Bleacher Report - Articles by Kool Bell

Second Glance: Resting The Starters Will Pay Dividends Down The Road

Kool Bell — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:27:40 -0500

Most of the media this week were focused on Auburn getting a lead on Furman early so they could rest the starters. While this issue certainly has some merit, the true upside comes from a different point of view.

Auburn's backups sorely needed the playing time. In fact they desperately needed it, so that when they will be called on, they will be ready. At least they will have some true game-time experience.

Don't you know that the coaching staff will use every single opportunity to coach up your young Tigers and help them get prepared for the day that will surely come, when they will be needed to help win a game.

Every single score the Paladins had was because of a mistake someone made. Whether it was being out of position for a tackle or a turnover. There are lessons to learned.

The coaching staff relishes these days. Easy victories with plenty of coaching to do on the second team.

Take your pick, Anthony Gulley, D'lo Benton, or any other Tiger on the field in the second half. There will tough days at practice this week. They'll just be a lot easier to take.

WAR EAGLE!

Auburn's Greatest Games: "And He Will Score!"

Kool Bell — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:58:57 -0400

The weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was raucous, as Auburn was hosting LSU.

I was there with one of my closest friends, Gary. We had attended several Auburn games together. We involved our entire families, wives, children, and always had a great time.

This time however it was just the two of us. We had decided at the last moment to go to the game, instead of watching on TV.

The Tiger Walk that day was really something to behold!

Our tickets ended up being in the upper deck, along side many LSU fans. The guy I was sitting next to from LSU had been talking about how they had been improving every week, and that he felt they had a better than average chance at beating Auburn this time. Gary was sitting next to three girls who were LSU fans. Just my luck, I get the guy who knows football, I digress.

During warm ups I had mentioned to the Bengal Tiger fan that, #9 Ken Albis was worth watching. He could leap, and run with anybody. How could I know what was about to transpire?

Unfortunately as Auburn fans the Tigers weren't playing at their best on offense. As usual, the defense was good enough to keep Auburn in the game.

Auburn of course was down in the fourth quarter, and staged the impossible. Not one but two comebacks. The first to tie the game, the second to win it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOVUaN_iuKQ

Included is the video on you tube of the comeback.

The worst part was, after the field goal to put LSU back up with very little time to play. Gary and I were getting some pretty ruff treatment from some of the other LSU fans around us. We decided rather than fight a no-chance fight we would just leave.

I had brought with me a radio headset so I could listen to the pre-game shows and hear Jim Fyffe call the game. So when we were outside the stadium I put the radio headset back on, and started repeating Fyffe's call of the game.

While we were at the intersection by the Athletic dorm we could the roar inside the stadium and I was yelling, "Brian Robinson, Brian Robinson" at the top of my lungs. Just then I yelled, "TOUCHDOWN AUUBBBBBUUUURRRRRNNNN!!!!!"

There were hugs, and high fives galore. Gary and I recieved invitations to several tailgate parties by those who surrounded us that day. We just decided to head on back home and enjoy the trip listening to the post game show, sore throats and all.

It's games like this that come around once in a lifetime. I was there, and for the most part, a witness. Another special moment in Auburn Tiger football history.

WAR EAGLE!

What Will Auburn Football Think of Next?

Kool Bell — Sat, 30 May 2009 23:36:35 -0400

What a great time to be an Auburn fan! I have not witnessed this much excitement on the plains in the summer about the football program since Pat Dye was here.

This coaching staff has creatively turned a new page of recruiting, and developed a heretofore unmatched media frenzy, about a single school's recruiting this far removed from National Signing Day.

The ride in the country this staff took earlier this spring did more than create headlines. It gave a group of guys who have never worked together as a unit time.

Time to get to know one another, time to gel. Ask any coach in any league what happens to his team if the coaching staff isn't on the same page. In my personal opinion, that's what happened at Auburn last year.

Now the newest idea in Auburn recruiting is to have a weekend for prospective recruits to just enjoy being in Auburn, and get to know the other side of the staff. The fun side if you will.

This first annual event is being called "Big Cat Weekend" by the Tiger coaches. I wish I could be there to just witness the, completely out of left field, good time these young men will be enjoying.

The best thing, is there is actually an even different event scheduled around the July time frame, that promises to become an annual event also.

What would you like to see the staff do to continue the recruiting buzz they have created already, and build on it?

Why Are the Preseason College Football Lists So Popular?

Kool Bell — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:28:38 -0400

There are a myriad of reasons for the preseason college football list phenomena. Earlier, I listed my picks of the top 25 team rankings and where they would start for the 2009 season.

Now, I would like to open a discussion as to "why" this has our undivided attention year after year.

Many publications, and various others, myself included, do these things to keep "us" salivating about our favorite sport.

