I Think I Just Threw Up In My Mouth

Really? Gene Chizik? When Jay Jacobs paid a $5 million buyout to the current coach (who was not fired, but who resigned) and then said that in hiring a new coach, "Money is not a concern," this was the guy they hired?

Gene Chizik, the guy who bolted Auburn after the 2004 season to be the co-defensive coordinator at Texas because it was more likely to land him head coaching opportunities? Seriously, this guy bolted after a 13-0 season and basically told Auburn it was a bad place for his career. And we're the big time school that ultimately gives him a prestigious head coaching job!?! How stupid does Auburn look for making that move.

Gene Chizik, who went 5-19 in two seasons at Iowa State, including 2-10 in 2008. Did Auburn just do Chizik the biggest favor imaginable by hiring him before he was fired by the Cyclones? Iowa State, a bottom-feeder in the Big XII, but still a program that has had moderate success in recent years. They've been to 5 bowl games this decade. However, Chizik showed no ability to turn that program around. At all. Compare his body of work to Turner Gill's three seasons at Buffalo. Gill went 8-5 and won the MAC Championship. Chizik couldn't even reach bowl eligibility. Chizik lost the final 10 games of the season, and 1 of his 2 wins this year was against FCS South Dakota State.

Oh, but Gene Chizik is a defensive wizard who masterminded Auburn's defense in 2004 and Texas' defense in 2005, you say? How were his defenses at Iowa State? The Cyclones allowed 42 points per game in 2008. Here are the point totals allowed for the final 9 games of the year: 34, 35, 38, 3, 49, 59, 28, 52, and 38. And Iowa State didn't even play Texas Tech, Oklahoma or Texas, the 3 best offensives in the conference. The Cyclones finished 111th in total defense (452 yds/game) even with the most favorable schedule in the Big XII (a. they play in the North division; and b. they avoided the top 3 teams in the South division). Yikes.

Chizik arguably left Iowa State in worse shape than he found it. In 2006, the final season before Chizik's arrival, the Cyclones allowed merely 30 points and 392 yards per game to their opponents. The team went 4-8 that year, and fired Dan McCarney. Chizik promptly went 3-9 out of the gates in 2007, and then followed it up with a 2-10 mark this season. I wouldn't be surprised if Cyclones fans are dancing in the streets that he's gone. Maybe they'll do the smart thing and hire Turner Gill.

It's tough to be a Longhorn this morning . . .

I can't take credit for coming up with this, but it's pretty funny, and so is this Southpark version of Big XII coaches. Yes, it's from 2006, but the Mangino is priceless.

BCS DECLARES GERMANY WINNER OF WORLD WAR II - US Ranked 4th

After determining the Big-12 championship game participants the BCS
computers were put to work on other major contests and today the BCS
declared Germany to be the winner of World War II.
"Germany put together an incredible number of victories beginning with
the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland and continuing on into
conference play with defeats of Poland, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark,
Belgium and the Netherlands. Their only losses came against the US and
Russia; however considering their entire body of work--including an
incredibly tough Strength of Schedule--our computers deemed them worthy
of the #1 ranking."

Questioned about the #4 ranking of the United States the BCS
commissioner stated "The US only had two major victories--Japan and
Germany. The computer models, unlike humans, aren't influenced by
head-to-head contests--they consider each contest to be only a single,
equally-weighted event."

German Chancellor Adolph Hitler said "Yes, we lost to the US; but we
defeated #2 ranked France in only 6 weeks." Herr Hitler has been
criticized for seeking dramatic victories to earn 'style points' to
enhance Germany's rankings. Hitler protested "Our contest with Poland
was in doubt until the final day and the conditions in Norway were
incredibly challenging and demanded the application of additional
forces."

The French ranking has also come under scrutiny. The BCS commented "
France had a single loss against Germany and following a preseason #1
ranking they only fell to #2."

Japan was ranked #3 with victories including Manchuria, Borneo and the
Philippines.

The Skinny on Mike Leach

Rumors abound that Auburn wants Mike Leach to be the next head football coach. Here's my take on Leach.

Good:

1. Nine straight winning seasons at Texas Tech, with nine bowl appearances (5 wins)

2. Only once has he had a losing record in Big XII conference play (3-5 in 2000)

3. No probation or NCAA penalties

Bad:

1. His career record against Oklahoma is 2-7. Both wins were at home.

2. His career record against Texas is 3-6. All 3 wins were at home.

3. This is the same guy that lost to Mike Shula's Alabama team in the Cotton Bowl following the 2005 season

4. He's obsessed with Pirates.

Leach is the wrong guy for Auburn. Period. If Leach has ever sat in on a defensive meeting, I'd be shocked. This guy is an offensive guru, but that's not what Auburn needs. Auburn needs a football coach that understands the SEC, can recruit solid players, and who can actually beat his biggest rivals.

Blame This Guy

I'm stunned. Shocked. Terrified. If 85 wins and 7 Iron Bowl victories in 10 years is not enough to satisfy the boobs that now run Auburn University, then what will it take?

Why would Auburn run off a coach that has been incredibly successful, runs a clean program, loves the University, and epitomizes "Auburn football" for the flavor of the week? With that I'm referring to rumors that Auburn has unofficially gauged Texas Tech coach Mike Leach's interest in the job. Really? Mike Leach. That gimmick offense will never work. The man could care less about defense. Auburn football is about defense, power running, and toughness. Those are three things you won't find at Texas Tech.

Want to blame someone? Blame Bobby Lowder. I don't get this guy. Did he force out a coach who has won 6 of the last 7 games against Alabama simply because he wouldn't worship at the feet of all things Lowder? How can he claim to love Auburn, and act in Auburn's best interest, when he does something this stupid? Karma has a funny way of working. I guarantee you that Mississippi State is going to be all over Tuberville. And when State beats Auburn next year in Jordan-Hare, I might be cheering silently for the Bulldogs.

We Need Some Names

Everyone seems preoccupied with whether or not Coach Tuberville is going to keep his job. Personally, I think he is a lock to stay. You don't fire a guy that's 7-3 against the school's biggest rival after one bad season. After two consecutive bad seasons? Maybe, but let's not throw away 2009 just yet. The search for the next offensive coordinator has been weighing on my mind, lately. What direction will Tuberville take the offense. Keep leaning towards the spread? A return to a traditional, more conservative, power offense? The "humanist" hybrid I talked about yesterday? It's hard to say. Since the humanist thing is my creation, I'm going to run with it. Here are some names I think will end up on the list that Tuberville chooses from. Oh, one name you won't be seeing is Chip Kelly.

Kelly is Oregon's offensive coordinator. He was recently named the "coach in waiting" when Mike Bellotti moves on to become the school's athletic director. Kelly, 45, was rumored to be of interest to Syracuse for their head coaching position. It's certain that Tuberville would have looked into hiring him. Using his spread-option offense, the Ducks are ranked fourth in the nation in rushing, averaging 277.8 yards a game, and are eighth in total offense with 467.2 yards a game. Kelly was also instrumental in developing former Oregon QB Dennis Dixon. If Tuberville was looking to keep the spread offense, Kelly was definitely the best available coordinator. On to the list, which is in no particular order.

1. Trooper Taylor, Co-Offensive Coordinator, Oklahoma State. Taylor is in his first year at Oklahoma State and serves as co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach. Taylor came from Tennessee, where he was on staff from 2004-07 and was assistant head coach/player development and receivers coach for the Volunteers. He is nationally-known for his prowess on the recruiting trail, and was recognized by Rivals.com as a top-25 recruiter in 2005 and 2007. His ability to recruit, his familiarity with the SEC, and his energetic rapport with the players (he's like the Will Muschamp of offensive assistants) would make him very desirable. I think he would become the first African-American offensive coordinator in SEC history, too. A public relations coup that might pay off on the recruiting trail. Taylor brought some major talent to Knoxville. Oklahoma State's offense has been outstanding this year. The Cowboys are 7th overall in total offense (489 yards/game), 8th in rushing (256 yards/game), 42nd in passing (233 yards/game), and 8th in scoring (41.5 points/game). So, who's the other co-coordinator in Stillwater, you ask?

2. Gunter Brewer, Co-Offensive Coordinator, Oklahoma State. Brewer is in his fourth season at Oklahoma State and his first as Co-Offensive Coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He served the three previous three seasons as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. He was one of the key minds behind one of the nation’s most dynamic and explosive offenses as I described above. Brewer coached receiver Adarius Bowman to back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2006 and 2007, as Bowman’s receptions totaled 1,181 yards in 2006 and 1,006 yards in 2007. Brewer also coached Dez Bryant to 622 receiving yards and a spot on Rivals.com’s 2007 Freshman All-America second team in 2007. If Auburn is looking to get better at the wide receiver position, then Brewer is a coach with a proven track record for recruiting and developing top-flight receivers. Before coming to Oklahoma State, Brewer developed outstanding receivers at Marshall (1996-99) and North Carolina (2000-04).

