52 REASONS ESPN/ABC/DISNEY SUCKS

This is without question the best blog posting I've read all year. We have been bitching about ESPN all season. But I have to say the guys at Every Day Should Be Saturday have summed it up best. In "52 Reasons ESPN/ABC/Disney Sucks" they put it all on the line.

I bet you can't read through this list without saying at least once, "I've always thought that". It's all so true. This is not bad work for a bunch of Florida Gators.

Click here to read...

Chorus Grows For Auburn Invitation To The Fiesta Bowl

While the chances are slim that Auburn will land in the Fiesta Bowl, there is a segment of the media who believe Auburn is the best choice. Surprisingly, the one leading the chorus is ESPN Game Day host Kirk Herbstreit.

And it's easy to see why. Never has a team gotten so much credit for a loss as Notre Dame has since losing to Southern Cal. But really when you break down the records, who did Notre Dame beat this year? Compared to Auburn, the Irish really had no quality wins.

With that said, who are we kidding? Notre Dame is headed to the Fiesta Bowl. Truth be told, they'd take them with six wins if they could. Still, it's nice to see that others recognize that Auburn is BCS material. But you'll never hear me complain about a trip to the Capital One Bowl.

Click on the link below to read this Sports Illustrated writer's take on the Fiesta Bowl.

Click here to read...

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Question And Answer With Auburn Nose Guard T.J. Jackson

Here's a great question and answer session with T.J. Jackson. Of all the seniors, I'm going to miss this guy the most. If for nothing else, I'll miss him in the locker room dancing while the team sings "War Eagle". And did I mention that he's a pretty good football player?

Click here to read...

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Auburn In The NFL - Week 12

It was another excellent week for Auburn Alumni in the NFL. Cincinnati running back Rudi Johnson ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the Bengals 42-29 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Carlos Rogers started his third game of the year for Washington and came up big with an interception and eight tackles in the Redskins loss to San Diego in overtime.

Click here to read about all of the former Tigers in the NFL...

A Week Later...

It has been more than a week and every time I see someone in crimson this comes to my mind. This famous picture sums up a whole state.

A week later, and last Saturday's win feels just as good now as it did then. Never take for granted a win over SPUAT. Savor every one of them no matter how often they come and man do they come often these days.

The Alabama nation is in shambles. The talk on the Birmingham radio stations is that Shula must beat Auburn next year to keep his job. The guy has won nine games and still must beat Auburn next year to remain coach. Can you say Bill Curry?

Former Tiger Out At Tennessee

Former Auburn quarterback Pat Washington appears to be out as wide receivers coach at Tennessee. Washington has endured much of the criticism as the Volunteers have tumbled from a pre-season Top 3 ranking to out of bowl consideration following Saturday's final game at Kentucky. He joined the Tennessee staff in 1995.

Phil Fulmer is expected to announce today that former Ole Miss Coach David Cutcliffe will be named new offensive coordinator. Cutcliffe held the position prior to taking the head job at Oxford.

Click here to read more...

Stanley McClover Takes MVP Of Iron Bowl

Congratulations to Stanley McClover. He's our Iron Bowl Most Valuable Player. Chosen by the readers of FSITS, McClover picked up 48% of the vote. Brandon Cox was second at 20%. Here are the rest of the results...

Who Was Your MVP Of This Year's Iron Bowl?

Kenny Irons 8%
Brandon Cox 20%
Ben Obomanu 10%
Stanley McClover 48%
T.J. Jackson 12%
Other 2%

I Miss Trev Alberts

I can't believe I'm saying this... I miss Trev Alberts. I've hated this guy from the moment he put his face on television. He's cocky, arrogant and well OK, he's entertaining.

After enduring a season of Lou Holtz and Desmond Howard filling in for Alberts after his firing at ESPN, I've begun to appreciate Trev. Always in the back of mind I knew that he and Mark May were going to fight at any moment and it kept me watching.

Here's a good story on what Alberts has been up to since his firing. I'll give you a hint... nothing!

Click here to read more...

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Don't Worry About Frank Broyles Getting Over Friday's Loss To LSU... This Man Moves On Fast!

A year after losing his wife, Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles is tying the knot again. After seven weeks of heavy romance Broyles is wedding Gen Whitehead who is a nurse at a local Little Rock hospital.

Nevermind being 80 years-old; when it comes to romance this man moves fast. Now if he can only figure out how to get Houston Nutt to do the same on the football field.

