​​Lyle's Corner

Sunday, November 29th, 2015
 
Don't let the scoreboard deceive you. 
 
Auburn's 29-13 Iron Bowl loss to Alabama at Jordan-Hare Stadium yesterday afternoon was not exactly an ugly mismatch as most people expected. Far from it, in fact. For the first time since the 2004 match, neither team scored a touchdown in the entire first half. Instead, Auburn's Daniel Carlson and Alabama's Adam Griffith traded field goals. The Tide held a slim 12-6 edge at intermission. 
In the second half, the Tigers kept on scrapping and fighting, but just couldn't make enough big plays when they needed to. Let's take a look at every aspect of the game:
 
Offense: When the 80th edition of this storied rivalry was in the record book, the Tigers had generated 260 total yards. In particular, the running game sputtered. After rushing the ball 29 times in the first half, Auburn essentially abandoned the ground attack, with only eight rushes for 1 total yard in the final 30 minutes. The tandem of Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson only got a combined five touches in the second half, and finished with a combined 22 carries. All told, the Tigers were held to 91 yards on the ground. 
Personally, I'm not totally surprised at the Tigers' strategy, considering the splendid run defense Alabama has. Head coach Gus Malzahn explained his strategy after the game. "Why was today different? Pretty good front, and...when they roll an extra guy down, they have one extra guy you can't block," he said. "That has a lot to do with it." 
As for the passing game, Jeremy Johnson completed 10-of-23 for 169 yards. While that's obviously not the best outing you could hope for, there was one moment that gave Auburn fans reason for exhilaration. In the third quarter, with the Tigers trailing 19-6, they faced third-and-12 from their own 23 yard line. Johnson took the shotgun snap, and waited patiently for Jason Smith to sprint downfield. He then heaved up a prayer. The ball came down toward Smith, and he tipped it....and tipped it....and hauled in the grab, and was off to the races. A 77-yard bomb. Touchdown, Auburn! A sequel to Ricardo Louis' "Prayer at Jordan-Hare" against Georgia in 2013 had been witnessed. The Tigers were right back in striking distance....temporarily. 
Unfortunately, the receivers had a couple of dropped passes, including a crucial one by Melvin Ray on fourth down late in the fourth quarter with Auburn still in the thick of it. 
 
Defense: Stats are simply numbers on paper. Yes, Auburn surrendered 475 yards of offense to Bama, 271 of which came from running back Derrick Henry. No big shock there. However, on the whole, the unit actually played pretty soundly when you consider that they held the Tide to five field goals and just two touchdowns (one of which came in the waning seconds with the outcome already sewn up. I have a strong feeling that Henry just wanted to make darn sure that he got out of the game with at least one score.). Simply put, these troops kept Auburn in contention. For that, I tip my hat to them. 
 
Special teams: Sadly, Daniel Carlson's streak of 16 consecutive made field goals was broken in the second period when he missed a 48-yarder wide right. However, at the end of the day, it was hardly a major factor. He did make two others. Also, Kevin Phillips had a solid day punting, with five kicks for a 40.4-yard average. No major flaws here. 
Overall: It's not whether you win or lose. It's how you play the game. And Auburn played with passion, determination, vigilance and tenacity. Most people expected the Tide to blow the Tigers out, but that wasn't even close to the case. Auburn gave Bama all they could take, and for that, they deserve kudos. The problem, however, as has so often been the case this year, was not making the big plays when it mattered most, particularly in the red zone. The Tigers now have plenty of time to rest and regroup as they await their bowl destination. That question will be answered next week. Only time will tell if the Tigers can end a difficult season on a high note. 
 
In other news...
 
- I, for one, was floored this morning to find out that Mark Richt was fired after 15 years as Georgia's head coach. This brings a screeching halt to an incredible tenure for one of the best coaches the Bulldogs have ever had. Georgia went 9-3 this year, and narrowly defeated Georgia Tech 13-7 in the regular season finale. Richt will coach the Bulldogs for their bowl game. 
 
Georgia hasn't won an SEC title since 2005, nor have they reached the conference championship game since 2012 (a 32-28 loss to Alabama). However, I'm still firmly shocked by the decision. Richt has been at the helm since I was in high school, and he has built quite a program in his 15 years, going 145-51 overall, and 83-37 in league play. Like any other coach, he has experienced highs and lows along the way. 
Unfortunately, many Bulldog fans have increasingly called for his dismissal as the season has progressed. That's just a shame. A lot of Georgia's struggles this year were a result of things that Richt couldn't control, namely key players getting injured. But his success goes far beyond the numbers. 
Coach Richt has also been an outstanding mentor to his players and coaching staff. He is a devout Christian who always strives to keep the game in perspective. He always taught those around him to aim to set the right example. He and his wife, Kathryn, have been a tremendous example of what a loving marriage should be. In 2008, ESPN's ​College GameDay featured a documentary on the Richts as they shared a story that they had long been reluctant to: The adoption of their two youngest children, Zach (19) and Anya (18), from Ukraine. They decided to proceed in the hopes that it would give families the chance to explore the rewards of adoption. 
When asked about his job security after Georgia's narrow win over Tech yesterday, Richt's response was spot on: "God's in control. I'm not worried about it." Well said. Simply put, Mark Richt is a class act, and he deserves better than the heat he has faced in the past few seasons from the Georgia fan base. Above all, my heart and prayers go out to him and his family as they prepare to start a new chapter in their lives. There are several head coaching vacancies popping up across America right now, and I don't doubt for a second that another university will land him soon. I also hope that the fans will treat him with respect and not turn on him so quickly, as many Georgia fans are apt to do. 
 
That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
Saturday, November 28th, 2015
 
I hope you all had a very Happy and blessed Thanksgiving. I certainly did, spending it with my family and some of our close friends. 
 
Moving on from that, today's football game isn't just any football game. It's the rivalry of all rivalries: The Iron Bowl between Auburn and arch-rival Alabama. This is the 80th meeting between the two squads. It's a phenomenal series that has played host to so many memorable moments on both ends of the spectrum. 
 
As for today, the Tigers are two-touchdown underdogs to the 2nd-ranked Tide. However, based on the improvements I've seen in recent weeks, I truly believe, contrary to popular opinion, that we have a realistic chance to turn in a stunning upset if we do enough things right. With all that said, here are what I think are the keys to victory today:
 
Offense:
 
1. Reach the end zone: For the majority of this season, Auburn kicker Daniel Carlson has been responsible for most of the Tigers' points. That simply won't cut it, especially against your in-state rival. The Tigers MUST find paydirt as early and often as possible. Just ask players who played in last year's Iron Bowl. Having to settle for field goals in the red zone more often than not played a large factor in the Tigers' 55-44 shootout loss to Bama in Tuscaloosa. 
 
2. Open up the passing game: Now, I'm not suggesting that Auburn should be one-dimensional, but the coaching staff will have to let whomever starts at quarterback throw the ball more often than usual. The line must give him plenty of time in the pocket, and the receivers must catch the balls thrown their way. When we do keep the ball on the ground, the line will have to open up major lanes for Jovon Robinson and Peyton Barber against a tenacious Bama run defense. Otherwise, it will turn into a rout. 
 
