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

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.