Shhhhhhh! Auburn's Playing Football

Rodney Keeton — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:53:09 -0400

If you're an Auburn fan flocking to a home game in the coming weeks, you might find a "Do Not Disturb" sign posted on the gates to Jordan-Hare Stadium.

In an interview with reporters after their loss to LSU, defensive end Tez Doolittle said, "(paraphrased)...it's difficult to hear plays being called over the noise of the fans." Doolittle commented on the new style of play that Auburn has been running lately but placed much of the blame, in his mind, on the noise level of the fans.

Auburn fans have long touted "The Jungle" as a difficult playing locale due in large part to the noise level of their fans. However, to Tez Doolittle, it seems fan noise—not botched plays or lack of conditioning—led to their defeat last Saturday.

Auburn gave up more yards defensively against LSU than they have all year, a fact that was not lost on Auburn's defensive coordinator, Paul Rhoads: "This team was still what I would call distraught today. The loss affected them."

Coming back after a long recovery, Doolittle should take heed not to place blame on a fanbase that heralded his return. Auburn may have done some things right, but in the end they came up short.

In a 26-21 loss, the difference is a touchdown, not crowd noise—a fact that everyone on Auburn's football team should remember.

Cheer on, Tiger fans: Maybe you'll help your team lose another one.

No More "Phases" for Alabama Crimson Tide

Rodney Keeton — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:52:00 -0400

It would seem that moon phases are not the only cause of rising tides. In Tuscaloosa, it's also football coaches, and it seems that Coach Nick Saban is a "phase" that is causing a huge swell in the Crimson Tide.

The Tide's surprising opening against ninth-ranked Clemson (34-10) set the bar high—not only for fans who have struggled through several unimpressive seasons, but for the next 11 games.

However, when the final whistle blew at the Bryant-Denny opener against Tulane, fans were struggling to make sense of the 20-6 mess that was, arguably, a less than impressive showing.

On paper it would seem that the game was a blowout. But with 318 total yards, the Tide still struggled to capitalize on big plays offensively and relied heavily on special teams to rack up points.

Saban tried to make the most of the bleak situation. "The good news is everything that didn’t go well in the game is all correctable. Players have shown an ability to do it. The key is that they learn their lesson well and that we go execute better in the future with more consistency and that will be important."

The even better news is that the Tide's next game against Western Kentucky showed that the team had indeed learned its lesson, putting up 557 yards in total offense and not giving the ball up once to a fourth down punt.

The cherry on top was a 28-24 win for then-No. 15 East Carolina over Tulane, giving the impression that Tulane might not have been the pushover fans thought they were. Maybe 'Bama really is back?

Going into last Saturday's game against Arkansas and ranked No. 9 in the AP, Alabama again sent a message to the NCAA, SEC, and fans everywhere that the Tide is on a roll.

Big plays and big yards put Alabama's defense at the top of total rushing stats for the entire country—a statistic that says number one but feels like less to many who remember a 2007 offense that relied too often on an unskilled Leigh Tiffin. Still, 49-14 against a strong SEC opponent looks and feels really good.

Coach Saban commented on the upcoming Georgia game yesterday, saying, "Obviously there will be a lot of adversity to overcome. Most great competitive situations offer that challenge. Obviously how we manage that will go a long way in terms of how we play in this game.”

If the Tide hope to increase their record to 5-0, this will be their biggest test this season. A win against third-ranked Georgia will no doubt put Alabama in contention for a BCS berth in a top 10 that is riddled with high caliber teams.

"I feel like we answered the call," said running back Glen Coffee, referring to the need to step up in the Arkansas game. If Alabama wants to solidify their return, they will need to answer that call again on Saturday.

Only time will tell if the Tide has what it takes to handle the SEC and the remainder of their schedule. Fans would think but dare not speak of another national title. Rest assured, if Saturday brings an Alabama win, Monday will find fans placing Alabama's name in the same sentence as the words "national title."

If not, perhaps a small win at big Georgia would cement Saban as more than another "phase" in the life cycle of the Crimson Tide.

Bleacher Report - Articles by Rodney Keeton

Shhhhhhh! Auburn's Playing Football

No More "Phases" for Alabama Crimson Tide