3. Avoid turnovers and penalties: This mostly speaks for itself. 
 
Defense:
 
1. Stop Derrick Henry: There's no denying that this guy is the catalyst of Alabama's offense. He can give opposing defenses nightmares with his tackle-breaking ability. He especially proved it in last year's Iron Bowl, and the Tigers must stop at nothing to prevent him from posting a repeat performance. 
 
2. Force Jacob Coker to throw: The Tigers must make life miserable for Henry, and force the Tide to do what they don't want to. When Coker does go to the air, Will Muschamp's troops must pressure him to no end. 
 
3. When Bama does throw, bat the ball down: The Tide's bell-cow in the receiving corps is Calvin Ridley. He can cause a ruckus. Auburn must go for the ball, and not the man. Plain and simple.
 
4. Force turnovers: Another self-explanatory one.  
 
On the whole, I know that an upset of Alabama seems like wishful thinking, but you can never take this storied rivalry for granted...especially after all the mouth-dropping endings we've seen almost every week this college football season. And BTW, for those of you who heard former head coach Pat Dye's comment from earlier this week regarding what it would take to beat the Tide, I give you this piece of advice: Disregard it. 
 
In other news....
 
- Auburn's men's basketball team routed Northwestern State 119-81 in Auburn Arena last night by overcoming a sloppy start that saw them commit seven turnovers in a five-minute span. The 119 points were the Tigers' fourth-highest total in school history. It was also their highest point total and largest margin of victory in the Bruce Pearl era. The Tigers hadn't posted such a score since a record-setting 141-116 win over Troy State in 1991. 
 
T.J. Dunans led the Tigers in scoring with 20 points. He recorded all of his points in the second half after an atrocious first half where he shot 0-for-1 with four turnovers and two fouls. However, Dunans was not alone in his stellar performance. Cinemeon Bowers had 16 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the year. 
Also, Kareem Canty, who entered the game tied for fifth in the SEC in scoring with 19.8 points per game, added 17 points and 10 assists. Northwestern State, meanwhile, was led by Zeek Woodley's 29 points. Woodley is the country's leading returning scorer at 22.2 points per contest.
 
The team will return to action next Wednesday (December 2nd) when they travel to Conway, S.C. to take on Costal Carolina. The opening tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM CT. Although the game won't be televised, you can watch it online at bigsouthsports.com.
 
One more thing you can be sure of: Once today's Iron Bowl is in the books, I'll be able to write more detailed accounts of the men's basketball games (at least until the football team's bowl game comes around). 
 
That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015
 
​Today, some hot news broke on the recruiting front. Kyle Davis, ​the No. 1 receiver in the nation, has committed to the Tigers. He announced the news this morning via his Twitter account. 
 
This is a major gain for Auburn. Davis is the No. 20 overall recruit in the 247Sports Composite. The 6-foot-1.5, 218-pound Davis, a standout at Lawrenceville (Ga.) Archer, has recorded 47 catches for 773 yards and six touchdowns. His team has a third-round playoff game looming on Friday night. 
 
Davis is commitment No. 16 for Auburn, and the third receiver to commit to the Tigers, with the others being four-star Eli Stove, and three-star Marquis McClain, both of Florida. 
 
The Tigers have tried to track Davis down for a long time. He first jumped on to Auburn's radar when he camped at Auburn in the summer of 2013. At the time, he was primarily a safety. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Auburn receivers coach Dameyune Craig has been Davis' primary recruiter. 
 
Davis picked the Tigers over Georgia and Tennessee. The 247Sports Crystal Ball heavily favored the Bulldogs, but Auburn had felt fairly confident about his recruitment since this summer. He is the second 5-star commitment for the Tigers, joining defensive end Marlon Davidson of Greenville, Ala. 
 
Davis has visited Auburn multiple times this year, most recently two weekends ago for the Georgia game. He stayed overnight in Auburn, then spent time with Craig the following morning. Last weekend, Davis visited Georgia. 
 
Davis, a December graduate, has yet to officially visit the Tigers. That will happen some time between now and mid-December when the NCAA "Dead Period" begins. While he has declined interview requests at this time, it is believed that he will attend Saturday's Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Let's hope the experience leaves a mark on him. 
 
Having reported that news, I feel led to close by wishing you all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. To everyone who can, please cherish the precious time that you get to spend with your family and friends. Also, don't forget to pray for those who can't be with their families, particularly the troops overseas who fight so diligently for our nation's freedom every single day. So many of them have already made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. Life may not always be a fairy tale, but life is a precious gift from God. In just the blink of an eye, the people and things that we hold dear can be taken away. Always tell those you love how much they mean to you, because you never know when you won't get that chance again. I know that I'm going to have a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family and friends.
 
That's all for now. Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!
 
Sunday, November 22nd, 2015
 
Auburn got what it desperately needed yesterday, defeating Idaho 56-34 to become bowl-eligible. While it was a great feeling, it wasn't flawless by any means. I've had a busy afternoon, so I'm going to be fairly briefer than you're used to in summarizing our performance in all facets of the game:
 
Offense: The Tigers clicked on all cylinders (as it should have). Jeremy Johnson had his best outing yet, going 13-of-19 passing for 163 yards and four total touchdowns (two passing, two rushing). The running attack also took care of business, piling up 297 yards on the ground. All told, Auburn generated 460 yards of offense. Not bad for a day's work. Let's hope they can duplicate those figures in the big Iron Bowl next week. 
 
Defense: Another mixed bag, as has so often been the case this year. Unfortunately, the Tigers gave up 479 yards to Idaho (356 via the passing game). However, they also forced three turnovers, one of which was a 48-yard pick-six by Rudy Ford. The unit also recorded three sacks, seven pass breakups and seven QB hurries. Maybe this will give them some reasonable confidence for the Iron Bowl. 
 
Special teams: For the first time this season, Daniel Carlson didn't have to try any field goals whatsoever. But he was perfect on all eight PATs against the Vandals. But punter Kevin Phillips provided one for the highlight reel when he scampered 24 yards on a fake punt in the second quarter. The dazzling play kept the drive alive, and Auburn would reach the end zone seven plays later to increase their lead to 21-10. 
 
Coaching: Simply put, I was very pleased with the trick plays the staff called for offensively. Gus Malzahn will need to continue to reach into his bag of tricks if he wants to pull off an upset of the Tide next week. 
 
Overall: As I said before, it wasn't perfect. However, one way or the other, Auburn did what it had to to prevent staying home for the postseason. Now, they must quickly turn their attention to the annual fuss with arch-rival Alabama. Honestly, if we play like we did against the Vandals, we WILL have a realistic chance to shock the world....especially considering all of the jaw-dropping endings we've seen in college football almost every week this season. 
 
In other news...
 
- The football team secured its third verbal commitment of November yesterday. Defensive end Paul James of 
Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Wesson, Miss.) committed to the Tigers late yesterday evening, SEC Country has reported. 
 
