Track Em Tigers: FanPosts

A Quick Hitter-Tennessee

ArieGold — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:35:03 -0000

So, what does everyone think of Tennessee now? I still think they are pretty solid.

Remember Bama and Auburn seemed to never be able to win openers against the PAC-10. Of course Wash St in 2006 was our only success against the PAC-10.

Side Note: Eric Berry looked good. Man, that hurts the heart when I think about how he slipped right through our fingers 2 years ago! Oh well, Se La Vie!!

War Eagle!

-B

Philip Pierre-Louis out for season

PowerOfDixieland — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:07:57 -0000

According to the AP, he tore a ligament in his knee on the opening kickoff. That's right, one 2008 play, and his season is over. At least he'll have this season to redshirt, although it will be disappointing because he was supposed to be something special this year. And we NEED something special this year.

Also mentioned in the article, KB should be back by next week, Swinton hyperextended his knee but should be back by next week, and Montez Billings is questionable with a nagging hamstring injury.

My Take on Day One

ArieGold — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:51:40 -0000

First of all, Alabama fans, congrats on the big win! Second, it really is ignorant-no matter how you spin it-to talk the type of smack that I heard at 11 o'clock last night this soon. I know that beating Clemson, a top 10 team, is a big deal, but I just have to hit a few points. Let's get started....

1. Don't be a poor winner and tell an Auburn fan to be afraid just yet.

2. We beat Clemson last year.

3. Clemson is an annual choker. They have always underachieved under Tommy Bowden. I am quite sure that the display in the Georgia Dome might have been the beginning of the end for Bowden.

4. Bammers- It really is amazing the things that y'all say.

One thing that I heard was, "we beat a top 10 ten! Who'd yall play? A high school team? And, what was that score?"-Bammer

I was completely dumbfounded. Didn't Auburn beat Clemson in their bowl game? And, didn't ALABAMA LOSE to ULM in their second to last game last year?

The Bammers response was...."THAT'S IN THE PAST"

WTF????? I was dumbfounded!!!! Isn't the premise of all BAMMERS hopes and dreams, found waaaaaaay back burried in the past! Hasn't that been their calling card for 2 decades now?

The irrational Alabama fans will be out in force this morning. They will talk their smack, and most of all, fail to see any logical points raised byother fans. Get ready boys and girls. The Bammers are back, and it's only going to get worse.

My first game perspective-I am hoping our inability to air out any passes was due to first game jitters.......I was glad to see the running game so dominant.

Overall, no surprises, but I want to see the ball thrown successfully. That's gonna hurt recruiting if we cannot get that done. Plus, what the hell did I wait 9 months to see?

On a side note: I apologize to LSU fans for being so rash. I still think you guys lose some, but I would like to amend my prediction to four losses at the most. LSU looked nasty at times.....

Well, it was a decent day of football. ECU got a hold of Va Tech, and Alabama got Clemson. I was thrilled for Alabama until the 1:30 to go mark. And then, I remembered why I loved watching them suffer over the last decade. The suffering may be over, but the streak WILL go on!

War Eagle!!!

Warhawks Grounded!

Acid Reign — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 03:49:23 -0000

.....Another Auburn season opener has ended, and it's a moderately successful one for the Tigers. While the team struggled to throw the ball in the new spread offense, and the secondary had a few issues, Auburn looked like a LOT more solid ballclub, than at this time a year ago.

.....I was resigned to listening to this game on the radio, but unexpectedly, I was able to get the game on ESPN360.com, on the internet, despite warnings that the state of Alabama was blacked out. Surprisingly, AT&T delivered a better picture through the internet, than Charter does through their cable! Sound was pretty abysmal, though, and there's about a half minute delay vs. the radio. I'm glad I have a headphone amp. What follows is a quick grade sheet, before I've had a chance to be influenced by coaches or media reports. Defensive Line: B+. There was dominant play from multiple folks, from Antonio Coleman, SenDerrick Marks, Antoine Carter, Tex Doolittle, Jake Ricks, Mike Blanc, and more. They got little help from linebacker blitzes, but were still able to shut ULM down on the ground, and make Lancaster's life miserable. Even more impressive, Auburn's ends were able to drop off into coverage, and actually be effective.

