Today’s Nostalgia Friday salutes the 1957 National Championship team. In Shug Jordan’s seventh season, he led Auburn to a perfect 10-0 season. How dominant was this team? They gave up only 28 points all year.
Stop and think about that for a second. It’s simply amazing. In victories over Tennessee, Florida, Georgia and Alabama, the Tigers beat their SEC opponents by a combined score of 66-0.
Auburn quarterback Lloyd Nix threw for 542 yards – all season. Wide receiver Jimmy Phillips accounted for 357 of those yards. Tommy Lorino carried much of the load on the ground running for nearly 500 yards.
As most know, Auburn was on probation in 1957 and ineligible for a bowl game appearance.
This clip looks at Auburn's win over Alabama in the season finale. I'm having YouTube problems today, so I'm including the link instead of posting here...
After reading Jay's excellent article last week on what passes for greatness when it comes to coaches on the Plains, it got me thinking about all the ways we've come to define it, regardless of whom we choose to bestow it upon. The most popular is through SEC championships, and we all definitely agree that those are a whole lot harder these days than they used to be. I came of age with Auburn in the late 1980s, so I thought winning SEC titles was something we just did. But after a dearth of them in the 1990s, I slowly realized that they were a lot more special than I originally thought.
Winning the SEC title is so important now, that it has birthed its own sub-goal: winning the west. And you gotta do one before you even think about the other. Today I'm going to look back at our division since the conference split in 1992 and see exactly who's been winning the west the last sixteen years. One day I'm going to write a book on why Auburn should actually be in the eastern division of the SEC, but until that time, let's look at our short history where we currently reside.
I don't call it the wild, wild, west for nothing. Face it. Our division is WIDE open. Five of the six teams have made it to Atlanta (read: the SEC championship game), where only three from the other side has. And our lone hold-out may have made it had there been one more Manning in the household to enroll... For prognosticators, picking a winner from the east is like a game of 3-card Monty, but it's never easy in the west. There's always a dark-horse coming from somewhere, and winning six conference games doesn't guarantee you squat.
The west was dominated in the early days by Alabama. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the title game was in Birmingham those first two years, but probably not. Thankfully, the powers that be saw the light and moved it to a real venue and town, the one from which I claim my moniker. The Tide was dominant in the beginning, reaching the title game four of the first five years, and five times overall in the 1990s. After that, they petered out, not to return since, which isn't surprising, considering the coaching carousel that has plagued them the last decade. Overall, the Tide collected two SEC crowns in their five trips.
It's easy to see that LSU has been the dominant western power in the 21st century. After all, every one of their four appearances in Atlanta have come since 2001, and they've collected three titles for their effort. But things weren't always so rosy for the purple Tigers. They were hamstrung themselves by a number of coaching changes in the 1990s and posted virtually only half the SEC victories they did in their first eight years from the split than they did the last eight years (25 versus 47) Still, their three SEC titles are second most in the whole conference, behind Florida's six, and ahead of Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama's two apiece.
But what should we make our own beloved school? Doesn't it always seem that we can taste a west title on our lips only to have it stolen away cruelly at the last minute? Well, brothers and sisters, let me tell you. That ain't paranoia you're feeling, it's something real. It's a feeling that we're just waiting to be unleashed, but the rope is never cut. It's a feeling that we're about to do some open-field running in this division and this conference, but we just can't break one tackle. But most of all, it's a feeling that is backed up with the numbers.
We've been to Atlanta three times, which ties us with Arkansas for third most appearances in the west. We won one SEC title, which puts us ahead of them, but still behind the three and two titles of LSU and Bama, respectively. But we've never been able to put together a solid run like the Tide did in the 90s and LSU did here recently. Yet with few exceptions, we're never quite out of it year in and year out. Only three times out of sixteen seasons have we failed to win at least half of our regular season conference games, and over that time, we've averaged 5.06 conference victories out of 8, or a total of 81 conference wins. How many for Alabama? 76, or 4.75 per season. LSU? 72, or 4.5 per season. So what's our problem? Oh, the humanity...
Despite having more conference victories than any other western division team since the split, Auburn has sucked wind with the head-to-head competition with the eventual division winner. This number is going to shock you, but in those sixteen seasons, Auburn missed out from going to Atlanta SEVEN times by only ONE GAME. Just one little conference loss. And every one of those games was lost to the team that did go to the title game. As a matter of fact, we've done it the last three seasons in A ROW-- to LSU last year, to Arkansas in 2006, and to LSU in 2005. Can you believe it? One measly game each over seven seasons and we could have represented the west in Atlanta ten out of sixteen years.
So that is the reason why the Auburn family always feels that they're close but no cigar. That is the reason why we're the Buffalo Bills of the South. We just keep coming up short! But greatness is just around the corner. Our program is just on the edge of cutting through. We're going to break that tackle and dash through the secondary into the end zone. Tuberville has the momentum, and we're poised to do it. It's been said so often that his Auburn squads love to fly under the radar, and I think it's tradition that no one ever really expects us to win it all, but they always know we're going to be no one's pushover either.
I hope I live long enough to see how the SEC titles of yesterday will be judged by history to the ones of today. I wonder if they'll look at the old split titles as relics of years gone by, the same as leather helmets and placard-type scoreboards. I wonder how many we'll have by then. However many that is, I hope we look back at this point in history and realize that it was all worth the wait...
Hard on the heels of a collision with LSU, Auburn will play host to the Tennessee Vols, on September 27. The Vols will have been already tested, having played at revamped UCLA, a tuneup against UAB at home, then they host the Florida Gators, before traveling to the Plains. Tennessee could be flying high at 3-0, or they could be as low as 1-2, depending on the development of a new offense, and a rebuilt front seven. This game should command a prime TV slot, regardless. The only other major game that day, is Alabama at Georgia. Expect either a CBS or ESPN prime time appearance.
It's a dangerous game for the Tigers, who will be coming off a physical, emotional game with LSU. In the past four seasons, Auburn has struggled the week after the LSU game. In 2004, we piddled around with the Citadel, fumbling the ball away twice in the first half. The 2005 hangover was a lackluster 27-3 win over Ole Miss. In 2006, we struggled in the first half with Buffalo, scoring only 10 on the Bulls. Ole Miss took us to the wire in 2007, and the game was only over when Rod Smith broke away with a slant in the final moments.
As with Auburn's previous opponents, there are new coaches on the staff. Long-time Vol David Cutcliffe took the Duke head-coaching job at the end of last season, and took two Tennessee assistants with him. UT head coach Phillip Fulmer looked to the NCAA Championship Subdivision (I-AA) semi-finals for his replacements. New offensive coordinator Dave Clawson comes in from a head-coaching stint at Richmond, where he compiled an 11-3 record, and a loss to Appalachian State in the semi-finals. It was the best year in Richmond Spider history. Clawson is loosely categorized as a West Coast Offense guy, but much like Bobby Petrino, one really can't pin a single style on him. Auburn will face a diverse attack.
Unlike the past few years, Tennessee has mobile quarterbacks to work with, which certainly pleases Dave Clawson. While he's apparently installed such radical features as a "G-Gun" spread offensive package, it's likely that Tennessee will still feature a lot of "two-back and a tight end" formations. Given the fact that there are new quarterbacks, and that tailback Arian Foster is one of the best in the league, the Vols will rely heavily on the run again, this year.
Clawson and Fulmer brought Richmond wide receivers coach Latrell Scott in to coach the UT receivers. And in a bit of a coup, Fulmer snared former Florida running backs coach, Stan Drayton. At the end of last season, Drayton resigned from the Florida staff, believing that running backs had largely been eliminated from the Florida offense. Drayton has previously coached such backs as Jerious Norwood, and Brian Westbrook.
On defense, coordinator John Chavis brings a strong, fast group to the table, this fall. At the beginning of last season, UT suffered mightily in the defensive backfield, as young players developed. This group was shredded early by teams like California and Florida, but finished the season shutting down LSU and Wisconsin. For the first time in years, UT has depth in the secondary. The line features two return starters at tackle, who should be good ones (junior Dan Williams, and senior Demonte' Bolden), but has two new defensive end starters. The ends are quick, but can they stop the run? The loss of Jerod Mayo leaves a huge hole in the linebacker corps, but junior Rico McCoy looks like he could be a star.
On special teams, UT suffered a serious loss when senior Britton Colquitt was suspended for the first five games on a DUI incident. Sophomore replacement Chad Cunningham kicked well in UT's spring game. The Vols return a solid kicker, Daniel Lincoln, and they have speed to burn on their return teams.
Matchups
Auburn defensive line vs. UT offensive line: Auburn fields a dangerous, mostly experienced line with a lot of speed. Most of the Vol offensive line is back, this year, after allowing only 4 sacks all last year, the best in the NCAA. This is a dynamite pass-protection unit, but there are questions about their run-blocking ability. The Vols have had to move some folks around due to injury, most notably to junior center Josh McNeil. Some say that the moves have affected consistency. One key matchup will be between junior left tackle Chris Scott, and Auburn's speedy ends Antonio Coleman and Antoine Carter. If Auburn is to get a pass-rush on the Vols without blitzing, it will start here. Also, SenDerrick Marks must hold his own against mammoth junior guard Jacques McClendon. Advantage: Even.
Auburn linebackers vs. UT backs: Auburn is deep, talented and fast at linebacker, and will play a lot of them. Vol stalwart senior Arian Foster returns, and he looks a step faster, this spring. Behind Foster, sophomore Lennon Creer looks solid, and freshman Tauren Poole looks like a future star. The Vols were looking for big things out of junior Montario Hardesty, but he's again in the shop with a leg injury. UT features a massive, 250-pound, senior fullback in David Holbert, but Cutcliffe's offense a year ago was more wide-receiver/tight-end oriented. Given Auburn's success in shutting down running backs a year ago, advantage: Auburn.
Auburn corners vs. UT receivers: Tennessee is very talented and fast at this position. Despite the loss of Lucas Taylor, the Vols will be deep. Sophomore Gerald Jones is an electric player who will be tough to stay with. Jones also plays QB in the "G-Gun" package. Junior Quentin Hancock is a tall, fluid player who's played well this spring. Auburn counters with junior Jerraud Powers, and either Aaron Savage or Walter McFadden. Advantage: Tennessee.
Auburn safeties vs. UT secondary receivers and quarterback: Although the vols replace 4-year starter Erik Ainge this season, junior Jonathan Crompton is no green rookie. He has been a part-time starter for the past two seasons, when Ainge was hurt. Crompton has reportedly adapted well to the new Clawson system, and has had a better work ethic than in the past. If there's a knock on Crompton at this point, it's a tendency to gamble. Crompton brings mobility to the Tennessee pocket, something that's been missing for quite a while. Sophomore Nick Stevens and redshirt freshman B. J. Coleman got a lot of work, and are reportedly picking up the new offense well, but neither has thrown a pass in a college game. Tight ends Jeff Cottam and Luke Stocker are experienced, but they have largely been used as blockers in the past, as have the Vol fullbacks. Redshift freshman slot receiver Ahmad Paige is a burner, at 6'1" and 180 pounds. Auburn's safeties are a pair of talented sophomores, Mike McNeil and Zack Etheridge. Advantage: Even.
