The Gift That Keeps on Giving
by Jay Coulter on Nov 15, 2010 3:00 AM CST
in Football
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How do you put into words what Auburn fans have been treated to over the past three months? When early September rolled around, this state was covered in Crimson. You couldn't turn on ESPN without seeing Alabama All-Access or some feature on Mark Ingram during SportsCenter.
Many questioned whether Auburn had fallen too far behind this time. The Tide was picked to win it all again. Auburn was picked fourth in the Western Division of the SEC.
Some of the best gifts in life come out of the blue. This 2010 Auburn football season has been a gift straight from the heavens for all of us.
There have been many great Auburn teams over the past half century; this one will likely go down as my favorite. The storylines on this year's edition are endless. Sure there's Cam Newton. He will forever be the headliner for this group. We can talk all day about him; and many times, we do just that.
But what about Gene Chizik? He arrived with a 5-19 record and a fanbase as divided as any in modern college football history. Today he stands at 19-5 at Auburn, and two games away from playing for a national championship. When he says, "keep chopping wood," he lives it.
Then there's Kodi Burns. It seems like a generation since he replaced Brandon Cox at quarterback for the New Mexico State game in 2007. This kid has witnessed the good and bad of Auburn football like few others.
He doesn't grab many catches or headlines as a starting wide receiver, but he throws blocks like few wideouts in the conference. Now that's a story.
Speaking of adversity, how great is it to see this offensive line overcome the adversity of 2008 to now being considered one of the best in the nation and among the best to ever wear orange and blue. Newton is special, but this offensive line is what'll get him the Heisman Trophy.
How often does a player pass Bo Jackson to become the all-time freshman rushing leader and it's nothing more than a side story? That's the life of running back Michael Dyer.
He's been compared to South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore all season. Both are great, but Dyer is a little more special. Maybe it's that blue jersey. Don't be surprised if he ends up as Auburn's fourth Heisman Trophy winner.
I'll ask it again. Has there ever been a school to produce a Heisman, Outland and Lombardi winner all in the same season? I'm not sure, but I'll take even money on it happening at Auburn this year.
Nick Fairley has been nearly as much fun to watch as Newton. Even when he doesn't make a stop behind the line of scrimmage, he's responsible for the tackle. If you recorded Saturday's win over Georgia, go back and just watch Fairley. The chaos he creates is a thing of beauty.
We could go on forever with these great storylines. Don't forget Zac Etheridge and Wes Byrum.
So here we sit.
Auburn is less than two weeks from playing in the biggest Iron Bowl in school history. It has a chance to finish the job started by the 1983, 1993 and 2004 teams.
What a cast of unlikely characters.
Few pundits gave this team any shot of going undefeated for 11 weeks without a break. Throw in the events of the past week, and you have to just shake your head when some suggest Boise State should be in the mix for the championship.
Seriously? Auburn wins games without a defensive secondary. Name any team that's ever done that?
Winning in Tuscaloosa will be Auburn's toughest test to date. Once again, they'll be the underdogs. The Alabama media will write them off. They'll work hard to uncover more Newton allegations.
The results will likely be the same. Cam will keep smiling and Auburn will keep winning. That's what happens with the best gifts in life. They just keep giving. Deliver three more times and I can die a happy man.
Enjoy the off-week.
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Congrats on your season,
Cam Newton is the greatest college athlete I have seen in my lifetime. That includes Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker,Tim Tebow, Dan Marino and others. Granted I don’t think he would be as successful running another offense ( credits to Malzahn), but I do believe he would would be great, just not to the full potential he has realized in Malzahn’s system. No one that big should be able to change directions like he does, be that fast, and be as accurate throwing the football as he is. Good luck in the Iron Bowl.
Really enjoyed that Jay...
That this has become a special season is of sports movie makers heaven!
WAR EAGLE!
Come and join me at http://trackemtigers.com
Thanks, Jay....
As I get ready to face the Bama fans at work today, this was the " feel good" story I needed. I must say that I 100% agree with what was written. My husband has claimed that I am having a love affair with the 2010 Tigers, and I will not disagree. This team is beyond special! As far as Kodi Burns goes…has any other player in college football ever dealt with the losing of their starting position as beautifully as this kid has?? I doubt it!
War Eagle! It is going to be a LONG two weeks!
"The spirit of the Auburn family is a magical, mystical thing. It defies explanation. It transcends wins and losses on a football field. It imprints itself on your character and can never be extinguished. Being an Auburn fan defines part of who and what you are..."