3. Stan Parrish, Offensive Coordinator, Ball State. Parrish has helped the Cardinals build a 12-0 record this season, designing an offense that leads the Mid-American Conference in scoring and total offense. Running back Quale Lewis leads the conference in rushing (130.8 yards/game), and quarterback Nate Davis is second in passing yards (257.9 yards/game). Parrish is one of five coaches in the running for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in the nation each year.

I'm sure there will be other names out there, and as I come across candidates I will try to profile them. I thought this would be a good starting point to discuss what's next for Auburn's offense. If you have a name to throw out there, then let me know.

Fixing Auburn's Offense

"This time, we're going to get somebody that understands this program. You have to understand your situation and what type of offense you can run with the type of players that you can get." Tommy Tuberville

This is a recent quote from Coach Tuberville when asked about the impending search for the next offensive coordinator. After a 5-7 season, and 36-0 loss to Alabama, it's certainly time for Auburn to return to the drawing board on offense. Tuberville has stated that he will take the entire month to conduct the search, and that the hire will probably not come until early in the new year. Tuberville also said that whoever he hires will be allowed to talk to the current assistant coaches on offense to decide if they are a good fit to remain on the Plains in 2009 and beyond.

Tuberville's openness regarding the offensive assistant coaches is not something I remember from the search that brought Tony Franklin to Auburn in December 2008. It always puzzled me that Auburn moved to a spread system, with a spread-option coordinator, but retained assistants that probably knew little or nothing about the spread offense. Most of those assistants, such as Eddie Gran (running backs), Hugh Nall (offensive line), and Steve Ensminger (wide receivers/tight ends) have been with Tuberville for awhile. Maybe Tuberville assumed that "football is football," and that the assistants could easily make the transition to the spread. Or Tuberville wanted to keep the assistants who had built relationships with high school coaches on the recruiting trail. Whatever the reason, they stayed, and the results were awful. There is good reason to believe that they struggled mightily at implementing "The Tony Franklin System." I know most of the blame is placed on Franklin, but I think some thought should be given to the role the assistants played, especially given the 1-5 record AFTER Franklin was fired midseason. Also, one should not ignore the fact that Auburn has a serious talent-drain on offense right now. It's very likely that Auburn would have finished no better than 8-4 under Al Borges (I think Auburn would have beaten Vanderbilt, LSU and Arkansas, which were all close losses against weak teams, even with the dreadful spread offense). 8-4 and a second straight trip to the Chik-fil-A Bowl sounds awfully good right about now, doesn't it?

But back to the quote that I started with. Does that sound like a man who wants to run the spread-option offense in 2009? Does it sound like a man that wants anything to do with a "system" offense? I think not. It sounds to me that Tuberville is looking for an offensive coordinator skilled at building an offense around the talents of his players rather than trying to find players that fit a rigid offensive system. Will that offense have a "personality?" Sure it will, and I bet it will look a lot more like the power-running, ball control offense of years past. I think the key here is flexibility. Tuberville wants to be more flexible from week to week, and from season to season. When injuries occur, when the talent level at a particular position doesn't develop as expected, or when playing a particular opponent, the offense must be able to adapt and come up with a gameplan that attacks an opponent's weaknesses and scores points consistently. I call this the "Humanist" philosophy of offense. Humanism is a broad category of ethical philosophies that affirm the dignity and worth of all people, based on the ability to determine right and wrong by appealing to universal human qualities, particularly rationality. Offensive humanists reject the dogmatic approaches of pure spread-option coaches (like Rich Rodriguez) or pure-anything coaches (e.g., Mike Leach's Texas Tech passing circus, or Paul Johnson's triple-option at Georgia Tech). Humanists look at the strength of his team, plus the weaknesses of his opponent, and develop a gameplan accordingly. Don't all offensive coordinators do this? Well, sort of. But you didn't see Rodriguez mix-in some pro-style offense for Michigan this year, did you? Rodriguez runs his system, regardless. And until they get the right players, they're going to struggle. The same goes for Paul Johnson. The reason Michigan went 3-9, and Georgia Tech 8-4, was not because one system is preferable to another, it was the talent on hand. Tech simply had more players that could run a triple-option offense than Michigan had to run the spread-option.

The ability to adapt requires a very skilled coach. Young players, scholarship limits, and caps on weekly practice time, all work against the offensive coordinator. That's why "system" offenses are so popular. The theory is that it's the best way to maximize the results given all of these limitations. Personally, I disagree with this philosophy. A good coach can make the humanist offense work. I think a system coach like Rodriguez actually sells out his players when he runs plays that won't work given the current talent. Sure, they are good plays, but only when Pat White and Steve Slaton are the ones running them. When Stephen Threatt and Sam McGuffie run them, not so much.

So, who are the best examples of humanist coaches? Here are a couple you might have heard of:

1. Norm Chow (UCLA). Chow is first and foremost an excellent quarterbacks coach. But he's also an excellent play-caller that builds his gameplan to take advantage of each opponent's unique flaws. He's constructed pass-happy offenses (think Ty Detmer and BYU), offenses that used running backs as pass receivers (think Philip Rivers and T.A. McClendon at N.C. State), and offenses with dynamic power runners (think Lendale White and Reggie Bush at USC).

2. Jim Tressel (Ohio State). Yeah, Tressel is the head coach, but he has always had a hand in the offense. Tressel was a run-first/run-all-the-time coach at Youngstown State and his early years at Ohio State (think Craig Krenzel and Maurice Clarrett). But he moved to a pass-first offense in the middle of this decade (think Troy Smith, Anthony Gonzalez and Ted Ginn, Jr.). Now he's back to a run-first offense, but it's with a spread-option twist (think Terrell Pryor and Beanie Wells). That's a clinic in how to: a) recruit, and b) build an offense that suits your talent.

The search will begin soon. Can Tuberville find an offensive coordinator that can recruit, teach, and gameplan? As long as he stays away from the "gurus" and rigid offensive philosophies, and focuses on a smart football coach who knows how to adapt to talent and opposing teams, Auburn will be back in contention very soon.

Predicting This Week's Big Games

#10 Ohio State @ Illinois (12pm Eastern)
Ohio State is still in prime position to nab a BCS at-large bid, but it must win out and finish in a tie with Penn State for the Big Ten title (State, having the head-to-head win, would get the automatic spot in the Rose Bowl). This game is part of a larger slate of games whereby teams will seek revenge for a crucial 2007 loss. The Illini upset the Buckeyes last year behind the powerful running of Rashard Mendenhall. Ohio State still reached the BCS Championship game, but the Illini used the game as a springboard to a Rose Bowl bid. Illinois is a scrappy bunch, but I think Ohio State will cruise, 31-17.

#4 Texas @ Kansas (12:30pm)
Texas is in a tough spot: There's a good chance they will finish in a 3-way tie with Oklahoma and Texas Tech for the top spot in the Big XII South division. The tiebreaker would likely come down to whomever has the highest BCS ranking. That would probably be Oklahoma, even though Texas beat them. Texas still has everything to play for, however, including the BCS championship. Kansas has no defense. None. Zero. Nada. Texas wins another high scoring game, 44-24.

#13 Georgia @ Auburn (12:30pm)
I think this is the season for Auburn. Win this game and the Tigers get the 6 wins they need for an Independence Bowl bid. Don't laugh. Trust me, this team needs those December practices, all Shreveport jokes aside. You don't think that extra time in December 2007 helped Alabama turn into a juggernaut this year? This game is at home, and that's why it's Auburn's best hope, despite the trend favoring road teams in this series. Georgia is going to score its points, so Auburn has to find creative ways to match them. It's time for the Riverboat Gambler to make an appearance. Auburn has nothing to show for 2008, so they've probably got nothing to lose. You can't gameplan for crazy, and that's why I expect from Auburn's gameplanners this Saturday. Will it be enough? Probably not. But it will be an entertaining game nonetheless, UGA wins 27-23.

#17 North Carolina @ Maryland (3:30pm)
The good news: Maryland is 3 wins away from its first appearance in the ACC title game. The bad news: those 3 wins have to come against North Carolina, Florida State and Boston College. Maryland is unbeaten at home this year, where they've played great football and knocked off a pair of ranked teams (Cal, Wake Forest). I like Maryland's chances, provided Chris Turner gets the passing game going. Take the Terps, 24-20.

Cal @ #23 Oregon State (3:30pm)
Oregon State is 3 wins away from the Rose Bowl. Seriously. No, really, I'm not kidding. If they can beat Cal, Arizona and Oregon, then the Beavers will clinch the Pac-10 and a spot in the Rose Bowl (who would have predicted a Penn State-Oregon State matchup this past summer?). Imagine the weirdness should USC reach the BCS Championship game without even winning the Pac-10. It could happen. The Golden Bears are just 1-3 on the road this season. Take the Beavers, 30-21.