Click here to read more...

What's On Your Christmas List This Year?

While the Iron Bowl might be our favorite day of the year, for our wives it's Black Friday, otherwise known as the day after Thanksgiving. Yes, today is the Super Bowl of shopping. My wife has been gone now for nearly six hours.

While Iron Bowl tickets don't come cheap, I can promise you this day costs much more. What's on your list this year? For me, I'll take what's in the picture.

Huntsville Times Columnist John Pruett Gives Out His Yearly Awards

Good column this morning from Huntsville Times columnist John Pruett. He's been covering college football longer than anyone and I put a lot of stock in what he says. He gives his annual All-SEC awards. I'd have to say they are right on the mark.

Click here to read...

BCS Hopefuls Pulling Against Irish

Auburn might not be playing this weekend but it's still big for the Tigers. While the chances of sneaking into the SEC Championship Game are slim we should never say never.

While most everyone will have their eyes on LSU-Arkansas today, also keep your eyes on Notre Dame-Stanford this weekend. If the Irish are upset look for Auburn to possibly sneak into that eighth and final BCS slot.

Click here to read more...

A Day To Appreciate Life And Loved Ones

One of my very favorite Thanksgiving traditions is to head to the news stand after lunch and pick up an Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Each year the legendary columnist Furman Bisher writes about what he's thankful for and reflects on life in general.

It always gets me thinking about what I'm thankful for and makes me realize how much I truly have been given. I thought this year I would share his column with you. As you read it think about all you've been given and how blessed you are this year. Happy Thanksgiving!

By Furman Bisher
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thanksgiving is a day that needs no elaboration. The very name says it all. It didn’t become a holiday by appointment, it evolved out of appreciation for life itself, for health, for a bountiful table, for love of family, for gathering together, a day to pause, give prayerful thanks and consider our good fortune.

But on the other hand, consider the plight of the turkey. The bird du jour. How was it that this awkward-looking fowl became our symbol of this festive holiday?

We have the Pilgrims to thank for that, we are told, and the reason was that turkeys were plentiful and dumb. Virginia Tech was the only college that ever named its teams for the turkey — the Gobblers — but soon got the drift and converted to Hokies, whatever a Hokie is.

Then, there is the negative side of “turkey,” the guy who’s an athletic klutz.

But enough of this. Let us clasp hands across the table and be thankful for what we have, not what we haven’t, and how blessed we are, not fearing to include a giggle or two:

I’m thankful for my trusty old pickup.

I’m thankful when no young person rises and offers me a seat on the Airport Tram, (you know, where the sign reads: “Reserved for the elderly.”)

I’m thankful when my neighbor offers me a load of firewood.

And, I’m thankful when the fireplace season comes around.

I’d be thankful if Jimmy Carter had been the kind of president he tries to tell George Bush to be.

I’m thankful for cellphones — for others, but keep it down, please.

I’m thankful when I’m making a reservation that I’m talking to somebody in Cincinnati, not India.

I’m thankful for the leathery smell of a new car — especially if it’s paid for.

I’m thankful when the postman leaves those envelopes with the little window in them.

I’m thankful never to get involved with some parent trying to discipline his child.

I’m thankful when the phone rings and it’s not a telepest.

I’m thankful I didn’t grow up in a country where curling is the national pastime.

I’m thankful for the bicycle I got last Christmas, but I fear it was a few years too late.

I’m thankful for smoked turkey, sorry it doesn’t taste as good as it smells.

I’m thankful I still keep a pencil trimmer, a glue pot and a typewriter at hand, in case of emergency.

I’m thankful for cashews (please tell me they’re not fattening).

I’m thankful I got a million miles in at Delta before we had to start undressing at the gate.

I’m thankful when the chiropractor says, “That’s all,” and the hurting stops.

I’m thankful for dear departed friends, of whom there have been too many this year.

I’m thankful for something I can only explain by saying I think I’m the luckiest husband alive.

And having said all that, let’s gather around, bow our heads and give grateful thanks to all our military folk who’ve served us any and everywhere.

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Watch This Great Video From Saturday's Win

Here's a great video from Saturday's win. It's also pretty funny. I'm not sure of the author but he did an excellent job. Enjoy...

Click here to watch...

Give the first national title to the SEC

Good Article From the Sporting News...

Click here to read...

