​​Lyle's Corner

November 2020

Sunday, November 29th, 2020

The kickoff time and TV network for Auburn's home finale with Texas A&M next Saturday have been set. I'm sad to say that it will be a morning match. 

The Tigers will square off with the Aggies at 11 a.m. CT in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Dec. 5th on ESPN. This marks Auburn's fourth morning game of the season. The Tigers have won three straight over Texas A&M. The home team is 1-7 in the series since A&M joined the SEC in 2012. Auburn lost to Alabama 42-13 in yesterday's Iron Bowl, while the Aggies topped LSU 20-7 in College Station. 

Obviously, this early opening kick is disappointing to virtually any Auburn fan. Then again, considering our performance yesterday, go figure. Regardless, let's just hope that next week's game will provide a much brighter outcome. 

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

Saturday, November 28th, 2020

It's late as I write this, so I'm going to be pretty blunt on what I saw from the football team today, as well as on the men's basketball team's performances in the first two games of their season. 

Gus Malzahn's Tigers were handed their fifth straight loss in Tuscaloosa today as Alabama ran away from them with a 42-13 victory. In every aspect of the game, the Tigers showed some spark - but not enough to pull off an upset, or even really come close to it. The offense generated 347 total yards (227 passing, 120 rushing), but the only real bright spot was QB Bo Nix. He went 23-of-38 for 227 yards with a rushing touchdown. Not bad, save for two interceptions. He was also sacked three times. Tank Bigsby returned to action, but he still didn't seem fully healed. But it was nice to see backup Mark-Antony Richards get some touches late. He's going to become a beast down the road. 

Defensively, Kevin Steele's bunch looked prepared early on, but once the Tide got its offense clicking, Auburn couldn't contain QB Mac Jones and his splendid receivers. The Tigers did force one turnover, but that came in the fourth quarter with the final outcome clearly in the bag. Rarely - if ever - can you expect to win by allowing your opponent 445 total yards. 

Special teams was on par most of the day. Anders Carlson had a great day with kickoffs, and made two field goals. But he misfired on a 56-yard attempt that sailed well off to the left. That would have equaled his career-long. Aidan Marshall did OK with his five punts, and one of them went inside the 20. But his first boot of the afternoon didn't reach the midfield stripe. Good thing the Tiger defense held Bama on that ensuing series. 

Overall, Auburn looked like it might have a chance to shock the world in the early going, but such hopes faded rather swiftly from that point on. Gus Malzahn is now 3-5 in the Iron Bowl as head coach of the Tigers. His team will really have to do some serious improving to get ready for a home battle with Texas A&M in Jordan-Hare Stadium next week. That won't be any easier than today's match was. I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow - if not later - to find out the TV network and kickoff time for that game. 

In other news.....

- Bruce Pearl's team showed character and grip in overtaking St. Joseph's 96-91 in overtime in its season opener on Wednesday. However, the Tigers were less fortunate yesterday against top-ranked Gonzaga, losing 90-67. Nonetheless, there are signs that the team is going to improve despite its lack of depth. We'll just have to hang in there. Auburn will play its third straight match in the Sunshine State on Monday when it plays Central Florida in Orlando. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. CT. The contest will be streamed online on ESPN+. 

That's all for today. I hope you all had a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 

Tuesday, November 24th, 2020

Auburn football's latest pledge is a graduate transfer from the Ivy League. 

​Today, former Harvard offensive lineman Eric Wilson tweeted that after he graduates next May, he'll transfer to Auburn. Wilson chose the Tigers over offers from LSU, Florida State, N.C. State, Memphis and Minnesota. "I love Auburn," he told Rivals. "My parents love Auburn. It's a great school and a great community." Wilson, who could play guard or center for Auburn, was named All-Ivy League second-team in 2019. In 2020, Wilson was a first-team selection on Phil Steele's Preseason All-Ivy League team before the season was canceled due to COVID-19. Last season at Harvard, Wilson played in all 10 games for a second straight year. 

​The 6-feet-4, 315-pound Wilson attended high school at Benilde-St. Margaret's in Minnetrista, Minn. In high school, he was a USA Today ​first team all-state, and nominee for Mr. Football in Minnesota during his senior season. As for his time with Auburn, Wilson said, "I'll have one year of eligibility, possibly two." 