Linebackers: A-. These guys gave nothing up, and there were big plays from Tray Blackmon through Stevens, Johnson, and Evans, down all the way to Josh Bynes and Courtney Hardin. Only minus on the linebackers was that they lost the tight end underneath a bit. Luckily, the ULM tight ends were terrible catching the ball.

Secondary: C+. We had our problems, but also made plays, particularly the younger guys. Except for one big post that beat Jerraud Powers (and resulted in a drop), the safeties kept big plays from happening in the passing game. Younger DBs got a lot of action, and showed athleticism and talent, if not a great understanding of how to stay with a receiver. I think it will come together in the next couple of weeks, as long as we don't get anyone hurt!

Punting: B-. I'm counting off a bit on consistency, but for a guy who was kicking Walmart balls a year ago, it was an amazing performance. Our coverage was good, too.

Punt Returns: A. Robert Dunn was in control, back there. Not even a hint of a fumble, and when he got a crack, he juked about 10 guys and took it to the house! Great decisions, for the most part, too.

Kick Returns: I. We got the opening kickoff, and freshman Phillip Pierre Louis seemed to have a great chance, but ran right at a defender, got popped at the 23, and didn't return to the game. I hope he's OK. No kickoffs after that, in the shutout.

Kickoffs: C+. We definitely got better distance than last year, even posting one touchback. Without combing stats, I'd guess we gave up in the mid-20s per return. Nothing really big, but not shut-down, either.

Place-kicking: C. No hard, or pressure kicks, and we missed a chip shot.

Offensive Line: B-. We had a handful of costly penalties on the line, a couple on Issom including a hold, some false starts, including one on 5th-year senior Jason Bosley. How does a center get a false start penalty? On the other hand, these guys opened some HOLES. And the QBs had lots of time, even on blitzes. You really didn't see folks turned loose early. Overall, a good start against a seasoned front seven.

Receivers: C-. Same old problems, the dropped balls. Wow. Tommy Trott was supposed to be a threat, but got dominated by ULM safeties. Slaughter with drops. Rod Smith was his dynamic self, but we really didn't have anyone step up otherwise.

Running Backs: B+. No fumbles, and nearly 300 yards. That's particularly good, even against a Sun Belt team, when your passing game is rank! Eric Smith's going to do some great things at Auburn, if he stays healthy! A couple of drops keep this grade out of the A range.

Quarterbacks: D+. We were lucky to be playing ULM. There were misses, bad decisions, and general standing around in the pocket. Panic and happy feet. In the end, there was only one QB turnover, but there should have been about five. If his shin is OK, I think Burns probably keeps his starting job, because he didn't keep trying to hit wide-open white shirts. Fortunately, ULM defenders mostly can't catch.

.....I think we'll be OK against Southern Miss, because I think we'll be playing a similarly overmatched team. We've GOT to improve in a lot of areas, though. You won't see the "hundreds of comments" thread-bombing play-by play out of me, next week. I'll be sitting in the stands for the Golden Eagles. Despite some bumps, we're on track. I picked 38-13, but 34-0 is not bad, either.

.....War Eagle! And I hope to have a great time in Auburn, next Saturday!

Not A Top Program?

ArieGold — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:37:01 -0000

Angry White Man-An Auburn Fan’s Response Category: Sports

I decided to share a few things I looked up with the rest of you guys. This story really happened. Idid amend my language and added the Jimmy Johns bit to further my point......SO, ENJOY!

3/5/08

Earlier this morning, your's truly was accosted by an unruly and highly unintelligent "Bammer" fan.

I would like to, first of all, make apologies to the Alabama fan's that are my DAWGS. This blog is in-Absolutely-no way directed at you guys. I am making a general point. I will do my very best to be classy about the points that I am making.

First of all-I love football, and most of all, I love Auburn football. I was born in Auburn in 1978, and I even attended the school for some time. I am a fan, and as a fan I am, in all reality, not a factor in how my school does in: season games, off the field problems, and in recruiting. I admit that I will talk smack from time to time, but I do it in a non-threatening manner-because I know how it feels to be teased. ESPECIALLY about something that I have NO control over. That being said, let us move forward to the point.

