Darkness Falls

I don't know whether to cry or throw-up. I think that was the worst game I have seen Auburn play in about three years. Even the loss to Wisconsin didn't feel this bad. So here are my thoughts on what went wrong.

Offensively, we sucked. Plain and simple. But, who's fault was it? I rest blame on Borges and the offensive line. First, let's deal with Borges. The first two plays netted over twenty yards, and somehow, he believes it's time for a trick play. Two things need to be mentioned about trick plays: (1) Don't use them if you don't have to, and (2) they usually require some sort of set-up. We had all the momentum in the world and were marching the ball down the field. Instead, we were facing second and forever and never regained the spark we had out of the gates. Thanks, Al.

And then there's the offensive line. That was horrible, guys. Really. I think we realized today just how valuable Joe Cope is. I'm not saying our second-string center played horribly for his first start, but um...I think the game-play had a lot to do with him. Several bad snaps and an out-of-sync offense usually points toward the center.

And, branching out from those two main points, I have to say that the backs, receivers, and QB didn't play that poorly. Cox did make some bad throws, but he also did some good things. Of course, the play that will haunt my dreams like Ben Obomanu's dropped TD pass against Ole Miss was Courtney Taylor's blantant miss play of a sure TD pass. Come on, fellas. Look like you want to be there. Nobody showed up for this game. Nobody. We had kickoffs going out of bounds, shanked punts, bad snaps, dropped passes, missed blocks, missed tackles, etc etc.

And then there was the defense. Muschamp....this is Arkansas, buddy. They RUN THE DAMN BALL EVERY DOWN!! Figure it out. Yes, the Hogs have two very good tailbacks and a great offensive line, but they should not have been able to run the same four running plays for seven yard gains throughout the course of the game. That is unforgiveable. When we're putting eight guys in the box, it might be nice to force a punt every once in a while. Defensively and offensively, Auburn was out-coached.

I hate to pull out this analogy, but for those of you that have every experienced this, you'll understand. Sometimes, when you are playing Dynasty Mode in NCAA 2K6, your team will be the heavy favorite against some horrible team (not that Arkansas is horrible, but hear me out). Regardless, the computer will decide that you won't win the game. It's not a matter of bad calls. I can only think of one call against Auburn tha was actually a "bad" call. It was all the little things. Fumbles that weren't. Penalties that could have gone either way that went against us. Guys falling forward the extra inch they needed or QB's getting the extra 1/4 second they need. All of the little things that, when added up, can make the fight a vertical war as opposed to simply an uphill battle. That, in my opinion, is partly to blame for this three possession disaster of a blowout. I can hardly say I am truly surprised, particularly since I called the game a "trap" game, but it seemed like the deck was stacked against us today.

So, where do us Auburn fans go from here? We weren't screwed by anyone other than ourselves and what appeared to be fate. Sometimes, that's just the way it goes. From here, we root for LSU to lose to Florida, Arkansas to lose to USC and LSU, and Auburn to win out. That's quite a tall order, but stranger things have happened. Besides shooting ourselves in the foot yet again, we've given the ESPN talking heads more reason to dislike Auburn. If nothing else, we've insured we'll be the underdogs next week.

Well, this post was more of a catharsis for me than a necessary recap, but I welcome anybody else's thoughts on the game, the future, or any other positives we can take from this game. Despite the heaviness in my heart, I'm still not ashamed to end with WAR DAMN EAGLE!

Weekend Preview

Here are my thoughts on this weekend's games.

Arkansas at Auburn - In theory, Auburn should absolutely crush Arkansas. However, this game screams "trap." With Florida next week, how can the Tigers not look past Arkansas. Yeah, the Hogs are 3-1, but the victories have not been pretty. Mustain has not been a savior. Yet. McFadden and Felix Jones are gonna give AU fits all day, but as long as Mustain doesn't play way above his talent level (at this point), Auburn should pull away in the second half (as it usually does). Auburn 27 - Arkansas 17.

LSU at Florida - I am still not sold on Florida, but LSU gets my vote every week for the rest of the season (unless they blow this game). The Bayou Bengals are playing lights out on both sides of the ball, and I certainly wouldn't want to play them right now. With Florida's secondary being its "weak spot" (I use the term in the relative sense), I don't think the Gators can keep up with all of LSU's receivers. If JaMarcus doesn't choke, how can you not like LSU in the upset. LSU 21 - Florida 20.

Texas v. Oklahoma - The Horns have played no one since Ohio State, and Oklahoma got screwed against Oregon. Now that we've got that out of the way, who's gonna win? I think both teams are incredibly overrated, but that's based more on personal opinion than concrete facts, so feel free to disagree with me. I think Texas is too good for Adrian Peterson to carry the Sooners. Of course, i said the same thing prior to the Oregon game and he proved me wrong. I would love for him to do it again, but as of right now, I believe Texas has more of the key pieces in place than the Sooners. Texas 34 - Oklahoma 30.

South Carolina at Kentucky - I am looking forward to this game, honestly. UK has been surprisingly decent this year, at least on offense. Meanwhile, SC has actually found a quarterback and an offense. I think Newton and Rice will score at will, but UK's vertical passing game will keep it close at home. USC 28 - UK 23.

Tennessee at UGa - So Joe Tereshinski III makes a triumphant return. What exactly does that mean, though? It's not like the Dawgs were scoring in bunches before he got hurt. I think UT is too good for UGa at this point, but Joe T3 could be the spark UGa needs. Somehow I doubt it. Vols 17 - UGa 13.