-Unknown Author
this team and this coach are a true gift
Saturday in Auburn was the most fun i’ve ever had in Jordan Hare Stadium in my 30 years – 4 as a student. i felt like i went to the best concert of my life and will be telling grandchildren about it some day. i adore this incomparable 2010 team and i think i speak for all when i say…
IT’S GREAT TO BE AN AUBURN TIGER!!!! WAR EAGLE!
No freakin' way
How often does a player pass Bo Jackson to become the all-time freshman rushing leader and it’s nothing more than a side story? That’s the life of running back Michael Dyer.
He’s been compared to South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore all season. Both are great, but Dyer is a little more special.
You are out of your mind if you really believe this. Lattimore is averaging over 100 yards on a team where he is the only significant rushing threat. Dyer is averaging 78 as a sideshow to Newton. Lattimore has 14 TD’s. Dyer has 5. Did you not just see Lattimore lay 200 on Florida? In what way could Dyer possibly be more special than Lattimore?
The dude abides.
Well, for starters he wears and Auburn Jersey :)
Second, he rushes for 6.3 yds/carry where Lattimore is 4.8 yds/carry. Lattimore has a ton of TDs, but he is the primary back. Dyer is no where near the primary back, especially when you have to figure Cam is the primary everything. What would Dyer be doing if he did not have to split carries with Fannin and McCalleb? Who knows. Michael also did not play in the first couple of games. Just sayin’
Marcus is a special player no doubt, but you will not win a Marcus over Michael argument over here :)
If you are a War Damn Eagle, you can War Damn anything.
I loved that reply WDZ. " Auburn Jersey " - Right on.
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
How did Lattimore do against Auburn.....
by Challenger10 on Nov 15, 2010 11:12 AM CST up reply actions
Dyer>Lattimore
Just because Lattimore is USC’s only option to carry the rock doesn’t mean he is better than Dyer. If Spurrier keeps riding the kid to the tune of 40 carries a game, he probably won’t be able to walk by he time he is a junior. Dyer has been more impressive on a carry-by-carry basis and he will have a longer career because the coaches are pacing his progress.
You’ll understand in a few years.
Great read!!!
As much as I was in awe of Cam Newton on Saturday—to me, Kodi Burns is one of the most special Auburn Tigers we have! At the same time, there are so many stars on this team—how can you really pick a fav? We all witnessed something very special on Saturday. While technically we were the favorite, the odds were long that we would be victorious. The only ’but’s’ that apply to this season are…..‘But, We Did It!’
War Eagle! Bring on Bama!!!
by Tiger on the mountain on Nov 15, 2010 8:57 AM CST reply actions
Absolutely!
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
Superb Article.
Another great one from the great one. Your right there are so many great stories on this team. I want the next three games too. But this team has already done enough for me, to forever be special.
I have never had a more enjoyable year in Jordan-Hare. And for me it starts with Coach Gene Chizik. I don’t know if I have ever seen the announcers award the player of the game to a head coach as they did Saturday night. The man should have been SEC Coach of the Year last season and most definitely National Coach of the Year for 2010..
AubTigerman
"The reason you come to Auburn is because of Auburn people.This is a special place, from the coaches all the way to the fans" - Andrew McCain OT
poor bama...
I’ve never seen a more worried, paranoid, defensive, negative bunch of cry babies as I have seen out of that pack of clowns. Their obsession with all things Auburn makes my day EVERY DAY! I was at the game at BDS and even their they were obsessed with orange and blue. It will be so good to see us put the beat down on little brother across the state. WDE!
I have just read internet glory...
It should be the new name for their web site..
“poor bama… I’ve never seen a more worried, paranoid, defensive, negative bunch of cry babies as I have seen out of that pack of clowns”.
Come and join me at http://trackemtigers.com
Jay I have always said
All I want is one BCS National title before I bite the dust, I dont think thats allot to ask
WAR DAM EAGLE
by AU04Natlchamps on Nov 15, 2010 12:56 PM CST reply actions
great stuff! thanks for the article JC.
MC JC… you da man.
it is hard to even remember all the negative preseason sentiments…
Au can’t fill in for a SR QB, tate, mcfadden, coleman…
they’re going to lose at least 4…maybe 5. they’ll be lucky with 6, 7, or 8 wins.
brantley is a pro-style QB, he’s a 2nd team all SEC player for sure…
UF and bama aren’t rebuilding…their “reloading”… haaaaaaahaaaaaaa!
you can’t ever go into a season counting your QB as a significant piece of your run game…(Frank on BR)
Newton has experience, but it isn’t “SEC experience”…
i’m not sure they’re (AU) going to be better than Miss St….