This news shouldn't be surprising, considering that James has visited Auburn twice in the past two months, including an official visit he took on November 14th. His only other reported offer came from Mississippi State. The 6-foot-4, 255-pound James gives Auburn its 15th commitment of next year's recruiting class and the fourth defensive lineman overall. The Tigers now boast the No. 19 recruiting class in the country, according to 247Sports.com. 
 
That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
 
​Saturday, November 21st, 2015
 
Needless to say, today's home tilt with the Idaho Vandals is a must-win situation for Auburn if they want to clinch a bowl berth. This is only the second time these two squads have squared off with each other, the first being in 1999 (That was the second game of then-head coach Tommy Tuberville's first season with the Tigers.). Auburn prevailed with a 30-23 win. 
Here are what I think the keys to victory are today: 
 
Offense: 
 
1. If you start with Jeremy Johnson, leave him in:  Johnson seems to have regained his confidence in his last two consecutive starts. That's a good thing, because backup Sean White's knee is clearly still on the mend. He is NOT fully healthy. and it sure as heck showed in last week's 20-13 loss to Georgia. Coach Malzahn shouldn't even think of putting him back into action until his knee is fully recovered. Period. 
 
2. Limit the "vanilla" play calls: There's a reason why the Tigers only tallied 61 yards passing against Georgia last week. It's not because the QBs weren't trying or making thoughtful decisions. Rather, it was because the coaching staff called for screen passes FAR too often, and Georgia read them like a book. They need to play more aggressively...especially against an inferior team such as Idaho. 
 
3. Pile up the rushing yards: Peyton Barber and Jovon Robinson sure know how to deliver on the ground. Need I say more? 
 
4. Avoid turnovers: The Tigers committed three turnovers against the Bulldogs last weekend, two of which were crucial fumbles (one by Ricardo Louis at the goal line). Today, they must avoid such gaffes at all costs. (For that matter, no silly penalties, either.) 
 
Defense:
 
1. Contain Idaho's passing game: Vandals QB Matt Linehan put up some respectable numbers last year, and he has a couple of go-to guys this year in senior Dezmon Epps (who started every game two seasons ago, but sat out last year after being suspended due to a DUI arrest), and tight end Deon Watson (who also splits out as a wide receiver. 
 
2. Improve special teams coverage: In last week's loss to Georgia, the normally dominant special teams unit had an uncharacteristically bad day, particularly when they gave up a 53-yard punt return for a score by Georgia's Isaiah McKenzie. Let's all hope they cleaned up the cobwebs in practice this past week in this area.  
 
In other news....
 
- Defensive end Keir Thomas of Miami, Fla., de-committed from Florida State earlier this week, and one program has emerged as the clear-cut favorite: Auburn. 
 
"The Tigers are in the lead, you know-- you have Coach (Will) Muschamp - he's recruiting me hard," Thomas told the SEC Recruiting Buzz podcast. "You know, Coach (Travaris Robinson) is recruiting me hard. And it's a 4-3 system. That defense fits me." 
 
Thomas, at 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, is the No. 21 strongside end in the 247Sports Composite. But most schools - including Auburn - are recruiting him to play the weak side end or Buck linebacker spot. He had 17 sacks on the year entering last night's playoff game, and officially visited Auburn three weeks ago. He came away very pleased, saying the Tigers are recruiting him hardest. 
 
Thomas also emphasized his fondness of Muschamp: "Me and Coach Muschamp, I call him, we text, I check on him, he checks on me." Thomas also pointed out that he has close ties with Robinson, affectionately known as T-Rob. Robinson not only is Thomas' area recruiter, but is a south Florida native. 
 
"Coach T-Rob knows how it is down here," Thomas stated. "He knows how hard we play. He pretty much relates to us."
 
Let's all hope that Thomas chooses to don the orange and blue so that his ties with T-Rob can grow even stronger. 
 
That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
Friday, November 20th, 2015
 
Yes, I'm still out there. Unfortunately, a VERY busy week (as well as some stormy weather on Wednesday) has kept me away until now. 
 
Today, I feel led to write about something that isn't related to Auburn. This is my blog, and I'll talk about whatever I choose, on topic or otherwise. 
 
On this day, four years ago, one of the greatest voices the college football world has ever known (and ever will) was silenced. He was none other than the incomparable Larry Munson, the voice of Georgia football from 1966-2008. 
I'm an Auburn fan. Always have been, always will be. But as a college graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in broadcast journalism, I can tell you firsthand that Larry was one of my heroes. However, for most of my formative years, that wasn't the case. During my entire childhood and adolescence, I listened exclusively to Auburn's late legendary broadcaster Jim Fyffe. His genuine enthusiasm and passion for the game, not to mention his iconic shout of "TOUCHDOWN, AUBURN!" endeared me to him to no end. 
My family and I moved to southwest Georgia shortly before I turned 12. However, it wasn't until I became a teenager that my Dad encouraged me to listen to other broadcasters. By approximately 2001, I had found a website that contained an extensive list of Larry's legendary calls. 
Once I started listening to the calls, I could instantly see that he had qualities that set him apart from all of the others. He never denied reality or sugar-coated any situation. He was very quick to praise the opponent when they were playing well, and express his concerns when Georgia was playing poorly. In broadcasting, there's nothing worse than putting your credibility at stake, and Larry never once tried to do that. He was also a master at using exaggerations to make a point. 
Soon after, I started listening to him every week, whether I was watching an Auburn game on TV at home, or my Mom and I were driving to or from a home Auburn game. With each passing week and season, my respect and admiration for him blossomed. The list of great moments that he provided us with could go on and on. 
For most fans, his top call was in 1980, when Buck Belue connected with Lindsay Scott on a 93-yard touchdown pass to edge by Florida, 26-21 en route to a national championship. On the call, Munson was in top form, calling Scott's journey down the field yard for yard, and shouting for all the world to hear, "Run, Lindsay!" When Scott reached paydirt, Munson simply shouted Scott's name three times: "Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott, Lindsay Scott!" To add to the moment, Munson broke his steel chair in the drama, and admitted it on the air soon after the play unfolded. 
There was his cry of "Oh, you Herschel Walker!" on his first touchdown run against Tennessee in 1980 (in which Herschel plowed over Tennessee's Bill Bates and split two other defenders), Rex Robinson's game-winning field goal to upset Kentucky in 1978 ("Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"), Kevin Butler's SEC record-tying 60-yarder to shock Clemson in 1984 (which, as Munson put it, was kicked "100,000 miles"). Also, who could forget the "Hobnail Boot" against Tennessee in 2001, when David Greene found Verron Haynes for the game-winning score. That's my Dad's favorite call.
 
