Tigers Come Out With a Roar: Auburn Rolls Up 556 Total Yards In Win

I myself, like many Auburn fans, didn't know what to expect for the first game of the season this past Saturday night.  Anxiety, nervousness, hopefulness, and concern filled my mind as it probably did for all other Auburn fans who passionately scream War Eagle.  Too man question marks were out there:  What is the offense going to look like?  How far along will they be in this offense?  How will Coach Chizik handle the depth issues?  Can Chris Todd really carry this team?  Are they a little concerned about playing that number of true freshmen?, etc.  All these questions and concerns filled me all of last week leading up to our first game; considering we were playing a Louisiana Tech team that had won 8 games last year(including their bowl game), returned 17 starters(all returning starters on both the OL and DL), and Derek Dooley is son of legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley(the bloodlines have to have you worried even just a little bit).  

 The first half of the game had it's ups and downs; it's mistakes and it's good plays.  They had a good drive down the field that ended with Kodi Burns taking the direct snap out of the Wildcat Formation and plowing into the end zone, evoking memories of him doing the same thing 2 years ago against Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the Swap to shock Gator Nation.  After that score, this remainder of the first half became similar to what the Auburn Family is familiar with...defense!  The anxiety, the built up energy combined with first game jitters were displayed in several penatlies on defense. Cornerback Walter McFadden was called for a pass interference, which was completely absurd considering the wide receiver would have needed a ten foot ladder to catch the ball.  This call did bring a smile to face; to see Chizik on the field barking and growling at the referee.  It shows he is willing to stick up and fight for his young players.  A couple of facemask calls later by DE Michael Goggans, LB Craig Stevens, and FS Zac Etheridge and Auburn accounted for 85 yds on 6 penalties.  Antonio Coleman was his usual self, wreaking havoc in the La Tech backfield.  Josh Bynes showed flashed as to why he is the leader of the linebacker corp.  Free Safety Zac Etheridge continued to fly around and notched 8 tackles.  Cornerback Neiko Thorpe showed improvement from inconsistency last year.  And true frosh, strong safety Daren Bates from Olive Branch HS, made an outstanding interception to begin the 2nd half, which would spark the rest of the game for the Tigers.

Prior to Bates' interception, Chris Todd had looked well, yet not spectacular.  He had maintained the offense, but there was nothing that  opened anyone's eyes wider from his play.  Then he put a fake on La Tech's cornerback, and hit WR Terrell Zachery in stride for the longest play in Auburn football history with 93 yd touchdown pass.  With that play, the Tigers found their rhythm and their confidence.  Todd made sure to keep the ball away from La Tech's defenders.  The offensive line played unbelievably well, not allowing a sack, much less any defender getting their hands on Todd.  The big fellas also help lead the way for RBs Ben Tate and Onterrio McCalebb run for over 300 yds combined.  McCalebb proved to be a great get for Auburn by rushing for more yds in his debut game than any other freshman in Auburn history...yeah...that includes Bo, Cadillac, & Ronnie!!  Tate showed he is the battering ram that he has been, yet still has the speed to get to the corner.  And all-world Mario Fannin led the way with 8 receptions and was used in every way possible except for putting a headset on and calling the plays.  

Thank God Fannin was not calling the plays, because Auburn's offensive coordinator, Gus Malzahn, called a great game and I think we all understand why his reputation is what it is.  The best way I can describe the game Malzahn called:  variety.  Malzahn spread the ball around to all playmakers that were available:  20 rushes a piece for McCalebb and Tate, 8 completions to Fannin, 93 yd td pass to Zachery, 20 yd td pass to Darvin Adams, and got other freshmen, DeAngelo Benton, Emory Blake, and others involved.

I don't as much have mixed feelings as I am actually mixing feelings about the start of Auburn's season.  While trying to think rationally in knowing that we beat a solid WAC team and they don't compare to the SEC competition that is on the rise.  But at the same time, I can't help but get excited and jacked at the site of how the offense was clicking for the most part.  Just seeing our offensive line getting on the line in the 4th quarter at a quick pace while the defense was sucking wind at the pace of the game overall.  I know you can only tell so much by 1 game, but I can't help but feel good about what Coach Chizik has done and will be doing on the Plains this year(The day after the W, a 4-star linebacker from Jess Lanier High School who happens to run a 4.49 forty yard dash, LaDarius Owens, commits to the Tigers for the 2010 class).  I'm ready for our next game against a tough Miss. St. Bulldog team(oh the cowbells!)  I'm prepared for the mistakes and looking forward to our adjustments for this coming week.  Now me and my co-worker, Jeremy(a Miss. St. grad) can respectably talk trash at the office all week until Saturday rolls around.  I have a good feeling for this next week.  WAR EAGLE!!!