1st and Five: All-Time Most Respected Players from the Other Sideline
by War Eagle Atlanta on Nov 22, 2010 11:17 PM CST
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Gonna try something a little different than to go negative with all these Iron Bowl threads. We're going to raise the level of discourse just a tad. Sure, Auburn wants to beat Alabama more than any other team, and Alabama wants to beat Auburn. And sure, a lot of fans genuinely dislike or even hate the other with every fiber of their being. But regardless of how much enmity you possess for the other side of the most intense rivalry in all of college football, there's one thing that you must have for them--and I don't care what you say, you do have it-- you have R E S P E C T. Without them as role of chief villan and the fierceness of the competition, the state of Alabama probably doesn't have the finest tandem of CFB teams than any other state in the nation, and then where would we be?
Over the years, you've seen the opposing teams in the Iron Bowl. Some of the players you openly scorned, but secretly, you may have wished that you had them on your side. You respected them for their accomplishments and what they brought to this series or to a particular game. It's not weakness to have respect for your opponent. In fact, it is a necessity to ultimately acheive self-respect.
I want you to list the top five players from the other team that you respect(ed) the most during your era as a fan (define that how you wish). Alabama fans, we certainly welcome you to participate, hence the non-partisan wording of this post. Be genuine, not sarcastic. If you're an Auburn fan, you can't say that Ed Scissum (and his 1997 fumble) is one of your favorites, nor if you're an Alabama fan, that Robert McGinty (and his 1984 missed field goal) is one of yours.
Try and stay within the boundaries of your era as a fan. Although I know that Bart Starr, Kenny Stabler and Joe Namath were all legends even before going to the pros, I never saw them play, so I won't bring them up. That may date some people, but that's the nature of the rivalry in general. Obviously, the players of your youth may stand out, but that's the way it is with everything else, too.
For me:
1) Derrick Thomas,LB 1986-89: For younger Tiger fans not familiar with Thomas, he was the equivalent of our Aundray Bruce. He was all everything for Alabama. If anyone could succeed Cornelius Bennett as the prototypical linebacker at the Capstone, it was him. A Butkus winner, his play was dominating on the field all the time. Thomas perhaps shuffled in the transition in the game from big burly linebackers to faster-moving ones. It's amazing that he never beat Auburn during his career. In an age where the personalities of players didn't really shine through to the public until they got into the pros, Thomas was a genuinely likeable guy. He went on to dominate in the NFL until his tragic death from injuries suffered in a car accident in 2000.
2) Mark Ingram, RB 2008-10: It's hard not to appreciate the 2009 Heisman trophy winner, a hard-nose runner who's family story presented the perfect back drop last year as the son redeemed the father through his play and his team's championship. Ingram earned his status as one of the Tide's best backs ever through gritty play and solid determination and will certainly retire with most of Alabama rushing records. His emotional acceptance speech has to be the most heart-felt ever in Heisman history. Ingram is 2-0 against Auburn and may elect for the draft this spring, so now's the last shot we've got at him.
3) Bobby Humphrey, RB 1985-88: The career leader in Tide rushing before Shaun Alexander came along. It's hard to believe that he was fighting for carries his freshman year with Gene Jelks before he finally won out the starting job, sending Jelks to play in the secondary. A dynamic and quick back, he and AU's Brent Fulwood will forever go down in Iron Bowl glory with their performances in the 1986 game, both logging over 200 yards rushing in the drizzle at Legion Field. Humphrey had a dynamic yet very short career in the pros and finished his career 1-3 against Auburn.
4) Cornelius Bennett, LB 1983-86: A fearsome player, even the way Keith Jackson pronounced his name with a long 'NEEEEL' in the middle would strike fear in the hearts of Auburn fans. This guy was simply the most dominant linebacker in college football at the time. He won All-American three times and even finished in the top 10 of the Heisman balloting his senior year. Bennett went 2-2 in his career against the Tigers, which was amazing for us, if you ever saw this guy play. More physical but not as fast as Derrick Thomas.
5) Gary Hollingsworth, QB 1987-1990: I bet you're saying. "WHO?" Probably the most unlikely looking of quarterbacks, Hollingsworth was thin and deliberate and quiet, especially on the field. He came out of nowhere to lead the 1989 Bill Curry team to an undefeated season coming into the Iron Bowl. I can't begin to describe to you the unorthodox offense the Tide ran that year, probably something in between a pass-happy option and an early version of the spread, but Hollingsworth ran it perfectly, standing in the pocket or occasionally running just outside it, finding receivers for short gains with pin point precision. Every down you thought the defense would gobble him up, but this guy just had an eerily efficient effectiveness to him. I'm not really sure what he did his senior year--he might have given way to Jay Barker coming in. Someone help me if you remember. 1-3 would have been Hollingsworth's record against us.
Now it's time to hear yours. Send the link to this thread to your Bama friends. I'd really like to hear their thoughts on us. Zero tolerance for trolls here--on both sides. Leave it for the other threads.
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My all time favorite from Bama?
That’s a tough question. I would have to say Johnny Musso the Italian Stallion. He was a great runningback in the early 70’s when I was just a kid.
by au_tigger_n_NOLA on Nov 23, 2010 12:04 AM CST reply actions
Prothro was awesome. Absolutely one of the most athletic receivers of all time.
by KungFuPanda9 on Nov 23, 2010 1:03 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Shaun Alexander.
….Without him, Dubose goes oh-for-four against us!
…..Brodie Croyle. Took 11 sacks in 2005, and still was a gamer!
…..Stedman Shealy. Your 1970s answer to Kodi Burns, a career option QB who made a series of great throws in 1979 to beat us, and give Bama another title.
…..Phillip Doyle. Probably the best kicker in Tide history. Gave ’em the 52 yard win in 1985 that tore my guts out.
…..Johnny Davis. This guy was a 250 pound fullback in the days of 200 pound linemen in the 1970s. Bama gave it to Davis on the dive for five, more times than I could count. If you could give any Bama player the most credit for nine wins in a row against Auburn in that era, it would have to go to big Johnny Davis.
Really neat idea..
And I definitely want to play this game, so..
- player from Bama I would love to have seen play for Auburn – Leroy Jordan. Bar none this tough sumbitch had a nose for the football, and was a tackling machine.
- Cornelius Bennett
- Shaun Alexander
- Bart Star
- John Hannah
Come and join me at http://trackemtigers.com
Stedman Shealy
was a neighbor of mine and my hero when I was a kid. He changed the room when he walked in.
by mabmv on Nov 23, 2010 8:29 AM CST via mobile reply actions
As Acid mentioned, 'SU' Alexander was great.
I always wondered what the ‘U’ initial on the back of his jersey stood for..?
Another great Bama running back was No. 25 Derrick Lassic (the Pickle)…
I don't know if this is my 'all time most respected' list, but it is my most current:
3/5 players are on the 2010 Tide that we will face on Friday.
1). Dont’a Hightower, LB
2). Javier Arenas, DB
3). Terrence Cody, DL
4). Julio Jones, WR
5). Mark Ingram, RB
It’s hard not to respect the Tide and the talent that they have. I have always really enjoyed watching their defense—except of course when we play them.
Excellent idea, WEA!!!
by Tiger on the mountain on Nov 23, 2010 8:57 AM CST reply actions
This is tough
1. Shaun Alexander, RB
2. Derrick Thomas, LB
3. Chris Samuels, OL
4. George Teague, DB
5. Siran Stacy, RB
I’ll even throw in a bonus with QB Andrew Zow.
Now I feel like I need to take a bath.
They say Cam shot a man named Gray and took his wife to Italy.
Good call on Siran Stacy!!!
I was young, but I remember watching him on TV.
by Tiger on the mountain on Nov 23, 2010 9:23 AM CST up reply actions
Top 5 Bama Players
1. Richard Todd - I grew up three houses from him
2. David Palmer - The Deuce
3. Derrick Thomas - Imagine D.T. and Aundray Bruce together on the plains
4. Major Ogilvie - Hard nose running back
5. Joey Jones - Made some unbelievable catches.
This is a tough list and in no particular order.
1. David Palmer. The guy could do it all.
2. Tyrone Prothro. I met him a few times and he was a really good guy. I felt bad for him when he went out against UF.
3. George Teague. Made one of the coolest plays in college football history in the championship game against Miami when he chased down the supposed fastest player in college football to strip the ball from him before he could score.
4. Shawn Alexander. I didn’t really think much of him in college, but I could not help but like him in the pros.
5. Mark Ingram. It is hard not to like the guy.
Honorable mention to Derrick Thomas who I didn’t remember too much at UA, but damn did he make an impression in the pros.
Honorable mention to Lane Bearden (I think that was his name). He tore up his knee during the season and continued to punt for them the rest of the year. And even as a punter, he could lay the wood on you. He was a tough SOB.
Honarable mention to Jay Barker. The guy was bashed and belittled by UA and AU fans for not being very good, but he never quit, he was a team leader and he won a MNC.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 23, 2010 9:49 AM CST reply actions
Before I forget, I just want to say that this was a great idea, WEA.
I much prefer these kinds of posts than the traditional hate posts for the game. As intense as the Iron Bowl can get, it is hard for me to really hate the other team.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 23, 2010 10:03 AM CST reply actions
I agree
This is a great post
One that doesn’t add to the Barner and UAT jabs that alot of us seem to think are witty when used in certain sentence structures, god those drive me crazy.
I look forward to a memorable Iron Bowl….
If you guys do go to the championship… promise this bama boy one thing. To make the SEC proud and bring it home for a 5th year! Show them where real champions call home !
by lastmilefire on Nov 23, 2010 11:06 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks
I’m sure you won’t see anything along these lines over at RBR. They’re just too inflamed with homerdom to even see straight, much less realize anything substantial about their opponents. I always respect the rival fan who can tell you just as much about your team as he can his own.
This is pretty pathetic, but they’re using Nick Fairley versus Georgia videos as hate porn to get in the mood for us.
An Auburn victory in Tuscaloosa, a SEC championship AND a national championship are defintely NOT part of 'The Process'.
by War Eagle Atlanta on Nov 23, 2010 4:43 PM CST up reply actions
not all of us...
While true, I don’t care for Fairley, there are a lot of AU players that I respect. Caddilac and Ronnie Brown, of course. (Also always liked Courtney Taylor off that squad.) Can’t forget Bo. And Takeo Spikes was a freak.
im actually shocked
That no one has said Rolondo Mcclain !? To me he was a ridiculous kind of player. Athletic yes, though with an ability to read the play and be where the ball was so many times that it bordered on telepathic. When he left for the NFL i was both excited for him and also filled with an Awwwww crap moment.
Im not good with names from the past, so I’m not going to throw out a bunch of old names.
I dont think there is a Bama fan who doesnt wonder what our offense would look like with Cam. Dont get me wrong i really do like Mcelroy, but good lord if one player could take our offense to the next level I really feel Cam could do it. He seems to be the kind of player that can go into any school and just take the offense to another level ( no disrespect intended against malzahn … just an observation)
Regardless of what alot of folks are saying. I would also take Fairley as he is so ridiculously good at stomping the QB. We could definitely have used a Sacker in a few games this year ( lol i can think of TWO for sure ).
RTR
I was going to mention Rolondo, but I figured 8 is enough. He is one of, if not the best college linebackers I have ever seen. He is going to be a great one in the NFL.
by Jumpn_JackFlash on Nov 23, 2010 11:37 AM CST up reply actions
I almost question why I'm an Auburn fan sometimes.....
Some of my favorite players of all time are Bama legends….I didn’t find out until later that they did play for Bama….and I mean I LOVED these guys.
My 1st favorite NFL player of all time was Joe Willie, followed in no short order by Kenny Stabler, Ray Guy and John Hannah. I used to always claim to be one of those guys playing neighborhood football.
From my teens and twenties…the legends I respected the most, because they were a royal pain in the ass.
5) Chris Samuels – great lineman, was always opening up lanes for the likes of ….
4) Bobby Humphrey – dude was in my nightmares breaking 20 yard runs
3) Derrick Thomas – Great Linebacker …..and NFL great…god rest his soul
2) Cornelius Bennett – another great who just terrorized us in the mid 80’s
1) Van FRIGGEN Tiffin – I was in the endzone at Legion Field when he hit the game winner in 1986…..for a second I thought we blocked it because it went straight up….but it kept going and going and going……the kid had ice water in his veins. I’ll remember that game for a long time. It was a classic..
Actually I’ve always respected the players and the history of Alabama football….you have to give the devil his due, just makes you that much prouder when you beat them.
Col.Angus may be rough, Col.Angus may not smell like a bed of roses, but deep down Col.Angus is very sweet. If I overstay my welcome, just tap me on the head!!
I was in the endzone for that one as well.....
Van Tiffen’s toe still pisses me off.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Not really....
Different breed of cat
Col.Angus may be rough, Col.Angus may not smell like a bed of roses, but deep down Col.Angus is very sweet. If I overstay my welcome, just tap me on the head!!
There's no comparison.
I just took a quick gander at RBR. They seem to be obsessed with real physical damage occurring to Cam and company—if one of ours gets hurt, I guess that might be the only way that they can win. Sad, classless, but really unexpected?? Nay!!
What is interesting is that they are claiming their 3-4 defense will contain Newton or at least limit the damage. Perhaps they have already forgotten what happened to Georgia when they gave us the 3-4 lookey loo. I will give this to Bama: they will be the best defense that we have seen all season. That said, we adjust pretty damn well to whatever has given us trouble defensively. I also think that our secondary steps it up and has a really great game!
Happy Thanksgiving, Sparkey! and WAR EAGLE!!!
by Tiger on the mountain on Nov 23, 2010 3:46 PM CST up reply actions
the good fans will have class
but you are going to have those obnoxious ones as well … hell you KNOW there are fans of auburn that embaress you … well same for us bama fans… sadly they are alot of times in the majority, and i expect that whatever team loses … well alot of obnoxious fans will make their displeasure known.
but heck visit RBR and as long as you dont trash talk on there just like i dont trash talk on here… you should be completely fine.
by lastmilefire on Nov 23, 2010 3:52 PM CST up reply actions
Put a Fanpost
over there inviting them to this thread. I’d do it myself, but they banned me. Like I said earlier, it’s more telling for me to see who Bama fans might choose among Auburn greats.
Challenge the contributors even. Todd and Pete Holiday are too big of a homer to say a positive word about anything or anyone Auburn. This would be beyond their capabilities as mature men. Outside the Sidelines, who really carries that blog, could probably do it. Tell him to post it over there. I’d like to read his thoughts.
An Auburn victory in Tuscaloosa, a SEC championship AND a national championship are defintely NOT part of 'The Process'.
by War Eagle Atlanta on Nov 23, 2010 4:49 PM CST up reply actions
well i find these postsso
through SI.COM links…. i go to the bama page and there is a link directly to this blog. so they already have a link to it. Also like i said the true fans respect the competition and the abilities… we can still bleed crimson or orange and blue without attacking a teams fan base or intelligence. I think that is the dumbest thing a person can do and it pretty much counts a persons opinion out to me when they act a fool like that. regardless of what team they are pulling for.
by lastmilefire on Nov 23, 2010 5:13 PM CST up reply actions
Over on RBR...
……I really enjoy Kleph’s historical perspective stuff. I’m a stat freak, and he’s got GOBS of ‘em on the Iron Bowl. There’s plenty to enjoy there!
…..One thing that’s REALLY surprised me on RBR is that Pete Holiday has actually agreed with the Auburn position that there’s not enough evidence out to suspend Cam. And Pete’s taking some abuse from the Bama fans on it. Ol’ Pete has certainly inflamed us Auburn folk in the past, but I do think that he writes what he believes. Honesty will take you a long way in the world.
I agree about Cam too
Ive said it over and over again I’m not going to crucify the dude over a bunch of supposition. I want facts and proof…. and even then im not going to hate on the guy for using his skills to help his father church ! i mean i think the NCAA needs to change to work w players not make it a secret hidden industry. Im under no illusions either that this isnt a common practice in all major schools.
I do wonder though hypothetically… lets say auburn beats bama then all this stuff with cam ends up being true. what happens to your season ? i know wins would be vacated … but i mean would it go in the books as all those schools you beat would now have a win over you ??? just curious.. as ive said before i think games are won on the field not in the record books
by lastmilefire on Nov 23, 2010 5:49 PM CST up reply actions
The way it worked for Bama...
…..they were 0-2 in 2005, 0-7 in 2006, and 2-7 in 2007. The schools that Bama played’s records were unaffected. That means that every team Auburn has beaten still has a loss, but Auburn loses the win. If that makes any sense… Were we to be forced to forfeit, the other teams would then get a win, like what happened with Bama in 1993.
…..Generally, the NCAA reserves the forfeit penalty for schools KNOWINGLY playing an ineligible player. Stallings knew about Langham and the agent, so Bama forfeited those wins. The Bama staff did not know about the textbook situation, so those only amounted to vacating wins. Frankly, if Alabama had not been in the 5-year repeat offender window, it’s likely that they would not have had to vacate those wins. I think the NCAA was using Alabama to make a point in that case, and the penalty wasn’t exactly fair…
that answers my question
perfectly… thank you.
thats what i was wondering.
like i said hope all this stuff with cam doesnt pan out. He seems like such a great character and would hate to see more of this crap be held against him. I really do like him alot … and cant wait to see what he does on the next level.
by lastmilefire on Nov 23, 2010 6:30 PM CST up reply actions
Appreciate the show of class.....
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Kleph resorts to the sophomoric humor and jabs in his posts.....
for me to take the time to read anything he has written without the cheap rhetoric and diatribe….in fact I didn’t know he was capable. Pete Holiday when he gets his head out of his ass has written a few truly objective things but again I say a few and thats going all the way back to the fanhouse days. Perhaps if Kleph didn’t troll so much and Pete didn’t have the pompous “my shit doesn’t stink” air about hiim I would take the time to read more of their stuff…..but I don’t troll so even if its with good intentions.
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
damned reply button is malfunctioning.....
and I haven’t even been in the sauce yet…..YET!
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
Well...
…..I can’t cast stones on sophomoric humor! Not after the pranks I pulled over the years! RBR is on my Sage feed-reader. I do scout the enemy, even if the rancor forces me to skim large sections.
…..Bitterness aside, there’s a lot to like about RBR, comment sections excepted. Don’t read the comments, unless you’ve got serous masochistic tendencies.
truth be told
I often get pissed off at both sets of fans when reading comments. You get certain jerks that come there just to $hit talk. Now same as you guys, I am all for friendly jabs or even an attack through facts ( when not changed around to make it the point )…. but that doesnt happen often. There is a guy called boris1; and im sure you have seen his comments but drives me up a wall… then someone else who just takes jabs at people JUST to piss them off. I see the same from bama folks to you as well, and good lord it makes me mad. I mean why come to another teams page for the sole purpose of pissing them off ??? good lord..
