Breaking Down the Depth Chart
Keep in mind that this depth chart is just for the first game. This is all subject to change with injuries and performance. I won't be breaking down any of the changes later in the season, though. This is all you get...and you'll like it.
QB: #2 Cameron Newton (6-6/250/Jr.)
#14 Barrett Trotter (6-2/211/So.)
No surprise here. We've known Cam was the man for a while now, but you have to feel for Neil Caudle just a little bit after sticking around for four years to be put behind Trotter in his senior season. However, he did have many chances.
RB: #27 Mario Fannin (5-11/228/Sr.)
#23 Onterio McCalebb (5-10/171/So.)
#5 Michael Dyer (5-9/215/Fr.)
Again, no surprise, although the coaches have recently said that this will probably be a three-headed monster. Auburn always seems to share the load pretty well when it comes to running backs.
HB: #32 Eric Smith (5-10/240/Jr.)
#4 Shaun Kitchens (6-3/217/Fr.)
#1 Trovon Reed (6-0/181/Fr.)
This shows how versatile Malzhan's H-back position can be. You've got a fullback, and tall lanky dude, and a speedster all used in the same position.
Talking With A Tiger: Philip Lutzenkirchen
Auburn sophomore tight end, Philip Lutzenkirchen, kindly agreed to answer a few questions for the 'Blogle about his time at Auburn, his musical taste, his hobbies, and his mustache. Feel free to leave a questions in the comments section and Philip may answer a few.
1. How do you think one year of playing behind Tommy Trott prepared you for this season?
Playing behind Tommy last year helped me to understand that you cannot just step in right away and be the same player you were in high school. It takes a while to learn how to play in college and get used to the talent you are up against.
2. What is your favorite thing about playing for Auburn?
My favorite thing about playing for Auburn is Tiger Walk. It is crazy fun and gets me so pumped.
3. I noticed you rocking the mustache in some pictures of Fan Day? Is that going to stay around? You know you can't shave it if we win the first game, right?
The mustache was a joke during camp, but maybe I'll bring it out again for next camp.
Top 30 at Jordan-Hare: #3 Auburn 30, LSU 26
3. Auburn 30 vs. LSU 26 - Sept. 17, 1994
How I Remember It: This game has to be the most played "College Flash Classic" in the history of television. I have to delete it from my DVR almost everyday, but leaving at least one to watch, of course. I have watched this game, or at least the 4th quarter, more than any other Auburn game ever, so it's going to be tough to separate what I really remember from the game and what I've seen a thousand times on Fox Sports South.
Actually, it won't be too hard because I know that when Auburn began it's awesome comeback, I was in the car with my Granny, going to pick up my little brother from a birthday party at the Rec center. We were getting gas at the Shell station on 2nd Avenue in Opelika when Jim Fyffe announced yet another interception. I remember Granny saying something to the effect of "WHAT?!", or something like that. Other than that, that's all I really remember from that day.
Interesting Tidbits before Arky State (Midweek Edition)
Quick bits today...
- On Monday, I told you that Pat Dye was a writer. Well yesterday he was signing a book someone else wrote.
- Chizik released the depth chart yesterday, and I'm sure most of you have seen it, but here it is anyway, along with some thoughts from Andy Bitter.
- Are you tired of reading about Chizik's press conference? Well watch the dang thing.
- Scarbinsky says Auburn should be scared of some of the national media's good expectations.
- Auburn wouldn't get the 2004-like snub today, thanks to the SEC's recent dominance, says Doug Segrest.
- All three running backs should play against the Red Wolves.
- Linebacker Daren Bates almost went to Arkansas State.
- Here's the The Rod Report...yes, The Rod Report.
- Just a random Auburn-Arkansas State preview from the AP.
- Get all of your gameday information on the official Auburn Gameday website.
The First Look – Arkansas State Red Wolves
I have decided to give JackTheRabbit one more chance. In his time writing 'The First Look' for the 'Blogle, Auburn has a 13-12 record. If things don't drastically improve this year, he's gone. I promise. Feel to tell him what you think of his preview/prediction in the comments section. Oh, and you could follow the 'Blogle on Twitter and possibly win something.
And So It Begins...
by JackTheRabbit
It’s finally here. It’s game week, and football is less than a week away. There are many unknowns about this season for Auburn. Quarterbacks, freshmen, and defensive depth are all aspects of the game that everyone in Jordan-Hare will be paying close attention to on Saturday evening. One factor that most fans won’t be looking at is the opponent.
Arkansas State is entering the 2010 season coming off a 4-8 campaign the previous season. The offense for the Red Wolves will feature last season’s quarterback replacement, Ryan Alpin. There isn’t much that stands out about this offense. When they have trouble in the Sun Belt the previous season and decided to bench a four-year starter, things can’t be too great. Not to mention many of the Red Wolves’ starters will be playing with little experience, especially at the wide receiver position. Also, don’t look now, but that quarterback that replace last year’s four-year starter, this season’s starter, was 2nd on the ’09 Red Wolves in rushing. Yikes.
If there is one bright spot to this year’s ASU team then it has to be on the defensive side of the ball. The Red Wolves had some success stopping the run last season, and is returning much of their veteran defenders, lead by all-conference selection Alex Carrington. This strength should prove a good start for freshman Michael Dyer to show what he’s got.
