Here's Why Auburn Will Run Over Louisville

[augolf1716 21,197]

You're an idiot if you think we blow them out. This will be a good game.

There is nothing like being called an idiot by a guy whose profile pic looks like he had a tough time getting his GED. :/

I just finished 2 years of college & have joined the United States Air Force.

Everyone calm down or the thread is gone. Take it to PM's if you want to continue your back and forth.

[mustache eagle 2,406]

You're an idiot if you think we blow them out. This will be a good game.

There is nothing like being called an idiot by a guy whose profile pic looks like he had a tough time getting his GED. :/

I just finished 2 years of college & have joined the United States Air Force.

thanks for serving!

[Rednilla 5,391]

I don't know that L'ville has the horses top to bottom of their defensive depth chart to keep up.

Neither do we. Our starting 11 I feel good about. The depth concerns me.

I'm actually not so concerned about depth, to be honest. That's primarily because I feel so good about the 2 deep on the defensive line...and if Justin Garrett's new shoes prove to keep him off the injured list, then that extends to the linebackers as well. No matter what, though, having those premier big men up front, particularly multiple pass rushing threats, makes the defense as a whole so much better.

Until I see the depth step up on the field, esp the DL, and even more so DT, I'm concerned.

With Adams, Lambert, and Lawrence all having game experience and the ability to play DT, I don't feel too bad about Russell and Swain rounding out the bunch, and of course we get Lawson back to go with Lambert (when he's at end), Kennion, Harrell, and President, plus adding in Cowart, Williams, and Thornton. No, there isn't as much experience in depth, but there's a ton of young talent, and with just one or two stepping up the line should have solid depth. I understand the hesitancy to buy into the hype of players who have not played on an SEC Saturday before (or who have done so relatively unremarkably), I just see a five star and three four stars who will be taking the field for the first time, and in a situation where they don't have to be anything more than an understudy for one of the guys who has been there.

I know I'm in the minority, but I still believe if Lawson hadn't been injured last year and offensive lines had to deal with both him and Adams while Lambert was getting up to speed, Ellis Johnson would be seen in a polar opposite light amongst Auburn people. I like Muschamp's defense better because there is even more flexibility (not to mention more ways to screw with blocking assignments while maintaining a formidable pass defense), but I honestly don't think we would be in position to have the defense I believe we will this year without Johnson laying the fundamental foundations that had become lackluster during the Chizik years.

It's possible, but difficult to believe one player would have kept CEJ here.

As was with Chizik & the dumpster fire he created, was a blessing in disguise to land Gus. Ditto with Muschamp.

Now, what can Gus & Jacobs do to keep Boom here?

I don't think it's all that difficult to believe when considering how well the defense played in the first half of the season while having to mask the lack of a consistent pass rush from the front 4.

And even if he wouldn't have been enough, I still think Johnson got the players fundamentally sound again, which had been lacking with Chizik, and Muschamp is benefiting from that because his fiery attitude has them building on those fundamentals. THAT is the biggest thing I believe has been lost in all the distaste for xCEJ: he wasn't the motivator CWM is, but he taught sound defensive football.

As for what Jacobs and Malzahn can do to keep Muschamp here, I think a telling detail is the way Gus praised Muschamp for being the best defensive mind in all of football. Of course it was a shot across the bow at Saban, but I believe it was putting NFL teams on notice that this guy is for real. Provided he is successful for 2, 3, maybe even 4 years, it isn't so difficult to see him taking a DC job in the League...and I believe that's what Malzahn sold him on when he lured him back to the Plains. Come back to the school where he's already made two stops (which is a stone's throw from his wife's family), prove once more that he truly is the defensive mind he has been thought to be while being given all the credit for defensive success (as well as proving he can work well with an offensive genius like Gus), and in a few years he pads his resume with NFL credentials before stepping back to the college head coaching ranks if he so chooses.

[FoundationEagle 637]

...even if they don't portend a future where Auburn hangs 60 on every team we play.

Portend...pppffftttt. You think you're better than me, Boy??

I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul?

