I hope your players are as cocky as some of your fans!

[docpoco 0]

There's nothing I love about being a fan of a non-BCS school as much as the looks on fans faces when they realize they have overlooked us.

Some of you guys predicting 60 and 70 to nothing scores are out of your mind. These Red Wolves don't lay down for anyone (except MTSU, go figure  ). It has been 7 or 8 years since anyone scored that many points on ASU.

Even the last time Auburn and ASU played, what was it - 13-0 at halftime?

I'm not expecting to walk out of Jordan-Hare with a win on Saturday, but based on recent history, I hope for your sake that your players aren't taking this team as lightly as some of your fans on the prediction thread.

Iowa 24-21 (2009) L

Texas A&M 18-14 (2008) W

Texas 21-13 (2007) L

See you guys Saturday

[AUSportTalk 4]

It's all in fun. I can promise you one thing you don't have to worry about a Gene Chizik coached team to not be well prepared. It's going to be very interesting to see how the Red Wolves attack Cam Newton.

[JwgreDeux 1,219]

Welcome to the board, and I hope you make the trip to Auburn.  I promise you will enjoy yourself and be treated well during your stay.  I agree 60-70 points is a long shot, we're just excited  for some football. 

How many wins to you expect for your guys this year, and what do we need to know about your team that we don't know already?

[kreagle 0]

It's not that we, and especially myself, are expressing a cocky attitude. We are probably guilty of being overly confident in our team and the weapons we have accumulated. You also have to realize that because of our area we live in and just witnessing our hated rival win the National Championship, we have collectively stepped it up several notches and feel that our Tigers are going to be very special this year. Perhaps you'll understand it from this point of view,......"IF"....., Auburn struggles against the Red Wolves and barely gets by like some of those past games you've alluded to at the bottom of your post,.....we have got some serious, serious problems and in for a very long, long, year. Thanks, for standing up for your team, though!

[kevon67 2,368]

Iowa 24-21 (2009) L

Texas A&M 18-14 (2008) W

Texas 21-13 (2007) L

See you guys Saturday

===========================================================================

Left one out:   Auburn 27-0 (2006) L            Just trying to help ya buddy 

[aujess07 4]

Welcome to the board doc.

Here's to an injury free, enjoyable game!

I think we are all excited about football finally starting!

I hope you are able to enjoy our beautiful campus and grab a bite with some of the Auburn Family. You will have a wonderful experience if you're able to come down.

I do not see us putting 60-70 on the board Saturday, but I hope the game helps both teams in the future.

Being a former Troy student, I was at many games between Troy/ASU. It was always an exciting game to watch, and I have no doubt that Saturday will be the same. Good luck, and God bless.

[AUenginerd 13]

I'm not expecting to walk out of Jordan-Hare with a win on Saturday

I hope your players think you like you do.  Sorry, had to do it. 

[jvilletiger 0]

All of those teams you listed, including Auburn, weren't very explosive on O. This Auburn team will have the best O you will face all year. We shall see, but I expect atleast 50+ points to be scored by Auburn.

[AUenginerd 13]

All of those teams you listed, including Auburn, weren't very explosive on O. This Auburn team will have the best O you will face all year. We shall see, but I expect atleast 50+ points to be scored by Auburn.

I think 50 is a stretch, unless they open up a few scores on our D.  Expect things to be pretty vanilla unless we have to pull out a few tricks, as we want to keep our cards close to the vest in anticipation of the MSU game next week. 

[AUBSC76 0]

Me too, but I'm not worried that our coaches or team are overlooking your team.    Hope you know by now that a message board sampling isn't in any way representative of an entire fan base and is even less so the players and coaches.  Don't forget that our seniors were 19.5 underdogs to the Gators in '07 when our trFr O-line shocked pinhead in the Swamp.

I expect it to be something like 28-10 or 35-17 Auburn.   A closer game would actually be beneficial to our season IMHO.  Enjoy your trip to the Plains, you will be treated well and with respect.  War Eagle!

[AUSWEN 0]

Also forgetting:

Florida Atlantic - L 35-18 (2009)

Middle Tennessee - L 38-14 (2009)

I'm all for moderating expectations, but playing the devils advocate and saying "don't look past Ark St. or you'll get beat" is just silly to me. If we can't keep up with Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee then please kick us out of the SEC.

