Tuberville needs to stem Tide

[DKW 86 8,097]

http://www.al.com/sports/press-register/pf...&thispage=1

This is posted here only to ask this question: Could Finebaum be anymore lost about the AU Nation? I dont know anyone that thinks bad about CTT. I do know that we have real jobs and dont fawn all over CTT like the bammers do with every coach they hire.

Tuberville needs to stem Tide

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Is it taps for Tommy Tuberville? Should the fat lady begin clearing her voice?

If you listen to the chatter around the state, you might think the end is nigh for a man who is 33-5 over the last three seasons, to say nothing of an epic five straight wins over his cross-state rival. So what gives?

Everyone knew the arrival of Nick Saban would cause aftershocks with Auburn people. It was generally accepted that Saban would get off to a fast start in his first full recruiting season.

However, if you listen to some of the experts, you might think Tuberville has already begun to wave the white flag in surrender. Regardless of the rhetoric, and it's worth pointing out that national signing day isn't until Feb. 5, 2008, the question begs asking: Has the pendulum already shifted and is there anything Auburn can really do about it?

The mere fact that this topic is even being discussed indicates there's a problem for Tuberville. Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man.

Say it ain't so but it is.

Tuberville is respected by the Auburn Nation and genuinely appreciated, for myriad reasons. His program has been consistent in recent years (something that wasn't the case early in Tub's career), it has skated NCAA trouble and was able to wiggle out of the sociology scandal last year without even a scratch. Of course, the mark against Alabama also weighs heavily to the orange and blue crowd, many of whom grew up in the '70s and were treated like red-headed stepchildren as Paul Bryant was mowing down the Tigers to the tune of nine in a row.

There was a time when Auburn's entire self-worth was measured against Alabama. That has slightly changed over the years.

But is there any real passion and zeal for Tuberville and likewise, does he have any real fire for Auburn, that is, other than collecting a handsome paycheck?

Tuberville has successfully moved on from the Jetgate scandal but the wounds have never really healed. And there is a fear among certain Auburn people that one bad year and a subsequent loss to Alabama and the wheels could come off this program in a hurry.

Of course, the very same thing working against Tuberville -- namely, the Saban juggernaut -- could also give him fresh legs and a closer kinship with the Auburn Nation.

Many Auburn fans have bragged about the 3-2 mark Tuberville owns against Saban but the echoes from that debate are mostly hollow. Tubs won the three games in Auburn and Saban won the two in Baton Rouge. However, during this period, most believed Saban to be the better coach because of his two SEC titles and the national crown.

Still, if Tubs can move that mark up to 4-2 following this year's Iron Bowl, Auburn fans, even those lukewarm on Tuberville, will have no choice but to warmly hug the man.

However, the biggest test against Saban will likely come the following year if this scenario plays out.

With a 4-2 record against Saban, can anyone imagine how the pendulum might swing if the record goes to 5-2 and Tuberville breaks serve on the home-field advantage? Something to think about.

Until then, Auburn fans inch toward an uncertain 2007 season, Auburn's ninth under Tuberville. It is natural for fans, even in good times, to experience a "fatigue factor" with a coach (see Phil Fulmer).

Regardless, Tuberville has a chance to energize the troops this season with a big year and quiet the drumbeat from the other side of the state. But it won't be easy. If Tuberville can't find a way to make something big happen this year, the future will likely grow more difficult with the ever changing landscape in the state.

Contact Paul Finebaum at:

at finebaumnet@yahoo.com

His column appears Tuesdays and Saturdays in the Press-Register.

[saniflush 0]

I saw this article earlier and that was pretty much my first thought as well. Either baldie is REALLY out of touch with AU folks or he is ONLY playing to his SPUAT fanbase.

Geez, just talking about him makes me have to take a wincrimson.

[stoic-one 1,590]

The mere fact that this topic is even being discussed indicates there's a problem for Tuberville. Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man.