I was having a friendly conversation with an employee of mine, and our conversation was abruptly ended by the start of a rant that is in all reality one of the more "Classless" rants made by a "Bammer" in history....I have edited and shortened the dialogue, but I found it necessary to convey my experience in this form....

Enjoy.....

Employee: Did you see the two relatives that got into a fight over Obama and Clinton?
BW: No, what happened?
Employee: One of them stabbed the other, and they are both in jail!
BW: That's funny....Where'd that happen?
Employee: In Texas
BW: Liberals in Texas....Don't mess with folks in Texas.....Speaking of which, did you hear about the Oklahoma fan(I thought at the time I had the story right) that was castrated by UT fans at a bar?
Victoria: No
BW: Yeah damn....And people say that Bama/Auburn rivalry is bad...
Employee: Auburn...who cares...Go Gators!!
BW: Hahaha. Keep joking. They (Auburn) have the best record in the SEC over the last decade>>>>INTERUPTION
AceholeBammer: Last decade!! try the last 20 or 30 years! How many Championships do yall have? One? Weren't yall Alabama Poly back then?
BW: Yeah, but if get all technical Bama has 6....
AB: We got twelve man! Go count 'em again. You're just mad cause the only thing that Auburn is good for is Soy Bean Research and Pig Impregnation!!!(Yes, he said that)
BW: It's people like you who make football no fun
AB:Yeah what about that JUNIOR COLLEGE LEVEL team Tubby recruited? Yall gonna lose a lot sooner than you think to us! Damn, he couldn't give away scholarships! herherherherher....
BW: Bama will be on probation within 3 years....I guarantee
AB: Whatever...I went to Bama and Auburn. You can tell I didn't like that "Cow"College...Son, I am a lot older than you(he was like 41 and when he called me son---- it was my inward breaking point)
BW:That's great I am thirty and NOT a BOY or your SON.
AB: Hope you didn't spit in my coffee
BW: No sir, I have more class then that. If I had been a Bammer, that's a different story.....

FIN

As you can see, I had a bad morning. The guy was obviously a jerk and out to prove it. After our little tussle, I decided to put some things in print. You know, to sort of rebuttal the guy....

Since 2000: Auburn is the winningest team in the SEC 75-27 overall, but---> (49-17) in SEC
LSU 81-19 (49-18)
Florida 74-28 (47-18)
Tennessee 71-30 (44-23)
Georgia 80-23 (47-20)
Alabama 53-46 (30-34)

Wait! There must be a discrepency!!
30 times in my lifetime Bama and Auburn have squared off....Auburn has edge 16-14 including 7 out of last 8.

Since 1980 Auburn has 5 SEC titles.....Bama 4....But, if you go back two years thats makes 6 for them, and you have to omit 92's because it was a freakin home game played at Legion Field...Statistical purposes led me to round off at 1980....

In last 27 seasons, Auburn has 2 undefeated campaigns to Bama's 1

Auburn has 14 1st round draft picks
Bama-15

Since '02 Auburn's recruiting classes weighed in on an average of 12th best

Bama's average is 19th...That's with the PROBATION.....So, why should I care once Saban gets his players in?

Lastly. Since the implementation of the BCS, Auburn has one BCS win to Bama's nada!!

I will concede Bama's 1992 Title...

I digress....But, can you see what I am saying? Neither school has wowed the world over the last 27 years. But, if we are going to argue logistics....You have to deal with what I have written. We are not just a "Cow" College. WE have been just as big a part of the landscape of College Football as Alabama, IF NOT MORE. I didn't look it up, but Tub's record versus top 10 is ridiculous. And we can also weigh in on players arrested. Auburn had one last year(didn't pay a parking ticket)

Bama had 9. Plus the whole Jimmy Johns sellin COKE in the parking lot.

Auburn also had the distinction of being the number one team in the nation with active players that have already graduated. Auburn graduates ideal citizens(Almost 70%). Bama, well they try.... Go to Google and look this up: Former University of Alabama player arrested for intentionally spreading AIDS....