Oregon at Cal - Both teams are actually decent this year. After the bad opening, Cal has rolled. Oregon has played well despite getting a free victory. In my mind, they are pretty even. I think Cal is going to win because I never have any faith in Oregon. In fact, I think Karma keeps Oregon from winning this game. They'll be winning with less than a minute to go and somehow Cal will win on a controversial play. Then the Pac-10 will suspend the officials for six days (just long enough that they won't be short-handed the next weekend). There will of course be a huge public outcry and Oregon will secede from the Union. The FBI will be brought in to investigate Pac-10 officiating and the government will ultimately shut down the entire conference. All this bc of instant replay...be careful what you wish for. Oregon 42 - Cal 45.

Other games of interest that I don't feel like picking:

Nebraska v. Iowa State. I think an upset is quite possible.
Hawaii v. Nevada. Just a couple of fun offenses.
Washington v. USC. We get to see how far Ty has come.
Clemson at Wake. The bubble had to burst sometime.

Side Note

I actually have moderate respect for the Pac-10 this year. This may be the first time in my life that I have said (typed) those words. The top three teams can play with anybody: USC, Oregon, and Cal. It's the middle-tier teams that have really stepped up this year: UCLA, Washington, Washington State. Of course, it's still early. However, so far, so good. Arizona State can be included in that middle-tier usually, but they are falling on hard times. Honestly, I think that regardless of the number of wins each team has, Michigan State and Arizona State should play in a bowl game just to see who wants to lose more.

Power 22: Week Five

Sorry I missed a week, but things have been pretty crazy. So, based on two weeks worth of games, here are my new rankings. Just a reminder, my poll is based on how these teams are playing right now, so there are certainly going to be some variations between this poll and the Polls.

1. Ohio State - They are playing well enough to get the one spot. The defense still has question marks in my opinion, but the offense is that good.

2. LSU - I have no idea how Auburn beat LSU. Of course, LSU has looked fantastic against only inferior competition. Let's see what they do this weekend at Florida.

3. Michigan - Consistency is the reason they are here. Beating a too-highly-ranked ND is not as impressive as it was at the time. However, the Wolverines are playing well on both sides of the ball.

4. Auburn - There is a lack of explosiveness in this year's version, but they can still score. Auburn has been grinding out points this year. Though it hasn't been pretty, they have put together some very impressive drives. The defense is doing a lot of bending, but not too much breaking. There are certainly question marks, but no other team stood up this weekend.

5. Florida - They still look good, but not great. I, for one, am not a huge fan of the rotating quarterback thing, but whatever works, I guess. The Gators better bring their A game if they are gonna take out LSU. The three-week gauntlet of hell begins this weekend.

6. USC - Putting the Trojans any lower than this would be unfair when you consider all the of the personnel losses they've suffered through. Much like Auburn, this team is good enough to beat anybody, but it is clearly missing an explosive element. Furthermore, the defense looks good, but not great. There are some tough games coming up for USC, and unlike the last couple of years, both sides of the ball will have to play well for the Trojans to win.

7. Louisville - I am almost starting to believe in this team. I can't wait for the showdown with West Virginia. With injuries to their two best players at key positions, somehow Louisville continues to lay on the points. I'm impressed.

8. Cal - After getting embarrased by Tennessee, Cal is just plain demolishing its opposition. Should be a good game this weekend with Oregon.

9. West Virginia - Bye week. Weren't pretty last time out.

10. Texas - Since the loss to Ohio State, the Horns have slaughtered some horrible teams. They get Oklahoma this weekend and get to remind the rest of the college football world that they still exist.

11. Tennessee - I still like Ainge. He's looked great this year. Nothing much to report, though. This weekend's game with UGa should reaffirm how much better the Vols are this year than last.

12. Oregon - The Ducks aren't taking any prisoners. After the refing fiasco, Oregon needs this win against Cal to prove it's legit.

13. Georgia Tech - It's always up and down with this team, but right now, they are up.

14. Notre Dame - Dropping the Irish this low is going to get me yelled at by many, I'm sure. However, they just haven't played that well. There are more deserving teams ahead of them. And yes, I'm aware that ND beat GaTech. Reminder, this is how they are playing now.

15. Clemson - They keep on chuggin'. Both sides of the ball are playing well, so what more can you ask for? How about some legit competition? Well, at least Wake is undefeated. Close enough.

16. Georgia - The Dawgs are lucky they made the poll. This rotating QB/RB situation has gotten ridiculous. Pick one and go with it. And, if you don't mind, try and find the endzone.

17. Nebraska - Ugly game, but they won. I still like the Huskers this year. Solid team.

18. South Carolina - Somehow, Steve Spurrier has turned Syvelle Newton into a good-looking quarterback. What the hell? He made some good looking throws, didn't make too many mistakes, and single-handedly prevented Auburn from stopping S. Carolina on about five third downs. Not a bad night.

19. Oklahoma - The Sooners have kind of fallen off the face of the earth after the Oregon game, and let's be honest, I think everyone was happy about that. If they get past Texas this weekend, there will be even more (justified) whining to look forward to.

20. Missouri - And the Tigers continue to win sans Brad Smith. Nicely done. This weekend's game with Texas Tech will give us a nice indicator of how far along Missouri really is.

21. Boise State - Hell, somebody's gotta crash the party.

22. Rutgers - I think this may be their second appearance in my poll. Wow. As long as they keep winning with a run-only offense, they can keep the 22-spot.

On the Cusp: Texas Tech, TCU, Florida State, Wake Forest, Washington State, Penn State, VaTech, BC.