And I will openly admit that there were a couple of great calls he made in which Georgia defeated Auburn that still send chills down my spine. One came in 1982, when Georgia held on for a hard-fought 19-14 victory over the Tigers by stopping Auburn's last drive at Georgia's 21-yard line. As the final seconds ticked into history, Munson famously proclaimed, "Oh, look at the sugar falling out of the sky! Look at the sugar falling out of the sky!" That was, of course, his unique way of saying that Georgia had clinched a Sugar Bowl berth. 
Also, who can forget his call of David Greene's game-winning touchdown strike to Michael Johnson as the Bulldogs defeated Auburn 24-21 in 2002? On fourth-and-15 from Auburn's 19, with 1:31 to play, Munson made the most of the moment: "Man, we've had some shots, haven't we? Snap to David Greene, there he goes in the corner again, and we jump up...TOUCHDOWN!.....A TOUCHDOWN! IN THE CORNER!" Despite being unable to identify Johnson as the receiver immediately, that call is still fantastic (though, of course, the play itself was as dreadful for me as it was for any other Auburn fan). 
 
Perhaps Larry's last legendary call came in 2006, when Georgia rallied to upset 12th-ranked Georgia Tech, 15-12, on a 4-yard scoring toss from Matthew Stafford to Mohammed Massaquoi with 1:45 to go. "Stafford retreats, looks, pumps, throws...TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!...A TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN! TOUCHDOWN!" Then, he identified the receiver with just one word: "Massaquoi!" 
 
In the summer of 2007, Munson began experiencing the failing health that inevitably comes with age. I was very sad when I read that his future was in dire straits, but knew that that was part of life. However, shortly thereafter, he announced his intentions to call only Georgia's home games that season. 
In April of 2008, Larry had to have surgery to remove blood clots from his brain after a fall that he had had some time prior. The operation was successful, and he was confident that he would be able to call the Bulldogs' home games again that season. However, on September 22nd of that year, the week that Georgia would host Alabama, the word came out with no warning: Munson announced that he was through. He was 86 at the time. I was very disappointed, but in hindsight, I probably should have seen it coming myself. 
 
If all of this doesn't tell you how much I admire him, here are a couple of other pieces of evidence: I now own the entire VHS collection of the "Munson's Greatest Calls" series, volumes 1-4. I also have a DVD that was released during Mark Richt's tenure as Georgia's head coach: "Munson's Greatest Calls: The Mark Richt Era." Plus, I have Larry's book, which was published in 2009: "From Herschel to a Hobnail Boot: The Life and Times of Larry Munson." In it, he talks about his life in Minnesota, and his incredible journey to becoming the voice of Georgia football. It also includes an audio CD of his 10 personal favorite calls. He wrote the book with the help of Tony Barnhart, who was then a sportswriter in Atlanta (and is now with the SEC Network). 
If you don't have the book, I strongly suggest you get it from Amazon.com or Half.com. You won't regret it!
 
On top of all this, I even discovered that I had the ability to impersonate him. I started doing it for my family and friends, usually at their request. Soon, without fail, so many people wanted to hear it. They always got a kick out of it. I was very happy that it brought them such great joy. I even did it at least three different times on a radio show that is hosted by one of my Dad's closest friends. 
However, I must honestly tell you that after doing it so frequently for at least seven years, I just got tired of it. It had nothing to do with Munson's retirement. It wasn't because I was an Auburn fan. I simply felt that it had grown stale for me. Folks, I fully realize that that was a talent that God blessed me with, and I was honored to share it with so many other people. I'm very happy to know that it brought them such pleasure. But I want people to know that I have so many other talents as well. I'm also a singer, a swimmer, a speaker in church, and (of course) a blogger. While you should always use any talent that you are blessed with, it's safe to say that nobody wants to be known exclusively for one talent. The same can be said for me. I don't want to be exclusively known as "the guy who does Larry Munson so well."
 
Larry passed away on the night of November 20, 2011 at age 89. According to one of his sons, Michael, he had died from complications of pneumonia. Obviously, for those fortunate enough to reach old age, their immunity systems weaken greatly, and are thus unable to fight off common illnesses. The news left me with a heavy heart. Nonetheless, Munson's legacy lives on, and will never be forgotten. Someone once said that he would be remembered as "Georgia's 12th Man." He was that, and more. 
God Bless You, Larry! We were all so fortunate enough (Georgia fan or not) to be a part of your tenure as the voice of the Georgia Bulldogs. You brought us so many great memories that will never fade. May you rest in peace. 
 
I still can't help but wonder how in the world he would have handled the "Prayer at Jordan-Hare" against Georgia in 2013. 
 
In other news....
 
- Running back Roc Thomas has been dealing with nagging injuries in recent weeks, and has only gotten one carry in the last three games. However, head coach Gus Malzahn has reported that Thomas "is getting healthier." Don't count him out before the season ends. 
 
- Yesterday marked the 6th anniversary of the original airing of my Iron Bowl interview with Jeff Shearer of WSFA, Channel 12, in Montgomery, Alabama. As is the case every year, I shared the clip of it on Facebook with my friends. One of the first people to "like" and comment on it was Jeff himself. Much to my surprise, he wrote the following:
 
"Lyle, the pleasure was all mine. I have an idea for a sequel that I think you will enjoy. I'll be back in touch in the coming weeks to pitch it to you. Until then, enjoy the Iron Bowl, my friend!" 
 
I was over the moon when I read this. What could it mean? Only time will tell, but I'll give all the details when Jeff gets back to me in due course. All we can do is be patient. I'm sure it will be well worth it (although, based on what he said, it may not happen until this year's Iron Bowl has already been played).
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!  
 
 
 
Sunday, November 15th, 2015
 
After an inspired performance in an upset of Texas A&M in College Station, all Auburn fans were likely sharing the same mindset: "OK. Maybe the Tigers are lighting the fire. Maybe their struggles up to this point have merely been an aberration." We all hoped that they would be able to build off of that game heading into the 119th meeting with Georgia in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. 
 
Evidently, however, all of us were sorely mistaken. Against the Bulldogs, the defense played with discipline and grip, but the offense was largely anemic (particularly in the second half). As a result, Auburn fell to the Bulldogs by a final score of 20-13 in a game between two teams equally desperate for a win. Let's break this down:
 
Offense: The running game, true to form, shined once again, as Auburn rushed the ball 37 times for 213 yards. Sadly, things were quite the contrary in the passing department. The Tigers were 15-of-27 through the air with an interception. The real problem was that they totaled a minuscule 62 yards passing. Four completions gained just one yard, and no pass went for more than 15 yards. It was the fewest passing yards by a Malzahn offense since the Tigers only netted 35 yards passing against Tennessee in 2013. The big difference was that, against the Vols, the limited throwing was by design and didn't cripple the offense in a 55-23 romp of the Big Orange. That certainly wasn't the case against the Bulldogs yesterday. 
The Tigers came out of the gate as though they meant business, driving the ball superbly for a touchdown on their first series of the game. But from then on, the flame died down. It was especially so in the second half. After intermission, Auburn only generated a paltry 90 offensive yards (52 rushing and 38 passing) to finish with 275 total yards on the afternoon. On the Tigers' first five possessions of the second half, they only gained 15 yards and one first down. Also, it didn't help that the Tigers committed three turnovers. QB Jeremy Johnson threw one interception in the first half (on a ball that was, IMO, thrown too quickly), and we also committed two crucial fumbles, one courtesy of Ricardo Louis at the Georgia goal line when Auburn blew a golden chance to get back in the game. Simply put, this unit is still searching for plenty of answers. They need to find them soon. Very soon. 
 
