Auburn Blog
July 30, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comJohnathan Bentley of the Daily Mountain Eagle has a nice article about the Chizik era excitement now in place on the Plains.
The Cullman Times thinks the same way.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.cullmantimes.com/localsports/x681827496/TALKIN-TIGERS-It-s-hard-not-to-be-excited-about-future-at-Auburn&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i0:lt:e0:p0:t1280268839:&cd=HbHLWEnrZoU&usg=AFQjCNF6pzjEi67oIZdEbzIXO6BSF-4V9A
Here we go again, another group is thinking about giving Auburn the National Championship. This one however, is as prestigious as it gets, without you know it being the BCS itself.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/oasports/comments/football_writers_association_may_award_auburn_with_http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/07/lb-justin-garrett-commits-to-auburn.html
WAR EAGLE!
July 27, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comGene Sapakoff with The Post and Courier has a look at the Gamecocks and Clemson games against Auburn this fall.
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jul/25/how-the-gamecocks-can-get-to-9-3/Andrew Gribble looks into the plans of Auburn’s senior football class. The following tag has an interesting view from Coach Chizik about the sports agent scandal rocking the college football world.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/chizik_offers_different_opinion_on_south_beach_
Brooks Webb over at Auburn Eagle has a couple of good interviews to share. One is with former Auburn great Quentin Groves, and the other with 6th year senior Aairon Savage.
WAR EAGLE!
July 24, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.com
Chris Low has a look at the offensive lines in the SEC this year.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/12053/sec-position-rankings-offensive-line-2SEC Media Days Pictures and video as promised earlier this week.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2010/07/sec_media_days_vides_gene_chiz.html&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i1:lt:e16:p1:t1279923145:&cd=gJV7b5zLAQU&usg=
AFQjCNGkUdfZuFvTgvDH81-CqWgEWR6Erg
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/07/2010_sec_media_days_video_aubu.html&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i1:lt:e15:p0:t1279923145:&cd=gJV7b5zLAQU&usg=
AFQjCNEL10xFhHlutHqKGsZG1v8dv9_d7g
Here is a Transcript of Gene Chizik's comments at SEC Media Days
Jul 23, 2010 10:39 AM CDT
The following is a transcript of comments made by Auburn head football coach Gene Chizik at SEC Media Days 2010 as reported by FastScripts:
THE MODERATOR: We are ready to begin kicking off day three with Auburn head coach Gene Chizik.
COACH CHIZIK: Good morning, everyone. Extremely excited to be back here at my second SEC Media Day. Extremely excited to be up here representing Auburn University.
Just a great, great time for the Auburn fans, our football team. This time of the year is obviously exciting for everybody. We're looking very much forward to the 2010 football season.
I want to thank you guys for the positive spins that you put on our players, what you do for our league. It really means a lot to us with what you do for our football team, but specifically for our league.
I just want to talk a little bit today, before we open this up for questions, about last year, knowing that we've moved ahead. But I think standing up here a year ago, just my first -- going into my first season at Auburn, there were some things that we really felt like were critical to what we were trying to do with our football program. Probably the most important thing that we felt like needed to happen last year was for us to build a foundation for what we're trying to do down the road. This is a long-term plan. This is a long-term vision.
We feel extremely, extremely excited on the fact that we feel like we have the football team based on last year going in the right direction. That doesn't mean we've arrived, and we know that. But going into the season, you know, the question was, What's a successful year? How many wins? How many losses? We'll never try to pin success on a number of wins.
Obviously we want to win as many games as we can. We want to put a championship team on the football field. That's the goal of Auburn University. That's been the goal of the place long before I got there and will be the goal long after I leave.
But the foundation of what we are trying to do is extremely important. We had to come in last year and win the trust and respect of our senior class first in terms of building that foundation. We had to recruit a class in that once we gained that trust and respect of our football team, add to that with a new recruiting class that we felt like was the right men for our program. I feel like we did that.
If you go back and look at the wins and losses of last year's season, you always look back and you can always look at the games that you would have, should have, and could have won. We certainly look back at last year and see a football team that at times played well, at times didn't play well.
But what we did at the end of the day, with eight wins, we had an exciting Bowl game, New Year's Day Bowl win against a very good Northwestern football team that kind of catapulted us into the off-season for our eighth win of the year. Again, as we look back, we just feel like there were a lot of things laid in place for what we're trying to do down the road.
The next thing that I thought was extremely, extremely important was that we have some continuity in our coaches staff with being able to hold on to our coaches. I just felt like there's guys on our football team right now that for the first time in their career, and a large majority of them, for the first time in their career have the same coordinator, offense or defense, for the second year in a row. You've got guys that have position coaches that are really sitting in the same boat.
So it was extremely important for me to give some continuity to our football players with having the same coaching staff. So we were able to retain everybody on our coaching staff. There's 119 football teams across the country that play football, Division I. Out of those 119, I want to say there's a very, very small handful, probably less than 10%, somewhere around 10%, that kept their coaching staffs intact.
To me, that was another part of the puzzle in trying to build a foundation for what we're trying to do down the road. We were able to do that. We were able to keep all of our coaches intact. We've spent the majority of the off-season trying to figure out how we can be a more consistent football team because, as I said earlier, there was times when we really played well, and there was times when we really didn't play well.
So we had to go back and really evaluate, it's been an ongoing process, in terms of going through last year, all the way up to where we are now, and trying to evaluate what is it that we have to do to become a more consistent team. That's everywhere on our football team. That's on offense.
If you look at our offense last year, there was a lot of things we did well. I think we set some school records. I think some guys for the first year being in the offense, we had a tailback that rushed for 1400 yards; the year before, he rushed for 600. He was a second-round draft pick. We've had some landmarks with our offense in terms of some things that are glaring. But what was glaring to us, we went back and watched, we were very inconsistent. There were times when we couldn't run the football, which in our opinion, in this league, is something that we have to be able to do a better job of this year to win more games.
We feel like, you know, first downs, there's just times where we put a lot of pressure on our defense because we couldn't get first downs. When you commit to a fast-tempo offense, those are the challenges for your defense. So we've got to figure out how to be more consistent on offense in a lot of ways.
If you go to our defense right now, there was a lot of pressure put on our defense. There's times on our defense, we played really well. There was times when we played very poorly. So we've had to go back and really kind of reevaluate. We've reevaluated everything. We've reevaluated players. We've reevaluated scheme. We've reevaluated everything that we need to to try to become a more effective defense, taking all things into consideration.
When we were playing in the Bowl game, we had defensive players, because of lack of depth, some of the issues last years, that ended up playing 140-some-odd plays. You'd like to get away from that a little bit.
Special teams-wise, there were times when we were really good. We returned kickoffs for touchdowns. Then we've returned kickoffs for an 18-yard kickoff return average, which is not acceptable. We've had to go back and look at our special teams to see where we are in those phases.
All things being told, consistency is going to be the name of the game with us in terms of us being better and really laying the second brick in the foundation of what we're trying to do.
Again, you know, wins and losses is not really something that we can pin a number to, to say this is going to be a successful second year, because I know some of you are going to ask that. It's more of, we want to be a more consistent team and we want to, on a consistent basis, play better than we did last year, then the numbers work themselves out.
We brought three tremendous young men here today to the Media Day that I would like to spend a couple of minutes talking about. We have Lee Ziemba, our starting left tackle. Lee is a tremendous Auburn man. He had a chance to come out and be a high draft pick this past year, but he loves Auburn. He made the choice to stay at Auburn. Him and I talked numerous times. He's as happy as he's ever been. He's a great Auburn man. I think he's a great story. He's probably going to break most of the records for consecutive starts at Auburn University and has played extremely well last year and we're expecting a big year from Lee.
We have Josh Bynes, who is our leading tackler from our defense; last year, a guy that didn't have any choice, he couldn't come off the field. Played relentlessly all through 13 games. Didn't miss a snap, didn't miss a practice. Played beat up, tired. Just showed a lot of kind of the Auburn way. It's just what you do. You keep working, and you keep working through all the adversities that he went through. Great to have Josh here, too, as one of our players on defense. Obviously our middle linebacker.
Then I thought we would bring a third young man that I think is a great story, and that's Aairon Savage. He applied for a sixth year. It's unique and neat because I recruited Aairon before I left Auburn as an assistant, then have an opportunity to come back now and coach him is really neat for me personally. But just really blessed to have a young guy like that on our football team that brings so much leadership. Has been the epitome of a guy that's been persistent and fought through so many things in his career that could potentially bring you down.
I mean, this guy was a starter three and four years ago when he walked on campus as a true freshman and played very well. He gets a knee injury. Last year he's trucking along during summer workouts, he has an Achilles tendon problem. Just a guy that, bless his heart, has done everything we've asked him to do. He's a great Auburn man, great football player. I'm just glad we have him back on our football team and the leadership that he brings to our team is second to none.
Those are the three young men here with us. Very proud of all three of those guys. Just wanted to mention them.
That's kind of the state of the union address of where we are at Auburn. That's where we're going. That's the direction we're headed in. Again, I think the Auburn family is extremely excited about the future of Auburn football. I've went and talked to a lot of different clubs as we've made the trek over the last few months. There's a great excitement from the Auburn family. That's a good thing.
Without any further ado, I'm going to open this up to questions. We'll hit the ground running.
THE MODERATOR: Questions.
Q. Right off the bat, you said a long-term plan and long-term vision. Given how impatient everybody is these days, news cycles go faster, how can you afford to think long-term?
COACH CHIZIK: Well, I don't think you can do this job without having a great vision for what you want to get done down the road. Obviously within those plans, you know, you're in a continuous evaluation process of what's happening now. I mean, it's not like you just lose sight of what you're doing now. Everything is an ongoing evaluation, trying to get better at what we do now.
When I talk about long-term vision, it's not just how we recruit players and how we manage our roster, it's the whole department, starting with our president, Dr. Gogue, with our athletic director Jay Jacobs, with our board of regents.
I mean, our trustees. Look at what we did with our facility upgrades, where we're going with those with a brand-new indoor that our trustees approved. I just think everybody's on the same page. I think everybody has a great vision for what we need and where we need to get. Whether it's facility improvement, whether it's recruiting, we've got a commitment from our administration that's second to none. We're all on the same page. That's a great thing to know as a head coach. It's a great feeling.
So when I talk about vision and future, that's really what I'm talking about.
Q. In the pre-season you and Arkansas are the two teams everyone are picking to ascend in the SEC. Can you compare and contrast your team and Arkansas?
COACH CHIZIK: Well, you know, that's hard to compare. I know Arkansas is returning a very, very good football team. Obviously, we went to Fayetteville last year and we saw that firsthand. I think Coach Petrino, who obviously I've been on the same staff with, is a great football coach. He'll have that team ready to play.
He's going into I think his third year now. When you've been to a place three years, you have the opportunity to have really laid down, for the two previous years, you know, what your expectations are, guys buying in, things of that nature. I know they're going to have a very good football team.
I just don't have time to really evaluate, continually evaluate, other people. I do that on game week. We do some of that in the off-season.
All my time and effort goes into what Auburn does. Those things that other people do, I can't control and don't try to. I got my hands full trying to obviously move Auburn football in the right direction.
So I don't know what people are saying. I'm not sure of what everybody thinks about the status of Arkansas, Auburn, everybody else. I don't really have time for that - and I mean this - I'm very focused on what we're trying to do at Auburn.
Comparatively speaking, I don't know that I can do that and be fair. I just know they have a very good football team, and our job this year is to have a better team than we had last year.
Q. You brought in a pretty highly regarded recruiting class. The NCAA is proposing legislation that would limit a school from offering a scholarship until the summer before a recruit's senior year. Does that limit what you can do on your recruiting plan? What are your general thoughts on that?
COACH CHIZIK: Well, you know, everybody knows kind of where recruiting has evolved, how it's evolved in the last two years. It's the way recruiting is right now. I think technology has a lot to do with it. You have all these different ways, there's more ways to communicate with all these guys. So it's sped up the recruiting process.
I would have no problem with that because I think a young guy deserves to be able to kind of go through the recruiting. I think that's a neat thing. It's backed up to the point now where literally you're looking at and evaluating sophomores. They're visiting your campus or camps, and you're sitting there talking to a 15-year-old what it's going to be like three years from now. That's a little bit of a weird dynamic when you really sit down and think about it.
So I don't know how that would be regulated. Obviously, you couldn't send them a written piece of paper if the legislation goes through. That could be regulated. In terms of the verbal offers and what you say, that could get a little tricky. I think the concept of it is really something that I would be in favor of.
I don't know exactly what direction you would be able to move into to be able to regulate that. Obviously, like I said, you would, something on written paper. But I think it would be good for the young man if the process were slowed down. But that's like trying to put sand back into the sand glass. I mean, it's out. It's hard to go backwards because we've kind of moved in the direction of being ahead of the game when it comes to recruiting younger guys because that's where it's gone.
In theory, probably a good thing.
Q. Talking about the facilities upgrade you mentioned, can you talk a little bit about how that affects recruiting, the advantages the facilities give you in recruiting athletes. Also looking at the class of 2011, can you talk about the depth of that class both in state and around the region?
COACH CHIZIK: Well, number one, when you talk about facilities upgrades, that's where I think administratively we have a great vision, starting with our president, Jay Jacobs, everybody involved. I think obviously it's huge. It's huge. You only have one time to make a first impression. When somebody comes on your campus. When we walk in and have the 'wow factor' with whatever they're looking at, it's big.
The things we're going to do is not only just for recruiting purposes. We want them to have a lot of function for what we're trying to do. The indoor is going to look nice. It's going to be state-of-the-art. There's no question about that. We're going to do that right. But also it's going to be very functional for us, which we're going to get a lot of use out of that.
We've got plans to do so many upgrades with Auburn athletics, but Auburn football specifically, there's a plan to continue to upgrade everything that we can, again, because you have to. That's where the league is.
Obviously recruiting is one of the major reasons that you do that.
In regards to the 2011 state of Alabama recruiting I'm assuming is what you're asking me. Again, the state of Alabama always has a tremendous amount of talent and we'll always do our best to recruit this state first and foremost. We'll continue to work in that direction. But we're really happy with just the relationships we built with all the high school coaches and how they've been with us in terms of treating us when we come to their campuses and things of that nature. They've been great.
We'll continue to recruit the state as our number one priority, and we'll move on from there.
Q. I think it's pretty clear to a lot of people that you did lay a foundation last year with the things that you did. With Coach Malzahn in particular on offense, you scored points, won games, but it seemed at times you scored so quickly, you put a pressure on your defense at a place where you had a lack of depth. Can you also talk about the things you have to do to play more consistently as far as specific variables for your team both offensively and defensively?
COACH CHIZIK: I think the point is well taken. With our offense, one of the things you go into, you sit before the season, you talk about, What do you need to do from an offensive standpoint? One of them is have explosive plays. When you have that -- in our case last year, it was a little bit of a different dynamic, simply because we had plays where we scored fast and quick. We're good with that. I'm good with that. That's not a problem.
But with that offense, there are big-play and big-strike capabilities. What we need to address that we saw in the off-season as we evaluated everything is, How can we sustain longer drives? That was where we felt like, from a team concept, we needed to, you know, continue to improve. So that means getting first downs. That means driving the football, running the football, doing the things that can keep our defense off the field a little bit more.
When you talk about what specific things defensively can we do, I think we just have to play more disciplined football and we've got to continue to - which we're working on now - continue to build the depth of our defense. I think there was a significant drop-off at positions last year between the first and second guy on defense. Not an excuse. Doesn't mean we're not expecting to play better defense this year.
Then from the standpoint of our special teams, as well, being very consistent with what we're trying to do there, it's execution, it's discipline, it's accountability. All those things I think add into the dynamic of our team being a better team next year.
Q. I want to ask you about Cam Newton. Short on experience. In terms of the raw physical skills that you see on the practice field, what are his greatest strengths and areas he needs to get better at?
COACH CHIZIK: Cameron, he is a phenomenal young man, first of all. He's done everything we've asked him to do both on and off the field. You can just see Cameron physically when he walks through the door, you know he's a very athletic, very talented young man.
It's a good thing that he's had a little bit of experience in this league just traveling around and being in different stadiums, seeing it, knowing it. I think that little thing in itself is big.
The fact that he went to a junior college, was able to lead that team to a national championship, I think that was big. I think that's all kind of in the recipe of getting Cameron ready to play in this league consistently.