SEC football in many ways is the envy of every other sport in existence. For many reasons, that eludes most others. We love our teams and follow them with a fervor that is unmatched in all of sport. Sure, you get the few weirdos that happen to follow individual sports personalities, but my point is that the masses that follow SEC football are, far and away, the most rabid, loyal fans in the world. That's a slightly skewed opinion of course.

The SEC is not alone in mass following. All of college football has seen a tremendous surge in attention.

The SEC has signed an astronomical deal with two network conglomerates for an estimated 3.15 BILLION DOLLARS!

No matter how you slice it, that's huge. Three years from now, it may be the norm, but for now at least, WOW! What's next for college football and TV?

So tell me. What do you think is the appeal of college football with all the preseason lists. Do we need something to take up our time when the season is months away?

My Picks-Preseason Top 25

Kool Bell — Sat, 16 May 2009 04:18:14 -0400

It seems all the rage. Every single columnist, blogger, and beat hack have shown their top 25 picks.

So here's mine.

Short and to the point. No explanations. Just like all the rest, good old-fashioned hunches.

1.)FLORIDA

2.)TEXAS

3.)VIRGINIA TECH

4.)SOUTHERN CAL

5.)OKLAHOMA STATE

6.)OLE MISS

7.)OHIO STATE

8.)IOWA

9.)ALABAMA

10.)OKLAHOMA

11.)LSU

12.)CALIFORNIA

13.)OREGON

14.)PENN STATE

15.)GA. TECH

16.)GEORGIA

17.)FSU

18.)BOISE STATE

19.)NEBRASKA

20.)NORTH CAROLINA

21.)UTAH

22.)CINCINNATI

23.)EAST CAROLINA

24.)TCU

25.)NOTRE DAME

So, there you have it. This time of year it's all we fans have to do anyway. Brag about your team, or complain. Either way let's have some discussion as to who you think will "START" where.

Please don't expect any rational explanations of how I came up with this list... I don't have any rational thoughts, just ask my wife!

WAR EAGLE!

What's Wrong With a Ride in the Country?

Kool Bell — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:01:02 -0400

Ah, the open road. Nothing compares to traveling with your friends on a trip that each of you enjoys.

This week, some of the Auburn coaching staff set out on a cruise to Alabama High Schools to visit with the coaches, teachers, and faculty. Each of these stops was to accomplish many goals this AU staff has—not limited to the year round war known as recruiting.

They are calling it "Tiger Prowl."

The media and sports blogs have been ablaze with all sorts of reactions—and over-reactions to say the least. Many have missed the point, sadly, talking more about the mode of transportation.

Yes, at first, a stretch limo seems to be a little gaudy.

Most responses from the young adults at these schools has been positive. Ranging from "pretty cool" to "down with it." As much of a recruiting tool this could turn out to be, the biggest positive may be not so obvious.

The single biggest problem last year with Auburn's coaching staff had nothing at all to do with lack of experience, coaching ability, or even talent of the team itself. It had to do with "family." A new member of the family was brought into the Plains and "the fit was wrong."

This new staff has a whole different attitude, and is finding creative ways to develop chemistry and that feeling with themselves. Not just the players, but also the support staff, and the Auburn Nation can and should be very proud of these guys.

WAR EAGLE!

Favorite Auburn Games of All Time

Kool Bell — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:11:28 -0400

The list of favorite games can be as long and varied as opinions in congress.

Mine, however, involves the guy in the picture accompanying this article.

First, let me say that this is Randy Campbell alongside my good friend AJ. SEC Champion quarterback of the Auburn Tigers. The picture was taken during one of my golf tournaments benefiting The Children's Hospital in Birmingham, AL.

Randy, was not what some might call a "pro" quality QB, but he had that something extra.

Benefiting from new coach Pat Dye and the new philosophy in the football program, Randy excelled at leading the team to victory.

This game would tell the world Auburn was back and ready to challenge any team for the victory.

Now on to the game...

No. 4 Auburn vs. No. 5 Florida

Bo Jackson scored on one of his big runs and Randy scored after a seven play, 57 yard drive from four yards out to take a 14-0 lead.

Randy was only six for 10 passing with 71 yds that day, but Bo was...well...Bo, and the rest of the team played great.

Lionel James scored from 17 yards away on a beautiful run for Auburn to take a 21-7 halftime lead.

Later, after a Florida fumble, Auburn regained possession, and Bo ran 80 yards for the TD.

In the end, Auburn had to fight off a rally by the Gators who scored 14 unanswered points in the Fourth Quarter to win 28-21.

This was one of the many BIG games played between these two schools.

Auburn Football: Hunting For a Winning Season (Part III)

Kool Bell — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:59:34 -0400

War Eagle everybody.I hope this final installment finds each of you doing well. To continue my early assessment of each of Auburn's opponents this coming season, is indeed a privilege.