#24 South Carolina @ #3 Florida (3:30pm)
Florida is riding high and demolishing everyone they play at the moment. Since losing to Ole Miss on Sept. 27, the Gators have won 5 straight by an average score of 49-11. Yowza! Carolina, get off the tracks, the train is comin' through, Gators 41-17.

#9 Boise State @ Idaho (5:00pm)
The Broncos will travel just 224 miles to Moscow to play the Vandals. Boise State should have little trouble with their in-state rival. Boise's season probably comes down to the Nov. 28 finale against Fresno State. The race for an at-large BCS bid has taken an interesting turn with three teams essentially competing for one spot. Utah, Boise State and Ball State all remain unbeaten, but barring a dramatic change in the rankings the BCS bowls will probably take just one of these teams on selection Sunday. Utah is in the lead because of their #7 BCS ranking (.7692). Boise sits at #9 (.6783). Ball State is currently #14 (.4163), and could well end up at 13-0 and in the Motor City Bowl against the 7th-best team from the Big Ten (i.e., someone like Iowa or Illinois). Oh yeah, Broncos win big, 57-13.


#6 USC @ Stanford (7:00pm)
Huge revenge game for the Trojans. The loss to Stanford probably kept them out of the national championship game in 2007. USC's defense has been an absolute beast. Like Florida, they have responded in a big way after a late September loss. Since the Sept. 25 loss at Oregon State, USC has allowed just 23 points in 6 games, including 3 shutouts. USC closes with Stanford, Notre Dame and UCLA. Expect 3 more wins, and, at a minimum, an at-large bid to the BCS. What BCS bowl they play in, is still undecided. Trojans, 41-0.

Mississippi State @ #1 Alabama (7:45pm)
Did you know that Alabama hasn't scored an offensive touchdown against Mississippi State since 2004? Seriously. State has 2 straight wins in the series. But they'll be hard pressed to keep up with this Alabama team. Bama likes to knock you in the mouth on the opening drive with power running and a touchdown. Alabama heads into the Iron Bowl 11-0, Tide 30-3.

#8 Utah @ San Diego State (8:00pm)
I think the Utes are starting to feel the pressure. Two straight 13-10 nailbiters can do that to you. The win over a ranked TCU team is the reason Utah has the lead over Boise State for that coveted non-BCS conference spot in a BCS bowl. I worry about Utah in this game. With rival BYU looming the next week, there's every reason to think Utah might not be paying attention to the Aztecs. San Diego State is having an awful season, but they played very well at Notre Dame, and this is probably their bowl game. I think the Aztecs could surprise, so I'm taking this one as my upset special, SDSU 23-20.

Season record (since I started the blog): 13-8

Auburn-Georgia: Inside the Numbers

Here's a look at how the two teams compare heading into their 112th meeting:

OFFENSE:

Georgia

22nd in Total Offense (436.8 yds/game) (#1 in SEC)

18th in Passing Offense (273.8 yds/game) (#1 in SEC)

48th in Rushing Offense (163.0 yds/game)

28th in Scoring Offense (32.6 pts/game)

Auburn

99th in Total Offense (316.2 yds/game)

99th in Passing Offense (199.3 yds/game)

61st in Rushing Offense (146.9 yds/game)

103rd in Scoring Offense (19.5 pts/game)

DEFENSE:

Georgia

28th in Total Defense (308.9 yds/game)

62nd in Pass Defense (206.3 yds/game)

13th in Rushing Defense (102.6 yds/game)

63rd in Scoring Defense (23.9 pts/game)

Despite these solid numbers, the Georgia defense is struggling right now. Their defense has allowed 38, 49, and 38 points over the last 3 games.

Auburn

26th in Total Defense (305.0 yds/game)

14th in Pass Defense (175.3 yds/game)

49th in Rushing Defense (129.7 yds/game)

13th in Scoring Defense (16.3 pts/game)

The defense has put up solid numbers, especially considering the ineptitude on offense. However, in order to help keep the pressure off this defense, the offense is going to have to score some points. I think special teams will have to be the catalyst that helps both the Auburn offense and Auburn defense. The defense needs a strong day from the Auburn punt team. Auburn ranks 1st in the SEC in net punting, and they make sure Georgia's offense consistently looks at a long field at the start of each possession. The offense needs a big day from Auburn's kick return unit. Auburn ranks 3rd in the nation in kick returns. Auburn's offense needs a short field as often as possible on Saturday.

Players to Watch:

When Georgia has the ball -

QB Matt Stafford - Stafford leads the conference in total offense (262.8 yds/game). He has a rocket for an arm, and this is both a good thing and a bad thing for the Auburn defense. Stafford will sometimes think he can thread the needle because of his arm strength, and that will lead to poor decisions and interceptions. Auburn's secondary will need to take advantage of these mistakes, either by scoring points on defense or setting up the Auburn offense with a short field.

RB Knowshon Moreno - Auburn must stop the run if they want to have any chance in this game. Moreno demolished the Tigers with 105 yards and 2 TD in 2007. Moreno has rushed for over 100 yards in 4 of his last 5 games, despite an offensive line down to just 7 healthy scholarship players.

WR A.J. Green - Green is just a true freshman, but like Alabama's Julio Jones, he has had an instant impact in Georiga's offense. Green leads the SEC in receiving yards per game (80.6). Green is also a tremendous deep threat, averaging roughly 20 yards per reception. Auburn must limit Georgia's big plays on offense, and that starts with blanket coverage of Green and Mohammed Massaquoi.

S Zac Etheridge - When your safety is the leading tackler (5.5 tackles/game), that's usually not a good sign. Etheridge will be busy again on Saturday. He must provide coverage help against Georgia's talented receivers, but he must also keep an eye on Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno (especially because middle linebacker Merrill Johnson will miss this game).

When Auburn has the ball -

Tristan Davis - Davis leads the SEC in kick returns, averaging almost 31 yards per return. If Auburn can score points on special teams, then they have a chance to pull the upset.

LB Renni Curran - Curran, only a sophomore, leads the Dawgs' defense in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks. So, Auburn might want to consider blocking this guy.

PK Wes Byrum - Byrum made 17 of 23 kicks as a freshman in 2007. This year, however, he's converted just 11 of 18 attempts. In fact, Byrum has missed at least one attempt in each of the 7 games where he has been called on to kick a field goal (Byrum did not attempt a field goal against LSU, Vanderbilt, or Ole Miss, although he did miss an extra point in the Vandy game). Byrum needs to have a perfect day against Georgia. The points are important, but the momentum lost after a missed field goal attempt would be huge to an Auburn team with a fragile psyche.

QB Kodi Burns - This needs to be Burns coming out party. Burns has accounted for 620 yards of offense the past two games (73% of Auburn's production). He has shown he can throw (319 yards vs. Ole Miss) and run (158 yards vs. UT-Martin) for big numbers. If Burns can put it all together and consitently move the chains, then Auburn has a very real chance to win this game. Auburn cannot be one-dimensional and hope to beat Georgia. Burns must spark the passing attack (despite the absence of WR Montez Billings), and the running back combo of Ben Tate and Brad Lester need to consistently grind out tough yards. Tate's production has severely dropped off in the 2nd half of the season. He has just 27 rushes in the past 4 games, averaging only 28.5 yards per game).

Skyhawks wear orange, avoid A-Day Part II

Tennessee-Martin wore new orange uniforms for their game against Auburn last Saturday. Auburn agreed to allow the Skyhawks to wear orange uniforms, and the Tigers wore all white at home for the second time in the last 2 seasons (Auburn wore white at home vs. Vanderbilt in 2007 to honor the 1957 national championship team). Having the Skyhawks in orange prevented the game from looking essentially like an A-Day game. The uniforms were still quite similar. Honestly, it looked like UT-Martin was wearing no-contact practice jerseys. Maybe they were hoping Auburn's defense would oblige and not tackle the Skyhawks' offensive players. The strategy appeared to work for the first 3 quarters of the game. Auburn finished strong, however, and won 37-20, improving to 5-5.

It's Georgia Week!

Auburn and Georgia will renew "The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Unfortunately, Auburn's 5-5 season, and the fact that Georgia's defense is allowing 28.7 points in conference play, means that ESPN and CBS have passed on televising the game. Kickoff will be at 11:30 CST, and the game will be televised by RAYCOM. CBS has selected the Florida-South Carolina game, and ESPN will cover the Alabama-Mississippi State and Vanderbilt-Kentucky games.