Defense: This was one unit that certainly contributed. The Tigers only surrendered 243 yards of offense to Georgia, the fewest allowed since holding Florida to just 194 yards in a 17-6 triumph over the Gators in 2011. Auburn only gave up one offensive touchdown for the second straight week, and also halted a Bulldog drive on downs at the Auburn 2-yard line in the first quarter. Unfortunately, you just can't win games with just one unit. It takes a team effort to win. 
 
Special teams: Daniel Carlson booted two field goals for the Tigers, giving him 14 consecutive makes in that category, setting a new Auburn record. The previous mark was 12 straight makes by Jaret Holmes in 1997. Apart from that, though, this unit had an uncharacteristically bad day. Early in the fourth quarter, with the score deadlocked at 10, a bevy of penalties sent the Bulldog offense backpedaling, and forcing them to punt from near midfield. Returner Marcus Davis let Brice Ramsey's kick bounce in front of him, allowing Georgia to down it at the Tigers' 7-yard line. Auburn failed to move, forcing Kevin Phillips to punt from his own end zone. He managed to boot the ball to Georgia's 47, where Isaiah McKenzie was waiting. He fielded it, picked up blocks, and didn't look back until 53 yards later. Touchdown, Georgia. The Bulldogs now had a lead that would never disappear. That play was essentially the backbreaker for Auburn. It was the first special teams score that the Tigers have allowed since Texas A&M returned a blocked field goal for a TD in last year's 41-38 win over the Tigers, and the first punt return for a score that Auburn has given up since LSU's Skyler Green sped 66 yards to the house against Auburn in 2005. Here's another area that needs improvement with two games remaining, and bowl eligibility lying in the balance. 
 
Coaching:  From my point of view, this played a large factor in the final outcome. The offensive staff called far too many screen passes, and they mostly failed miserably. They need to take a shot with deeper passes from time to time. Also, coach Malzahn made a big mistake when he opted to put Sean White in at quarterback at one point in the second half. Yes, Sean is talented, and he certainly showed it when he gained the starting job in Week 4 after Jeremy Johnson struggled. But, as of right now, his knee is still on the mend. You just don't put a quarterback on the field under those circumstances. You can't win games when playing a quarterback with hampered mobility. Coach Malzahn will have to think twice about making such a move in the future. Don't put Sean back into action until his knee is fully healthy again. Plain and simple. 
 
Overall: In Layman's terms, the defense played with inspiration, while the offense was ice cold. It takes EVERYONE on a team to win games. The Tigers still have serious soul-searching to do. At this point, their top priority should be clinching a bowl berth. While that seems like a promise when they host Idaho next week, nothing is ever a sure bet. Oh, yeah: Did I mention that earlier this year, Idaho upset my college alma mater, Troy University, in Troy's own ballpark? With one of the worst defenses in the country, no less. 
 
Injury report: Starting center Austin Golson was injured in the third quarter yesterday, and didn't return. After being carted off the field, he was taken to the trainer's table, where they appeared to be examining his right knee. Little information was provided on his status after the game. In his place, Devonte Danzey stepped in, as Auburn's normal backup center, Xavier Dampeer, remains out with a broken jaw. Danzey is listed as the backup center and left guard on the depth chart. Hopefully, we'll find out more details about Golson's status in the coming days.  
Also, safety Tray Matthews, a former Georgia player, didn't play yesterday, although he did dress out. He sat out last week against Texas A&M with an ankle injury. "He wasn't healthy enough to play," Malzahn said. "He wanted to, but he wasn't healthy enough to go." 
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
Saturday, November 14th, 2015
 
In just over two and a half hours, the 119th edition of the "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" will commence at Jordan-Hare Stadium. I'm going to be relatively brief in what I believe are our keys to victory over Georgia today:
 
1. Establish the run: Those who watched Auburn's 26-10 upset win over Texas A&M last week (including me) know that Jovon Robinson was out to prove himself, and man, did he ever! Let's hope he (and Peyton Barber and Kerryon Johnson) can put on another such show today. For that matter, if Jeremy Johnson gets the starting nod at quarterback, he can certainly execute the read-option play to perfection. 
 
2. ​Make Georgia one-dimensional: The Tigers will likely want to force the Bulldogs to throw most of the day. The Bulldogs were dealt a crippling blow to their offense when running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending injury earlier this year. Sony Michel has stepped in in his place, and I can clearly tell that he is picking up steam with the season coming down the stretch. Georgia's passing game, meanwhile, has been mediocre at best, with Greyson Lambert and Faton Bauta alternating signal-calling duties. However, don't be surprised if Brice Ramsey gets to take some snaps today. (I was personally surprised that he didn't get the starting spot for the Bulldogs this year, since he performed well in their spring game.) No matter what, the Tiger defense must establish a pass rush (and with Carl Lawson back in action, they certainly can do so). 
 
3. Protect the ball: Auburn has made vast improvements in the ball security department as of late, with only one turnover in the last five games. They definitely must continue that trend against the Bulldogs today. 
 
4. Get in the end zone often: In last week's victory over the Aggies, four drives into the red-zone ended with Daniel Carlson field goals. The way the defense played, that was enough to keep Texas A&M from getting within striking distance. However, that most likely won't cut it against Georgia. 
 
On the whole, though, I think this could very well come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. In a nutshell, it all hinges on the age-old question: "Who wants it the worst?" Both teams have won 55 games in the series, while there have been eight ties. Naturally, with the advent of college overtime in 1996, there won't be any more deadlocks, but let's all hope that when all is said and done today, the Tigers can clinch the lead in this storied rivalry. 
 
Apart from football, my heart and prayers go out to the 137 people (at least as I write this; that number may very well climb) that lost their lives in a horrible spree of attacks in Paris, France. I hope that everybody can come to terms with this terrible tragedy, and gather the comfort, strength and determination that they need. God Bless them all!
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
​ 
 
Wednesday, November 11th, 2015
 
Happy Veterans Day, everyone! God Bless all of the troops in America and overseas who fight so diligently for our nation's freedom, and those who have already made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so. We salute each and every one of you!
 
Now, for Auburn news. I've come across quite a few significant pieces of news in the past couple of days, and I've decided to sum them up as briefly as possible. 
 