The fact it is being discussed is because you are trying to generate news where there is none Paul - DOLT

[AUChizad 0]

However, if you listen to some of the experts, you might think Tuberville has already begun to wave the white flag in surrender. Regardless of the rhetoric, and it's worth pointing out that national signing day isn't until Feb. 5, 2008, the question begs asking: Has the pendulum already shifted and is there anything Auburn can really do about it?

This is exactly the kind of fodder the "Southeasts Leading Opinion-maker" (of ignorant bammies unable to form their own opinions, but want to sound like they know what the hell they're talking about at the water cooler) feeds the mullet nation.

Crap like this is the fuel that their unjustifiable chest thumping thrives on.

I love how he keeps saying stuff like the "pendulum has already shifted" and there's not "anything Auburn can really do about it" as if we lost 2007's Iron Bowl already. Or that either team has even played its first game.

But that's just typical of the crapstoned. Hypothetical foresight suits them much better than harsh reality.

[Justin5 20]

funny, if you ignore the title and first 3 paragraphs i actually think its a pretty good article

[AUChizad 0]

The mere fact that this topic is even being discussed indicates there's a problem for Tuberville. Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man.

The fact it is being discussed is because you are trying to generate news where there is none Paul - DOLT

Yeah, talk about your self-fulfilling prophecies.

"You can tell Saban is awesome while Tuberville is insignificant because we can't stop talking about him. This just in, Saban farted today. It was clearly the fart of a national championship coaching legend."

[JohnDeere 0]

You hear the same garbage on the radio too.

And I have meant to post the question here.......is anybody here unsatisfied with the Auburn football team's performance in the past 4-5 years? If so, do you point blame at CTT?

Who are these "Auburn people" that PF refers to regularly on his show that are dissatisfied with finishing in the 10 or top 15 on a yearly basis and dissatisfied with top recruiting classes and so dissatisfied they believe CTT is on the hotseat?

Or would he just have the ignorance to generalize the Auburn fanbase in the same manner as the Alabama fanbase?

[JB33 1]

Not much else to say but .

[AWK 0]

Stupid waste of time.

[mec814 0]

I see nothing true in finescum's rambling. I feel dirty just reading it second hand here.

I wish all Auburn people would refrain from giving him air or internet time.

[otterinbham 0]

Well, look at his ratings. He's getting into desperation time.

[PChamp119 96]

For the millionth time, not a damn one of you actually READ the article. You saw, Author = Finebaum, some words like "problem" and "AU Nation" and you guys automatically concluded that as "Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville."

Please, for the love of God, show me where he wrote that in this article. Where did he say Auburn was going to lose the Iron Bowl? Where? Where did he say Nick Saban was the greatest coach? Where?

Did you all fail reading comprehension throughout your lives? You guys never actually read the articles.

PF is talking about how Saban coming in has already affected the recruiting war. Whether you guys like it or not, RIGHT NOW Saban has a MUCH better class than Tuberville's according to "rankings." Whether you guys want to buy into the rankings and what they mean, is up to you. Yes we all know, that recruiting doesn't mean anything for a few years, so spare us that. And we all know Tuberville has til February (but if you think his class will match Saban's in terms of rankings, then I have a house on Lake Tahoe to sell you).

The article clearly states that this year the pressure is on Tubs. Saban has nothing to lose because he is not expected to win this year. If Saban can win in year 1 with his talent at JH (because he hasn't won there yet), that things will not look good for Tuberville. Yes, you can claim 5-1 over the past 6 years. But with the talent Auburn has, they are supposed to win and losing already foreshadows more losses in the near future. Not that Tubs would get fired or anything like that, but a sub-par season and losing to Saban and Alabama this year will likely put him in the situation he was in coming into the 04 season. Maybe not, but it's very possible. And a loss would give Alabama fans all the hope they have wanted and he made his $32M. That things are looking up for Alabama to take over the state again.