Punting: The loss of Britton Colquitt could be huge for the Vols, if Auburn is able to rattle sophomore Chad Cunningham. Cunningham punted well in the Vol spring game, though. Auburn should be able to punt well, with 3 capable guys. Tennessee fields punts with sophomore Dennis Rogan, a 5'10" speedster who averaged 9.7 yards per return a year ago, after taking over the job late in the season. Auburn gave up only 6.5 yards per return. Auburn will field punts with veteran senior Robert Dunn, who averaged 9.4 yards per return. UT gave up 10.3 yards per return, with two touchdowns. Advantage: Auburn.
Kickoffs: Last season, Tennessee used its punters on kickoffs, splitting duty between Britton Colquit and Chad Cunningham. Auburn answers with Wes Byrum. The UT pair managed 4 touchbacks vs. 7 for Byrum, who was only the kickoff man part-time. Dennis Rogan will return kicks, this year, for the Vols, sporting a gaudy 29.5 yard per game average from a year ago. Auburn counters with Tristan Davis. Tennessee allowed 20.6 yards per return, Auburn allowed 21.2, on a unit that rapidly improved. Advantage: Even.
Placekicking: Auburn's Wes Byrum hit 17 of 23 attempts, with a couple of game-winners. For UT, sophomore Daniel Lincoln hit 21 of 29 attempts. Advantage: Even.
Auburn defensive line vs. UT offensive line: Auburn returns a young, but veteran bunch with players on the Remmington watch list (Jason Bosley), and a potential All-American (Tyrone Green). UT will face Auburn's interior stars with two stout tackles in senior Demonte' Bolden and junior Dan Williams. While those two are capable, there appears to be little depth behind them, although senior Walter Fisher did improve towards the end of spring. Phillip Fulmer was noted for repeatedly citing backup tackles as underachievers, this spring. At end, UT should be faster, with some new starters, but there are questions about run-stopping ability. Sophomore Ben Martin was getting rave reviews last fall, before blowing out a knee. If he returns healthy in next fall, the Vol line could be dangerous. Advantage: Auburn.
Auburn backs vs. UT linebackers: Tennessee loses the SEC's leading tackler in Jerod Mayo. Rico McCoy should be able to lock down the back side, but there are questions otherwise. UT is going with lighter, 215-225 pound guys that are largely untested. Particularly concerning is the strong side, where injuries have thinned depth. Against Auburn, the strong side backer will be asked to cover guys like Tommy Trott or backs out of the backfield, and thus far, it appears to be a glaring weakness. Auburn brings a variety of experienced, speedy, capable backs, although there is no lead blocker with experience. Advantage: Auburn.
Auburn receivers vs. UT corners: Auburn made strides this spring in this area, but they face a battle-seasoned, talented set of UT defenders. Senior DeAngelo Willingham is a prototypical NFL corner, with size and speed. On the other side, 2007 starter Brent Vinson missed spring with shoulder surgery, but converted safety Dennis Rogan moved over and proved he could add quality depth. Advantage: UT
Auburn secondary receivers and QB vs. UT safeties: Auburn will start a pair of young quarterbacks in Kodi Burns and Chris Todd, but Auburn has some dangerous slot receivers, tight ends, and backs. UT has arguably the best safety tandem in the SEC, with sophomore Eric Berry and junior Demetrice Morley. Both Berry and Morley are versatile players, good at both coverage and hard-hitting tackles. And there is depth behind them. Advantage: UT
Auburn appears to be the slightly stronger, deeper team, and Auburn is at home, while UT has superior playmakers in their receiver corps. A key for Auburn will be keeping drives alive and wearing the Tennessee front seven down. A strong running/screen game will be a must. When Tennessee has the ball, Auburn must shut down Arian Foster, and pressure the QB. Auburn's secondary will suffer if Crompton is allowed time to sit in the pocket and wait on his receivers to come open.
Prediction: Auburn successfully plays ball-control, while Tennessee survives on a few big plays. In the end, Auburn runs the clock out on a 24-21 win.
The guys at Fanblogs.com and Every Day Should Be Saturday.com have come up with a cool idea to help victims of the numerous tragedies around the country – the tornadoes in the Midwest, the storms in the Southeast and the wildfires in Florida and California.
They are holding a contest called The Charity Bowl. Basically, they rank the top 10 schools who give the most money to the American Red Cross. The winning school (announced on Thursday) will be given huge recognition on both web sites – complete with school colors and mascots.
Auburn is currently in third place (tied with Alabama). Rumor has it that Nick Saban is asking this year's recruiting class to give 10% of its signing bonus to the Red Cross.
War Eagle Atlanta gave big this morning and I’m following suit tonight. If you have a little extra and want to help some deserving people out while bringing a little recognition to Auburn, then I encourage you to do so. It always feels good to help others.
Few will argue that Auburn’s athletic program is in solid shape top to bottom. Most of the non-revenue sports are competitive in the SEC. Some are tops in the country – see men’s and women’s swimming.
The same cannot be said for two of the three teams that drive revenues for all the other sports. Taking football out of the equation, Auburn’s two other money sports, men’s basketball and baseball continue to struggle on the field and at the box office.
Following Sunday’s loss at Ole Miss, the baseball team has all but been eliminated from this year’s SEC Tournament. For those keeping score at home, it’s the fifth consecutive year that Auburn has been unable to punch its ticket to Birmingham.
Like basketball coach Jeff Lebo, Auburn's Tom Slater is expected to be given another mulligan at year’s end.
The question is why?
