2004 AU Team vs. 2009 UA Team

[kreagle 0]

I know this is hypothetical, but is there anyone on here that thinks that the "reigning" National Champions from last year could have a snowball's chance against our 2004 squad? I truly believe if they had lined up to play each other 10 times that Auburn would have won 9, if not all 10, of those contests. After the LSU game that year, we really gelled as a team as we all know.

I know that each year's eventual Champion has a defining moment and also that it doesn't hurt to have an element of luck for the ball to bounce your way in your quest for excellence. I'm certain to be accused of wearing my orange and blue glasses, but Alabama had, in my opinion, an extremely unusual amount of "luck" in their run last year. They survived against a very average Tennessee team, and also a somewhat below average Auburn team. (Note what I said and brought out in the first paragraph,....if they thought they had a hard time against last years team, what would they have done against our 2004 team?) This doesn't even bring out the fact that they went how many quarters and how many games without a holding call on their offensive line?

The point I am endeavoring to make is that Alabama wasn't really that good of a team collectively last year, and yet they miraculously still won it all, even against an Championship team, in Texas, whose quarterback bowed out of the contest before it really got started. Talk about luck?!!! I know our cross state rivals will take anything , no matter that it is tainted or dishonest,  but personally I like to know that we beat everyone while they were at their strongest and don't need help from the refs, etc.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

In my opinion the comparison isn't even close. Seriously who would you take: QB; Jason Campbell or Ginger McElroy (its a shame to even type his name next to Campbell). RB; Carnell Wiliams and Ronnie Brown or the guy who got punked in the IB and his side kick (who had about the same yards last year as an injured O-Mac). O-line; Marcus McNiel and Ben Grubbs or Who?? (I really doubt uat will have any Rookie Pro Bowl lineman this year in the league). WR; Ben Obomanu, Devin Aromashodu, Anthony Mix, Cortney Taylor or Julie-O "Hands of Stone." D-line; Jay Ratliff Stanley McClover, Quentin Groves or Fat Boy. LB; Now this is the one position where uat could rival the '04 Tigers. However, the Williams boys filled in nicely for the #1 defense in all of the land. Secondary; Carlos Rodgers, Will Herring, Junior Rosegreen or Karrem Jackson and 5' 5" Javier "HGH" Arenas.

Now I know I didn't list eveyone at each position but there is really no need. The answer is AU in a landslide.

[StatTiger 3,188]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

[AuburnEngineer 0]

It would be a close game, thats for sure.........I do think AU would win just less than 9 points

[Rednilla 5,449]

Well, first of all, I don't want to take anything away from Alabama last year, because any time a team goes through the SEC undefeated, it's an accomplishment. Their defense really was excellent...but that having been said, they don't belong on the same field as the 04 Auburn Tigers. I would put the defenses at about even, but with both offense and special teams that Auburn team was incredible. The biggest difference on offense is Jason Campbell. McElroy is a competent enough signal caller to limit mistakes, but JC just made play after play with both his arm and his legs (moving in the pocket and scrambling to give receivers time are at least as important as taking off to run, and Campbell did both exceedingly well). And, I'm sorry, but Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson don't measure up to the Caddy and the Hummer. And that is not even to mention the quintet of stud receivers (all of whom would be drafted, btw) who were making play after play or the incredible offensive line that included two first rounders...or, okay, I just looked it up, and Marcus McNeill was selected in the second round, but Ben Grubbs did go in the first round of the 07 draft.

Then you get to special teams. John Vaughn might well be the best kicker in the history of Auburn football, and we've had a few pretty good ones (Al Del Greco certainly comes to mind, and Jaret Holmes was no pushover, either...I know there are more, but it's been a long day). Kodi Bliss was a master of downing the ball inside the opponents' 20, and one should NEVER underestimate the value of field position. Plus, I'll match Tristan Davis up with Javier Arenas any day of the week...and that's not to mention putting Carnell back to receive punts in big situations. I can vividly remember some opposing special teams guy coming down the field kamikaze style and laying a pretty solid lick on Williams, but Caddy just kinda shrugged it off and picked up a good 15 or so yards. The announcer made the comment that this wasn't just some 175 lb corner or wideout back to catch the ball, it's an All-American running back, and that's the danged truth!

You mentioned how they barely beat an average Tennessee team; yeah, Auburn dang near burned Rocky Top down! I went into Wal-Mart with my ex-girlfriend, stood in line for half an hour, and came back to find that we'd scored three freaking touchdowns since I left! Let us not forget, that Volunteer team lost a total of three games; two of them were to us. If memory serves, they beat the crap out of Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl after losing the SEC Championship to us.