PF is right, Tubs needs to win this season. He needs to continue his streak that Auburn is on top and not let Saban and all the media hype mean anything. Next year there won't be as much pressure since the game is on the road and Saban will have a little more talent under his belt. But if Tubs can win AND YOU GUYS SHOULD BE LIKING THIS - if Tubs wins next year, on the road and cuts out that "only Tuberville can beat Saban at home" junk will disappear and Tubs will for sure have that upper hand on Saban and that will hurt the Bama nation. They are not expecting victory this year, but they will next year. Next year they also have a senior QB and if they can't win at home with Saban and a senior QB, it is not looking good. The following year it goes back to JH and Auburn has Kodi Burns for 3 more years... it won't look good for Alabama to win soon after.

This year the pressure is on Tubs to win the Iron Bowl. Next year it will be on Saban - that is the point to the article and I don't know how you can argue with that.

[The Bishop 5]

I've been around the board for some time. Thanks everyone for keeping me abreast of all things Auburn. I live in Frankfort, KY (technically still SEC country) and in a lot of ways am really glad I haven't been in the state for all this hullabaloo.

I don't respect Finebaum because of articles like this. He could have written a very good article on the recruiting struggles that both schools will face in-state. Instead, what we get is a highly charged piece meant to divide. The burden of proof that the bell tolls for Tommy is on him. My response is, "Really, Paul? Why?" I have never been a listener to Finebaum because of this. There are better sports shows out there to listen to. Responding to him either way just feeds the machine he is trying to build.

That said, I'm extremely anxious for the season to start. I can't wait to see what kind of team we actually field. My hunch is that we could be in for a really spectacular ride. I love watching Auburn play every year - not just the ones we win every game.

Oh, and people respond like this to him because he is at least good at this one thing - getting a reaction out of folks. It's your response - go with the gut. Want to rip Finebaum a new one? Go ahead. And don't worry if anybody else thinks you actually passed reading comprehension.

[80Tiger 909]

For the millionth time, not a damn one of you actually READ the article. You saw, Author = Finebaum, some words like "problem" and "AU Nation" and you guys automatically concluded that as "Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville."

Please, for the love of God, show me where he wrote that in this article. Where did he say Auburn was going to lose the Iron Bowl? Where? Where did he say Nick Saban was the greatest coach? Where?

Did you all fail reading comprehension throughout your lives? You guys never actually read the articles.

PF is talking about how Saban coming in has already affected the recruiting war. Whether you guys like it or not, RIGHT NOW Saban has a MUCH better class than Tuberville's according to "rankings." Whether you guys want to buy into the rankings and what they mean, is up to you. Yes we all know, that recruiting doesn't mean anything for a few years, so spare us that. And we all know Tuberville has til February (but if you think his class will match Saban's in terms of rankings, then I have a house on Lake Tahoe to sell you).

The article clearly states that this year the pressure is on Tubs. Saban has nothing to lose because he is not expected to win this year. If Saban can win in year 1 with his talent at JH (because he hasn't won there yet), that things will not look good for Tuberville. Yes, you can claim 5-1 over the past 6 years. But with the talent Auburn has, they are supposed to win and losing already foreshadows more losses in the near future. Not that Tubs would get fired or anything like that, but a sub-par season and losing to Saban and Alabama this year will likely put him in the situation he was in coming into the 04 season. Maybe not, but it's very possible. And a loss would give Alabama fans all the hope they have wanted and he made his $32M. That things are looking up for Alabama to take over the state again.

PF is right, Tubs needs to win this season. He needs to continue his streak that Auburn is on top and not let Saban and all the media hype mean anything. Next year there won't be as much pressure since the game is on the road and Saban will have a little more talent under his belt. But if Tubs can win AND YOU GUYS SHOULD BE LIKING THIS - if Tubs wins next year, on the road and cuts out that "only Tuberville can beat Saban at home" junk will disappear and Tubs will for sure have that upper hand on Saban and that will hurt the Bama nation. They are not expecting victory this year, but they will next year. Next year they also have a senior QB and if they can't win at home with Saban and a senior QB, it is not looking good. The following year it goes back to JH and Auburn has Kodi Burns for 3 more years... it won't look good for Alabama to win soon after.

