Auburn vs. Clemson: A Dyer Situation

Running back Michael Dyer, a.k.a. Sluggaboi, will get his chance to show america his heralded abilities against a talented Clemson Tiger defense. This opportunity presents itself because of the lackluster play of senior running back, Mario Fannin.

It's an all or nothing proposition. If he fails tonight, it could hurt his career for months or years to come. If he is successful, the fans will be given the hope they need at this point in the season to get them to a fever pitch level for every matchup to come in the remaining games of the 2010 schedule.

The coaches have made their assessment and they are in agreement that Dyer is ready for his ascendency to the top spot of this highly valued position. Remember, this is the position made particularly special by the accomplishments of the giants that came before Michael Dyer.

Fob James, Ed Dyas, Jimmy Sidle, Bo Jackson, Joe Cribbs, William Andrews, James Brooks, Lionel James, Brent Fullwood, Ronnie Brown, Carnell Williams, Kenny Irons and most recently Ben Tate have set the bar high at Auburn. The names on this list are as good as the shrimp dishes on the menu sounded off by Bubba in the movie, Forrest Gump.

There is a tradition to uphold and Fannin was not getting it done the right way.

In his first two games, Dyer has show flashes of a potential for greatness. In his debut against Arkansas State, he had 14 carries for 95 yards and one TD. He also caught a pass out of the backfield for 9 yards and was able to protect the quarterback in passing situations, but the experience was limited. Regardless, he led all running backs and showed he could get the job done with Cameron Newton leading the way.

In a tight game against Mississippi State, his SEC debut was equally successful. Dyer added to his resume with 9 carries for 48 yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. His output nearly equaled Ontario McCalebb (5.7 yards per carry) and out performed Cameron Newton ( 3.9 yards per carry). Mario Fannin had 5 carries for 6 yards against the Bulldogs.

It's time to see what the young man can do for a full 60 min, attending to the lion's share of responsibility at the running back position.

He is built low to the ground, has powerful shoulders and leg drive that allow for success in yards after contact. He needs to rack up the YAC in this showdown of Tiger versus Tiger. Clemson has the best defensive line in the ACC and one of the most highly rated lines in the country.

This is a pivotal game for Auburn, even more so for Dyer. All bets are off. The coaches have done what they can to prepare the young man. Newton will have to have some success passing the ball in this game. Pass protection will be at a premium but giving Newton time to survey the field is just as important for him to find the appropriate running lanes if coverage is good.

Make no mistake, Newton can get it done on the ground as well.

But when Dyer gets the ball, he will have to show toughness, durability and vision to find the right hole, at the right time, for the most yards. Most importantly, he will have to protect the ball and not give up an opportunistic turnover.

As an Arkansan, I wish the best for Michael Dyer. As an Alabama fan, I wish for even more success for the young man. This debut should be successful. All the ingredients are provided for a coming out party.

I say this in the spirit of Wallace Wade. When Alabama and Auburn meet in Tuscaloosa on the day after Thanksgiving, it is my hope that both teams are clicking on all cylinders and both field the best they have available for the game.

War Damn Eagle and Roll Tide Roll.