Picture Of The Week

Saturday's Win Over Tide Turns Into Recruiting Bonanza For Auburn

Saturday is turning out to be more than just a big win for the Tigers. Its total domination of Alabama appears to be paying dividends in the recruiting department. Auburn picked up several commitments over the weekend and others who visited have now added the Tigers to the top of their list. Here's a great update from Rivals.com...

Auburn's 28-18 victory against rival Alabama this weekend paid off big in terms of offensive and defensive line recruiting, which is key if you are going to stay strong at the line of scrimmage and compete at the highest level in the Southeastern Conference.

Some of these prospects may not see the field right away, but several years down the line could develop into the difference between winning and losing the huge games that Auburn has made a habit of playing in (and mostly winning) the last two seasons.

Mike Berry could be the next lineman to commit to Auburn. The Tigers impressed a lot of solid prospects and appear to be on their way to having a good shot at maintaining their current No. 6 national ranking in the Rivals.com team recruiting rankings and challenging for top class honors in the SEC.

At the end of last week, multiple sources stated that Columbus (Ohio) Franklin Heights offensive lineman Lee Tilley was going to announce a verbal commitment to LSU on Monday. But after visiting Auburn officially this weekend, Tilley made a verbal commitment to the Tigers on Rivals Radio Monday morning."It was a great fit," the four-star rated Tilley said. "It was a small city that has big-time football. I really got along with the players, and it was just a wonderful setting."

Brentwood (Tenn.) Academy offensive guard Mike Berry was on campus. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder continues to favor the Tigers and could make a verbal commitment to Auburn sometime in the near future. Berry had a very good senior year and is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state of Tennessee.

Lovejoy (Ga.) lineman Byron Isom figures to play on the offensive side of the ball should he choose Auburn. The 6-foot-2, 260-pounder was blown away by his visit and given the fact that his teammate, running back Mario Fannin already has committed to Auburn, you have to like the Tigers' chances.

Along the defensive line, Augusta (Ga.) Josey end/tackle Lawrence Marsh didn't have Auburn under heavy consideration until the weekend. His visit vaulted the Tigers into his top three, along with Florida and Georgia. With the Bulldogs almost out of scholarships, Auburn could be in it until the end for the services of the 6-foot-5, 260-pounder.

The Tigers made up some ground for Leighton (Ala.) Colbert County defensive tackle Jermarcus Ricks. The 6-foot-3, 288-pounder says that Auburn and Alabama, which had previously led for his services, are now even. Ricks' family ties could play a factor. His brother, Courtney Harden is a redshirt freshman linebacker for the Tigers. Alabama will get an official visit from the Rivals 250 prospect the weekend of Dec. 9.

Louisville (Ky.) Central defensive tackle Corey Peters said he was "blown away" by the visit. But, the nation's No. 25 defensive tackle prospect says that the Tigers are "even" with in-state Kentucky, where he visits the weekend of Dec. 16 and says that distance from home "could" play a factor. He also will visit Auburn officially at a later date.

Stone Mountain (Ga.) Stephenson defensive end Jermaine Cunningham enjoyed his visit, but appears to still be open. Still, one has to believe that he visited Auburn on the right weekend for the Tigers to be in great shape.

Story By: JC Shurburtt, Rivals.com

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Marcus McNeill Named Finalist For Outland Trophy

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn offensive tackle Marcus McNeill was named today as one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy, which is awarded to the best interior lineman in college football. McNeill joins Minnesota center Greg Eslinger and Oregon defensive tackle Haloti Ngata as finalists for the award.

The winner of the Outland Trophy will be announced on Dec. 8 during the ESPN College Football Awards Show from Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

McNeill, a 6-9, 338-pound senior, has been the mainstay of the Tigers' offensive line, starting 38 games in his career. He has not allowed a sack in 41 consecutive games, dating back to his freshman season. McNeill has paved the way for Auburn's offense, which averages SEC bests of 34.2 points and 425.6 yards per game, including 202.7 yards per game on the ground.

McNeill is bidding to become the third Auburn player to win the Outland Trophy, joining Zeke Smith in 1958 and Tracy Rocker in 1988.

The Outland Trophy, which has been awarded annually by the Football Writers Association since 1946, is named after the late John Outland, a lineman at Pennsylvania at the turn of the century. The Outland Trophy is the third oldest award in major college football after the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.

The official award presentation will be Jan. 12 in Omaha, Neb., at a banquet sponsored by the Omaha Sports Committee and First Data Corporation. Former USC lineman Ron Yary, the 1967 Outland Trophy winner, is expected to receive his trophy there.

