1913-14

Good take on some little things that to most folks go unseen. We need D.J. Williams healthy. He is a great reliever for Boobie.

On ‎5‎/‎29‎/‎2019 at 10:39 AM, steeleagle said:

Gus caved in because of...?

He definitely needs to put on a LOT of weight to be an effective OL. No way he contributes his first year...

He's already 285. Worked with him on squats just last Thursday...

Can someone name a high school qb recruit that Gus has developed into a notable starter?

Coach most people don't know the work needed in film study. Thanks for making that point. But...what I really like is your many assessments that hit the nail on the head. I do think the return of Brahms will factor in for the OL.

On ‎11‎/‎27‎/‎2017 at 8:04 AM, JMR said:

For whatever reason, there are details about almost every Iron Bowl that seem to stick in our minds forever. I hear fans talk about "Bo over the top," or "Wrong Way Bo," "throwing deep to Ace Wright," "the Tillman Reverse," and on and on. This from people who can't remember whether they ate breakfast this morning, much less what they might have had.  I won't belabor the point by guessing which plays from this year's Iron Bowl will become recognizable for decades, but suffice to say, at least from an Auburn standpoint, it's one we will remember very well and very fondly.  I've been a college football fan for nearly the whole of a fairly long life, and don't recall ever having seen any team beat the number one-ranked team twice in a season, much less twice in a 14-day period. Yeah, I'll remember this one, for as long as I'm around to enjoy it. In the meantime, here are some of the things I think I saw in Iron Bowl #82, Auburn 26, Alabama 14.....
 

• Auburn opened the game with a variety of offensive formations. Not totally "new," but with little twists and tweaks that had to have caused Alabama some concern. Five wide, stacks to both sides, wide splits for the wide receivers, staggered splits, etc. Those things are small, of course, but have a surprising effect on an opponent's preparation and "tendencies" that have been drilled into players' head in the weeks leading up to the game.
   
• Saw one WR stack with H-back Chandler Cox lined up to block for a WR screen. Cox has lined up at WR before, and has even caught a pass out there, but him as a lead blocker for a guy like Ryan Davis is an exciting idea.
   
• Noticed that AU went nearly the entire game with Austin Golson at left tackle, Marquell Harrell at left guard, Dunn at center, and Braden Smith and Darius James at right guard and tackle respectively. Not sure why that combination was chosen, as I've thought Tega has been much improved in recent weeks, especially on pass protection. It may well have been because Harrell has improved to the point of being one of our "best five."
   
• On the subject of the AU offensive line, I was relatively happy with their play as a group this week. Yes, almost every one of them lost some battles.....that is going to happen when you are going against great competition.....but they all won more battles than they lost, which is pretty good considering the opponent. I thought the pass protection was, for the most part, very good.
   
• The growth of Jarrett Stidham over the course of the season has been remarkable. Sure, he had a great arm when he arrived, but he is a much, much better quarterback today than in September. He sees the pressure, recognizes the coverages, gets rid of the ball, etc. Early this season, I had my doubts about Chip Lindsey's reputation as a developer of quarterbacks, but he has earned my respect in that vein.
   
• Going into the season, we all recognized the potential in our defensive line. Those guys have certainly not disappointed, and their play vs Georgia and Alabama has been huge. They are tremendously talented, and they are very well-coached. It caught my eye once in the Iron Bowl when all four defensive linemen recognized an Alabama screen pass at the same time, and reacted accordingly. That's great coaching. Dontavious Russell, Marlon Davidson, Derrick Brown, Andrew Williams, Jeff Holland, and Nick Coe have ALL stepped up their game here in Amen Corner, and both individually and as a group, they've been instrumental in AU reaching the heights they currently enjoy.
   
• Jeff Holland didn't pile up stats in this game, but he was unquestionably a factor in Alabama's disappointing offensive numbers. Holland played a very intelligent game, using his speed and leverage to keep Jalen Hurts from escaping the pocket.
   
• Late in the game, when Auburn's pass rushers were nearly spent, Nick Coe made a couple of big plays. Reminded me that Coe was a national champion wrestler in high school. Anyone who has ever wrestled competitively knows how exhausting that sport can be. Coe pushed through the fatigue in the game and made a couple of key plays on a late Alabama drive.
   
• There's an old expression that goes, "The more things change, the more they stay the same". Although Gus Malzahn credited Alabama DC Jeremy Pruitt with "changing" the Alabama defense, they still brought the same two-man blitz from the wide side of the field that they were bringing in 2010. And as Gus pointed out on an ESPN show in 2010, there are ways to attack that scheme. Those were effective then, and were effective again in 2017.
   
• I've noticed Auburn freshman TD Moultry getting more and more playing time late this season, including in big games. Saw the youngster make a couple of excellent plays in this one, and, as is probably appropriate for a freshman stud, saw him get absolutely steamrolled by Alabama's Josh Jacobs on a kickoff return. He learned from the experience, though, as he nailed Jacobs on the next kick return. Experience is a tough teacher, but there's nothing better.
   
• Since Auburn won the game (and rather comfortably), I consider it ok to address the officiating. In short, I wasn't impressed. I don't have a problem at all with hard-nosed football, but I thought Alabama's Rashaan Evans should have been ejected for ripping off Stidham's helmet. Evans took a couple of other cheap shots that weren't called. I also don't mind "physical" pass coverage, but if you're going to allow it for one team, allow it for both.
   
• Seems like everyone's favorite football topic these days is "play calling." Fans talk about it, TV "experts" talk about it; even coaches talk about it. For my part, I thought Auburn's "play calling" this week was outstanding. With all their five-star players, the Alabama defense was slightly off-balance almost the entire game. The early Auburn onslaught on the perimeter had its desired effect, and the knot in the middle became looser and looser, allowing just enough room for AU to produce an "adequate" running game.
   
• Kudos to the Auburn secondary for limiting Bama WR Calvin Ridley to 3 receptions for 38 yards. There were mistakes made, but it's important to remember: when you are competing against a really good (can't bring myself to describe them as "great") opponent, you are going to lose a battle now and then. I thought the secondary played very well. Carlton Davis gets most of the credit for taking Ridley out of the bama offense, but I saw true freshman Jordyn Peters deny Ridley a critical catch once. Thought it was impressive that the youngster was trusted enough to be put in that position.
   
• Gotta give some credit to the Auburn crowd at the game. Made me proud when Saban told the CBS sideline reporter during his halftime interview, "I can't hear what you're asking me."
   
• I thought Chandler Cox played his tail off again. As I keep saying, when you go against real competition, you don't win every play. But Cox was a factor once again, and had a direct impact on the game.
   
• Did not like the fact that we chose to run the "tackle-not-really-eligible" play on the two-point conversion attempt. That trick play has been done to death, and fools nobody anymore. Time to retire that one permanently.  Please.
   
• Kudos to little Aiden Marshall for putting the ball down inside the Alabama five twice. And to the punt coverage players that were down there to down the ball.
   
• On Alabama's 55-yard kick return, I have no way of knowing, but I *think* the ball was supposed to be kicked to the left side, and it actually went to the right, which gave the return team a ready-made angle on the coverage. Thanks to the AU defense, no real harm came of that gaffe.
   
• Tremendous open-field tackle by Stephen Roberts on bama's Bo Scarborough on a key third down attempt. Roberts is around 185 pounds with his pads on, and Scarborough is a good 230. Not a form tackle for sure, but a tough one and one not everybody can make.
   
• Kerryon Johnson is a man. Enough said.
   
• I wasn't really sure what to think when Gus hired Kevin Steele as DC. Steele has been around forever, and I've always thought he was a little underrated. But let's face it, he's getting up there in years, and I wondered if he still had the fires. Well, he's been a fantastic addition to the AU football program. Alabama could not convert third downs, and could not keep their offense on the field. When Steele played lots of youngsters throughout the season, it hurt Auburn's defensive stats. But it built quality depth across the board, and that depth is paying huge dividends here at the end of the season. I'll be very disappointed if Steele doesn't win the Broyles Award this year.
   
• What can I say about Ryan Davis? 11 targets, 11 catches. I can remember lots of fans complaining about the WR screens last year. But with an athlete like Davis, those plays are dynamic. And it helps to have a QB who can put the ball on the money and get it out there quick. Davis, a former high school QB, is electric with the ball in his hands and a little open space.
   

I could go on and on about this game, and I'm sure it's one we'll all talk about for a long time. I was impressed with Auburn's preparation, at both the micro and macro levels. I was impressed with the players, playing with great emotion and passion, but keeping it under control. The game plan, in all three phases, was well thought out, and well taught. Bottom line, we have the players...and the coaches....to compete with anybody in college football.

If you made it this far, thanks for taking the time, and WAR EAGLE!!!!

Corch I appreciate your review. I just had shoulder surgery no. 6 and I'm late to the party. Looks like those crossing routes played out pretty good...enuff for now...

Prince Tega didn't play a whole lot, but I noticed him on a couple of plays. On one, he put his head on the wrong side of the DL he was blocking, and KJ had to take a stutter step to let the penetrating defensive lineman overrun the play before taking off for a good gain. On another play, Tega showed excellent quickness and balance. The kid has the tools; he just has to understand the game. Head placement for an offensive lineman is as important as anything he does. That last statement is a mouthful...one of my three cardinal rules for o-line...

In other words...don't let the victory over Mizzou get to your heads...nice win...but we have much work to do...

6 hours ago, War Knight said:

Stats insight would probably save Gus his career, assuming he'd listen. Good work nab keep it up.

I'm baffled as to what we're doing on special teams though. Both punt units are pathetic 

Gus has been very 'hands on' with special teams practice...just sayin'

1 hour ago, bigbird said:

While I, like you, loved his aggressive play in the run game, I couldn't help but think about how many times previously he has been beaten in pass coverage because he is trying to be too aggressive.  I hope he has found the balance to be an effective safety playing the pass as well as he does the run. If not, Clemson will certainly expose it.

PARTY POOPER...but right on target

Spot on assessment of our DE technique.Its an old school read that is not good these days. Hey what do you think about the lack of use of our TE?

14 minutes ago, tigerman1186 said:

Time to bring back Coach Lorendo as our OC.....

Actually coached against him as a high school coach after he left Auburn...he was a trip...

On ‎11‎/‎15‎/‎2016 at 11:15 AM, lionheartkc said:

Name one team in the past 10 years who has had 3 of 5 running backs out, with one of the remaining 2 playing hurt, their starting H-Back/Fullback out, and their Quarterback with an injured throwing arm?

I really wish some of you would go back and re-watch the game.  Or maybe just read this article... http://auburn.247sports.com/Bolt/Rhett-Lashlee-on-drops-We-all-have-a-part-in-Georgia-loss-48997489.

3-5 drops... one of those is a catch, we convert the first down and get the offense rolling. Even with Sean struggling, we could have moved the ball.  We just didn't. As for the run game, even Stove with his speed and determination couldn't break a long run.  Georgia has one of the best rushing Ds in the country.  We sell out the run with no threat to pass and we're going no-where without our battering ram and his lead blocker.

so how was it we continually had third and short after two runs but made the decision to 'pass'...Eric Zeier, former Ga. qb repeatedly said we were doing Ga. a favor

WE HAD NO PLAN B...PERIOD

3 hours ago, Tigercj said:

i just believe these young men deserve an apology from Gus and Rhett for the plan they put together and both need to donate there pay check this week to some charity because they did not earn it.

EXACTLY

     "A small detail that has been interesting to me for a couple of years now is the technique of our defensive ends at times. When the OT blocks down, the DE steps down with him. Pretty standard stuff, but our guys seem to allow the offensive blocker to get on their outside arm, which allows them to be “logged” (hooked), and results in them losing contain. I saw both Carl Lawson and Marlon Davidson do it in this game. On the positive side, I saw Derrick Brown execute the technique perfectly once when he was lined up at DE, and he made a big play."

You are spot on and as a former stand-up DE it is maddening. That constantly causes us to lose the edge.

On ‎10‎/‎30‎/‎2016 at 3:38 PM, WarTiger said:

       Have to admit I was a little surprised when Rhett Lashlee pulled out the old tackle-eligible play with an offensive lineman (in this case, Darius James) lined up imitating a wide receiver. Despite James’ “I’m open! I’m open!” antics, no one in the Ole Miss secondary was fooled into covering him (he was not an eligible receiver). Still, the Rebs did fail to account for “tackle” Jalen Harris on the other side, resulting in an uncontested touchdown catch for Harris. A question: Since Harris is actually a tight end by trade, does that play count as a pass to a tight end…..even though he was lined up as a tackle?   No such thing as a tackle eligible in college football.  It doesn't exist.  Harris was an end not a tackle.  He has to be on the end of the line or in the backfield to be eligible to go downfield and since he was on the line, he had to be on the end, therefore he's an end not a tackle.    I realize this may be playing semantics a bit but the term tackle eligible is used incorrectly since a tackle is never eligible to go down field on a pass play. 

Ditto,that's the TE pass I alluded to last week when someone lamented not throwing to that position...AND ,btw,Jalen Hurts is no Chad Kelly

I concur on your OL assessment...Braden Smith sometimes destroys opponents...ask Mack from A&M...I think DJ gives us great push and if we employed that same attack vs A&M by running at their speed rush ends we would have controlled that game...

On ‎9‎/‎26‎/‎2016 at 2:30 PM, JMR said:

With Louisiana Monroe coming up, it’s time now for Auburn to focus on Auburn. What needs to be changed? What’s working, what’s not, and what needs to be kept or discarded.? What are we doing that helps our opponents anticipate our play? Lots to be done, and this is a good time to start tweaking.

EXACTLY...

On ‎9‎/‎19‎/‎2016 at 11:00 AM, RunInRed said:

Cole Cubelic has an interesting take ...

Cole is partly right except this was a pass play. However, it was a new strategy for A&M and it was the first play so I can forgive that one but they did this exact rush strategy by both ends repeatedly and we never adjusted...remember the 0-line coach is not on the sideline. Gus said 'we need to adjust quicker'...the post game presser is a little late. We need to put our best run blockers in the game on o-line and quit trying to position players by body type...Mike Horton should be playing(sorry Robert Leff) and I'm not sure Darius James shouldn't be used more in our heavy package.