1. The top-ranked prospect in the state of Georgia will visit Auburn this weekend when the Tigers host the Bulldogs. Derrick Brown, a five-star defensive lineman from Lanier High School (Atlanta), will take in his fourth Auburn game on Saturday. 
Last weekend, Brown was on UGA's campus for its game against Kentucky. He has been there numerous times and will make an official visit there in January. Also, his trip to the Plains this weekend won't be his last, either. He will take an official visit to Auburn one week after his trip to UGA in January. Tennessee will have the chance to host him for his final official visit the weekend before National Signing Day. 
The 6-foot-4, 318-pound Brown is considered to have UGA and Auburn as his top schools, although he has not publicly declared a frontrunner. If he chooses to don the orange and blue, however, he could certainly be a welcome presence for the Tiger defense. Through 10 games this season, Brown has tallied 83 total tackles, 36 tackles for loss, an interception return for a touchdown, and 10.5 sacks. He's one of the favorites to win the Player of the Year award in the state of Georgia. We can only hope that he chooses to become a Tiger.
 
2. Auburn's starting QB job this weekend against Georgia remains a mystery. On one hand, Jeremy Johnson certainly looked quite different in the Tigers' 26-10 upset of Texas A&M last weekend after struggling majorly in his first three starts of the season. On the flip side, Sean White has done nothing to lose his starting spot, despite nursing an injured knee that he sustained late against Arkansas. Head coach Gus Malzahn said that he is confident in both of them, and he and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee will evaluate the situation as practice week goes on. He also didn't rule out the possibility of using both of them against the Bulldogs. What we do know is that Georgia will use a two-quarterback system against the Tigers. It should be quite interesting. 
 
3. Freshman defensive back Jeremiah Dinson will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a gruesome leg injury in last week's win over the Aggies. He was carted off the field and didn't return. Coach Malzahn detailed the extent of Dinson's injury, confirming that he sustained a dislocated right knee, three torn knee ligaments and a separated right shoulder. Dinson was hurt on a big block by Texas A&M wide receiver Ricky Seals-Jones. The Aggie receiver was initially called for targeting on the play, but it was overturned after a replay review. Dinson finishes his freshman campaign with 15 tackles in nine games. I wish him the best in his recovery, which I'm sure will be difficult, but hopefully, he'll be healthy in time for next season. 
 
4. The prognosis on safety Tray Matthews is more encouraging after he was limited in practice with an ankle injury last week. "I think he'll be fine," said defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. "Based on tonight, I would think he'd be able to go (against Georgia)." Matthews will likely be anxious to play against the Bulldogs, with whom he began his college career before transferring to Auburn after his freshman season. Georgia and Auburn fans alike will always remember Matthews as one of the victims involved on the famous "Prayer at Jordan-Hare" in the 2013 match between the squads. 
 
5. Junior defensive lineman Devaroe Lawrence played through an ankle injury against Texas A&M, recording three tackles and a quarterback hurry. Despite that, Muschamp delivered some good news about Lawrence's condition as well. "His ankle has bothered him, but he has progressed each week and done very well," he said. 
 
I'm sorry that I couldn't post any of this sooner, but I've been very busy with other things for the past couple of days. 
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
Sunday, November 8th, 2015
 
During the final two weekends of October, Auburn fans witnessed their teams lose bitter struggles which they very well could have won if they had made big plays when they mattered most. 
 
However, yesterday evening in College Station, Tx., against No. 19 Texas A&M, they saw something different. Very different. For the first time this season, the Tigers turned in a complete performance in all phases of the game to leave Kyle Field with a thrilling 26-10 upset of the Aggies. Let's look at just how complete their performance was:
 
Offense: For the first time since a Week 3 loss to LSU, Jeremy Johnson returned to start at quarterback in relief of Sean White (who still has a gimpy knee). As we all know, Johnson heavily struggled in the Tigers' first three contests, but he definitely redeemed himself this time around, going 13-of-17 passing for 132 yards and a touchdown. Only time will tell if he gets another chance to put up such figures next week in a home match with Georgia. 
However, the real star of the Auburn offense was JUCO transfer running back Jovon Robinson. After the game, he said, "You know, man, I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. When they gave me the ball, I was like, 'Finally, I can release my inner beast.'" He did that, and more, gashing the Aggie defense by plowing through defenders and making beautiful cuts to find space. By the end of the night, he had racked up a career-best 159 yards and a score on 27 carries. He is certainly a force to be reckoned with. 
In all, Auburn ran the ball 52 times for 311 yards. Coupled with Johnson's passing, the Tigers accumulated 443 offensive yards. They must continue to turn in such potent performances if they want to turn the season around down the stretch. Perhaps most importantly, they scored 20 points off of three Texas A&M turnovers, giving them a total of 54 points off of turnovers this year. 
 
Defense: It's been at least 13 months since the Auburn defense played with discipline and determination. Late last season, they went into a significant regression that carried over into this season. However, last night, they acted as if they meant business, holding Texas A&M to just 303 total yards, and forcing three turnovers - all interceptions of Aggie quarterback Kyler Murray. By game's end, Murray was a mediocre 13-of-23 passing for 105 yards. Even more encouraging was the fact that they only let A&M into the end zone once. This was certainly an improvement from a bunch that had surrendered an average 446.5 yards per game entering this match. The 303 total yards that the Aggies generated were the fewest that Auburn has given up this year. It was their best defensive output since a rout of LSU last year, in which the Tigers only allowed 280 yards of offense. Plus, the 10 points allowed were the fewest allowed since a 31-7 win over FCS opponent Samford last November. If this is any indication, maybe - just maybe - Will Muschamp's troops are going to rekindle the flame that hasn't existed for over a year now. 
 
Special teams: Daniel Carlson remains his usual dependable self. When the Tiger offense stalled in the red zone last night, he delivered, nailing four field goals of 35, 30, 21, and 31 yards respectively. In the punting game, Kevin Phillips wasn't exactly excellent, punting three times for a 34.7-yard average, but it wasn't enough to give the Tigers poor field position or put them in a pressure-cooking situation. 
 
Overall: Simply put, this was Auburn's most complete performance of the season, bar none. The offense got in gear early, and didn't let up. The defense, meanwhile, played with heart and soul, forcing three turnovers to halt a potent Aggie attack. This was the Tigers' second win over A&M (in five total meetings), and both have come in College Station (the first was in 2013). The victory was very well earned. In my books, it definitely erases the pain of last year's 41-38 upset loss to the Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 
 
Injury report: Strong safety Tray Matthews sat out last night with an undisclosed injury. He had started seven of Auburn's first eight games following a redshirt season last year after transferring from Georgia. He missed the Tigers' second game of the year due to a shoulder injury suffered in the season opener, but returned to the lineup against LSU the following week. In his place last night, Nick Ruffin stepped in. He tallied six tackles in the contest. 
Also, freshman defensive back Jeremiah Dinson was carted off the field after being on the receiving end of a crushing block by Texas A&M receiver Ricky Seals-Jones late in the third quarter. Dinson was chasing Aggie QB Kyler Murray inside the 10-yard line when Seals-Jones lowered his shoulder and helmet into Dinson, leaving Dinson down on the field for several minutes. Head coach Gus Malzahn was pretty blunt about Dinson's status: "It doesn't look good, put it that way." 
 
On the whole, I was very pleased with the way Auburn played myself. Now, the big question: Can they carry this performance with them to the remainder of the season, and gain a reasonable amount of confidence? If so, they might be able to pull off another thunder-shocker, and increase the significance of their bowl game (though not that significantly).
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!  
 