The image above is the game program from the 1970 Auburn-Georiga game. Auburn was caught looking ahead to its matchup with Alabama, and a weak Dawgs team stunned the Tigers, 31-17. This year's Auburn team is playing for its bowl-eligible life, so I don't think they'll be overlooking the final home game of the season. You can see many other classic Auburn posters at http://historicfootballposters.com/fp_gallery.php?school=Auburn

Dave's Power 10

1. Texas Tech (10-0) - I expected a mental letdown following the victory over Texas, but the Red Raiders came to play. In fact, they scored TDs on seven consecutive drives to secure a 56-20 thumping of a very good Oklahoma State team. Tech QB Graham Harrell played a tremendous game (40-50, 456 yds, 6 TDs) while controlling the run of play (34:57 TOP, 7-9 on 3rd downs). He's the Heisman front-runner going into the match-up with Oklahoma in two weeks.

2. Alabama (10-0) - LSU gave Bama a tough game for 4 quarters, but blew it in overtime. Jarrett Lee deserves just as much credit for the win as any Crimson Tide player. Lee threw four INTs, including another pick-six before halftime that wiped out a 14-7 lead. Despite three Bama turnovers and 201 yards rushing from Keiland Williams and Charles Scott, LSU could never take control of the game. Saban has never coached an undefeated season, and has some tough challenges ahead in order to accomplish that feat (Miss. St, Auburn, Florida).

3. Florida (8-1) - The Gators remain on a mission, although not the type of mission that the Tebows embark upon to convert non-Christians. This mission has laid waste to SEC opponents and propelled the Gators into the SEC Championship game against Alabama. The Florida defense dominated Vandy, and only allowed two mop-up TD's while playing back-ups. As long as no injuries occur to key players, the Gators have a great chance to win the SEC, and possibly the BCS Title.

4. Southern California (8-1) - The Trojan defense limited a good Cal offense to 165 total yards (27 rushing), and scored enough points to pull away 17-3. If USC doesn't beat themselves - as they are prone to do - they will make a strong statement for inclusion in the BCS Title game. It would be great to see this defense go against one of the offensive juggernauts from the Big XII or even Florida. However, if Oregon State (6-3, 5-1) wins out (Cal, @ Arizona, Oregon), the Beavers go to Pasadena.

5. Texas (9-1) - Colt McCoy bounced back from the Texas Tech game and had his way (again) with Baylor (300 yds, 5 TDs). With an easy schedule to finish the season against defensive doormats Kansas (#92 Total defense) and Texas A&M (#109), the Longhorns merely need to wait for Texas Tech to slip up. If Oklahoma can win that game, the polls will determine who gets to Kansas City.

6. Oklahoma (9-1) - The video game continues as the Sooners put up 21 points in the first quarter, bringing their two week total to 56-0. Any team that establishes that kind of lead early is difficult to beat, especially with efficient QB Sam Bradford (320 yds, 4 TDs, 67% comp.) leading the offense. Both Texas Tech and Oklahoma get a bye week before their November 22nd match-up in Norman.

7. Boise State (9-0) - The Broncos bullied yet another WAC opponent on the blue turf as they spanked Utah State 49-14. The combined record for their remaining opponents is a putrid 12-16, but includes a road game against Nevada (#1 Rushing Offense; #2 Rushing Defense). If Boise gets through that challenge, it sets up some potentially interesting problems for the BCS: who gets the automatic bid - Boise or Utah; do you take an undefeated BSU or undefeated Utah as an at-large, too; or do you cop-out and take a 2-loss Ohio State team?

8. Utah (10-0) - Despite being outgained 416-275 at home, the Utes escaped with a last-minute TD to win after TCU missed two field goals in the 4th quarter. Utah managed just 45 rushing yards, while TCU RB Aaron Brown rushed for 106 yards. Home field seems crucial in the Mountain West as TCU beat BYU in Ft. Worth, and Utah beats TCU in Salt Lake. FYI: The upcoming Holy War with BYU (9-1) will take place in Salt Lake City.

9. Penn State (9-1) - Tragic finish to the Iowa game, if you're a Nittany Lions fan. After three quarters, the Lions led by 9 points, but managed only 33 yards of offense in the final quarter. PSU had an 11:44 advantage in TOP, but a late interception gave Iowa an opportunity to drive for the winning field goal. After four Hawkeye losses by a combined 12 points, Iowa finally had fortune on their side. This loss virtually eliminates Penn State from the BCS title game, but Pasadena is still within their control.

10. Ball State (9-0) - Welcome to the Power 10, Cardinals. As the fifth undefeated team, the Fightin' Dave Lettermans have had an easy time so far against a less-than-difficult schedule (previous opponents combined record of 29-56). Junior QB Nate Davis is an NFL prospect who ranks in the top-ten in QB efficiency, and Junior RB MiQuale Lewis averages 123 rushing yds/game. Combine the two, and Ball State features the #11 offense in the country. However, the real test will come in the last two games of the season against Central Michigan and Western Michigan (combined 15-4 record). Ball State needs help to reach the BCS. They would likely need both Utah and Boise State to lose in order for the Cards to receive an automatic BCS bid. It is unlikely a BCS bowl would consider them for an at-large invitation.

Dave's Power 10

1. Penn State (9-0) - After getting the week off to watch previous #1 Texas fall in Lubbock, the Nittany Lions travel to Iowa City for the final road test of their regular season. Iowa is 4-1 at home this year, having only lost to Northwestern in a close game where the Hawkeyes led 17-3 late in the second quarter. Four costly Iowa turnovers kept Northwestern alive until a fourth quarter touchdown sealed the loss. Keep an eye on this game. Penn State's top-ranked defense needs to limit Iowa opportunities in order to allow the offense to score points.

2. Alabama (9-0) - Playing Tennessee and Arkansas St. can only help your defensive statistics (#2 Rushing; #4 Total; #6 Scoring). Now comes the game every Bayou Bengal fan has been salivating for since Saban's return to the SEC. LSU needs to establish Charles Scott and the running game if they hope to have any chance of beating Bama. Without a running game, the Tide will smother LSU and play ball-control with Glen Coffee (99 yds/game). Can there be magic in Tiger Stadium at 2:30 CST?

3. Texas Tech (9-0) - Fantastic game by the Red Raiders against a visibly unfocused Texas squad. Graham Harrell (#1 Total Offense with 402 yds/game) and Michael Crabtree (8 rec, 102 yds/game) continue to impress, and now have a signature victory on their resumes. The bad news is that it doesn't get any easier this week with Oklahoma State's offensive juggernaut (#7 Total Offense with 512 yds/game) visiting Lubbock. The good news is that this game should prove easier than next week's matchup with the Oklahoma Sooners (#3 Total Offense with 538 yds/game).

4. Florida (7-1) - The mission was clear: destroy Georgia and restore Gator dominance in the rivalry. Mission accomplished. In fact, it's apparently carried over to the entire SEC. Since Florida's loss to Ole Miss on Sept. 27, no team has come within 30 points of the Gators. The last month has showcased a punishing display of football from Florida, and they look poised to collide with Alabama in the SEC Championship game.

5. Southern California (7-1) - Playing any team from Washington this year is equivalent to scrimmaging Dean Road Elementary. The Trojans have actually outscored the two Apple State teams 125-0! Since losing to Oregon State on September 25, USC has allowed only 20 total points in 5 games, including 3 shutouts. Really?! That's the level of competition in the PAC-10 this year? This is quickly turning into a Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 power relationship.

6. Oklahoma (8-1) - ESPN tried desperately to market the OU-Nebraska game as a legitimate way to spend your Saturday evening in front of the TV. But once the Sooners hung a Tecmo-like 35 points on the Huskers IN THE FIRST QUARTER, I stopped checking in. We should get another yawner this week as Texas A&M's feeble defense (427 yds/game; 32 pts/game) tries to withstand the inevitable beat-down.

7. Texas (8-1) - Valiant comeback against Texas Tech, but it seemed fitting that the Red Raiders pulled that game out in the end. The Longhorns appeared sluggish and out-of-sorts throughout the game, including Heisman candidate Colt McCoy. Despite the loss, Texas retains hope of a BCS birth since the difficult part of the schedule has passed. Once OU, Texas Tech and Okie State finish beating each other up, UT could reemerge at the top of the heap.

8. Oklahoma State (8-1) - The Fightin' T. Boone Pickens recovered from the close loss to Texas by overwhelming Iowa State 59-17. If the Cowboys can put up a solid, 4-quarter effort against Texas Tech, they could pull off the upset. It will a matchup of gunslingers in Lubbock as Graham Harrell faces off against OSU QB Zac Robinson (#2 nationally in Pass Efficiency). With the high-profile aerial display expected this weekend, don't forget about Okie State RB Kendall Hunter (136 yds/game), a lightning fast runner who should balance the Cowboy attack. If Tech can't contain Hunter, I predict an OSU upset.