This year the pressure is on Tubs to win the Iron Bowl. Next year it will be on Saban - that is the point to the article and I don't know how you can argue with that.

The sky is falling.

[tiger1432 0]

once again Ill say is saban will not beat CTT in 3 yrs and be gone

[CarolinaTiger 0]

Who is Shane?

[au9596 0]

For the millionth time, not a damn one of you actually READ the article. You saw, Author = Finebaum, some words like "problem" and "AU Nation" and you guys automatically concluded that as "Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville."

Please, for the love of God, show me where he wrote that in this article. Where did he say Auburn was going to lose the Iron Bowl? Where? Where did he say Nick Saban was the greatest coach? Where?

Did you all fail reading comprehension throughout your lives? You guys never actually read the articles.

PF is talking about how Saban coming in has already affected the recruiting war. Whether you guys like it or not, RIGHT NOW Saban has a MUCH better class than Tuberville's according to "rankings." Whether you guys want to buy into the rankings and what they mean, is up to you. Yes we all know, that recruiting doesn't mean anything for a few years, so spare us that. And we all know Tuberville has til February (but if you think his class will match Saban's in terms of rankings, then I have a house on Lake Tahoe to sell you).

The article clearly states that this year the pressure is on Tubs. Saban has nothing to lose because he is not expected to win this year. If Saban can win in year 1 with his talent at JH (because he hasn't won there yet), that things will not look good for Tuberville. Yes, you can claim 5-1 over the past 6 years. But with the talent Auburn has, they are supposed to win and losing already foreshadows more losses in the near future. Not that Tubs would get fired or anything like that, but a sub-par season and losing to Saban and Alabama this year will likely put him in the situation he was in coming into the 04 season. Maybe not, but it's very possible. And a loss would give Alabama fans all the hope they have wanted and he made his $32M. That things are looking up for Alabama to take over the state again.

PF is right, Tubs needs to win this season. He needs to continue his streak that Auburn is on top and not let Saban and all the media hype mean anything. Next year there won't be as much pressure since the game is on the road and Saban will have a little more talent under his belt. But if Tubs can win AND YOU GUYS SHOULD BE LIKING THIS - if Tubs wins next year, on the road and cuts out that "only Tuberville can beat Saban at home" junk will disappear and Tubs will for sure have that upper hand on Saban and that will hurt the Bama nation. They are not expecting victory this year, but they will next year. Next year they also have a senior QB and if they can't win at home with Saban and a senior QB, it is not looking good. The following year it goes back to JH and Auburn has Kodi Burns for 3 more years... it won't look good for Alabama to win soon after.

This year the pressure is on Tubs to win the Iron Bowl. Next year it will be on Saban - that is the point to the article and I don't know how you can argue with that.

BAMMER!!!!!!!!!

[AUloggerhead 2,861]

For the millionth time, not a damn one of you actually READ the article. You saw, Author = Finebaum, some words like "problem" and "AU Nation" and you guys automatically concluded that as "Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville."

Please, for the love of God, show me where he wrote that in this article. Where did he say Auburn was going to lose the Iron Bowl? Where? Where did he say Nick Saban was the greatest coach? Where?

Did you all fail reading comprehension throughout your lives? You guys never actually read the articles.

PF is talking about how Saban coming in has already affected the recruiting war. Whether you guys like it or not, RIGHT NOW Saban has a MUCH better class than Tuberville's according to "rankings." Whether you guys want to buy into the rankings and what they mean, is up to you. Yes we all know, that recruiting doesn't mean anything for a few years, so spare us that. And we all know Tuberville has til February (but if you think his class will match Saban's in terms of rankings, then I have a house on Lake Tahoe to sell you).