Many will point to Slater’s group and say this team is talented, but very young. Some will say wait until next year. We’ve all heard it before. In fact, we heard it back in February when athletic director Jay Jacobs defended Lebo.
Just wait until next year. We’ll get’em then.
Would Tommy Tuberville be afforded the same courtesy if he were in their shoes? Would the athletic department scream from the roof-top demanding that fans be patient and give him another chance?
Can you picture this:
"I realize that Tommy has struggled, but he’s had some tough luck. I’m completely confident that once everyone is healthy next year we’ll be competitive again. I don’t like missing a bowl game for four consecutive years either. And I certainly don’t enjoy losing four straight to Alabama," said Jay Jacobs after losing again to Alabama on Saturday.
"Fans have to realize that Tommy is building a program from the bottom up. He can’t help that more than half his team quit when he got here and he’s struggled to recruit since. We were two healthy players away from an invitation to the Independence Bowl."
Does anyone think for a minute that Jacobs or the board of trustees would take this approach with Tuberville? The question begs, why do they do it for basketball and baseball?
It’s time the athletic department expect the same excellence from baseball and basketball that it does from football. Auburn has been too bad for too long in both sports. Both are big business now – especially in the SEC. For Auburn to not be competitive every year is unacceptable.
Four years is plenty of time to build a program in any sport. The time for excuses is over. It’s time for Auburn to decide whether they want to be just a football school or play all three big boy sports.
No one will argue that he’s build a solid program. And there’s little argument the program is in better shape than he found it. That all goes without saying. But has he truly built a great program – one of the very best in the country?
Marshall says not yet. But the numbers beg to differ.
Let’s take a closer look at Tuberville’s first nine years on the Plains and compare them to the standard-bearers of Auburn football – Shug Jordan and Pat Dye. Most would agree that both built great programs. After all, they have their names on and in the stadium and both are members of the College Football Hall Of Fame.
In nine years at Auburn, Tuberville has a record of 80-33. During this time he’s made eight bowl appearances, won an SEC Championship, finished in the top 25 five different times and carries a 7-2 record against Alabama.
Most importantly, his 2004 team finished 13-0; the best season in school history. In the 2005 NFL Draft, Tuberville had four players taken in the first round.
During Pat Dye’s first nine years on the Plains he had a record of 81-25-4. He led Auburn to eight bowl games, won four SEC Championships, finished in the top 25 seven times and had a 6-3 record against Alabama. He also produced a Heisman Trophy winner in Bo Jackson.
Like Tuberville, his third-ranked 1983 squad (11-1) was passed over for the national championship despite beating Michigan in the Sugar Bowl on a day when the top two teams lost.
Shug Jordan posted a 63-27-3 record during his first nine years at Auburn. He led Auburn to three bowl games, a national championship, an SEC championship, finished in the top 25 six times and was 5-4 against Alabama. His 1957 national championship team was ineligible for a bowl game due to probation.
When you look at the numbers side-by-side, it’s hard to argue that Tuberville hasn’t built a program that’s every bit as good as Jordan’s and Dye’s. One could argue that Dye was more successful at this point due to his four conference championships.
It’s a point well taken and is probably what caused Marshall to stop short of calling Tuberville’s program great. Some will argue that it’s much more difficult these days to win a conference title than it was during Dye’s tenure because of the SEC Championship Game. I’m not sure you can argue that point with any validity. Name me a year when it has been easy to win the SEC?
While the numbers do compare Tuberville favorably to Jordan and Dye, I can see Marshall’s point. Tuberville has made it to the mountain top only once, although it was Mount Everest. Will one more conference title cement his greatness?
What about Jordan? He only won one conference title, but it was paired with a national title. Should Tuberville be penalized because the voters got it wrong?
You’ll have to decide for yourself. My mind is made up.
Tuberville has reached greatness at Auburn – his program is among the elite in the country. He’s raised Auburn’s profile in the college football world, expanded the recruiting base, consistently wins against top 10 teams, competes for championships and has dominated the state of Alabama in a way that’s unprecedented in the history of the school.
More important than anything else is how he does it – the right way. His players make their grades and graduate, they stay out of trouble (for the most part) and the NCAA has not so much as sniffed Auburn’s way since he arrived on campus. This alone makes Tuberville one of the all-time Auburn greats.
LSU's defense will be a tough early test for Auburn.
By Acid Reign Paraswarm@aol.com
On September 20th, at 7:00 PM, a major war will take place in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn and LSU will fight it out, and the winner will have the inside track towards the Western Division title. The game has been picked up by ESPN HD, and will be on national television. The late kickoff should allow plenty of time for fans to get revved up, and the house should be rocking!
LSU returns to the Plains as the defending national champion, but it will be a team minus 10 senior starters from a year ago, seven of which were selected in the recent NFL draft. Previously, LSU will have played Appalachian State, Troy, and North Texas. Barring a year-ago-Michigan-level upset, LSU should be undefeated, and ranked in the top 5. Auburn likely also will be undefeated. This tilt will be LSU's first road game of the year, and their SEC opener.
As with Auburn's first three opponents, LSU had to replace a coordinator, this season. Bo Pellini departed to Nebraska, so a new defensive boss had to be found. Head coach Les Miles promoted from within, naming Doug Mallory and Bradley Dale Peveto as co-coordinators. Mallory came over with Miles from Oklahoma State, coaching the defensive backs. Mallory's secondaries have led the SEC in pass efficiency defense all three years he has been at LSU. Last season, led by safety Craig Steltz, LSU picked off 21 passes. Peveto is also in his third season with LSU, coaching linebackers, and serving as special teams coordinator. Peveto previously served as defensive coordinator at Middle Tennessee State. Last season, Peveto coached an All-American linebacker, Ali Highsmith, an All-SEC linebacker, Darry Beckwith, and two All-SEC kickers, punter Patrick Fisher, and kicker Colt David.