9. Boise State (8-0) - The Broncos currently sit at #10 in the BCS polls, with no real threat to lose another game this season. The only possible challenge will come from Fresno State in the season finale. That game will be played on the blue turf in Boise where the Broncos have won 44 straight games.

10. Utah (9-0) - BIG game against TCU this Thursday night as the Utes attempt to legitimize their lofty ranking. The Horned Frogs have already handled previous Mountain West contender BYU 32-7, and boast the #1 rushing defense. The game is in Salt Lake City, and will be only the fourth ever matchup for a ranked Utah team against another ranked opponent. The last one came in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl as #4 Utah beat #19 Pittsburgh.

Players, Not Plays

Folks, there's a talent shortage on the Plains right now. Do I think there a lot of players with amazing potential on the Auburn roster at this very moment? Yes. Are they at the point of realizing that potential? Not so much. Why is that? I think it goes back to recruiting. A wise man once said, "players, not plays." For all those people out there who think it's schemes and coaches who make the difference between a winning and losing team, you're skipping over the most important part of any successful football program. Sure, coaches provide the necessary discipline and focus, and many are excellent teachers that help players become better over the course of their playing careers. However, a coach ultimately relies on the talent of his players to win games. A coach can have the most brilliant gameplan imaginable, but the if the players can't execute, then it really doesn't matter.



Auburn is missing on those 3, 4, and 5-star recruits that are supposed to become the stars of any football team. To be honest, 5-star recruits really shouldn't be part of this conversation. Auburn has never been heavy on 5-star players. Tommy Tuberville has signed just 5 such players since 2003 (Brandon Jacobs in '03, Tray Blackmon '05, Greg Smith '06, Raven Gray '08, and Jermaine Johnson '08). Contrast that with schools like USC, which seems to sign 5 or 6 in each class. Jacobs played just 1 season at Auburn, settling at third string on the running back depth chart behind Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. Tray Blackmon is a fantastic linebacker, but he's been hurt or in the doghouse most of his career. The jury is still out on whether Smith, Gray or Johnson will become superstars. The backbone of the Auburn program lies in those 3 and 4-star recruits.



Rating high school football players is certainly an inexact science. It's difficult to forecast the development of a 17 or 18 year old player. There are just too many unknown variables: how they respond to new coaches; living away from home; injuries; and the pressure of being a full-time college student. These are things you can't forecast when watching film of a kid's high school games. There will always be highly-rated kids who never pan out, and there will always be college stars that were overlooked as high school players. The problem with Auburn, however, is that they're missing at a higher rate than normal.



Juniors and seniors are the backbone of any college program. These are the players with the most experience, the most skill development, and the most able to take leadership roles on the team. For Auburn, because of redshirts and prep-schools, those juniors and seniors come from the 2003 through 2006 recruiting classes. I have included 2003, because there is still one player from that class starting for Auburn: DT Tez Doolittle. Hard to believe that Doolittle was recruited as a running back. Doolittle was a 4-star recruit. Despite an increase in four-star players signed in the classes of 2005, 2006 and 2007, the 2008 football team appears to be short on playmakers. Here's a breakdown of Auburn's most recent recruiting classes, based on the ratings given by Rivals.com:

2003

Four-star: 6

Three-star: 17

Two-star: 3

2004

Four-star: 4

Three-star: 10

Two-star: 12

2005

Four-star: 7

Three-star: 10

Two-star: 3

2006

Four-star: 14

Three-star: 7

Two-star: 3

2007

Four-star: 13

Three-star: 12

Two-star: 2

2008

Four-star: 4

Three-star: 16

Two-star: 7

2009 (Projected)

Four-star: 8

Three-star: 17

Two-star: 0

The 13-0 season in 2004 was expected to produce a windfall of fantastic players for the Auburn program. However, despite the increase in 4-star players in '05-'06-'07, the results have not produced a team capable of competing in 2008. The four-star numbers have started to decline in 2008 and 2009, and Auburn is back to signing more three-star players. However, that may not be a bad thing. Auburn's run of success from '04-'06 was built on mostly three-star players. Perhaps those four-star players will start producing in 2009. I guess my point is that the recruting boost from Auburn's 2004 SEC Championship team has not returned dividends in 2008, which is the year that those players were expected to carry the team.

Who the heck is Tennessee-Martin?

Auburn will take a much needed break from SEC action this weekend to play its homecoming game against the University of Tennessee at Martin. Who?

The University of Tennessee at Martin is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee. UTM has approximately 7,000 students. The University began as a Baptist junior college in 1900, but became part of the state university system after experiencing financial difficulties.

The university mascot was changed from "Pacers" to "Skyhawks" in 1995. The reasoning behind the "Skyhawks" moniker: (1) The first educational institution on the site of UT Martin was Hall-Moody Bible Institute. The school's athletic teams were called "sky pilots", a frontier term for preachers in that day, but perhaps the students were thinking of the glamorous flying aces of World War I; (2) During World War II, UT Junior College contracted with the Naval War Training Service to help train pilots, who completed their flight training at an airport located on the current site of Westview High School; and (3) Red-tail hawks are indigenous to the West Tennessee region. Prior to being known as "Pacers" the university's teams were called "Volunteers." The name was changed in 1971, largely due to fact that, on account of the former junior college status of the school, the teams were often referred to as the "Baby Vols." Notable alums include Pat Summitt (head coach, women's basketball, Tennessee), Leonard Hamilton (head coach, men's basketball, Florida State), and Jerry Reese (general manager, New York Giants).

The Tennessee at Martin football team has moved up to No. 20 in both The Sports Network Poll and the FCS Coaches Poll. Both polls were released Monday afternoon. The Skyhawks, 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the Ohio Valley Conference, debut in both polls last week after claiming a 31-30 victory over Jacksonville State on Oct. 23. The Skyhawks were No. 24 in The Sports Network Poll and No. 23 in the Football Championship Series (formerly Division I-AA) Coaches Poll.

You might think the photos above are of Auburn players. You'd be wrong. The Skyhawks' colors are orange and navy blue, and they wear jerseys identical to Auburn. UT Martin's uniforms are provided by Russell Athletic, and the jerseys are undoubtedly old stock from the company's prior affiliation with Auburn. The team's helmets are also virtually identical, except for the UTM logo on the side of the helmet. This Saturday's game will look more like A-Day than Homecoming.

Predictions

The weekend hasn't even begun yet and a member of the top 25 has already lost (#24 South Florida). Here's a look at the weekend's biggest games.

Northwestern @ #20 Minnesota
The Gophers are 7-1, and 3-1 in the Big T-eleven. They're stuck behind unbeaten Penn State, and Ohio State (Minnesota's only loss), so I don't think a Big Ten title is in the cards. However, a New Year's Day bowl in sunny Florida is certainly in the cards. The closing schedule is manageable, with 3 of their final 4 at home. Northwestern started off strong, but has come back to earth of late. Minnesota wins, 33-23.

Wisconsin @ #22 Michigan State
Michigan State has to be on letdown alert after their emotional win in Ann Arbor. The Spartans are dueling with teams like Ohio State and Minnesota for the choice New Year's bowl slots. Reps from these bowl games will be looking for strong finishes before handing out those invites. Wisconsin, on the other hand, is fighting just to make a bowl game. The Badgers are 4-4, and they played much better on offense with Dustin Sherer at quarterback last week in a win over Illinois. Wisconsin RB P.J. Hill returns to the lineup, but the Badgers will be without TE Travis Beckum for the rest of the season. I like the upset here, Wisconsin 24-23.

Miami, FL @ Virginia
Uh, don't look now, but Virginia is closing in on a spot in the ACC Championship Game. You read that correctly. The Cavs have won 4 straight after a 1-3 start. The streak includes a 31-0 whipping of Maryland, a win over East Carolina, a win over North Carolina, and a critical road victory at Georgia Tech. At 5-3 overall, and 3-1 in the Coastal Division, Virginia owns a half game lead, and the tiebreaker, over the Yellow Jackets. Virginia has a lot of work left, however, because no team has more than 2 losses in the division. There is no margin for error. Take Virginia's momentum over an inexperienced Canes team, 17-13.

West Virginia @ Connecticut
The Mountaineers are the only unbeaten team in Big East conference play, but they are a long way from securing another title. Connecticut, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Pitt are just behind, each with only 1 conference loss. As luck would have it, those are the next 4 opponents for West Virginia. This is a big game for the Huskies, but I don't see how they stop the deadly combo of QB Pat White and RB Noel Devine. Too much speed. West Virginia, 41-23.