You do realize you just called yourself the devil and admitted he's going to win the who's better battle, right? Nice move lol

[tgr4lfe 220]

I don't know that L'ville has the horses top to bottom of their defensive depth chart to keep up.

Neither do we. Our starting 11 I feel good about. The depth concerns me.

I'm actually not so concerned about depth, to be honest. That's primarily because I feel so good about the 2 deep on the defensive line...and if Justin Garrett's new shoes prove to keep him off the injured list, then that extends to the linebackers as well. No matter what, though, having those premier big men up front, particularly multiple pass rushing threats, makes the defense as a whole so much better.

I know I'm in the minority, but I still believe if Lawson hadn't been injured last year and offensive lines had to deal with both him and Adams while Lambert was getting up to speed, Ellis Johnson would be seen in a polar opposite light amongst Auburn people. I like Muschamp's defense better because there is even more flexibility (not to mention more ways to screw with blocking assignments while maintaining a formidable pass defense), but I honestly don't think we would be in position to have the defense I believe we will this year without Johnson laying the fundamental foundations that had become lackluster during the Chizik years.

After thinking about it I actually agree with you on this. Our first few games last year the defense was clicking and doing really well...even in the Ms St and Alabama games we had multiple interceptions and had enough chances in the red zone to win those games. We seemed to be completely off in the Texas A & M and Georgia games. I am wondering if the whole Whitehead situation caused Johnson to lose control/respect of the players on defense. Something happened towards the middle where the defense just looked lost. That could be due to a lack of improving week to week or maybe the effort wasn't there in practice.

We have more depth this year than we have had in years. Depth should be a strength for us this year.

Where exactly do we have proven depth? Serious question.

OL, WR, LB

[Dual-Threat Rigby 8,673]

<p>

Our Offense is light years better than any Auburn offense Petrino has ever seen.

Was that seriously just put into words?

<img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/rscotta831/AuburnvsArkansas2010CamvNelson2.jpg">

<img src="http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y41/rscotta831/supernewton.jpg">

Light years is wrong but our second best player from that offense ended up getting kicked off the team after two years and the third was Darvin Adams

My logic on Dyer doesn't mean much but we heavily outtalent that 2010 offense. Just has to click

[Rednilla 5,391]

Where exactly do we have proven depth? Serious question.

OL, WR, LB

To be fair, I don't think the depth at receiver is particularly proven beyond the starters, we've just got too much talent not to think someone will step up. We do seem to have an embarrassment of riches in experience at the other two positions, however.

Of course, it's not too often in college football that you are afforded the luxury of "proven" depth, considering the turnover ratio of players. The bigger deal is that there just aren't a whole lot of scholarship players on the roster who wouldn't be right in the thick of the race to start at their respective position for at least half the schools in the conference...which is something that has not been true for quite some time when considering that this IS Auburn and all.

[ClaytonAU 4,606]

I don't know that L'ville has the horses top to bottom of their defensive depth chart to keep up.

Neither do we. Our starting 11 I feel good about. The depth concerns me.

I'm actually not so concerned about depth, to be honest. That's primarily because I feel so good about the 2 deep on the defensive line...and if Justin Garrett's new shoes prove to keep him off the injured list, then that extends to the linebackers as well. No matter what, though, having those premier big men up front, particularly multiple pass rushing threats, makes the defense as a whole so much better.

I know I'm in the minority, but I still believe if Lawson hadn't been injured last year and offensive lines had to deal with both him and Adams while Lambert was getting up to speed, Ellis Johnson would be seen in a polar opposite light amongst Auburn people. I like Muschamp's defense better because there is even more flexibility (not to mention more ways to screw with blocking assignments while maintaining a formidable pass defense), but I honestly don't think we would be in position to have the defense I believe we will this year without Johnson laying the fundamental foundations that had become lackluster during the Chizik years.

After thinking about it I actually agree with you on this. Our first few games last year the defense was clicking and doing really well...even in the Ms St and Alabama games we had multiple interceptions and had enough chances in the red zone to win those games. We seemed to be completely off in the Texas A & M and Georgia games. I am wondering if the whole Whitehead situation caused Johnson to lose control/respect of the players on defense. Something happened towards the middle where the defense just looked lost. That could be due to a lack of improving week to week or maybe the effort wasn't there in practice.

We have more depth this year than we have had in years. Depth should be a strength for us this year.

Where exactly do we have proven depth? Serious question.

OL, WR, LB

Beyond the starters at OL? No wrong. No proven WRs beyond the starters... And LB? As in the position that Muschamp as openly said he's not happy about?

[VipersStrike1 230]

We have more depth this year than we have had in years. Depth should be a strength for us this year.

Where exactly do we have proven depth? Serious question.

We don't. Not one backup. Holsey in Nickel situations is a player with PT, but he hasn't "proven" anything to date.

[cole256 17,084]

How many teams actually have "proven" depth. We're not thin at OL. Actually the only place we're thin at is in the secondary

[VipersStrike1 230]

<p>

Our Offense is light years better than any Auburn offense Petrino has ever seen.

Was that seriously just put into words?

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...mvNelson2.jpg">

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...pernewton.jpg">

Light years is wrong but our second best player from that offense ended up getting kicked off the team after two years and the third was Darvin Adams

My logic on Dyer doesn't mean much but we heavily outtalent that 2010 offense. Just has to click

And that's the key. The 2015 offense has to click. And if they want to be better than the 2010 offense, they've got Mt. Everest to climb.

Having Cam operate the running game with Dyer (an overrated 5-star) and McCalebb (a 4-star scat back) was like having Tommy Frazier, Darren McFadden and Percy Harvin operate a running game.

Because of Cam, defenses found it near-impossible to guess the ball carrier.

Reference McCalebb's 8.5 YPC in 2010, the best in Auburn history (50 carries minimum), which dropped to 5.7 in 2011.

That is a direct result of losing the greatest running threat at QB in the history of the game. Multiple defenders guarded Cam and McCalebb reaped the air space. The LSU game-winning speed sweep a perfect example.

Dyer had bigger gaps too. Altho not as significant, his YPC dropped from 6.0 in 2010 to 5.1 in 2011. That's losing Cam too.

The 2015 backfield may have 5-star talent, but right now, it's all unproven. Bottom line, they don't have a Cam.

As for the 2015 WR group, sure, there's talent. But as a starting four, I'd easily take Adams, Zachery, Blake and Burns. It's not even close. They were as sure-handed as it gets.

2015 is another Gus offense. There will be yardage and points again. That's a given. But no Gus offense will ever top 2010.

[Tiger 8,827]

I agree with you ViperStrike, but also we lost a ton on the OL following 2010 which attributed some to the dips in YPC. But your points also influenced the difference in numbers.

[ClaytonAU 4,606]

How many teams actually have "proven" depth. We're not thin at OL. Actually the only place we're thin at is in the secondary

Never said we were thin.

[WarTiger 3,907]

<p>

Our Offense is light years better than any Auburn offense Petrino has ever seen.

Was that seriously just put into words?

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...mvNelson2.jpg">

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...pernewton.jpg">

Light years is wrong but our second best player from that offense ended up getting kicked off the team after two years and the third was Darvin Adams

My logic on Dyer doesn't mean much but we heavily outtalent that 2010 offense. Just has to click

And that's the key. The 2015 offense has to click. And if they want to be better than the 2010 offense, they've got Mt. Everest to climb.

Having Cam operate the running game with Dyer (an overrated 5-star) and McCalebb (a 4-star scat back) was like having Tommy Frazier, Darren McFadden and Percy Harvin operate a running game.

Dyer was not overrated. Dyer was a great player he just lacked the maturity and attitude needed to remain at Auburn.

Because of Cam, defenses found it near-impossible to guess the ball carrier.

Reference McCalebb's 8.5 YPC in 2010, the best in Auburn history (50 carries minimum), which dropped to 5.7 in 2011.

That wasn't just because of Cam Newton. You seem to be totally overlooking the fact that we lost most of the offensive line after the 2010 season. That offensive line was among the best units in the country, if not they best.

That is a direct result of losing the greatest running threat at QB in the history of the game. Multiple defenders guarded Cam and McCalebb reaped the air space. The LSU game-winning speed sweep a perfect example.

see comment above. The offensive line in 2010 was a HUGE factor into our success.

Dyer had bigger gaps too. Altho not as significant, his YPC dropped from 6.0 in 2010 to 5.1 in 2011. That's losing Cam too.

Maybe. but also losing the offensive line.

The 2015 backfield may have 5-star talent, but right now, it's all unproven. Bottom line, they don't have a Cam.

As for the 2015 WR group, sure, there's talent. But as a starting four, I'd easily take Adams, Zachery, Blake and Burns. It's not even close. They were as sure-handed as it gets.

It's easy to look back and say this unit or that unit was better, largely because they've already done it. But seems like you are already dismissing the unit we will put on the field this year before they even get on the field.

2015 is another Gus offense. There will be yardage and points again. That's a given. But no Gus offense will ever top 2010.

There's no way you could possibly know that. You can ASSUME that based on the amount of production we had that year, but to make it an absolute statement is way over the top. In fact, 2013 came incredibly close to out producing the 2010 group in terms of TD's and Points. Take a look

2010 75 touchdowns 577 Points

2013 73 touchdowns 553 Points.

[McLoofus 35,182]

...even if they don't portend a future where Auburn hangs 60 on every team we play.

Portend...pppffftttt. You think you're better than me, Boy??

I'll bet a fiddle of gold against your soul?

You do realize you just called yourself the devil and admitted he's going to win the who's better battle, right? Nice move lol

Yeah, I employ self deprecating humor sometimes. Irony, too, if I'm feeling particularly daring.

[VipersStrike1 230]

<p>

Our Offense is light years better than any Auburn offense Petrino has ever seen.

Was that seriously just put into words?

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...mvNelson2.jpg">

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...pernewton.jpg">

Light years is wrong but our second best player from that offense ended up getting kicked off the team after two years and the third was Darvin Adams

My logic on Dyer doesn't mean much but we heavily outtalent that 2010 offense. Just has to click

And that's the key. The 2015 offense has to click. And if they want to be better than the 2010 offense, they've got Mt. Everest to climb.

Having Cam operate the running game with Dyer (an overrated 5-star) and McCalebb (a 4-star scat back) was like having Tommy Frazier, Darren McFadden and Percy Harvin operate a running game.

Dyer was not overrated. Dyer was a great player he just lacked the maturity and attitude needed to remain at Auburn.

Because of Cam, defenses found it near-impossible to guess the ball carrier.

Reference McCalebb's 8.5 YPC in 2010, the best in Auburn history (50 carries minimum), which dropped to 5.7 in 2011.

That wasn't just because of Cam Newton. You seem to be totally overlooking the fact that we lost most of the offensive line after the 2010 season. That offensive line was among the best units in the country, if not they best.

That is a direct result of losing the greatest running threat at QB in the history of the game. Multiple defenders guarded Cam and McCalebb reaped the air space. The LSU game-winning speed sweep a perfect example.

see comment above. The offensive line in 2010 was a HUGE factor into our success.

Dyer had bigger gaps too. Altho not as significant, his YPC dropped from 6.0 in 2010 to 5.1 in 2011. That's losing Cam too.

Maybe. but also losing the offensive line.

The 2015 backfield may have 5-star talent, but right now, it's all unproven. Bottom line, they don't have a Cam.

As for the 2015 WR group, sure, there's talent. But as a starting four, I'd easily take Adams, Zachery, Blake and Burns. It's not even close. They were as sure-handed as it gets.

It's easy to look back and say this unit or that unit was better, largely because they've already done it. But seems like you are already dismissing the unit we will put on the field this year before they even get on the field.

2015 is another Gus offense. There will be yardage and points again. That's a given. But no Gus offense will ever top 2010.

There's no way you could possibly know that. You can ASSUME that based on the amount of production we had that year, but to make it an absolute statement is way over the top. In fact, 2013 came incredibly close to out producing the 2010 group in terms of TD's and Points. Take a look

2010 75 touchdowns 577 Points

2013 73 touchdowns 553 Points.

Of course the 2010 O-Line was part of it. We all knew going into that season that OL was the strength of the team. That's a big part of why 2010 is the best offense we've ever had.

The 2013 O-Line was equally as good, if not better, esp with Robinson & Dismukes.

My entire point is we (nor anyone else) will have a Cam again. He was easily the best College Football QB to ever play. When you had 9 defenders set for him, he handed it off or accurately hit WRs that were money.

And when it was 3rd & 3 or less, he was money up the middle nearly every single time. How many offenses in the history of football can say that?

Impossible to scheme against.

Even if a Gus offense surpasses 2010 in a stat (2013 had 29 more total yards), I still take 2010 every single time because of Cam being indefensible.

He made average RBs like Dyer & McCalebb look like studs. And that's because there were less than typical numbers of defenders set for them.

And yes, Dyer was an average RB. Best he ever did was 1242 rushing yards. Terrible blocker, which is why Fannin relieved him on 3rd & longs. Wasn't a receiving threat. Amongst a stable of other average RBs, started 5 games in his 2-year stint at Louisville.

[cole256 17,084]

How many teams actually have "proven" depth. We're not thin at OL. Actually the only place we're thin at is in the secondary

Never said we were thin.

I wasn't saying that to you bro. Somebody said it though, I should have quoted it to avoid confusion, my bad.

[ClaytonAU 4,606]

How many teams actually have "proven" depth. We're not thin at OL. Actually the only place we're thin at is in the secondary

Never said we were thin.

I wasn't saying that to you bro. Somebody said it though, I should have quoted it to avoid confusion, my bad.

Haha it's good! Just find it funny that people think we have depth on the D side when in reality the staff had out right said that we don't.

[WarTiger 3,907]

<p>

Our Offense is light years better than any Auburn offense Petrino has ever seen.

Was that seriously just put into words?

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...mvNelson2.jpg">

<img src="http://i2.photobucke...pernewton.jpg">

Light years is wrong but our second best player from that offense ended up getting kicked off the team after two years and the third was Darvin Adams

My logic on Dyer doesn't mean much but we heavily outtalent that 2010 offense. Just has to click

And that's the key. The 2015 offense has to click. And if they want to be better than the 2010 offense, they've got Mt. Everest to climb.

Having Cam operate the running game with Dyer (an overrated 5-star) and McCalebb (a 4-star scat back) was like having Tommy Frazier, Darren McFadden and Percy Harvin operate a running game.

Dyer was not overrated. Dyer was a great player he just lacked the maturity and attitude needed to remain at Auburn.

Because of Cam, defenses found it near-impossible to guess the ball carrier.

Reference McCalebb's 8.5 YPC in 2010, the best in Auburn history (50 carries minimum), which dropped to 5.7 in 2011.

That wasn't just because of Cam Newton. You seem to be totally overlooking the fact that we lost most of the offensive line after the 2010 season. That offensive line was among the best units in the country, if not they best.

That is a direct result of losing the greatest running threat at QB in the history of the game. Multiple defenders guarded Cam and McCalebb reaped the air space. The LSU game-winning speed sweep a perfect example.

see comment above. The offensive line in 2010 was a HUGE factor into our success.

Dyer had bigger gaps too. Altho not as significant, his YPC dropped from 6.0 in 2010 to 5.1 in 2011. That's losing Cam too.

Maybe. but also losing the offensive line.

The 2015 backfield may have 5-star talent, but right now, it's all unproven. Bottom line, they don't have a Cam.

As for the 2015 WR group, sure, there's talent. But as a starting four, I'd easily take Adams, Zachery, Blake and Burns. It's not even close. They were as sure-handed as it gets.

It's easy to look back and say this unit or that unit was better, largely because they've already done it. But seems like you are already dismissing the unit we will put on the field this year before they even get on the field.

2015 is another Gus offense. There will be yardage and points again. That's a given. But no Gus offense will ever top 2010.

There's no way you could possibly know that. You can ASSUME that based on the amount of production we had that year, but to make it an absolute statement is way over the top. In fact, 2013 came incredibly close to out producing the 2010 group in terms of TD's and Points. Take a look

2010 75 touchdowns 577 Points

2013 73 touchdowns 553 Points.

Of course the 2010 O-Line was part of it. We all knew going into that season that OL was the strength of the team. That's a big part of why 2010 is the best offense we've ever had.

The 2013 O-Line was equally as good, if not better, esp with Robinson & Dismukes.

My entire point is we (nor anyone else) will have a Cam again. He was easily the best College Football QB to ever play. When you had 9 defenders set for him, he handed it off or accurately hit WRs that were money.

And when it was 3rd & 3 or less, he was money up the middle nearly every single time. How many offenses in the history of football can say that?

Impossible to scheme against.

Even if a Gus offense surpasses 2010 in a stat (2013 had 29 more total yards), I still take 2010 every single time because of Cam being indefensible.

Here's the thing, though. We never know who is coming down the pipe so to speak. To totally write off anything in the future is just asinine. Sure Cam Newton was a once in a lifetime player, but that doesn't mean he was the greatest QB ever. He wasn't. He played ONE year at Auburn. Had he played multiple years and consistently put up those numbers, then sure. But based on one season. NO.

He made average RBs like Dyer & McCalebb look like studs. And that's because there were less than typical numbers of defenders set for them.

And yes, Dyer was an average RB. Best he ever did was 1242 rushing yards. Terrible blocker, which is why Fannin relieved him on 3rd & longs. Wasn't a receiving threat. Amongst a stable of other average RBs, started 5 games in his 2-year stint at Louisville.

I just disagree. Dyer was a terrific rb. Lot's of rb struggle blocking when called upon. That's not exclusive to Dyer. Did you know Bo only caught 26 passes in 4 years? Not exactly a receiving threat either. I guess you have forgotten that he broke Bo Jackson's freshman season record? Of all the running backs Auburn has had, HE was the one that broke Bo's record. First freshman Running back at Auburn to eclipse 1,000 yards. 2300 yards in two years is NOT average especially when you consider that the QB on one of those teams had over 1400 yards rushing himself. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry in his two years at Auburn. His attitude problem cost him at Auburn, Arkansas State (where he never played a down) and Louisville which limited his carries. Had he remained at Auburn ( and cleaned up his attitude) he was on pace to break Bo's career rushing mark at Auburn. That is NOT an average rb, sorry.

You have your opinion, and I have mine. We'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.

[cole256 17,084]

My opinion cam was the best qb and Dyer was a great hb. He wasn't a terrible blocker either

[cole256 17,084]

How many teams actually have "proven" depth. We're not thin at OL. Actually the only place we're thin at is in the secondary

Never said we were thin.

I wasn't saying that to you bro. Somebody said it though, I should have quoted it to avoid confusion, my bad.

Haha it's good! Just find it funny that people think we have depth on the D side when in reality the staff had out right said that we don't.

I think we're thin in the secondary myself. I don't agree we are at o line though.

[IronMan70 3,277]

So what we have found out is this. That without regard to who played on the team, there IS a possibility that a future AU offense can surpass the 2010 offense after all. That in fact the 2013 offense almost did just that.

[au03cobrafan 0]

You mean to tell me that Jason Campbell, Robert Johnson, Anthony Mix, Aromashodu, and others were not quality offensive players? These guys may have been young but that was a lot of talent.

[Dixie1860 27]

Not sure what's so wrong about having an honest discussion about Auburn football. :dunno:/> If somebody started a thread claiming that we'll all get our own unicorn that we'll then ride across a rainbow to a giant pot of gold, I think some of y'all would get your britches twisted when somebody else pointed out that unicorns' hooves tend to slip on rainbows. "You a unicorn hater or a poverty lover?!?!?!"

VipersStrike1, I always appreciate the introduction of facts into these types of conversations, even if they don't portend a future where Auburn hangs 60 on every team we play.

My Unicorn has a Buick posi-trac rear end. We kill rainbows.

[McLoofus 35,182]

^That thing got a hemi?

Cam had the greatest single season of any college quarterback. I think we will see better, though. Maybe not this year, maybe never at Auburn. But it will happen.

Dyer was a stud. Absolutely a 5* talent until he broke his brain. All that nonsense and kid *still* made into an NFL training camp.