 
 
Saturday, November 7th, 2015
 
The Tigers are 2 hours and 10 minutes away from a crucial showdown with Texas A&M at College Station, Tx. as I write this. (I would have written it sooner, but I've been very busy for the past couple of days.) 
 
Here are a few succinct keys to victory for Auburn against the Aggies, at least from my point of view:
 
1. Catch passes: Auburn has a talented receiving corps, but most of them have caught a rather severe case of "drop-itis" in the past couple of games. A basic rule of thumb is that, however high or long a pass may be now and then, if you're in a position to get your hands on the ball, you've got to catch it. Plain and simple. 
 
2. Convert on third down: In last week's 27-19 home loss to Ole Miss, the Tigers were an abysmal 2-of-15 in third-down conversions. That largely explains why the much-maligned defense had so much trouble hindering the SEC's top-ranked offense. Auburn must vastly improve in this area tonight, or it will be another long game. 
 
3. Establish the run: Head coach Gus Malzahn said that Peyton Barber should be ready to go against the Aggies, even though he was a bit banged up last week. That said, don't bet against Jovon Robinson stepping in if needed. Regardless, the Tigers must pile up the yards on the ground. 
 
4. When in the red zone, find the end zone: In my eyes, the biggest killer for Auburn in their defeat to the Rebels was red zone troubles. Three trips inside Ole Miss' 20-yard line, and just three field goals to show for it. That simply will not cut it in the SEC, especially against teams with dominant offenses and defenses. 
 
5. Pressure Texas A&M quarterback Kyler Murray: It's a good thing Carl Lawson has finally returned to the field for the Tigers, because the Aggies' signal-caller can do it all. It certainly showed in Texas A&M's 35-28 win over South Carolina last week. Murray was 20-of-28 passing for 223 yards and a score, while also rushing for 156 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown. The Tigers simply can't allow him to post figures of anything near that nature. He has a talented group of receivers himself, namely Josh Reynolds, and Ricky Seals-Jones. 
 
The outcome of this game could play a large role in defining Auburn's season. If the Tigers want to avenge last year's heartbreaking 41-38 upset loss to the Aggies at Jordan-Hare Stadium, they must come out and play with inspiration and resolve. 
 
In other news...
 
- This has nothing to do with Auburn, but since I always strive to be impartial, not to mention a Christian, I find it fitting to share. Last night, an incomprehensible tragedy struck at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs soundly defeated Missouri, 34-13 two nights ago. Naturally, this meant that they would have a couple of days to rest and relax. Sadly, for one player, what was expected to be some quality time with a loved one was turned upside down.
 
Freshman defensive lineman Keith Joseph Jr. was killed in a one-car accident yesterday evening. His father, Keith Joseph Sr., a former Bulldogs linebacker also lost his life in the accident. The two were on their way to attend a high school football game at their alma mater, Pascagoula (Miss.) High School. Keith Joseph Jr. signed with Mississippi State last February and was redshirting this season. Keith Joseph Sr. played for the Bulldogs from 1989-92 and ranks 10th all-time in school history with 14 sacks. 
 
"We are deeply saddened and heartbroken by the tragic loss of Keith Jr. and his father," head coach Dan Mullen said in a statement released by the school. "Keith had such a promising future as a Bulldog following in the legacy started by Keith Sr., who played for our program 25 years ago. Keith was a great student, a hard worker and a great teammate to all of us. With heavy hearts, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Joseph family, our entire Mississippi State community, and all of the lives these Bulldogs touched." 
 
"Words can't express the sorrow we feel by having lost not one, but two members of the Bulldog family, father and son," Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin said. "I was a classmate of Keith Sr., and took pride in having Keith Jr. follow in his dad's footsteps at MSU. They will both be missed greatly. It's such a tragic reminder that life is precious and every day is a gift from God." 
 
Oh, the wisdom of that last sentence. Read it again, and firmly plant it in your mind. Life isn't always magical, but it is precious. Every day IS a gift from God. Tragedy knows no timetable. It can strike at any time of day, all too often with no warning. Most times, it takes events such as these to remind you of what's truly important in life. Never take each day for granted, and always tell everyone you hold dear just how much you love them, because in the blink of an eye, they can be lost in the physical sense. 
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
Wednesday, November 4th, 2015
 
I'm going to start today's post just like yesterday's, with injury-related news. The exception is that today, all of it will be positive. 
 
Quarterback Sean White and Peyton Barber are both back on the practice field after barely participating in last week's workouts due to injuries. While both played in the Tigers' 27-19 loss to Ole Miss last weekend, both were ineffective. White had his worst completion percentage in a game this season (42.9 percent), and also threw an interception, although he hooked up with Ricardo Louis for his first career touchdown strike. 
 
Barber, meanwhile, had just eight carries for a season-low 17 yards, and broke a string of three straight games with a TD. With Barber limited, junior-college transfer Jovon Robinson got the most touches against the Rebels. While he had just four carries entering the contest, Robinson finished the day with 91 yards on 18 carries. 
 
Barring any additional setbacks in practice, White and Barber should be ready to go against Texas A&M this Saturday, but it is not clear if either will be 100 percent. The Tigers will need all the offensive output they can muster to stay on par with an Aggies offense that averages 431.8 yards per game. 
 
In other news...
 
- At this point in the season, it certainly seems fathomable to believe that Sean White will be the favorite to start for Auburn next year. However, now there will be another quarterback joining the conversation. He is a former Florida State Seminole. 
 
John Franklin III, who transferred from Florida State to East Mississippi Community College this past summer, will transfer to Auburn after this season. This afternoon, Franklin posted on his Twitter account, "The wait is over! Ready to start my new journey and soar with the War Eagles on the Plains come January!"
 
Franklin was offered by Auburn last month. The Florida native, who also ran track at Florida State, has drawn comparisons to former Auburn signal-caller Nick Marshall. FSU used Franklin's speed to simulate Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota and Oregon's fast-paced offense in practice leading up to the 2014 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game. 
 
Franklin completed 58.2 percent of his passes in nine games for East Mississippi Community College this season. He threw seven touchdowns and two picks. Additionally, Franklin rushed for 451 yards and nine scores. 
 
Generally speaking, dual-threat quarterbacks have enjoyed great success in the Gus Malzahn Era at Auburn. Therefore, the quarterback competition should be intriguing to watch when spring practice gets underway. With a guy like Franklin, you can't help but wonder if we could have another Cam Newton/Nick Marshall on our hands. 
 
That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
​Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015
 
I've discovered a couple of articles today both involving injuries. One of them is bad news, while the other should be encouraging. 
 
First off, the bad news. Auburn Undercover has reported that head coach Gus Malzahn revealed that redshirt freshman wide receiver Stanton Truitt will miss the remainder of the season because of a shoulder injury. Truitt got hurt in Auburn's four-overtime loss to Arkansas two weeks ago, and did not play against Ole Miss this past weekend. He will undergo surgery later this week and start the recovery process shortly thereafter. The former three-star recruit from Monroe, Ga., appeared in six games this season, catching one pass and carrying the ball six times. Malzahn added that Truitt injured the same shoulder last year, which ended his 2014 campaign. 
 