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

​Monday, November 23rd, 2020

Unsettling news surfaced in the Auburn men's basketball program yesterday when it was announced that the Tigers will forgo postseason play for the upcoming 2020-21 season. An official press release from the university reads as follows:

"​The Auburn men's basketball program will forgo postseason competition for the upcoming 2020-21 season. The NCAA and the SEC have been notified. The athletics department and university administration, in conjunction with Coach Bruce Pearl, made the decision after careful deliberation and in light of the ongoing matter that surfaced in fall 2017 regarding former assistant coach Chuck Person. Auburn has cooperated with the NCAA and will continue to do so. 

​"We regret the impact this decision has on our student-athletes, yet it was made in the best long-term interest of the program. Because of the ongoing matter, we will not comment further but hope for swift consideration and resolution of the matter." Coach Pearl also released a statement of his own. This was a difficult decision but the right decision," he said."I hate it for our current players. They lost the opportunity for the postseason last year because of COVID, and now they will miss the postseason again. It's a two-year postseason penalty for them. However, we need to take this penalty now to put it behind us." 

In other news.....

- Three offensive starters for the football team are questionable for the Iron Bowl after sustaining injuries in last Saturday's 30-17 win over Tennessee. Running back Tank Bigsby, right tackle Brodarious Hamm and left tackle Alec Jackson all left last weekend's game with various injuries, the extent of which were not disclosed by head coach Gus Malzahn. "All three of those guys couldn't really finish the game," Malzahn said. "All three of them, at this point, I'll say will be questionable. That's probably the best way to put it. We'll see as the week goes on as they progress." 

Bigsby, who has established himself as the Tigers' top running back, left the Tennessee game early on after sustaining a hip injury on Auburn's opening series. He was cleared to return, but after his first carry of the second quarter - a 10-yard gain to start Auburn's fourth drive of the contest - he exited once again and didn't return. The freshman has tallied 527 rushing yards with five touchdowns this season while averaging 5.73 yards per carry. 

Hamm went down with an injury in the second half and eventually limped to Auburn's locker room but didn't return. Jackson also left with an apparent right hand injury but at one point returned with his hand heavily wrapped. Hamm has started six of seven games at right tackle this season, while Jackson has started all seven games at left tackle. With those two linemen out, the Tigers returned to junior college transfer Brenden Coffey at right tackle and redshirt junior Austin Troxell at left tackle. 

In regards to linebacker K.J. Britt, who has been out since early October due to hand surgery, Malzahn said he still has not been medically cleared to return yet, and that it is unlikely he will be cleared in time for the Iron Bowl. Auburn and Alabama will square off at 2:30 p.m. CT this Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa on CBS. 

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

​Sunday, November 22nd, 2020

In the early going of last night's match against Tennessee in Jordan-Hare Stadium, 23rd-ranked Auburn was, as head coach Gus Malzahn said, "sleepwalking a bit." It was easy to see why. The Tigers hadn't played a game in three weeks, and were in a 10-0 hole against the Volunteers. However, such concerns went out the window from the second quarter onward. Undaunted Auburn outscored the Big Orange 30-7 over the last three quarters to pull away with a crucial 30-17 win that gave Malzahn something to celebrate in his 100th contest in charge of the program. 

​On the offensive side, Auburn turned in a relatively decent performance, amassing 385 yards (220 passing, 165 rushing), 23 first downs and 9-of-15 third-down conversions. Tank Bigsby, D.J. William and Shaun Shivers all performed well in the running game. The lone glaring error was quarterback Bo Nix's interception that he threw in the end zone in the first half. On that particular play, Nix made a misjudgment when he had plenty of room to run in the pocket. Instead of carrying it himself and likely scoring, he threw on the run, and it cost Auburn the ball and points. However, he certainly atoned for that when he teamed up with Anthony Schwartz on a 54-yard scoring strike that put the Tigers on the board. 

Defensively, Auburn left plenty to be desired. Kevin Steele's troops allowed 464 yards to the Vols (242 passing, 222 rushing), as well as 28 first downs, 9-of-15 third-down conversions, and a successful try on UT's only fourth-down conversion effort. In particular, the Tigers were powerless to contain running back Eric Gray. He rolled up 173 yards on 22 carries with a TD. His longest run was a 33-yard romp. In spite of all these struggles, Smoke Monday gave Auburn fans reason to go wild on a highlight reel-worthy play late in the third quarter. With the Tigers leading 13-10, and the Vols threatening to grab the advantage back, Monday picked off a Jarrett Guarantano toss in the end zone, sped down the Tiger sideline, and never looked back in going coast to coast with a 100-yard pick-six that increased Auburn's lead to 20-10. It was his second interception return for a TD in his college career. Had it not been for that play, it more than likely would have been a different ball game. 