There's question marks in terms of what's he going to do and how is the function of our offense going to be when you're playing in front of 90,000. Obviously that's the question.
But everything that we have to base our idea on right now, with what we've expected him to do, what we've asked him to do, he's done everything we've asked him. He's really, really worked at it, and a lot on his own. That's the thing that excites me about him. He wants to be a great football player. He really, really does. As we've told him, I've told everybody else, he's got to get on the field now and deliver. That's the last piece of the puzzle and the most critical part. He can do whatever he wants in practice. He's got to take that to the game field and deliver.
We're excited to see Cameron in action in the first game, see how he responds.
Q. You talked about laying the foundation, setting offensive records. With your type of offense, do you think that's the best way for you to sell your product to a recruit, to compete against Nick Saban of Alabama, like you mentioned about the state of Alabama recruiting? Does that help you out selling a different product? Is that the best way to compete against Nick Saban, who has had top five classes since he's been at the University of Alabama?
COACH CHIZIK: Well, we recruit against everybody in the country. As we know, you can tell by how many players got drafted in this league, arguably there's a ton of talent that everybody's vying for every year in this league.
That doesn't include all the people that come from different leagues to this region of the United States to get great players. So we recruit against everybody.
I don't think there's any question that the productivity of us on offense helps us sell Auburn University to a young man that wants to come in and play who's an offensive guy. In one football season, you know, you can look on paper and see touchdown passes. There's so many things that I can go into, I don't want to go into them all, but there's things we did last year that are just a glimmer of how good we can be. That's where we're working. If you're a young guy wanting to come in and play right now, there's not a lot of long lines to stand in at Auburn to play.
The fact that there's opportunities, the fact that we're gonna be an explosive offense, hopefully, more so than we were last year, I think those are all intriguing things.
But we recruit against everybody. Hey, you know what? We just sell our product. We sell our product. Recruiting's about relationships. At the end of the day, recruiting's about relationships. We try to work really hard and make sure that nobody out-works us. I said that from the day I came there. We want to make sure that nobody is out-working us in recruiting.
I've got a great staff that has really bought into that. They are right there with me on it. So those are all things -- I'm not trying to get into a recruiting pitch, but those are the things that are important to us. If you're a young guy on offense, that might be intriguing to you.
Q. Zac Etheridge was officially cleared to play this week. Talk about how much that means to the team and the safety position in general?
COACH CHIZIK: Well, let me first start out and talk about Zac as a young man. This is a tremendously, tremendously blessed young man. What a great kid. He's put so much into Auburn University. He's put so much into football. He eats, sleeps, and drinks football.
Last year when the injury occurred, obviously the only thing that mattered for the Auburn family is that he was healthy again. Football was not in the equation at that point. It's been a journey for him that's been very emotional. There's been a lot of ups and a lot of downs, wondering what is my situation, what is going to be the final verdict. You're looking at a young man that just dreams of playing football since he was three and four years old.
So to be able to get the news. Let me tell you something. Our medical staff, our doctors that are associated with the care of him, have been absolutely phenomenal. Our medical staff is the best in the country, I really believe that. We've all been on the same page all the way through. That means coaches, family, training staff, doctors. It's just been an incredible journey in how it unfolded.
To get that news the other day that he was able to play is just an incredible feeling for our whole football team. Everybody has an extremely high level of regard for Zac as a player and a member of our team. It was great for our football team. It was great for him. So we're excited about the prospects of having him back.
Q. You spoke earlier this morning about talking to the folks, the Auburn people. They were very excited about what they think is going to be coming. Does that translate into pressure for you? Do you feel that?
COACH CHIZIK: You know, more pressure I think for coaches is self-imposed than anything else. I'm just excited about the fact that the Auburn family is really -- as I've gone and I've talked to 11 or 12 different clubs, however many it's been, it's the same passion and energy and excitement at every place. That's really cool for me, because that was one of the things I wanted to do as well, is really pull the Auburn family back together. I feel it and I sense it when I go talk to people. It's really a neat thing.
But the pressure that's involved, you know, there was pressure when I was a defensive coordinator. There's pressure when you're head coach. There's pressure when you're a position coach. Bottom line, we're in a day and age where everybody wants to win. That's not gonna change.
Again, I think guys that are very competitive and head coaches, position coaches, everybody else, when you're in this profession, I don't know that your self-imposed pressure is maybe the most pressure that you feel.
Q. One of the big statements you made last year in recruiting was getting Trovon Reed, the number one player in Louisiana. Can you describe what you see maybe his role being for your team this year.
COACH CHIZIK: Well, it's going to be really interesting because Trovon is one of those guys that can do so many things. We know that he's a very talented young man with the ball in his hands. He can do a number of things. That's why these two-a-days coming up, fall camp, is going to be extremely critical because we have young guys like Trovon that we have ideas of where he can fit and what he can do and what he can bring to the table. We're going to have to get out there and really work with him and see.
Again, we know when he has the ball in his hands, he's a threat. Whether that's at wide-out, whether that's at a wildcat position, wherever that is, I don't know. I know we have ideas of where we're going to try to go with him and how we're going to try to get the ball in his hands, but we got to see how fast he develops. And we got to see what he feels comfortable in and where he fits best with our offense.
But very talented young man, great kid. We're very blessed to have him at Auburn.
Q. In recent years, it's been Alabama and/or Florida SEC national championships. Looking forward, how difficult is it for other teams in this league to catch those programs? Are they that dominant in the future?
COACH CHIZIK: I think it's obvious, if you go back over the last few years, it's two great programs. But if you look at this league from top to bottom, you've got great programs everywhere. I mean, if you look over the last however many, eight, nine years, you've got three national champions from the SEC West, you have a 2004 undefeated Auburn team that was 13-0, that I was blessed to be a part of, that was one of the greatest teams that Auburn has had.
It's the whole league. I don't know that you can pin it on two, because there's been so many other great football teams and players that have come throughout the league top to bottom.
So, you know, obviously Florida and Alabama have done a really nice job over the last couple years, both recruiting and coaching. But the whole league is that way.
Hey, we're going to continue to fight every week in the league no matter who we're playing. But the league is challenging itself. That's from top to bottom.
THE MODERATOR: Coach, thank you.
COACH CHIZIK: Thank you.
Copyright 2010 WBRC and FastScripts. All rights reserved.
WAR EAGLE!
July 22, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comI’d like to thank the Academy…
Gene Chizik in a local public service commercial.
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/gene+chizik#TigerNet.com has an interesting preview of the upcoming battle with Auburn…
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.tigernet2.com/view/story.do%3Fid%3D8717&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i1:lt:e2:p2:t1279681402:&cd=S9N9D30SQ3o&usg=AFQjCNGKP9_z_Jd6CQ0JFNx0fbZbIcg3vA
Jerry Hinnen has a common sense look at the two wide out recruits that committed to the Tigers this week. Enjoy.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/07/krootin-sammie-coates-jaylon-denson-commit etc/&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i2:lt:e1:p1:t1279681389:&cd=2JqdLXyPppg&usg=AFQjCNEG25V_d3pLEhAairon Savage has been cleared medically to participate in Football this fall. Andy Bitter has the good news…
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/07/video-safety-zac-etheridge-talks-about.htmlWar Eagle!
July 21, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWar Eagle guys and gals, we have a few good article ready for ya. Also SEC media days is in full swing, so when the good guys start their stint we will keep you posted.
Here Jay G. Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser has a good piece on Ted Roof, Auburn’s Defensive Coordinator.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20100718/SPORTS0402It’s never too early to recruit the best. Check out the video player with young man’s highlights. Impressive to say the least..
Thanks to Justin Hokason and the rivals.com gang.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp%3FCID%3D1103833&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i1:lt:e1:p1:t1279595077:&cd=zK7K0MiE8zk&usg=AFQjCNHW9WJju78rYN6ki_D10XMbVObpiw
Charles Goldberg has news on one of Auburn’s newest recruits. Jaylon Denson from Hoover.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/07/hoover_receiver_jaylon_WAR EAGLE!
July 20, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comMatt Low with Lindeysports.com has a nice write up on Auburn’s upcoming season.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.lindyssports.com/article.php%3Fcn%3D1901&ct=ga&cad=:s7:f2:v0:i1:lt:e10:p4:t1279404752:&cd=TQQwfI6VTbo&usg=AFQjCNFT5V4R0l3-snM2PwWduksaIe11DA
Her is a great interview with head coach Gene Chizik. He talks about the expectations, and getting ready for the season. Well worth your time.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/auburn_head_football_coach_gene_chizik_talks_about_Andy Bitter has an in depth interview with Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/07/extended-q-with-athletics-director-jay.htmlI am going to take a little time and boast about an accomplishment of mine.
This is our 100th blog entry on philsteele.com/auburn and I couldn’t be more proud of this. It’s not that I made it this far, it’s more that Phil Steele and his staff of really great folks had the faith and confidence in my ability before anyone else did.
So, thanks to Phil and Brandon, and the rest of his staff, and most especially thanks to you for staying with us through the summer, and here’s to hoping we will be together for many more.
WAR EAGLE!
July 18, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHello once again Tiger fans and WAR EAGLE!!!
We start another week with some rather glowing commentary about former Auburn QB Jason Campbell.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story%3Fcolumnist%3DJerry Hinnen of the war eagle reader has an excellent write up on the Clemson game.
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/07/2010-cheese-puff-previews-clemson/
I absolutely love Jerry’s style of writing, and his sense of humor always gets me smiling.*Public Service notice
This is why you never ever want to be confused as this Alabama fan…
"these guys who keep saying auburn beat bama for 58 minutes are they not stupid or what look 7 later days bama beat down florida a number one team so my point is the tide played nothering but base offense and basee offence .now the tide could of turn loose like the year before and shut auburn down and beat them 36 to 0 again . these village people are so stupid and thinks saban did his best are foolish as heck . i am so glad my dad taught me to be and alabama earily and not those village people so classless" !This poor uneducated person wants to convince you that Alabama played Auburn with just a basic set on both sides of the ball, last year, so as not to give the Florida Gators any advantage. Right.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is known as trolling. People of this sort should be avoided at all cost. Alabama, Auburn, Nebraska, even Notre Dame has this kind of fan base segment. Please do not get involved in a discussion with someone of this ilk it will only make you mad.
WAR EAGLE!
July 15, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe Oakland Raiders have signed former Auburn standout defensive back Walter McFadden.
Speaking of the Raiders, former Auburn QB and first round draft pick, Jason Campbell was quite happy being traded to Oakland. Here is a very nice media session…
The Raiders should be on every Tiger fans watch list this season with no less than 3 former Auburn players on the roster. The third is Quentin Groves.
Another Auburn Eagle write up that will leave you feeling great. Auburn’s recruiting is truly taking on that National feeling…
Auburntigerman has a very good read also over at Track Em Tigers..
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/7/14/1558624/i-love-auburn-too-much-to-leave
WAR EAGLE!
July 14, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comIt’s time to take a look at the possibilities of the upcoming season. The big question in Auburn fans minds is, “How many games are the Tigers going to win this year”?
Because of the question being "how many games will Auburn win in 2010”? Bowl games get counted towards that season so, I looked at the possibility that a new starting QB, together with a first time starting RB being the questions on the offense.
I have to believe that a QB and a RB will have to be extremely talented to work together in their first season, and not have some mistakes.
Unlike many, I think mistakes, if they come could/would be early in the season, and depending on what time in the game they happen, could result in a slip up or two.
Tough schedule, and improving opponents in games 2 thru 4 make the possibility of mistakes early in the season costing games that much more a reality.
The first pressure situation that this team should encounter will be week two in Starkville, Mississippi. A Thursday night game and nationally televised, the Tigers will be even more stoked trying to show the nation what they can do.
Add to the chances of MSU being able to keep things close until late in the second half, and the pressure is on, so to speak.
Thus is life in the SEC, and the Tigers will not be immune to the effects of it. Play calling and coaching personnel decisions, will be tested by an up and coming Bulldog squad.
As if that weren’t enough the Clemson Tigers roll in to The Plains the next week. Clemson may have lost a starting QB as Auburn has, and definitely lost a stud RB as the Tigers from the loveliest village have, but the outcome could go down to the last few drives of the second half, and that is where Auburn will be tested.
The following week The Old Ball Coach comes to town with arguably his best team since being in South Carolina.
The Auburn squad has their work cut out for them this year. Make no mistake, this schedule is much tougher than most are predicting. The advantage may be that Auburn has Clemson and USC(east) at home.
The Auburn fan in me says we are going to Atlanta to play for the SEC Championship the realist in me says a chance for two losses and one of them could be early in one of the games mentioned. So here goes, my prediction is 11-2 with a big win in the Iron Bowl.WAR EAGLE!
July 13, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHello fellow Tiger fans. Vacation is well behind me now, and we are going to get caught up earlier rather than later.
Cam Newton is making top ten lists every where these days..
http://blogs.clarionledger.com/msu/2010/07/12/no-10-cameron-newton/Auburn notes come from al.com via Mr. Charles Goldberg.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/07/auburn_notes_dontae_aycock_fin.htmlAndy Bitter has a neat look at Auburn’s most Integral players fro 2010.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/07/most-integral-player-no-8-darvin-adams.htmlAlways worth the time, The Mayor has a cool summer time look at recruiting..
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=450:on-the-recruiting-trail&catid=37:auburn-recruitingOne of my favorite Auburn writers is Dione Thrift. He is from the school of short, and to the point. Check him and his skillful penmanship here…
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=451:more-questions-than-answers&catid=36:auburn-footballWAR EAGLE!
July 9, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comJust in case you missed this, Jay Ratliff former Auburn Tiger defensive end and part of the 2004 National Championship season, was a special guest on ESPN’s NFL Live show with Trey Wingo and Mike Golic.
Jay handled himself really well and is well spoken. Enjoy these two clips…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV7W9zrpguc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcIX-Cvia4k
Ryan Pugh, the Auburn senior center has made the Lombardi watch list this year. Thanks to al.com we have the story here…
http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2010/07/sec_at_the_center_of_attention.html
Scout Inc. has released their EARLY recruiting rankings. Auburn is currently the highest ranked team with single digit commitments.
http://auburn.scout.com/a.z?s=6&p=9&c=14&yr=2011
Highly sought after running back Dee Hart has listed his two favorites as of right now. The Rivals.com free article comes complete with video highlights of Mr. Hart. Come on home to Auburn Dee.
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1100683
WAR EAGLE!
July 7, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comEvan Woodbery gives us the bad news on one of Auburn’s reserve defensive backs.
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/07/auburn_cornerback_dantoine_hoo.htmlThanks to Jay G. Tate and his wonderful group of Hotties, we have this picture of Leonardo DeCaprio wearing an Auburn hat.
here is the link to Tate’s page.. http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/07/he-likes-auburn.html
Jay Coulter at Track Em Tigers has an interesting article on the subject of “How I became an Auburn fan”.
It’s an interesting look into the way many fans have become Auburn fans with lots of testimonials from readers. Well worth your time.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/7/5/1551997/where-i-come-from-how-i-became-an
WAR EAGLE!
July 3, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThere are several good articles out and about that I thought would share them with you.
It’s the off-season and that means previews, and recruiting articles are the only hot news usually.
Kevin Scarbinsky has stirred a hornets nest with this article though..
http://blog.al.com/kevin-scarbinsky/2010/06/scarbinsky_alabama_gets_anothe.html
While there are several good points made, many of which seemed to be copied from another Auburn blog site, I might add, Mr. Scarbinsky seems intent on creating a fire where none existed. That’s my view anyway.
On to the news…
Nobody does previews and match-ups better than, Acid Reign, over at Track ‘Em Tigers, and this week he has a look back at the rivalry, and record of Arkansas vs. Auburn. Pretty interesting stuff.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/7/1/1546783/razorbacks-vs-tigers
On the Auburn Eagle web site they have a couple of nice articles, one on recruiting,
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=443:on-the-recruiting-trail&catid=37:auburn-recruiting
the other on Mr. Travis Williams
WAR EAGLE!
June 30, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAndrew Gribble at OANOW has a look at Auburn’s athletic programs.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/au_athletics_bevy_of_programs_made_important_strides_in_2009-10/162970/
Ivan Maisel at ESPN.com has a very nice peek down memory lane, it’s well worth your time. Enjoy.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=5334960Here are three different articles from rivals.com that look at future prospects for your Tigers.
