Bleacher Report - Articles by Tiger Histalmos

Auburn-Alabama: Tigers' Performance Shows They're on the Right Track

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:57:32 -0500

As like the rest of the Auburn family, watching that last minute touchdown by Alabama made my stomach turn sour. Watching the final Hail Mary get knocked down to seal the deal for Alabama made me realize it would be another 364 days before Auburn has another shot.

But in the amidst of the Alabama crowd that was cheering victory, fellow Auburn fans and myself did something I hadn't seen in a while.

As the Auburn band played the fight song, the Auburn crowd started singing and clapping along, cheering the team as they made their trek into the locker room.

Chants of "Its Great...To Be...An Auburn Tiger!" filled Jordan-Hare, overshadowing the joyful celebration of the Crimson Tide fans.

That alone should tell everyone that this team is far beyond last season, and beyond certain expectations this team has garnered in the preseason.

For a team that doesn't have much depth defensively, they held Heisman Trophy candidate Mark Ingram to a total of 30 yards rushing.

For a team that many determined early they wouldn't score a touchdown on the vaunted Alabama defense, they scored three times in the end zone.

Although Auburn's record shows only seven wins, the team is together again. The fan base has come together again. This feeling of togetherness and family has been something that has been missing for a long time.

Even when Auburn was winning under Tommy Tuberville.

In retrospect of the regular season, except for the LSU game, Auburn was competitive in each contest. Auburn had its opportunities, and fell short four times this season.

Auburn also won some games it should have lost, as the game against West Virginia will tell.

There can be much to think about the season if Auburn had it's depth, a few plays here and there, and a bit more luck.

Everyone in orange and blue should hold their head high today and into the future. Hanging in there with the No. 2 team in the nation, your in-state arch rival, for nearly 60 minutes should give this program and its fans pause for little concern into the future.

Detractors will say Auburn failed five times this season.

Supporters will say Auburn had a chance in eleven games this season.

Give Alabama credit for pulling it out when it mattered, but give Auburn credit for giving Alabama their toughest game of the season. This wasn't exactly the "warm-up" game against Florida that most were predicting.

For his first season, Coach Gene Chizik and his staff have done a great job with what they were given to start the season. There is something, however, that they have given the players, and the fans to an extent, that wasn't there for a long time.

Auburn has become close again as a unit. To quote Chizik:

"We have built a great foundation for what we are going to do in the future, and I am just very proud of our kids. I appreciate our fans supporting our guys as we were running off the field, which is not surprising. I am very proud of our team."

The foundation is there coach. The Auburn family can't wait to see what is in store for the future.

Alabama-Auburn: The Iron Bowl, Dividing People and a State

Tiger Histalmos — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:22:25 -0500

This is what Auburn and Alabama fans live for. There is nothing more important to the state of Alabama, Auburn fans, and Alabama fans than the next edition of the Iron Bowl.

Becoming a fan of one of these teams can start much earlier than one realizes. As we approach this year's game, I am reminded on how my father became an Auburn fan and alum which would shape my life as an Auburn fan and alum.

My father was born in Michigan, and moved to Prattville, Alabama early on in his life. This was during the 1960s, and as he grew, he faced the task of listening to the glory days of Alabama football.

He absolutely despised hearing about the Crimson Tide and anything that had to deal with it. So when it came to choose a school for becoming a mechanical engineer, he of course chose that "cow college" on the other side of the state.

He suffered greatly as a student, dealing with the start nine-loss streak to Alabama. It took five more years before he knew what it felt like again to beat Alabama.

Fast forward several years to the birth of the next generation, namely yours truly. For those that do not believe something can be instilled at birth, I submit this.

There are still mementos of my early years with Auburn clothes, toys, booties, etc. Living in Dothan for only eight months after I was born, I was moved to South Carolina.

But that feeling never left my family. That hatred toward Alabama.

Now being a young child, I didn't really understand the whole deal. Living outside the state of Alabama with no opposition to Auburn, it was hard to completely understand the rivalry as it was and still is today.

I researched the history of the rivalry at a young age, also inquiring my father about the history of Auburn University. "Punt, Bama, Punt," "Bo Over the Top," and the Iron Bowl's first time in Jordan-Hare were as important to me as how to add and subtract fractions.

After my father lost his job, we moved back to Alabama, outside of Dothan. I first got that taste of the rivalry when I was in elementary school.

I was simply asked what my father did by my classmates, and answered, "My father is a mechanical engineer who graduated from Auburn University."

Half of the class nodded in acceptance to what I said, the other half had a scowl on their face. Though I was friends with everyone, that week in November seemingly pitted everyone against each other.

My fandom and allegiance to Auburn only got deeper (or worse in the view of my Bama friends) when my father started purchasing season tickets after the 1994 season.

My first Iron Bowl in attendance was in 1995. That experience will never leave me, as Tiger Walk, at the time, was the biggest I had ever seen it. Looking at the players walking to the stadium, you knew this game was completely different.

Auburn would win that game, 31-27, in what would continue the unbeaten streak at Jordan-Hare against the Crimson Tide.

That next week in school, all the kids that were Bama fans were in the dumps, while the Tiger kids were jubilant. It lasted for the entire year. It was a great feeling.

After Auburn lost the following year at Legion Field, 24-23, it was the reverse. The remainder of my time in the state of Alabama was dreadful, while the Tide kids and adults never missed an opportunity to jab at me.

That made me despise the Tide even more.

I moved to Mississippi at the end of 1996, thinking I would leave the taunting in Alabama.

One of the first people I met at my new school was an Alabama fan. It started all over again.

I completed middle school in Mississippi, having to deal with other SEC fans, then moved to Georgia, where the Bulldogs were in force.

But during all that, my father and I continued our treks to Auburn for football games and Iron Bowls. My heart was ripped out after Auburn's first loss to the Tide in 1999. Hardly anyone else in my classes, besides those fans, realized what it meant to lose to the Tide.

One of my best friends in high school was a Alabama fan and son of Crimson Tide alum. We would constantly talk about both programs and jab at each other as the year's football season went on.

My friend and I would laugh at the kids that were Georgia fans. They never could understand how fans of such bitter rivals could be such close of friends. We would always gang up on the Bulldog faithful when the team was not doing so hot.

But when that week came around again, all bets were off. One of us would have right to brag for 364 days, while the other had to deal with the talk.

In my senior year of high school, it was easy to determine what university I wanted to go to. I was sent all sorts of postcards, letters, and applications from schools across the Eastern part of the U.S.

One such postcard was from the University of Alabama, inviting me to come to Tuscaloosa to view their campus.

I was so appalled that postcard arrived in the mail, I promptly took the postcard outside, placed it on a large rock rock in our back yard, and set it on fire.

After I was accepted to Auburn University, the school I always dreamed of going to since I was 10 years old, it only made my passion for the small college town rise even more. And with that passion, so did the passion for rivalry against Alabama.

Auburn started its streak over the Tide in 2002, I started attending in 2003. During my time at Auburn, I never tasted defeat to the Tide. It was a bit of personal revenge for me against Alabama since my father never knew an Auburn victory over Alabama when he was a student.

Though I am only in my second year as an Auburn alum, it feels much, much longer. As this year's game draws ever closer, I get to taste a bit more of what it was like in years past with the game only a day after Thanksgiving.

In my view, that is what this game is about. It is about the history of each program and their tussle against each other. As I have told in my story, no matter where you lived, there was always an Alabama fan waiting there to befriend you, only to become your worst enemy when Auburn lost.

I hope this enlightens those outside this fierce rivalry and reminds both Alabama and Auburn fans why it is the greatest in college football.

Feel free to post your favorite moments in Iron Bowl history or talk about your memories as a fan of the Tide or the Tigers.

For a Tide fan's view, visit Franklin's article here .

Auburn Football: Undergoing a New Moon Phase

Tiger Histalmos — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:06:43 -0500

With Auburn's off week so late in the season, one can start to see how the next season will develop as players will leave to either pursue NFL aspirations or continue their careers in other areas of life.

As is so often mentioned by this writer and my fellow colleagues here on BR, the lack of depth has been the major issue all season. Auburn has started under a new phase in practically all aspects of the program.

Only 13 seniors are listed on Auburn's roster with some sitting out due to injury and others not regular starters.

Add in injuries at other key positions, and one can see how next season will bring another big turnover as far as talent and players.

On offense, a new quarterback will have to be discovered, a hole on the offensive line will have to be filled, and it is easy to say that shake-ups can occur in the wide receiver corps.

On defense, it will be hard to replace Antonio Coleman and Jake Ricks up front. Auburn has four new linebackers committed, which could cause things in the linebacker corps to look completely different. The secondary will look different safety wise with new players entering the fray.

Players returning from injury will also help. Several positions could be up for grabs as others vie for playing time.

Within the coaching staff, it will be interesting to see how it develops with assistants during the offseason. Rumors have already started floating about assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor been connected to head coaching jobs elsewhere.

And to continue what Chizik has started this season, it is essential that the recruits he has essentially locked up now be academically eligible to allow them a chance to play.

With new scholarship rules in place, getting the recruits in from the 2009 class as well as the 2010 class will provide a major personnel boost that the program so desperately needs.

Being the optimist that I am, I foresee nothing but better days ahead for Auburn football. If the coaches stick around and the players get into Auburn, it will all look better as time passes.

But as with the end of the new moon, the true side of the moon will show itself to the Auburn faithful.

It's no secret that Auburn fans want to win now, but college football doesn't always work as such. A program ebbs and flows like the moon, with all to be revealed in due time.

Just as the moon goes through its course, so shall this young Auburn football program.

With Jeff Lebo's Auburn Team, Only Time Will Tell the Tigers' Success

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:28:04 -0500

The 2009-10 Auburn basketball season has already started, but any indications about this team are still too early to tell.

Jeff Lebo has had the challenge to come up with a quality group to play against the rough and tough play in the SEC.

Early indications are that Auburn's success will somewhat lie on Dwayne Reed's shoulders.

In two games so far this season, Reed has played 74 out of 80 total minutes. He has become the de facto leader for yet another young Auburn squad.

Frankie Sullivan showed much promise last season and now has been thrust into a full-time starter role. Fan favorite Lucas Hargrove also takes over a full-time starter role at forward.

What could help Auburn's low post game is center Brandon Knox, who filled in part-time for Barber last season. A true center that stands 6'10" will help Auburn find the basket down low when the jumpers just aren't falling.

Freshman Earnest Ross burst onto the starting scene, impressing the coaches early during the preseason.

What plagues Auburn yet again is depth amongst the bench. Auburn's biggest problem during the Lebo years has finding that sixth man off the bench to provide that spark against tougher opponents.

With the new arena finishing up right across the street from old Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum, one has to wonder when the basketball team will finally step up for contention for consistent postseason play.

Traditionally, Auburn has not had a consistent presence in the SEC as far as basketball—a few glory years here and there, but nothing major to show for it except some Sweet 16 appearances.

One has to wonder if the basketball team will ever get to a point of relevance for many years instead of seeming falling short.

Auburn has the talent and size to make some noise in the conference this season. It will be interesting to see how they will match up against fellow members in the SEC, as well as their non-conference schedule.