AU has major depth concerns at RB…
Cam Newton has issues with accuracy…
Fannin can’t handle being the lead back at Auburn… he’s going to fumble all over the place…ok, so that one was ON.
not so sorry to disappoint on the millions of other wishful thinking- oriented- nonsense…
i love this team their aparent togetherness, and confidence. i love seeing the guys jump on top the wall at jordan -hare fist pumping… and all the photos of post game celebration. it has been an amazing 11 weeks…
wappa
If you recorded Saturday's win over Georgia, go back and just watch Fairley. The chaos he creates is a thing of beauty.
are you serious ?? A thing of beauty ??? That was one of the most classless, low rent, wastes of athletic talent I have ever witnessed !! What a shame that an athlete of Rainey’s obvious abilities would chose to bring himself down to the level of a street thug. It was clear from the first GA drive that the only goal he had in this game was to add another injured quarterback to his belt. And he didn’t give one hoot whether he did it legally or not. There were no fewer than 6 occasions where Murray had released the ball and in excess of 2 seconds was hit by Rainey. And on every one of those hits, Rainey knew the ball was gone. The punk arse spear to Murray’s back should have resulted in an ejection, total bush league. And the last hit,,the blow to the knee was every bit as obvious. This crap about him being blocked into Murray ???? Anyone with an ounce of logic can see that the UGA blocker was pushing Rainey down field from Murray and Rainey clearly arches his back and dives into his knee.
Auburn was once a proud and ethical team,,,but sad to say that your team has fallen to win at all costs mode.
This season which seems so grand to you all right now, is going to burn for years to come when every game that Cam played in is vacated. Enjoy the false sense of achievement while it last…..
The way you piss and moan....
I think Aunt Flo must be visiting. You are so full of shyte your eyes are brown…..now go away and cry about who your next coach is going to be.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
And don't forget to take your pamprin......
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
interesting name there,,, is over 16 years of dealing with kids from our church,, I have NEVER heard of a single student who got a rejection letter from Auburn,,, here in Atlanta,,, AU has become EVERYONE’S “safe school”,,,, must be proud of that
You are so full of it.....
and my signature is a poke at bama and is intended as such. Your pastor must be proud of your internet behavior…..oh wait you mean he doesn’t know your a complete asshole on line? Well then my mistake you keep going to your church and being pious on sunday and an asshole on monday…….effing tool.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
I assume he is refering to UF running back (Chris?) Rainey.
That must have been who he made his crybaby remarks about after the UF game. He just has his evil villians mixed up.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 15, 2010 9:05 PM CST up reply actions
Rainey,,,, Fairley,,,you know,,,the low rent, dirt bag scum of a defensive lineman
not worth learning his name,,, he’ll be in jail before long anyway
He may indeed end up in jail someday but I doubt it....
he will however be a first round draft pick come next april.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
todd92
Wow,,, thank you so much for you lesson on how to be an upright, moral person,,,,looking back, I don’t think I used one curse word, or unsavory slang,,and yet during your little diatribe, you proved yourself to be a typical alabamian,,,congrats !!!! you’ve upheld your state’s wonderful reputation
F@#k You......
Born in Atlanta.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
You snippety overly pious....
windbag.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
I don't profess to be the moral compass.....
and I don’t want to be. And yet you come on here stirring up shit with your “diatribe” and act as if your shit doesn’t stink……screw you and the horse you rode in on.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
yeah,,yeah,,,yeah,,,,
this is fun and all,,, and I do find it enjoyable getting a rise out of those who are loyal to East Alabama High School,,,but let’s just leave it at this,,,, do you remember how much it hurt when after your last “undefeated” season,,and you had no Nat’l Championship,,,well,, get ready for another go ‘round,,,,, except there won’t be an “undefeated” this time,, it’s just going to be betting spanked by the Tide in a couple of weeks,,, and then getting schooled by Spurrier here in my town !! As I said ealier,,, enjoy yout fun now,,for it is short lived/….
“the money’s just too good at Auburn”,,,, a daddy pimpin out his son,,,,disgusting !!
No I really don't remember how bad that hurt.....
not with the euphoria of knowing we will be in Glendale playing for the NC while your sorry ass bulldog team will be at home with no postseason….not even Shrevesport or Birmingham because your Bulldogs suck like a cheap Atlanta hooker……..you lost get over it and maybe you won’t suck as bad next year.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
you lost get over it and maybe you won’t suck as bad next year.