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1097560http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1098163
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1096866
We’ll be back soon if anything pops up.
WAR EAGLE!
June 25, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThanks for being so patient with your humble Auburn blogger. I have been on a mini vacation and my laptop died during the trip, so I have not been able to stay in touch. So let’s get caught up, shall we?
Evan Woodbery at www.al.com has this excellent piece on who has shown up on campus this summer…
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/06/auburns_2010_signees_where_the.htmlMr. Woodbery also has the details on a fine young man from Ol’ Miss who by any standard deserves much more than kudos for his alert thinking and unselfish act during their game against Auburn last year.
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/06/rodney_scott_ole_miss_player_w.htmlAs usual Acid Reign has a tremendous breakdown of an Auburn opponent, this time it’s Kentucky.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/6/24/1533955/revenge-on-the-wildcatsAuburn has a couple players named to post season watch lists,,,
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/06/auburn_lineman_lee_ziemba_line.html
Thanks again go to Mr. Woodbery and al.com.Shon Coleman is going thru final stages of chemotherapy in his fight against Lymphoblstic leukemia
We continue to keep Shon and his family in our thoughts and prayers.WAR EAGLE!
June 15, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comContinuing along the lines of Conference expansion, this fine article by Chris Low brings up some good points that SEC commissioner Mike Slive must keep in mind..
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/11377/sec-rivalries-that-are-untouchable
From an unnamed source at the Mobile Press-Register is this little Jewel.
http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2010/06/auburn_coaches_enjoy_cross-pro.html
This Past Weekend Auburn held one of the three mini-camps scheduled for High School players.
Mr. Charles Goldberg from al.com has this for us..
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/06/auburns_first_senior_mini-camp.html
That’s all for this week, unless something really big breaks.
WAR EAGLE!
June 14, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThere has been a tremendous amount of chatter this past week and half or so, about the sanctions levied against USC and what, if anything, it would mean to Auburn’s2004 team.
First let me state that we discussed at length already. No need to rehash old posts, or pick at old wounds.
For all the remarks that have been made, the actuality of the findings against USC only serve as vindication to the members of that 2004 Tiger team, their fans, and the University as a whole.
No revote will ever be needed to assure the Tigers of the Loveliest Village, that they were in fact the best in all of college football that year.
It wasn’t the first time Auburn has been snubbed; it probably won’t be the last. Regardless of the BCS or AP media, Auburn stands pat against their opinions, they earned the title on the field of play, fairly against the best competition in the land, period!
Chris Low with ESPN.com has this. Enjoy..
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/11345/2004-auburn-team-deserved-betterWAR EAGLE!
June 11, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comJust in case you are interested, Auburn’s Football team remains above the APR set by the NCAA. Continued
Increases in Grade point averages and such are expected. Here is the report from the NCAA….
http://web1.ncaa.org/app_data/apr2009/37_2009_apr.pdf
Acid Reign over at Track ‘Em Tigers has another outstanding look into Auburn’s opponents this upcoming football season. Here’s the link..
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/6/10/1510145/two-carolina-teams-in-two-weeks
USC got the bad news from the NCAA’s investigation of players accepting money from outside sources. Citing the proverbial “Lack of institutional control” USC has to vacate games from December 2004 through the 2005 season, they will lose 10 scholarships per year starting in 2011 and continuing for 3 years consecutively, plus the ban from Bowl Game appearances for two years.
Appeals are sure to follow.
Here are some of the realignment rumors going around today..
- Nebraska to the Big Ten by Friday
- Colorado to the PAC-10 today
- Martians have landed on Earth
- WW III has broke out and we are all doomed!
WAR EAGLE!
June 9, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThis a great interview with Coach Malzahn over at Fox Sports South.
Tom Lugenbil of ESPN.com has a look at the best QB’s of the 2011 recruiting class. No way I’m spoiling it for you, but there is a reason we are talking about it here!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=5259604
WAR EAGLE!
June 8, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comCharles Goldberg, of the Birmingham News and al.com, has a great read on the SEC West division. It’s well worth your time…
http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-stories/2010/06/birmingham_news_sec_football_p.html
The excitement around Auburn has nothing to do with football, so we will get back to you with any updates as fast as they develop.
Please do not forget to visit ..http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/6/3/1499277/shon-coleman-fundraiser
and bid on Phil’s autographed copy, to the Auburn family, of our 2010 preview magazine.
WAR EAGLE!
June 5, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comNew with Google is this way to show your support of the Auburn Tigers.
Jay G. Tate with the Montgomery Advertiser, has these notes from the SEC meetings in San Destin, FL
http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/06/reportage-from-sandestin-day-3.htmlJerry, who happens to be the premier Auburn blogger on the planet, over at The War Eagle Reader looks into the numbers/math/stats of what works best points wise when the offense crosses the midfield stripe..
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/06/should-auburn-ever-punt-im-almost-serious/Don’t forget to go over to Track ‘Em Tigers and bid on that Special Phil Steele magazine.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/6/3/1499277/shon-coleman-fundraiserWAR EAGLE!
June 4, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comNetworks are starting to set some air times for SEC games. Here is a story from al.com..
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/06/auburn-clemson_kickoff_at_6_pm.htmlTommy Hicks has talked with Coach Chizik about recruiting.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/06/coach_gene_chizik_sees_recruit.htmlSPECIAL NOTICE
A special shout out to Phil Steele, for his offering an autographed copy of this year’s preview magazine. Phil is the best in the business, and has a better accuracy rate than any other College Football preview magazine.
Here’s a link to the story and the special way the Auburn family is reacting to the news.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/6/3/1499277/shon-coleman-fundraiserOnce again Acid Reign has an outstanding preview of the upcoming match up with Clemson this year.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/6/3/1499020/tigers-vs-tigersWAR EAGLE!
June 1, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe big news this past weekend was the second annual Big Cat Weekend at Auburn. The recruits had so much fun, and enjoyed the visits. Many recruits brought their parents with them, and so far the news is really good. All the recruits were kept away from the public, and that stemmed from last year’s secondary violations during the same event.
Below are three links from rivals.com, enjoy…
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1089568
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1089509
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1089509
If you have been following recruiting, then you know that Keilh(pronounced Kyle) Frazier, has committed to play for Auburn. Frazier is an outstanding quarterback talent with a strong arm, and is very mobile. Brooks Webb with Auburn Eagle has the skinny on Mr. Frazier.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=430:big-time-qb-commits-&catid=37:auburn-recruitingJust like last year, Auburn has garnered a high profile commit during Big Cat, and looks to secure several more commitments from this year’s visitors.
WAR EAGLE!
May 28, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comBad news, for former Auburn great Reggie Torbor. Here’s the story.
http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nfl/news/news.aspx?id=4313885
Here’s to hoping he lands on his feet soon.Rednilla over at Auburn Eagle has a nice article on Neiko Thorpe.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=428:neiko-thorpe-ready-to-shine&catid=36:auburn-footballIt’s Big Cat Weekend time again. We will try to keep you posted.
WAR EAGLE!
May 27, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAfter realizing that just about everybody else is doing the analysis of Auburn’s opponents this coming season, I have decided to just share with you the best of the rest, so to speak.
Acid Reign over at Track ‘Em Tigers does an excellent job of breaking down position by position each opponent, and comparing them against Auburn. Enjoy.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/5/27/1489534/thursday-night-shoot-out
There really isn’t any bigger news than this weekends “Big Cat Weekend 2”. It has been a more deftly kept
Secret than some of the Pentagons war plans as to who may show up.
So far very few names have been leaked.
Here’s the write up courtesy of al.com
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/05/auburn_preparing_for_another_b.html
WAR EAGLE!
May 26, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comIt’s a given that leadership is the key to any successful business. Leadership is also the driving force of nations. A good leader keeps things moving ahead, a poor leader tears things apart and leaves them in shambles. A great leader however, can make all the difference needed to take a company, a nation, or a football team from “Good to Great”
Auburn is blessed to have 24 returning seniors on the football field in 2010. The returning seniors have been through the gauntlet of high expectations, and failed attempts at greatness.
Think for a moment what these young men, the “old” guys on the team have had to endure. Recruited by a successful coaching staff, that had been in place for years mind you, only to see the disaster of the 2008 season unfold.
They lived through the most tumultuous year of Auburn football in over three decades, suffered the coaching search with baited breath, not knowing what lay in store for each of them. Then when their new leader was named, saw the Auburn family torn apart over the hiring of Gene Chizik.
How many of you could deal with these kinds of events happening in your work environment? It would not be pleasant, to say the least.
This year, the senior class of Auburn football players has earned the right to hold their collective heads up high and look brightly toward the future.
Alas that is not what is happening. They have their nose to the grindstone if you will. The weight room is a buzz. The summer workouts are filled with enthusiasm and hard work. The film room is being used by, more than just the quarterbacks. It’s everybody on board.
These fine young men have set goals for themselves, and their teammates. Lofty expectations, championships!
Last season the Auburn football team was better than expected by some, by any standard they were good. Thus, this senior class has a motto “Good to Great”.
WAR EAGLE!
May 25, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comSouthern Pigskin magazine has announced their picks for preseason offensive lineman honors. Only one Auburn Tiger on the list, but its still preseason. Enjoy!
http://www.southernpigskin.com/index.php/site/preseason_ot_rankings/
Here is the link to order your copy of Phil Steele's preseason magazine.
http://www.philsteele.com/Blogs/2010/May10/DBMay19.html
Chris Low over at ESPN.com has a nice article on Coach Chizik.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/10971/chiziks-approach-a-hit-with-auburn-players
WAR EAGLE!
May 24, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comLet’s take a look at the upcoming schedule week by week, shall we?
Auburn's first opponent of the 2010 season will be a simple pushover. The chances of ASU winning are so minute that NASA will discover life on Mars first, trust me!
From the confidence of my recliner/office chair I can assure you total and complete victory in this game.
That is not a slight in any way to ASU, it's student body, or the alumni. A fact is a fact, and there is not a chance in this universe that ASU will win this game.
Still, they deserve respect and we will do just that.
No less than nine players were selected to Phil Steele's All-SBC team from the Red Wolves. With 15 players on offense and 10 players on defense having starting experience, these guys are not going to be pushovers.
Coached by Steve Roberts the Red Wolves hired a new offensive coordinator this season who's name you might be familiar with. Coach Hugh Freeze was the high school coach of Michael Oher, yes that
Michael Oher of the "Blind Side" movie fame. He also was the recruiting coordinator for Ole Miss for a couple years.
The new offensive system will be in place and ready for the season, but as Auburn people are hoping, new systems are much better the second season.
Still, this squad has character, and they will fight to the end.Let's show the Red Wolves fans a nice time, and wish them the best of luck in the Sun Belt Conference this year. After we dispatch their upset bid early, and get some good practice in for the Freshmen and Sophomores.
WAR EAGLE!
May 22, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAs you know, Dontae Aycock has been dismissed from the team. Evan Woodbery from al.com has been talking to some of Dontae’s former coaches.
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/05/former_coaches_rb_dontae_aycoc.html
We will have more on this story as it unfolds.“Rednilla” over at Auburn Eagle has been looking into what’s in the future for Gus Malzahn. It is well worth your time.
http://www.auburneagle.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=425:rednilla&catid=36:auburn-footballWAR EAGLE!
May 20, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comMr. Charles Goldberg at al.com shares the news about Auburn's newest student athletes.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/05/michael_dyer_other_auburn_sign.htmlDaniel Boyett shares this wonderful piece about a former Auburn great.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/05/baldwin_register_challenges_le.htmlRivals contributor Justin Hokanson has this enlightening piece about incoming commit Joel Bonomolo.
http://auburn.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1085980WAR EAGLE!
May 17, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAllen Wilson of the Buffalo News has this interesting story about former Tiger Antonio Coleman.
http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/05/13/1049774/bills-get-coleman-off-back-burner.htmlCoach Chizik was in Mobile, AL recently and added some insight to Ben Tate’s dunk during the Outback Bowl.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/05/chizik_auburn_on_the_right_tra.htmlSome coaches got together in Mobile, AL for a charity event this past week. Auburn’s Coach Chizik was among them.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/05/football_preview_dinner_to_ben.htmlWAR EAGLE!
May 13, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comA US Soldier in Kosovo has raised money for the St. Jude hospital in honor of Shon Coleman, the young man who committed to Auburn to play football and was struck with leukemia.
Here is a picture of his march and so far he has been able to raise over $13,000.00 and needs your support to reach his goal of $20,000.00.
The link to his story and where to make donations is here…
http://stj.convio.net/goto/wareagleshonLet’s all get behind this cause. We can show the world our strength and unity and FAMILY.
WAR EAGLE!
May 12, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comEvan Woodbery, with al.com, reports on the newest Tiger commit. Sweetwater, AL linebacker Chris Landrum
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/05/lb_chris_landrum_of_sweet_wate.htmlMr. Woodbery also has a story on the Tiger Trek, which is the new name of Coach Chizik’s visits with local Auburn booster clubs.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/05/chizik_speaking_to_sellout_cro.htmlMike Herndon, with al.com has an update about Antonio Coleman’s efforts to make the roster with the Buffalo Bills.
http://blog.al.com/mikeherndon/2010/05/free_agent_antonio_coleman_trying_to_beat_odds_by_earning_spot_with_buffalo_bills.html
May 11, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAndrea Adelson of the Orlando Sentinel had an opportunity to speak with Kevin Yoxall this past week.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/college/os-adelson-college-insider-0510-20100506,0,3385871.columnThe newest commitment to the Auburn Tigers is from the state of Deleware.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/05/delaware_defensive_lineman_ang.html
It’s the summer doldrums around the football complex. News will be slow somewhat, look for the Big Cat Weekend 2 news any day now.WAR EAGLE!
May 7, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comJay Coulter over at Track 'Em Tigers has a great perspective on the NCAA's ban recent rulings concerning the number of coaches that can visit at one time.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/5/3/1455099/ncaa-rule-change-a-badge-of-honor
Coach Chizik was in Montgomery this past week speaking to the Auburn club there. Thanks to Jay G. Tate for the report.
Shout Out to the HOTTIES!
http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/05/gene-chizik-speaks-in-montgomery.html
AuburnTron's BomexLex has the scoop on the Auburn A-Day attendance rankings..
http://www.auburntron.com/2010/05/06/auburn-spring-game-brings-record-numbers/
Mr. Charles Goldberg at al.com is full of confidence about Auburn's ability to recruit with the new handcuffs courtesy of the NCAA.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/05/its_back_to_basics_for_auburn.html
WAR EAGLE!
May 4, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHow and why do I love Auburn University?
I never attended classes there. I never lived in Auburn. I can honestly say I have been visiting Auburn since the 1970’s. I was a fan of the football team years before then, although I truly fell in love with Auburn the first time I visited there in 1972.
I was a member of my high schools vocational agriculture land judging team. We went to Auburn to learn more about land characteristics and to compete in an event. I cannot remember who won, or if we did well.
I can however tell you that Auburn has stuck ever since. I was as enamored with those beautiful grounds as I had been with any girl until then.
I will not make any excuses my family could not afford to send me to Auburn. It’s a good thing for me in a selfish sense, because I met my wife of nearly 32 years at a Technical College.
Now I have heard that to truly love a place you must attend school there, or live there. For the most part I would agree, except with Auburn. The old girl just draws her lovers close, keeps them warm and comfortable.
The big news in football recruiting is, the over excitement of the NCAA and this complete garbage of an excuse, to attack another SEC University, that is competing for the best recruits.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-ncaa-rule-will-prevent-future-tiger.html
Please put the kid’s to bed before you ask me how I really feel about the NCAA’s rules committee.
WAR EAGLE!
April 29, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comEARTH SHATTERING NEWS!- kinda sorta
Cameron Newton, the five star, number one rated JUCO transfer, was named starting quarterback for the Auburn Tigers for the coming season.
His being tabbed as the starter leaves senior Neil Caudle as the odd man out again. Caudle is the only quarterback to throw a pass in competition for Auburn on the roster.
Here are two stories by, first Charles Goldberg at al.com and Acid Reign over at Track 'Em...
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/04/quarterback_decision_cam_newto.html
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/4/29/1449643/thursday-newsbitsWAR EAGLE!