Auburn in the NFL - Week 11

The only thing as hot as the Auburn football team is former fullback Heath Evans. After being cut by the Dolphins a few weeks back, the newly acquired New England Patriot has become a leader and team favorite of the defending Super Bowl Champions.

Evans came off the bench to lead the Patriots' rushing attack in their 24-17 win over New Orleans. One week after posting a career-high 84 yards, Evans gained 74 yards on 16 attempts in the win. He also had two receptions for 21 yards...

Click here to read how our former Tigers did in the NFL this week...

Our State Prays For Brodie

Stanley McClover Named SEC Defensive Player Of The Week

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn junior defensive end Stanley McClover has been named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

McClover had six tackles including four for 30 yards in losses and registered a 2005 SEC-high 3.5 sacks for minus-29 yards during Auburn's 28-18 victory over Alabama in Saturday's Iron Bowl.

McClover was part of an Auburn defense that set a new school single-game record with 11 sacks and held Alabama to 188 total yards of offense, including just 52 yards during the first three quarters.

McClover has 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in the last three games alone for Auburn, pushing his season totals to 7.0 sacks, which ranks third in the SEC, and 12.5 tackles for loss, which is tied for fifth.

McClover's honor marks the 11th time an Auburn player has been recognized as an SEC Player of the Week this season. The other recipients have included: Will Herring (Defense - Sept. 10), Brad Lester (Freshman - Sept. 17 and Oct. 1), Blake Field (Freshman - Sept. 24), Travis Williams (Defense - Oct. 1), Kenny Irons (Offense - Oct. 15 and Nov. 12), Marquies Gunn (Defensive Lineman - Oct. 29), Leon Hart (Offensive Lineman - Nov. 5) and Joe Cope (Offensive Lineman - Nov. 12).

No. 9 Auburn (7-2, 5-1 SEC) finished the regular season with a 9-2 record and a No. 9 national ranking. The Tigers have clinched at least a share of the SEC Western Division title, pending the outcome of LSU's game vs. Arkansas on Friday.

Courtesy of the Auburn Athletic Department

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There's Been A Seismic Shift In This State

By Jay Coulter
Football Saturday In The South
As the clock was winding down on Pat Dye Field Saturday night, the man sitting next me was surprisingly unsatisfied with the game’s final score. “I cannot believe we let them pull within ten,” he said. “We always let them off the ropes.”

A Hail Mary pass with seconds remaining to pull Alabama within ten is hardly letting anyone off the ropes. Saturday’s performance was the most dominating one by an Auburn team in more than 35 years.

And while it’s great to rehash all the gaudy statistics (and believe me, we will until we can’t anymore) Saturday’s win was more than just a complete whipping of our cross state rival. It was much more.

Saturday sealed what Auburn people have been trying to accomplish for more than half a century. While we celebrated a man during pre-game who put us on equal footing with Alabama, after the game we saluted a team and a University that has placed us in rarified air.

For years Birmingham talk-show host Paul Finebaum has talked about Auburn having its foot on Alabama’s neck at various times only to be knocked down and watch the Crimson Tide bounce back up. After Saturday’s game, that neck has now been broken.

And it’s not just in football. Many years ago Auburn passed Alabama in total enrollment. It’s a fact now that the children of many Alabama graduates choose to go to Auburn. In every major publication Auburn is ranked ahead of Alabama in the education it provides.

Whether you like it or not, people in this state judge these two universities on one thing and that’s football. It’s where the state’s business leaders and its wealthiest citizens choose to put its money. It’s what both schools use as leverage to raise money for its academic programs. He who controls football in the state of Alabama wins.

And today it’s a war that is being completely controlled and won by Auburn University. We have seen completed a seismic shift in this state’s football fortunes.

Not even during Pat Dye’s glory years have we seen a football program that is as dominant in state as the one run by Tommy Tuberville. The difference in talent on the field Saturday was startling.

When’s the last time you’ve ever seen four guys dominate five the way the Tigers defensive line did this weekend? When’s the last time you’ve seen an offense make the supposedly top defense in the country look lost?

Not in my lifetime have I ever seen an Alabama team come into Jordan-Hare Stadium with such a look of inferiority. Say what you want, but this Alabama team came to the Plains expecting to lose and it showed.

There’s no question those incredible Dye teams of the 1980’s reloaded often but never did they reload like this year’s unit. And Tuberville is just getting started. He made the comment when he arrived at Auburn that he could teach someone to coach but they had better know how to recruit. We are seeing those words pay off now.