I wish Stanton well in his surgery and recovery. Let's all look on the bright side: He still has three years left to become a major factor in the Tigers' offense. I'm very confident that he will do just that. 
 
Now, for the encouraging news: As all Auburn fans saw last weekend, defensive end Carl Lawson returned to the field for the first time since injuring his hip in the season opener against Louisville. He was able to make it through the Ole Miss game without any major complications. There was only one minor issue: Fatigue. 
 
"He (Lawson) just said I'm a little out of shape," Coach Malzahn said today. "He'll get in better shape as he goes, but I think that really helped him confidence wise. He's healthy and ready to go." 
Lawson recorded just one tackle in last weekend's 27-19 loss to the Rebels, but the sophomore also posted three quarterback hurries. Needless to say, during his absence, the Tigers missed his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. In the SEC, only Arkansas has fewer sacks (seven) than Auburn (12) this season. 
 
While Lawson didn't keep the statisticians busy last Saturday, he still played a vital role in the game. Ole Miss had to double-team him at times, which opened up lanes for the other Auburn defenders to make plays. "From an offensive standpoint, you got to be aware of him," Malzahn stated on his radio show yesterday evening. "He's definitely a game-changer." 
 
Even while he was banged up, Lawson still made an impact on the team from the sideline. He constantly encouraged teammates and took part in sideline huddles. Now that he is back in business, the Tiger defense is re-energized. "When he (Lawson) talks our guys listen to him," Malzahn said. "He's raised that level and special players have that ability."
 
I couldn't have said it any better. Hopefully, Lawson will be able to fill the stat sheet when the Tigers travel to College Station, Texas to take on Texas A&M this Saturday (as well as for the rest of the season, for that matter). 
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 
 
 
 
 
Monday, November 2nd, 2015
 
​When it comes to most things in life, persistence pays off. Especially when it comes to recruiting athletes. 
 
When Marlon Character, one of the top defensive backs in the South, committed to South Carolina in July, Auburn never gave up. In fact, they tried harder and harder to latch onto him. When Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier resigned last month, Character's pledge to South Carolina became iffy at best. 
 
Today, Auburn's determination paid dividends. Character has officially switched his commitment to the Tigers. "They have a special place for me there," he said. "The coaches and the players are family to me already." 
 
Character, a standout at Grady High, is the No. 19 safety and the No. 27 recruit in the state of Georgia according to the 247Sports Composite. A three-star safety, Character becomes Auburn's 13th commitment for the Class of 2016. 
 
In other news...
 
- Auburn's home game against Georgia on November 14th has been set for an 11:00 AM CT kickoff. The Tigers will aim to avenge last year's 34-7 loss to the Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium in Athens. This game will mark the fourth 11:00 AM kickoff of the season for both squads. The Bulldogs will be coming off a home tilt with Kentucky, while Auburn will face Texas A&M on the road this coming Saturday. 
 
Yeah, I know. Trust me: I don't like these early morning games any more than you do. It really does screw up your routine, regardless of whether you're at the stadium or watching it at home. It makes you want to scream. Still, considering that both teams aren't exactly having Cinderella seasons, I think that if the Tigers can do enough things right, and make the plays when they matter the most, we could definitely clinch a victory, which would certainly play a part in salvaging a season gone sour. 
 
That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 

 

Sunday, November 1st, 2015

 

Yesterday's game against Ole Miss saw a pattern that has become all too familiar to Auburn fans at this point in the season: The Tigers showed some spark, but not enough. As a result, the Rebels overtook them by a final score of 27-19. Auburn fell to 4-4 on the year, 1-4 in league play. Since defeating Ole Miss 35-31 last season, the Tigers have gone 5-8 - including 1-7 in the conference. Yes, the Tigers are still searching for answers on how to turn a troubling season into a respectable one. Let's see what went wrong: 

 

Offense: On most days, when your team generates 427 total yards, that should be enough to bring home a victory. Running back Jovon Robinson saw his first extensive action as well, gaining 91 yards on 18 carries. Sean White also threw his first collegiate touchdown pass, a 47-yard scoring toss to Ricardo Louis. So, what shot Auburn down, you may ask? Trouble in the red zone, that's what. The Tigers drove down inside the Rebels' 20-yard line on three possessions. In all three series, they only came away with a field goal. Unless your team has a swarming defense, you simply can't win if you don't find the end zone as often as possible. The bottom line is that Auburn left too many points out on the field. Also, receiver Melvin Ray had a crucial drop late in the game. 

 

Defense: For the first time since the first half of our season opener against Louisville, Buck linebacker Carl Lawson finally returned to the field, and gave the defense some inspiration. "Some" is the key word. By game's end, the Tigers had recorded one sack, and 13 hurries on Ole Miss QB Chad Kelly. That was the most hurries Auburn had recorded since the opener, when they had 20. The Tigers also forced two turnovers (both interceptions). Sadly, that wasn't enough to hide the fact that Auburn surrendered a season-worst 558 total yards, with Kelly giving the Tiger secondary fits. 

 

Special teams: This was probably the Tigers' lone bright spot in this game. Daniel Carlson remained his old reliable self, nailing four field goals, including a 52-yarder. He now owns the Auburn record for 50-plus yard field goals in a season with four. Punter Kevin Phillips also had a good day, averaging 45.6 yards on his five kicks. Kerryon Johnson also had a nice kickoff return. But, as we all know, it takes more than one successful aspect to win the game. 

 

Coaching: This played arguably the biggest factor in the outcome. Head coach Gus Malzahn had said going into this game that the Tigers needed to be aggressive. Unfortunately, that aggression backfired on Auburn. First off, fans never really knew who would be behind center on each series, as the Tigers kept shuffling quarterbacks between Sean White, Jeremy Johnson, and Kerryon Johnson in the Wildcat. Second, in the red zone, the staff made poor decisions with not running the ball with reliable playmakers, namely Jovon Robinson. Third, coach Malzahn made a questionable call early in the second quarter, with Auburn holding a 10-3 lead. Facing fourth-and-2 near midfield, he opted to go for it. The risk failed, as Sean White's pass to Melvin Ray was broken up by Ole Miss defensive back Tony Bridges - a one-time Auburn commit. That enabled the Rebels to tie the score six plays later on a 25-yard TD sprint by Akeem Judd, and gain the momentum in the process. Malzahn and the staff must do re-thinking as to when to gamble, and when not to. 

 

Overall: The offense was hot at times, but bogged down in the red zone. The defense showed some improvement, but still haven't turned a corner. The Tigers travel to Texas A&M next week for a 6:30 PM CT opening kick. If Auburn wants to become bowl eligible, they'll have to seriously buckle down in practice and bounce back on the field. Simply put, the team is still searching for answers after believing that they were finally on the rise at the start of October. 

 

That's all for now. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE!