Unfortunately, the above title is not only a great DVD, but also the best way to describe the sad state of affairs known as Auburn football. It’s the same story in a different year- the offense is one of the worst in football and Tommy Tuberville is on the hot seat. While rationale people could reasonably disagree about what should be done with Tubs, I herby argue it’s too early to make a final determination at this point in the season and he should be given until the end of the season before any final decisions are made.
No matter how one feels about the current situation one thing is for sure, Auburn must show signs of improvements this season for Tuberville to keep his job. While I do not agree with that premise, it appears to be the reality of the situation. The Auburn offense has been in a steady state of decline for several years. The past five seasons the offense has had the following ranking nationally in total offense- 25th, 37th, 76th, 97th, and this year 104th.
Tuberville obviously realized the decline and that is why he chose to use the spread offense this season. However, no matter what type of offense a team runs, a coach should be willing to adjust to the players and talent he has. It is obvious this is not happening at Auburn. Otherwise, Auburn would be running the ball out of the I-formation and throwing the ball down the field using play action pass. Maybe some spread could be thrown in there, but the team strength is obviously not the passing game which the spread requires plenty of to be successful.
Tommy Tuberville has earned himself the right to coach his way out of the current mess he is in. I believe he must do the following things to be successful:
(1) Move the QB back under center and maximize the talent that is currently on the team. With Auburn entering a bye week, the team should have enough time to implement a new offense.
(2) Bench Chris Todd until he is healthy enough to play his best.
(3) Bring in several new offensive coaches for the 2009 season.
If he refuses to make any adjustments and the offense continues to falter then a change should be made. One way or the other, it’s much too early to make a final decision on the fate of Tubs at this point in the season. To further complicate matters, if Tubs were fired this season he would be owed a buyout of 6 million. So, not only would Auburn have to pay 6 million to Tuberville, they would also have to pay a new coach.
Any decent coach would run around at around 2 million. I'm not sure it's equitable to get rid of any coach when your program would have to come up with at least 8 million dollars in a matter of months. Let’s see what he does against the toughest and most important part of the schedule, "Amen Corner." I wouldn't count him out just yet.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Games of the Week
There are a couple of decent games this week in the SEC.
Tenn. Vs. UGA: The Dawgs are going to be looking for revenge against a struggling Tennessee football team. The Vols have been awful on offense and to make matters worse they are going with a true freshman QB. While it would be hard to imagine them actually playing worse, it's never easy to win on the road in the SEC with a frosh. On other hand, UGA is coming off a bye week and the embarrassment of the Alabama loss. Look for UGA to revenge the loss from last season. Tenn-7 UGA-35
South Carolina Vs. Kentucky: Kentucky gave Alabama all they could handle last week. Don't expect the same effort this week. Steve Superior seems to have the Cocks moving in the right direction. Kentucky's sorry offense will cost them this one. SC-24 Kentucky-13
LSU Vs. FL: I don't understand how the Gators are favorites in this game. If I were in Vegas I'd probably place a bet on LSU. FL has no offensive identity! LSU's defense will win this one for them. LSU-21 FL-17
Arky Vs. AU: Who knows what to expect in this one. Arkansas is the worst team in the SEC and there is really not much good to say about them. On the other hand, Auburn's offense has been the laughing stock of the college football world since installing the spread offense. However, Auburn's defense ranks #2 nationally in scoring defense. Vegas says Auburn is favored by 17, but if they score that many points it would be cause for celebration. Look for the offense to start improving enough to win this one. Arky-10 AU-21
Tenn. Vs. UGA: The Dawgs are going to be looking for revenge against a struggling Tennessee football team. The Vols have been awful on offense and to make matters worse they are going with a true freshman QB. While it would be hard to imagine them actually playing worse, it's never easy to win on the road in the SEC with a frosh. On other hand, UGA is coming off a bye week and the embarrassment of the Alabama loss. Look for UGA to revenge the loss from last season. Tenn-7 UGA-35
South Carolina Vs. Kentucky: Kentucky gave Alabama all they could handle last week. Don't expect the same effort this week. Steve Superior seems to have the Cocks moving in the right direction. Kentucky's sorry offense will cost them this one. SC-24 Kentucky-13
LSU Vs. FL: I don't understand how the Gators are favorites in this game. If I were in Vegas I'd probably place a bet on LSU. FL has no offensive identity! LSU's defense will win this one for them. LSU-21 FL-17
Arky Vs. AU: Who knows what to expect in this one. Arkansas is the worst team in the SEC and there is really not much good to say about them. On the other hand, Auburn's offense has been the laughing stock of the college football world since installing the spread offense. However, Auburn's defense ranks #2 nationally in scoring defense. Vegas says Auburn is favored by 17, but if they score that many points it would be cause for celebration. Look for the offense to start improving enough to win this one. Arky-10 AU-21
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Quick Update
I've been out of town this week and I don't have my computer with me. I forgot to post the games of the week before I left so I'll give you the scores. Come back Sunday for the full story.
Thursday: Kentucky-24 Cocks-28
Sat: UGA-31 Tenn-21
Sat: FL-31 LSU-30
Season record to date: 3-1
Wins: UGA Vs. AL, USC Vs. UGA, FL Vs. Tenn
Loss: AU Vs. FL
Thursday: Kentucky-24 Cocks-28
Sat: UGA-31 Tenn-21
Sat: FL-31 LSU-30
Season record to date: 3-1
Wins: UGA Vs. AL, USC Vs. UGA, FL Vs. Tenn
Loss: AU Vs. FL
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Thoughts of the Week
By Ernest Faulkner
After taking two-week sabbatical from the blog, I have come back after some things that I thought would happen in college football did and others completely took me by surprise. I will try not to sound like “I told you so” in this column, because let’s face it, I didn’t. However, here we go.
1. A top 10 shuffle was coming.
1. A top 10 shuffle was coming.
I never did imagine it on this scale, but after struggling to come up with a deserving top-5 from week to week, it is easy to conclude that this was one of the weakest top 10’s in recent history. Of the former top 10 teams, Oklahoma was simply following its roll of the high scoring bully of the Big 12 until someone came along, Colorado and hit them in the mouth. Like we said from the beginning of the season, Florida’s defense would be a weak point this season because of lack of experience, not talent. Ole Miss exposed it, Auburn capitalized on it. I was surprised by West Virginia’s loss to South Florida simply because the Bulls failed to capitalize on big mistakes at Auburn, forcing a win in overtime despite five turnovers by the Tigers, and beating a down UNC team. South Florida is for real, however, and head coach Jim Leavitt has got the media-dubbed Holy Triumvirate of Rodriguez, Slaton and White figured out. Texas struggled early and often with a new offensive line and the pressure put on QB Colt McCoy, so it was easy to figure someone would catch them. Rutgers was living on its darling status from last year. If you lose to an ACC team this season, a No. 10 you are not. Looking at what is left of the top 10, get ready for more jumbling.
LSU will probably win the SEC, but it has to make it through the rest of its schedule. After a lackluster performance against Tulane, it will only take a hungry team and a lethargic Les Miles bunch to knock the Tigers out of the top spot. USC had its first “We will tease you with the possibility of losing and then win” game of the season and may have more, but is still the most talented team in the Pac-10 and will return to a BCS bowl. Ohio State is overrated and untested. Between Wisconsin, Michigan State, Penn State and an angry Michigan, someone will knock the Buckeyes out. If anyone has played more uninspired than Wisconsin in the last three weeks, I haven’t seen them. Michigan State is one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten right now, but the Badgers should never let a home game get that close. Somebody is going to slap them while they are sleeping on the field. South Florida and Boston College have earned the right to be in the top 10 more than anybody. They are smart bets to win their conferences, but still have a long way to go to achieve that goal. Kentucky has one against down teams. Give a good secondary and I could beat Kentucky. Music City Bowl, welcome back the Wildcats.
2. Georgia is now where Arkansas was in 2006.
The Dogs have improved a lot over last season and the win at Alabama was signature for this group of players. The reason I compare them to the Hogs of last season is obviously not because Georgia hasn’t realized the forward pass is legal like Houston Nutt – look at Matthew Stafford, they have— but because this is an underestimated team that has found ways to win. UGA still has Tennessee, Florida, Auburn and a Kentucky team will test the young secondary by throwing for 200 passes in a game, so they haven’t won the conference yet, but they might take the East if Mark Richt’s bunch doesn’t make too many mistakes.