Take jabs….. but do so with fun in your words and no malice behind it. It really does nothing but make both sets of fans look foolish lol.
by lastmilefire on Nov 24, 2010 11:15 PM CST up reply actions
I have the luxury of being older and seeing:
Pat Trammel-Great leader
Leroy Jordon-One mean linebacker
Johnny Musso-Would run through a wall if Coach told him to
John Hannah-Would open holes I could have run through
Bart Starr-Not much talent but unbelievable determination
my list
1. Javier Arenas- He was one of those guys that seemed like he would never graduate. He was a beast in the return game and always a potential gamebreaker. As an AU fan I can’t remember the last time we had a threat as a punt returner, but I’m thinking maybe thomas bailey???
2. David Palmer- along the same lines here, but could also do other things. I remember as a kid I wound up in the student section in the IB chanting “Palmer needs a beer!”
3.Antonio Langham- I think he was overshadowed somewhat by Teague’s play in the MNC game, but he was a stud.
4. Thomas/Bennet tie here for me for reasons noted prior
5. Curry/Copeland tie here. It was long ago for me, but I remember those guys just wrecking fools in ’92.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass...and I'm all out of bubblegum."
I grew up a Bama fan, followed them fanatically until deciding on AU for college. My favorites from that era:
1. Jeff Rutledge – leader of the ‘78 team
2. Keith Pugh – Rutledge’s favorite target that year.
3. Mike Shula – Overachieving qb who broke our hearts in ‘85. And I’ll never forget him bringing Bama back to win the opener over UGA that season.
4. Derrick Thomas – couldn’t agree more, class player.
5. Mark Ingram – ditto for Ingram.
im a visitor
and i said the two names that i can recall ( as i have very bad long term memory lol ) i said cam and fairley…
we are here…. i promise
and some of us even try to have a good relationship with the otherside too haha
by lastmilefire on Nov 24, 2010 12:14 PM CST up reply actions
you are more than a visitor.....
You have some really insightful comments, and you are always fair…which is why some posters immediately identify you as a barner, not a bammer. Your 2 cents are always welcome here.
Happy Thanksgiving and War Eagle!
by Tiger on the mountain on Nov 24, 2010 11:30 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
My five
1. Lee Roy Jordan – One of the best to play the game anywhere and in any era. Played LB and C in early 60’s and was leader of the Cowboys during Tom Landry’s heyday.
2.Woody Lowe – LB in early 70’s. A tough gritty player and a guy that could deliver the hit.
3.Ozzie Newsome – TE/Rec. in late 70’s. Maybe the best to ever catch the ball at the Capstone.
4. Johnny Musso – RB ’69 – 71. One of the most fun to watch and most difficult to bring down.
5. Gary Hollingsworth – For reasons mentioned by WEA and he was one gutsy gamer.
*.Honorable mention – Brodie Croyle for his tenacity of playing through injury and adversity.
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
Might as well chime in....
1. Lee Roy Jordan….hated bama hated the cowboys but the dude was awesome.
2. Ozzie Newsome…..to me still the best tightend of all time.
3. Tony Nathan…one of the most underappreciated RB’s of all time.
4. Johnny Musso…Blue Collar running back always gave 110%.
5. Tyrone Prothro….amazing talent….would have loved to have seen him at the next level.
Honorable Mention
Cornelius Bennet (thanks for not pounding my drunk ass in the ground at Louie Louies….don’t ask)
Shaun Alexander (best running back to date at Bama….yes better than Ingram or Richardson at least to date)
I would have gone to bammer if my grades hadn't been good enough to go to AU
1st and Five: All-Time Most Respected Players from the Other Sideline -My Five Auburn
Howdy;
I am glad to see someone mentioning Lee Roy Jordan and Johnny Musso. They are to of my favorites.
I hope that you don’t mind this long time Alabama fan adding his 2 cents. Here are five Auburn players I respected and always enjoyed watching, except when they were lined up against us, they are:
Pat Sullivan
Terry Beasley
Bo Jackson
Carnell “Cadillac” Williams
Joe Cribbs
Looking forward to a great game Friday. Iron sharpens iron. RTR!
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