[The SandMntTiger 9]

My man the 60+ is no slight on your beloved Red Wolves (though I predicted 52 myself). I'm sure you guys have a fine football team and I actually posted earlier (on another thread) about how you guys had a great opportunity against Iowa last year and are certainly no chumps. Seriously I think you guys will be just as competive as the MSU game Auburn plays next week. Just understand, us fans are just giving props to the animal you will become familar with Saturday. Hope you have a good time at Auburn and don't be discouraged if our predictions become reality. I promise by the end of year, you will realize that was a damn fine football team you guys ran into.

[docpoco 0]

I have heard nothing but good things about Auburn and its fans (especially from some of the horror stories I have heard about SEC crowds - LSU and Florida mainly). I'm very excited about the game this weekend.

Someone said it will be interesting to see how we attack Cam Newton. From my experience, we probably won't. I think we will focus on stopping the run, which is something I expect Auburn to do a lot more of than most people are expecting given the ridiculous RB trio you guys have put together, and the relative inexperience at QB.

In the past we have always played a very conservative, clock control type game against big name teams, and with a strong running game we have been able to keep games close. Thats going to be different now, and I think we are going to throw the ball around a lot more.

I have a feeling both offenses will struggle at times, ASU more than Auburn, mainly because our defenses practice against almost the same exact offenses.

If anything I think Auburn fans will be surprised at our speed on defense overall, and also at the accuracy of the QBs. They are both very good passers.

I expect that Auburn will jump out to a quick lead, and then we will find our feet and Auburn will pull away at the end. I think something like 37 to 17 isn't unrealistic. I think it could be closer if our defense is on point, or its also possible our new offense will flounder, but either way I don't expect our defense to give up 60. I will eat  my crow if they do.              

[kAmU 1]

Arkansas State will be good with their no huddle hurry up spread.. I can't speak for the defense but Saturday will be a good way to start off the season. Hope to see everyone there!

[RockyMtnTiger 0]

Welcome to AE, look its all in fun why let it get to you? We as AU fans really only speculate based on the little tidbits coming out about our team and most of it is explosive offense and more stout D. Yea we are being a little liberal with our predictions because we are stoked. Good for you sticking up for your team, but our predictions are not done out of disrespect for ASU, but out of respect of what Coaches have assembled.

Loosen up have some fun its the beginning of a new season we are excited for ours and you are welcome to jump on the Auburn bandwagon as well  . Hope you make it to Auburn and enjoy a great football atmosphere and a moajority who will treat you kindly. War Eagle

[docpoco 0]

Also forgetting:

Florida Atlantic - L 35-18 (2009)

Middle Tennessee - L 38-14 (2009)

I'm all for moderating expectations, but playing the devils advocate and saying "don't look past Ark St. or you'll get beat" is just silly to me. If we can't keep up with Florida Atlantic and Middle Tennessee then please kick us out of the SEC.

I guess its just the little brother syndrome, but this team usually plays up to competition.

There is not question that by that point in the season, the wheels had fallen off. Our offense, led by a Sr Qb, formerly Davey Obrien candidate, was a complete disaster. We had lost a couple of heartbreakers to Troy and Iowa (both by 3 points I think) and we were playing like crap.

This team is a rollercoaster man. Its beyond all of us how we can beat Texas A&M and lose to Florida INternational just weeks apart, but we find a way......

[docpoco 0]

BTW, I want to thank everyone for being good sport so far.

also, you guys are invited over to our board (a large, surprisingly active board for a Sun Belt school). Warning, we have our fair share of guys that were dropped on their heads as babies.

www.arkst.com/board

[weaglebeagle 0]

Thanks for your input, I love hearing an honest opinion from the opposing team. I hope your enjoy your visit to Auburn if you're personally attending the game. Stop by some tailgates, eat some good food, it's a family down here.

[kevon67 2,368]

I have heard nothing but good things about Auburn and its fans (especially from some of the horror stories I have heard about SEC crowds - LSU and Florida mainly). I'm very excited about the game this weekend.

Someone said it will be interesting to see how we attack Cam Newton. From my experience, we probably won't. I think we will focus on stopping the run, which is something I expect Auburn to do a lot more of than most people are expecting given the ridiculous RB trio you guys have put together, and the relative inexperience at QB.