Top 30 at Jordan-Hare: #4 Auburn 38, Florida 35
4. Auburn 38 vs. Florida 35 - Oct. 16, 1993
How I Remember It: I was eleven years old and I watched this game, one of the biggest wins in Auburn history, in the lap of luxury. That's right, I had the pleasure of watching this one from the scholarship seats, also known as the "orange seats". That meant free, unlimited hot-dogs, popcorn, cokes, and even a free game program.
I don't remember much because I was probably in line at the concessions stand for most of the game, but I do distinctly remember watching the game winning kick sail through the uprights in the North end of the stadium.
What Really Happened: The Gators came into this game ranked #4 in the nation, and like most of Spurrier's Florida teams, lead the nation in about every offensive category. Terry's Tigers were 6-0 and ranked #19 nationally. Even with an impressive record, nobody in the nation gave Auburn a chance.
Kiehl Frazier Makes Me Happy (Video)
I know that right now all of us really just care about the upcoming 2010 football season, but last night, yes on a Monday, Kiehl Frazier, an Auburn commitment, and his Shiloh Christian Saints beat Watson Chapel 54-22. Mr. Frazier scored back-to-back-to-back rushing touchdowns of 55, 3, and 4 yards, on top of throwing four touchdown passes. His final line was 15-25 for 272 yards. I say we got a good'un.
Here's the highlight video:
Interesting Tidbits to Wrap Up the Offseason
The 'bits are back and better than ever as I wrap up the last few stories of the summer, before the Arkansas State previews start to roll in.
- History, and Jay Coulter, say that Gene Chizik's 2nd year as Auburn's head coach will be even better than his first.
- A few Tigers get some love in Kirk Herbstreit's 10th Annual Herbie Awards.
- SI.com's Stewart Mandel has already predicted this season's bowl games. Naturally.
- Chris Low predicts what will happen in the SEC this year and Cam Newton gets a mention. Then in his "fearless" predictions for the SEC, he says that the cowbells will be in full force on a certain Thursday night in Starkville with the Tigers in town.
- Pat Dye has taken up writing and Doug Segrest asked him about it.
- CollegeFootballNews.com ranks all college football programs over the last five years. Auburn is about where you'd expect.
- Here are just some random facts about Auburn's personnel from CBSSpports.com. Then they give us something they call the inside slant and some notes and quotes.
- In basketball news, it looked like Auburn might not have any basketball players for next season, but a pretty good one is transferring from Texas to the Tigers.
Find something interesting that I missed? Put the link in the comments and share it with everyone.
Top 30 at Jordan-Hare: #5 Auburn 10, LSU 9
5. Auburn 10 vs. LSU 9 - Sept. 18, 2004
How I Remember It: It was hot and sunny. I sat/leaned against the chain-link fence that separates the student section from the regular seats. There was a hurricane, Ivan, the week before the game that could have possibly pushed the game later into the season, but the show went on.
I remember LSU scoring on their first drive, and then a hard-nosed, defensive battle for the rest of the game. I remember Bret Eddins loosening Marcus Randall's wisdom teeth. Most importantly, I remember Courtney Taylor and Jason Campbell becoming Auburn legends.
What Really Happened: LSU was coming off a BCS Championship season and was ranked #4 in the nation. Auburn was ranked #15 nationally. Both teams were 2-0 on the season.
A Conversation with CFN’s Barrett Sallee
Barrett Sallee (Twitter) is a sports writer with a background in new media, radio, and television. He currently covers the SEC for CollegeFootballNews.com, the Auburn Tigers for www.chuckoliver.net, and is a member of the Football Writer's Association of America (FWAA). He has had articles published on CFN, FoxSports.com, and Scout.com. He believes in a 10-team college football playoff, defense winning championships, and pursuing a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter.
Barrett was kind enough to answer a few questions with his thoughts and predictions about the 2010 Auburn Football Tigers. Let the 'Blogle and Barrett know what you think of his predictions, and while you're at it, throw in yours as well.
1. What will Auburn's final regular season record be, and where might the Tigers go bowling?
9-3 (5-3 SEC). Auburn is going to be significantly better on defense than they were last year, but there will still be some rough spots. I think they can go to the Capital One Bowl if certain scenarios play out, which will be a successful season in Gene Chizik's second year on the Plains. Contrary to last year, I don't see a "feature running back" emerging. Fannin, McCalebb and Dyer will all get carries, but with Newton's ability to make plays with his legs, you will see a much more even distribution of carries among the running backs, Newton and the slot receivers.
2. What's Auburn's best/worst-case scenario for this season?
Best case: 11-1 and an SEC West title.
Worst case: 8-5.
Auburn seems to be getting a lot of hype this offseason, and it's rightfully deserved. Most of that has to do with the fact that most of the Tigers' big games in 2010 are at home. But they're still big games. Gene Chizik is still building back the roster, so there still may be hiccups along the way.
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- not THAT tiger on Top 30 at Jordan-Hare: #3 Auburn 30, LSU 26
- The_Anomaly on Top 30 at Jordan-Hare: #3 Auburn 30, LSU 26
- Boxer47 on Talking With A Tiger: Philip Lutzenkirchen
- WeagleChick on Top 30 at Jordan-Hare: #7 Auburn 18, Alabama 17
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