I would like to thank The Bleacher Report gang for allowing a hack like myself the opportunity to express opinions on the sport I care so much about. Many thanks to other sources ie... foxsports.com, CBSsports.com, Track 'em Tigers, al.com, and many others for much of the scouting info this early in the spring.

So, on to the final three opponents;

Furman. Southern Conference (FCS) - Nov. 7, 2009 @ Auburn(HC)

The Paladins are coached by Bobby Lamb. Last year their record was 7-5 and 4-4 in conference play. Coach Lamb has 46 returning Letterman.

They run a spread style offense,that averages over 360 yds. per game, and a basic 4-2-5 defense.

Auburn's Homecoming opponent this year, this team will be fundamentally sound, yet should pose no problems for the Tigers.

Georgia. SEC - Nov. 14, 2009 @ Athens, Ga.

Coached by Mark Richt, in his ninth season, the Bulldogs are the kissing cousins to Auburn. These two share many of the same ideals, and are the "South's Oldest Rivalry."

Key to the Dawgs offense will be to find replacements at the QB, and RB positions. While they have plenty of talent at RB, whomever takes the reins of this offense will have limited experience.

The defense will be strong this year. The only significant loss was at the CB spot, losing Asher Allen early to the draft.

There isn't much we don't know about this Bulldog team, or it's coach. Look for Georgia to be strong, well prepared, and with a little something to prove after last years high hopes going up in smoke.

Alabama. SEC - Nov. 28, 2009 @ Auburn

Nothing I write about the Tide will be met with complete agreement from either side of the state. The biggest rivalry in college football by many estimates, by far the biggest in the SEC, will once again give ultimate bragging rights to the victors and their "RABID" fans.

Coached by Nick Saban, the Tide will have many holes to fill on offense. Losses at the QB position, as well as three lineman will have to be filled.

The defense will be fairly intact except for the loss of Rashad Johnson. Look for this unit to be strong.

Hopes are sky high for the Tide fans this year, as well they should be. With two great recruiting classes back to back, and their record from last year, things are looking good in Tuscaloosa.

So, there you have it. The season ahead for Auburn has as many questions as it does dreams. With a new coaching staff, and renewed enthusiasm, the Tigers are poised for greatness. The results however are a few months away. Those long agonizing summer months when football is talked only by those passionate for the game itself.

War Eagle everyone!

Auburn Football: Hunting for a Winning Season (Part Two)

Kool Bell — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:24:53 -0400

Hello again everybody, and War Eagle!

October is where Auburn's season must be in fourth gear and gaining significant speed. If they intend to stay with the front runners, October is the time to get it done.

No less than five consecutive SEC games. Three of which are on the road. So here goes...

Tennessee SEC Oct. 3, 2009-Knoxville, TN

With new coach Lane Kiffin making sure all eyes and ears are on Knoxville, TN this spring, and opening practices to the press for the first time in ages, the Volunteers have a lot to prove this coming season.

Questions remain at the QB position, and with their leading returning rusher gone, things look bleak offensively. The line is suspect as well. This doesn't bode well for the incoming "superstar" running backs, Bryce Brown and David Oku.

On defense, the Vols return an All-American strong safety in Eric Berry, who is an imposing pass defender. The defensive front returns strong man Dan Williams to the tackle spot.

The staff at UT has a ton of work to do to catch up with Kiffin's off-field antics. If they don't, it may be a long year in Knoxville.

Arkansas SEC Oct. 10, 2009-Fayetteville, AR

Coached by former Tiger offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, the Razorbacks are poised for a breakout year.

The offense should be guided by QB Ryan Mallett, a transfer from Michigan. The Hawgs are also returning their school record setting tight end D.J. Williams. Williams caught a single game record 10 catches in one game and set the season high mark with 61.

Running back won't be a problem either, with Michael Smith coming off a 1,072 yard season a year ago.

If Petrino can find ample replacements for two linemen, then the Hawgs should be a force.

On defense, the Hawgs return nine starters. Last year's freshman LB Jerry Franklin led the unit in tackles. As a matter of fact, the top 10 tacklers return from 2008.

The D-line should be anchored by DT Malcolm Sheppard.

The true weak spot from last year is the special teams. Petrino hired John L. Smith to shore up any potential hazards there.

Kentucky SEC Oct. 17, 2009-Auburn, AL

Coached by Rich Brooks, this Wildcat team may be on the verge of stepping up to the podium in the SEC East. There are currently only 11 BCS teams that have won their last three bowl games. Yep, Kentucky is one of them.

On offense, the Cats have an experienced QB in Mike Hartline. However, the line has some gaps to fill at the tackles.

On defense, they have three superstars that decided not to enter the NFL draft. Trevard Lindley earned second team All-American honors last year while Micah Johnson racked up an impressive 93 tackles. Along with Jeremy Jarmon at the DE position, the "D" looks strong this year.