Yeah, sorry, but no, I can't see Bama's team last year holding a candle to the 04 Auburn Tigers.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

Well, first of all, I don't want to take anything away from Alabama last year, because any time a team goes through the SEC undefeated, it's an accomplishment. Their defense really was excellent...but that having been said, they don't belong on the same field as the 04 Auburn Tigers. I would put the defenses at about even, but with both offense and special teams that Auburn team was incredible. The biggest difference on offense is Jason Campbell. McElroy is a competent enough signal caller to limit mistakes, but JC just made play after play with both his arm and his legs (moving in the pocket and scrambling to give receivers time are at least as important as taking off to run, and Campbell did both exceedingly well). And, I'm sorry, but Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson don't measure up to the Caddy and the Hummer. And that is not even to mention the quintet of stud receivers (all of whom would be drafted, btw) who were making play after play or the incredible offensive line that included two first rounders...or, okay, I just looked it up, and Marcus McNeill was selected in the second round, but Ben Grubbs did go in the first round of the 07 draft.

Then you get to special teams. John Vaughn might well be the best kicker in the history of Auburn football, and we've had a few pretty good ones (Al Del Greco certainly comes to mind, and Jaret Holmes was no pushover, either...I know there are more, but it's been a long day). Kodi Bliss was a master of downing the ball inside the opponents' 20, and one should NEVER underestimate the value of field position. Plus, I'll match Tristan Davis up with Javier Arenas any day of the week...and that's not to mention putting Carnell back to receive punts in big situations. I can vividly remember some opposing special teams guy coming down the field kamikaze style and laying a pretty solid lick on Williams, but Caddy just kinda shrugged it off and picked up a good 15 or so yards. The announcer made the comment that this wasn't just some 175 lb corner or wideout back to catch the ball, it's an All-American running back, and that's the danged truth!

You mentioned how they barely beat an average Tennessee team; yeah, Auburn dang near burned Rocky Top down! I went into Wal-Mart with my ex-girlfriend, stood in line for half an hour, and came back to find that we'd scored three freaking touchdowns since I left! Let us not forget, that Volunteer team lost a total of three games; two of them were to us. If memory serves, they beat the crap out of Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl after losing the SEC Championship to us.

Yeah, sorry, but no, I can't see Bama's team last year holding a candle to the 04 Auburn Tigers.

I believe the play you are refering to Red was during the thrashing of #5 UGA. Does this refresh your memory?

View My Video

[StatTiger 3,188]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

I get what your sayin Stat. And your right, Its almost impossible to compare teams that played against different competition. However, if you compare the talent across the board, I'm in Red's camp. As in I really don't think its close. JMHO.

[Rednilla 5,449]

Well, first of all, I don't want to take anything away from Alabama last year, because any time a team goes through the SEC undefeated, it's an accomplishment. Their defense really was excellent...but that having been said, they don't belong on the same field as the 04 Auburn Tigers. I would put the defenses at about even, but with both offense and special teams that Auburn team was incredible. The biggest difference on offense is Jason Campbell. McElroy is a competent enough signal caller to limit mistakes, but JC just made play after play with both his arm and his legs (moving in the pocket and scrambling to give receivers time are at least as important as taking off to run, and Campbell did both exceedingly well). And, I'm sorry, but Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson don't measure up to the Caddy and the Hummer. And that is not even to mention the quintet of stud receivers (all of whom would be drafted, btw) who were making play after play or the incredible offensive line that included two first rounders...or, okay, I just looked it up, and Marcus McNeill was selected in the second round, but Ben Grubbs did go in the first round of the 07 draft.

Then you get to special teams. John Vaughn might well be the best kicker in the history of Auburn football, and we've had a few pretty good ones (Al Del Greco certainly comes to mind, and Jaret Holmes was no pushover, either...I know there are more, but it's been a long day). Kodi Bliss was a master of downing the ball inside the opponents' 20, and one should NEVER underestimate the value of field position. Plus, I'll match Tristan Davis up with Javier Arenas any day of the week...and that's not to mention putting Carnell back to receive punts in big situations. I can vividly remember some opposing special teams guy coming down the field kamikaze style and laying a pretty solid lick on Williams, but Caddy just kinda shrugged it off and picked up a good 15 or so yards. The announcer made the comment that this wasn't just some 175 lb corner or wideout back to catch the ball, it's an All-American running back, and that's the danged truth!

You mentioned how they barely beat an average Tennessee team; yeah, Auburn dang near burned Rocky Top down! I went into Wal-Mart with my ex-girlfriend, stood in line for half an hour, and came back to find that we'd scored three freaking touchdowns since I left! Let us not forget, that Volunteer team lost a total of three games; two of them were to us. If memory serves, they beat the crap out of Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl after losing the SEC Championship to us.

Yeah, sorry, but no, I can't see Bama's team last year holding a candle to the 04 Auburn Tigers.

