Bleacher Report - Articles by Dione Thrift

Year of the Tiger: Why Auburn's 2009 Fortunes Are Brighter Than Last Season's

Dione Thrift — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:14:25 -0400

Over the weekend, the Auburn Tigers picked up a hard-fought win against a good West Virginia team.

The game started out with West Virginia scoring 14 unanswered points, but the Tigers didn't give up, and in the end, the Tigers won 41-30.

So what's different about this team?

1. Positive Chemistry: The Tigers had poor chemistry last year. Not only were the players divided, but the coaches were too. This year, everyone is on the same page. Gene Chizik preaches the importance of being an Auburn man, and that's what these players are trying to become.

2. Offense: Auburn finally has an offense! In the first two games, the Tigers proved that they can run well, and this past week in the West Virginia game, they also proved that they can pass well.

Here's a question, where was Darvin Adams last year? Auburn receivers are much improved from last year, and all of the players are buying into Gus Malzhan's system.

3. Kicking: Although the other parts on special teams need a lot of work, the kicking game has improved. Wes Byrum missed quite a few field goals last year, which were really crucial. This year Byrum has improved and is helping Auburn win games.

I'm not saying that this team is perfect, on the contrary, I think Auburn has a ways to go and has plenty of things to improve on. However, I also think they've improved a great deal from last year.

Auburn's Running Back Position Should be the Strongest on Offense

Dione Thrift — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:08:23 -0400

Running the football is rarely a problem at Auburn.

Auburn's running back position should be the strongest point on the offense this year. One reason for that is the amount of talent currently at the position.

Ben Tate is in his senior year and hopes to get over 1,000 yards this season. Last season he was about 400 yards short.

The offense wasn't in his favor as most of his runs were east/west. This year in Gus Malzhan's system, Tate will have more chances for north/south runs, which is Tate's specialty. Tate is mostly known for his power, but he has good speed also.

Mario Fannin will also be getting some action out of the backfield, and out of other positions.

Fannin hasn't really had a lot of time in the backfield. Last year he was moved to receiver for most of the season, and this year he will be pretty much everywhere on the offense.

Fannin has a lot of power to break tackles and has pretty good speed as well.

Onterrio McCalebb will probably see a lot of playing time this year. He's not an every down back yet, but he as the ability to make big plays.

He is one of the fastest players on the team as well. McCalebb got the attention of a lot of Auburn fans when he broke for a 70-yard touchdown untouched.

Overall, Gus Malzhan's offense will be focused on running the football.

Auburn has the chance to be really successful this year in that area, especially if the offensive line stays healthy. If that happens this offense could give opposing defenses fits on the ground.

Lights, Camera, Auburn Football!

Dione Thrift — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:57:15 -0400

Auburn Football practices just got a bit more interesting. A reality television documentary will be airing on September 4th, the day before the opener with Louisiana Tech. The show will be produced by Authentic Films and will air on CSS in the southeast region. It will also be available to view on the Internet.

Auburn fans have to wonder if the show will be a success and if it will distract the players. This is a great way to give fans a glimpse of how practices are going and also show recruits what practices and other behind the scenes activities are like.

Auburn does have control of what goes on the series. Some people might ask if they will air things that are positive, or if they will show both the positives and negatives of the team.

Overall, some people will like it. Some people won't. Some people will probably laugh at the idea, but it is a creative way to show fans what the players and coaches go through.

Auburn Football: Receivers Step Up or Stand Back

Dione Thrift — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:18:10 -0400

One of the big disappointments from last year's team was the lack of playmakers at the receiver position. Will that change this year? Hopefully it will. The Tigers have a new receiver's coach in Trooper Taylor.

Taylor has coached some good players, while at Oklahoma St. and also Tennessee. The Tigers top returning starters, Montez Billings finished last season with 24 receptions for 277 yards, and Tim Hawthorne finished the year with eight receptions and 208 yards.

Granted some of the poor plays were results from poor QB play but I think there is a lot of room for improvement. Coach Taylor made it pretty simple that the best receivers will play, regardless of how long they've been on the team.

Freshmen DeAngelo Benton and Emory Blake are already getting attention of fellow players. So what does this mean for the other receivers? That they can either step up or stand back.

Terrell Zachery and Darvin Adams both had a good spring performance. Montez Billings didn't participate this spring because of academic issues. Tim Hawthorne was getting a lot of praise from Coach Taylor, but was injured during summer work outs.

Another thing Coach Taylor mentioned is that he want his receivers not only to make impacts receiving, but also blocking. The Tigers have a few big receivers so that shouldn't be a problem.

Hopefully, this position will improve from last year, and also make a great impact on the offense.

On a side note, please leave comments, I want to know what to improve on, and if you guys think I should keep on writing more articles. Thank you.

Will Auburn Football's Offense Improve in 2009?

Dione Thrift — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 18:36:26 -0400

The question of whether Auburn's offense will improve this season is probably on the minds of all Tiger fans.

After last year's attempt at the spread backfired, many people are nervous about the new spread being installed.

Another question is also being asked: How will this year's spread differ from last year's?

For one, Gus Malzhan is the new coordinator. His Tulsa offense was one of the best in the nation the past two years, and before that he was the offensive coordinator at Arkansas.

Also, both the players and staff are buying into it. Last year, there was a lot of confusion. But Malzhan's new offense is going to focus more on running the ball, which is something that Auburn is very familiar with.

The offensive line will also be changing this year. It is putting back on the weight that was lost from last year. Even though it is one of the positions with poor depth, the starters have a lot of experience, and the offensive line has the potential to do well if injuries aren't a problem.

One thing that remains the same is the quarterback situation. Malzhan is hoping to come out with a starter before the first game, and there are several candidates to choose from. This position will be the most important, as far as consistency goes.

Malzahn is stressing that this offense will be fast, but this is the same thing we all heard from Tony Franklin. However, after watching the spring game—even though the tempo wasn't as fast—there was some improvement, especially since the team didn't have to look at the sidelines to get the signals.

The Tigers are going to need impact players. Three players I see with that potential are Ben Tate, Onterrio McCalebb, and fan-favorite Mario Fannin. Malzhan will definitely make sure that these three will have a big part in this offense.

Kickoff is just a little over a month away, and fall practice starts next week. Hopefully, the quarterback situation is settled, and there are no injuries during practice. I do think this offense will be much improved from last year's.

Gene Chizik: Auburn Football's Starting Quarterback Job Is "Wide Open"

Dione Thrift — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:29:17 -0400

One question that most Auburn fans, if not all, are asking themselves is, who will be the starting QB this year? Let's take a trip down memory lane. Last year, Auburn decided to wait until the first game of the season to reveal their starting QB.

Both Kodi Burns and Chris Todd got reps in the Louisiana Monroe game. Todd started a few more games, and then Burns started the remainder of the season. Needless to say, it was a long season, not only for the players, but the fans as well.

After a head coaching and staff change, every candidate for the QB job is starting off on a clean slate.

Earlier this spring, both Coach Chizik and Malzhan both wanted to leave spring practice with a guaranteed starting QB, but with Barret Trotter dropping out of the race due to an injury, and Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle not setting themselves apart from each other, the race is going to be decided this fall.

Which brings up that there is a good possibility that one of the freshman coming in could come out with the job.

Auburn picked up three QBs in their 2009 recruiting class, and one of those three is Rivals.com rated No. 2 dual threat QB for the 2009 class, Tyrik Rollison. The other two include Clint Mosley and Robert Cooper.

Gene Chizik said that the race is wide open and starting a freshman at QB shouldn't be a surprise if it happens. I feel Rollison and Mosley are going to make the race a little bit more competitive, so Kodi Burns and Neil Caudle needs to step up and set themselves apart.

Of course, there is the question of Chris Todd. He wasn't a popular player last year, but I'd like to see how he plays while having a healthy shoulder as opposed to bad one.

Hopefully the Malzahn will make the right choice on the QB decision or it's going to be another long year for Auburn football.

Auburn Football: Running Shouldn't Be a Problem This Year

Dione Thrift — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:43:42 -0400

We all remember how last year's season went, especially on offense. A few things that bothered me the most about last year's offense: There was no real running game, and running plays resulted in negative yardage or no yardage on first down.

When Auburn fired their coordinator, Tony Franklin, they tried to go from the spread to a more traditional running game. But offensive linemen were required to lose weight for the spread offense, thus resulting in tough outcomes against SEC defensive linemen.

This year there's a new coach and staff on the plains. Gene Chizik became the new head coach at Auburn, and he hired Gus Malzhan as the offensive coordinator. Some people are skeptical about Malzhan's spread offense.

During the Auburn A-Day game we all saw some of what to expect from the offense this fall. When Ben Tate broke out for a 60-yard touchdown, I was pretty impressed. The one thing I was most impressed with: plenty of running plays.

One thing that might be a problem is the lack of depth at the offensive line position. Hopefully injuries won't be a problem this year, but the good news is that most of the offensive linemen are back in the 300-pound area or are en route to it.

I think that it is safe to say that the running back position is one that Auburn doesn't have to worry about. This is one of the few positions on the team that is loaded with talent. Look for Ben Tate, Onterrio McCalebb, Justin Albert, and even Mario Fannin to get some touches rushing this year.

The fact of the matter is that running the football is an absolute must if the Auburn offense is to be successful this year. A consistent QB will also help.