In regards to the kicking game, there's really nothing to complain about. Anders Carlson was his usual superb self on kickoffs, and nailed all three of his field goal tries, including a 50-yarder inside the game's final minute. Punter Oscar Chapman only aired out two kicks on the night, but one of them went 40 yards. On the whole, the Tigers certainly weren't dominant by any means, but they executed well enough when it mattered en route to a crucial victory after two straight bye weeks, the second of which was unplanned. Now Auburn must improve its issues on both sides of the ball if it wants to have a chance to upset Alabama in Tuscaloosa in the Iron Bowl next week. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS. And even though the ink is dry on this, you have to admit one thing: It's gonna be mighty strange not having this game as the regular-season finale, isn't it? 

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

Friday, November 20th, 2020

Bear with me, folks. I have a LOT to delve into today. So sit back and put your feet up, if need be. Just don't fall asleep. 

​- Auburn football got a big commitment on Wednesday when former Oklahoma tight end Grant Calcaterra announced via Twitter that he would be transferring to the Plains. His best season with the Sooners came in 2018 when he hauled in 26 catches for 396 yards and six touchdowns. Calcaterra previously stepped away from the game for a time due to concussion issues. Let's hope he doesn't run into the same trouble in the SEC. Regardless, this could be a pivotal addition to the offense, as offensive coordinator Chad Morris wants to utilize tight ends more in the passing attack.

​- On Wednesday, Bruce Pearl's basketball program got its second pledge of the week when Trey Alexander, a four-star guard, signed with Auburn. A press release of the news reads as follows:

"​Trey Alexander, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard from Oklahoma City, Okla., signed a National Letter of Intent with the Auburn basketball program, head coach Bruce Pearl announced Wednesday. Alexander is a consensus four-star shooting guard by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. He is rated as the 40th-best player nationally in the 2021 class by ESPN, 61st by 247Sports and 72nd by Rivals.

"Alexander, tabbed as the No. 1 player from the state of Oklahoma, averaged 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4.5 assists and four steals per game during his junior season at Heritage Hall School. 'First of all, we're getting an outstanding student-athlete from an incredible family,' Pearl said. 'I want to thank our former players because Trey and his father, Steve, who has been his coach his entire life, watched our backcourt grow, develop and play with freedom. That is what set us apart. I want to thank our former players for representing in such a way that somebody as talented as Trey would want to come to Auburn. His ability to score on all three levels, his work ethic and upside make him one of the best guard prospects that we've been able to recruit.'

"Alexander, already Heritage Hall's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, was named a MaxPreps Junior All-American last season. He also was named First Team All-State. The sharpshooter averaged 24 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals as a sophomore and was labeled as the Greater Metro Athletic Conference Most Valuable Player in 2019. The Chargers won the Class 4A state title during Alexander's freshman campaign and were runners-up when he was a sophomore after he was named the Little All-City Player of the Year in 2018. On the AAU circuit, Alexander averaged 24 points per game with various travel teams over the summer.

"Prior to his junior season, Alexander averaged 19 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals for 16U Team Griffin during the 2019 grassroots season in which he led the team to the Nike E16 Peach Jam Championship. The run to the title included Alexander's driving buzzer-beater to send the championship game to overtime. Alexander, who is cousins with current Utah Jazz point guard Mike Conley Jr., is Auburn's second signee in the Class of 2021."

- ​Now, let's move on to some bad news on the recruiting front. Yesterday, word came out that three-star offensive tackle Caleb Johnson, who had previously committed to Auburn in May, flipped his pledge to Notre Dame. "I would like to thank Coach Bicknell and Coach Malzahn along with the Auburn fan base for their support," Johnson wrote in a note shared via his Twitter account. "This has been one of the hardest decisions I've had to make but I have to make the best decision for me. With that being said I am now committed to the University of Notre Dame." 

​Out of Trinity Catholic in Ocala, Fla., Johnson ranks as the No. 28 offensive tackle, No. 60 recruit in Florida and No. 367 overall prospect nationally for the Class of 2021 in the 247Sports Composite. Aside from Auburn and Notre Dame, Johnson had 34 other scholarship offers, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss and Tennessee. 

Despite this news, Auburn still has 13 pledges in the Class of 2021, which ranks No. 7 in the SEC in No. 20 nationally in the Composite. 

- Last but far from least, I now know who will call Auburn football's game with Tennessee in Jordan-Hare Stadium tomorrow on ESPN. Joe Tessitore will provide the play-by-play, with Greg McElroy providing the color commentary, and Allison Williams being the sideline reporter. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT tomorrow on said channel. 

Man, my keyboard and hands got a workout today, didn't they?! That's all for today. Until next time, God Bless, and WAR EAGLE! 

Wednesday, November 18th, 2020

​Speculation over. Rumor is now reality. News broke yesterday that Jabari Smith, a five-star power forward from Tyrone, Georgia, officially signed with Bruce Pearl's Tigers, becoming the top-ranked player to ever pen with the team. Auburn's official press release on Smith's commitment reads as follows:

"​Smith is a consensus five-star forward by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals. He is rated as the No. 4 player in the country in the 2021 class by Rivals and No. 5 by 247Sports and ESPN. Smith is the highest-rated signee in program history. Chosen as the No. 1 player from the state of Georgia, Smith averaged 24.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the floor, including 38 percent from 3, while playing at Sandy Creek High School. 

"Competitive programs are built by bringing in really good people that want to work hard together to accomplish something special," Pearl said. "What gets lost in Jabari being ranked as one of the top-5 players in the country is that he's one of the top-5 people because of his character and his work ethic. That fits what we're trying to do at Auburn. 

​"A skilled big that can play any position on the floor, he is a very difficult matchup. Being an hour and a half from his home, having Chuma Okeke and Isaac Okoro come before him and develop, seeing the environment of Auburn Arena firsthand, these were all factors that led to his commitment. Smith was tabbed as a MaxPreps Junior All-American and an all-state selection a year ago while leading the Patriots to a 25-5 record, including 12-0 in the region, and an appearance in the Class 4A state quarterfinals. Following the 2019-20 season, he was named the Junior of the Year in Class 4A. 

​"As a sophomore, Smith averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, two blocks, 1.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 48 percent from the court as he led Sandy Creek to a 27-4 record, including 12-0 in the region. More recently, Smith was named the Most Valuable Player at the Pangos All-American Festival when he racked up 22 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in a game that featured many of the top prospects in the nation."

​"Smith represented his country as he paced USA Basketball to a gold medal in the FIBA Americas U16 championship, while averaging 13.8 points and 6.2 rebounds. On the AAU circuit, Smith played for the Atlanta Celtics and led them to a championship in the Adidas Gauntlet Series. Smith is the son of Jabari Smith Sr., who played at LSU for two seasons before playing in the NBA in stints with the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings. Smith is also the cousin of 13-year NBA veteran Kwame Brown, who was the No. 1 overall pick in 2001." 

​Smith is 6-feet-9 and weighs 210 pounds. That height strikes me as a good sign. 

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

Tuesday, November 17th, 2020

​The Iron Bowl's kickoff time and TV network have been set. 

Word came out yesterday afternoon that Auburn and Alabama will face off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Nov. 28th in Tuscaloosa, with the game being televised by CBS. Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Jamie Erdahl will provide the coverage. The Tigers haven't left Bryant-Denny Stadium with a victory since 2010. That game is forever known as the "Cam-Back", as Auburn QB Cam Newton led his squad back from a 24-0 deficit to edge the Tide, 28-27. 

One other comment about the aforementioned time slot. It seemed to me that the afternoon slot and TV network have been the same for many, many years now. But upon doing my research, I discovered that this is only the sixth straight year that that has been the case. The last time the Iron Bowl was played in primetime was in 2014. That contest was telecast by ESPN at 6:45 p.m. CT. Auburn didn't win that one, coming up on the short end of the stick in a 55-44 slugfest. But man, was that game one for the ages! It's still my second favorite Iron Bowl that we lost. It also remains the highest combined scoring game in the series, surpassing that of the 1969 match, which Auburn won by a 49-26 count. 

All Iron Bowl talk aside, though, the Tigers must first focus on a home tangle with Tennessee this Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the game will begin at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. Let's all hope that this game stays intact.

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

Monday, November 16th, 2020

Today, I'm going to provide an injury update on the football team. 

When linebacker K.J. Britt had thumb surgery on the Friday following Auburn's loss at Georgia, the estimated recovery time was six weeks. This Friday will mark the six-week span, and as of right now, head coach Gus Malzahn said Britt has yet to be cleared. Britt sustained his injury against the Bulldogs on Oct. 3rd. Malzahn said they expect to have him back by the end of the season, but they're currently taking it week by week. If Britt is unable to play against Tennessee this Saturday, the Tigers will have three games left - the Iron Bowl in Tuscaloosa, the home match with Texas A&M, and the make-up game against Mississippi State on Dec. 12th. 

​Despite that, Auburn expects to have several other key players back. Starting safety Jamien Sherwood, who was banged up against LSU, would not have been ready to play by the original date for the Mississippi State match. But with an extra open date, Sherwood is improving. "We're expecting him to practice when we get back on the practice field Tuesday," Malzahn stated. 

The Tigers are also expecting wide receiver Shedrick Jackson to return to practice. Jackson got hurt against South Carolina. He tried to come back but ultimately had to stay sidelined. Although he didn't play against Ole Miss or LSU, he has healed up over the break. "One of the blessings is, you know, guys that are banged up get a chance to heal up a little bit and we can get those guys back out there," Malzahn explained. 

​Freshman tight end Brandon Frazier, of whom the coaches have spoken highly, was actually ready to return ahead of the Mississippi State game, but his debut was delayed a week. He was sick but is finally recovered. Malzahn has often emphasized that once Frazier comes back, he could certainly open up the passing game for the tight ends. Freshman defensive end Jay Hardy, who had a foot injury, is another youngster who can help the Tigers. Malzahn declined to say whether he's game-ready, but did say he's "healthier." Both his and Frazier's returns would add some important depth for Auburn as it delves deeper into its all-SEC schedule. 

​"I think that both of them can help us, and both of them have had a solid week of practice," Malzahn said. "Both of them are going to be really good players if they continue to work."  Barring any abrupt changes in plans, the Tigers will host Tennessee this Saturday in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN. 

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

​​​Friday, November 13th, 2020

Bruce Pearl's basketball program got its second commitment this week yesterday when Trey Alexander, a 6-feet-4, 185-pound shooting guard from Oklahoma City, gave his pledge to Auburn. Alexander is rated by 247Sports as a four-star recruit, the No. 1 player in the Sooner State, and the nation's No. 11 player at his position. He joins five-star power forward Jabari Smith, the No. 5 player in the country, in the Class of 2021. 

​While Coach Pearl has been red hot on the recruiting front since arriving on the Plains, the Tigers are expected to be in rebuilding mode this year, being picked seventh by the SEC's media. The NCAA's early signing period for basketball started Wednesday and runs through Nov. 18th. 

In other news.....

- Good news for the football team: Head coach Gus Malzahn announced last night on Tiger Talk, his in-house radio show, that he has lifted the hold on all team activities. In an encouraging sign for the potential of next week's game against Tennessee at Jordan-Hare Stadium being played, the Tigers returned to the practice field today and will practice through the entire weekend. They also returned to their facilities Thursday for workouts. 

​Malzahn paused all team activities Tuesday when nine players and three staff members received positive COVID-19 results. The team added one more positive result Wednesday, totaling 10 among players. Fortunately, Malzahn said they had no positive tests come back in their latest round of testing Thursday. "Now we're back in a routine and preparing for our next game," he stated. 

​Malzahn said Wednesday that the number of players out due to positive COVID cases versus the number of players out due to contact tracing was "about 50-50." That means the Tigers are likely down about 20 or so players at the present time. Auburn's game at Mississippi State this weekend was postponed Monday due to a spike in COVID-19 issues within the Bulldogs' program. The next day, Malzahn revealed that Auburn had COVID-19 issues of its own with the 12 new cases. He also noted that Auburn was having internal discussions as to whether it would be able to field enough players to be able to travel to Starkville before the SEC made the decision to postpone the contest until Dec. 12th. 

​The SEC is dealing with a string of COVID-19 issues as four games this weekend - Auburn vs. Mississippi State, Alabama vs. LSU, Tennessee vs. Texas A&M and Georgia vs. Missouri - called off. Overall, 11 college football games have been postponed or cancelled this week alone. Malzahn said the Tigers will practice today, Saturday and Sunday before settling into a normal game-week rhythm in preparation for the Vols. On Wednesday, Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt announced that the Vols were free of the virus within their program. 