Maybe we won’t,, I hope not anyway,,, not sure what’s up with my doggies lately,, coaching,, players,,, just the way the game goes,,,, but I do admit,, it’s much more fun when we have a real team to take on the tigers, vols, cocks and gators,,,,Murray is going to be a beast,, unless he keeps getting hit late,,, a shame that Green is going to be playing on Sunday’s next year,, he and Murray are dangerous,,,,but hopefully we’ve hit bottom and are back on our way back up,,,, meantime,,, since Bama screwed it up,, it looks like you guys are the SEC’s only hope for an NC,,, so do your best, ,kick some butt,,but tell Fairley to play like a man, and not a punk, he has too much talent to become the dirty guy he was last weekend
murray might indeed be a beast
But if you o line continues to get owned like thay did saturday that really won’t matter. Good day sir.
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Nov 15, 2010 7:58 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
That post was civil......
I usually root for the dawgs when they aren’t playing us and I don’t have a problem with doing so. I also think that the stuff at the end of the game was uncalled for on both sides……but as far as Fairly goes I will give you one late hit and he got flagged for it….the rest comes off as sour grapes. And I hope Fairly keeps pile driving QBs all the way through the NC game….he’s a DT…..it’s his job description. With that being said hopefully UGA will right the ship and return to prominence in the east.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Jesus dude do you know how to use the reply button?
Do you remember that spelling bee you won in the first grade? Rock? "R-O-K"?
by jd is legend on Nov 15, 2010 8:33 PM CST up reply actions
jwalsh quit your pissing and moaning
We beat UGA in an ugly game, for Both sides. Fairly was clearly blocked into Murray by an over matched OL. Georgia sent 33 players onto the field to settle a dispute. Auburn had 11 on the field. Your team’s frustration was more of the same they and you have faced all year. Under performance, being beat in most fazes of the game.
Glad to hear Aaron Murray say he is not hurt (via twitter).
Your wrong about Murray being hurt...
His pride was extremely hurt…that was all though, he seemed to be walking around on that severely damaged and mangled to pieces shin after the game. Seriously GA just needs to get over it.
dont worry about the haters
I think i comment more on the AUBURN blogs than i do my own Bama Blogs….
Sigh…
Anyways.. To the bitter Bama fans… please shut up ! You piss ME off and im pulling for the TIDE just like you.. The difference being i LOVE my team and i love the competition between these two amazingly talented schools! Stop trying to make excuses for the potential loss we may endure ahead of time now !… It doesnt change anything…. except for the levels of stupidity you take us to.
Anyways.. To the bitter Bama fans… please shut up ! You piss ME off and im pulling for the TIDE just like you.. The difference being i LOVE my team and i love the competition between these two amazingly talented schools! Stop trying to make excuses for the potential loss we may endure ahead of time now !… It doesnt change anything…. except for the levels of stupidity you take us to.If it turns out that Cecil and Son did pay for play ( and as Ive said before i realy truly hope it isnt true ) then the wins MAY be vacated… but you know what…. if they win on the field they win in my book, regardless of what the NCAA says.
Anyways.. To the bitter Bama fans… please shut up ! You piss ME off and im pulling for the TIDE just like you.. The difference being i LOVE my team and i love the competition between these two amazingly talented schools! Stop trying to make excuses for the potential loss we may endure ahead of time now !… It doesnt change anything…. except for the levels of stupidity you take us to.If it turns out that Cecil and Son did pay for play ( and as Ive said before i realy truly hope it isnt true ) then the wins MAY be vacated… but you know what…. if they win on the field they win in my book, regardless of what the NCAA says.Auburn folks… ignore these idiotic fake BAMA fans… the true fans of Bama want nothing for the BEST for BOTH schools… as it just makes this state shine brighter and the victory of either team that much better !.. Bama Fans stop letting those few idiotic sh*t talking Auburn fans talk you into looking like an @ss.
Anyways.. To the bitter Bama fans… please shut up ! You piss ME off and im pulling for the TIDE just like you.. The difference being i LOVE my team and i love the competition between these two amazingly talented schools! Stop trying to make excuses for the potential loss we may endure ahead of time now !… It doesnt change anything…. except for the levels of stupidity you take us to.If it turns out that Cecil and Son did pay for play ( and as Ive said before i realy truly hope it isnt true ) then the wins MAY be vacated… but you know what…. if they win on the field they win in my book, regardless of what the NCAA says.Auburn folks… ignore these idiotic fake BAMA fans… the true fans of Bama want nothing for the BEST for BOTH schools… as it just makes this state shine brighter and the victory of either team that much better !.. Bama Fans stop letting those few idiotic sh*t talking Auburn fans talk you into looking like an @ss.I had such high hopes for this season for Bama… unfortunately our O’ Line never clicked ( Does anyone know why … and not looking for Stupid answers … but an actual observation ) our D is… well our D is NOT 09 … enough said there. Can you imagine HOW amazing this season would have been with BAMA going in ranked 1 and AUBURN ranked 3 ( I say 1 and 3.. because we started off number one … and you would unfortunately not move past over rated Oregon ) THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE GAME OF THE DECADE !!!!!!!