The article clearly states that this year the pressure is on Tubs. Saban has nothing to lose because he is not expected to win this year. If Saban can win in year 1 with his talent at JH (because he hasn't won there yet), that things will not look good for Tuberville. Yes, you can claim 5-1 over the past 6 years. But with the talent Auburn has, they are supposed to win and losing already foreshadows more losses in the near future. Not that Tubs would get fired or anything like that, but a sub-par season and losing to Saban and Alabama this year will likely put him in the situation he was in coming into the 04 season. Maybe not, but it's very possible. And a loss would give Alabama fans all the hope they have wanted and he made his $32M. That things are looking up for Alabama to take over the state again.

PF is right, Tubs needs to win this season. He needs to continue his streak that Auburn is on top and not let Saban and all the media hype mean anything. Next year there won't be as much pressure since the game is on the road and Saban will have a little more talent under his belt. But if Tubs can win AND YOU GUYS SHOULD BE LIKING THIS - if Tubs wins next year, on the road and cuts out that "only Tuberville can beat Saban at home" junk will disappear and Tubs will for sure have that upper hand on Saban and that will hurt the Bama nation. They are not expecting victory this year, but they will next year. Next year they also have a senior QB and if they can't win at home with Saban and a senior QB, it is not looking good. The following year it goes back to JH and Auburn has Kodi Burns for 3 more years... it won't look good for Alabama to win soon after.

This year the pressure is on Tubs to win the Iron Bowl. Next year it will be on Saban - that is the point to the article and I don't know how you can argue with that.

Take a Midol and get back to the discussion in a couple of days.

[CircleDrill 180]

once again Ill say is saban will not beat CTT in 3 yrs and be gone

I have also been saying this for quite some time.

Saban says at media days that his defense can't tackle basically because of lack of effort, and the bammers translate that into only a 10-win season. When the reality of a 7-5 or 8-4 season sets in, with another loss to Auburn, it's going to get ugly.

[WAREAGLEDVM 0]

What's a Finebaum?

[townhallsavoy 2]

For the millionth time, not a damn one of you actually READ the article. You saw, Author = Finebaum, some words like "problem" and "AU Nation" and you guys automatically concluded that as "Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville."

Please, for the love of God, show me where he wrote that in this article. Where did he say Auburn was going to lose the Iron Bowl? Where? Where did he say Nick Saban was the greatest coach? Where?

Did you all fail reading comprehension throughout your lives? You guys never actually read the articles.

PF is talking about how Saban coming in has already affected the recruiting war. Whether you guys like it or not, RIGHT NOW Saban has a MUCH better class than Tuberville's according to "rankings." Whether you guys want to buy into the rankings and what they mean, is up to you. Yes we all know, that recruiting doesn't mean anything for a few years, so spare us that. And we all know Tuberville has til February (but if you think his class will match Saban's in terms of rankings, then I have a house on Lake Tahoe to sell you).

The article clearly states that this year the pressure is on Tubs. Saban has nothing to lose because he is not expected to win this year. If Saban can win in year 1 with his talent at JH (because he hasn't won there yet), that things will not look good for Tuberville. Yes, you can claim 5-1 over the past 6 years. But with the talent Auburn has, they are supposed to win and losing already foreshadows more losses in the near future. Not that Tubs would get fired or anything like that, but a sub-par season and losing to Saban and Alabama this year will likely put him in the situation he was in coming into the 04 season. Maybe not, but it's very possible. And a loss would give Alabama fans all the hope they have wanted and he made his $32M. That things are looking up for Alabama to take over the state again.

PF is right, Tubs needs to win this season. He needs to continue his streak that Auburn is on top and not let Saban and all the media hype mean anything. Next year there won't be as much pressure since the game is on the road and Saban will have a little more talent under his belt. But if Tubs can win AND YOU GUYS SHOULD BE LIKING THIS - if Tubs wins next year, on the road and cuts out that "only Tuberville can beat Saban at home" junk will disappear and Tubs will for sure have that upper hand on Saban and that will hurt the Bama nation. They are not expecting victory this year, but they will next year. Next year they also have a senior QB and if they can't win at home with Saban and a senior QB, it is not looking good. The following year it goes back to JH and Auburn has Kodi Burns for 3 more years... it won't look good for Alabama to win soon after.