#19 Tulsa @ Arkansas
Arkansas has won 16 straight games in this series, but the traveling Golden Hurricanes are better than a touchdown favorite in Little Rock. Tulso is 8-0 and looking for a big non-conference win against a BCS team to help boost their computer numbers. I feel for the Arkansas defensive staff this week. Here are Tulsa's point totals this season: 45, 56, 56, 62, 63, 37, 77, 49. Tulsa's remaining schedule doesn't feature a single team with a winning record, but there is some cache that comes with beating an SEC team on the road. Tulsa will most likely face East Carolina, however, in the Conference USA Championship Game. Arkansas has lost 5 of its last 6 games (the lone win . . . at Auburn, ugh). They have been competitive, however, in each of the last 3 games. The Hogs' defense has begun to play much better. Expect them to be fired up for this game, but I think Tulsa has too much offense. Tulsa, 31-28.

#16 Florida State @ Georgia Tech
Florida State is currently tied with Maryland for the lead in the Atlantic Division. Georgia Tech, which has looked better than expected under first-year coach Paul Johnson, was upset by Virginia at home last Saturday. I think Tech will struggle to move the ball against the Noles' defense. Expect a low-scoring defensive game, won by the visitors. FSU, 16-6.

#5 Florida @ #8 Georgia (Jacksonville, FL)
Does Florida retaliate for last year's big Georgia TD celebration? Better question: who cares? Well, CBS probably will, so be prepared to endure references to the 2007 game ad nauseum. It's week 2 of the SEC Elimination Series, designed to whittle down the championship contenders. Last week, Georgia knocked off LSU. This week, either the Bulldogs or the Gators will receive that 2nd loss that takes them out of the national championship conversation. I like the Gators because they have a better run defense than Georgia. The Gators allowed LSU just 80 yards rushing, while Georgia allowed LSU to pile up 188 rush yards. If Florida can take away Knowshon Moreno and make the Bulldogs one-dimensional, then they will live to fight another week in the BCS top 10. Florida, 27-23.

#1 Texas @ #6 Texas Tech
College football royalty versus the nouveau-riche. The Longhorns are a clear-cut #1, and they've played a daunting schedule thus far. The Red Raiders are about to begin a similar stretch of games that will test their championship mettle. The question for Texas Tech has always been: Is their defense good enough to help their offense out? This year, I think it is, However, Texas' offense has been other-worldly this season. Colt McCoy is completing over 80% of his passes. That is insane. The Texas defense has given up it's share of points this season (see Oklahoma, Missouri, Oklahoma State), but the offense has been so good that the margins of victory have remained comfortable. I think you'll see more the same this Saturday. Tech will get its points, but Texas will get more, a lot more. Texas 51-37.

#10 Utah @ New Mexico
Why is this game on the list, you ask? Because Utah might be looking ahead to next week's home date against TCU. Utah is dueling with Tulsa and Boise State for that non-BCS-conference automatic berth in the BCS. Utah has 2 critical games remaining, TCU and BYU. That's why I think this trip to Albuquerque is dangerous. New Mexico is only 4-5, but they did beat Arizona earlier in the season. This is also the final home game of the season for the Lobos, and teams have a way of taking their game to the next level on Senior Night. Utah holds on, barely, 31-30.

Inside the Numbers

Here's a look at how Auburn and Ole Miss compare heading into this Saturday's game.

OFFENSE:

Total -

UM 377.6 yds/game (55th)

AU 288.5 yds/game (109th)

Passing -

UM 215.6 yds/game (60th)

AU 151.5 (106th)

Rushing -

UM 162.0 yds/game (48th)

AU 137.0 yds/game (66th)

Scoring -

UM 27.2 pts/game (50th)

AU 18.8 pts/game (102nd)

DEFENSE:

Total -

UM 345.1 yds/game (55th)

AU 294.2 yds/game (17th)

Passing -

UM 234.3 yds/game

AU 166.0 yds/game

Rushing -

UM 110.8 yds/game (29th)

AU 128.2 yds/game (51st)

Scoring -

UM 24.3 pts/game (59th)

AU 15.7 pts/game (13th)

ODDS & ENDS

Ole Miss ranks 11th in the country in tackles-for-loss (7.88 per game).

Ole Miss ranks 26th in the country in sacks allowed (1.25 per game).

Auburn is first in the SEC (#5 in nation) in kickoff returns (26.54 yards per return).

Robert Dunn is first in the SEC (#2 in nation) in punt returns (21.44 yards per return)

Antonio Coleman leads the SEC in sacks/game and tackles-for-loss/game

Dave's Power 10

1. Texas (8-0) – Colt McCoy was out of his mind against Oklahoma State (84% completion, 391 yds), but the Cowboys still had a chance to win that game. The key was a good running game (229 yds) that kept the ball away from McCoy long enough to keep the score close. Next up for the Longhorns is yet another top-10 match-up of undefeated teams when they visit Texas Tech.

2. Penn State (9-0) – Gutsy win in the Horseshoe last week. With only three games remaining, the Nittany Lions will be favored in all of them. Despite their offensive struggles in Columbus, the Penn State attack still features balance (226 rushing yds/game; 233 passing yds/game). Combine that with marquee DE Aaron Maybin (11 sacks), and Joe Pa can almost taste Miami.

3. Alabama (8-0) – Tennessee once again displayed no offense (something we see a great deal of at Auburn), and the Tide slowly buried the Volunteers in Knoxville. John Wilson continues to limit his errors (3 INTs in 176 attempts) enough to allow the defense and running game to control the game.

4. Southern California (6-1) – One way to contain the Trojans is to force turnovers and protect the ball. Arizona almost stole a win in Tucson with this strategy, but the superior USC defense clamped down and denied any Wildcat comeback. Once again, the remaining schedule looks extremely favorable for another BCS trip.

5. Texas Tech (8-0) – It was a video game in Lawrence last Saturday, but that's par for the course in the Big XII these days. The Red Raiders sit atop the offensive rankings (#1 Passing; #2 Total; #3 Scoring), but now must face their biggest challenge . . . so far. Expect a shootout in Lubbock. Tech is 20-60-1 overall versus the Longhorns, and haven't won at home in the series since 2002.

6. Florida (6-1) – The Gators absolutely pasted a decent Kentucky squad, and now demonstrate a fierce defense (top-15 in all major categories) to compliment their special teams. All eyes will be on Jacksonville this weekend to see how many times CBS shows last year's footage of Georgia's team rushing the field after that touchdown. Revenge should be sweet.

7. Oklahoma (7-1) – Speaking of video games, the Sooners scored 28 points during the last 6:30 of the 1st half to take a 55-28 lead into halftime. Oddly, only 10 total points were scored in the 2nd half of that game. No Big XII team has a top-40 defense, so any evidence of defensive competence merits attention.

8. Georgia (7-1) – LSU continues to underachieve, and Georgia jumped out early on the Bayou Bengals to win in Baton Rouge. Three INTs (two returned for TDs) put the Bulldogs too far ahead in a game resembling a Big XII contest. It will be a game of stars in Jacksonville to determine the SEC East.

9. Boise State (7-0) – Only two more home games on the blue turf remain for the Broncos, but one is the finale against Fresno State. The "Fly in the Ointment" lives on after surviving in San Jose.

10. Utah (8-0) – After an off-week, the Utes travel to New Mexico before coming back home for TCU. Given Utah's mediocre offensive numbers, the Horned Frogs' defense (#1 Rushing; #2 Total and Scoring) will be ready. Texas Christian DE Jerry Hughes (12 sacks) should make things difficult for Brian Johnson & Co.

Defending the Spread

This Thursday's game between Auburn and West Virginia will feature two teams that run the spread offense. West Virginia has employed the spread since 2002, and it shows. They have perhaps the best run-threat spread QB in the country, Pat White. West Virginia's spread offense is diverse, well-organized, and lethal. The Mountaineers have had several years to recruit players uniquely suited to the spread offense. Auburn, using the spread for the first time this year, is still learning the nuances and continuing the transition from a traditional power offense. Auburn's defense should be well prepared for this game because they get to see the spread offense every day at practice. This leads to an interesting question: How do you stop the spread? There are three areas you need to be good at on the defensive side of the ball:

Defensive Team Speed
Excellent Open Field Tacklers
Gap Responsibility and Pursuit Discipline

There are certainly more complex aspects of defensive gameplanning that teams employ to stop the spread offense, but it's really too much to get into whether an odd front is better than an even front, sliding to strength or away from strength, slanting, angling, cover-2, cover-3, combo coverage, etc., is the best approach. I'll leave that up to Paul Rhoads and his defensive assistants. Let's start with these three fundamentals that every team needs in order to stop a spread offense.