"We'll get back into the swing of things now," Malzahn said. "I know our guys are really excited to get back on the practice field."  

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

Thursday, November 12th, 2020

Auburn football has pocketed a commitment from the Lone Star State. Hal Presley, a wide receiver from Mansfield Summit out of Arlington, Texas, announced his pledge to the Tigers yesterday evening via his Twitter account. Presley is listed at 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, and ranks as a three-star recruit, the No. 73 recruit from Texas, the No. 74 wide receiver and the No. 485 overall prospect nationally in the 247Sports Composite. He had originally committed to Baylor, but backed out less than two weeks ago. 

​Aside from Auburn and Baylor, Presley also had 25 other scholarship offers, including from Arkansas, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. He is the Tigers' 14th pledge for the Class of 2021. Hopefully, he'll later become a key component in the Tigers' passing attack. 

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

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020

A linebacker is moving on from Gus Malzahn's program. News was confirmed yesterday that Josh Marsh has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal. In a note posted to his Twitter account, Marsh indicated that he will indeed leave the team and finish his college football career elsewhere. 

​"Today, I am releasing this statement to announce that I am placing my name in the transfer portal," Marsh's statement begins. "This has not been an easy decision for me, but I believe it's time for me to start a new chapter in my football career at a university where my defensive skill set can be utilized the best.

"First of all, I want to thank Auburn University. I have absolutely loved the last 3 years as a student athlete at Auburn. It has been an honor and privilege to play football for the Auburn Tigers. I want to thank Coach T Will, Coach Steele, Coach Malzahn and Mrs. Kristi for creating a family atmosphere and giving me the opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream, as I have been an Auburn fan my whole life. I will always be grateful for my time there, and I look forward to what the future holds."

​Marsh joined the Tigers as a 2018 signee from Decatur, Alabama. As a recruit, he was rated a three-star, the No. 41 Alabama product, No. 81 outside linebacker and No. 1,201 overall prospect nationally. He chose Auburn over offers from Colorado State, Louisville, Memphis, South Alabama, Troy and Wake Forest. In the previous two seasons, Marsh saw minimal action, appearing in three games while recording three tackles and a forced fumble. In August, he announced that he had contracted COVID-19 and was opting out of the 2020 season. 

Let me wrap up this post by digressing a bit. Given that the Tigers are getting a second straight week off after the postponement of their game against Mississippi State, I certainly hope that when the time to return to the field comes, Auburn won't look rusty and sloppy again. When unexpected circumstances are thrown your way, it's all too easy to forget how to be fully energized and up to speed at game time. Only time will tell if the Tigers fall into that trap. Let's hope not. 

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

Tuesday, November 10th, 2020

​I guess you could safely say that this week has gone from bad to worse for Auburn. According to Auburn Undercover, the Tigers paused all football team activities today due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, a total of 12 between nine players and three staff members. An official statement reads as follows:

"​After nine new positive cases among players and three among staff members, Auburn has indefinitely paused all team activities, (head coach Gus) Malzahn told reporters Tuesday morning. In addition to the nine players, a "handful of close contacts" are also quarantining. Those players have to sit out 14 days, per SEC protocol, and cannot test out of their quarantines. Malzahn didn't say whether Auburn had traced its outbreak to a specific event, noting all the positives occurred "some time" during the team's bye week last week, once players and staffers were 'out of their routines.'"

The Tigers' game at Mississippi State this Saturday had already been postponed until Dec. 12th (for the time being, anyway) due to a rise in cases in Starkville. "I've got a lot of confidence in our players," Malzahn said. "They've sacrificed a whole lot to even get to this point. Like I said, seven straight weeks (without a positive COVID-19 result), and then we have an outbreak. When we have an outbreak, it's not just one guy. You know, it affects a lot of people. But our guys are determined. ...I expect us to get this under control fairly quick and get back in our routine." 

We can only hope that that prediction comes true. 

In other news.....

​- Now, let's move on to some happier news. The men's basketball team will enjoy plenty of time in the Sunshine State later this month. Bruce Pearl's squad will travel to Fort Myers to face Saint Joe's on Nov. 26th and then meet top-ranked Gonzaga the following day in the Fort Myers Tip Off. To top that all off, news came out today that Auburn has agreed to a home-and-home with Central Florida. The Tigers will play in Orlando on Nov. 30th while the Knights will come to the Plains next season. 