This year the pressure is on Tubs to win the Iron Bowl. Next year it will be on Saban - that is the point to the article and I don't know how you can argue with that.

Did YOU read the freaking article?

"Everyone knew the arrival of Nick Saban would cause aftershocks with Auburn people. It was generally accepted that Saban would get off to a fast start in his first full recruiting season.

However, if you listen to some of the experts, you might think Tuberville has already begun to wave the white flag in surrender. Regardless of the rhetoric, and it's worth pointing out that national signing day isn't until Feb. 5, 2008, the question begs asking: Has the pendulum already shifted and is there anything Auburn can really do about it?

The mere fact that this topic is even being discussed indicates there's a problem for Tuberville. Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man."

What part of that doesn't speak milestones for Finebaum's stance on Auburn football? Tuberville's waving the white flag in surrender?

Pointing out that signing day isn't until Feb. 5th is just a sidenote - to people who are actually Auburn fans, this is a fact that should be stated before every statement regarding Saban's current recruiting success. However, Finebaum writes of Saban's earthquake and the aftershocks with Auburn people...and I'm guessing you're part of the group who "generally accepted that Saban would get off to a fast start in his first full recruiting season."

Oh yeah, "Has the pendulum already shifted and is there anything Auburn can really do about it?" I read that part just fine. And the mere fact that Finebaum decided to post this drivel indicates there's a problem for Tuberville, right?

OH YEAH ONE MORE THING, "Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man." I'm assuming that Finebaum's source for this was an interview with you, PC. I so happen to believe that Tuberville is quite beloved by the Auburn fanbase. According to Finebaum, Auburn only respects Tuberville for myriad reasons. If you don't feel like kicking PF in the nuts for that statement, then I'm not really sure what you're doing here on this board.

Good God, I'm simply going through this article line by line and it's full of reasons for me to argue with your post. I really like the chest puffing with the mentioning of Alabama's nine straight Iron Bowl victories...anybody else wonder why that's needed in the article? I can't figure out why it's there. He mentions a little of our success and then stuns you with this, "But is there any real passion and zeal for Tuberville and likewise, does he have any real fire for Auburn, that is, other than collecting a handsome paycheck?" Yeah, I really have no reason to conclude that Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville.

"one bad year and a subsequent loss to Alabama and the wheels could come off this program in a hurry. " I love that line. Isn't it true? If we lose three games this season and/or lose to Bama, I'm gonna be picketing outside the athletic department.

"Of course, the very same thing working against Tuberville -- namely, the Saban juggernaut -- could also give him fresh legs and a closer kinship with the Auburn Nation." Ok, so for one, the line Saban juggernut. Love how that one is in an article depicting Tuberville as a lameduck coach. Two, the reason why Tuberville has a close kinship with the AU nation is because he's beaten Saban 3 out of 5 times?

And he wraps it up with talking about how good we'll look if we beat Saban's Bama team.

Honestly, PC. Do you think Finebaum was writing an article about us needing to beat Alabama in the Iron Bowl, or was it about something else? You know, we learned in my journalism class that you put the most important information at the beginning of the article and save the less for the end. I seem to be reading about Auburn's potential success at the end of this article, PC. All I see at the beginning is Finebaum kneeling on the Crimson carpet and giving it to Saban exactly how he likes it.

[AUMom 1]

I read the article at work today, and could not wait to get home and see what you guys

thought about it. 1) I think Finebaum must really be slipping in some kind of polls, 2) CTT is

a great (really good) recruiter, and I haven't seen any reason to believe that's going to

change, 3)Finebaum is just feeding the masses of Bammers what they want to hear, because they

are the only ones who call into his show and 4) HAS ANYONE JUMPED OFF A BRIDGE BECAUSE THEY

ARE AFRAID OF PLAYING BAMA OR SATAN THIS YEAR?!!