April 28, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comChris Low of ESPN has this about the seniors to watch next season. Two Auburn players made his list. I would have thought more, but of course I see the world through Orange and Blue glasses.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/10473/top-returning-seniors-in-the-secMike Herndon of al.com gives us this look at Monday evening’s meet and greet in Mobile, AL which concluded the Monday Tiger Prowl.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/04/tiger_prowl_hits_mobile.htmlEvery time Coach Taylor speaks I feel blessed we have him as a coach at Auburn.
WAR EAGLE!
April 26, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comOn March 22nd we asked several questions about Auburn’s football team, and what answers we might get from spring practice. Let’s see what we might have learned.
Starting as we did with questions is the offense.
At wide out Auburn seems to be the deepest and most talented. Returning two starters at wide receiver and with no less than four backups with game experience, this unit looks to shine 2010.The offensive line returns the most game time experience of all the Auburn positions on offense. Three seniors that have started all of last year’s game save two, add up to a very good line returning. The question surrounded the right tackle spot left empty by the graduation of Andrew McCain. The answer came as a surprise of somewhat. Two new linemen started the spring battling it out for rotation and playing time.
Clint Moseley and Rozell Gayden are the two men who have had their shot this spring to impress the coaches.The question at running back was whether Mario Fannin could handle the job. The answer quite simply is YES! Yes he can indeed. Coach Luper has stated that Mario will get over a thousand rushing yards if he stays healthy. The big plus is Coach Luper also said Mario did not fumble once all spring. That’s impressive!
It appears the question of tight end/ H-back will be played by committee depending on the situation and play calling. Several names appear here, Eric Smith, Robert Cooper, and Phillip Lutzenkirchen.
As far as quarterback goes, whooboy! Cam Newton did not play much in A-Day competition. Barrett Trotter played very well, as did Neil Caudle and Clint Mosley. We still have no specific order of dominance at this position.
Now, on to the defensive questions.
At defensive back we may not have any definitive answers until late into fall practices. On a positive note some of the younger players are stepping up with impressive spring play. Ikeem Means is one name that was mentioned often.
We may actually have more questions at linebacker now than pre-spring. Eltoro Freeman is a big question mark after being called out by Coach Chizik. In a rare media response, Coach Chizik said Mr. Freeman, and one of the defensive backs, Mike McNeil, “need to step it up”.
So as we visit the pre-spring questions some answers have been emphatically answered, while others have not been resolved fully. Clearly some issues have been kept private for team sake, and others need to be answered with hard work. Let’s get to work men; the season is around the corner.
WAR EAGLE!
April 18, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comA veritable plethora of A-Day info for you, provided by Messer’s Bitter, Goldberg, Woodbery, & Tate.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-video-gene-chizik-cam-newton-talk.html
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/04/day-provides-showcase-for-quarterbacks.htmlhttp://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/04/video_auburn_quarterbacks_talk.html
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/04/video_gene_chizik_gus_malzahn_1.html
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/04/auburn_a-day_fast_points_fast.htmlhttp://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/04/auburn_showcases_quarterbacks.html
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/04/auburns_a-day_in_the_books.htmlhttp://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/04/a-day-game.html
If you took the time to visit the links above you already know that the crowd at JHS was a record for a spring game. Announced at over 63 thousand, it was as forecasted weather wise, and even better enjoyment wise.
While there were restrictions on the defense, some members were able to shine, such as Jess Curry, Ikeem Means, and Antoine Carter.
The offense was able to put up computer game type numbers statistics wise, there were stars there too. Neil Caudle, Barrett Trotter, Clint Moseley, had good days as QB’s that know they can’t be tackled do.
Q Carr, T Zach, and Jay Wisner had good days also.On both sides of the ball there were names called by the PA speaker that most fans had never heard until now. Let’s hope they get to play often with big leads in SEC action next year.
War Eagle!
April 16, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAuburn’s Achilles’ heel for 2010
I keep going over what might keep Auburn from having a truly great breakout year in 2010. In spite of the lack of evidence, the consensus is, that the offense will be much improved.
A second year with same coaching staff has many advantages of course. Auburn has the only 100% returning staff in the SEC in 2010.
The question still keeps hammering away at my pea sized knowledge center, and I am most concerned about the defensive line. The starting group may be very good, if yet unproven, the back ups however have very little playing time, and are as green as group Auburn has at second string.
Let’s look at the starters first. Make your claims at who might actually start if you wish, these are the seniors.
#93 Mike Blanc 6’4” 289 Senior
#45 Antoine Carter 6’4” 260 Senior
#98 Zach Clayton 6’3” 295 Senior
Michael Goggans 6’3” 261 SeniorThe other gentlemen working hard to either get in the rotation or possible start are:
#49 #94 Nosa Equae 6’2” 249 RS Fresh
#40 Robert Hill 6’1” 239 Jr.
#60 Joe Jones 5’11” 308 RS Fresh
#97 Derrick Lykes 6’2” 281 So.
#13 Craig Sanders 6’4” 240 Fr.
#74 Jamar Travis 6’0” 290 So.The players names and specifics come via the Aufficial Auburn site.
As you can see the concern I have about this unit is brought upon by two things. One is a lack of playing experience the backups have. Indeed some of them I would venture, you have never even heard of until now.
There is a tremendously wide gap in the experience levels of the seniors and the backups.Two the total numbers of bodies are severely low for this unit as well.
With last year’s numbers against the run nothing to brag about, it leaves an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach knowing the lack of depth here. It will more than likely take two more very good recruiting classes at this position to see Auburn’s run defense shine as in year’s past.
April 13, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comOur friends over at Track ‘Em have another fine article for your enjoyment. This one is by Jay Coulter and he gives his thoughts on what A-Day may hold in store for us.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/4/12/1415394/a-day-holds-answers-to-manyHere are some interview video from Monday’s practice courtesy of al.com and Mr. Charles Goldberg.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/04/video_qb_talk_and_more_from_au.htmlEnjoy the beautiful weather of spring, and don’t forget the Shon Coleman family.
WAR EAGLE!
April 10, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWhile it is still spring practice time at Auburn, the team seems to be showing a marked improvement from last season already.
“As to be expected“ is the quote from most of the coaches these days.Let us continue to keep Shon Coleman and his family in our prayers. The bone marrow report came back with a ZERO count as far as cancer cells. A miracle from God indeed. While there is still a long way to go for young Shon we here at philsteele.com/auburnteam page wish him the very best, and a speedy recovery.
Eagle5 over at Auburn Eagle has an excellent article on recruiting at Auburn, well worth your while.
http://auburneagle.com/Eagle5/?p=231Saturday the Tigers will scrimmage again, of course it’s closed to the public and media, so all we will get will be interviews and quotes.
See you when we can.WAR EAGLE!
April 8, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWar Eagle again my fellow friends of the Plains. Auburn has been through the midway point of spring practice and inching closer to A-Day.
Andy Bitter has this for us.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/04/full-practice-notes-lutzenkirchen-back.html
Some accompanying video as well.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/04/video-malzahn-on-quarterbacks-ziemba-on.htmlCoach Boulware has been complimentary of Ryan Shoemaker’s spring thus far. Coach Boulware says the upcoming competition, has driven Shoemaker to work harder.
Antarrious Williams (left) and T.J. Jackson were in attendance at Wednesday’s practice.
Photo courtesy of Jay. G. Tate, and the Montgomery Advertiser
WAR EAGLE!
April 5, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comESPN’s Chris Low talks with Cam Newton about the QB race at Auburn this Spring.
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5048246&categoryid=2564308You have got to be kidding me…….
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=204919830
What will they think of next, a purple corn dog?Charles Goldberg has his usually fantastic review of Saturday’s scrimmage. It is the first one this spring, and might go a long way in determining the QB race.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/04/video_auburns_gus_malzahn_cam.htmlI hope all who read this column have a very nice Easter Sunday. Remember why we celebrate the day.
WAR EAGLE!
April 3, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comSaturday will mark Auburn’s first full 11 on 11 scrimmage in Jordan-Hare Stadium, and Coach Chizik has brought in referee’s to simulate a game type atmosphere. The scrimmage will be closed to the public (sigh).
Tell it like it is Josh Bynes. You are the man!
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/9929/bynes-a-different-feel-around-iron-bowlPost practice report from Andy Bitter includes short interview with Haitian born Mike Blanc.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-video-scrimmage-talk-mike-mcneils.htmlAuburn Eagle has an exclusive sit down with Mike Blanc here. The Mayor does an excellent job with big Mike.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=397:an-auburn-eagle-exclusive-10-questions-with-mike-blanc&catid=36:auburn-footballWAR EAGLE!
April 1, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comNot a whole lot of news coming from Spring practice. Just the usual suspects, i.e... trying to narrow down a QB race, "but we are not there yet". This came from Coach Malzahn.
Coach Roof says the defense is further along than last year, as it should be, just not quite ready to say, "as far along as possible"
We have video, and eyewitness proof that the Tigers are practicing. Thanks to the bang up job of Charles Goldberg, Evan Woodbery and Andy Bitter. Check them out here..
http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2010/03/cam_newton_auburn_quarterback.html
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/03/full-practice-notes-quarterback-battle.htmlAndy Bitter does an excellent job breaking down Mario Fannin's senior season, Fannin is trying to become the starting Auburn tailback, a position Mario understands is filled with tradition.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/03/fannins-last-chance-is-where-he-started.htmlJay G. Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser has this list of the current Spring roster.
http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/03/roster-reset.htmlIn all of this excitement, and the beauty of Spring, please do not forget to send your prayers out to Shon Coleman, and his family. While his preliminary prognosis was a shock, the news afterward that his cancer may have been caught in time for a full recovery is a true blessing, there is still a long, long way to go for him.
WAR EAGLE!
March 30, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comMan, this Auburn Tiger team gets more amazing the more you learn about them.
Check out this article…
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/6867372/article-Dreams-do-come-true?instance=home_news_bulletsTrue Auburn men, true American heroes. At least, to one family.
Here is some video of yesterday’s practices…
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/03/video_qbs_and_more_at_auburn_p.htmlWAR EAGLE!
March 29, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThere are much more important things than football in life. Let’s all pray for Shon and his family.
Let's All Pray for Shon Coleman.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/03/auburn_signee_shon_coleman_und.htmMarch 27, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comNews and notes from second day of spring practice. Thanks to Andy Bitter for the write ups.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/03/late-notes-onterio-mccalebb-packing-on.html
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/03/early-practice-notes-bates-played.html
The news that Eltoro Freeman and Craig Stevens have switched sides at linebacker makes me happy. Freeman is fast and really quick to the ball, so I believe he will really improve this season.
WAR EAGLE!
March 25, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere are some of the top video links to Auburn’s first spring practice in 2010.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/uncategorized-football/Auburn/Gene-Chizik-134393
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/03/video_auburn_quarterbacks_work.html
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/03/video_quarterback_cameron_newt.html
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-video-cam-newton-talks-about.html
WAR EAGLE!
March 23, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere is a great story from SI.com about former Auburn coach Tommy Tubberville.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/cory_mccartney/03/19/tuberville/index.htmlAndy Bitter has a nice read on the spring practice that’s about to start.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/03/rise-and-shine-auburn-spring-football.htmlAndrew Gribble has an interesting look at Ten Players he thinks we need to watch.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/au_football_ten_players_to_keep_an_eye_on_this_spring/139373/
Back with more soon,
WAR EAGLE!March 22, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comPreviously we looked at the offense and the questions surrounding that side of the ball that Auburn must answer, sooner rather than later. Now we will look at...
DEFENSE
Defensive back is a place with the most questions, and if all can remain healthy, the most promise. A virtual plethora of returning Tigers with experience are to be found at DB this spring. Safeties, Corner backs, and extra package specialists abound, so the question is...
Can Auburn get good luck at this position for a change and dominate the passing game defensively?
Linebackers, as we found out last year are a rarity, for the Tigers. At least until the fall practice starts, Auburn is desperately thin at this position. Even with Darren Bates moving to LB and Jessell Curry enrolling early, the Tigers are only two deep without much experience past the starting three.
Can the Tigers find a way to get the most out of the newcomers at Linebacker?
Defensive lineman are the real backbone to previous Auburn defenses. The legends that played here are numerous, and very talented. Including the coach at this position, Tracy Rocker.
Can anyone step up and dominate the way Auburn fans are accustomed to seeing?
Auburn has a chance for a really exciting and memorable season in 2010. Getting thru the spring, and fall without major injuries will be a welcome relief, and something Auburn has not seen in several years.
Here's to hoping, and praying for a safe and productive spring practice.WAR EAGLE!
March 22, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comGood morning and War Eagle everyone.
Today we will look at the most pressing needs at Auburn for spring practice, and ask a question of each, and then after the A-Day game we will take a look at whether Auburn addressed those needs or not.
OFFENSE
Returning two experienced wide outs is a huge plus for the 2010 Tigers, although that missing third receiver that Coach Taylor was looking for last season never really emerged. So the only question here is..
Who will step up and TAKE the third wide out role?
On the offensive line, Auburn is returning probably the best unit in America. With only the departure of Andrew McCain, the question here is...
What will the coaches decide to do about filling an empty right side O-Line spot?
At running back, Auburn graduated one of the best ever to play the game in an Orange and Blue jersey, Ben Tate. Coach Chizik has stated in a press conference that Mario Fannin will get the chance to fill those shoes. The question is..
Can Mario Fannin become a workhorse at tailback at Auburn?
Tight ends are something of a misnomer in Gus Malzhan's offensive scheme. The truly must be able to block for run support, just not always the defensive tackle or outside linebacker. These guys have to be able to run fast enough to stay ahead of the play and pick out whomever is going to a threat and eliminate that threat, even if it is a defensive back. Plus the position requires precise route running, great hands, and the ability to be able to scramble around to help the QB if other passing options fail. Fortunately for Auburn we have Mr. Everything as far as tight ends goes in one Phillip Lutzenkirchen. The only question here is..
Who will be his back up?
Now for the question on everyone's mind. It's a multi-part query, with several twists.
Can Cameron Newton win the starting QB job in the spring?
If so, Can Mr. Newton grasp Gus Malzhan's complicated offense by the time the season starts?
If not, Who will win the job?
Who will be the backup QB in the rotation?
Can Auburn win 10 games this season if Cameron Newton doesn't win the job?As you can see there are a lot of questions surrounding this Auburn Tiger team. If you allow for injuries, and rotation, Auburn may still be a couple of years away from contending regularly for the SEC crown.
Tomorrow we will try and look at the defense.WAR EAGLE!
March 19, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comI don’t know if this falls under cautious optimism or just plain drinking the Kool Aid….
Auburn’s offensive line returns some of the best talent in the conference and maybe in the country. These young men are experienced, proven, and reliable. Let’s first look at who they are, and then, how having an experienced line helps Auburn’s team this coming season.
Looking at them from the Quarterbacks view, from left to right, we’ll start with left tackle Lee Ziemba.
Lee Ziemba Mike Berry Ryan Pugh Byron Isom To Be
6’ 8” 308 Senior 6’ 3” 311 Senior 6’ 4” 289 Senior 6’ 3” 291 Senior DeterminedThere are a number of variables here that we as fans don’t have first hand knowledge of. One of which, is how and if the existing group will be moved to make room for the open spot. It is possible that Bart Eddins is named right guard and Byron Isom is moved to right tackle. And of course the usual suspects of incoming players, red shirt freshmen, and underclassmen that improve dramatically to fill in the open spot. The one sure thing this coaching staff has proven, that they will play whomever is the best for this team.
How does an experienced line help the Auburn Tigers this season?On many levels, some listed above, it’s a huge advantage for this coaching staff. Four starting seniors is the recipe for the making of a special group.
At the Quarterback position, knowing the linemen have been there and done that, together makes learning the job much easier. That’s where Auburn is, in the QB spot. Learning and executing the complicated, and often spectacular, Gus Malzahn offense, with precision and fierceness, is the order of the day for Auburn’s quarterback.
At the running back position it’s the biggest blessing you could imagine to have this group in front of you. You can bet this group of backs knows how valuable an experienced line can be to production. Look for another 1,000 yard rushing performance from an Auburn running back this season. Coach Chizik has penciled in the name of Mario Fannin as the heir apparent to Ben Tate’s spot, vacated by graduation. He will have to earn the spot though.
As you can see, the offensive line is a primary reason for Auburn’s offense to succeed this coming season.
Making things easier for all the other players to complete their tasks on each play, having confidence that these senior linemen will do their part.
The future is now! Auburn has an opportunity to excel on the field this fall; with all the right pieces in place a special season is ahead for our Tigers.