Auburn will have a young team for 2020-21 as the six leading scorers from last year are all gone due to either graduation or the NBA Draft. A strong recruiting class led by 5-star point guard Sharife Cooper and four-star power forward JT Thor should help the rebuilding process come along more swiftly than usual for Pearl. 

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

Monday, November 9th, 2020

Just when we started to think Auburn could enjoy a disruption-free football season, we were wrong. Sigh.

News broke this afternoon that the Tigers' game at Mississippi State scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed due to COVID-19 issues within State's program. The Bulldogs stopped all football activities today. The official press release announcing the news reads as follows:

​"The Auburn at Mississippi State football game of November 14 has been postponed due to positive tests and subsequent quarantining of individuals within the Mississippi State football program, consistent with Southeastern Conference COVID-19 management requirements. The game has been tentatively rescheduled for Dec. 12. The SEC's COVID-19 management requirements, as developed by the SEC's Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force, are available on SECsports.com." 

​Auburn was coming off its bye week heading into this contest after its most complete performance of the year in a 48-11 thrashing of LSU. The Bulldogs, meanwhile, clinched their second win of the season by topping Vanderbilt 24-17. MSU is not alone in dealing with COVID-19 issues. It was reported earlier today that LSU was dealing with the same problems, putting its game against top-ranked Alabama in jeopardy. 

In other news.....

- The Tigers' game with Tennessee, its last before the Iron Bowl, will get a primetime slot. Auburn will host the Vols in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 21st, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. CT on ESPN, the SEC announced Monday. The two teams last met in 2018, when Tennessee upset the Tigers 30-24 in Auburn, snapping an 11-game SEC losing skid. It also ended a six-game win streak for Auburn in the all-time series between the cross-division squads. 

​Even so, the Tigers still lead the all-time series, 28-22-3, although they have split the last two meetings since Gus Malzahn took charge of the program in 2013. This week, the Vols - losers of four straight games - will host fifth-ranked Texas A&M in Knoxville. 

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

​ 

Friday, November 6th, 2020

Auburn men's basketball is drawing closer, and Bruce Pearl is getting set to put out an inexperienced yet talented team led by five-star point guard Sharife Cooper. Today, the SEC announced the Tigers' conference schedule. Barring any postponements or cancellations, it will go as follows:

​- Wed., Dec. 30th: vs. Arkansas

​- Sat., Jan. 2nd: at Texas A&M

​- Wed., Dec. 6th: at Ole Miss

​- Sat., Jan. 9th: vs. Alabama

​- Wed., Jan. 13th: at Georgia

​- Sat., Jan. 16th: vs. Kentucky

​- Wed., Jan. 20th: at Arkansas

​- Sat., Jan. 23rd: at South Carolina

​- Tue., Jan. 26th: vs. Missouri

​- Tue., Feb. 2nd: vs. Georgia

​- Sat., Feb. 6th: vs. Ole Miss

​- Tue., Feb. 9th: at Vanderbilt

​- Sat., Feb. 13th: at Kentucky

​- Tue., Feb. 16th: vs. Mississippi State

​- Sat., Feb. 20th: at LSU

​- Tue., Feb. 23rd: vs. Florida

​- Sat., Feb. 27th: vs. Tennessee

​- Tue., Mar. 2nd: at Alabama

Auburn will begin its 2020-21 campaign on Nov. 25th against Saint Joe's in Fort Myers, Fla.

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

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020

Auburn men's hoops has added another team to its non-conference schedule. The Tigers will host Troy on Dec. 19th, the Trojans' basketball program announced today as part of its non-conference slate unveiling. This will mark the 10th meeting between the in-state squads, with Auburn holding an 8-1 series advantage.  

Bruce Pearl's team also traveled to Troy for a preseason exhibition last year. The Tigers and Trojans last faced off in 2009, with Troy winning 81-77 for its first win in the series' history, snapping an eight-game losing streak that dated back to 1949. Auburn had planned to begin its 2020-21 campaign with a home match against North Alabama on Nov. 10th before the NCAA pushed back the season start date. The Tigers then planned to start with a small tournament in Orlando, with a field including preseason No. 1 Gonzaga, but that event was also scrapped by ESPN, canceling eight early season tournaments set to be played in central Florida.  