Auburn has broken the neck of its enemy. An entire state is liberated today. For the first time in many, many years Auburn controls football in the state of Alabama - completely. It controls it on the field, with recruits, with the national media and with the people of the state of Alabama.

When football fans across the country think of college football in Alabama today, they think of the Auburn Tigers. We have turned back the Red Tide. We have delivered that knockout punch. But we must never, ever take our eyes off of them.

They’ll be back. And they’ll eventually win again. But it will be years, if ever, before they control football in the state of Alabama. There is a new king today and he wears orange and blue.

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Results From Last Week's Poll Question

Readers of FSITS have overwhelmingly chosen the 2002 Iron Bowl as its most recent favorite. And who can argue? It was one of Auburn's biggest upsets in the series. On that day we got to know a kid by the name of Tre Smith. Here are the results...

What Has Been Your Recent Favorite Iron Bowl Win?
2004 16%
2003 9%
2002 36%
2000 9%
1997 10%
1995 1%
1993 18%

War Eagle Hey!

What a day. What a night. It was pure domination on both sides of the ball. Tonight is for partying unless your Brodie Croyle; then it's a night for Tylenol! Thanks to my friend Flip Hendrix at screamingtiger.com for summing it all up with this picture.

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Be Thankful For This Day

Dear Readers, I apologize for not posting these past few days. I've been laid up with the fall crud. However, this is good news because the last time I had this during Alabama week Tre Smith ran all over the Tide in Tuscaloosa. So if you're looking for an edge, there you go...

By Jay Coulter
Football Saturday In The South
Today is my favorite day of the year. There’s something incredible about Iron Bowl Eve. I just left campus a few minutes ago and you can feel the energy. The traffic is unbelievable. The buzz is even more incredible.

If you didn’t know better you would think kick-off was just an hour or so away. The CBS trucks are parked by the stadium, grills are lit all around Jordan-Hare Stadium, old Jim Fyffe calls can be heard on stereos and they’re even selling the game programs tonight.

Yes, today is as close to a child’s Christmas Eve as it gets for someone closing in on 40. Like a child waiting to open gifts, Iron Bowl Eve is an Auburn football fans longest, most wonderful day.

If you’re coming in to Auburn tomorrow you might want to leave early. I never miss an Iron Bowl and I must say this one has the look of a blockbuster. The traffic is heavier than in recent years. There appears to be a few more Alabama faithful in town this year and understandably so.

I picked up a copy of the game program and across the top it says Dedication Day – Pat Dye Field, with Coach Dye on the cover. If you remember the game program from when the University added Coach Jordan’s name to the stadium it looks very similar. It’s a very classy move on the part of the Athletic Department.

The program comes in two parts, with the dedication a separate magazine. Inside it has comments from former players and several articles by David Housel. If you love Pat Dye the way I do, it will put a lump in your throat.

So here we are, the night before the big game. There’s something about this year’s Iron Bowl that feels similar to the 1989 game. Alabama is coming in with the national headlines and talk about a BCS appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. Auburn has flown under the radar for most of the year but has gotten better every week. Both of these are similar headlines to the ones we read about 16 years ago during game week.

When I talked to fans on campus today you could sense a confidence and will to win. From all the practice reports I’ve read this week, the team has the same emotions. Will this result in a win tomorrow? Who knows.

But win or lose, savor tonight and tomorrow. This day comes but once a year and we only get so many in life. Whether you are headed to the Plains, gathering around the television with friends or watching it in your favorite chair, enjoy what you’ve been given. We are very lucky to have this special day. War Eagle!

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Kenny Irons Named Semifinalist For Doak Walker Award

Kenny Irons has been nominated for the prestigious Doak Walker Award, given to the top college running back in the country. While I'm sure Reggie Bush is the odds on favorite, this could very well set Irons up for a serious run at the Heisman next year.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said today that he believes Iron's should finish fifth in the Heisman voting behind Vince Young, Reggie Bush, Matt Leinhart and Brady Quinn.

To vote for Iron's in the Doak Walker balloting click on the link below.

Click here to vote...

Click here to read the rest of the story...

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Even With A Win Over The Tide, Auburn Is Far From Guaranteed A New Year's Day Bowl

The bowl scenarios for Auburn are interesting to say the least.

Common logic says that if the Tigers win on Saturday they will be headed to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.

But as Lee Corso says, "Not so fast my friend." Even with an Auburn win on Saturday they are far from assured a date in Orlando. Steve Spurrier is making noise these days in South Carolina and should they beat Clemson on Saturday they may very well push Auburn down a notch on the bowl selection chart despite the Tigers whipping the Gamecocks earlier this year.

Assuming that both Georgia and LSU advance to the SEC Championship, the winner heads to the Sugar and the loser would either go to the Capital One Bowl or the Outback Bowl.

But here's where it gets sticky. Should South Carolina win on Saturday they would move to 8-3 and would become very attractive to the Florida bowls. There's nothing more the bowls would like than to have the ole ball coach make a return visit to the Sunshine State.

Should that happen, Auburn could very well be in a contest with Alabama for a date in the Cotton Bowl, with the odd man out headed to the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

So when you're sitting in Jordan-Hare or in your living room on Saturday keep one eye on the South Carolina-Clemson game and leave a little in your tank to pull for those other Tigers.

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Wednesday's Iron Bowl Practice Report

From The Auburn Athletic Department...

AUBURN, Ala. - The Auburn football team worked out for almost two hours Wednesday, the team's third practice of the week in preparation for the 70th Iron Bowl against Alabama Saturday.

Colder weather prevailed Wednesday as the Tigers focused on scout teams and individual position work. The team started and ended practice with special teams play.

"It was a cool day today," Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville said. "We had a good practice. The guys were energetic. There's been a lot of intensity in practice the last couple of days. They're excited about the game, knowing we'll get to play one of the better teams we've played all year."

The game against Alabama marks the eighth-ever Iron Bowl in Auburn. The Tigers have gone 5-2 at home all-time against the Crimson Tide, with the last victory coming in 2003, 28-23, over Alabama.

The game also marks Auburn's return to Jordan-Hare after playing two straight games on the road.

"We're excited about being at home," Tuberville said. "We'll have had basically two games in the last two months in Jordan-Hare Stadium. It will be fun to be back in the friendly confines with our fans."

Saturday's game will kick off at 2:30 p.m. CST and will be nationally televised by CBS.

Beware Of Counterfeit Tickets This Saturday

Auburn issues counterfeit ticket warning...

AUBURN - Fans purchasing an Iron Bowl game ticket from groups or individuals other than Auburn University or the University of Alabama are advised to buy with caution, as counterfeit tickets are in circulation for this Saturday's game between the Tigers and Tide.

Fans purchasing tickets are advised of three distinct security measures in place on each ticket including: 1) a security foil that contains a distinguishable hologram, 2) a pink tint to the inner layer of the ticket when torn and 3) a security watermark on the back.

Tickets obtained from sources other than Auburn University or the University of Alabama may not be valid and in such cases will not be honored. Any person buying a ticket from a third party does so at his or her own risk.

Tickets purchased from a third party may be checked for authenticity by Auburn ticket office representatives before 4:30 p.m. on Friday at the Auburn Ticket Office on the second floor of Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum.

Bear's Boy Changes His Colors

You may remember the post last week of this Alabama homer. It seems that since the loss to LSU he's changed his colors. When the Tide loses this Saturday I think he should honor Pat Dye.

I Knew I'd Seen This Guy Somewhere

For the past five years I've been looking at Brodie Croyle and wondering where I knew him from. I never thought I'd figure it out by watching Nick-at-Nite.

What a way to go through life, start four years and never beat Auburn and then have to endure looking like Scott Baio forever.

Auburn Football Practice Report

Auburn hit the practice field full speed Tuesday as it prepares for Saturday's showdown with Alabama. Auburn defensive coordinator David Gibbs acknowledged that Auburn's defensive secondary struggled at times against Georgia and are working hard to improve.

"Our kids played hard, but Georgia's a good football team and they exposed us in areas," said Gibbs. "We have to get that cleaned up. I think we took the right step today in getting that cleaned up.

"We have to be more disciplined in our zone coverages and at the same time we have to get a better pass rush. It's a combination of things, but anytime you can go into Athens, Ga., and come out with a `W', that's a good deal. So we put it behind us and are moving on and getting ready for the Crimson Tide."

Click here to read more...

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Aromashodu Nominated for the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance"

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn has qualified as one of four finalists among more than 400 universities nationwide for the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance" competition on ESPN.

Devin Aromashodu turned a fourth-down pass into a 62-yard gain to set up the winning field goal with 6 seconds remaining that gave Auburn a 31-30 victory over Georgia Saturday. This play made Auburn a nominee for the "Pontiac Game-Changing Performance" of the Week.

Now, NCAA fans will select the winner among the four colleges by visiting www.pontiac.com/ncaa, viewing a video of each play, and casting their votes for the play of their choice. Voting occurs from Sunday morning through Wednesday night, with the winning university announced during the Pontiac Performance Halftime Report on ESPN Thursday night.

Each week, the winning university earns a $5,000 contribution from Pontiac for their general scholarship fund. Additionally, the winning play may be nominated for the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance of the Year" competition in December.

The play selected in fan voting as the best of the year will earn an additional $100,000 general scholarship fund contribution from Pontiac to the winning NCAA institution.

By the end of the season, Pontiac, a leading sponsor of NCAA sporting events and collegiate athletics, will have contributed nearly $200,000 to NCAA institutions.

For full program details, visit www.pontiac.com/ncaa.

Iron Bowl Tops The Week's Rivalry Games

Here's a great preview of rivalry week from columnist Pat Forde of ESPN.com. Naturally, he talks about Auburn-Alabama first. He looks at all this year's games and gives us a break down of the top games.

Click here to read...

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Does Kenny Irons Remind You Of Mike Tyson?

Kenny Irons says his friends tell him that he looks like Mike Tyson. And if you've ever seen him interviewed you'll agree that he sort of talks like Tyson.

Thankfully, that's where the similarities end. Irons says the only place he likes to fight is on the football field. Let's hope he's ready for 15 rounds on Saturday.

Click here to read more...

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Auburn Football Preview Vs. Alabama

If you want to sound intelligent around your friends this week then download this PDF file. This is without question the most comprehensive guide to game day available. The Auburn Athletic Department does an incredible job of putting this together.

Put lots of paper in the printer and start printing. When you finish reading this you'll be ready to argue with Finebaum, Corso or the guy in the cube next to you.

Click here to read...

Kenny Irons, Joe Cope Named SEC Players Of The Week

In what's becoming a weekly ritual for Auburn players, Kenny Irons and Joe Cope were named SEC Players Of The Week. This marks the 10th time this season that Tiger players have been honored.

On another positive note, it appears that Cope will play this Saturday against Alabama. Cope injured his ankle against Georgia but appears to be probable for this weekend.

Click here to read more...

Auburn and Alabama Offenses Headed In Different Directions

The storyline in this year's Iron Bowl will be whether Auburn's offense can move against Alabama's defense. In a year when Alabama was expected to have the most weapons, Auburn has surprised everyone.

"I think what's been the most pleasant surprise of all has been Brandon," offensive coordinator Al Borges said. "Brandon has come along after a tough first game. He's really come along as a quarterback and has allowed us the balance to have a productive offense."

Then there's Kenny Irons. "The biggest thing is Kenny has grown up," coach Tommy Tuberville said, "but it starts with the offensive line."

Here's a great story from CBS Sportsline about both Auburn and Alabama's offense.

Click here to read...

Tell Me This Doesn't Get You Ready For Alabama

Here's an awesome video that highlights the season and certainly gets you ready for this Saturday's showdown with Alabama. I found this on a message board. The person that made it did an outstanding job.

http://www.auburn.edu/~flynnse/WREGL.wmv

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Saturday Was One For The Ages

By Jay Coulter
Football Saturday In The South

Somewhere around 2:35 Saturday afternoon I made my decision. There was no way I could pull for Alabama. I didn’t care if an Alabama loss meant we stayed home during bowl season. There was nothing in my heart that could get me to pull for the Tide. From that point on my day was magical.

Watching Alabama fall in the late afternoon was special. A person shouldn’t get that kind of enjoyment from someone else’s failings. I loved every single second of it.

That moment, the play in which Alabama lost it all, set in motion one of the most magical evenings of my life. My wife cringes every time I make such a statement. She says that special moments in life shouldn’t come from football. For me, Saturday night was as special as they get.

Last year’s Auburn team was a once in a lifetime experience for the team and its fans. But I tell you, this year’s bunch is becoming mighty special itself. What a gritty bunch of players we have on both sides of the ball.

I was too young to remember The Amazin’s of 1970’s. But this 2005 bunch is pretty amazing in my book. Where do you start when talking about last night’s performance?

You have to start with Kenny Irons and his complete domination of the Dog defense. But for me, the credit lies with that incredible offensive line. I cannot remember a more dominating performance from an offensive line in a game this big ever.