1) Defensive Team Speed
It's obvious when you look at the landscape of both the college or high school game that players like Patrick White (West Virginia), Noel Devine (West Virginia), Armanti Edwards (Appalachian State), Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State), and Percy Harvin (Florida) have required defenses to have fast, athletic players to match the speed of these great athletes. When I say "speed," I don't mean 100 meter dash speed per say, but football speed, which is usually an athlete that not only can run fast in a straight line, but can also run fast, stop, then re-start again at a rapid rate. Change of direction speed, the ability to accelerate, decelerate, then re-accelerate at a rapid pace. Is a player born with this? Some are for sure. Can a player work on this type of speed? Absolutely. It's called change of direction training, and such training facilities as The Parisi Speed School and Velocity Training teach it around the country. Parisi calls it "Deceleration Training."

Tommy Tuberville, I think, has been ahead of the curve in this respect for several years. Tuberville has long preferred smaller, faster, linebackers that can quickly cover ground from one sideline to the other. Auburn's linebackers are more the size of a what a traditional safety would be. This focus on speed and athleticism, rather than size and brute strength, has enabled Auburn's defense to match up well with an opposing offense's playmakers. The advantage was certainly obvious in upset wins over Florida in 2006 and 2007.

2) Excellent Open Field Tacklers

The one big thing a spread offense trys to exploit is the need for defenses to be in open space, often with even numbers of offensive and defensive players in a particular section of the field; this takes away the classic "gang tackling" concept that so many defenses preach. It's much harder to gang tackle when you're spread all across the field; isolating areas of the field is what spread offenses are looking for. Working on open field, individual tackling is of the utmost importance for defenses. The ability to break down in the open field, make good contact, and wrap-up as you bring down the offensive player is very important for a team's "2nd level" players (linebackers and lefensive backs).

One very simple part of being a good open field tackler is teaching the defender to have their head up, and eyes open right up to impact (Chris Spielman always refers to this as "see what you hit, and hit what you see"). This may sound simple, but you would be surprised how many players close their eyes right before contact. It's a natural human reaction to close your eyes before any contact, and football is no different, but you need to change that if you want players that are good open field tacklers.

Angles of pursuit are also critical. This is not just the game saving angles of pursuit; the intermediate angles of pursuit, and what to do when you get there (tackle and then strip), are also very important in stopping the spread offense. Players must always take a proper angle and be ready to deliver an open field blow.

3) Gap Responsibility and Pursuit Discipline
The great Denver Broncos teams of the late 90's gave defenses fits with their zone blocking scheme and the ability of Terrell Davis to cut back on over pursuing defenses. In 2008 you're seeing college and high school spread offense zone teams do the same thing to over-aggressive defenses who insist on flying over the top to get the zone hand-off, only to get burned by either the tailback cutting back against the pursuit, or the QB (who's now the best athlete on the team and one of the fastest) tucking it on the zone read and bootlegging the other way. The ability of a defense to be disciplined in gap responsibility and pursuit starts in practice. It needs to be worked on in individual, group, and team settings.

It all starts with confidence in the team that all 11 players believe in each other (i.e., if I do my job then the team will benefit). Don't confuse this with not being an aggressive defense; it just needs to be emphasized to defensive players that the pursuit angle (on any play run away from that player's position) should never pass the ball carriers "inside pocket" or armpit at that player's level. Once the play passes a player's level, they need to fly to the ball, because a cutback at that point is no longer a concern at that player's responsibility level. Now if the ball is coming "play side" (right at the defender), they still need to keep their outside arm free and never give away the corner, believing in teammates that pursue from the backside using the correct angles will be there soon to help out.

One of the best defenses that does all of the above has been South Florida, especially in their games against West Virginia the past two years. USF's defensive staff would be a great group to go visit and clinic with if you need to stop a West Virginia-style, run-dominant, spread offense. Hopefully Coach Tuberville has good contacts with Jim Leavitt in the wake of their 2007 game. Also, defensive coordinator Paul Rhoads, in his previous stint at Pitt, has a lot of experience with West Virginia's spread offense. Most notably, Rhoads' Panthers shut down the West Virginia offense in the regular season finale in 2007.

When watching the Auburn-West Virginia game on Thursday night, look to see if Auburn's defense is making open-field tackles and limiting the cutback plays from West Virginia's offense. These are two major keys if Auburn hopes to come away with a win.

Dave's Power 10

1. Texas (7-0) - Another convincing win over a good Big XII team. The Longhorns are walking the walk so far. Here's a funny stat: Texas scores the same amount of points/game as their defense allows in rushing yards (48.14).

2. Penn State (8-0) - Michigan played a good game early, but couldn't withstand the second half avalanche. For this reason, I place the Nittany Lions in front of Bama, and also due to the Tide's struggles at home against Ole Miss. PSU put away Michigan with 39 unanswered points.

3. Alabama (7-0) - I watched this game hoping for a Houston Nutt miracle, and it almost happened. The Tide couldn't put the Rebels away, but hung on to win. Bama's passing offense (103rd nationally) needs to somehow compliment their rushing offense (209 yds/game) in order to remain unbeaten. That's two consecutive nail-biters following the Georgia beat-down.

4. Southern California (5-1) - Everyone thought, "There's no way USC wins by 42 points! I'm taking Wazzu to cover." But when it was 41-0 at halftime, we understood the error of our ways. A slightly resurgent Arizona squad (#9 scoring offense, #6 passing defense) could provide some resistance this Saturday in Tucson.

5. Oklahoma State (7-0) - Last week's Baylor game was the first single digit performance for the Cowboy defense (aka the step-child unit of the team). Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter and Dez Bryant are the straws that stir OSU's drink, and they need to get plastered in order to beat Texas in Austin.

6. Oklahoma (6-1) - Sam Bradford (#4 nationally in total offense) out-dueled Todd Reesing (#7 nationally). The Sooner defense has given up 76 points the last two games. Well, at least they have the 4th best offense in the nation right now (544 yards/game) . . . because they're going to need it.

7. Florida (5-1) - The Gators thrive on field position due to their exceptional return man, Brandon James (21 yds/punt; 29 yds/kickoff). Add to that their ability to hold onto the ball (#3 nationally in turnover margin), and Florida puts tremendous pressure on opponents.

8. Texas Tech (7-0) - The Red Raiders were an amazing 10 of 12 on 3rd down against Texas A&M. That helps when your defense is so average (#51 nationally). Here comes the gauntlet that should either justify their style, or re-expose Tech as the perennial video game team.

9. Boise State (6-0) - The Broncos play in a weak conference against weak opponents. Yeah, yeah, we've heard all that before. But Boise dominates the WAC so well that they deserve recognition, especially when they've beaten a Pac-10 team on the road.

10. Utah (8-0) - The Utes are a product of a weak conference, and fortune (i.e., Michigan's transition to Rich Rodriguez's system). However, their days in the Power 10 may be numbered with upcoming games against TCU and BYU. Fortunately, both games are in the friendly (and non-alcoholic) confines of Salt Lake City.

This Weekend's Key Games

Auburn doesn't play this Saturday, but that doesn't mean there aren't some excellent college football games worth paying attention to.

Wake Forest (4-1) @ Maryland (4-2), 12pm Eastern

It's a noon kickoff in College Park (so, Jason, that means it's 9:00am in Berkeley). Maryland has been very Jekyll and Hyde this year (losing to Middle Tennessee, beating Cal, losing to Virginia). The Terps are strong at home. Wake has been relying too much on its defense to win games. If the Deacons can't generate more offense, then I like Maryland to pull the mild upset.

UMD 27

WFU 23

Purdue (2-4) @ Northwestern (5-1), 12pm Eastern

Northwestern fell from the ranks of the unbeaten last week against Michigan State. The Wildcats are still in the Big Ten race, however. Taking care of business against a struggling Purdue team is necessary in order to keep pace with Ohio State and Penn State. Purdue is playing for its bowl-eligible life.

NWU 36

PU 33

Texas Tech (6-0) @ Texas A&M (2-4), 12pm Eastern

Did you know that A&M has the #1 pass defense in the Big XII? That probably has to do with the fact that they haven't played: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, or Texas Tech. I don't think the Aggies have a prayer against the Red Raiders' offense.

TTU 41

TAM 20

Vanderbilt (5-1) @ Georgia (5-1), 12:30pm Eastern

It seems like a panic move to me, switching quarterbacks after 1 loss. But that's what Vanderbilt is going to do this Saturday. I think the rose is off the bloom for the Commodores, who will probably come crashing back down to earth. They'll still reach a bowl game, but only because Duke is still left on the schedule. That said, the game will stay close. Georgia isn't very explosive on offense right now.

UGA 24

VU 14

Ole Miss (3-3) @ Alabama (6-0), 3:30pm Eastern

Each of the last 3 meetings between these two teams has been settled by 3 points. Ole Miss has played well on the road this year, nearly upsetting Wake Forest and taking down Florida. The key question is whether Ole Miss can generate a running game against Alabama's defense. Expect another closely fought SEC game, but expect Alabama to improve to 7-0.