Auburn Football: Playmakers Needed for Both Offense and Defense

Dione Thrift — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:36:14 -0400

In the exciting world of college football, players come and players go. One thing that is a definite must is for someone to step up the next season in place of players that left.

Auburn is in desperate need of big time play makers, especially on offense. I believe there are a few players with that potential on the offensive side and defensive side. If these players can get up to their full potential and if coached right, this Auburn team can go head to head against tougher teams this year.

Offense

Mario Fannin: Gus Malzahn has to find some way to get him the ball. There's talk that he will be playing everywhere, especially at slot receiver and in the backfield. He's even the top candidate for the War Eagle (Wild Cat) formation that Gus Malzhan is bringing to the plains. He will definitely be a breakout player this year if given the ball.

Onterio McCalebb: This guy is a real speedster. I saw a clip of him during spring practice, and I was really impressed. He will definitely play a big role in the backfield this upcoming year. During last Saturday's scrimmage, he had some impressive gains. Look out for him to make some big gains during A-Day this Saturday.

Philip Pierre-Louis: He was predicted to have a good season last year, but an injury during the first kickoff in the first game had him out for the entire season. He's had a limited spring practice. When he's healthy he should be a big help for Auburn's receiving corps.

Harry Adams: Adams has recently switched from defensive back to wide receiver. It's been said that he's the fastest on the team, clocking a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. Trooper Taylor even says that Adams brings back the element of the deep ball which has been pretty scarce at Auburn for a while.

Even though he played at wide receiver in high school, it's going to take some time to get back into the groove. But look for him to possibly play a big role in Auburn's offense.

Defense

With Sen'Derrick Marks, Troy Blackmon, and Jerraud Powers gone, the defense will definitely need to step up.

Eltorro Freeman: This guy is impressive. He knows how to get to the ball. Of course, there are a few areas where he needs to work on, but it can't be ignored that he will be a big difference maker this year.

Josh Bynes: Bynes made a name for himself on the Auburn defense last year when replacing Tray Blackmon when he was injured. Look out for him to do well this upcoming season.

Antonio Coleman: No doubt in anyone's mind that he will be pressuring every quarterback. This Auburn defense will safe. He will probably have a few sacks every game. Some say that he is our next Quentin Groves. I think he's right up there, but no Groves.

Special Teams

It is a definite must for the special teams to be spectacular this year. Missed field goals killed Auburn last year.

Clinton Durst: Durst can boom a punt. He's expected to be a big difference maker this year as far as getting the ball deep into an opponent's territory.

Freshmen

DeAngelo Benton: He will make a big impact for Auburn this fall. It's been said that he will qualify this year and hopefully be a big help with Auburn's receiving corps.

Tyrik Rollison: It seems like he will qualify also. It appears that Auburn is still having QB trouble, so if Rollison comes in and shows that he can distance himself from Burns and Caudle, he might be in contention for the spot, but it's a long shot for that happening.

I look forward to Saturday's A-Day game. I should be going, and I hope to catch a glimpse at how this upcoming season will turn out for Auburn.

Mario Fannin Can Lead the Auburn Tigers' Running Backs in 2009

Dione Thrift — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 12:37:21 -0400

In the past four years, Auburn has had some great running backs come by; backs like "Cadillac" Williams and Ronnie Brown, and even Kenny Irons. Brad Lester is a little questionable, given his mediocre season the past last two years.

One question Auburn fans are asking themselves is, will Auburn's running game be as powerful as it was just a few years ago? Or even before that, since Auburn has produced many talented running backs.

For the upcoming season, my bet is that Mario Fannin is the go-to-guy to lead Auburn's running game.

Fannin first made his debut during a 2007 game against South Florida. When the season was over, he ended up with 448 yards on 84 attempts, with five touchdowns as a backup to Brad Lester and Ben Tate.

Surprisingly, Fannin was used more as a receiver during the 2008 season, but he did see some time in the backfield and came away with 238 yards on 54 attempts for one touchdown.

If used correctly, I think Fannin could be a huge threat and the breakout player that Auburn needs to get their new spread offense on fire.

Hopefully Gus Malzahn will do what Tony Franklin and even Steve Ensminger failed to do, which is make sure that Fannin starts instead of playing second string. He could be dangerous on screen plays and in the Wild Cat formation.

Of course, should Fannin get the starting job, he'll have plenty of help in the backfield. With Ben Tate returning along with Eric Smith, Auburn also has some very promising backs coming up.

Incoming recruits Dontae Aycock, Onterrio McCalebb, and Brandon Jacobs could also be great help. McCalebb is already on campus and could have a great spring.

If Auburn's offense is going to be a success, the running game is going to be a big part of that success—especially on first and second down.

With that being said, will Fannin be able to lead at the running back position, or will he just play a medium role like he did last season?

