last year’s game was a game vs two dead even teams, so I really look at this game as a question of “who’s offense is more improved?” I think the answer goes to UT, but I don’t think it will be easy for either team to move the football. Tennessee’s vast improvement to skill positions (homerism, I know) provides the difference in breaking the big play, but both defenses score points too.
- However, I would like to ask here: what has Tennessee said to make Auburn fans upset?
@ Arkansas – W (+14) : Meh, I don’t see why people are so hyped on Arkansas, to be honest. They don’t have a defense, and you have to have a good defense to win in this league. I think Auburn’s D shines in this game and the offense is able to move the ball pretty well, but if it turns into a shootout I do give the edge to the Hogs.
Kentucky – W (+17) : Not sold on Kentucky, and I’d pick them losing to Vandy if I made one. They aren’t that good, at all, whatsoever, and they won’t play well at all on the road. Brooks has made this team better, but I don’t think they have the talent or the depth to constantly compete. Plus, I hate Kentucky.
Then you get the harder second half of the season. I think if Auburn can come in here 6-1 they can be extremely, extremely happy, but I obviously forecast 5-2. Also, who the hell scheduled Auburn’s games? This is too many straight weeks of football games!
@ #11 LSU – W (+3) : I don’t know why I’m picking the upset here, I really don’t. This game was way close in Auburn last year, and I think this is Auburn’s big win of the season. This has always been a good rivalry, and I think a last second field goal snags the game from the Tigers. Games with this small a +/- by me also constitute as “toss ups”.
#8 Ole Miss – L (-14) : I know a lot of people aren’t very amped up on Ole Miss, and I’m really not either (I think they finish 3-4 losses, in the top 25 but out of the top 10. Far out of the top 10.) but they do have a pretty strong offense, from what I’ve seen. Really, it all depends if they come out like they ended the season last year, which I don’t think they will, but they will be somewhere in the middle. I don’t think Auburn has the guns to fight with the Rebels.
Furman – W (+28) : Anyone who thinks Auburn will lose to Furman is an idiot. I’d say the score would be higher, but I expect a lot of rest time for the main players here after so freaking much gametime and a tough road game coming up the next week.
@ #13 Georgia – L (-10) : I don’t see Auburn winning this game, on the road, against the Dawgs. But, I also don’t really know what to expect from Georgia this year, and games this late in the season can really change as far as predictions go. I think Auburn definately has a chance, but I don’t see it happening.
BYE WEEK
#5 Alabama – L (-17) : I want so badly to pick Auburn to win the game, and as stated above the complex of these two teams can really change, but I just don’t see it. Saban is, like it or not, a really good coach and he’ll keep his boys from looking ahead .. to a bowl game. Ole Miss wins the SEC West this year, imo ;-)
So, there you have it, a 7-5 record with victories over all the teams they should beat, and losing to the teams they should lose to, with the exemption of LSU and (maybe?) arkansas. Tennessee I see as a toss up game, which neither team “should” win going into the season. As stated, I’m a homer and I put a big-time emphasis on home field advantage for Neyland.
Kirk Herbstreit: And this years Heisman Trophy goes to .. TIM TEBOW, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA!!!
[ Begin music]
Jim Ross: My.. My god, is that Eric Berry's music??!!
Kirk: I hope not ...
I have to say
Losing to west virginia is unthinkable for me. After going to morgantown and dealing with their sorry-ass fans last year, the AU/wvu game is the 2nd most important game of the season for me (after the Iron Bowl). It’s a must-win.
"We're at AUBURN. I think that says it all. We're going after the best in the country -- no matter when, what, where, how. That's how we're going to do it. We're going to work really hard to try to get that done every year -- including this one." -- Auburn University Head Football Coach Gene Chizik
I'll be cheering for the Tigers, make no mistake
But WVU is a tough nut to crack, I think. Hopefully ya’ll can manage it.
Kirk Herbstreit: And this years Heisman Trophy goes to .. TIM TEBOW, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA!!!
[ Begin music]
Jim Ross: My.. My god, is that Eric Berry's music??!!
Kirk: I hope not ...
by bobo_the_vol on Sep 2, 2009 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Agree, except flip the Tennessee and LSU games
Your right, you are a homer. Can’t quit get the more improved statement….plus I like our coaching staff better.
Obviously
I like our coaching staff better ;-)
Pretty much, I’m thinking “better” because:
- Crompton can’t be any worse, and has looked a lot better in camp.
- We no longer have the Clawfense
- Bryce Brown, David Oku, Nu’keese Richardson, Marsalis Teague, etcetc. I think Tennessee added a lot of zang to their skill positions on offense. By the Auburn game, we also expect to have our top 2 returning WRs (Other than Austin Rodgers, who is out for the season) in Denarius Moore and Gerald Jones.
Kirk Herbstreit: And this years Heisman Trophy goes to .. TIM TEBOW, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA!!!
[ Begin music]
Jim Ross: My.. My god, is that Eric Berry's music??!!
Kirk: I hope not ...
I think it will be close but...
still like our coaching staff better than yours with what everone has to work with…especially offensively. Injuries are the wild card.
Wow....
Hope you’re right…..But, I gotta say that this is overly optimistic. 8 is doable….Damnit Trebeck we’re just too young and thin at key positions! War Eagle anyways man! Good post!
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