WAR EAGLE!
March 17, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comJay G. Tate had a few minutes t interview Mr. Ben Tate. The former Tiger star has a few interesting quotes. It's definitely worth your time.
http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/03/ben-tate-speaks.htmlOur friends over at AuburnTron have a bracket style chart for you to see how Auburn won the "Best Uniforms in College Football" national poll.
http://www.auburntron.com/2010/02/18/who-has-the-uniform-to-win-auburn/Those of you who need your recruiting monkey stroked, The Mayor of Chillville has your fix.
This very interesting and informative article is well done, and worth your time.
http://deskofthemayor.blogspot.com/WAR EAGLE!
March 16, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe football news around Auburn is really at a snail’s pace right now. What with spring practice around the corner, and all, this looks to be a good thing. Staying out of the news has perks. Making the news this time of year usually isn’t a good thing…
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/3/15/1374975/leaked-usc-ready-to-get-hammeredOver at Track ‘Em Tigers there is this plea for help, from an Auburn fan that just happens to be a Missionary. Please help if you can…
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/3/12/1370609/dress-mexico-in-auburnFootball related, and past Auburn great related. Here is a look at some “Bo Toys”…
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/03/bo-toys/WAR EAGLE!
March 11, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere are two good articles from our friends at al.com. They both deal with the recent Pro Day at Auburn.
http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2010/03/video_nfl_draft_hopefuls_work.htmlhttp://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/03/walter_mcfadden_makes_up_for_l.html
Jeff Lebo, the Auburn Men’s basketball coach has probably coached his last game at Auburn. By all accounts Jeff is a great person although he has not brought the program to a higher level in his six years at Auburn.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/3/8/1361734/lebo-death-watch-begins-now
Thanks to Jay at Track “Em for an insight to the situation.WAR EAGLE!
March 8, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe dream exists in Auburn fans minds that "we" can have a Championship team this coming season. This of course is possible, but highly unlikely. It would seem to be an unrealistic expectation to make the jump into the National spotlight after just one and a half recruiting classes this staff has assmbled.
Auburn fans would be wise to remember that most of last years class was recruited by the former coaching staff.
Still, this coaching staff that Coach Chizik has employed has all the right characteristics to get the most from their players.
It's nice to dream, that's our job as fans
The key will be what Coach Chizik and his staff will do for an encore on the recruiting front in February of 2011.
The most pressing needs for the '11 class will be Offensive, and Defensive linemen. Here's my list of where Auburn needs to fill in for graduating players, and attrition. The numbers go like this...
Offensive Line - 4
Defensive Line - 6
Linebackers - 3
WAR EAGLE!
March 4, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe argument continues to this day. Which conference is the strongest? The latest article to come forth with evidence indicates the SEC is still the nations best in College Football.
http://dawg-extra.blogspot.com/2010/02/by-any-measure-secs-best.htmlOne of the most successful and published recruiting parties last year at Auburn was Big Cat Weekend.
Good news it’s back, without the secondary violations. You’ll remember last year that Trooper Taylor had received a suspension for NCAA recruiting violations. Here, Charles Goldberg has the scoop.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/03/big_cat_weekend_returning_to_a.html
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/353843-auburn-football-big-changes-in-the-defenseWAR EAGLE!
March 3, 2010
Still the best video I’ve seen and heard about the 2009 Auburn Tigers. It mixes some old school names, some former players, and a little Jim Fyffe too. Excellent music, and content. Turn the volume way up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4MmDNnBNtE&feature=relatedHere’s the news from the combines about our former Auburn players.
http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-sports/2010/02/ex-tiger_tate_runs_lifts_jumps.html
http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-sports/2010/02/they_say_im_a_tweener_auburns_1.html
Thanks to Charles Goldberg, and Don Kausler Jr. for the info.WAR EAGLE!
March 1, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe Auburn Eagle message boards are chock full of good conversations, and facts. Here is an interesting post from STAT.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/WEAForum/index.php?topic=10608.msg150278#msg150278Good guy Jay Coulter over at Track ‘Em Tiger has this fine piece on the departure of Tyrik Rollinson.
It’s well worth your while. While you are there, tell Kool Bell sent you.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/2/26/1326947/rollisons-departure-a-cautionaryWatch yourself on this one. EDSBS’s next going to publish “YOUR” secret numbers!
http://www.everydayshouldbesaturday.com/2010/2/25/1326326/for-your-eyes-only-the-auburnWAR EAGLE!
February 25, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comStrike up the band, well let’s be happy, okay, this beats not being on TV.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/02/auburns-day-game-to-be-televised-by.htmlWe all want to know what goes on inside the mind of the Mad Doctor Gustav, the Malzahnian Maniac right?
Here, Jay G. Tate gets a few minutes of Gus Malzahn’s time.
http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/02/little-chat-with-gus-malzahn.htmlTiger Histalmos at the Bleacher report has this view of the running back position at Auburn this year.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/351822-auburn-football-spring-preview-tigers-look-to-WAR EAGLE!
February 25, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWell it seems the news may not be as slow this time of year as we initially thought.
In the sense that all news is not good news, this is not good news.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/2/24/1324869/tyrik-rollison-to-transferThe newest release from RC123au is here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHuwKwu_0AM
I just know you will love it.WAR EAGLE!
February 24, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comTyler Henderson over at Auburn Eagle has this fine piece for us on Auburn’s Linebacker corps.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=366:an-auburn-standard-returns&catid=36:auburn-footballChris Low of ESPN has this about Auburn….
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/9148/auburn-to-practice-in-the-morningsand, the about what to look for in the West division of the SEC.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/9110/what-to-watch-in-the-sec-west-this-springisJay G. Tate of Montgomery Advertiser fame has this unique look into the season ahead of Kodi Burns. Stop by and visit Jay and the gang known as the Hotties. They are good people.
http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2010/02/looking-at-kodi-burns-senior-season.htmlWAR EAGLE!
February 23, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comOnce again we are trying to come up with news for you guys and this time of year it’s slow concerning football. There are lots of good vibrations around this Auburn team, from the fans, and the administration.
Expectations are running high., and reasonably so.
To look at the future, one must look at the past, so as not to make the same mistakes, and repeat what worked well.
War Eagle Atlanta, over at TRACK ‘EM TIGERS has an excellent read on the top 25 teams of the past decade.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/2/22/1322374/the-top-25-teams-of-the-decadeCharles Goldberg at al.com has a nice video for us from Gene Chizik’s press conference Monday.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/02/post_58.htmlAndy Bitter has another fine article in the Ledger-Enquirer concerning the start of spring practice and some players who will participate at the Tailback postion.
http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2010/02/23/1025825/auburn-set-to-begin-spring-practice.htmlWe will continue to search the news and get all we can to you.
WAR EAGLE!
February 22, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comBeaver at The Latest in Auburn Football has a nice recap of this past weekend’s visitors to the Plains.
http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/02/weekend-wrap-up.htmlKevin McGrady has this fine article at The Bleacher Report for us.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/349657-auburn-football-potential-for-offensive-impact-for-2010The official Auburn site has this Q&A with former Tiger, and soon to be pro Ben Tate.
http://onlyfans.cstv.com/schools/aub/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/021910aaa.html?utm_source=bleacherreport.comHere’s neat video found on Youtube with Auburn’s 2010 signing day class.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MdiUul6LGoWAR EAGLE!
February 19, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comSome very good news for Auburn fans and coaches today, courtesy of Charles Goldberg at al.com.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/02/cashing_in_auburn_football_coa.html
Also from al.com, for this piece about prospective 2011 recruit Jonathan Rose.
http://blog.al.com/sentell/2010/02/top_prospect_jonathan_rose_of.html
Beaver has got the recruiting groove working again, this time it’s broke down on Defense.
http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/02/some-top-names-for-2011-defense.html
I had a very interesting conversation about one of Auburn’s players with a gentleman the other day. The player we discussed? Eltoro Freeman. We agreed Eltoro Freeman has the best name for a linebacker in all of college football. Yes, we are both Auburn fans. The thing was, the guy I had the talk with thought Eltoro’s play and attitude last year were a disappointment. I respectfully disagreed with him on the attitude part. Then I reminded him of this. I want you to listen carefully to the part where Eltoro is talking about his commitment to Auburn.
http://videos.al.com/birmingham-news/2009/03/auburns_eltoro_freeman_ben_tat.html
Thanks again to Charles Goldberg, who covers the Auburn beat, for such a good job at al.com.
WAR EAGLE!
February 18, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.com
This seems to me an apt picture for the mood in Auburn.
The Tigers have seen their fortunes rise lately with a top five recruiting class, and the return of some veteran help in the defensive backfield. Depth at offensive, and defensive line, linebacker, and just about all aspects of the game has received some sort of boost in speed and athleticism.
All the pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place, if not a little young.
The excitement is building, and the coaching staff wants it to build. Coach Chizik has said he wants Auburn fans to be excited. The thing is with fans, excitement brings with it expectations. The kind of unrealistic expectations that may be, premature, considering the youthfulness of this very young Auburn team.
It would seem to me to be unrealistic, to expect contention for the West crown, and an SEC Championship Game.
I know anything is possible. I also know what one or two injuries during the season would do to Auburn’s chances at even going to a bowl game next year would be.
Let’s not put too many expectations on these young Tigers, revel in their display of courage, and sportsmanship. Give them all the support this Auburn family can give, and love them for all their efforts.
If they happen to take us to a bowl game next year, well then, great! If they win the West and go to Atlanta, then, great! If they happen to win in Atlanta, and go on to play for a National title, please remind me to eat these words.I’ll gladly eat crow, to watch these Eagles soar to those heights!
WAR EAGLE!
February 17, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAs you can imagine the news is ssssslllllooooooowwwwww concerning Auburn football. All the while this day I have been perusing, and combing the net for tidbits.
We actually have a few pieces of interest like this fine look at the season past and grading the coaches. Jerry over at the War Eagle Reader does an excellent job of this.
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/02/coaching-staff-report-card-coordinators-and-special-teams/
Beaver who is in charge over at The Latest in Auburn Football has your 2011 recruiting groove covered.
http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/02/some-top-names-for-2011-offense.html
And Brooks Webb once again does an excellent job looking at the position of Quarterback on the 2010 version of our Tigers.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=364:
breaking-down-the auburn-tigers-for-2010-quarterbacks&catid=36:auburn-football
Finally, Paul Stewart asks if Auburn got what it needed on signing day.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/347385-did-auburn-meet-its-needs-on-national-signing-day-2010
WAR EAGLE!
February 15, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comLarry Burton, a long time contributor at The Bleacher Report has this nice piece on Cam Newton.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/345773-sec-surprises-to-get-ready-for-chapter-one
Kevin McGrady has this opinion of how Gus Malzahn wants to use new recruit Ladarius Phillips when he gets to Auburn this fall.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/345757-auburn-football-just-a-little-thought-pure-power-for-2010
Here is an open and candid discussion with Auburn’s Gus Malzahn. This fine piece of journalism comes from
Ben Bartley, copy editor at The Auburn Plainsman.More of the interview can be found at The War Eagle Reader in Jerry’s column here.
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/02/its-like-talking-to-a-beautiful-woman-a-phone-call-
Did I mention it snowed here the other day?
WAR EAGLE!
February 14, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAs we are to sometimes forget, football at our favorite places contains much more than just players, and coaches. Plays and results, are not the only impression left after the game for the combatants, and the support personnel.
Sure we keep score, claim victories, and such. Let us never forget those who make it possible to enjoy our favorite game and those who support the combatants of our favorite game.
There are many reasons to be proud of these young Tigers.
http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/comm-service/spec-rel/012510aaa.html
The Auburn Tigers football team has a lot of support from the University such as, cheerleaders, band, and of course the students. Here’s a story about one of those supporters.
http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/comm-service/spec-rel/122209aaa.html
It’s great to be an Auburn Tiger!
WAR EAGLE!
February 13, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comCoach Chizik spoke at the Montgomery, AL Quarterback Club Awards banquet the other night, here is the full context and video of his speech.
Thanks, goes to the Montgomery Advertiser and their web site for providing.http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/section/videonetwork?bctid=65864494001
Acid Reign over at Track ‘Em Tigers has a look back comparing the SEC against, or with one another here.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/2/11/1305206/the-decade-in-review
Here is an early look at ESPN’s fall football schedule. As is always the case it is subject to change.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4903371
Auburn is one the country’s overlooked teams according to Chris Low.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sec/post/_/id/8907/auburn-south-carolina-overlooked
The Sleeper Team gives us this fine piece if writing, listing the candidates who could possibly start and back up each other on the offense next fall.
http://thesleeperteam.com/2010/02/05/fun-with-the-2-deep-offense-or-whatever-gets-
you-from-signing-day to-spring-practice/
The Auburn family has a great deal of pride and passion for their Tigers. That being said, I think compassion has a lofty place at Auburn as well. So if you can find it in your heart to donate some amount to a reputable charity for the victims of the massive earthquake in Haiti, please do. I know the event happened a couple of weeks back, but I didn’t want you to forget them in your prayers and contributions.
WAR EAGLE!
February 12, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere is proof.
Here is proof.
I was more than a little skeptical about the snow forecast in Enterprise, AL. Home of your humble blogger. I thought a follow up would be nice.
In spite of the weather, Auburn’s coaches are steadily working on next February’s recruiting class. Here are some of Scout’s, Inc. story lines. Thanks to Scouts for their info.
http://auburn.scout.com/2/945866.html
http://auburn.scout.com/2/945826.html
We’ll catch up later, gotta build a snowman.
WAR EAGLE!
I was more than a little skeptical about the snow forecast in Enterprise, AL. Home of your humble blogger. I thought a follow up would be nice.
In spite of the weather, Auburn’s coaches are steadily working on next February’s recruiting class. Here are some of Scout’s, Inc. story lines. Thanks to Scouts for their info.
http://auburn.scout.com/2/945866.html
http://auburn.scout.com/2/945826.html
We’ll catch up later, gotta build a snowman.
WAR EAGLE!
February 10, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWhile I’m sitting here staring at the weatherman in disbelief, trying to convince myself that a 90% chance of SNOW is impossible, I’m reminded of this little episode just last spring.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&oi=video_result&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CAkQtwIwAA&url=http%3A
It’s not just that it’s rare to see snow fall so close to Panama City Beach, FL, where I’m only an hour away. To hear our local weatherman report the chance for snow is increasing up to 90%! Wow!
It’s not often that a team gets an upgrade in talent level at any position from one week to the next while it’s the off-season. Recruiting aside, the upgrade in Auburn’s defensive backfield has been a bona fide shocker.
Just last week, we found out that Aairon Savage has been granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Add to that the return of Zac Etheridge yes, that Zac Etheridge, of laying motionless on the turf for several minutes fame. Mr. Etheridge has been rehabbing his fractured neck and is on course to play next fall!
I am praying for both of these young men to have a safe and healthy return. It’s exactly what I would do if it were my son. Pray for a safe return to the field, if he so chose. Both of these young men will add experience, depth, and leadership that will be greatly needed by a young Auburn defense.
There is still a whole lot of time for Zac to rehab, and then get medical clearance. When he does receive clearance to play we should all acknowledge the hard work and dedication it took for him to make a return.
Let us not forget the trials and tribulations of Mr. Savage. When he makes his triumphant return to Jordan Hare stadium, let’s let him know how much we appreciate him as well.
I can just see and hear it now, one side of the stadium cheering “AAIRON!” while the other side answers with “ZAC”
WAR EAGLE!
February 9, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe good news just keeps on coming in. Courtesy of oanow.com Andrew Gribble shares this tidbit of juicy info with us.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/oasports/comments/thigpen_etheridge_will_be_back_100_percent/129295/
Dunaway and Brown of dandbradio.com have posted a nice chat with former Auburn back and current member of the New Orleans Saints, Heath Evans. I was unable to link to it for you so, go to dandbradio.com
And check out.This is the time of the year where college football is not thought about for most, though the Auburn coaches have been exhausting a lot of effort toward the next recruiting class already. I am hopeful that their work will pay off in a similar fashion as this current crop of recruits.
Happy hunting and War Eagle coaches!
In the real world we as individuals seldom pack up everything, wife, kids and the like to move because of a better job opportunity. Sometimes this happens, but nowhere on the scale of college coaches and their respective families.
Here is a look at what one Auburn fan believes will work to greatly reduce the turnover of coaches at Auburn.