We are just fans, but a fan has to put his foot down sometime....

We aren't just a "COW" College. We are the school Bama's paying a guy 4 million a year to beat....

War Eagle!!!

I'M OUT!!!

-B

This Year's Dud - The LSU Bayou Bengals

ArieGold — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:50:38 -0000

It seems that every year in the Southeastern Conference there is a team that doesn't quite live up to their potential. Actually, that is an understatement. Let's say that every year there is a team that totally screws the pooch in the SEC. In 2000, the Tide started the season ranked 3rd in the country. They lost early and never ever recovered ending up at a stellar 3-8.

In 2001, the Auburn Tigers were the team. The Tigers looked awesome at times, and at other times looked dismal. Wins against the top-ranked Gators and a gutsy win at Georgia were squandered by a season ending injury to Cadillac Williams in the first quarter against Alabama. Auburn didn't recover from that injury and what looked like a promising season ended very badly with 3 straight losses. 8-5 You're welcome LSU!

In 2003, Auburn was the canine screwer again. A national championship caliber team lost 2 to start the season and never fully recovered. They ended up 8-5. Again, you're welcome LSU!

In 2006, Georgia took home the Gold of teams that lost when they shouldn't have. Along with an Auburn team that lost heavily AT HOME to Georgia and Arkansas.

In 2007, South Carolina took top honors by losing their last five games......

So, who is this years Dud? If I was a betting man, I'd go with Georgia because I don't think they have it in them to weather their harsh schedule.

But, I am not a betting man. I am a man that has sat quietly (until now) and watched Les Miles get away with some of the most BONEHEADED calls in the history of the game. If you look back, LSU hasn't actually beaten Auburn on the field since 2003. It has taken some seriously messed up divine intervention to grant them the successes that they have had. So, that being said, LSU is my team to squander opportunities and to totally screw the pooch this year.

They will start off 3-0 before playing Auburn, but that's where it will get interesting. LSU will lose handily to Auburn. Then, a Miss State team with a grudge will upset them. State is returning nine on a good defense. They will then get bamboozled by Florida.

The next week against South Carolina will be about the same outcome as with Miss State. Georgia will utterly embarrass Les Miles at home and increase the already uncontrollable heat on him. Then, two weeks later, Nick Saban will have a hand at his former school's demise.

By the time the next week comes around, things will be out of control. Miles will be the first guy to win a national championship and be in this type predicament. Ole Miss and Houston Nutt will be calling. Nutt has a good football team and things will get ugly when the final kneel down is made. LSU will beat Arkansas the next week in a feeble attempt at getting a bowl game, but they won't get it.

My prediction: LSU 6-6.

Thus goes the tyrant and that incredibly whimsical pony he road in on......

War Eagle

War Eagle! The Season Is Almost Here

GumptownTiger — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:43:35 -0000

We are rounding the corner folks. It seems like I spend almost my entire work day ingesting anything Auburn in preparation for this season. I came across this online yesterday. Most of you have prob already seen it, but for someone who wasn't alive in 1972 this is as close as I can get:

http://www.theamazinsmovie.com/doc.html

Also, I've sort of started my own tradition the last few years as AU football gets closer. I know everyone has seen these articles, but I like to reread 'em right before each season. Gets me fired up for home games and makes you appreciate how great it really is to be an Auburn Tiger:

http://www.wardamntailgate.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=125

http://www.coloradotigers.com/concourse/quotes_syracuse.htm

Just a few more weeks. WAR EAGLE!!!

A different look at Tony Franklin's offense

PowerOfDixieland — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 02:16:33 -0000

Greetings, fellow Auburn fans!

The season is a mere 23 days away, and if you're like me, you wish you could go into hibernation for those 23 days and wake up on the morning of August 30 ready to watch College Gameday and a slate of college football action. Who cares if it's Ball State vs. Eastern Michigan! We just want some college football action and can't wait.