No question looms larger for LSU than the quarterback position. With the dismissal of the talented, mercurial Ryan Perrilloux, the candidates to replace him are redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee, and Harvard transfer, junior Andrew Hatch. Hatch appears to be slightly ahead in the race. LSU replaces 3 offensive line starters, but they are LOADED at the skill positions, including veteran pass-catchers Brandon LaFell, and Demetrious Byrd. LSU has a stable of dangerous running backs by committee, including Richard Murphy, Keiland Williams, Trindan Holiday, and Charles Scott.
The defense must replace six starters. The line should be very strong, even without Glenn Dorsey. Darry Beckwith returns at middle linebacker, to anchor a fast, athletic group. LSU has four solid safeties to step into the void left by Craig Steltz, but thus far, the new corners have been disappointing. If there is a weak spot on the LSU defense, it is at corner. Colt David, the All-SEC kicker returns, but LSU must find a punter, and a reliable punt returner. Kickoffs against LSU are always an adventure, with the ever-dangerous Trindon Holliday returning kicks.
Matchups
Auburn defensive line vs. LSU offensive line: Auburn fields a talented, dangerous front. LSU will be bringing 3 linemen getting their first road start, but they'll be led by talented veteran senior center, Brett Helms, who'll be in his third year as a starter. 5th year senior left guard Herman Johnson returns, as well, and he is a LOAD, at 351 pounds. We'll have a lot of trouble matching up with him. Look for LSU to try lots of weakside runs, with Johnson paving the way. Auburn counters with speedy defensive ends, against young LSU tackles. Advantage: Even.
Auburn linebackers vs. LSU runners: Last year, LSU bashed out 169 yards against the Tigers. Auburn will be deeper and stronger, this year, and LSU loses Jacob Hester to graduation. The second-leading rusher was Matt Flynn, who is also gone. LSU backs frequently gashed through arm tackles in the game, and who can forget Keiland Williams setting sail on a 46-yard screen-pass touchdown late in the 1st quarter. LSU likely will run a lot, this year. Auburn's ability to fly to the ball, and get runners on the ground, will be key to getting young LSU Qbs in some bad situations. Advantage: Even, in a strength against strength matchup.
Auburn corners vs. LSU receivers: LSU returns a couple of dangerous veterans in Demetrious Byrd and Brandon LaFell. The question will be whether a young QB can get the ball to them reliably. Jerraud Powers should be fine against one of them, but I worry about the other side. Gary Crowton may deviate from his usual screen-happy attack, in favor of testing new Auburn corners Aaron Savage and Walt McFadden over the top. Luckily, Auburn's closing speed at safety is as good as it has been in years, and new defensive coordinator Paul Rhodes tends to favor more cover-two packages, than the previous two coordinators did. Auburn cannot afford to give up big plays on the perimeter. Advantage: LSU
Auburn safeties vs. LSU secondary receivers and quarterback: Both teams will be young, in this matchup. Zach Etheridge and Michael McNeil have the talent, and both got their feet wet last season. Etheridge was an All-SEC freshman team selection. LSU fullbacks are primarily blockers, but LSU's tight ends are a threat. Richard Dickson get the starting nod at tight end. He was all-SEC as a freshman, in 2006, and was on some freshman All-American teams. At quarterback LSU will have no game experience returning. Junior transfer, from Harvard, Andrew Hatch is listed as the starter, but Les Miles plans to use a two-quarterback system, this fall. The other quarterback is redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee. Hatch is more of a pocket-passer, while Lee has good speed on the edge. Advantage: even.
Punting: Auburn will be solid with any of three different punters, and good coverage. LSU counters with sophomore returner Chad Jones. Jones dropped several punts last season, and made some bad fielding decisions. He averaged 6.6 yards per return, with a long return of 16 yards. LSU is hoping that Jones matures greatly, this season. LSU loses All-SEC punter Patrick Fisher. Neither of the possible replacement candidates punted well in LSU's spring game. LSU opponents averaged 9.5 yards per return, whereas Auburn gave up only 6.5. Advantage: Auburn
Kickoffs: Auburn will be looking to improve on a poor season, in this area. The health of Wes Byrum will be key. LSU did not fare terribly well in the kickoff department last season, either. LSU tried five different kickers, and none could average more than 60 yards. Auburn averaged 57yards. LSU gave up 20.2 yards per return to Auburn's 21.2. Trindan Holiday gives LSU a dangerous return man, Auburn counters with Tristan Davis. Advantage: Even.
Placekicking: Wes Byrum was consistent for Auburn, hitting 17 of 23 attempts, and made all of his pressure kicks. Colt David was the All-SEC kicker selection, hitting 26 of 33 attempts. David had no misses inside 30 yards, and hit all of his extra points. Advantage: Even.
Auburn offensive line vs. LSU defensive line: Auburn returns every starter from the LSU contest a year ago, when the line showed that it could match up with LSU. They created running creases, and provided protection for Brandon Cox. As inconsistent as Auburn's offense was in 2007, it put up 24 points on the national champions, and it started on the line. LSU returns an abundance of talent, though, and should put up a heck of a fight. Senior end Tyson Jackson is a monster pass-rusher that is awfully tough to block. He has Stanley-McGlover-level speed, but weights almost 300 pounds. Slight advantage: LSU.
Auburn backs vs. LSU linebackers: For Auburn last year, the Lester-Tate-led rushing attack only managed 97 yards on the ground. LSU loses All-American linebacker Ali Highsmith, while Auburn's rushers are a year stronger. Still, it is hard to imagine a spread-offense having huge success running at LSU. Auburn's backs won't be measured by gobs of rushing yardage, but by how well they pick up blitzes, and how they run with screen passes. LSU returns All-SEC middle linebacker Darry Beckwith, while no Auburn back last year even got a sniff of post-season honors. Advantage: LSU.
Auburn receivers vs. LSU corners: After two years of questionable play out of this unit, Auburn's outside guys should be back to typical speed and talent. In addition to stalwarts Rod Smith and Montez Billings, a pair of big-play guys stepped up this spring, in James Swinton and Chris Slaughter. LSU had problems covering their starting receivers, in their spring game, with two new starting corners. Chris Hawkins and Jai Eugene have speed, but both are under six feet, and are not considered physical. A key will be how well Auburn can block these guys on the slip-screen. Advantage: Auburn.
Auburn secondary receivers and quarterback vs. LSU safeties: Curtis Taylor returns at strong safety for LSU, and he's a bruising, ball-hawking specimen in the mold of Ronnie Lott. LSU breaks in a new free safety to replace departed All-American Chris Steltz. Harry Coleman starts there, and he's still adjusting a bit. He was a special-teams stalwart in the past, and is a good tackler. Auburn's secondary receivers, Robert Dunn and Tommy Trott should be able to get some mismatches in this area. Auburn will play a pair of young quarterbacks in their first big game, Kodi Burns and Chris Todd. It's worth noting that in both of LSU's overtime losses last season, they gave up a lot of points, facing spread-out offenses that got the ball out to slot receivers, tight ends, and backs. Advantage: Even.
Tallying up the matchups, it appears that LSU has a slight advantage, on paper. Fortunately, this game will be played on an actual football field with 87,000 raucous fans. LSU will be at a decided disadvantage with young players on the road. In addition, Auburn's offensive scheme is one that should be able to take advantage of some of LSU's few defensive weaknesses, IF Auburn's quarterbacks get time to throw and/or run. LSU faced a version of the spread last season, against Florida, Kentucky, Alabama, and Arkansas (Darren McFadden played a LOT of Wildcat/shotgun quarterback in that game). In those four games, LSU gave up 161 points. And this year, they're minus 3 All Americans from that defense. In addition, one can expect mistakes from new quarterbacks, on the road, against a fast front seven like Auburn has.
Prediction: LSU makes too many mistakes to win their first road game, and Auburn romps to a shocking 34-13 victory!
I attended a cool event over the weekend in Columbus, Georgia. Each year the ministries of former Auburn All-American Joe Cribbs, Alabama great Jeremiah Castille and former Georgia All-American David Pollack put on a celebrity golf tournament at the local country club.
It’s an opportunity to raise money for each of the foundations and for fans it’s a chance to meet and talk with some of the greats from the three schools. Those representing Auburn included Cribbs, Aundray Bruce, Trey Gainous, Gerald Robinson, Pat Dye, Brandon Cox, Frank Sanders, Terry Henley, Smokey Hodge, Rob Pate, Stan White and Jeff Burger to name just a few.
The Alabama and Georgia contingent included Roger Shultz (from Biggest Loser fame), Nick Saban, Antonio Langham, Barry Krauss, Kevin Butler, D.J. Shockley and Robert Edwards.
A couple of observations: Bruce looks like he could still line up anywhere in the NFL and play. The guy is huge and built like a truck.
He had the coolest line of the night. We are going through the buffet line and someone asked him what he was doing these days. He answered that he was playing golf and fishing. To which the person said, "You have to do more than that." Bruce responded, "Actually I don’t." Pretty funny stuff. Must be nice.
I had a chance to speak with Shultz and he joked that everywhere he goes people always look at what he’s eating. Let me tell you – television doesn’t do that guy justice. He is flat skinny. You’d never guess he weighed 363 pounds a year ago. To look at him now, it’s hard to believe that he ever played on the offensive line in the SEC.
I also had a nice conversation with Gainous. He looks like a skinny sociology professor - with great hands I might add. He’s one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Attending events like this where you have former players from different schools, you realize how fans take the rivalries much more seriously than the players. These guys genuinely like each other and have a healthy respect for one another.
With that said, I still can't wait to get a piece of Georgia in November. I hate Georgia.
A few weeks back we took a look at the epic 1994 Auburn-Florida game. It’s probably still the biggest win over the Gators in series history – although some of you may argue that point.
Today we look at another great Florida game – the one that occurred a year earlier. Auburn came into the contest on October 16, 2003, as a big underdog at home. The fourth-ranked Gators were expected to trounce over the upstart 19th ranked Tigers.
Few around the country believed that Auburn’s 6-0 record was for real. The victory marked a turning point in the season – others around the country started taking notice of this team and its young coach, Terry Bowden.
Before a capacity crowd at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn would prevail in a back and fourth contest that ended with the Tigers pulling out a 38-35 win on the way to a perfect 11-0 season.
This week, the commissioners of the big six BCS conferences meet in Miami to discuss the state of the BCS and possibly propose various playoff scenarios. Mr. College Football himself, Tony Barnhart of the AJC, wrote a series of articles last week about the subject, culminating in Sunday's blockbuster expose' which should be required reading for all fans of CFB.
A 1-A playoff is right around the corner. We can all taste it. Only now can we start to believe in it. But know this: whatever inaugural system they implement is going to need some fine tuning--A LOT of fine tuning. But that's the fun of it. The important thing is to get one in place to show that it can work. We can address it's weaknesses later. Conventional wisdom says that a four-team playoff could be the first format put into place.
But a lot has to happen in order for a playoff to come about, and there are many obstacles in the road. Today I'm going to give you my list of who's driving the bus, who's on board, and who's about to get run over.
Leaders:
College football fans are by far the ones who are really leading the push for a playoff. No where else is it more evident than seeing how much we keep devouring the game. Attendance is up everywhere in the country, especially in the south, where stadiums are jammed to capacity each week. TV viewership and ratings are rising, and CFB sites on the Internet are exploding with new members thirsting for more info on their sport and their teams. Just how big is the demand? You need only look at how much exposure that spring games and recruiting get to demonstrate the escalating desire for more football.
Yes, we fans are hungry for more, and more than anything, we want championships to be decided on the field rather than by the media. When we finally get this done, fans are going to owe each other one big collective pat on the back!
The BCS Commissioners, who each represent the six conferences who make up the BCS, seem to finally be on board, having seen the writing on the wall that this playoff genie was refusing to be stuffed back into the bottle. The commissioners will eventually iron out an initial playoff scenario, but don't necessarily expect it this year. Sure, there will be regional biases, but perhaps new coalitions among conferences might be formed to finally gain acceptance among all. The commissioners know that the spotlight is shining directly on them, so the pressure is on. Although they don't enjoy total autonomy on making decisions, their recommendations do carry a lot of weight. Here's hoping that they move quickly.
The majority of BCS team coaches appear to be all for some sort of playoff. In the article in the AJC, all these coaches were polled about whether they'd like to leave the current system alone or have a four team playoff. More than half responded, and a majority of those definitely favor a playoff. Although it's not hard to imagine that any coach would want a chance for his team to play themselves into a title, don't forget the enormous pressure that will now be added for them to make it into this playoff--considerably more pressure than there already is in maintaining the status quo. That's something to consider for these guys who live and die by their wins and losses.
Followers:
The school presidents seem to be on the sidelines these days, seemingly allowing their proxies, the conference commissioners, to fight it out for them, but ultimately wielding veto power over the final decision. Realistically, I think that although the presidents may threaten to throw the rock in the blender, we can expect a flock mentality when it comes down to it, with conferences acting in concert to promote their own self interests. What we sometimes forget is that the presidents are tasked with overseeing the academic integrity of the member schools, something that supercedes sports. And until the NFL turns CFB into one big farm system, we always have to keep that in mind.
The non-BCS teams are the patient ones, quietly sitting in their seat on the bus, trusting that wherever the big boys decide to go, they're going to be brought along for the ride. Although currently long-shots for BCS slots, they have to know that a 4-team playoff would raise those odds even higher. Perhaps they hope that eventually the field would be expanded into a format that would allow for the junior conferences to participate. For the time being, they seem to be content to have their occasional Cinderella shot. Time will tell for them.
UGA president Michael Adams is the one person who characterizes those in academia who are accused of plagiarizing their peers. A little over a year ago, Florida president Bernie Machen decided to stick his neck out and suggest that the SEC presidents possibly take the initiative with a playoff proposal. The idea was instantly pooh-poohed by Adams; yet it is he who basically comes up with the same idea a year later. The chilly reception that followed forced groundhogs back into their burroughs for six more weeks.
The idea instantly crashed and burned, playing to only slightly better reviews than he and Machen's grass-roots effort to rename the World's Largest Outdoor C*cktail Party to something else. How good is a leader if no one is following, Dr. Adams? Although it doesn't take a rocket-scientist to figure out that no one likes a copycat, there's still a good chance that the other presidents could have still been pissed about how Adams unceremoniously dumped Vince Dooley a few years ago. No, wait. Sorry. That's MY reason...My bad...
In the Way:
The Big Eas(y)t is the one thing that is not like the others, the one thing that doesn't belong. Decimated by mass defections unheard of outside the old Soviet block, the Big East combines old guard schools like West Virginia, Pitt, and Syracuse with a host of new kids on the block, and frankly, they just don't deserve to be there with the rest of the big five. I mean, MAYBE, if they somehow convinced Notre Dame to join in football, but I don't think a good old-fashioned Catholic miracle could bring that to pass.
The prime reason that it's bad for an undeserving conference being added to the guest list of the playoff party is because it gives hope to the rest of the junior conferences who are standing at the rope line, trying to sneak in. Look, eventually you guys can be included, but it's going to take a little of that fine-tuning we were talking about before we can work you in. In the meantime, no soup for you! Come back, one year! Next!
Notre Dame. Why the hell not include ND on the list of obstructionists? I dunno... Maybe because the Pope was just in town and decreed that the Irish should not join a conference until after marriage? Come on! They're an obstacle because for now, they write their own ticket and they refuse to join a conference. (which will be their death knell, BTW) But the Irish's luster may be starting to tarnish and non-Irish fans are getting a little tired of the golden dome pony show. Last year ND got paid by the BCS a few million for their 3-9 record and an appearance in the Toilet Bowl. Anyway, write your own reasons why they're part of the problem in the comment section. Next!
The Pac-10, the Big 10(11) and the Rose Bowl are the biggest obstacles to avoid on the road to a playoff, and I'm thinking real soon here that we take a detour around them all together. If there's ever been a case of trying to take your ball on go home, these three are the epitome. Seemingly binded for eternity in a blood-pact in Pasadena, these three and their tradition are the hold-outs that prevent the four major bowls from becoming de facto playoff venues in the proposed 4-team tournament.
The Pac-10 went to a 9-game conference schedule in the 2006 season so that every team played every other team and could crown a champion on the field. That was a good first step in lieu of expanding and having a conference championship game. Inexplicably though, they still have had co-champions the first two years, seemingly ignoring head-to-head competition while determining the ONE champion. Hello! Anyway, crowning a true conference champion on the field will go a long way toward a playoff, especially when the playoff evolves into one between conference champions.