UAT 20

UM 12

Ohio State (6-1) @ Michigan State (6-1), 3:30pm Eastern

UPSET SPECIAL. I like the Spartans in this game for one reason: Javon Ringer. Michigan State will use Ringer to wear down the Buckeyes' defense and keep the ball away from Ohio State's offense. Ohio State might be looking ahead to next week's game vs. Penn State, too.

MSU 26

OSU 24

Kansas (5-1) @ Oklahoma (5-1), 3:30pm Eastern

Kansas' improbable 2007 run to the Orange Bowl was helpe by the fact that they did not play Texas or Oklahoma. If Kansas wants to return to a BCS bowl game this year, then they will have to do it by beating the top teams in their conference. The Jayhawks are catching Oklahoma at the wrong time - immediately after a loss to rival Texas. I think Oklahoma will come out firing. Kansas' defense is as good this year (torched by South Florida; torched early by Iowa State), either. That's not a good combination.

OU 41

KU 23

Michigan (2-4) @ Penn State (7-0), 4:30pm Eastern

Expect Michigan's 9-game winning streak in this series to come to an end. This could get ugly.

PSU 38

UM 10

Mississippi State (2-4) @ Tennessee (2-4), 7:00pm Eastern

First team to score wins. You think I'm kidding? Both teams have above average defenses. Both teams have galactically bad offenses. If you like punting, and if you like "field position games," then this matchup is for you.

MSU 3

UT -1

LSU (5-1) @ South Carolina (5-2), 8:00pm Eastern

Were you as surprised as me to see that Carolina is 5-2? How did that happen? Most experts think this will be a very close game. I guess they base that on LSU's ugly road loss at Florida. I happen to think the opposite. LSU is very very very mad. LSU is going to stuff USC's offense all night. I like LSU in a rout.

LSU 31

USC 13

Virginia Tech (5-1) @ Boston College (4-1), 8:00pm Eastern

Tech's defense will have their work cut out for them trying to stop Matt Ryan and the Eagles' offense. What's that, you say? Tech beat Ryan's Eagles last year. And Matt Ryan is gone. Oh, then why in the heck is BC a 3-point favorite in this game?

VPI 23

BC 17

Missouri (5-1) @ Texas (6-0), 8:00pm Eastern

Game of the Week. Conventional wisdom would say that because Texas is coming off a big win vs. Oklahoma, and because Missouri is coming off a stinging loss to Oklahoma State, that this game has the makings of a very close matchup. I don't think so. Texas hung 45 on the Sooners defense. Yikes. Missouri's defense isn't nearly that good. Chase Daniels and the Tigers have a fantastic offense, but they didn't exactly light it up against the Cowboys last week. Missouri can't keep pace for 60 minutes.

UT 37

UM 20

Just Stop It, Clemson. Stop It!

Really, Clemson? Are you serious? "Tiger Walk?" As if the similarities between Clemson and Auburn weren't already numerous, Clemson's interim football coach, Dabo Swinney, has decided to add one more. Clemson will start a new tradition this Saturday. Two hours before kickoff against Georgia Tech, Clemson players will walk through the parking lot on their way to the stadium. The event will be called "Tiger Walk." Man, that sounds familiar. Where have I heard of that?

Oh, yeah, AUBURN already has something called "Tiger Walk." It's been around since the 1960s. So, what possessed Coach Swinney to come up with such a ridiculous copycat idea? Maybe he just wants to emulate Auburn's program as much as possible. Things are definitely on the right track: (1) crappy quarterback play (Check! Yeah, I'm talking about you, Cullen Harper. Oh, crap, tell your dad to stop crying); (2) Three losses already, despite a preseason top-10 ranking (Check!); (3) fire a head coach named Bowden that never lived up to expectations (Check!).

For those who don't know, Swinney was a former wide receiver at Alabama from 1989-1992. Swinney also started his coaching career at Alabama. He was hired at Clemson in 2002 after the Tide cleaned house by firing Mike Dubose.

[As an aside, Swinney's real name is William Christopher. The nickname Dabo came from his older brother, who would say "Dabo" in an effort to call his baby brother "that boy." Ahhhh, Pelham, Alabama.]

[Interim] Coach Swinney, is "Tiger Walk" really going to fix the problems you have at Clemson? I doubt it. Why ruin the uniqueness of Clemson (i.e., touching Howard's Rock as you run onto the field) by copying the tradition of another school? Hopefully your successor will bag this idea and move on to more important things, like winning games.

Will Auburn's Spread Offense Deliver?

Tommy Tuberville has 81 victories in his 10+ seasons as the head coach at Auburn. He has 4 Western Division titles, 1 SEC Championship, and 5 bowl victories. He is arguably the 3rd best coach in Auburn history, and at 54 Tuberville has a great chance to surpass Pat Dye (99 wins, 4 SEC championships) for second place on the all-time wins list at Auburn (Shug Jordan's 176 wins are likely out of reach). However, as Shakespeare once wrote, "What's past is prologue." That means what has already happened merely sets the scene for the really important stuff, which is the stuff our greatness will be made on. At least that's what I take Antonio to mean in Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

For Tuberville, the prologue is that he has steered Auburn successfully through the turmoil of Terry Bowden's removal as coach in 1998. Tuberville has restored Auburn as a yearly contender for the conference championship and January bowl berths. He has run a clean program and stayed away from the illegal recruiting practices that ultimately ended Pat Dye's tenure as coach. He has shown that Auburn can win, and win consistently, in modern college football: a perfect 13-0 season in 2004. Perhaps most importantly, he has shown that Auburn can be the dominant program in the state: 6 straight wins over Alabama. Where does Tuberville go from here? What's past is prologue.

One thing, and one thing only, eludes Tommy Tuberville: a consensus national championship. Relatively speaking, it is the only rung left to climb on his career ladder. Everything he has accomplished at Auburn, the good seasons, the bad seasons, that perfect season, have created a coach that wants more than anything to build a national championship team. For a generation of Auburn fans, raised on the success of the 1980s, and who have enjoyed the teams of the current decade as adults, that national championship is also the last hurdle to clear. The desire for a national title, however, has only increased the pressure the fans bring to bear on Tuberville. The success of the past 10 seasons, while appreciated, is no longer good enough for many fans. Tuberville has raised the bar. He knows it, too. That is why Tuberville has taken the leap into the spread offense. Despite his preference for a more conservative brand of offensive football, he is willing to do what he thinks is necessary to bring a national championship to Auburn.

Tuberville is often referred to as the Riverboat Gambler. Maybe a magician is a better description. Michael Caine once described, in a movie, the elements of a magic trick: “Every great magic trick consists of three acts. The first act is called The Pledge: the magician shows you something ordinary, but of course, it probably isn’t. The second act is called The Turn. The magician makes his ordinary something do something extraordinary. Now, if you’re looking for the secret . . . you won’t find it. That’s why there’s a third act, called The Prestige. This is the part with the twists and turns, where lives hang in the balance, and you see something shocking you’ve never seen before.”

For Tuberville, a coach with a 25-20 record at Ole Miss, the pledge was the promise to return Auburn to its winning ways, compete for SEC championships, and ultimately bring a national championship to the Plains. The turn occurred in 2000, when Tuberville led Auburn to a surprise Western Division title. It has continued with an unprecedented run of success, including no fewer than 9 wins in each of the last 4 seasons, and 6 straight wins against Alabama. He has made the ordinary into the extraordinary. So why are Auburn fans so bitter, so cynical, after a 4-3 start in 2008? We're all waiting for the prestige. We want Tuberville to give us the final act. We want him to finally pull the rabbit out of the hat, make the woman he sawed in half whole again, reappear after making himself disappear. We want him to bring a national championship to Auburn. It is the shocking ending that none of us has seen before, but want so desperately to experience.

The spread is both the prestige of Tuberville's career and a magic trick in itself. It's a microcosm of Tuberville's career. He has endeavored to climb that final rung, and the spread offense is the means by which he intends to do it. Tuberville has made the pledge: recruit better athletes and use the spread to create an offense the equal of his vaunted defenses. The turn? Well, that hasn't happened yet. Therefore, the prestige is still off in the distance. But if Tuberville could deliver on his promise to restore Auburn among college football's elite programs, then we should not be so quick to doubt his ability to pull the rabbit out of the hat with the spread offense. What's past is prologue for Tuberville. Everything he has experienced, especially the 2004 season, has led him to this moment. He has staked his Auburn legacy on the spread offense.

Many fans have perhaps given up on the 2008 season. With 3 SEC losses, and a difficult remaining schedule, some Auburn fans can't bear to watch. But if you ignore the record, ignore the wins and the losses, and simply watch the games, you might see something special happen this October and November: the turn. Auburn has five opportunities to work on making the ordinary do something extraordinary. That's what I'll be looking for. Perhaps the 2008 season will become the prologue for greater success in 2009 and beyond.