Auburn Football: Will The Tigers Defeat The Ghosts of Championships Past?

The chains rattle. The wind bellows like a sorrowful whisper that cries deep into the night. Tuberville wonders if he's the man that will break the strangle hold that seems to stop all efforts to win that elusive national championship. Crown of crowns or in the Tigers case, thorn of thorns.

Is Tuberville the only victim tragically deprived of such greatness? No Auburn's beloved Pat Dye; former head coach that resurrected the Tigers back from the dark shadow of the "Bear" in the early 80's.

The Tigers enjoyed dominance under the guiding hand of Dye, up to his retirement after the 1992 season. Though Coach Dye successes were evident to the Auburn Family, many outside the state truly did not understand what he had accomplished.

Dye defeated the mighty Bear Bryant of the University of Alabama during his second year under the helm at Auburn. Putting proof in the pudding in Pat Dye's own words in the face of Coach Bryant "Auburn people are not scared of you or Alabama anymore."

Coach Dye and the Auburn fateful enjoyed SEC Championships and the competitiveness of every team Dye brought to the field, not to mention the class in which they presented in defeat or triumphal glory. 

However, in 1983 Auburn was in the thick of the national title hunt. Even to this day Dye continues to feel the bitter sting of the invisible specter that inhibits the destiny that the 1957 Tigers enjoy. 

Auburn ranked third nationally playing eighth ranked Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Nebraska undefeated and number one under legendary coach Tom Osborne had a date with fifth ranked Miami. Auburn beat Michigan in a hard fought defensive game 9-7.

Miami defeated Nebraska in the Orange bowl 31-30, after a failed two point conversion by the Huskers. Second-ranked Texas was defeated by the Dawgs of Georgia, whom Auburn had defeated just a few weeks earlier, then beat Alabama to bring to a close an undefeated conference schedule and an SEC championship.

I recall going to bed that night thinking Auburn would move into first place and claim the ultimate prize. To Auburn's dismay and many around the country, the AP voters had jumped Miami over everyone dropping Nebraska to second, leaving Auburn stranded at third. 

Now what about Tubby and the 2004 Tiger team that practically destroyed all comers? Well we all know what happened. Can Tuberville, his staff and the players pull off what other Auburn football teams could not?

Yes I believe they can. Can the fast pace offense of Tony Franklin score enough points to sway the human vote in Auburn's favor? Absolutely! Will the points equal an undefeated season in 2008? What does the ghost have to say?