As for now, let us begin to transfer indoors as the temperature drops outside but begins to heat up inside Beard-Eaves for one last time.

Auburn Football: Reflection On Games Past, Preparing For The Iron Bowl

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:37:13 -0500

As I sit here in Birmingham International Airport and with an open week in front of the Tigers, much can be looked at from this season.

Yes, it's ok to look back cause next week is the reason Auburn fans bleed orange and blue.

The season has had its ups and downs, with the regular season ending with more ups and a winning season guaranteed.

Auburn's fast start to 5-0 made things seem right with the world. There were issues, but Auburn managed to overcome themselves as well as the opponents.

As the season progressed, it became apparent that the pre-season questions about depth took its toll on the boys in the blue jerseys. Dropping three straight to Arkansas, Kentucky, and LSU due to poor execution and silly penalties.

Auburn grabbed an upset over the Ole Miss Rebels and an easy win over hapless Furman.

Last week's game versus Georgia was every bit the heart breaker with deja vu in the final minutes of the game, much like with Kentucky.

What has been good about this season is the fact that the offensive side of the ball has shown signs of life. Sure much can be desired of its consistency, but at least more points have been scored this season.

The defense has been much maligned with injuries, depth issues, and inexperience. That, however, has not stopped them from being an opportunistic defense. Forcing turnovers has been key to the Tigers success on defense, either scoring or setting up scores due to those turnovers.

Special teams has had many inconsistencies throughout the season on returns. A Ferris wheel of players have tried their attempts at returns.

Yet with all these problems, these young bunch of scrappy players managed seven wins. One more win will provide the cornerstone for the Chizik era.

That cornerstone is the undefeated Crimson Tide who roll into Jordan-Hare Stadium.

There is much chatter going throughout the state that Alabama will easily dispose of Auburn en route to Atlanta to face the Florida Gators.

For the fans wanting nothing more for the Tigers to take a victory over their hated rival, the time is close at hand.

While others may enjoy sitting at home soaking up the college football scene, this football fan has the opportunity to visit another college venue; That venue is set in Lubbock, Texas to watch the Texas Tech Red Raiders take on the Oklahoma Sooners.

However, I have my eye set on the big prize.

Nothing would satisfy me more to see the Crimson Tide's championship dreams be dashed to pieces in front of a majority orange and blue clad fan base.

In short, Auburn is on the right track under this coaching staff, but that last possible regular season win would make it so much sweeter.

Not to mention finally hearing some peace and quiet from the west part of the state.

Auburn-Georgia: The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry Returns to Athens

Tiger Histalmos — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:45:20 -0500

This game isn't your typical rivalry. Sure, there is the tradition, the trash talk between the fans, and the wins and losses.

This game is much more than a long standing rivalry.

While Auburn has a strong distaste to their rivals in the state of Alabama, the Auburn-Georgia rivalry is based upon more of a brotherly love.

By brotherly love, I mean tough love.

Twenty players on Auburn are from the state of Georgia. Many of these players grew up playing football either next to each other or on opposite sides on the high school gridiron.

Those bonds create more of a brother vs. brother feel during the modern era of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. Two names, Patrick Dye and Vince Dooley, stand out when these two teams meet.

As these two teams meet again for the 113th time, there are only three points to be made that will either spell victory or defeat for each team:

1. Which secondary will step up?

Georgia's secondary has been vulnerable to the pass, allowing 211.1 yards per game and 17 TD's. Auburn's secondary is very thin, even more so with the season ending injury to Zac Etheridge.

Both secondaries will have to play their best game of the year to allow pressure to be applied to each team's respective quarterbacks.

2. Which offense will show up?

Both teams have had their share of ups and downs on the offensive side of the ball. Georgia averages 27.1 points per game, good for seventh in the SEC. Auburn averages 35.0 points per game, second in the SEC.

Both teams have shown glimpses that when their offense is clicking, it is hard to stop. Early scores will determine who takes the advantage and quite possibly the game.

3. Where will the "X-Factor" come from?

There are so many athletes on each team that can change the momentum of this game. Georgia's main explosive play maker is A.J. Green, an outstanding wide receiver with a real knack for the ball. Auburn's play maker is Ben Tate, a punishing running back that has held Auburn on its shoulders throughout the season.

This area may slightly tilt to the Tigers who have more options with their spread offense to find that "X-Factor" as the game goes along.

Final Analysis

Any rivalry game is never easy to call. History favors Auburn in this series holding a 18-10 record "between the Hedges."

If Georgia can hold Auburn under 28 points, they can have a shot of winning this football game. Unfortunately for those in the red and black, I do not see that happening.

Auburn has found its stride again, even against a fellow SEC school in Ole Miss. Auburn has the momentum right now rolling into what Tiger fans affectionately calls this game the start of "Amen Corner."

If Auburn gets two touchdowns in the first quarter and holds Georgia under seven points, I don't see the Bulldogs coming back.

Auburn's defense may give up some points, but Auburn's offense will score more against a susceptible Georgia defense.

Auburn will stop the losing streak against Georgia, and they will take another one in their home away from home.

Auburn 42, Georgia 24

Auburn Conjures Up Past Spirits Against Ole Miss, Resurrects Bowl Optimism

Tiger Histalmos — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:32:23 -0500

On a day in which the ghouls and goblins walked the plains, the "Navy Nightmare" became a reality for the Ole Miss Rebels.

If anyone wondered how Auburn could win again, it was answered yesterday inside Jordan-Hare Stadium. The offense executed again, led by Chris Todd and Ben Tate. The defense played with their hearts on their sleeves for a fallen comrade.

Optimism is riding high yet again in Auburn, with a sense of renewed confidence.

It was like stepping back in time at the beginning of the season. Deep balls thrown to stretch the opposing defense, running plays gashing the defensive line, and the players looking like they were having fun again.

Winning will do that to people.

For the offense, it seemed the spirits were on the Tigers' side for once. Plays were executed, even though they weren't always as pretty. Breaks finally started going Auburn's way. The doubters about Chris Todd should probably send him some of their Halloween candy as an apology.

Tate led again with his running, and that 53-yard touchdown run set-up from the play before will haunt the Ole Miss defenders in their sleep.

Although other wide receivers were hard to find, Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery stepped it up with some amazing clutch catches during drives.

Everyone on the team knew it was their time to perform, as evidenced by Adams and Tommy Trott looking at their wrists after their touchdown receptions.

Even referee Penn Wagers couldn't keep up with the Tigers offensively.

Defensively, take away the first drive and Dexter McCluster's 79-yard touchdown run, and it was an excellent performance. Led by Antonio Coleman, Eltoro Freeman, and Walter McFadden, the defense stepped up even when Ole Miss was threatening to score.

There was also some hard-hitting by the defense. One would have to think the defense played that game for Zac Etheridge. Reports have come out that Etheridge will miss the rest of the season, and it is unsure if he will play football ever again.

The Auburn family wishes nothing more than to see No. 4 back on the field at some point, but our thoughts and prayers are for a speedy recovery for Zac and for his family.

With the victory, it clinches a bowl berth for the Tigers. Now it's a question of where they will end up.

Next week, they take on the Paladins of Furman University. For those unfamiliar with Furman, they are a small liberal arts school outside Greenvile, South Carolina. Current Vandy coach Bobby Johnson was the head coach there before moving into the SEC.

Virtually everyone expects a win there, and with Georgia's latest flop against Florida, it isn't out of the neighborhood of possibility the Tigers could take it to the Bulldogs.

That leaves the Crimson Tide on the horizon, with what looks like nothing more than bragging rights for 364 days in the state of Alabama.

An eight-win or even nine-win season isn't out of the question. Eight wins might be enough to see the Tigers play in Atlanta for their bowl trip.

The pecking order will be determined as these last few weeks of the regular season progress, but this is to be assured: Auburn is going bowling again.

That alone has everyone in orange and navy blue smiling again after a bizarre game on All Hallows Eve.

Auburn Football: They Are Who We Thought They Were

Tiger Histalmos — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:16:12 -0400

It seems everywhere you look on the message boards and articles these days, someone is trying to explain the problem with Auburn.

"Chris Todd's arm is giving out..."

"Gus Malzahn's offense isn't working..."

"The defense isn't good..."

I find the whole situation a bit disturbing amongst some of the Auburn faithful. To me, the ones crying foul on the team are the same ones that were asking for crow sandwiches to be made by the dozen earlier in the season.

I understand fans want the team to be successful. I am right there with you on that sentiment.

The fact though is this: Auburn is a not-so-deep football team who has played for eight weeks straight. Depth is causing issues all over the place. Lets break it down:

Offense:

On offense, it's easy to blame Chris Todd for the mishaps on the team. Upon closer inspection though, it is easy to see that it's much more than just Todd.

Onterio McCalebb has been hampered by an ankle injury that doesn't give him the speed he once had.

Besides Terrell Zachery and Darvin Adams at wide receiver, there hasn't been anyone else who has stepped up in reserve behind them.

As well as Ben Tate has been running, Auburn can ill afford to lose him. He is the only true power back Auburn has this season.

The offensive line has been blessed so far this season in not receiving a major injury to any of the starting five. Needless to say, it doesn't mean they aren't beaten up.

And in the midst of all these players, execution has dropped off. It is as simple as the plays are not being made as they were earlier in the season.

Defense:

The defense has been gashed at times throughout the season. As the season has gone on, it has become more obvious that the lack of players is hurting the team.

Starting in the secondary, how many people realize that Auburn only has one true starting safety?

If you guessed Zac Etheridge, then you understand where I'm coming from.

The linebackers only have four scholarship players, and every single one of them plays about the extent of each game.

The defensive line has been the luckiest group as far as bodies, but basically only six players rotate each game.

Head Coach Gene Chizik has said earlier in the season that the margin of error for this team is very slim. As the season has progressed, that margin has gotten thinner.

If you're looking for answers why teams have picked apart the defense, it shouldn't be to hard to see why.

Another point to be made is this team is not last year's team in the ways of being divided. The division of the team last season came from the division with the coaching staff. Auburn doesn't have that this season.

Regardless what others may say about the team, the word in town is the in-fighting isn't happening.

The people who live in Auburn, the true fans, and the die hard supporters can understand what is going on.

If you still can't understand, then I don't know how much easier to spell it out.

Is Auburn a bad football team? I wouldn't say that they are a good football team.

Auburn is about where we all thought they would be this season. A six- or seven-win team with a bowl date somewhere on the lower end of the bowl tier.

Does that mean the coaching staff is not doing anything about the situation now? I doubt that.

They are trying to put the best players on the field to win each football game. Unfortunately, especially on defense, the best players are banged up and tired.

The coaching staff won't come out and say that this is a tired football team, but any right-minded person would realize that playing eight straight weeks will take its toll.

Even for 18- to 21-year-old kids playing out their dream every day.

To conclude, Auburn is in a typical first year structure with a new coaching staff. There is talent with these bunch of Tigers, but much of it is not battle-tested.

We all got caught up in the five-win streak and how well this team might do, but reality isn't always as nice.

It's looking like with each passing week, Auburn is what we thought it would be.

Auburn-LSU: Which SEC West Tiger Will Be Crowned Top Cat?