Anyways, one of the things that has most Auburn fans boiling over with excitement is the installation of Tony Franklin's new offense. We all got tired of the swift downfall of the "Gulf Coast Offense" as it was called, and needed a change. Three yards and a cloud of dust just doesn't cut it anymore in football.

So in comes Tony Franklin to spread the field and rack up the yards. Everything is going to be great, right? Well, I'd like to look closer at the numbers. Everytime someone brings up Franklin's offense, he points out that our average yardage per game was 327.8 and we amassed 423 yards against Clemson. Almost 100 yards more! The thing that I think too many fans (and analysts, to be honest) believe is that Franklin's system will naturally rack up more yards because it runs more plays. So what I've done is created a table that shows our yardage per game and also our yardage per play. I broke it down by game for extra analysis:

OPPONENT        # PLAYS         TOTAL YDS       YDS/PLAY

Kansas St.      67              291             4.34
South Fla.      70              290             4.14
Miss. St.       68              323             4.75
N.M. St.        71              422             5.94
Florida         70              326             4.66
Vanderbilt      57              404             7.09
Arkansas        76              290             3.82
LSU             63              296             4.70
Ole Miss        74              420             5.68
Tenn. Tech      65              374             5.75
Georgia         65              216             3.32
Alabama         63              282             4.48

Overall         67.42           327.83          4.86

Clemson         90              423             4.70

Oh no! Al Borges' offense actually gained more yards per play than Franklin's! Now, I want to explain the reasoning and what all this data means.

First of all, it must be said that Franklin's offense was installed in just a few practices before the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and we still averaged 4.70 yards per play, against a talented defense like Clemson's no less.
Franklin's offense at Troy averaged 5.55 yards per play. That is a ton of yards per play, but we also must consider the level of defense Troy played. The Sun Belt is definitely no SEC. However, Troy faced two SEC defenses last season in Arkansas and Georgia, and averaged 4.7 and 5.8 per play, respectively. They also played a Big 12 opponent in Oklahoma State and gained 5.8 yards per play. So their games against Georgia and Oklahoma State actually helped their total yards per play average.
Borges' offensive numbers were buoyed by games against New Mexico State, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and Tennessee Tech. In every other game they underperformed the season average on yards per play.

So what to make of all this? In my opinion, Franklin won't be the great savior of Auburn football like some believe he will, and Borges wasn't as bad as he sometimes gets painted. Another factor to consider in Borges' offensive ineptitude these last two years is Brandon Cox. I love the guy, but he was a poor quarterback at racking up yards. He did great in leading late drives against Arkansas and Florida (and even Mississippi State to some respects) but I'm glad he's not our quarterback anymore. Regardless, I can't wait for football to start!

Thoughts?

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED

justinsch3 — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 22:49:54 -0000

I know that SI normally gets it wrong, but i must say they didn't make too much of an error this year. The rankings came out for SI and Auburn is ranked 7th overall. #1 in the SEC West going against Georgia for the SEC Champ. They think Georgia will win, but I think that their time has come up. Its WDE time and I can't wait for this show to get on the road!

From out here in Sunny San Diego,

WDE!!!

28 Days-And I Already Hate Georgia

ArieGold — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:58:00 -0000

Jay recommended reading Tony Franklin's interview with Tony Barnhardt. I agree that it's a good read, but if you scroll down into the comment section of the story, you will see vast amount of Dawgs dissing Auburn.

Well, first off, on paper Georgia looks tough. But, what most of the "Puppy Nation" does not realize is that being voted number one before a down is played does not VALIDATE their program. Winning on the field is what makes you number one. Besides LSU and Alabama, I cannot think of a fan base that has let their mild successes on the football field distort their expectations of an upcoming football season as that of the UGA's.

The attacks on Auburn's offense are just way too premature. I read one comment that said that a good SEC defense can stop the spread. But, the best defense in the SEC is Auburn's....So, wherein lies their logic? Georgia is not known for having stellar defense! Except 2001-2003 Or, for winning without using "Circus" theatrics(Florida and Auburn games last year) So, what propels this team to number one? Knoshown Moreno? Caled King? I doubt it. Their road schedule is as brutal as they come!!! They will not have the benefit of using those theatrics against Auburn, and believe me payback is coming.