In fact Eagle5 has several good articles over at The Auburn Eagle.http://auburneagle.com/Eagle5/?p=227
WAR EAGLE!
February 8, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comIn case you live under a rock somewhere, This happened…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrEddg_xIao&feature=related
The amazing thing is that war with Alabama in recruiting, is in high gear. Here are some extra comments with young Mr. Region
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsvbIcnaWK4&feature=related
For those of you who would like to see some game film of Spencer Region look here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dlzd5b-Xjw&feature=related
While cruising the web yesterday, I ran across this gem from Brandon Henderson over at Auburn Eagle.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=
360:519&catid=36:auburn-football
In case you have missed the hint here and there, I truly would like to single out the Auburn Eagle for there fine work on the recruiting front as well. War Eagle guys. Keep up the good work.
I have stated many times my association with Track ‘Em Tigers as a fan and part time contributor, as I was visiting this morning with coffee in hand, I ran across this article. It’s so good I wanted to share it.
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2010/2/6/1299165/mark-murphy-talks-au-2010-class
We will have more good Auburn info later, until then.
WAR EAGLE!
February 6, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comIt’s going to be a short but sweet blog today ladies and gents. I am off to my hiding place for some well deserved R&R.
This insightful article come courtesy of The Auburn Plainsman.
Jerry Hinnen over at The War Eagle Reader has a very nice wrap up of the signing day class of 2010 for our Auburn Tigers.
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/02/signing-day-wrapping-it-up/
Here is a really neat look into Auburn’s class by Dr. Z over at Eyes on Auburn. He gives a unique perspective of what to look for from this 2010 class.
http://eyesonauburn.blogspot.com/2010/02/turning-tables.html
WAR EAGLE!
February 5, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comVideo from Auburn All Access. Thought you guys would like to see this. My friends over at Track ‘Em Tigers put this up first.
http://all-access.cbssports.com/player.html?code=aub&media=165902
The guys over at AuburnTron have done it again! They seem to come up with quality info all the time. Enjoy.
http://www.auburntron.com/2010/02/03/welcome-to-the-plains/
From the desk of Evan Woodberry this shows it’s never too early.
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/02/with_one_commitment_already_on.html
Great news reached the Plains again today when Aairon Savage was granted a sixth year of eligibility.
Thanks to Mr. Goldberg over at al.com for this fine write up.http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/02/auburns_aairon_savage_granted.html
Thanks to Rivals.com for providing this for all to see.
SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT
Sort by:
Joel Bonomolo
DE (6-3, 245)
Fullerton C.C.
Fullerton, CA
Profile | Video
Kenneth Carter
DT (6-5, 267)
Greenville
Greenville, AL
Profile | Video
Ed Christian
OL (6-5, 280)
Lowndes
Valdosta, GA
Profile | Video
Steven Clark
K (6-5, 230)
Park Hill
Kansas City, MO
Profile | Video
Shon Coleman
OL (6-7, 285)
Olive Branch
Olive Branch, MS
Profile | Video
Jessel Curry
LB (6-2, 215)
Buford
Buford, GA
Profile | Video
Chris Davis
ATH (5-11, 175)
Woodlawn
Birmingham, AL
Profile | Video
Justin Delaine
DE (6-5, 225)
Linden
Linden, AL
Profile | Video
Michael Dyer
RB (5-8, 201)
Little Rock Christian
Little Rock, AR
Profile | Video
Tunde Fariyike
OL (6-3, 295)
Upson Lee
Thomaston, GA
Profile | Video
Roszell Gayden
OL (6-7, 310)
College of the Sequoias
Visalia, CA
Profile | Video
Antonio Goodwin
WR (6-2, 170)
Washington
Atlanta, GA
Profile | Video
Jake Holland
LB (6-1, 228)
Pelham
Pelham, AL
Profile | Video
Shaun Kitchens
ATH (6-3, 211)
Banneker
College Park, GA
Profile | Video
Corey Lemonier
DE (6-4, 223)
Hialeah
Hialeah, FL
Profile | Video
Eric Mack
OL (6-4, 315)
Calhoun County
St. Matthews, SC
Profile | Video
Demetruce McNeal
DB (6-0, 176)
Banneker
College Park, GA
Profile | Video
Jonathon Mincy
DB (5-10, 175)
Southwest Dekalb
Decatur, GA
Profile | Video
Brandon Mosley
TE (6-6, 285)
Coffeyville C.C.
Coffeyville, KS
Profile | Video
Dakota Mosley
TE (6-4, 252)
Little Rock Christian
Little Rock, AR
Profile | Video
Cameron Newton
QB (6-6, 247)
Blinn C.C.
Brenham, TX
Profile | Video
LaDarius Owens
LB (6-2, 225)
Jess Lanier
Bessemer, AL
Profile | Video
Cody Parkey
K (6-2, 195)
Jupiter
Jupiter, FL
Profile | Video
Ladarious Phillips
RB (6-1, 275)
Handley
Roanoke, AL
Profile
Trovon Reed
ATH (6-0, 173)
Thibodaux
Thibodaux, LA
Profile | Video
Jeremy Richardson
WR (6-4, 220)
Springville
Springville, AL
Profile | Video
Craig Sanders
DE (6-4, 230)
Ariton
Ariton, AL
Profile | Video
Ryan Smith
ATH (6-2, 208)
Cordova
Cordova, AL
Profile | Video
Jeffrey Whitaker
DT (6-3, 295)
Warner Robins
Warner Robins, GA
Profile | Video
Jawara White
LB (6-2, 220)
Henderson
Troy, AL
Profile | Video
Ryan White
ATH (6-0, 185)
Lincoln
Tallahassee, FL
Profile | Video
February 4, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWe ran across some vids of Auburn commits this week. Have a look and enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6dlRzu_mBc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-bH_yiBT4E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuSngRZ2tNs
2010 started off great and is only getting better. Walt McFadden had a great New Years Day game against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzbvu0u1vTk
I found this video and like it. One exception is that the artist jumped the gun on one recruit that did not commit to Auburn. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6dlRzu_mBc
Spring practice is scheduled to start on March 23rd with A Day to be April 17th. Let’s show these young men we support them and all go to the A Day game.
WAR EAGLE!
February 4, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere is a great look at Auburn’s latest recruiting class from Auburn Eagle. Those guys do such a wonderful job over there. Please add them to your favorites and visit often.
Kevin McGrady over at The Bleacher report has a brief look at some of the hidden talent in this year’s class.
February 3, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere I sit. Waiting, no, anxiously awaiting When the Nurse asks, how do you feel? Between, when the movie previews end, and the actual movie starts. The moment when the alarm sounds, and I have to start getting ready for National Signing Day.
Confused? So am I.
You see, it’s not that this day has been historical in it’s own right. It has. This day, a day many Auburn faithful will remember as the day when the Auburn football program took a giant step forward.
I am afraid that I’ll wake up and this day will have been a dream.
This day has seen achievement of a promise fulfilled, by an extremely hard working and diligent coaching staff.
Many said it couldn’t be done. Others said Auburn was irrelevant, suffering from delusions of grandeur. I even heard “little brother syndrome” tossed around.
How in the face of all the competition around our little piece of paradise, could Auburn even think of saying, much less doing, “We will go for the best athletes, no matter where they are, as long as they are right for Auburn”?
Well, burn my biscuits, and kiss my grits! Not only has Gene Chizik delivered on a promise, he emphatically states this is the “building block”. This class is the “start of what we need to do to get where we want to be”.
By now you should know Auburn has signed it’s best recruiting class since there have been people keeping up with such things. Which in short means EVER!
War Eagle coaches. Thanks to you, your families, and all the Auburn people involved in this magnificent effort.
This year’s most unusual name for a commitment goes to Tunde Fariyike. Here’s the way Coach Chizik pronounced his name: toon day// fara yock ee. I can’t wait to here Stan White with that one. Love you Stan, but that one will get you. I have a steak dinner riding on it.
Coach Chizik was questioned about several of his commitments and what sort of talent he thought they had. Here is what he said about Michael Dyer. “Dyer brings a rare combination of power, speed, and vision. Plus he has such a dynamic personality”
Here’s a terrific story on Auburn commit Justin Delaine.
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/02/lindens_justin_delaine_finds_c.html
WAR EAGLE!
February 1, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comHere is a great story about Jay Jacobs. Mike Szvetitz went in depth, and personal with Jacobs here, and it’s well worth your time.
http://www2.oanow.com/oan/sports/college/article/au_athletics_faith_love_
of_university_guide_jacobs_as_athletic_director/126776/
Andy Bitter has his usual intelligent look at recruiting. Just two days from signing day, Mr. Bitter breaks down the outlook for some players Auburn is trying to land.
http://wareagleextra.blogspot.com/2010/02/recruiting-watch-and-down-stretch-they.html
Kevin McGrady over at the Bleacher Report has this nice write up on the current push for defensive players from the Auburn staff.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/336753-auburn-football-recruiting-tigers-get-defensive-with-class
Maxwell Newfield of The Auburn Plainsman has a unique article from an Auburn professor, who was in Haiti during the tragic earthquake.
Finally and by no means is this a slight. Being last on this page in particular is the “SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST” emphasis, guaranteed!
Congratulations, goes out to the Tigers of the gymnastics world. What an Ausome accomplishment. Keep up the good work!
WAR EAGLE!
January 30, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comIf you haven’t seen this excellent video yet, I recommend that take the time to do so now. It’s Ausome!
http://www.auburntron.com/2010/01/29/auburn-2010-video/
What can I say about this next piece, just check it out for yourselves.
http://www.auburntron.com/2010/01/29/aairon-savage-is-van-wilder-of-football/
The guys over at AuburnTron do a magnificent job. I highly recommend adding them to your favorites.
Come join the crowd…
National signing day is fast approaching. I’m thinking it should be a holiday, or something. Scott Reaves has the scoop on Auburn’s class so far with this fine piece.
Beaver over at The Latest in Auburn Football has these for us.
http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/01/updates_28.html
Then there’s this http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/01/name-to-watch.html
January 29, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comSplash?
When it was announced that Gene Chizik was going to become Auburn’s next football coach, emotions, and reactions ran wild. There were feelings of discontent. Some people were upset that Jay Jacobs, Auburn’s athletic director, didn’t seem to exhaust the effort to really find a proven coach.
Aside from the idiocy of the person who video tapped himself at the Auburn airport booing Jacobs after his return from seeing Chizik, sentiment varied widely. Charles Barkley said that Auburn missed an opportunity to make a “SPLASH”. His feelings were broadcast nationally on ESPN and as true to his form, he told the country exactly what he was thinking. No apologies. In my humble opinion he does not owe anyone an apology. I also feel that discretion would have been better served, by announcing his feelings to the administration at Auburn, rather than publicly.
Splash by definition is to spatter, but more commonly used, as Mr. Barkley chose, as a synonym for impression, or sensation.
The splash Sir Charles wanted to make was to hire Turner Gill from Buffalo to be the Head Coach at Auburn. His reasoning has nothing to do with football per say, but socio-cultural intentions. The color of his skin seems to matter as much as, or more so than win-loss.
Without stirring up the proverbial hornets nest, I would hope the color of a man’s skin has less to do with his value as a potential coach. I for one could care less if he is polka-dotted, as long as he loves my Auburn, and treats it with the utmost care and respect.
That’s right “MY” Auburn. Mine by choice, mine by giving my heart to Auburn standards, Auburn’s creed, and Auburn athletics.
Clearly the issue here is that not only was Jay Jacobs not wanting to make a mere splash, but build a wave, a wave that can and will consume the SEC under sheer force. The method was questioned. The results are yet to be fully realized. Never the less, I have my surfboard waxed, and I’m ready to ride.
Splash indeed.
As I write this Turner Gill has been named as the Head Coach at Kansas. His staff is nearly intact, and his chance is before him. I for one wish him the best of luck.
WAR EAGLE!
January 27, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWe should all be very happy. Auburn’s coaching staff is putting on one heck of a good show for their first full recruiting class. Nothing says I’m working hard for you like positive results. No excuses, just positive results.
Scott Reaves over at Auburn Eagle has this update for us. As usual it’s magnificent!
The list of invitees to the NFL combines has grown to two from Auburn. Ben Tate, and Antonio Coleman are going to Indianapolis for the tryouts. Considering how few seniors there were on the 2009 squad, not bad.
National signing day for potential student athlete football players is Feb 3rd, 2010. I plan on being right here in the drivers seat from early to late. So if there are any major surprises, I will let you know.
Talk around the Internet about Auburn’s potential class is positive. Except where maybe Crimson is the color of choice. That can and should be expected, although tacky.
News is slow right now except for recruiting. After the big push for signing day, it will just crawl.
If any of you have any suggestions, or ideas you would like to see discussed here please feel free to let us know at koolbell4au@gmail.com.
WAR EAGLE!
January 25, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comI was cruisin’ the net and ran across these tidbits. Some are a few days old and some are fresh
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/01/never-to-yield/
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/01/war-drobe-eagle-cannonball-run-1981/
Kevin McGrady has done a fine job with this piece. Check out his comments about what to say to Marcus Lattimore about Auburn vs. So. Carolina, head to head rushing stats.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/332338-auburn-recruiting-tid-bits-from-the-weekend
Mr. Goldberg over at al.com has this nice write up.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/01/auburn_recruiting_a_weekend_up.html
Evan Woodberry of al.com let’s us know how many Auburn alum are in the Super Bowl.
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2010/01/jerraud_powers_representing_au.html
Then, there’s just plain old fun. Finding this jewel on the net I couldn’t help but laugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qopm8zYNL0g
WAR EAGLE!
January 24, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWith the coaching turmoil surrounding the carousel of change this post season. I thought it might be interesting to look at Auburn’s 2010 football schedule. An early look at what effect these coaches may have at their new schools. With a little prognostication thrown in as well.
Auburn’s 2010 football schedule is as follows:
9/04/10 vs. Arkansas State @ Auburn
090/09/10 @ Miss State
09/18/10 vs. Clemson @ Auburn
09/25/ vs. South Carolina @ Auburn
10/02/10 vs. La. Monroe @ Auburn
10/09/10 @ Kentucky
10/16/10 vs. Arkansas @ Auburn
10/23/10 vs. LSU @ Auburn
10/30/10 @ Ol’ Miss
11/06/10 vs. Tenn. Chattanooga (HC) @ Auburn
11/13/10 vs. Georgia @ Auburn
11/26/10 @ Alabama
In our previous blog we looked at the first half of the schedule. Now let’s dive into the second half.
KENTUCKY
The Wildcats are sporting a new coach, sort of, this year. Joker Phillips played the coach-in-waiting game and it worked in his favor. Phillips has been the offensive mind of the Lexington felines and now is the man.
I don’t look for there to be very much difference in this year’s version from what we saw last year in a loss at Jordan-Hare.Auburn will have to find a way to take the Kentucky crowd out of the game early, and not let the home team gain any momentum if it wants to leave with a win.
ARKANSAS
Arkansas has hired two new assistant coaches one for defense, and the other for wide receivers. Both are known for being very good recruiters.
Steve Caldwell who coached at Tennessee previously, will work with the defense.
Chris Cinkovic who coached wide outs at UNLV the last six seasons will assume the same duty at Arkansas.
With the return of Ryan Mallett, and possibly an increase in production from the wide outs, Auburn will need to make full use of it’s home field advantage here.
LSU
While there were no major changes to this staff, Coach Miles could be on the hot seat by the time the Bengal Cats get to Jordan-Hare.
Who knows what will happen in this game. Figuring out Les Miles play calling, and clock management, can give one the impression that he may not be in full control of all his faculties. However, do not mistake this as a weakness. Coach “hat” as he is sometimes referred to, always fields a tough, and physical bunch whose speed can wreak havoc on opposing teams.
OLE’ MISS
No major changes here. The loss of 20 or more seniors is going to test this staff.
Auburn has to find a way to go to Oxford and come back with the “W”.
The Rebels are anxious to prove they can win the big games. By the time this one gets played, it may decide who still has a shot in the West.U.T. CHATTANOOGA
It’s homecoming. Enough said!
GEORGIA
Mark Richt has found himself right smack in the middle of a family feud. Some of the Dawg nation wants him gone, while others want to give him time to turn it around in Athens. Richt tabbed Todd Grantham to be his new Defensive Coordinator. Grantham has 11 years NFL coaching experience, most recently with the Dallas Cowboys. The Bulldogs also hired Scott Lakatos as their new defensive backs coach. Lakatos was with the Uconn program prior to accepting the position.If by this time Georgia is slipping a little, look for desperation on the part of this coaching staff to win a big conference game on the road.
Auburn should be well past any excuses by now, and ready to end this miserable losing streak, against the Bulldogs.
ALABAMA
Coach Saban and the University were able to keep the most important parts of their staff intact, save for linebacker coach James Willis. Willis was hired away by former boss Tommy Tubberville to be the Defensive Coordinator at Texas Tech.
No worries here. Just play with the enthusiasm, and passion of the 2009 squad and be in the game late. With the added depth maybe, just maybe, Auburn can finish this one off with a victory on foreign soil.
Of course I kid. Alabama will be the best coached, and most difficult opponent Auburn goes up against.
I can’t wait!
WAR EAGLE!
January 23, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWith the coaching turmoil surrounding the carousel of change this post season. I thought it might be interesting to look at Auburn’s 2010 football schedule. An early look at what effect these coaches may have at their new schools. With a little prognostication thrown in as well.
Auburn’s 2010 football schedule is as follows:
9/04/10 vs. Arkansas State @ Auburn
090/09/10 @ Miss State
09/18/10 vs. Clemson @ Auburn
09/25/ vs. South Carolina @ Auburn
10/02/10 vs. La. Monroe @ Auburn
10/09/10 @ Kentucky
10/16/10 vs. Arkansas @ Auburn
10/23/10 vs. LSU @ Auburn
10/30/10 @ Ol’ Miss
11/06/10 vs. Tenn. Chattanooga (HC) @ Auburn
11/13/10 vs. Georgia @ Auburn
11/26/10 @ Alabama
ARKANSAS STATE
Arkansas State has not had to look for a new head coach this off-season, although they did hire a new Offensive Coordinator. Clay Helton has spent the past 10 years coaching various positions at Memphis. He will assume the Red Wolves QB coaching as well.
I have little doubt this will affect the outcome of the game. ASU should be out manned, and no match for Auburn. That is not a knock against Arkansas State, just the reality of the situation.
MISSISSIPPI STATE
There is a consensus of opinion that the Bulldogs were a much better team last year under Dan Mullen.
The two coaching changes in Starkville, MS were made on the defensive side of the ball. A new coordinator in Manny Diaz, who will also coach the linebackers and the addition of Chris Wilson as defensive line coach will surely bring positive results.
While Diaz, has had a nationally ranked defense at Middle Tennessee lately Wilson has been the D-line coach at Oklahoma.
Last season State played Auburn tough in the loss on the road. Auburn will have to play mistake free ball to keep ahead of the resurgent Bulldogs.
CLEMSON
While there were no significant changes to the coaching staff under Dabo Swinney this year, look for some adjustments in play calling in 2010. The Tigers finished in the top 25 in his first full year at the helm. His staff is intact, and more familiar with each other.
Look for this to a major test for Auburn. Clemson should come into Jordan-Hare ready to prove they can compete against SEC teams.
SOUTH CAROLINA
The biggest change at USC east was the O- line coach. Eric Wolford left the Gamecocks to become the head coach at Youngstown State he will be replaced by Shawn Elliott who coached the same position at Appalachain State.
Unless Spurrier has lost his ability to recognize coaching talent, this move will have little effect on the outcome of this game.
LOUISIANNA MONROE
An entirely new staff has been brought to Monroe LA. The Warhawks have got to start over with a new coaching staff, and philosophy in 2010.
This is one of those games that just make your skin crawl. The potential is always there for the Warhawks to pull the upset. This game may be the only time they appear on National TV, so look for their best effort.
We will back later with the rest of Auburn’s opponents. Please come back and check it out. Feel free to leave comments at koolbell4au@gmail.com
January 21, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe “Not So” Special Teams
If any single area of Auburn’s team play on the field last year could be described as dismal, more than the Special Teams Units, I would have to argue that’s “Not So”!
Sure, I know Wes Byrum had a great year! I have voiced my opinion of that on numerous occasions. Simply put though, Auburn never found an adequate punt return specialist, a kickoff cover team, or punt cover team that worked to Coach Chizik’s expectations.
This weakness was a profound proponent in two of Auburn’s losses this past season.
**Against Arkansas Auburn was mounting a comeback, only to have the kickoff cover team allow a return 70 yards, which led to an easy TD effectively killing any momentum. The result would be the demise of the heart of this team until the coaches snapped them out of it against Ol’ Miss. Even in the win against the Rebels, Auburn’s coverage allowed a return for a TD.
True that while a special teams play kept Auburn close in the Georgia game, it was special teams’ play that allowed a punt return for a TD against Miss State, and a 56 yard return to set up Alabama in good field position.
For the season opponents averaged 23.5 yards per return, two first downs according to Coach Chizik’s philosophy.
Auburn’s coaching staff will spend an enormous amount of time on these aspects this spring and next fall. The dividends must pay off early and consistently.
WAR EAGLE!
** All stats are courtesy of Auburn’s Official Web Site
January 20, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comI thought it would be interesting to see a profile of Auburn’s recruiting class. The one’s who have committed to playing for the Tigers. The source is rivals.com. It is from the freebie section so, no, I didn’t print anything confidential. Thanks to the guys at Rivals, by the way.
Let’s start with the defense. This side of the ball definitely needs the most influx of players ready to step in right away. Depth was a major concern in 2009 for this unit, so getting the right mix of talent was most crucial this go around.
At defensive line:
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=102726 - Justin Delainehttp://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=98567 - Joel Bonomolo
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=86064 - Kenneth Carter
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=85394 - Craig Sanders
At Linebacker we have:
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=87849 - Jake Holland
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=89598 - Ladarius Owens
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=88662 - Jessel Curry
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=84899 - Jawara White
At the Corner Back position we have:
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=87477 - Jonathan Mincey
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=84713 - Demetruce McNeal The Athlete title comes from the players days at High school. These players generally can do it all. Including special teams. They include:
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=80215 - Trovon Reed
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=84711 - Shaun Kitchens
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=91660 - Chris Davis
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=98126 - Ryan White
On the offensive side of the ball, we are counting on increased speed, and depth.
The offensive line looks to be the strongest area of Auburn’s recruiting efforts.
It starts with:http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?sport=1&pr_key=87679 - Shon Coleman
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=84547 - Eric Mack
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=97661 - Roszell Gayden
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=87045 - Ed Christian
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=99717 - Chad Slade
At running back Auburn has hit the jackpot with:
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?sport=1&pr_key=72082 - Michael Dyer
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=86052 - D. J. Howard
The receiving corps has got to be the strongest ever recruited by an Auburn staff. They include
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=88784 - Jeremy Richardson
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=85342 - Antonio Goodwin
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=96986 - Brandon Mosley
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=78742 - Dakota Mosley
Auburn really didn’t need a QB, but hey, why look a gift horse in the mouth?
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=95471 - Cam Newton
Kickers are:
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=103209 - Steven Clark
http://auburn.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=84292 - Cody Parkey
We hope these young men have made the wise choice for themselves and their families. Their future will be brighter with a college education. May they all stay healthy, graduate, and lead prosperous lives.
Signing day can’t get here soon enough!
WAR EAGLE!
January 20, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe Auburn family has a new hope, a new enthusiasm for the upcoming season. Why? Well, let’s look at some of the reasons, shall we?
As we all know, a new coaching staff was brought onto the Plains for 2009. This new staff did an incredible job sewing together a respectable group of young Tigers. This group will be the leaders of this team in the very near future. Job one was accomplished with little fanfare.
After the defections, the suspensions, and the termination of the few players inherited by these coaches, Auburn found out what it had left to work with as a team. *This team would be picked to finish next to last in the West Division of the SEC, and to have a losing season to boot.
The so-called “experts”, many of who weren’t impressed with the staff, compared the failed attempts of the spread offense at Auburn in 2008 to what was coming. Oh, how wrong they were.
By the end of the season Auburn had beat the expectations of the experts and many of the fans. Nothing taste as sweet as victory. Victory did come and the goal set by Coach Gene Chizik at the beginning of the season was realized. He said to his coaches “We won’t be sitting at home this Holiday Season”. Meaning no matter what we have to do, win enough games to get this team in a Bowl game.
All of this was to preface the “new hope”. This current recruiting class has brought with it some major national headlines. National rankings in recruiting are climbing. Auburn is relevant again in recruits’ minds, and the party is just getting started!
The current players are what has fueled this humble writers hope though. When you listen to their excitement, to what they think lies ahead for this team, it will give you goose bumps. To a man it seems they are stating **this only going to get better. Auburn is back!
Then think of the possibilities. When current recruits say things like *** “I came down this weekend to hang out with team, and help try and recruit some of these guys who aren’t committed yet”.
It is way too early to tell how and if these young men can help this squad. The depth will surely be a problem next season as well if these recruits can’t help right away. The most important thing for Chizik and his staff was to find the players that could get in right away and help. Time will tell if they got it right. If they get it right, then the sky is the limit. If not, we need the patience to give these coaches a couple of more years.
* http://www.al.com/sports/birmingham/index.ssf/2008/05/its_always_time_for_football_p.html
** http://blog.al.com/keepingscore/2010/01/video_auburn_player_postgame_i.html
http://www.dandbradio.com/audio.asp?CatID=362
*** http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/01/auburn_gets_high_marks_on_recr.html
Credits- Video goes out to al.com, and the guys who do such great work there.
Audio, of the Michael Dyer interview, courtesy of Dunaway and Brown. If you don’t visit this site, you should. Just add their station to your favorites and ENJOY!The best free coverage of this weekends recruiting, was done by Jay G. Tate of the Montgomery Advertiser.
His insight and questions to the potential players are second to none. Highly recommended that you add his site to your fav’s as well.WAR EAGLE!
January 17, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAs noted earlier, this past weekend was huge for Auburn’s recruiting efforts. Many of the recruits left with positive thoughts on Auburn, and the Auburn family.
Perhaps none were more important than the others, still it was relief to hear Shon Coleman has reaffirmed his commitment to the Tigers.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/01/more_recruiting_offensive_line.html
The player position this coaching staff has put the most emphasis lately seems to be defensive tackle. Auburn hosted two highly rated players this weekend.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/01/jeffrey_whitaker_likes_auburn.html
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/01/recruiting_update_defensive_ta.html
I like that Michael Dyer has seen fit to play himself an Auburn recruiter. He and his high school teammate Dakota Moseley drove down to Auburn to help with the recruiting effort this weekend.
Seems many of Auburn’s verbal commitments have taken an active role in recruiting the few left who haven’t made their decisions final.
http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2010/01/auburn_gets_high_marks_on_recr.html
National signing day is soon. Excitement is building.
WAR EAGLE!
January 14, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comRecruiting is the talk of the day. Here are some links to a few of the better insights.
Brad Davis and Scott Reaves seem to have a firm grasp of the recruiting goings on. You should probably add this link to your favorites.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=344:on-the-recruiting-trail-with-the-mayor-and-ausporttalk-volume-iv&catid=37:auburn-recruitingAs usual Jerry of Joe Cribs Car Wash fame is spot on with his analysis. He’s over at The War Eagle Reader.
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/01/krootin-the-offensive-overview-plus-numbers/
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/01/krootin-the-defensivest-overview-plus-projection/
Kevin McGrady has a good look over at Bleacher Report.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/326170-auburn-football-gene-chizik-era-nsd-recruiting-update
This weekend Auburn will play host. Thanks to our friends at Auburn Eagle, Brandon Henderson let’s us in on the who’s who.
http://www.wareagleauburn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=342:big-men-on-campus-this-weekend&catid=37:auburn-recruitingMr. Phil Steele has this opinion of the players and post-season honors in the SEC for 2009.
http://philsteele.com/fbsinfo/FBSAllConf/2009allconf_freshman/SEC_postssn.html
I was one of the many Auburn faithful that howled at the media for not including Darvin Adams on the All-SEC team’s list. Not to mention the fact the best Place Kicker in the league was hands down, Wes Byrum. Don’t get me started on Walt McFadden; he had as good a season at DB as any in the league.
Thanks, Phil. I needed that. We needed that.WAR EAGLE!
January 12, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comOh my, how we love our Auburn Tigers. How about the defense in the West Virginia game? Heck, how about the FANS in the West Virginia game? How about the student section? How about nearly 4 inches of rain in less than 2 hours? Some of the recruits really were impressed with fans at that game in particular
Let’s just remember shall we?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU3xxXgnBcQ
How about breaking the early playing time jinx (if you believe in that sort of hype) against ‘Ol Miss?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcVBmUIXAsw
Put that fire out in Tampa too!
If this doesn’t make you love the 2009 edition of Auburn football, nothing will.
http://www.thewareaglereader.com/2010/01/love-bombardment-2009/
This team. This special group of young men, they showed us that in the face of adversity, they, as a team could conquer even the most challenging of obstacles. Encouraging us to believe, If at the end of that day, we have not succeeded, then on the ‘morrow we shall rise again. With all our effort, alone if need be! This team will conquer all!
Alone they may have been in their belief that they would overcome the previous year’s disasters. Alone they may have been in believing in themselves.
This Auburn family is a special one. This Auburn family goes beyond measure. This Auburn family will never leave these young men, no matter what the outcome of the effort. For effort was surely there, and so were we!
WAR EAGLE!
January 10, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comPete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks are in discussion about his taking the vacant Head Coaching position.
This could impact Auburn more than one might think at first glance. Carroll’s departure, because he holds the same title at USC, could cause an avalanche of recruits looking to play elsewhere. One player in particular that Auburn is recruiting has USC as a possible place to play.
Lache Seastrunk, a 5 star* Running Back, has the potential to be every bit as good as any back in Auburn history. He is explosive, fast to the corner, and very elusive. After a couple of years working on Coach Yox’s weight training, he should be ready to explode into national prominence.
Auburn fans might remember Mr. Seastrunk from the infamous statement he made during Auburn’s “Big Cat Weekend”. Lache said, “Tell Nick Saban he gonna be S.O.L. when we get here”. He later called Coach Saban and apologized.
*Source- Rivals. Listed as #1 Running Back in the class for 2010.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I’d like to share with you these two videos found on Youtube. They have the words for the Auburn fight song along with the music. Helpful, if you can’t seem get them all right.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4qM6K_IBfU&feature=channelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjX-QDyLVIA&feature=related
Former Auburn coach Tommy Tubberville has landed the Texas Tech Head coaching position. Kudos, to Coach Tubbs. We wish him well. I am confident that Tech made the right hire. He will have them playing much better defense sooner rather than later, and they will compete with Texas and Texas A&M.
January 8, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comRUNNING BACK U
Auburn has been known as RUNNING BACK U for some time now. Some still try and compare USC, Ohio State, and a few others with the Tigers from the Loveliest Village, and that debate goes on.
With names like Bo Jackson, Rudi Johnson, Stephen Davis, Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, just to name a few, and now Ben Tate, you see why the Tigers claim, has some merit.
As for the claim it’s self, let’s look at the past some other time. Today we focus on the Ausome year Ben Tate had.
Ben Tate led all Auburn rushers with 1,362 yards on 263 attempts. He scored 10 touchdowns, and averaged 5.2 yards per carry, and 104.8 per game. Good enough for third* in the conference.
Before the season ever started, Coach Luper, the Auburn running backs coach, predicted Tate would rush at least 1,000 yards this season. I wonder if the coach has this weeks’ lottery numbers?
The overwhelming edge a good running back has is the offensive line’s ability to run block. The gentlemen in charge of clearing the road for Ben were recruited at Auburn for just that reason. Experienced, talented, and eager to put 2008 behind them, this group of offensive linemen, deserve a lot of credit for Ben’s success this year.
The tight ends, and receivers did an excellent job of down field blocking this season as well.
But the true measure of a great running back is how many yards he gains after initial contact.
Big Ben did an excellent job this year of staying on his feet, driving his legs, and leaning forward when he was going to the ground.By all measures Ben Tate will be playing in the NFL next year. It seems that the league covets Auburn running backs, and they will really be eager to get Mr. Tate in the fold of professional football.
Now for Auburn the task is, who will replace Ben Tate?
Can you replace a Ben Tate?
Since this is RUNNING BACK U, my gut instinct is, that Auburn has a back up, waiting. Knowing full well, that the road to the NFL running back stardom goes through Auburn.
WAR EAGLE!
* stats come from cfbstats.com
January 7, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comThe season is over by the time this piece hits the blog page. ‘Bama or Texas will be crowned the mythical National Champion, and we will steadily go into a post football season shock. We may watch some NFL, just to get us by, but in the end, we will long for the start of a new season. Which, by the way, will begin September 4th, 2010. Auburn will host Arkansas State. Former coach Tommy Tubberville has ties to ASU, it’s where he first coached on the college level.
But alas, this is College football, and the season never ends here in the south. This part of the season will turn all it’s focus on recruiting. A glaring, searing, 350 degrees of heat will fall on the web as we try to uncover every last morsel about our Auburn Tigers. Hungry for information, news, stats, and the like, about potential “student athletes” as administrators are wont to call them.
Most sports blogs are already trying to figure out who will replace whom in 2010 on the starting positions of our favorite team.
Questions abound at the QB position. Very few teams can start a first year QB and be successful. Auburn has several that have had time to learn the position with Coach Malzahn. Only two, however, were recruited, to actually play that position by Coach Malzahn. They are Tyrik Rollinson, and Clint Moseley. The other QB’s were already there when Coach Chizik and his new staff were hired a little over a year ago.
Quarterback is arguably the most difficult position to learn, and master at any level. When we are talking about this kind of offense, and this level of athleticism, well were looking for that perfect individual. We are looking for someone who possesses speed, strength, accuracy, and quick thinking abilities. They must be able to recognize defensive alignments, schemes, and react with deft quickness to call an audible. Then he must be able to make sure he has his teammates lined up correctly, to have success on that play.
So, you see, it’s not that easy to play at this level, much less, with an offense as complicated as CGM’s. Barrett Trotter, and Neil Caudle are the only two who have enough time in to complete this mission.
Mr. Trotter was dressed and helping call plays into the games this year, after his surgery, and I personally think that single element helped beyond measure. He has the tools to be successful that we already discussed earlier. Game time experience is the only drawback here.
As for Neil Caudle, well, I frankly don’t know. He played admirably this season in mop up duty. Is that enough?
The wildcard in all of this is the last minute signing of Cam Newton, which we discussed in an earlier blog. Mr. Newton has signed, and enrolled at Auburn, with classes reportedly starting on Jan. 8th, 2010. He will count back to the 2009 class.
All the guru sites are foaming at the mouth with praise for this young man. His potential is NFL hall of Fame if buy into all the hype. I can only hope he is that good.
WAR EAGLE!
January 6, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comEXCUSE ME, I REALLY TRIED HARD TO GET IT RIGHT!
Please accept my apology. In my haste to get the Outback Bowl story to you, I kind of got myself confused in the order of how the events unfolded.
As we all know, after Ben Tate fumbled, Northwestern went on to score and converted on a Two Point attempt. The conversion of which was executed flawlessly.
That tied the score at 35 points apiece. Then the kickoff to Washington ensued, and as he returned the ball over the 40yard line, he fumbled. Auburn’s defense held. The field goal attempt by NU’s kicker, sailed off to the right. Sending the game into the most bizarre overtime period in Auburn football history.
Once again, I messed up. No one’s fault but mine. I accept full responsibility here.
There is an interesting interview with Michael Dyer,
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2010/01/recruit_video_auburn_commitmen.htmlI really like this young man. I was hoping (greedy Gus that I am) that Auburn would land all three of the top running backs out of High School this year. It appears however, that Auburn has cooled somewhat on Lache Seastrunk. The five star recruit out of Temple, TX. The other top back is Marcus Lattimore.
Here is what Beaver had today on Mr. Seastrunk.
http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/01/seastrunks-options-narrow.htmlI found this looking around yesterday. Thought you might like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOHrrpaeGV8&feature=channelThe really slow season of college football is around the corner. If you have any questions, requests, or complaints please feel free to send me an email. I would like to hear from you.
January 5, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comI try to rationalize the difference of opinions, sometimes, mostly to get a look at how someone else thinks. I’ve been amazed at the varied ways we as people can look at one thing, in particular and totally see different images. You know, how when you look at a cloud, and see a dog, someone else might see a train?
Take for example the quarterback position at Auburn. In case you haven’t heard, Auburn has received a National Letter of Intent from Cameron Newton. He’s a stud QB rated 5 stars by Rivals, and is listed at 6’ 6” and 247 lbs. and has 4.5 speed! Of course this just means one thing, right? It’s inescapable, right? Rrrriiiigggghhhhtttttt!
To hear some people say it, this means the AU coaching staff has zero confidence in Neil Caudle to take the reins next year, as QB. If you listen to another camp, they’re saying that “we didn’t need another QB, we have plenty”. Why waste the scholarship?
My two cents worth is why pass, on a near perfect chance at a near perfect athlete, who just happens to play QB? At that size and speed, he could play almost anywhere. The competition is going to improve with Mr. Newton around. Heck, some of the QB’s already there maybe be able to push him enough to improve his game.
Keeping on the recruiting front, here is a good look from Beaver over at The Latest in Auburn Football.
http://auburnbybeaver.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-more-month.html
Rivals, has your Tigers ranked third currently in recruiting. It appears that this staff has taking a back seat to no one!
I have come to like this next gentleman’s work. I can’t say I like his music choices every time, but this one in particular is GREAT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU3xxXgnBcQI am not a recruiting guru. I will however try to keep you posted when I can about the happenings with this part of the football season. We all know it never ends here in the South.
WAR EAGLE!
January 2, 2010
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post all comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comAuburn 38 Northwestern 35
As I sit here ready to type this, I am grasping for the words to truly do this game justice. I keep coming up with crazy, incredible, stupid, bonehead, spectacular, phenomenal, terrible, far-fetched (okay that’s two words), You get my point here?
After a Mike Kafka 2 yard TD run, and during the ensuing PAT attempt Antonio Coleman gets a hand on the ball and it’s blocked (see spectacular). That gives Auburn an 8-point lead and the chance to get the ball back and run the clock out.
Up by the score of 35 –27 Auburn simply had to run the ball, get one first down and then go into what they call the victory formation and the game would have been for all intents and purposes over, well before it was. A Ben Tate fumble (see bonehead) left the NU Wildcats in good shape, with plenty of time for their fast paced offense to score. And they did just that.
Now don’t get me wrong here, Ben Tate is an extremely gifted back and will be seeing playing time on Sundays. It’s just that of all the times to fumble!
NU kicks the ball deep (see incredible), and Demond Washington returns it up the middle, breaking tackles, spinning dodging getting over the 40yard line and…(see crazy) fumbles the ball and Northwestern recovers, of course.
After what seems to be forever, unless you play on Auburn’s tired, wore out defensive unit, Northwestern starts their march towards the goal line, and scores. The extra point try is a fake reverse pass, which works to perfection (see phenomenal).
The overtime period was just plain (see crazy) lunatics loose in the hall stuff.
Auburn doing what they do best, in the red zone, they scored. This time a Field Goal to make the score 38 -35
Then it went bonkers.
Kafka throws a pass to Markshausen who seemingly fumbles the ball. Auburn is penalized for swatting a loose fumble, and it’s all overturned. Review shows the receiver was down prior to the fumble. NU retains possession. On the very next play, Craig Stevens sacks the NU QB Kafka and he again seemingly fumbles, after review he is ruled down and NU retains possession (see far-fetched).
Auburn’s defense stalls the Wildcats and they attempt the game tying Field Goal. It hits the upright and sails harmlessly away, Auburn wins! (See stupid) Auburn is called for roughing the kicker, a personal foul penalty with an automatic first down, and NU retains possession. The kicker is injured, and out for the remainder.
I do not infer that missing the field goal was stupid, nor the effort by Auburn’s defense. The unmitigated gall to give the kicker two hops past where he kicks the ball as “his space” and ruling a player who is sliding on the wet turf in the rain, mind you, underneath said kicker’s second hop as roughing the kicker is (see terrible).
Northwestern then can’t score, even on a fumblerooski style play where Neiko Thorpe makes the tackle at the two on fourth down to seal the win, Auburn had to check and see if there were any more flags left in the officials pockets. Nope, they kept the laundry this play and Auburn wins.
This was one of the most exciting, and most frustrating games I have ever seen. I was present at Jordan-Hare stadium when AU picked LSU for four fourth quarter TD’s. I think this tops even that. At least for now it feels like it does.
Auburn ends it’s season 8-5 and is currently ranked third in the Rivals recruiting poll. Brighter days are ahead, so it seems. I hope they don’t come as hard as this victory today.
WAR EAGLE!
December 31, 2009
Tiger Bloggin For Your Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post comments at
koolbell4au@gmail.comWell, here it is, the last blog of 2009 for us here at Tiger Bloggin’. I hope each of you has a safe and very Happy New Year. Please be kind, generous, and most of all patient with your fellow travelers if you’re on the road this weekend.
Let us now get to the Outback Bowl. There are a myriad of articles for you to peruse. Many are guessing what might happen, and some are decent pre-game analysis. Here are a couple of good looks at pre-game.
There’s this.
http://eyesonauburn.blogspot.com/2009/12/outback-bowl-preview.html
And then again, there’s this.
For the stat guys, it doesn’t get any better than that.
I am enjoying my time here at philsteele.com. I would like however to take this time to thank all those who have helped me along this year.
A heart filled and sincere thanks go to the guys at Track Em' Tigers.
If you guys, and gals have not visited the superbness of Track ‘Em, then I suggest you quit wasting time, andget over there. Jay, Acid, and the rest of the crew truly bring an added delight to all things Auburn.
There are many places for those who cruise the web to visit. For those of you who take the time out to include us, I thank you.
May each of you have a prosperous, safe and Ausome New Year.
WAR EAGLE!
December 30, 2009
Bloggin For Your Tiger Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
Post comments at koolbell4au@gmail.comRecruiting season must seem to never seem to end for coaches and their families. We are all guilty of sometimes complaining about working too hard, too long of hours, or having to work weekends. But imagine the pressure of coaching at the big time level of a major college football program.
The head coach has the majority of the pressure, but the assistant coaches have plenty on their respective shoulders as well.
Just for example the recruiting calendar, the NCAA web site has two and a half pages devoted just to the dates at which coaches can call, see, or in home visit, each perspective student athlete.
I’ll list the basic dates for you, but if you want more visit the ncaa.org site.
August 1 thru November 28 – Quiet period
November 29 thru January 30 – Contact period
(This period alone has 10 exceptions)
January 31 – Quiet period
February 1 thru 4 – Dead period
February 5 thru April14 – Quiet period
April 15 thru May 31 Evaluation period
June 1 thru July 31 – Quiet periodThere it is, in print for all to see. It’s as simple as can be.
What’s that? What is the difference between a quiet period, and a dead period? I am glad you asked. Let’s look into the NCAA rules for their definition of the different periods.
- Quiet period – The college coach may not have any in-person contact with a perspective student athlete or their parents off the college’s campus. The coach may not watch an athlete perform via a visit to your school. A coach is allowed to call or write to the perspective student athlete, or their parents during this time. A perspective student athlete and/or their parents may visit the campus at this time.
- Dead period – The coach may not have any in-person contact with any perspective student athlete or their parents at any time during this period. The coach may write a perspective student athlete or their parents during this time.
- Evaluation period – The college coach may watch you play, or visit a school, but may not have any in-person contact with the perspective student athlete or their parents. The coach may write or call either during this period.
Now, we have only covered the calendar, and a few definitions here. It’s easy to understand how minor infractions can occur, with a rules book so laden.
Keep up the good Coaches, and as always,
WAR EAGLE!
December 29, 2009
Bloggin For Your Tiger Noggin’
With KOOLBELL
send all comments to koolbell4au@gmail.com
Well it’s game week. The last one for our beloved Tigers, for quite awhile.
Coach Chizik said the first practice was “rusty”. As evidenced here: http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2009/12/lakjdf.html.
It appears that tight end Phillip Lutzenkirchen will play a lot more in the Bowl game than at anytime this season. He will fill in at the H Back position, which has been decimated with suspensions. Here’s how Mr. “Lutz” feels about it:
http://blog.al.com/press-register-sports/2009/12/lutzenkirchen_emerges_for_aubu.html.
Charles Goldberg of al.com fame has a look at what might possibly be up Coach Malzahn’s sleeves. http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/12/auburns_offense_looks_to_pick.html
Coach Chizik has been vocal about Wide Out Derek Winter this season. Check out what he says here, as posted by Andy Bitter over at War Eagle Extra.
WR Derek Winter is a Tampa native. Although he hasn't done much this year (his one catch came against Furman), Chizik had good things to say about the sophomore. "This kid works," Chizik said. "He's the epitome of hard work. When you look at Auburn's creed, in there it talks about work, hard work. He is what the creed says and he is what Auburn believes in."
High praise indeed.
It’s not all work this week in Tampa. Both teams went to Busch Gardens this afternoon. Enjoy Mr. Goldberg’s video here. http://blog.al.com/goldmine/2009/12/post_49.html
I was cruising the web as usual when I ran up on this unique perspective from Jay G. Tate at The Hottest Auburn Blog on The Net. It’s worth your time. http://jaygtate.blogspot.com/2009/12/freestyling-from-bay.html
We will catch up later in the week.
WAR EAGLE!
December 28, 2009
Bloggin For Your Tiger Noggin’
With KoolBell
Every now and again I like to add a little twist to the regular stuff we write about.
This I like:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf6Y2_dFhrs
No cussing that I can tell.
And this too;
http://vimeo.com/8212552Happy New Year everyone!
WAR EAGLE
If you have any comments or suggestions you would like to see in the Auburn Blog please email koolbell4au@gmail.com
December 27, 2009
Bloggin For Your Tiger Noggin’
With KoolBell
THE AUBURN QB RACE
There are many who see this upcoming spring Quarterback competition as the most crucial in anyone’s recent memory.
First let us examine why it is so critical that the coaching staff at Auburn get this right. Most important in the minds of the AU faithful is the absolute must of beating Alabama. This past Iron Bowl was a competitive, fun (in some ways), and exciting as any. That leaves Auburn fans with sense that the program may be closer to stepping into the National spotlight and competing with the best. Most of which just happens to reside in the SEC.
Secondly, this new offense has found much favor among the traditionalists at Auburn. To put it into perspective, run first to set up the pass. Auburn has a long line of running backs that permeate thru the pro ranks, and the SEC historical stats. The Tigers have very few QB’s that they can hang their history hat on. The Auburn faithful remember most of the quarterbacks that played at Auburn. The fact remains however, aside from Jason Campbell, and Pat Sullivan, few if any have made national headlines.
That leads us to the question.
This Malzahnian offense, can it produce a quarterback that can rewrite the books at Auburn, win, and create the buzz that could bring more favorable attention to the Loveliest Village?
If in it’s first year at Auburn, Chris Todd can set a new Touchdown passing record, the answer seems simple enough. Why, yes it can!
WAR EAGLE!
December 26, 2009
Bloggin’ for your Tiger noggin
With Kool Bell
Outback Bowl Preview
Welcome to our inaugural Auburn blog page here with Phil Steele. In our attempt to bring you an insightful, honest, and considerably biased opinion, news, and stats on Auburn Football. We will leave no stone unturned in trying to keep you, our faithful readers, up to date. Now on to the Bowl preview.
The 2009 edition of the Auburn Tigers have earned respect and loyalty from the hearts of their fans with a never say die attitude. The teams willingness to keep working hard and support the coaches, their teammates, and the Auburn way have led to an invitation to this year’s New Years Day Outback Bowl. Their opponent will be the Northwestern University Wildcats.
The teams match up well, with two very fast paced offenses, along with two athletic defenses.
Northwestern passes quite a bit more than our Tigers. A good pre-game breakdown can be found here:
http://www.trackemtigers.com/2009/12/17/1204356/gearing-up-for-the-northwesternAs I write this Auburn is a 7-point favorite over Northwestern. I find this hard to imagine, unless the odds makers are thinking Auburn’s schedule was tougher, or Northwestern will have a hard time trying to stop Auburns running game.
Please feel free to leave your comments, criticisms, and opinions with us. I do not however wish to have running down of players on this site. Let’s remember, the players are the soldiers on the gridiron. They deserve our respect.
Happy New Year,
WAR EAGLE!P.S. As this is written it has been announced that Urban Meyer will step down at the Florida program. ESPN is saying that it’s due to health reasons.