Auburn Football: Looking For a Leader at Quarterback

Dione Thrift — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:46:20 -0400

Spring practice is almost upon Auburn, as fans are wondering who will come out as the top quarterback. Last season was a mess, but what's done in the past is done.

It's time to look toward the future. Here are the top three quarterbacks that I think will have the best chance, in no particular order.

Kodi Burns- His season last year didn't turn out as well as most Auburn fans thought it would.

Burns is a great athlete, and it's hard for anyone to argue with that, but the question is that can he be a great quarterback, and not only that, but a quarterback that can be a leader for Auburn? That's something that I'm sure Gus Malzahn will be looking for in all of the potential candidates at QB.

Neil Caudle- He hasn't seen much playing time, but it looks as if he has some potential to start. He can make plays with his legs also, which is great for the new system that is being put in.

He had four completions in only five attempts during the 2008 season in limited action against Tennessee-Martin.

Barret Trotter- Trotter will get his time to compete for the starting position this spring. There's a lot of talk that this kid has the potential to start in this new offensive system, but does he has the potential to be a leader?

Other possibilities:

Tyrik Rollison- If he qualifies, he might make a great candidate, but more than likely he will be redshirted this year.

Chris Todd- While his season wasn't great last year, and he suffered an injury to his arm, it is not out of the question that Todd can re-enter the mix. If he wants to move back into the picture however, he will have to prove many things to Malzahn.

Clint Mosley- It's not certain whether Auburn will keep him at this position or move him to a different one.

Although he was named Alabama's Mr. Football and is considered a great athlete, he may not be ready to man the quarterback position, especially considering his competition.

In my opinion, Malzhan will have to find the starting quarterback this spring. Like I've mentioned earlier, the starting quarterback for Auburn will have to be able to lead the team, especially against dominant defenses in the SEC.

Personally, I have no problem with who starts in the '09 season, as long as he is the right fit for Auburn.

Is Auburn Having a Winning Season Unlikely?

Dione Thrift — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:33:11 -0500

No, it's not unlikely. First of all, it's college football. Anything can happen on any given weekend or Thursday night—just ask USC or Florida.

True, Auburn is coming off of a bad season and a new coach and staff to add...but let's roll the clock back and take a look at Ole Miss. In 2007 Ole Miss had a season record of 3-8 overall and 0-8 conference play. They get a good coach in, and next season they have a 9-4 record with a 5-3 mark in conference play.

So if Ole Miss can have a great season after a terrible one, can it happen to Auburn? Here's why I think it can.

1) Auburn's new offensive coordinator coming in and bringing in a good system. Now of course the project with the spread from the previous season didn't work out, but if we take a look back, Tony Franklin had to teach not only the players but also the position coaches, who knew nothing about the spread.

How is it different now? Gus Malzahn has had experience in the SEC, and he has a great staff around him. Franklin wasn't blessed with that luxury. Yes, the OL is a mystery, but I will mention all the positions in another article after this one.

Now some people will say that spread offense won't work on SEC defenses...just ask Florida how their system did in the SEC. OK, I know there are QB issues, but that is something that will hopefully be fixed this season.

2) Defense! Defense wins games, yes, but not if they're on the field about 75 percent of the time. If you don't believe me, ask the Auburn 2008 defense. Auburn had a great defense last year, but after getting worn out from being on the field too much, it takes a toll.

Yes, depth is something the Tigers need more of, and with a new coordinator coming in the Tiger defense may have to adjust some, but we're talking about a defense that's had four different coordinators in the past five years, and Auburn still managed to have one of the greatest defenses in the country.

Also, Gene Chizik is a defensive coach, who might I add went undefeated two years in a row and a national championship. Yes, I know he was just a D-coordinator, but his defense obviously had something to do with getting there.

Some people will bring up his past record at Iowa St. Come on people, it's Iowa State, for crying out loud. Need I remind you of Nick Saban's record before coaching at Bama? Given, it's the NFL, but there are some coaches who've had success in both college and the NFL.

3) Auburn does have talent. Yes, you must have great talent on your football team to win games, but if you don't have the coaches coaching them, then the talent is pretty much being wasted.

Auburn has great talent, but what's different this year is that they have a better staff coaching them now. Mario Fannin has great potential to be a breakout player for Auburn, and so do some of the new recruits coming in.

4) Auburn's first four games are at home. They have Louisiana Tech, Miss State, West Virginia, and Ball State. Now if they can win their first four games they go 4-0 on a hot streak into Knoxville, and if they can beat Tennessee, then they should have no problem competing against any other team in the SEC. Of course Auburn does have a lot to work on to get ready for this season

OK, thanks for reading and please comment. This is my first article, and there's a lot I can improve on. Yes, criticism is needed—I welcome it with open arms

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