​However, the Tigers will still get their date with Gonzaga. In the wake of the Orlando cancellations, a multi-team event in Fort Myers, Florida, was organized, with Auburn now scheduled to open its season there against Saint Joe's on Nov. 25th before facing Gonzaga on Nov. 27th. Aside from the Troy game, there's only one other officially confirmed non-conference game for Auburn: the SEC/Big 12 Challenge against Baylor, set for January 30th in Waco, Texas. Auburn may very well square off with the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 teams in college basketball in the Zags and Bears, respectively. 

According to CBS Sports's Matt Norlander's preseason rankings, Troy is expected to be the worst team in the Sun Belt this season under second-year head coach Scott Cross. Last year, the Trojans went 9-22 overall and 5-15 in conference play. Meanwhile, Bruce Pearl is set to coach his youngest Auburn team yet. With depth pieces from last year's team now set to assume starting roles - and with several star freshman set to make quick impacts coming off the highest-rated recruiting class in program history - the Tigers are expected to be athletic and exciting, though still inexperienced and raw. Auburn was picked seventh in the SEC in CBS Sports's preseason poll.  

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

Monday, November 2nd, 2020

​An Auburn safety might be ready for the Tigers' trip to Mississippi State in less than two weeks. Junior Jamien Sherwood injured his ankle during the first half of Auburn's 48-11 win over LSU and did not return to the game. He went to the locker room after leaving the game, and when he returned to the sideline in the second half he was wearing a walking boot on his right foot and moving around with the support of crutches. 

​The severity of Sherwood's ankle injury is uncertain, though head coach Gus Malzahn didn't want to rule out the safety's presence for Auburn's next game - a Nov. 14th trip to Starkville, Miss., to face Mississippi State after this weekend's open date. "I don't know if he'd be able to play if we had to play this week, but there is a chance for next week," Malzahn stated. "So, we're hoping that he'll heal up and be ready. Obviously, he's one of our impact players on our team." 

In other news......

- Speaking of the upcoming game at Mississippi State, its kickoff time and TV network have been set. The SEC announced this afternoon that the Tigers and Bulldogs will square off at 3 p.m. CT on the SEC Network on Nov. 14th. Auburn has lost three of the last four meetings in Starkville, but given how both teams have played thus far this season, the Tigers should be clear favorites for this contest at Davis Wade Stadium. 

Auburn will look to build off its 48-11 blowout of LSU last weekend, during which it easily played its most complete game thus far this year. Quarterback Bo Nix accounted for 381 offensive yards and four total touchdowns, while the defense recorded four sacks and three turnovers. As for MSU, the Bulldogs are quite different from the squad that upset LSU in Baton Rouge in the season opener and got ranked No. 16 in the AP Top 25 as a result of it. The Bulldogs' pass-heavy offense has increasingly sputtered from week to week, with just two touchdowns versus 15 turnovers over their past four games, all losses. 

​Multiple players have left MSU over the past couple of weeks, including star running back Kylin Hill, who is preparing for the NFL Draft. Head coach Mike Leach said last week that the program expects even more departures soon. Auburn has dominated the all-time series over State, 64-27-2. Also, Gus Malzahn is 11-1 as the Tigers' head coach in games coming off of bye weeks. Let's hope that streak extends another year. 

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

Sunday, November 1st, 2020

The Tigers may not be without their defensive leader much longer. Head coach Gus Malzahn reported today that first-team All-SEC linebacker K.J. Britt, who has missed the last four games due to thumb surgery, is still expected back before the conclusion of the regular season and possibly in time for the Iron Bowl. 

​The general consensus during this time has been that Britt, who underwent surgery on Oct. 9th, would miss about six weeks and that he should be back for at least the last two games of the regular season, sources told AL.com. Britt made 23 tackles over the first two games this season prior to his surgery. As a junior last season, he registered 69 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. 

Auburn certainly turned in an amazing performance yesterday in its stomping of LSU, and Britt's return would hopefully bolster the unit's confidence and productivity even more. The Tigers will have an open date next Saturday before traveling to Mississippi State on Nov. 14th. Auburn will then close out the season by hosting Tennessee on Nov. 21st, going to Alabama on Nov. 28th, and returning home for Texas A&M on Dec. 5th. In regards to the Mississippi State contest, its kickoff time and TV network still have yet to be determined, but I'm sure we'll get the answers to those questions soon enough. Be patient, folks. 

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