I believe the play you are refering to Red was during the thrashing of #5 UGA. Does this refresh your memory?

View My Video

Thanks, I remember the return, I didn't remember the opponent. Makes sense that it was Georgia, though, because Carnell didn't return too many punts, but that was a big enough game and moment for him to be back there.

[Rednilla 5,449]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

I get what your sayin Stat. And your right, Its almost impossible to compare teams that played against different competition. However, if you compare the talent across the board, I'm in Red's camp. As in I really don't think its close. JMHO.

And to think the thing that was so special about that team was that it was a TEAM, not just a bunch of talented players. That was the year they decided to lock arms as they were coming out onto the field: one cohesive unit.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

I get what your sayin Stat. And your right, Its almost impossible to compare teams that played against different competition. However, if you compare the talent across the board, I'm in Red's camp. As in I really don't think its close. JMHO.

And to think the thing that was so special about that team was that it was a TEAM, not just a bunch of talented players. That was the year they decided to lock arms as they were coming out onto the field: one cohesive unit.

And that is exactly what they were.

[jmcrosson 203]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

You're right, this game was much closer than it ever should have been - at least in the final score. Alabama scored a garbage time TD to make the score look much closer than the game actually was. I remember that Tubs had called off the dogs and we were winning handily until the garbage time score by the Row Tighders.

[3rdgen 2]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

We did not crush them but you have to remember tubbs never was one to run up the score even when we had the ability to do so. I was watching the replay the 2004 sec championship game and at the end of the game when the ball was inside the 10 with like a minute to go and we took a knee. I was so frustrated about that just like I was in 2004 wanting to get one more score for all those voters who only look at scoring and margin of victory. But, tubbs never would go for those style points even though the tenn defense was totally whipped and would have surrendered a score easily.

[CRuthven 0]

In my opinion the comparison isn't even close. Seriously who would you take: QB; Jason Campbell or Ginger McElroy (its a shame to even type his name next to Campbell). RB; Carnell Wiliams and Ronnie Brown or the guy who got punked in the IB and his side kick (who had about the same yards last year as an injured O-Mac). O-line; Marcus McNiel and Ben Grubbs or Who?? (I really doubt uat will have any Rookie Pro Bowl lineman this year in the league). WR; Ben Obomanu, Devin Aromashodu, Anthony Mix, Cortney Taylor or Julie-O "Hands of Stone." D-line; Jay Ratliff Stanley McClover, Quentin Groves or Fat Boy. LB; Now this is the one position where uat could rival the '04 Tigers. However, the Williams boys filled in nicely for the #1 defense in all of the land. Secondary; Carlos Rodgers, Will Herring, Junior Rosegreen or Karrem Jackson and 5' 5" Javier "HGH" Arenas.

Now I know I didn't list eveyone at each position but there is really no need. The answer is AU in a landslide.

^^^^this^^^^

[imsoauburn 0]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

We did not crush them but you have to remember tubbs never was one to run up the score even when we had the ability to do so.  I was watching the replay the 2004 sec championship game and at the end of the game when the ball was inside the 10 with like a minute to go and we took a knee.  I was so frustrated about that just like I was in 2004 wanting to get one more score for all those voters who only look at scoring and margin of victory.  But, tubbs never would go for those style points even though the tenn defense was totally whipped and would have surrendered a score easily.

Definitely remember that! I wonder if it wouldve changed the voters minds at all if we wouldve scored one more TD. Cause we could have easily.

Living in Knoxville during the time it pissed me off when UT fans would say they almost beat us or "if it wasnt for those bullcrap holding calls" i always remind them that we couldve easily poured on another 7 at the end.

[kreagle 0]

It's difficult to compare teams from different years but IMO, the 2004 Auburn Tigers were a better team than the 2009 Alabama squad. I've heard some mention how close we came to upsetting them in 2009 but I also remind those same people that we trailed Alabama at halftime in 2004.

I see our offense in 2004 being much better than Bama's 2009 offense and a wash on defense. The 2004 LSU game was the only game the Tigers were truly in danger of losing and Bama came close to losing to Tennessee and Auburn in 2009.

One thing about that though, Auburn trailed 6-0 till the 1st drive of the 2nd half and never looked back. uat on the other hand had to have a last second drive to seal the win.

I agree but I'm just making the point that we did not crush them like most thought we should have in 2004, which is why it's difficult to hang your argument on those games alone.

I get what your sayin Stat. And your right, Its almost impossible to compare teams that played against different competition. However, if you compare the talent across the board, I'm in Red's camp. As in I really don't think its close. JMHO.

And to think the thing that was so special about that team was that it was a TEAM, not just a bunch of talented players. That was the year they decided to lock arms as they were coming out onto the field: one cohesive unit.

This is what is also happening to our current Tiger Team!!!!