I gave them the nod against Auburn in my preseason predictions, but I think I am going to retract that. I have looked at Georgia and Auburn closely. We have the better defense, and if the offense is as good as I think it will be, I think Georgia will(like every other year) just sit around and dream about what might have been. While Auburn steals their thunder......Again

28 Days to go, and I already hate people from Athens a little more, but don't fear them College Football World.......

They are all bark and NO BITE!!

War Eagle

Hello and WDE !

tigeri — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 02:01:01 -0000

I just found this site and it looks great. I look forward to participating.

With the college football season only about fifty days away, I find myself looking forward to the 2008 version even more than the last few years. My Tigers' future looks bright in all sports but, I think, moreso in football. I once was the eternal optimist but my optimism is tempered with reality these days.

If Coach Franklin's version of the spread can take hold after spring practice and fall camp in proportion to the nine practices prior to facing a very good Clemson defense, we should be quite a prolific offense.

I long for a return to an era similar to the Sullivan and Beasley days when one knew Auburn would score a lot and would have a great chance to win every game. It's also good to have the defense returning strong.

It all looks good from here. GO TIGERS !!!

Now the Dawgs are getting in on it

GumptownTiger — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:34:07 -0000

Not to be outdone by Alabama, University of Georgia sophmore Michael Lemon is turning himself in for beatin some fellow Ga. student's ass. It apparently took place after the other dude hiwt on Lemon's woman, bad idea. Nice try Lemon, but yo're no Jimmy Johns. Go big or go home. The article gives his measurements, but I wanna know how big the other guy was:

http://www.myfoxmontgomery.com/myfox/pages/Sports/Detail?contentId=6904980&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1

A piece of advice for all college students: Buy a damn football program every year so you know who's girlfriend you can hit on and can't.

Bammers Continue to Astound Me

ArieGold — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:21:09 -0000

Have I crossed into another demension? Where am I? When did the most conservative state in the "Union" decide that it was okay to deal crack? Oh! Thats right! we are talking football in Alabama!

I almost forgot about a blog I wrote on here a year ago! Synopsis--The Bammers have sold out COMPLETELY to win football games. At what cost you ask? Whatever it takes!

They have jumbled reality and football into their very own Alabama casserole of "Bull-Sh*t"...........

NO! It's not okay to do drugs. Yes. a lot of people do them!

No, its not okay to continue to give your head coach a free pass on his RESPONSIBILITIES!!!! YES! He is responsible for his players. I don't give a crap who recruited them. He has been there a year and a half!! He is responsible!!

Okay, if Nick isn't responsible? "Because he can't be with them at all times"-Bammers.....

Then....

How in the H*LL does he recruit so well? How can he say he didn't know or isn't responsible, and then turn around and sit in someones living room and promise parents that he will look after their children if they leave home and play for him? How can he say that? I want to know!

I am tired of this Auburn vs Alabama "Retard" rhetoric that bounces off Paul Finebaum's bald head! Auburn fans are gloating because our coach takes the initiative to care for his players(And is ACCOUNTABLE), and Bama fans are mad! They are mad because they have dealt us a smorgasbord of awesomeness to taunt them about!

And, what is their new argument? What have you done during our "Down Streak"? Well, for one, we've beaten Bama 6 years in a row, and are a NATIONALLY CREDIBLE CONTENDER every year. That is enough for me!

I digress...

My point here is that it is never okay to downplay something as serious as a coke bust. I know these kids are hard to keep up with. But, Nick Saban is to blame. Along with Saban, Mal Moore should shoulder some responsibility. This is embarassing folks. As an Auburn fan, I would condemn coaches and players who sat idly by and allowed this to happen on their watch. I wouldn't go as far and as preposterous as to blame Mike Shula! Give me a break! Wasn't he the "Savior" after Franchione was the "Savior" of Alabama football? Hey, isn't Saban the "Savior" or is he yalls Anti-Bear?Anyway....

Lastly.....

If it's one thing we learn from history is that we NEVER learn from history.......

Take note Alabama!

You're history!!!

War Eagle

P.S. I would like to thank all the people who made this rant possible: Shane, Paul, Jimmy J, the washed up drunk who calls games for Alabama, and flat-out all Bammers who just don't get it! Gotta give love to the orange and blue!! Jay, love the site! I am really stoked about AuburnUndercover.com! I think Phillip's got a winner! It's a great alternative to some of the silliest recruiting news out there! AcidRein, I'll see ya on da flip side yo!! Haha

I'm out!!

-B

Good Hire in Pawlowski/Other Baseball News

AU Student — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:56:13 -0000

I've been out of pocket for a while. When I came back and saw the new look I was unable to get my old name, BigCountry. I've been busy coaching Legion baseball since school let out.

This is a great hire. Look for great things to happen under Pawlowski. He is inheriting a great deal of young talent along with a very good singing class, minus Stovall who will sign pro. I think the whole him looking into other schools to play baseball and punt for the football team is total b.s. But, can you blame him for using it as a bargaining tool?

On the field look for more of the same as in style of play. They will still steal a lot of bases and play old school small ball. The big difference will be with the off the field leadership Pawlowski and his staff will provide. Unlike Slater, this isn't Pawlowski's first rodeo. Look for a much improved team to take the field in 2009 and make a long awaited return to Hoover for the SEC Tournament.

In other baseball news, Brian Fletcher and Hunter Morris were named First Team Freshman All-American by Baseball America. This is a great honor for both of these young men. To go along with Freshman AA, Morris has been named to USA Baseball National Team. I'd like to wish Hunter and the rest of team USA good luck in their quest for Gold this summer. What an awesome opportunity to not only represent your country, but to also get the name of Auburn baseball out in not only a national level, but world-wide as well.

Mash here for a link to the story on Fletcher and Morris as well as to catch up on what the rest of the team is doing in summer ball across the country.

My Predictions

ArieGold — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:18:02 -0000

It's summer and I am bored. I decided to go ahead and pick the scores for Auburn's upcoming season.....

From what I have seen and heard, these are my score predictions......

Don't hold me to these if our lack of experience and depth at these positions turns out to be a red herring......

La Monroe 14

Auburn 49

I don't think I need to break down this one.....

Southern Miss 10

Auburn 35

Do I need to get into this one either??

Miss St 17

Auburn 31

The MSU Bulldogs are back to being a yearly pain in the "ACE".....

Kudos to Croom and his staff. However Auburn will prove to have too much talent despite the fact that MSU returns 9 STARTERS on a decent defense.

LSU 20

Auburn 21

In what has become an annual bizarre fest, Auburn proves to be just a little better than the reigning national champs.

Tennessee 21

Auburn 24

Tennesse's inability to move the ball on the ground consistently against Auburn's front 7 will be the difference.

Vanderbilt 7

Auburn 31

Hey it's Vandy and they aren't the Vandy of old.....

Arkansas 23

Auburn 35

Never underestimate Bobby Petrino and his ability to find your weakness and expose it......

West Virginia 33

Auburn 31

Yes, I said it. Auburn is thin in the secondary. I have based the other predictions according to that belief.....I think Pat White will run and throw, and our Defense just won't have enough left in the tank at the end.....

Ole Miss 14

Auburn 42

Houston Nutt will have them beating us within 3 years.......Doubt me? What's Nutt's record against Auburn? I dare not say.......

Tenn-Martin 0

Auburn 56

Won't help our BCS chances.......

Georgia 38

Auburn 27

They are THAT good. They will run, throw, kick, and probably sweat better than the Tigers......But, at least we won't see them in Atlanta!

Alabama 20

Auburn 35

Seven!!!!!!!!!!!! One of the better ACE whoopins of the streak.......They have no Defense coming back, and Jerrel Harris can't come in and do it all himself........Plus Julio Jones will be more troble than he's worth.......

10-2 and SEC West Champs!!!!

Florida 27

Auburn 31

I have no doubt that Urban Meyer cannot out-coach Tommy Tuberville. Look no further than the last 2 years!!!!

11-2 SEC Champs!!!

Bowl Game? I guess the Sugar? Against probably the loser of Ohio State-USC, or maybe a rematch with West Virginia.....that would be nice!!

Well, that's it folks. Sorry, if you don't agree, but that's how I see it. If Auburn can find some folks to help us in the secondary and do well at it, and this offense works, we could get a title shot. But, let's be realistic for now!!!

WAR EAGLE!!!!!

-B

Jimmy John is sad about getting arrested.

GumptownTiger — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:50:18 -0000

Former Alabama LB 'Distraught' Over Drug Arrest

Last Edited: Friday, 27 Jun 2008, 6:25 AM CDT

Created: Friday, 27 Jun 2008, 6:25 AM CDT

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Lawyers for Jimmy Johns say the former Alabama linebacker is upset and "deeply saddened" by his arrest on six drug-related charges.

His lawyers, Jim Roberts and Mary Turner, said Johns has withdrawn from school. The Birmingham News reported on its Web site that Johns' attorneys filed a motion that he be allowed to go home to Brookhaven, Miss., while he awaits trial or further legal action.

Johns was arrested Tuesday and charged with five counts of selling cocaine and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Johns has been thrown off the football team by coach Nick Saban. He had been indefinitely suspended from school before he withdrew.

"Jimmy Johns is distraught over his arrest," said the statement from his attorneys.

The statement went on to say that Johns regrets that his actions cast a negative light on the university and its athletic program.

"Jimmy is deeply saddened that his arrest has hurt his family and the University of Alabama family, both of whom have been positive influences in his life," the statement said.

------

Information from: The Birmingham News

Get your cocaine so fast you'll freak

GumptownTiger — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 17:36:30 -0000

Jimmy Johns has been arrested for selling cocaine. I'm not talking about the sandwich peolpe, I'm talking about the University of Alabama lineman. Arrested this morning in TTown. Apparently it was coke and ecstacy. He alledgedly sold to undercover cops.

Another great spokesman for the university? We'll have to see what Saban thinks. It is tough being in school on scholarship. I guess they aren't allowed to work so what is a man to do for extra cash? Guess this.

It is all about character. As far as I am concerned let Bama keep recruiting the 5 star thugs. I'll gladly have the 2 and 3 star players who work hard and stay out of trouble.

http://www.myfoxmontgomery.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6838478&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Auburn Recruiting

ArieGold — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:08:54 -0000

On Finebaum today, they discussed Auburn's recruiting thus far in 2009. Lugenbill, an ESPN writer, and a recruiting evaluator said that Auburn has a top 10 class right now. Well, that didn't sit well with the "Bammers" . Who, for some reason, actually thought that Auburn would lay down and die in the wake of Nick Saban'S arrival. I hate it for you Bammers, but Auburn isn't going anywhere. So, come get some!!!

War Eagle!!

P.S. Alabama has six players that aren't going to arrive at the capstone from the 2008 class....3 are ESPN Top 150.....Sucks to be you!!!!

Nick Saban on Kenny Stabler (Satan on The Snake)

GumptownTiger — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:09:58 -0000

Saban weighed in on Kenny Stabler at his 'Nick's Kids' charity golf tournement. Like the rest of the Alabama crew he is behind Stabler all the way (and if you've ever been behind a drunk driver you know that is the safest place to be cause you can keep an eye on them and have time to react)

Saban's comments on Stabler:

http://www.myfoxmontgomery.com/myfox/pages/Sports/Detail?contentId=6770908&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=6.1.1

BTW, I love that he calls him, "a great ambassador for this university."

3 DUI arrests I'd say he's a great ambassador for wearing a seatbelt.

Has MADD gotten in on this?

Bama Player in trouble with the law

GumptownTiger — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:36:38 -0000

Ok, well maybe he's no longer in playing condition, but

"The Snake" was arrested over the weekend for DUI. "Well you know Elie, I just didn't think I'd had that much to drink"

But in all seriousness, touhg break Kenny, but at the same time you've got $$ call a cab. Or bum a ride , you're Ken Stabler.

http://www.rollbamaroll.com/2008/6/9/548485/ken-stabler-arrested-for-d