Puhlease!!!!!

We'll beat 'em at our house this year and we'll beat 'em in our OTHER house, Tuberville-Denny Stadium!

next year, and Satan will be HISTORY!!!

WAR EAGLE!!! Are you ready for some football?!!

[PChamp119 96]

However, if you listen to some of the experts, you might think Tuberville has already begun to wave the white flag in surrender. Regardless of the rhetoric, and it's worth pointing out that national signing day isn't until Feb. 5, 2008, the question begs asking: Has the pendulum already shifted and is there anything Auburn can really do about it?

The mere fact that this topic is even being discussed indicates there's a problem for Tuberville. Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man."

What part of that doesn't speak milestones for Finebaum's stance on Auburn football? Tuberville's waving the white flag in surrender?

PF clearly states that OTHER writers are making it sound like Tuberville is waving that white flag. He doesn't say he thinks Tuberville is. And he's right - with the recent articles out recently, writers have been taking shots at Tubs' recruiting class.

Pointing out that signing day isn't until Feb. 5th is just a sidenote - to people who are actually Auburn fans, this is a fact that should be stated before every statement regarding Saban's current recruiting success. However, Finebaum writes of Saban's earthquake and the aftershocks with Auburn people...and I'm guessing you're part of the group who "generally accepted that Saban would get off to a fast start in his first full recruiting season."

I have a house to sell you on Lake Martin too... if you don't think Saban has the better class right now, how you received any degree is far beyond me. You can say the recruits Tubs gets are the ones he wants and whatnot, or use the Feb 5th date all you want - but the fact is RIGHT NOW Saban is owning Tuberville in recruiting in terms of the ranking systems (which are what the other writers wrote about). I would like to see you refute that statement.

Oh yeah, "Has the pendulum already shifted and is there anything Auburn can really do about it?" I read that part just fine. And the mere fact that Finebaum decided to post this drivel indicates there's a problem for Tuberville, right?

It is a mere question. Will Saban keep up the recruiting job he has already started? He's been the coach for 8 months and he has already done a good job recruiting. Is it a sign that he will continue to get the recruits over Tuberville? It could be. Again, I don't see how you can refute that statement.

OH YEAH ONE MORE THING, "Part of it concerns the Auburn Nation's general lack of enthusiasm and passion for the man." I'm assuming that Finebaum's source for this was an interview with you, PC. I so happen to believe that Tuberville is quite beloved by the Auburn fanbase. According to Finebaum, Auburn only respects Tuberville for myriad reasons. If you don't feel like kicking PF in the nuts for that statement, then I'm not really sure what you're doing here on this board.

Do you honestly feel the Auburn nation is goo goo ga ga over Tuberville like the Alabama fans are with Saban? If you read:

Tuberville is respected by the Auburn Nation and genuinely appreciated

you would recognize that the above two statements (your quoted text and mine) conclude that he does recognize the Auburn fans like Tuberville. He never ever ever ever said they did not.

Now for your "Myriad Reasons comment" - did the fans love Tuberville in 2003? I would have to say that I agree that the fans didn't really fully come around until 2004 (or 2003 when the scandal broke out and they backed him up). I'm not saying EVERY fan or the majority - but to say he was greatly appreciated prior to 2004 is a laughing stock. If that were the case, he never would've been fired behind his back. You can say it was a few bad apples that pulled off Jetgate, but don't be foolish. I doubt 3 guys differed from the rest of the Auburn Nation.

Auburn fans do appreciate Tuberville. We do love him for what he has done, especially in relation to the Iron Bowl. No Auburn fan wants Tuberville to leave because of his recent success. But at the same time, you don't see mobs of people following him, trying to kiss him and get his autograph at every public appearance. The media is not following him either. Call it because Auburn people have respect and jobs or any other reason, but the treatment Saban is getting is much different than Tuberville. We all treated Tuberville like a god in 2004, but that emotion goes away. It will go away for Saban in due time as well. He is fresh off the Market right now, so to speak. Tuberville was in 04, but time has come and gone since then. We still love him - but we are starting to take him for granted now.