3. Alabama, welcome back to Earth.
After hearing The Birmingham News’ Kevin Scarbinsky, all of ESPN and Alabama radio announcer proclaim Bama back, eerily similar to 2005, the Tide is back where we knew they would be, with two consecutive losses. The offense is new and creative, but there is still no experience on defense. No matter how Saban coaches them up, good offenses will exploit the group. Georgia and Florida State burned them all day long with the pass and that is what the rest of the schedule will do as well. Alabama will make one of the SEC’s second tier bowls or even Outback, Cotton or Chik-Fil-a this season, but unlike Scarbinsky’s inflated prognostication of 8-0 before the LSU game, Tennessee and the Bayou Bengal’s are ready to pounce.
4. Auburn, a much improved but long road.
After booing students, no respect from the media and much angst on the Plains, Tommy Tuberville and the Tigers proved they can still win the big game. Auburn did a complete 180 this weekend and brought out the team many expected to see this season. The infusion of freshman talent on the offensive line and the improved play of Brandon Cox keyed the win in Gainesville. However, the Tigers still have many pitfalls ahead of them. Vanderbilt, laugh if you will, is still a trap game. So is Ole Miss, laugh all you want. If the Rebels almost beat Florida, they can beat Auburn. Road trips to Arkansas, LSU and Georgia await and could all be losses, not to mention the Iron Bowl. Auburn is on the right track and could win the remaining games if they played like they did on Saturday. What remains to be seen is if they will.
2. Georgia is now where Arkansas was in 2006.
The Dogs have improved a lot over last season and the win at Alabama was signature for this group of players. The reason I compare them to the Hogs of last season is obviously not because Georgia hasn’t realized the forward pass is legal like Houston Nutt – look at Matthew Stafford, they have— but because this is an underestimated team that has found ways to win. UGA still has Tennessee, Florida, Auburn and a Kentucky team will test the young secondary by throwing for 200 passes in a game, so they haven’t won the conference yet, but they might take the East if Mark Richt’s bunch doesn’t make too many mistakes.
3. Alabama, welcome back to Earth.
After hearing The Birmingham News’ Kevin Scarbinsky, all of ESPN and Alabama radio announcer proclaim Bama back, eerily similar to 2005, the Tide is back where we knew they would be, with two consecutive losses. The offense is new and creative, but there is still no experience on defense. No matter how Saban coaches them up, good offenses will exploit the group. Georgia and Florida State burned them all day long with the pass and that is what the rest of the schedule will do as well. Alabama will make one of the SEC’s second tier bowls or even Outback, Cotton or Chik-Fil-a this season, but unlike Scarbinsky’s inflated prognostication of 8-0 before the LSU game, Tennessee and the Bayou Bengal’s are ready to pounce.
4. Auburn, a much improved but long road.
After booing students, no respect from the media and much angst on the Plains, Tommy Tuberville and the Tigers proved they can still win the big game. Auburn did a complete 180 this weekend and brought out the team many expected to see this season. The infusion of freshman talent on the offensive line and the improved play of Brandon Cox keyed the win in Gainesville. However, the Tigers still have many pitfalls ahead of them. Vanderbilt, laugh if you will, is still a trap game. So is Ole Miss, laugh all you want. If the Rebels almost beat Florida, they can beat Auburn. Road trips to Arkansas, LSU and Georgia await and could all be losses, not to mention the Iron Bowl. Auburn is on the right track and could win the remaining games if they played like they did on Saturday. What remains to be seen is if they will.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Week 5 Top five Poll
SEC Tailgate Top Five
1. LSU(2) 4-0 3600
1. USC(2) 3-0 3600
3. Oklahoma 4-0 2400
4. Florida 4-0 1400
1. LSU(2) 4-0 3600
1. USC(2) 3-0 3600
3. Oklahoma 4-0 2400
4. Florida 4-0 1400
5. West VA 4-0 600
Other Polls:
AP Top 25
1. USC (43) 3-0 1,601
2. LSU (22) 4-0 1,580
3. Oklahoma 4-0 1,456
4. Florida 4-0 1,417
5. West Virginia 4-0 1,388
1. USC (43) 3-0 1,601
2. LSU (22) 4-0 1,580
3. Oklahoma 4-0 1,456
4. Florida 4-0 1,417
5. West Virginia 4-0 1,388
USA Today Poll
1. USC (44) 3-0 1,481
2. LSU (8) 4-0 1,438
3. Florida (4) 4-0 1,347
4. Oklahoma (4) 4-0 1,336
5. West Virginia 4-0 1,260
1. USC (44) 3-0 1,481
2. LSU (8) 4-0 1,438
3. Florida (4) 4-0 1,347
4. Oklahoma (4) 4-0 1,336
5. West Virginia 4-0 1,260
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Final Review of UGA Vs. Alabama
Quote of the week from Deep South Sports Blog:
Overheard in the North endzone of Bryant-Denny after Georgia's Brandon Coutu missed the tie-breaking field goal at the end of regulation:
"It's like the breath of The Bear blew down from Heaven to push it wide!"