We all know about the untimely death of offensive line coach Hugh Nall’s brother last week. I can’t imagine the incredible concentration it took for Nall to put a game plan in for this contest. His players showed his love to him by giving a performance we’ll never forget.

What about Brandon Cox? Is there a calmer, cooler under pressure quarterback in the country? Don’t forget, this guy is just a sophomore. D.J. Shockley was something on Saturday night. Give me Brandon Cox over him or anybody.

And how about John Vaughn? If we made a movie about his season would anyone believe it? If you like good guy finishes first stories then Vaughn’s your man. You can say that a 20 yard field goal is nothing. I’m just glad I didn’t have to try it.

So now we head into the biggest week of the year. Auburn-Alabama. It doesn’t get any bigger than this one. Who has the edge? I’m not sure. I’m a believer in the Alabama defense. I think it’s the best in the country. There’s no doubt in my mind. I also believe that Brodie Croyle and Kenneth Darby are great. There offense is much better than they’ve been given credit.

With that said, Auburn is more than capable of winning. And honestly, should win. It was popular a few weeks ago to call Alabama a team of destiny after the Tyrone Prothro catch against Southern Miss and its last second win over Tennessee.

I think there’s a team of destiny in Alabama. I just happen to believe they reside in Auburn, Alabama. What a special two years this has been. I hope you are taking in every single moment of it because unfortunately it doesn’t last forever. Let’s just hope it last’s one more week. War Eagle!

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Jason Campbell Picked Best Auburn Quarterback Of The Quarter Century

Here are the results from last week's poll question. In a runaway, former Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell takes top honors...

Who's Been Auburn's Greatest Quarterback Over The Past 25 Years?

Randy Campbell 2%
Jeff Burger 2%
Reggie Slack 8%
Stan White 9%
Patrick Nix 3%
Dameyune Craig 24%
Ben Leard 2%
Jason Campbell 51%

258 votes total

Offensive Line Delivers For Nall

There wasn't much Auburn's offensive line could do for their coach, Hugh Nall. After Nall lost his brother last Sunday, the offensive line did the only thing it could, go out and give the effort and performance of their young lives.

Following Saturday's 31-30 win over Georgia, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville gave the former Georgia player the game ball for his efforts. Nall said it was mighty special.

Click here to read more...

Instant Analysis - Auburn vs. Georgia (31-30)

Here's a great piece from College football News. It's an instant analysis from Saturday's win over Georgia and offers some very good observations.

Click here to read...

Auburn Football Preview Vs. Georgia

Here's your weekend preview of the Georgia game courtesy of the Auburn Athletic Department...

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Tigers Hold Final Practice Before Saturday's Game With Georgia

The Auburn Tigers finalized their game plan on Thursday as they get ready to cross the boarder for Saturday's match-up against Georgia. As former Auburn coach Pat Dye would say..."The Hay's in the Barn".

Click here to read about Thursday's Practice...

Auburn Defense Prepares For Shockley

The focus this week at practice for the Auburn defense has been on one man: Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley. Without question, Shockley will be the biggest test of the year for this Tiger Defense.

"I think Shockley is so much more improved as a passer than he was a year ago, it's not even funny," Auburn defensive coordinator David Gibbs said. "Everybody knows how great an athlete he is, how fast he is, the dimensions he brings to the game."

With Shockley apparently close to 100%, Auburn can expect a much different offense than what they saw when the Bulldogs played Florida without Shockley.

Call me too optimistic but I feel like we have too much speed to let Shockley take the game over.

Click here to read more...

Kevin Sears Arrested For DUI

Now we know why linebacker Kevin Sears has been suspended for Saturday's game with Georgia.

Sears was arrested early Sunday morning on DUI charges after being involved in a one car wreck.

Click here to read more...

Kevin Sears Suspended For Georgia Game

Associated Press
AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn linebacker Kevin Sears has been suspended for Saturday night's game at No. 9 Georgia for violation of team rules, coach Tommy Tuberville said Wednesday.

Sears had started the past two games in place of Antarrious Williams for the 15th-ranked Tigers, but has only three starts this season.
He has 26 tackles, including three for a loss.

Sears started 12 of Auburn's 13 games last season, recording two tackles for loss in the Sugar Bowl victory over Virginia Tech and an interception against Alabama.

Tuberville did not elaborate on the reason for Sears' suspension after Wednesday's practice.

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