Anyways.. To the bitter Bama fans… please shut up ! You piss ME off and im pulling for the TIDE just like you.. The difference being i LOVE my team and i love the competition between these two amazingly talented schools! Stop trying to make excuses for the potential loss we may endure ahead of time now !… It doesnt change anything…. except for the levels of stupidity you take us to.If it turns out that Cecil and Son did pay for play ( and as Ive said before i realy truly hope it isnt true ) then the wins MAY be vacated… but you know what…. if they win on the field they win in my book, regardless of what the NCAA says.Auburn folks… ignore these idiotic fake BAMA fans… the true fans of Bama want nothing for the BEST for BOTH schools… as it just makes this state shine brighter and the victory of either team that much better !.. Bama Fans stop letting those few idiotic sh*t talking Auburn fans talk you into looking like an @ss.I had such high hopes for this season for Bama… unfortunately our O’ Line never clicked ( Does anyone know why … and not looking for Stupid answers … but an actual observation ) our D is… well our D is NOT 09 … enough said there. Can you imagine HOW amazing this season would have been with BAMA going in ranked 1 and AUBURN ranked 3 ( I say 1 and 3.. because we started off number one … and you would unfortunately not move past over rated Oregon ) THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE GAME OF THE DECADE !!!!!!!Can we please have 09 Bama vs 10 AUB…
Anyways.. To the bitter Bama fans… please shut up ! You piss ME off and im pulling for the TIDE just like you.. The difference being i LOVE my team and i love the competition between these two amazingly talented schools! Stop trying to make excuses for the potential loss we may endure ahead of time now !… It doesnt change anything…. except for the levels of stupidity you take us to.If it turns out that Cecil and Son did pay for play ( and as Ive said before i realy truly hope it isnt true ) then the wins MAY be vacated… but you know what…. if they win on the field they win in my book, regardless of what the NCAA says.Auburn folks… ignore these idiotic fake BAMA fans… the true fans of Bama want nothing for the BEST for BOTH schools… as it just makes this state shine brighter and the victory of either team that much better !.. Bama Fans stop letting those few idiotic sh*t talking Auburn fans talk you into looking like an @ss.I had such high hopes for this season for Bama… unfortunately our O’ Line never clicked ( Does anyone know why … and not looking for Stupid answers … but an actual observation ) our D is… well our D is NOT 09 … enough said there. Can you imagine HOW amazing this season would have been with BAMA going in ranked 1 and AUBURN ranked 3 ( I say 1 and 3.. because we started off number one … and you would unfortunately not move past over rated Oregon ) THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE GAME OF THE DECADE !!!!!!!Can we please have 09 Bama vs 10 AUB…anyways i digress… RTR and BRING ON THE IRON BOWL !!! good luck my Auburn friends!
To say you digress...
is an understatement. LOL pretty funny though. And yes I just skipped to the end.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Strange post, sir
I like the sentiment though.
WTF WAS THAT ?!?!
YEAH uh i have NO idea how in gods name it posted my one comment so many damned times in one statement ?!? lol I’m sorry folks.
im about to hit post … and not going to lie my fingers are crossed that this doesnt post twenty friggen times too !!
oy
and i just noticed how it seemed to grow a little bit at a time with each statement….. good god .. when i jack up a statement i JACK UP a statement.. THATS HOW US BAMMERS ROLL !!! We dont do ANYTHING half assed lol good god .. im going to bed
by lastmilefire on Nov 15, 2010 11:18 PM CST up reply actions
I thought it was funny..
never seen anything like that.
Can I use the first paragraph, except for the I like Bama part?
Come and join me at http://trackemtigers.com
by KoolBell777 on Nov 16, 2010 10:43 AM CST up reply actions
Im pretty sure
That to use the first part only and take out the I like bama part would pretty much go against the spirit of my insanely long and bizarre comment. ha.
I dont think we need anymore fuel to the fire of bama vs. auburn lol
by lastmilefire on Nov 16, 2010 11:29 AM CST up reply actions
performance art maybe?
"Jay Jacobs can't go to the bathroom without Bobby Lowder's permission" - Paul Finebaum
by GumptownTiger on Nov 16, 2010 4:20 PM CST up reply actions
Well played sir
Touche gumptown tiger touche :)
by lastmilefire on Nov 16, 2010 5:10 PM CST up reply actions
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