UGA defeated Alabama by the score of 26-23. To put the final touches on the game, here is what our experts had to say back in August about the outcome of the game.
UGA will win
-The Godfather
This match up is way too early in the season. UGA will have to have their game face on in Tuscaloosa. Too early to call.
-Dublin Down
Too bad ties aren’t possible. I’m personally hoping for an earthquake or tornado. But if there is not a natural disaster I think Alabama will win because their pitiful defense is better than UGA’s pitiful offense.
-Ernest Faulkner
UGA by a touchdown in close game
-Z-Money
-Dublin Down
Too bad ties aren’t possible. I’m personally hoping for an earthquake or tornado. But if there is not a natural disaster I think Alabama will win because their pitiful defense is better than UGA’s pitiful offense.
-Ernest Faulkner
UGA by a touchdown in close game
-Z-Money
Monday, September 24, 2007
ESPN: Expect to be attacked on the road
"In the SEC, you'd better keep your helmet on after a big win on the road--and if your uniform ends up smelling like liquor, hey, it should wash out."-Pat Forde, ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When it was over, 89 plastic stadium cups lay upon the grass in the southeast corner of Bryant-Denny Stadium. A few dozen crimson-and-white pompoms, too. And two airplane bottles of booze -- one Jim Beam, one Seagram's.
That's the debris hurled down from the Alabama student section upon the celebrating pile of Georgia Bulldogs late Saturday night after the visitors had the unmitigated gall to beat the Crimson Tide 26-23 in overtime.
It was an atrocious display of fan petulance, but not an unprecedented one. I've seen firsthand a smaller-scale bombardment between the hedges from Georgia fans after a bitter loss to Auburn in 2005.
In the SEC, you'd better keep your helmet on after a big win on the road -- and if your uniform ends up smelling like liquor, hey, it should wash out.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
SEC Game of the Week: AU Vs. FL
It is hard to believe how times have changed from last year. FL Vs. AU was one of the top games of 2006 and Auburn was responsible for handing the Gators their only loss. However, this season these two teams are headed in different directions. FL has picked up where the left off last year and Auburn has been fighting to complete passes and keep the chains moving.Auburn's offense has still not come together which spells trouble in the Swamp on Saturday night. I will keep this short and sweet, Auburn only has one hope of winning this game. The defense must force four or five turnovers and the Auburn offense must have none. Plus, Auburn must be able to run the ball.
In sum, Auburn must be able to not turn the ball over and run the ball. The Tigers have not proven they can do either this season. Brandon Cox normally plays good in big games, but he can't do it alone. It will be interesting to see how three true freshman do starting on the offensive line. While the freshman on the offensive line will help the offensive move the ball, I don't think they can be expected to play great against a tough defense that will confuse them.
Auburn-10 Gators-31
SEC Game of the Week Record: 1-0
ESPN: just as bad as ever
I'll never forget this as long as I live. The game is as good as ever, Alabama is up by three in OT and UGA is about to get the ball. Then all of a sudden, Mike Patrick utters one of the most unforgettable lines in SEC history.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
LIVE FROM T-TOWN
***LIVE***Look in the comments for updates all day long as Z-Money brings you live coverage from T-Town***LIVE***
Final Score:
UGA-26 Bammer-23!
DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD!!!!!!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
SEC Game of the Week: UGA Vs. Bama
SEC Game of the Week
Georgia Vs. Alabama
In my opinion, this is not only the best game of the week but also the most intriguing match up. The state of Alabama has been reeking of the smell of moth balls this week as Tide faithful have gone to the closets in order to squeeze into their 1992 national championship t-shirts after defeating Arkansas. The Tide look ready to claim their 135th national championship if they can defeat the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night.
On the other hand, Georgia is still reeling a little since their loss to South Carolina. However, don’t be surprised if UGA comes out fresh and ready to win. Georgia is in a position where they must win the remainder of their games if they are to have a shot at going to Atlanta and coach Richt has been a great road game coach through the years.
Last week Alabama gave up over three hundred yards on the ground to Arkansas. It isn’t a mystery that Arkansas has a great backfield, but there is no excuse for giving up so many yards to such a one dimensional team. UGA has a chance to take advantage of the Alabama defense because the Dawgs have the ability to run a balanced attack. Additionally, the UGA defense is much tougher than Arkansas and will give the Tide fits all night long.
I look for UGA to play shut down defense and hold the Tide offense in check. UGA should be able to wear down the Tide defense and pull away late in the game. Yes, I’m going against the powers that be at ESPN and predict a Dawg victory in T-Town and no I’m not drinking the Bamer Kool-Aid being served in the ESPN studios. If you are hanging out in Vegas this weekend the line on the game is Alabama -3. It would be wise to pick the Dawgs and then collect your money before you go home. Oh, one more thing, you will not see this written often by this author...GO DAWGS!!
UGA 28 Alabama 21
Georgia Vs. Alabama
In my opinion, this is not only the best game of the week but also the most intriguing match up. The state of Alabama has been reeking of the smell of moth balls this week as Tide faithful have gone to the closets in order to squeeze into their 1992 national championship t-shirts after defeating Arkansas. The Tide look ready to claim their 135th national championship if they can defeat the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night.
On the other hand, Georgia is still reeling a little since their loss to South Carolina. However, don’t be surprised if UGA comes out fresh and ready to win. Georgia is in a position where they must win the remainder of their games if they are to have a shot at going to Atlanta and coach Richt has been a great road game coach through the years.
Last week Alabama gave up over three hundred yards on the ground to Arkansas. It isn’t a mystery that Arkansas has a great backfield, but there is no excuse for giving up so many yards to such a one dimensional team. UGA has a chance to take advantage of the Alabama defense because the Dawgs have the ability to run a balanced attack. Additionally, the UGA defense is much tougher than Arkansas and will give the Tide fits all night long.
I look for UGA to play shut down defense and hold the Tide offense in check. UGA should be able to wear down the Tide defense and pull away late in the game. Yes, I’m going against the powers that be at ESPN and predict a Dawg victory in T-Town and no I’m not drinking the Bamer Kool-Aid being served in the ESPN studios. If you are hanging out in Vegas this weekend the line on the game is Alabama -3. It would be wise to pick the Dawgs and then collect your money before you go home. Oh, one more thing, you will not see this written often by this author...GO DAWGS!!
UGA 28 Alabama 21
Georgia vs. Alabama Preview
I love the fact Spencer picks Arkansas to win the UGA/Bama game in this preview.
Bungle in the Jungle
SEC Tailgate has added a new feature to the blog called "Bungle in the Jungle" which will be devoted to think pieces covering Auburn's 2007 football season. You will not find mindless criticisms of players or coaches nor will you find support for a firethecoaches.com website.
The first two stories are from other sites, but you can expect some original material soon. You can find this new section on the right side of the blog.
My favorite line comes from Joe Cribbs Car Wash:
"If you were not a student and booed Brandon Cox at the game Saturday, I would like to kindly ask you to donate all of your Auburn gear to the Salvation Army, burn your tickets, and never set foot inside Jordan-Hare Stadium again. To have Cox--a guy who for all his struggles has shown time and again he'd give up a kidney to help this program and has been responsible for win after win after win the past two seasons, whether you'd like to pretend said wins fell from the sky or not--booed that loudly in our stadium sickens, disgusts, and above all shames me as an Auburn fan."