In the past we have always played a very conservative, clock control type game against big name teams, and with a strong running game we have been able to keep games close. Thats going to be different now, and I think we are going to throw the ball around a lot more.

I have a feeling both offenses will struggle at times, ASU more than Auburn, mainly because our defenses practice against almost the same exact offenses.

If anything I think Auburn fans will be surprised at our speed on defense overall, and also at the accuracy of the QBs. They are both very good passers.

I expect that Auburn will jump out to a quick lead, and then we will find our feet and Auburn will pull away at the end. I think something like 37 to 17 isn't unrealistic. I think it could be closer if our defense is on point, or its also possible our new offense will flounder, but either way I don't expect our defense to give up 60. I will eat  my crow if they do.              

I don't believe anyone is expecting ASU to lay down doc. I hope you enjoy your trip and the hospitality and the great food, while on the Plains.  You will find our fans and lsu fans are nothing alike. Yes I have Baton Rouge horror stories!!!

[telling tiger 156]

Salt or pepper for your crow? We expect a high powered offense this year obviously. You mentioned the RB threat we have, but, the recieving corp isn't exactly a pushover either. Come on down, have a good time, take the big check back to your athletic department and we'll both be happy. Good luck in the game.

[AUSWEN 0]

I hear you man, we had rough spots last year too. I think it sucks much worse to know what the team is capable of and watch them fall far short of it then to just know that the team is terrible.

[Weegle777 63]

I don't think Auburn will show much in this game. We will probably see alot of bubble screens, getting guys in space on the edges, maybe a reverse, really trying to pound the ball with our running game, and such. Kinda like A-Day was. Being that we have an SEC game on the next Thursday night, we will play a vanilla set of plays unless ASU gets close. I don't really see a 60-0 type score, but more likely 35-10 or something like that. I think we will be trying to let alot of our young guys get their feet wet in this game. Not slighting ASU by any means. Hope you enjoy Auburn my friend. WDE!!!!!!!

[docpoco 0]

I also wanted to mention, don't be surprised if you guys leave impressed by our own RB corp.

Derek Lawson is the all time state of Arkansas rushing leader (over 4,000 yards his senior season I believe) and has a great ability to slip through holes I never even see from the stands. He isn't gonna outrun the DBs, but I believe if he gets enough carries he will break a few runs and have a decent YPC.

Also, expect the true Freshman Frankie Jackson (3 -star) to play hard. He is from Alabama, and he feels - along with several Alabama fans that  I talked to - that Bama made a mistake letting him slip away. Rumor is they tried to move in late but he stood by his commitment. He is naturally going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder, but I don't know how many carries he will get.

The other 2 RBs, Jermaine Robertson (FB/RB hybrid) is a very hard runner, and Sir Gregory Thornton has very very good speed and quickness.

Overall, this offense I think as a whole will surprise - especially with Hugh Freeze's offense and mindset.

[AUApostle 7,054]

I would imagine that Gene doesn't want to put up an ungodly amount of points, so that we remain grounded headed into SEC play.  But, I feel like this offense could accidentally manage 3 or 4 more touchdowns in the second half to make it a very lopsided score.

[jcm81 2]

I also wanted to mention, don't be surprised if you guys leave impressed by our own RB corp.

Derek Lawson is the all time state of Arkansas rushing leader (over 4,000 yards his senior season I believe) and has a great ability to slip through holes I never even see from the stands. He isn't gonna outrun the DBs, but I believe if he gets enough carries he will break a few runs and have a decent YPC.

Also, expect the true Freshman Frankie Jackson (3 -star) to play hard. He is from Alabama, and he feels - along with several Alabama fans that  I talked to - that Bama made a mistake letting him slip away. Rumor is they tried to move in late but he stood by his commitment. He is naturally going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder, but I don't know how many carries he will get.

The other 2 RBs, Jermaine Robertson (FB/RB hybrid) is a very hard runner, and Sir Gregory Thornton has very very good speed and quickness.

Overall, this offense I think as a whole will surprise - especially with Hugh Freeze's offense and mindset.

Derek Lawson's Arkansas high school record was broken by one of our true freshmen, Michael Dyer.  Lawson had 3,090 yds his senior season and 4,198 in his career with 49 TDs.  Dyer had 8,097 yds in his career with 84 TDs.