The Big 10(11) is truly a complete mess. Aside from having their ass handed to them in MNC title games of late, they are risking their own relevancy in the modern CFB world by refusing to expand by one more team and crown a true champion of their conference on the field. Seemingly, they want to remain a crusty relic of days gone by, relying on the media to vote into the national title hunt a multitude of their teams who never play each other during the season. If you say that this lack of a conference title game gives them an unfair leg up on all the real conferences that do have one, you'd be right. Don't shirk your responsibility of providing us your best, Big 10(11), if your best hasn't been tested against all your conference has. If you say that it'll just mean that your conference will devour itself, I'd say welcome to the SEC, baby!
Of course, all wrongs could be righted if somehow the Big 10(11) could manage to land the ever elusive Notre Dame into the ranks, but that would lend itself to new problems--like what to call the new conference since 'Big XII' is already taken...
The Rose Bowl is starting to remind me of that aging Hollywood star who wonders why the Paparazzi is no longer following him around. Can it be because the youth and vigor are long gone? You don't invite many people to your party, so pardon us if we start to think about throwing our own. How can you claim to be the 'Grandaddy' of them all if you don't even want to claim the red-headed step children of the CFB family? If you still want to cling to the old days and honor your pact with two conferences of yesteryear, then I guess it's your right. Just don't expect all the cameras to be flashing...
Guaranteed of a MNC game at least every four years, the RB is probably thinking that it may be as good as it gets if the playoff expands and even more venues are brought in. Although the idea of bypassing the RB completely was floated during the early formation of the BCS, no one really wants to exclude the Rose Bowl from any playoff scenario. CFB fans are traditionalists, and we'd like to have Pasadena on board. He's just going to have to realize that he can't be the leading man in every film.
So there's my compilation of all the players in the playoff scenario today. Just remember, it's not WHAT kind of playoff you get installed, it's THAT you get one. All the tuning and adjustments will be completed later. That's what the media is for. Since they'll no longer have as big a hand in determining who's going to be in it, they'll want to shape up the process to their liking as much as possible.
Playoff 1.0 is going to be less than perfect, and it's still going to rely heavily on the polls. With only four teams, the media is still going to be selecting who the participants are. Yes, team #5 and the rest of the cast are not going to be happy, but it's better than it is now. Eventually, the playoff will evolve into having all conference champions competing against each other, but that day is way off, considering the logistics in weighting all 1-A conferences against each other and having enough rounds to include them along with at-large teams. The road to a solution will be long, but think about all the great pit stops along the way.
War Eagle Atlanta will now take your stark criticism...
Groves (right) poses with Derrick Harvey in Jacksonville.
By Jay Coulter jccoulter@gmail.com
NFL Draft Day may be the most overblown event in all of professional sports. I’ll admit to working my Saturday schedule around the event. I was anxious to see how quickly Quentin Groves and Pat Lee would be drafted.
They are two of my favorites and it’s always great to see Auburn guys make it big – or at least get a shot at it. I tuned in around 1:30 p.m. CT and then waited... and waited some more. I’m as big a college football fan as they come, but I have to admit that I have never heard of about two thirds of the players selected in the first round. I’m sorry, but I can’t name the starting front five at Ohio State, USC or even Florida.
By 2:30 p.m. I was sleeping comfortably on my couch. A few hours later I woke up in time to see Groves selected with the 52nd pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Yawn. A little while later Lee was selected with the 60th pick by Green Bay. Good for them.
As me for it was a wasted Saturday. I should have skipped it and read about in the Sunday paper. I was a sucker for another made for TV event.
The NFL Network ran a show on Friday that showcased the top 10 draft flops of all time. Auburn linebacker Aundray Bruce, the 1988 number one overall pick came in at number six. Ryan Leaf took top honors.
On Friday’s ESPN College Football Live an email from a viewer in Auburn was directed toward analyst Mark May. He asked why the Tigers were not getting a lot of attention from the show. May said it was simple. LSU was the defending national champion and Alabama was getting a lot of attention for its recruiting class.
Here’s where it gets good... He went on to say Auburn would finish behind LSU and Alabama in the SEC West this year. LSU... maybe. Alabama? It looks like some of the stupid has spread from Lou Holtz to young Marcus. My guess is that May gets all his Alabama information from Tide homer Reece Davis. Too funny.
In case you missed the race at Talladega yesterday, Tommy Tuberville drove the pace car for the event. It was his first race at the Alabama speedway. Kyle Busch went on to win in an exciting finish. Dick Trickle was 44th.
Today we look at the career of former Auburn quarterback Dameyune Craig. In my lifetime, I’d have to say he’s the best quarterback I’ve ever seen wear the orange and blue.
I was too young to remember Pat Sullivan. And no, I’m not suggesting he comes close to the Heisman winner. But you’d be hard pressed to pick a better one that’s played on the Plains since.
During the 1997 season, he passed for 3,277 yards – still the most in Auburn history (by a mile). He was not only a gifted passer, but one of the best running quarterbacks in the country. Today it’s common place to see a quarterback run – in 1997 it was something new.
Craig was given serious Heisman consideration until a late season loss to Miss State. He came within a point of leading Auburn to an SEC Championship, falling to Peyton Manning and Tennessee 30-29 in the conference championship game.
Auburn receiver Karsten Bailey single handily blew the game for the Tigers by dropping a series of Craig passes that halted Auburn drives deep in Tennessee territory.
Auburn and Craig would finish the season with a win over Clemson in the Peach Bowl. A year later the wheels fell off the Auburn program and Terry Bowden was run out of town.
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