I really like the chest puffing with the mentioning of Alabama's nine straight Iron Bowl victories...anybody else wonder why that's needed in the article? I can't figure out why it's there.

If you read the entire paragraph, you would realize he was comparing it to the 5 in a row (which he mentions). He's comparing times now to times back then. They are both big streaks.

He mentions a little of our success and then stuns you with this, "But is there any real passion and zeal for Tuberville and likewise, does he have any real fire for Auburn, that is, other than collecting a handsome paycheck?" Yeah, I really have no reason to conclude that Finebaum thinks Auburn fans don't like Tuberville.

Read my long paragraph again 2 quotes up for how Auburn fans think of Tuberville. And it is not that Tubs doesn't love Auburn, but you have to admit: is there any coach that actually LOVES the program they coach at. With the exception of maybe Joe Paterno, I doubt it. Tuberville is at Auburn right now and it is the best job he has. I'm sure if USC came to him with a $5M contract, he'd take it. Money speaks. We all know he says "we all learned from the scandal" yada yada yada, but he would go.

"one bad year and a subsequent loss to Alabama and the wheels could come off this program in a hurry. " I love that line. Isn't it true? If we lose three games this season and/or lose to Bama, I'm gonna be picketing outside the athletic department.

He didn't say the fans would turn on him. He said the PROGRAM. As in - if Saban can win with the current talent, next year they will probably be favored and thus eventually would probably be the better of the two schools. If Tuberville wants to keep Auburn on top, he is going to have to continue beating Alabama. That is his measuring stick. The national scale is as well, but what we desire most is beating the hell out of Alabama and seeing them suffer and make up excuses.

"Of course, the very same thing working against Tuberville -- namely, the Saban juggernaut -- could also give him fresh legs and a closer kinship with the Auburn Nation." Ok, so for one, the line Saban juggernut. Love how that one is in an article depicting Tuberville as a lameduck coach. Two, the reason why Tuberville has a close kinship with the AU nation is because he's beaten Saban 3 out of 5 times?

I don't know what that is all about? Did he say the only reason Auburn fans like Tuberville is because of the Saban record? Didn't we discuss this earlier (you even mentioned your myriad reasons comment). But in addition, if he wins the next two over Saban, then the 5-2 mark will shut Alabama fans up. But that doesn't have to do with why we like Tuberville.

And he wraps it up with talking about how good we'll look if we beat Saban's Bama team.

Wow, you got something right from that article for once. If we beat Bama, we will look good. The point of the article is:

Regardless, Tuberville has a chance to energize the troops this season with a big year and quiet the drumbeat from the other side of the state. But it won't be easy. If Tuberville can't find a way to make something big happen this year, the future will likely grow more difficult with the ever changing landscape in the state.

That sums of his points - to keep Auburn on top, he must continue to win. If Alabama wins this year, it won't look good for our program and it will take a couple years (at least) to get back on top.

You may use your journalism techniques to point out PF's bias. That is all fine and dandy. I am not saying that PF is not a greater Bama fan inside than Auburn. We all know he is - he grew up a fan. But he is not purposely putting Tubs down or saying the fans don't like him. Journalism techniques, flournalism techniques. Apparently it works on you guys. But truly educated people who can read the words as they are actually written, can recognize that this is not an Auburn bashing article. It is a "The pressure is on Tuberville this year" and nothing more.

*edit* Sorry the quote thing doesn't work for some reason?

[rolltoomer 0]

The only thing possibly worse than dwelling on Finebaum is dwelling on Bammer PC Idiot.

Creez, he isn't worth the time of day.

[PChamp119 96]

Yup, I'm a Bammer... whatever. This is because I argue with what you guys say right?

How much do you contribute to Auburn? How many games have you been to recently? What have you actually done for Auburn that means anything?