Tiger Histalmos — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:53:03 -0400

Auburn travels down to what is one of the most intimidating venues in the Southeastern Conference on Saturday. The Tigers of the Plains are on a two-game skid with issues on both sides of the football.

The Bayou Bengals welcome Auburn after a week off from a 13-3 loss to Florida two weeks ago. Offensive woes are the name of the game for LSU, but the defense has been the catalyst for all their wins so far this season.

Here are some keys to look for as these two Tigers meet for the 44th time.

1. Execution, Execution, Execution

Both squads will be looking for execution on the offensive side of the ball. Auburn has had problems moving the ball effectively during the last two games against Arkansas and Kentucky.

There has been quite a bit of speculation among the Auburn faithful about quarterback Chris Todd and his arm, whether defenses have finally figured out the offense, and the play-calling in general.

LSU has their own offensive issues, ranking dead last in the conference in yards per game (295.0) and 11th in points per game (23.0). It is just as important to the Bayou Bengals to get points on the board as their Alabama counterparts.

2. LSU's Brandon LaFell and Auburn's Ben Tate

Brandon LaFell is just a remarkable athlete who has given LSU chances to win in each game. He is third in the SEC in receptions (4.5) and has caught five touchdown passes so far this season. Regardless of Auburn's susceptibility on the ground, look for LaFell to be a main target for the Bayou Bengals in moving the ball.

Running back Ben Tate has quietly put together an outstanding season so far. He averages 122.3 yards per game, good for second in the conference and seventh nationally in rushing. In the midst of the offensive problems recently, Tate has been a consistent force against opposing defenses.

Giving Tate the ball and holes to run through will make things easier for the Auburn offense.

3. Scoring early will be the key

Whoever gets the first points on the scoreboard will have a big advantage over the other team. Both teams have struggled offensively recently, which only makes scoring all the more important for both squads.

If LSU scores first, it will give them some leeway and allow the defense to take care of business against the Auburn attack. LSU is 14th nationally in scoring defense (14.5 points per game) and ninth in turnover margin (+1.17).

If Auburn scores first, LSU will have to make sure not to press the panic button early. However, the more points that Auburn piles on, LSU will have to respond. The same goes for Auburn if the Bayou Bengals start to score often.

4. Can Auburn's defense hold?

Auburn's defense has been ripped apart the last two weeks. If you noticed, it was about this time last year that Auburn's defense was having problems holding teams due to their play in the first part of the season.

The main key to the defense is to hold LSU to three-and-outs often and get the offense opportunities to score. Field position, whether to defensive stops or creating turnovers, should be the main goal for Auburn.

Another key factor to the Auburn defense: Hold the running game. It is expected that LSU's Charles Scott will carry the ball quite often during the game. Forcing LSU to be one-dimensional could put pressure on LSU's Jordan Jefferson.

5. Can LSU's offensive line hold?

Speaking of pressure, Jefferson has been sacked 18 times so far this season. LSU hasn't run much on the ground either, only averaging 123.8 yards per game. Although Auburn has been susceptible against the run, they do feature quite a number of pass rushers.

If LSU's line can hold the likes of defensive end Antonio Coleman, defensive tackle Mike Blanc, and linebacker Josh Bynes, then the Bayou Bengals should have an easy time moving the football.

Final Analysis:

Both sides have holes for the other to exploit. Picking this game isn't as easy as it may seem.

If you have been paying attention, you'll notice nearly all of the points can go back to the first point: Execution .

It is as simple as whoever executes their plays better will win this football game.

That being said, I will go out on a limb and predict an upset. I still believe the reason Auburn has lost two straight is because of shortcomings brought upon themselves, not by their opponents.

LSU has a better defense by far than Arkansas or Kentucky, but Auburn's running game still has been consistent in all its games to this point. Look for Tate to have another big day.

If Auburn can stop committing stupid penalties on offense, they will be able to play another close game and walk away with a victory in this year's edition of the Tiger Bowl.

Auburn 28, LSU 24

Auburn-LSU: The Twilight Zone of College Football

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:01:18 -0400

You're traveling to another college football game, a game not only of hard-hitting action but of the unusual; a journey into a battle between the two Tigers of the SEC West. That's the signpost up ahead—your next stop, Tiger Stadium, Auburn vs. LSU 2009.

In what would seem as a normal divisional SEC rivalry, there is absolutely nothing normal about this series. Auburn and LSU have met with more at stake in previous seasons, but nothing can compare to some of the unusual events that have occurred when the Tigers meet on the gridiron. Here are the top games in the last 25 years:

Oct. 8, 1988: The Earthquake Game

Auburn had led LSU for much of the night inside Tiger Stadium. It was 6-0 with 6:07 left in the fourth quarter.

With 1:41 left on the clock, LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson passed to Eddie Fuller on a 4th and 10 on the Auburn 11 to tie the game 6-6, with a LSU place-kicker David Browndyke PAT to make it 7-6.

The score elicited such a joyful response from the home-standing crowd, Tiger Stadium literally shook the ground, causing the near-by campus seismograph to register the event.

From that day on, the "Earthquake Game" has been cemented as one of the corner stones between the battle of the Tigers.

Sept. 17, 1994: The Interception Game

LSU had Auburn completely dominated during the game, leading 23-9 into the fourth quarter.

As with the craziness that comes with the game, LSU quarterback Jamie Howard threw five interceptions, three returned for touchdowns, as Auburn would come from behind to win 30-26.

It would extend Auburn's win streak to 15, and cause Howard to receive several death threats after the contest.

Sept. 16, 1995: LSU "Bring Back the Magic"/ Auburn "The Whistle game"

LSU decided to wear their white jerseys at home for the first time in 13 years. During the game, Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix thought he heard a whistle, causing him to stand in his own end zone and consequently was sacked.

The Bayou Bengals won 12-6 on LSU's Troy Twillie interception from Nix on the final play of the game.

Sept. 21, 1996: "The Night the Barn Burned"

I witnessed this game in person at the ripe age of 11. During the middle of the game, the old Auburn Sports Arena, affectionately called "The Barn", caught on fire as a barbecue grill was set too close to the building.

Piles of black smoke poured from behind the southeast corner of the stadium. It had everyone thinking the stadium was on fire.

PA announcer Carl Stevens would announce that the stadium was not on fire, but those that parked their vehicles next to the barn should move them immediately.

People sitting in my section did not stir until Carl announced that they would be re-admitted into the stadium if they needed to move their car.

LSU would end up winning the game 19-15.

Sept. 20, 1997: "The Comeback"

Auburn quarterback Dameyune Craig and the offense had the ball with 3:13 remaining in the football game. Craig would lead an 80-yard drive down to the end zone, where Rusty Williams would leap into the end zone with 30 seconds remaining to go up 31-28.

LSU would get as close to the Auburn 47, as kicker Wade Richey attempted a long field goal. Auburn's Quinton Reese blocked the attempt to seal the Auburn victory.

Sept. 18, 1999: "The Cigar Game"

Head Coach Tommy Tuberville's birthday happened to fall on the same date as this Tiger battle. Though as there was nothing unusual during the game as Auburn routed LSU 41-7, the post-game festivities for Tuberville and his team included passing out cigars.

As much fun as they had during the celebration, this is the last time Auburn has beaten LSU inside Tiger Stadium.

Sept. 18, 2004: "The Extra Point Game" or "The Hurricane Game"

After the Auburn area was hit with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan, the Tigers met inside Jordan-Hare Stadium again on Tuberville's birthday. The big deal in this game was the extra points by both squads.

LSU would miss an extra point in the first quarter, and led 9-3 for most of the game. A late fourth-quarter drive by Auburn's Jason Campbell would steer the orange and blue Tigers into LSU territory.

Campbell would complete two crucial passes to Auburn wide receiver Courtney Taylor. One pass would be on a fourth-and-12 to keep the drive alive. The other pass, known on the Plains as "The Catch," from Campbell to Taylor would tie the game 9-9.

Auburn's placekicker John Vaughn would miss the first extra point, but a penalty called on LSU would allow Vaughn to attempt the point after again.

The second time, the kick found its way between the uprights, giving Auburn the 10-9 lead and eventually the victory.

Oct. 22, 2005: "Five Wide"

Auburn's John Vaughn would soon be the scapegoat of this Auburn defeat by LSU. Auburn and LSU were tied 17-17 going into overtime. By this time, Vaughn had missed four field goals.

LSU would kick a go-ahead field goal off the first possession, leading 20-17. Vaughn would attempt a 39-yard field goal, only to have it bounce off the left upright, giving LSU the win.

These are only a few of the games that highlight this rivalry between the Tigers on the Plains and the Bayou Bengals.

If anything, this has been a great gridiron match over the years. Twelve of the 21 meetings since 1988 have been decided by a touchdown or less, not to mention quirky and highly unusual events on and off the field.

So if you believe that this year's match up between Auburn and LSU would be any different, I would tell you otherwise.

This game is very different than anything else you will experience. This game is :

THE TIGER BOWL, AUBURN VS. LSU

Auburn Football: Problems on The Plains

Tiger Histalmos — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:17:01 -0400

It was a rough night for 80,000+ fans wearing orange and blue on an unusually cold October night. It was rougher for the players wearing those familiar blue jerseys.

Hardly anyone thought that this loss would be coming. Surely everyone thought that the lapses in Fayetteville wouldn't travel back to the loveliest village. It's looking like the team needs to go back to Knoxville to look for themselves.

Whatever it is, the Auburn Tigers are looking very susceptible in every facet of the game. The offense suddenly isn't clicking, the defense is not holding when it matters, and special teams, at its best, has been inconsistent.

The only way to properly determine what is exactly wrong is to go through each unit separately:

Offense

The question on the offensive side of the ball is, "Where did everything go wrong?" The last two teams, which don't boast the best defensive fronts in the conference, had a seemingly effective game plan in containing Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn's offense. It seemed like they were ready for anything Auburn dished out.

Comments made by the Arkansas players and staff two weeks ago indicated that Auburn's offense showed several "tendencies." In the world of football, tendencies equals to predictability. Auburn fans know as of recent history the words " predictable" and "offense" have been synonymous with the Tiger offense.

Malzahn said earlier last week that Auburn was no where near running the full playbook. It should make one wonder if that is all the players can run to this point. Regardless of what can they run, what they do run currently has not been executed in the last two games.

Execution is key no matter the problems that may be happening. At times last night, the Tigers showed signs of life, effectively moving the football down the field. Then they would get hit with unnecessary penalties (six penalties were assessed in one drive in the fourth quarter), losing all momentum and struggle to move the chains.

Overall, it seems there needs to be something changed on the X's and O's, as well as discipline to cut down on unnecessary penalties.

Defense

With the offense struggling these last two games, it really has put pressure on the short staffed defense. The main difference between playing Arkansas and Kentucky is the defense held its own quite well for three quarters.

Then in the fourth quarter, Kentucky's Randall Cobb decided to take over the Wildcat offense. The defense allowed 142 rushing yards in the fourth, setting the Wildcats with the tying and winning touchdowns.

Another problem Auburn has faced is the poor tackling and fundamentals by the players. This problem gets worse as the game goes on, as evidenced by the Tigers's latest loss. This also can be attributed with the lack of depth Auburn has on the defensive side of the ball.

It's also troubling to fans who have always hung their hat on Auburn having one of the most historically sound defenses in the country. The fact that Auburn doesn't have a top tier defense puts more pressure on the offense to perform.

Special Teams

It seems this unit has gotten better over time, but it has been inconsistent over the course of the season. Dropped kickoff and punt returns, and poor coverage have been the main culprits.

It seems the returners have been found for the Tigers, however, the coverage issues still remain. If one is to take a closer look, the kickoff and punt coverages are spotted with walk-ons, another indication of shallow roster depth.

What does all this mean as a whole? This team, unlike any other team that Auburn fans have witnessed recently, depends on each other. The offense must work to get scores and give the defense rest. The defense must make stops to get the offense a chance to score points. To fill in the rest, the special teams must set up field position for both sides to be effective.

All of this may sound elementary, and that is because it is that simple. It basically boils down to each group to execute and make plays when it matters.

This football team is not as bad as it may seem now, but they are far from where they were at sitting at 5-0. Getting it together quickly is essential heading into Tiger Stadium this coming week.

If Auburn shows up, they can beat any team on their schedule. If they don't, 6-6 looks like the most possible outcome.

Somehow or another, it seems they will finish somewhere in the middle. Only time will tell how the 2009 season will end up for the Auburn Tigers.

Auburn Tigers' Gene Chizik Gets a Roaring Apology from College Football Skeptics

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:14:26 -0400

If you haven't noticed, the Auburn Tigers are sitting 5-0 and ranked in several polls this week. Kudos to the team and coaching staff on a job well done so far this season.

What you may have noticed this week, there have been several different "apologies" that have been issued to Auburn's head coach Gene Chizik.

Experts from ESPN, Rivals, state newspapers, and other sports affiliates have written about Chizik's success this season. Most of them have written how they jumped to conclusions on the hire, even with only five games into the season.

Though with all the crow sandwiches being eaten, it makes me scratch my head. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the fact that positive Auburn news is being published. I also remember all the negative news that was published at the beginning of Chizik's tenure.

It just has me thinking about how far the Tigers have come to this point, and if all these "apologies" will be taken back if the team should take a tumble in the second half of the season.

I believe that was what happened with most people when the announcement was heard about Chizik's hire. Many fans and observers alike were still in shock at the sudden departure of Tommy Tuberville, only to have someone who was basically unproven as a head coach.

Experts and fans, especially the now infamous Airport Fan, were quick to jump on the hire. My thoughts were more along as to if the Auburn Board of Trustees had something to do with the departure of Tuberville.

Regardless of what the actual story or thoughts we had, Chizik slowly got together one of the best coaching staffs around, and his low key style has helped with the amount of success that Auburn has followed these past five games.

Now one has to beg the question: will this last? If Auburn were to have a major injury on defense, if Auburn's offense were to stall, if Auburn loses their first game, what will happen then?

Then will all these apologies be backtracked? Do these people believe that this is as far as these players will get this year?

I find it a little early to send congratulations on a season not even half done, especially with more difficult teams ahead. Though I will admit, most of the other "experts" never thought they could win five straight to start off the season.

The old adage of never judge a book by its cover comes to mind with these situations. I'm glad to see things have worked out well so far for Chizik, his staff, and the team as a whole.

Now to watch and wait for the season to continue, and wonder, if the worst to befall the Tigers, how many of these "apologies" will still be around.

Auburn Football: New Situation, Same Result

Tiger Histalmos — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:55:54 -0400

I'll admit, tonight's game versus Tennessee was not the prettiest in the world. The game could have been completely transformed in the second half.

Someone could have told me that Auburn was going to lose the game. Someone could have told me that the Tigers just wouldn't have enough to finish it out.

I wouldn't have believed them even if Auburn lost.

The reason I'm writing so early after Auburn's victory is the way the Tigers handled themselves on the road. Auburn has shown its resiliency at home, and tonight, they showed they can win on the road too.

The main difference in tonight's game is that Auburn got the lead first, something they had not done this season. One would suspect that a young team like Auburn would give up the lead and fall back.

As I expected, the offense was slow to start. It was just slow in a way I hadn't thought it would be.

Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn purposely slowed down the tempo in the first quarter to get his offense confidence as the game progressed. You saw the Tennessee defense starting to get winded in the second quarter, having to take timeouts to let their players rest.

The defense gave up yards, but made plays when it had too. Improvement on special teams also helped out with the game's outcome.

So what does this all mean to the 5-0 Auburn Tigers? I'll tell you in three points.

1. Auburn belongs in the Top 25

If you pay attention to such things, Auburn has been left out of the Top 25 for whatever reason. With a nationally televised win and teams losing at the very bottom of the polls, this should be enough to have the Tigers crack the Top 25.

The score and the stats really do not tell the tale of the game. It would be a shame to leave this team out of the polls after proving up to this point what they have done.

2. Auburn has proved itself in different situations

In each game this season, Auburn had to come from behind at some point to win the football game. Auburn jumped out first with two field goals by Wes Byrum and a touchdown run by Ben Tate. They never looked back.

They proved that they have what it takes to hold onto a lead, and keeping that lead on the road. That is crucial for the confidence of this team, especially heading into next week.

3. Good luck finding a way to stop the offense

Even though at times Auburn looked confused, they still had a very balanced attack. The screen passes, 10-15 yard slant routes, and the up-the-middle runs later in the game helped keep the vaunted Vol defense honest.

Even though scoring wise they didn't have their best game to date, they still managed to score when it counted. In the SEC, that is all that matters.

Those young men should be proud of their accomplishments tonight. Work will still have to be done, but this win is a huge step in the right direction for this football team.

As I tend to say for all victories, "Celebrate tonight, go back to work tomorrow."

There are some Hogs that need to be roasted next weekend.

Auburn-Tennesee: Gene Chizik and Lane Kiffin to Square Off In Knoxville

Tiger Histalmos — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:08:02 -0400

Auburn has managed to go undefeated for the first four games under new management and a high octane offense by Gus Malzahn.

Tennesee has won two games against non-conference opponents with an impressive showing against the Florida Gators two weeks ago.

Saturday, these two teams will match strength vs. strength.

Auburn's Offense vs. Tennessee's Defense.

While that matchup is garnering the most attention, there a few additional points that need to be made in choosing the winner of this SEC battle:

1. Johnathan Crompton

He has shown he can lead the Volunteers down the field for scores. But at other times, he's shown he can give the game away with one toss of his arm.

In the Vols' two losses on the season, Crompton has thrown for 194 yards and six interceptions.

Not very flattering numbers if you want to take your team to their first conference win of the season. On the hot seat, will Crompton finally showcase his skill against the Auburn defense?

Auburn's defense, though susceptible at times to big plays, has made the plays when they have counted. They lead the league with eight interceptions, and have routinely given the Tiger offense opportunities to score.

If Tennesee has any opportunity to win, it either needs Crompton play better, or bench him so he doesn't lose the game for the Volunteers.

2. Auburn Must Improve on Special Teams

Speaking of improving, Auburn's special teams are the glaring problem in the four weeks the Tigers have played.

Last week vs. Ball State, the first punt by the Cardinals was muffed by Auburn, and led to an easy touchdown by a less than impressive football team. Auburn's kickoff coverage must improve as well, giving teams decent to great field position as the opponent's offense takes the field.

A turnover by the special teams will keep the Volunteers in the game, and with home field advantage, that could be enough for a Vol victory.

3. How Bout That Auburn Offense?

Auburn's offense has exceeded all early expectations. With essentially the same group of players, the Tigers are only 28 points away from MATCHING last year's total for points scored.

Props go to Malzahn and the coaching staff for bringing the Tigers this far, but the competition ramps up against the Volunteers' defense.

Vol defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin impressed many people with their performance against the Florida Gators. Eric Berry could be a major factor in how Auburn's passing attack is implemented in Knoxville.

4. Auburn's First Test on the Road

It's hard winning games in the SEC. Winning them on the road almost takes an act of God to accomplish.

Auburn's young squad will go into their first hostile environment of the 2009 season, and it will be interesting to see how the team responds.

For Auburn to be successful, quieting the crowd early and often will aid in their possible second conference win.

Final Analysis:

The biggest factor in this game will be how Crompton plays. If he manages to hit his receivers and open up the playbook, they will have a great shot at beating the Tigers.

However, if Crompton turns the ball over to the Tiger defense, Auburn will be able to capitalize on the Vols' miscues.

Auburn must not kill themselves with bad special teams play and penalties. Any negative impact against the Tigers will only fuel the Vols.

In short, I see Crompton giving up at least two interceptions to the Tiger defense, allowing short field situations in which the Tigers should score. Tennessee's defense will hold Auburn from a huge offensive game, but they won't be able to stop both Chris Todd and the Tiger rushing attack led by Ben Tate and Onterio McCalebb.

Auburn will walk out of Knoxville 5-0, with the Hogs on the horizon.

Auburn 31, Tennessee 21

Auburn Football: At the Heart of It All

Tiger Histalmos — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:37:38 -0400

Maybe you could feel it from the TV screen. Maybe you couldn't. If you were inside Jordan-Hare Stadium last Saturday night, you felt it.

That pure, raw emotion that you only feel during certain instances. The build-up, the twists and turns, all leading to the unbelievable conclusion.

Yep, this is the reason we love our football in the South.

Watching the rain pour down on the few fans in three-fourths of the stadium, along with the entire student section, was a sight to behold. It felt like the energy was trapped in a bottle, ready to burst at any moment.

After finally getting the players to take the field, that energy was seemingly diminished amongst the Tiger faithful.

West Virginia 14, Auburn 0. Excitement was replaced by shock amongst the orange and blue clad fans. The only good aspect of that situation, there was only five minutes gone in the first quarter.

That is where this story actually begins. One where like the events that took place before the game started, a storm arose from out of nowhere.

By a storm, I don't mean Auburn's play. There was much to be desired as far as the game mechanics are concerned. This storm was of something else; A storm that can't be taught to players, coaches, or fans alike.

I didn't realize it, but I was on the edge of my seat the entire game. Even when Auburn has been in close games before, I have always tried watching the scores that flashed along the video banners of the stadium. I didn't even realize about Washington's upset over USC until halftime.

I can't speak for the others there in Jordan-Hare, but that game had me captivated. The energy there was something I haven't felt in a long time. The matchup between two un-ranked teams felt like a do or die game for both teams.

It had all the makings of top 10 football game, though many could argue the actual gameplay was nowhere close.

So the question becomes, what had these people so engrossed in this game? Most importantly, as some would ask, what made those people come back to the game after the rain?

I will be the first to tell you. It was passion and heart in every single player, coach, and fan that night. You could see it in the first two games Auburn had played, but it really didn't come home until last night.

The crowd was really never out of the game. The coaches knew the team was nowhere near defeat. The players knew they had several opportunities to win this game.

By the stats and analysis, this game had lots of good moments and bad moments. By the way the Tigers played, none of that mattered.

By making plays when needed and forcing several turnovers, Auburn has proved on several levels that they can make positives out of opportunities.

This game could not have been won by one group alone. Auburn could not beat West Virginia by just one element of the team. It took the entire team, the entire coaching staff, and the fans in the stands to win this game.

"I wish I had 87,000 game balls," said Head Coach Gene Chizik, "because our fans were a huge reason we won that game."

I would like to say don't forget about those young men and yourself, coach.

This is now the time where I say it is still early in the season, with much tougher challenges ahead. This feeling will take bumps and bruises along with those guys actually taking the physical beatings.

The Tigers gave not only the fans hope, but hope to themselves as well. Hope that no matter what the odds maybe, this team has the talent and the heart to fight back into any game.

Heart can carry a team to hope. Hope can lead to confidence.

Confidence will lead to more victories for this young Auburn team.

Auburn-La. Tech: Tiger's Take on the Auburn Tigers, Week One

Tiger Histalmos — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:54:10 -0400

With the first game underneath Auburn's belt, much was revealed to fans and media alike, but not so much to opponents. Auburn came out and made all four points mentioned in my preview for this game, resulting in a rather convincing win for the Tigers. Mostly good topics to discuss this week, but some not so good.

Offense

The Cons

Losing two fumbles is not good in any circumstance. One fumble came in the red zone, where Auburn does not need to turn over the ball.

One thing I did notice watching the replay on TV this evening was the receivers and their routes. At times they looked a bit off, some due to quarterback Chris Todd not reacting as quickly as he should and some due to inexperience. However, this will get better for these guys and will improve over time.

The Pros

Now for the fun part. Quickly, tell me the last time Auburn had over 500 yards of offense in a game. If you said vs. Kentucky in 2005, congratulations! You know your Auburn history.

The last time Auburn had a freshman run 100 yards or more in his debut? A fellow by the name of Bo Jackson.

The list goes on and on, including the new longest pass record on the 93-yard TD to junior wide receiver Terrell Zachery.

It showcased what Auburn can do from a simple game plan. The running game looks different out of a shotgun set, but the results couldn't be any better for an opening game.

Auburn kept attacking over the middle, picking on the Bulldog linebackers with passes from the backfield. Mario Fannin became a favorite target of Todd, with eight catches for 82 yards. Darvin Adams also had a touchdown pass for 17 yards.

The offensive line did a good job blocking for Todd and the backfield. Anytime you don't give up a sack means a good day for the hog mollies up front.

Stars on the Offensive Side

Running back Onterio McCalebb—148 yards on 22 carries with a touchdown.

Quarterback Chris Todd—17-for-26, 255 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Wide receiver Terrell Zachery—three catches for 98 yards with the 93-yard touchdown reception.

Defense

The Cons

Penalties rule the day on the con side. Face mask penalties were more abundant than ants at a picnic early in the game. Those penalties kept La. Tech in the game in the first half. Auburn must cut down on those.

As for some of the pass interference penalties that went against Auburn, well, to be nice about it, those were not the greatest calls in the world.

Short passes dominated the Tigers in the middle, mostly when they went to a zone coverage. The defense also allowed La. Tech quarterback Ross Jenkins to get into space a few times. That will have to be adjusted to as well.

The Pros

The defense was on the field for what seemed like forever at times, but they held the Bulldogs to only 245 yards and only 96 yards on the ground.

The defense made halftime adjustments and was able to penetrate the offensive line. This created pressure on Jenkins and the backfield.

For a starting freshman, defensive back Daren Bates was all over the field Saturday night. I was highly impressed by this young man, especially his interception at the Auburn two-yard line.

Defensive back Zac Etheridge also played excellently, finishing with eight tackles on the night.

Another man that was a pleasure to watch was defensive tackle Nick Fairley. He had five tackles on the night and a fumble recovery. He's emerged as a solid backup for the defensive line.

The defense swarmed to the football and was tackling well also. All in all, a solid performance for the defense.

Stars on the Defensive Side

Defensive back Daren Bates—three tackles and one interception.

Defensive tackle Antonio Coleman—seven tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and one sack for seven yards.

Linebacker Craig Stevens—eight tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one sack for two yards.

Intangibles

Head coach Gene Chizik brought up the rear of Tiger Walk, which I had seen earlier coaches do, but never have I seen the assistant coaches walk down Donahue and into the stadium. That gave me a great impression on what he wants to bring to this program.

Another thing I witnessed that I hardly saw all last year—there was a fire in the players, coaches, and fans. It was a renewed spirit amongst the faithful, and football became fun again.

Winning helps ease transitions and puts minds at peace, but it was just so refreshing to watch those young men out there having fun again. It was what this program needed this early in the season. I expect to have that carry throughout the season.

Final Analysis

Overall, it was a solid performance from the offense, defense, and special teams. There are quite a few things to improve on, but you couldn't ask for a better start than what Auburn got this past Saturday.

Now the attention turns to a Bulldog of a different kind—one of the SEC variety in Mississippi State. Let the real fun begin at Jordan-Hare this coming Saturday.

LA Tech Vs. Auburn Preview: Will Auburn Start Off Strong?

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:59:58 -0400

This is the final article of the series, and today is my preview of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers.

This preview will be different for me. Normally I start off with listings of each position, compare, and give an edge to one side or the other.

The problem this game? I have no clue what Auburn will do. To try to compare what LA Tech has and Auburn has would be like comparing what I have in my bank account to Bill Gates.

So I offer these points and match ups to look for if your watching from home:

1. Matching Auburn's Rush Offense vs. LA Tech's Rush Defense

This is the focal point of the game. As I have mentioned in this article, Auburn has to get the running game going in order for the offense to succeed. Look for Ben Tate, Mario Fannin, and Onterio McCalebb to carry the rock for the Tigers.

The front four of LA Tech, Tackles D'Anthony Smith and Mason Hitt and Ends Matt Broha and Christian Lacey, can cause problems with the offensive line. Smith and Hitt are two big men in the middle that can stuff the run, but help from LA Tech's linebacker corp maybe a concern for the Bulldogs.

2. Auburn keep LA Tech guessing.

If the first one goes well for Auburn, the ability to go deep and open passing routes should occur. Chris Todd will have opportunities to showcase that re-built arm, and have the young wide receivers showcase their skills.

LA Tech does have a few veteran defensive backs, most notable free safety Antonio Baker. Again, the linebackers may have problems covering the Tigers, especially if you have a player like Fannin or tight end Tommy Trott in the slot.

3. LA Tech's quarterback Ross Jenkins and running back Daniel Porter.

Jenkins is not the biggest name in the bunch as far as quarterbacks, but he does not turn the ball over. He only threw three interceptions last year out of 174 pass attempts, and threw for 1,155 yards last season.

His counterpart behind him, Porter rushed with 1164 yards last season, and can catch the ball in a pinch.

Auburn's job on defense? Contain Porter, and apply pressure on Jenkins. Auburn's front four (Antonio Coleman, Jake Ricks, Mike Blanc, and Michael Goggins) are solid, and should be able to put enough pressure on Jenkins.

4. Starting early for Auburn

Head coach Gene Chizik has already said if Auburn wins the toss, he will elect to receive the ball in the first half. If Auburn does get the ball first, just moving the ball down the field will be a big confidence boost to the Tigers.

If Auburn scores, that gets everyone involved early, including the crowd. Drawing first blood never became so critical in a football game until today.

Prediction:

For all the talk about preparing and being wary of LA Tech, the attitude here on the Plains is quite calm. What I think is important, and what last year's team never really achieved, is just to go out there and play football.

Auburn needs to have fun with the game. There will be first game jitters. There will be some sloppy plays from both sides. All in all, when you line it up, Auburn's starting 22 is better than LA Tech's 22.

Barring some horrible injury, not only do I see Auburn winning this game, I see them covering the 13 and 1/2 point spread. Auburn will make two big plays, one in the air and one on the ground, leading to scores.

Auburn is the bigger unknown going into this game, which they will use that to their advantage.

Auburn 28, LA Tech 14

Gameday On The Plains Of Auburn: An Experience All Its Own

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:09:49 -0400

This is part three of four in a series of articles leading up to Auburn's season opener against Louisiana Tech. Today is an article on the real reason we as fans enjoy College Football.

Less than 24 hours away from kickoff, and I'm chomping at the bit to enter Jordan-Hare Stadium. As much as the anticipation is killing me, there are several events that must happen before hand.

This is where gameday takes shape in so many forms for fans. On Friday, you see people riding around, blaring band and other music as cars roll on. You see all the different colored tape and string marking off tailgates for the coming day. Some already start as soon as that last class is over, grilling and staring the festivities early for the rest of us.

You wake up that morning, taking a whiff of the grills that are starting up. You make sure that your special gameday outfit is ready for wear. You take that first walk in the morning, looking at the cars coming into town, the people in all their orange and blue, passing all the tailgates on campus. It's a feeling of normalcy that overwhelms the soul.

As you pass those tailgates walking towards the center of campus, where Haley Center towers over all the other buildings, you run into all those familiar faces. You greet, ask how things have been, share in a brewski or food, recall old stories from the past, and whatever else may come up.

As you move on, you hear more band and various music coming from different places. As that time approaches, many make their way here in Auburn, as what has been called "The most copied tradition in all of college football."

Tiger Walk takes a life on its own. People line up from Sewell Hall, down Donahue Drive, and up to the stadium gates. Long before the team walks that famous walk, the fans chant cheers, like "Bodda Getta" and "Track 'Em," sing along with the band when they arrive, only to have their voices half gone before the football team takes that historic stroll.

Last minute strolling near the stadium, usually has my dad, brother and I walking towards the alumni hospitality tent, before we enter those familiar grounds of Jordan-Hare.

Even before kickoff, you see the same people around your seats, chew the fat a little, see how the kids that were sitting around you grow another year older, or the newborns that have been brought.

And before you know it, the band is taking the field, the stadium erupts singing "War Eagle" and "Glory, Glory to Ole Auburn," and the football team takes the field.

No matter where you are, no matter how old you get, or what new additions are seated around you, it always feels the same. Those special moments you spend with your family and friends, creating new memories with each passing game.

This is the moment we all have been waiting so eagerly to start.

Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the 2009 college football season.

Success Strategy for Auburn in 2009: The Return of the Run

Tiger Histalmos — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:32:55 -0400

This is part two of four in a series of articles leading up to Auburn's season opener against Louisiana Tech. Today I look at the running game and how essential it needs to be this season.

Stop me if you've heard this one before: Auburn plans on running the football.

Running the football has been Auburn's bread and butter for longer than I've been alive (except for some years, for example when a certain Bowden was head coach.) It has become essential over the years, with various names throughout Auburn's 116 seasons on the playing field.

Traditionally, it has been up to one running back who carries the load throughout the season. While I look for Ben Tate to be the main man, I will also be looking for offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to be handing the ball off to several others in the backfield.

Mario Fannin, listed as a fullback, and Onterio McCalebb, Tate's back-up, are two guys that can share the load with Ben as the season progresses. Fannin is known to be a multifaceted player, with McCalebb showing flashes of speed when in the open field.

Now think about this, Auburn fans: the return of two backs in the backfield at the same time. With Malzahn's version of the spread, this can be utilized in so many fashions.

You may stop your drooling now.

When starting quarterback Chris Todd tries to find rhythm with his young wide receivers, the running game becomes the crutch to lean on while other parts try to feel their way out. Success in the running game early will help open up opportunities in the passing game.

Simply put, they will run to set up the passing attack.

That philosophy sounds familiar doesn't it?

Most importantly, it has shown that it has worked on the Plains time and time again.

For all the doubters and stat hungry people out there, I give you this little morsel:

Malzahn's debut with Tulsa back in 2007 ended with a 35-17 victory over Louisiana-Monroe. In that victory, running back Tarrion Adams carried 28 times for 129 yards, while Jamad Williams had 15 carries for 88 yards.

The passing game you ask? Well, Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith completed 22-of-31 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns. Five players had two or more catches in that game.

In Auburn's situation, success will come in utilizing the backfield. Tate, Fannin, McCalebb, with the possibility of fullbacks John Douglas and Gabe McKenzie playing as well, will have the burden of starting the offense on the right foot.

Or left foot. It doesn't really matter on which foot they start running. So as long as they run for positive yards.

It's time for Auburn to return to what it knows. It may be a bit different than what fans have seen in the past, but make no mistake, there will be pads clanging and dust flying.

Just how Auburn fans like it.

Auburn Football: Keep The Injury Bug From Infecting

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 23:21:29 -0400

This is part one of four in a series of articles leading up to Auburn's season opener against Louisiana Tech. Today is my biggest issue that I have with the 2009 Auburn football season.

The depth chart came out yesterday, giving those of us that have been waiting to see the ones that would be on Pat Dye field this coming Saturday.

Anticipation for fans to see this new and exciting football team is at an all time high, especially with the RVs rolling in today. With all the questions to be answered, there is one key element in order for Auburn to be successful this season.

Keeping that injury bug at bay.

It maybe easier said then done, and with news of the wide receiver corps having players hurt, things are already tough on the Plains.

The linebackers already have their share of injuries, with that theme carrying all throughout fall practice. Many other positions could be one injury away before personnel issues become a problem.

With all of that said, injuries are part of the game.

Players go down, others fall behind them, either stepping up to the challenge or learning the ropes the hard way. Everyone on the team this year will learn a thing or two on how the game is played.

What is crucial, if your mainly concerned about this season, is having those players stay healthy for the most part.

Expectations are certainly high for what this program can do down the road. However, in this time of "win now" attitude, early success is essential for building a contender.

The young players that will start or play this season will have to learn quick. These players, though, will only learn if they are on the field.

It has gotten to the point where its just as important as having the guys play on the field instead of having experience. Experience is playing on that field in front of 87,451 fans wearing the orange and navy blue.

If Auburn can somehow manage to run through the season and keep the guys on the field, learning how everything works should fall into place.

This team does have the talent to reach a bowl game this year. Bowl eligibility should always be a goal regardless on how the rest of the conference is competing.

Its time for the Gene Chizik era to start here at Auburn. Keep swatting away that injury bug, and Auburn will find itself in a bowl game this postseason.

A bowl game leads this program in the right direction for the years to come.

Alabama And Auburn Football: Two Incidents, Two Different Responses

Tiger Histalmos — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:43:58 -0400

The state of Alabama has something to talk about even before the college football season starts. Two players, Courtney Upshaw (LB) from Alabama and Eric Smith (RB) from Auburn, have been arrested for different disturbances. Upshaw was arrested on Wednesday night for a domestic violence dispute with Lynn Grzyb, his girlfriend, near the student recreation center. Eric Smith was arrested for disorderly conduct early Friday morning in front of the Lexington Hotel in Auburn.

The news of players getting arrested is unfortunately nothing new in this day and age of college athletics, but what got me was the responses from both coaches. Head coach Nick Saban commented on Upshaw the day after,

"This is as fine a young man as we have in the program. He's a really great person. He really works hard academically. You couldn't ask anybody to be a better representative of the university."

Saban also said, "He's on behavior probation. He'll learn from the mistake he made. Hopefully our entire team will learn something."

Upshaw was at practice the next day with the team.

Meanwhile, Auburn head coach Gene Chizik had this to say about his running back:

"In my opinion, it's a family matter between Eric, myself and our football team. We have certain expectations of an Auburn man and quite frankly he didn't live up to that. So we've addressed it and if you see him in an Auburn uniform again I can guarantee you that he's paid a price to be an Auburn man and he'll be a lot better one at that point than he is now.''

Eric Smith was not attend practice with the team today.

These two incidents, to me, shows how things are run with both squads. Nick Saban is handling it differently, approaching the media and basically shrugging the situation off. Sure Upshaw will serve a punishment, but the way it sounded, Saban will not do much to his player. He may let the justice system deal with it, in which that's all one can really expect.

If you want to go that route.

Gene Chizik is taking a more forward approach to his player. Again, Smith was not present at practice today, which signals to me that Chizik is serious with what he sets out to do with his program. One difference for Chizik is that being a first year head coach, he is making that the rules are set straight for the entire team. An example has to be made, no matter what the cost. You can make that argument, but in my belief, Chizik is doing what a head coach should do.

What bothers me more is that Saban is not showing much against Upshaw, who harmed a young woman. Smith was just acting like a fool in the middle of the night. With the way the coaches have reacted, I would think that the players would have committed each other's crimes.

Saban and Chizik can handle things their own way, and people will have different opinions on how to handle them. I was told never to harm a woman, and I guess that is what has got me riled up at how Saban has handled his situation. Smith was acting crazy at night, which I can say I have done several times here on the Plains. Regardless of what the situation, I applaud what Chizik is doing with Smith and the rest of the football team. He's backing up what he said he would do when he entered as Auburn's head coach.

Maybe that's also the difference between Auburn and Alabama.

Auburn Football 2009: The Year of Identity

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 10:49:10 -0400

As Auburn fans would like to forget, there were many problems with the team last year. The quarterback race ended up being the dividing factor between the team, causing absolute chaos on and off the field.

All the distractions, all the mayhem, kept Auburn from being Auburn. Bottom line: Auburn was not successful because it could not find its' identity.

Now fast-forward to August 2009, where a new coaching staff is patiently putting together a team that seems to be in shambles. A new staff usually means all positions are open for starting time. In Auburn's case, there was no other option. Changes had to be made from the "status quo."

What I have come to learn over the past week is that Auburn fans and residents were getting ancy about who the quarterback was going to be. Most are like myself, following Pat Dye's saying of "as long as you have a blue jersey on," but the importance of this decision was not such an easy or simple task.

Facts and data had to be determined by a group of men that had only a week and a half to pick out what would be the future of Auburn. In this time, they chose Chris Todd.

This is the same Chris Todd that had shoulder issues going into last season. This is the same Chris Todd that was booed off the field due to poor performance. This was the same man that in conjuction with Kodi Burns that seemingly had the team split, though the split was neither of the young men's intention.

The feeling I get is no matter who was elected to starting quarterback, this establishes already what Auburn could not find all last season. Auburn now has some semblence of an identity. Let me say that again, I-den-ti-ty. Something those young men could rally around. Something they could grasp and go, "Yes, this is what we are."

Now call it whatever you may wish. Here on the Plains, we tend to use the term "Auburn man." It has been exemplified by those men on the practice field already. This is what these men have starved for all year. As defensive back Walter McFadden put it best, "The only thing we can do is say `Chris Todd is our quarterback,' and that's who we're going to be behind."

Now there still is a season to go through, and highs and lows will be expected. Most say there will be more sorrows than jubilations on the Plains this year, but right now, none of that matters. What matters is that Auburn is turning into a team.

Auburn is finally becoming Auburn again.

Auburn Football: Two-A-Days Signal Start of Position Battles

Tiger Histalmos — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:52:31 -0400

As the first week of practice unfolded, I kept hearing about how thin Auburn was in certain areas, the new playbook, the new guys, etc. That's all well and good, but I'm more interested in how the depth chart starts filling out. If you're like me, then you'll be paying close attention to how two-a-days fan out on the practice fields.

Offense

Two-a-days started yesterday for the Tigers with the wide receivers taking center stage. Wide receivers' coach Trooper Taylor has said he likes how Darvin Adams, Emory Blake, and DeAngelo Benton have made plays during practice.

Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzhan plans to take the quarterback race from four (Kodi Burns, Neil Caudle, Chris Todd, and Tyrik Rollison) to three and eventually to two. The team is practicing inside Jordan-Hare Stadium today so any indication of how the quarterbacks are doing will be determined after the completion of tonight's scrimmage.

The one group that I find not getting a lot of attention at this time of year is the running backs, but it's for obvious reasons. With veterans Ben Tate, Eric Smith, and Mario Fannin, along with newcomers such as Dontae Aycock and Onterio McCalebb, the backfield is one of Auburn's strengths going into the 2009 season. If the offensive line can hold well, these talented backs could make havoc for defenses during the season.

Reports and rumors around Auburn have put Fannin working all over the field, including as a main target for the "Wildcat" quarterback. The coaching staff, in my opinion, is trying to keep all options open for this amazing talent. All that I wish happens is they get him on the field to play. Fannin is too great an asset to this team to waste.

Defense

The defense has been kept under the radar mostly, with most of the media attention going to the offense. Recent moves have been in the secondary with D'Antoine Hood moving from cornerback to safety. This also leaves only five cornerbacks as of now, which include Walt McFadden and Neiko Thorpe. Mike McNeil will be back this season, but the question is if he'll be back in time for the season opener.

Linebackers continue to work diligently as practice goes. Not much has been said about this group, but expect veterans Spencer Pybus and Craig Stevans to lead the rest of the linebackers.

The defensive line has had some nice work done as DL coach Tracy Rocker has had more players than in the spring. It appears that this unit will have a two-deep line, and depth might not be as much of a concern as first thought.

Special Teams

Look for Wes Byrum to keep the place kicker position and Clinton Durst to retain the punting duties. What will be interesting is who will be returning the kickoffs and punts. I would believe that guys like McCalebb and Benton could be in the mix for returns. Finding out those positions will may have to wait until September 5.

This week will generate more news as two-a-days continue. By week's end, we should have a better idea of many positions on the all sides of the ball.

Remember fans, only 25 more days away...

WAR EAGLE!

Auburn Football: Five Questions That Must Be Asked

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:40:31 -0400

For many college football fans across the country, the season has unofficially started. For the fans on the "loveliest village on the plains", the roller coaster that is Auburn Football is about to reach a peak as September 5 approaches. Many unknowns will be answered, but these five questions are the most prevalent as the team starts practice this evening:

1. Offensive Line

The Offensive Line has been scrutinized over the past few of seasons with problems on blocking schemes, unnecessary penalties, and changes in philosophy. With all the bad, the good is the projected starters (including Lee Ziemba, Mike Berry, and Bart Eddins) have plenty of experience on the field. With the OL gaining weight during the off-season and a promise to return to "old school" football, this might be the change the OL and fans were wanting.

However, after the first five, there isn't much in the way of experience or players. Young guys will have to learn on the job quickly and growing pains will occur early. The addition of Aubrey Phillips from FSU can help with this situation, if given eligibility from the NCAA. The gridiron has said to be won in the trenches, and with six quarterbacks vying for number one, a good offensive line will help transition any that is taking snaps.

2. Quarterback

The quarterback position will be one of the main attractions as practice starts. As many as six players will be shooting for the top job. Three of them (Kodi Burns, Chris Todd, and Neil Caudle) are the favorites to win the starting position. All three have their own style, and can fit well into offensive coordinator Gus Malzhan scheme.

The main issue that concerns most fans is how quickly will a starter be named. Last season, a carousel of Todd and Burns proved unsuccessful as the season progressed. With a new offense, Burns improving, Todd's throwing shoulder healed, and Caudle making a statement in the spring, it will be an interesting first few days of practice.

3. Defense

The defense carried last year's Auburn squad early in the season, helping win games such as the 3-2 vs. Mississippi State. Injuries and the normal season bruises caused the defense to have problems against opponents later in the season. This year, several areas have depth issues.

The defensive line will be anchored by defensive end Antonio Coleman, with Mike Blanc, Jake Ricks, and Michael Goggans projected to finish out the front four. Not much experience is behind these players, and tough times can be expected early as also seen in the offensive line. The linebacker corps suffer the same ailment as the defensive line.

The secondary took a major hit after Aairon Savage suffered an Achillies' injury only months after having returned from ACL rehab. Some players may seem more playing time in the safety position than at cornerback. This change may let opponents attack deep early, but only time will tell.

4. A New System

New coaching staff usually means some time for the current players to adjust to the new playbook and style of play. The team seems to be coming together as practice begins, which is better to say than last year's team. Team morale this season is key if this team wants to make a move in the Western Division. Early success with the new coaching staff will make this season a little more enjoyable.

5. Special Teams

Special Teams will be important this season in ball control. Place kicker Wes Byrum had troubles last season as the dreaded sophomore slump hit. Replacing kickoff returner Tristan Davis will be an issue as well, but an answer could be just around the corner. Overall, can this unit return to form as it was just two years ago?

Many questions still remain, but these are my views on keys to the season. I welcome comments and please share your thoughts on this upcoming season. Many other questions still need to be asked.

But let's not think about it too much my fellow Tigers, the season starts in exactly a month.

WAR EAGLE!

Report: Iowa State's Gene Chizik to Be Head Coach at Auburn

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 08:54:14 -0500

Sources close to the Auburn athletic department have said that Iowa State head coach Gene Chizik will be named the new head coach at Auburn.

Chizik was the defensive coordinator at Auburn from 2002-2004. He left for Texas to be the defensive coordinator in 2005 for two years, helping Texas win a national championship in his first year as defensive coordinator. He left Texas to become the head coach at Iowa State in 2007.

Chizik's defense at Auburn held teams to 11.3 points per game during the 2004 undefeated season. He has a 5-19 record during his two seasons at Iowa State.

An official statement by the university should be issued today or tomorrow, with an official press conference to be held in Monday.

Updates will be posted on this article as more develops.

Auburn Let Tommy Tuberville Leave On His Own Terms

Tiger Histalmos — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:44:07 -0500

Let us all just take a minute and absorb all the information that has been released in this turmoil on the Plains. Many articles have been written talking about the "knee-jerk" reaction that took place, but let's be logical for a second.

We all know Bobby Lowder and Co. did not like Tuberville. That fact is as well known as the sky is blue. We all know he took tons of heat for this past season, including an embarrassing loss to the Crimson Tide.

I was quick to judge last night as were most people. I had never been that angry about Auburn Football in a long time. I called up my cohorts in orange and blue, ranted and raved with them to find a way to scream, yell, and finally calm down.

Then came the press conference at 11 AM this morning. I was waiting to hear those words, "We believed that the program would go in a different direction." I was ready to toss my chair at the computer.

I was surprised with what I heard and saw. When I watched the press conference, I saw Auburn Athletic Director Jay Jacobs look as pale as ever. It looked like he saw a ghost. After watching it, my opinions changed dramatically.

Now I will say I am not that naive to believe everything Jacobs said, but there was something in his voice, his facial expressions, the way he looked. It was as he didn't want to be up there signifying the end of a great head coach.

Believe what you want, and say what you want to say, but here is my honest opinion:

I think for the most part, Tuberville knew he was not going to win this battle. The people with the money were drooling over his disastrous season. President Jay Gogue and Jacobs were getting pressure from those "fat cats" as BabyTate so eloquently mentioned in his article.

In the midst of this pressure though, Gogue and Jacobs were wanting Tuberville to stay. You look at Jacobs' face during the conference and tell me that he was lying about asking Tuberville three times to stay with the program. I'm not the best judge of character, but I know a man when his emotions are about to take over.

Instead of continuing to persuade Tuberville to come back, Jacobs realized the end was coming. Plus on the night before his resignation, Tuberville had a long chat with his wife Suzanne.

Now this is not all as bad as it sounds. Tuberville will remain in Auburn for at least a year, work under President Gogue, and get to spend time with his family. Not to mention the cool $5.1 million Tuberville will receive in the next year.

Tuberville dealt with all of the events in his tenure with class. I was honored to have met the man when I was just a bumbling college kid working for the University radio station. I got to see more than the average person ever would, and I'm thankful for that.

What will come of this, I do not know. I do know that to the extent of President Gogue and AD Jay Jacobs, they handled it the best way possible. Instead of dragging Tuberville through what would surely end up as a lame duck season, they let him get back to what was most important to him. That was Tuberville's family.

I don't know how many people feel this way, but I will miss seeing Tommy Tuberville on the sidelines. In my mind, he is the epitome of an Auburn man. That is why he was so successful.

Whoever is the new head coach, I only hope they follow the foundations Tuberville has left, which includes growing young men into productive members of society. That is what college football is supposed to be about.

That is what Auburn football is supposed to be about.

Great Moments in Iron Bowl History: The Auburn Edition

Tiger Histalmos — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:30:06 -0500

This article is the second of an eight-part series about the Iron Bowl. For the next week, there will be a new article each day covering one of the best rivalries in all of college football.

With any rivalry, both sides have great moments that live on forever in the hearts of fans. The Iron Bowl is no exception, giving college football fans across the country something to hold onto. Here are a few great games from the Auburn perspective:

Feb. 22, 1893: Auburn's first win

Auburn won the first edition of the Iron Bowl, 32-22. This game was played in Lakeview Park in Birmingham, Alabama. Not many saw the beginning of what would become one of the best rivalries in all of college football.

1949: Auburn's first win after the rivalry was resumed

After the layoff between these two rivals, Auburn upset the Tide 14-13. Alabama had beaten Auburn the year before, 55-0, and were assumed to defeat the Tigers easily during the 1949 season.

1954-1958: Shug's streak over the Tide

After posting an 0-10 season in 1950, Auburn hired Ralph "Shug" Jordan as the head football coach. During the '54-'58 seasons, Auburn defeated the Crimson Tide. Shug Jordan also won Auburn's first and only national championship in 1957.

Dec. 2, 1972: "Punt, Bama, Punt"

One of the most talked about Iron Bowls for Auburn fans is the legendary "Punt, Bama, Punt." Down 16-0 in the 4th quarter to the second ranked Tide, Auburn finally got within field goal range. Coach Shug Jordan called Gardener Jett to kick the field goal. Jett made the field goal making it 16-3.

The following 'Bama drive stalled, and had to punt the ball away. Auburn's Bill Newton blocked the punt, which was retrieved by teammate David Langner. Langner ran the ball 25 yards for the Auburn touchdown. After the PAT, the score became 17-10.

Alabama soon stalled again, and attempted to punt it away. As before, Newton blocked the punt, and Langner carried the ball 20 yards for another touchdown. Jett kicked the winning point, and Auburn came away with a 17-16 victory.

1982: "Bo Over The Top"

At this point, Alabama had reeled off nine straight victories over the Tigers. Auburn, in the fourth quarter with two minutes remaining, started at their own 34 yard line, trailing 22-16. The Tigers drove down the field, and was one yard away from the winning touchdown.

Auburn lined up, pushed the Tide defense just enough to have a young man by the name of Bo Jackson leap over the pile of white and crimson for the winning score. Auburn would convert the PAT and go on to win the game, 23-22. This ended Alabama's dominance over Auburn, and started what would be come the glory years for Coach Pat Dye.

Dec. 2, 1989: The Iron Bowl comes to Jordan-Hare

Before this date, Alabama and Auburn never played at Auburn. For the longest time, Alabama refused to play at Jordan-Hare Stadium. That came to an end as the No. 2 Tide rolled into Auburn, Alabama. Auburn won the game 30-20. This win allowed Auburn to win its third consecutive SEC title. It has been said that this game generated the most noise from the crowd in Auburn's history.

Nov. 22, 1997: Auburn 18, Alabama 17

This one may not have much significance in the rivalry itself, but it earns a spot in this list cause it is my most memorable Auburn football game that I ever attended. For a detailed account of the game, read my article.

2002-2007: The Streak

Auburn in 2002 was considered an afterthought as the No. 9-ranked Crimson Tide was expected to take care of the Tigers. Auburn surprised everyone by upsetting the Tide 17-7. From then on, Auburn continued its dominance over the Crimson Tide and reaching a new school record of six straight wins over its most hated rival.

No matter what happens next Saturday, it is sure to be history making. Here's hoping from this Auburn writer and fan that the streak continues to lucky No. 7.

I also encourage Auburn and Alabama fans alike to write about their most cherished moments, past or present, about the fiercest rivalry in all of college football.

WAR EAGLE!

Alabama-Auburn: Pilgrims in Unholy Land

Tiger Histalmos — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:18:56 -0500

This article is the first of an eight-part series about the Iron Bowl. For the next week, there will be a new article covering one of the best rivalries in all of college football.

When the Iron Bowl is in Tuscaloosa, I make haste to my parent's house for Thanksgiving week. It is there my dad, my brother, and I watch the Iron Bowl the following Saturday.

But this time around, things will change.

Stop, you're going the wrong way. You need to get to Tuscaloosa.

In the middle of a typical Atlanta traffic jam, I received a phone call. I answered of course, only to have my jaw drop to the floor. I was blessed (or possibly cursed) to be informed that there were three Iron Bowl tickets being sent my way.

Now this will be a first, dear readers. I have not yet experienced an Alabama game, much less an Iron Bowl, in Bryant-Denny Stadium. I am aware of what I will be getting into once I step foot upon campus.

Half of the Bama Nation is going to be there, and you want to go to Tuscaloosa? Into the lion's den?

It will be very strange seeing the streets lined with crimson and white, instead of the familiar orange and blue. Shouts of "Roll Tide!" will echo from most parts of the land.

There will be no flying of Nova or Spirit, Tiger Walk will not reside at that familiar corner of Samford and Donahue, and Toomer's Corner will be much further away.

One can be sure it could be somewhat intimidating from this standpoint. Alabama is undefeated, is hell-bent on revenge, and wants to re-emerge as the top program in the state. Auburn has had a roller-coaster season comparable to a teenage girl's emotions. It could set up to be ugly.

The only thing that matters is the Iron Bowl.

You can count on one thing. Both teams will be ready for this game. For Auburn, it is a matter of continuing a streak set forth by their former brothers in the orange and blue back in 2002. It also means bowl eligibility, but nothing would be sweeter than to upset Alabama.

For Alabama, beating Auburn will be the closing of one chapter, and the opening of another. The SEC Championship awaits, and a possible berth in the BCS Championship game is within reach.

This game means everything to both parties.

So to all the Alabama fans here on the B/R who will be able to attend the rivalry to end all rivalries, I look forward to attending this 73rd edition of the Iron Bowl.

Those wearing crimson and white may see us Auburn fans as invaders to your holy sanctum of football.

Make no mistake, we will feel quite the opposite.

As my father put it bluntly: "We will be pilgrims in unholy land."

Creature Vs. Creature: A Tiger on Georgia-Auburn

Tiger Histalmos — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:57:57 -0500

Rivalries take on a meaning of their own. Usually, there is a heap of bad blood between the two teams that make up the rivalry. In the 111 meetings between the Tigers and the Bulldogs, it is more than just a rivalry.

Sure there is the heat of the moment, the want of a win, but these two schools are much closer than just the 45 points that separates the total points scored in the rivalry between the two teams.

This rivalry takes on more of a sibling rivalry, brother vs. brother.

It seems when college football was born, it was destiny that Auburn and Georgia would meet. The friendship shared by Auburn coach Cliff Hare and Georgia coach Charles Herty back in the old days not only symbolized the bond between the two schools, but one of the reasons college football is big in the Deep South.

Many Auburn coaches were and have been former Bulldogs (Pat Dye as a famous example), and Bulldog coaches being former Tigers (Vince Dooley as a famous example). There is mounds of history between these two schools, and you could get lost in just reading up on the old news clippings and highlight reels.

However, all is not pleasant for both squads. Georgia (8-2) and Auburn (5-5) have fallen on hard times this season. Both teams were expecting to play each other again in the SEC Championship, but two key losses for Georgia and chaos that has ensued in Auburn have killed those expectations.

Georgia is looking to sweep its two rivals, and reach a New Year's Day bowl. Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno are Georgia's "one-two" offensive punch that leads the SEC in total yards per game. They are looking to make it three in a row over the Tigers.

Auburn is hoping to win to become bowl eligible. With Tony Franklin's firing, inconsistant scoring, and injuries abound, it has been nothing short of a rough year for the Tigers.

There are many questions swirling around, but one thing is for sure. The players will be focused in on this first part of "Amen Corner."

Auburn will win if...

Kodi Burns emerges as an all-around threat

Kodi Burns took the game into his hands last weekend against UT-Martin. He ran for 158 yards, and threw for 130. He can change this game into Auburn's favor quickly if Georgia allows him to get into space. If he gets help from any of his running backs (Brad Lester, Ben Tate, Mario Fannin, and Tristan Davis), it will be a sign of good things to come.

Auburn stops the run

Auburn's biggest problem, most likely due to injuries, is stopping the rushing attack of SEC teams. It will be easier said than done with Knowshon Moreno coming into town. With the return of Sen'Derrick Marks, Antonio Coleman, and Tez Doolittle from injury, the defensive line will be as healthy as it has been in weeks.

Auburn will lose if...

Georgia's offense takes off

Matthew Stafford has picked apart Auburn two years in a row. It could easily be said that he will do it again to the injured secondary of Auburn. Add A.J. Greene and Knowshon Moreno into the mix, it could end up a very long day for Auburn if the Bulldogs get off quick and do not let up.

Auburn does not execute plays

The biggest problem for the Tigers has been just simple execution of plays. Auburn's offense will get on a roll, then either a penalty or a turnover will throw off the team's rhythm. If Auburn cannot execute against Georgia's defense, then it will be a familiar outcome for the team in orange and blue.

The X-Factor

Virgil Starks

Many of you may not realize who Virgil was, but he was close to all of Auburn's student-athletes. Virgil Starks was Auburn's Senior Associate AD for Student-Athlete Support Services. He suddenly passed away last Saturday after Auburn's homecoming game with UT-Martin. He made sure that the player's academics and well being was looked after. Auburn will be wearing a sticker with Stark's initials on the back of their helmets.

With all the turmoil that has happened to this team so far, this will be a rallying point for the players. And for a rivalry that is already unpredictable, this only adds fuel to the fire.

Prediction:

It is pretty obvious that Auburn will have to play a complete game to win. It may not take a perfect game, but they have to play four quarters and achieve some consistency.

Georgia will score points; there is no doubt about that. It may come down to containing Matthew Stafford and the Bulldog offense to achieve victory.

The realistic prediction: Georgia 31, Auburn 17

Georgia should be able to move the ball against Auburn's limping defense. Moreno may not have to have a 100-yard game to win due to Stafford's ability to pick apart secondaries.

This Auburn Fan's optimistic prediction: Auburn 24, Georgia 20

If Georgia commits turnovers like they have in their two losses, Auburn should be able to take advantage of these turnovers. It will all depend on Auburn playing their best game of the year to date.

For Auburn fans, the hope of the season lies in this first game of "Amen Corner." Let it be said that anything can happen, especially when Georgia and Auburn meet on the field.

For a look from the Bulldog perspective, check out GeorgiaDawg's article.

An Observation on Team Sports: "What Have You Done for Me Lately?"

Tiger Histalmos — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:48:21 -0400

This past weekend none of my sports teams played except for the New York Rangers, who are off to a great start, I might add. The Atlanta Braves were out of the playoff hunt a long time ago, I really do not have a NFL or NBA team I cheer on to victory, and Auburn had a much-needed bye week this past weekend.

So on this off weekend, I watched as many sports as I could that did not involve my teams. In this rare moment of pure objectivity, I started to think about what the sports world in general has come to be. One common thread I have come to see in all realms of sports is the matter of "the season" or "the moment."

Now, it is my personal belief that sports, much like many things in life, are a reflection of society. Most would say that society these days tends to drift to the matter of instant gratification, or "What have you done for me lately?"

This is an interesting angle because it applies differently to different sports across the country. Many professional sports take this mentality and build their teams for each coming season.

It has been applied to college sports as well, but it is much more difficult to plan for each season due to the recruiting process, process of building a program, and maintaining the level of competitiveness within not only your conference, but the national scene as well.

Let's take a look at how this idea is applied to the different professional and college sports we have in the United States.

The National Football League

Now this to me is the ultimate example of playing for "the season." Organizations have pretty much everything under one roof. You have your rookies, your practice squad, and your depth chart players all in one place. The main way to shake up the roster is to make trades during the first half of the season and the offseason.

The game is set up to go after the Lombardi Trophy year after year. One season can change a franchise for a lifetime. The idea of a "dynasty" is different from what it was earlier in the NFL's days as a sports organization (see the Patriots during its earlier successes this decade).

Each year, playoff teams rotate more often than other professional sports. This may be due to the number of quality players coming out of the college ranks these days. The salary cap also has a say in how teams utilize their resources effectively.

The pressures are greater for these teams to perform, and perform quickly. Essentially, all these teams are on an "even" ground money wise, and quality players that are available during the draft are abundant depending on the needs on the franchise.

The National Hockey League and the National Basketball Association

Now you may be wondering why I am grouping both these organizations together. It's quite simple really: Both of these sports have a decent "farm" or development system that allows players from the lower leagues to come to the big time. Both of these groups also have easier access to international players.

Salary caps still have a big say on how the teams look and operate day to day. Big name players on these squads can change the outcome of several games during the season.

The drafts for these organizations can easily impact the way the next season will go if the players immediately start for the team. At the same time, big trades and money moves can impact the way a season will transpire.

Dynasties are much more abundant in these games, and the idea of a dynasty (such as the Bulls in the '90s, the Celtics, and the Red Wings, Oilers, Canadiens, etc.) has remained pretty constant as time has passed.

Again, the idea of being on a "level playing field" money-wise puts pressure on organizations, but not as much as in the NFL. There is a little bit more room for development of organizations as time goes along.

Major League Baseball

Now this is the most interesting of the professional sports in the country. This professional league bases itself on both "farming" young talent in the minor leagues and making the big moves from trades. What makes it even more interesting is the number of ways baseball organizations can win the World Series each and every year.

Some teams, like the Yankees and Red Sox, have used their higher payrolls to get competitive players. Some teams, including more recent examples like the Tampa Bay Rays, use their farm systems to raise young talent into the high caliber athleticism you see on the field every day.

Baseball teams go in cycles, unless you're the Cubs (just kidding Cub fans): Some years they will be up, some years they will be down. A championship is most desired by all the players, but organizations are not considered "failures" season to season if they do not win the World Series every year.

Pressure is only applied when teams start showing promise only to falter down the road. Everyone wants to win it all "this season," but fans realize that it's not the end of the world if it is not to be.

College Athletics

In my opinion, this is the most intriguing of all the sports in the U.S. This, by far, is the most debatable example of how teams should be run and what should be considered successful.

There are no salary caps, only scholarships. Players are not pulling in huge paychecks. They are playing for two reasons: College athletes play to further their careers and mature as young men and women, and they play for pride. Fans have more of a "personal" and emotional attachment to these teams for a multitude of reasons.

Players cannot be "traded." They can only transfer, only to sit out for a season, for the promise of playing for a championship team. Talent levels range all over the spectrum on what is considered "competitive."

Success is measured on many different levels in many different parts of the country. Some places expect championships, while some just expect to be bowl eligible or just to be invited to the postseason. Dynasties and tradition are more rampant in the college ranks than in professional teams.

But the pressure to perform can be quite suffocating depending on what part of the country you are in and what sport that university prides itself upon. It can be as volatile as the NFL, but it can also be very smooth as long as the standard is not raised too high from year to year.

Common Themes

In listing all the differences between the major sport attractions for this country, there are two things that remain common among all fans.

The first theme is that we all want to be part of something special. Whether it be actually playing in these events, attending them, or cheering for a team that you have cheered since the womb, we all want to see our teams succeed. We all want it every year. We all want it now. We all want to see our team on top.

The second theme is that people are passionate about their teams. Every person that is interested in sports has a special feeling for a certain team, whether it be in the pros or watching college kids play on their own "field of dreams."

Passionate fans know their team's history, the traditions to that team, and have stories of their own on how a certain fan stayed out in the freezing cold in a 56-10 blowout. It's what makes competition and sports the way it has been for many, many years.

Conclusion

Now, what can we say about sports today? Are we, as fans, really concerned about our teams winning championships every year? I believe it is just human nature that humans are competitive. We want to be better, so therefore we want our teams to be better than other people's teams.

In general, I believe that the professional ranks have more pressure to perform than on the college level. Professional teams have more of a level playing field than college universities.

Now, that's not to say that college teams don't have their own pressures to deal with, but more of it is pointed towards the coaching and the staff than at the players. You can't exactly "fire" college kids like you can coaches or professional players.

I also believe people adopt the "What have you done for me lately?" ideal, but they take it in stride. Fans want to see their teams succeed, but they realize, for the most part, the road to the crown is tough. Let's also remember, as fans, we are not the ones out on the field.

My final thought is this: Winning is great, but it takes time. Nothing lasts forever, so don't expect to win it all every year, but build upon successes to reach the highest achievement you can get.

After all, isn't that what we are taught in life to do?