Photo: AL.com
Thursday News 09/20/07
Who Wears the Pants in Gainsville?
If you want to play for the Florida Gators you must first talk with the first lady of the football program. That’s right, “no player is allowed to commit to the Gators before first meeting Gators coach Urban Meyer's wife, Shelley.”
ESPN Favors Bamer to Roll Past UGA?
ESPN has already jumped on the Alabama bandwagon. According to Ivan Maisel's current bowl projections, he predicts Alabama will play in the Cotton Bowl and Georgia will play in the Chick-fil-A peach bowl. In other words, Alabama is the third best team in the conference while UGA is the fifth best team. Then Alabama defensive end Gilberry told reporters he "needed to find out Stafford's address to know where to send flowers after Saturday's game" as a sympathy gift. Finally, to add insult to injury ESPN-Scout predicted the final score to be 27 to 21 in Alabama's favor. Maybe the ESPN crew will be wearing Alabama hats during gameday on Saturday. Why does the media act like UGA is rolling into the Swamp to play the 1996 Florida team? The MGM Grand in Las Vegas has Alabama favored by 3 points, which is not a lot for an undefeated hyped up SEC team playing at home. SEC Tailgate will have a breakdown of this game on Friday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Week 4 SEC Tailgate Top Five Shocker!
The week four poll is full of surprises. For the first time ever USC is no longer the number one rated team. Plus, the Gators catch Oklahoma and a new team makes their first appearance in the top five.
SEC Tailgate Top Five
1. LSU(3) 3-0 3800
2. USC(1) 2-0 3400
3. Oklahoma 3-0 2000
3. Florida 3-0 2000
5. Penn State 3-0 400
Other Polls:
AP Top 25
1. USC (46) 2-0 1,605
2. LSU (19) 3-0 1,577
3. Florida 3-0 1,437
4. Oklahoma 3-0 1,434
5. West Virginia 3-0 1,388
1. USC (46) 2-0 1,605
2. LSU (19) 3-0 1,577
3. Florida 3-0 1,437
4. Oklahoma 3-0 1,434
5. West Virginia 3-0 1,388
USA Today Poll
1. USC (44) 2-0 1,478
2. LSU (8) 3-0 1,438
3. Florida (7) 3-0 1,368
4. Oklahoma (1) 3-0 1,308
5. West Virginia 3-0 1,244
1. USC (44) 2-0 1,478
2. LSU (8) 3-0 1,438
3. Florida (7) 3-0 1,368
4. Oklahoma (1) 3-0 1,308
5. West Virginia 3-0 1,244
Tuesday News and notes
Mark Richt Closes UGA Practice for the First Time Ever!
Alabama coach Nick Saban used to work for Bill Belichick, the sneakiest spy in sports since Moe Berg.
Not only that, last year while coaching the NFL's Miami Dolphins, Saban's team was accused of stealing signals — against the New England Patriots, no less.
They are taking precautions around Georgia. The Bulldogs, on a totally unrelated note (wink, wink), have closed practice all week for the first time in the Mark Richt era.
Coach Orgeron a Jackleg?
According to deepsouthsports.net this letter appeared in the Oxford Eagle.
This summer, our family was at a little league baseball game at Batesville, and Coach Orgeron was there. Many children stood in line to get an autograph from this arrogant man. Unfortunately, my five year old was one of many who waited.
He waited until the game was over, so as not to bother him while the game was going on. He stood there waiting with his Florida Gator team hat (the five year old that is). When his turn came, he was very rudely turned away by Orgeron. He told my son he was not going to sign his hat because it was a Florida hat.
My five year old had no idea why he was denied by this person, who must have been a great man because everyone was standing in line to get his signature. The look on my child's face when he turned around to walk away, hanging his head, would have made any real man sad.
My heart hurt so bad for my little man. My mother always told me, "Give a man a little power and his true character will appear". Coach Orgeron's true character was seen that day, to be sure. Coach Orgeron is the little man, and that day my son walked away the bigger one.
A mother whose heart hurt that day,
Sally Summerman
Photo Credit: Lamar Echols
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