With a plethora of returning experience, and/or starters on both sides of the ball, and Coach Brook's best recruiting class, spirits are running high up in Lexington, KY. As they should be.

Do not make the mistake of overlooking these Wildcats.

LSU SEC Oct. 24, 2009-Baton Rouge, LA

Coached by Les Miles, the Bayou Bengals were a mystery last year. With two coaches sharing responsibility of the defense, and the Merry-go-round at the QB position, the LSU Tigers showed their confusion at times on the field.

LSU must replace two starters on the offensive line and settle on a QB. However, all is not lost; the returning running back, Charles Scott, will give whomever is QB some time to get settled. Add the skills of Brandon LaFell at WR to that and the job becomes much easier.

On defense, the Bengal Cats must find adequate replacement for both DT's and middle linebacker. Adding to that, the DE position returns only one player with significant time, Rahim Alem.

This game has determined the outcome of the SEC West Champ for several of the past years. Former Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has been quoted as saying that this was "the most physical game each year that Auburn would play."

Mississippi SEC Oct. 31, 2009-Auburn, AL

There is much to be happy about in Oxford, MS these days. Coach Houston Nutt has 15 starters returning and just reeled in a top recruiting class.

On offense, the Rebels have a dependable and experienced QB in Jevan Snead, along with two top wideouts in Shay Hodge and Dexter McCluster returning.

The only question will be replacing the three losses on the line.

Defensively, this unit was shaky at best last season. With no real "star" to point to, coach Tyrone Nix says it's back to basics this year.

Well, that gets us through October. I believe this is Auburn's toughest test. If they can somehow get through this unscathed, the sky will be the limit. Until next time...

WAR EAGLE

Auburn Football: Hunting for a Winning Season (Part 1)

Kool Bell — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:27:29 -0400

It's time for me to contribute to B/R, and I couldn't think of a better subject than Auburn Football. Since that's why we are all here, right?

I am going to try and evaluate Auburn's opponents this coming year. Since I have neither the time nor the patience to do all of them at once, I'll break it down into several parts.

So, here goes.

Louisiana Tech. WAC Conference—Sept. 5th, 2009 @ Auburn

The Bulldogs are coached by Derek Dooley. In his third year there, they have shown consistent improvement, winning a bowl game last year.

They had the nation's best graded kick and punt teams, but lost both the kicker and the punter to graduation. They do, however, return their ace return man, Phillip Livas. He is a starting wide receiver also.

On defense, the line is anchored by Lombardi watch list candidate D'Anthony Smith, who had 65 tackles last year, five of them sacks. Along with senior safety Anthony Baker, the Bulldogs were strong against the run. The Bulldogs must find replacements at both corners.

On offense, they return an experienced QB who went 6-2 as a starter last year, and an experienced RB who needs 1,100 yards to become the programs all-time leader.

While Auburn "should" win every time against the WAC teams, do not underestimate the coaching staff at La. Tech. With starters returning at key positions, this will be closer than most think. At least in the first half.

Mississippi State. SEC—Sept. 12th, 2009 @ Auburn

Another Bulldog team, this one with less bite. These Bulldogs are coached by first year man Dan Mullen. The offensive coordinator from Florida in 2008 is trying to install a similar offense to what Auburn is doing this year.

On offense, they return RB Anthony Dixon. Reliable and durable, Dixon needs only 610 yards to become their all-time career rusher. Unfortunately, after Dixon, the list of play makers diminishes drastically.

On defense, they return Junior Line Backer K.J. Wright, who had 72 tackles last year, four of them being sacks.

West Virginia. Big East—Sept. 19th, 2009 @ Auburn

Coached by second year man Bill Stewart, the Mountaineers are a very powerful and disciplined team.

Stewart brought in a new offensive line coach to shore up the inability they had last year to pass block, especially when behind late in a game. The Mountaineers return only one starter at his position, Selvish Capers. Don't let that fool you, though, they are moving some around to maximize their potential. Auburn saw first hand last year how this team can run when they need to.

Most interesting, though, is the kicking game. Coach Stewart "threw out" the kickers from a recent team meeting because of his disdain for their efforts thus far this spring.

On defense, they return a sizeable and experienced interior line, but their smallish exterior linemen could spell trouble.

Ball State. Mid-American Conference—September 26th, 2009 @ Auburn

The Cardinals are lead by first year head coach Stan Parrish.

On offense, they lost their QB to the NFL. However, they return their top RB MiQuale Lewis, who rushed for 1,736 yards last season. That was good enough for fifth best ever in the MAC. They also return WR Briggs Orsbon, who caught six passes or more in seven games. He had a breakout performance against Buffalo in the MAC Championship game with 13 catches.

That gets us through September. If Auburn can go 3-1 or 4-0, then the season will be off to a good start. Any less, and it could be tough sledding once we get into October.

WAR EAGLE!