Random Thoughts on a Sunday Night...

Defense:

All right. Auburn defenders, you showed last night in the second half how you can play. You showed how you can dominate both the run and the pass. Keep it up.

Quentin Groves, you showed what you are capable of doing. You showed that you are worth more than just a ten yard bull rush. Keep that intensity.

Pat Simms, that move that you made on the goal-line stand was an eye-opener. 304 pound men should not be able to move that quickly. Keep that determination.

Linebackers, you stuffed the run when you had to. Keep that discipline.

Which brings me to my next thought:

Tray Blackmon:

A little background here. Blackmon (#10) was the Number 1 ranked linebacker in the nation coming out of high school two years ago. After a redshirt season, he was primed to become the next in a long line of great AU linebackers. Unfortunately, while at home over the summer, he made a very poor decision and was busted for under age drinking.

As a result, Tuberville suspended him. Not for one game against a key opponent like Arkansas State, but for HALF the SEASON. Throughout the suspension, Blackmon repeatedly stated that he trusted Tuberville to do what Tuberville thought necessary. I know, that's what he was supposed to say. But based on comments from suspended players at The School Up The Road, Blackmon's attitude is refreshing. That attitude also included working his tail off during practice, showing up every day as if he were starting.

The fact that he had a prominent role Saturday night is secondary. It's nice, but it's secondary. The important part is that Tray Blackmon appears to have entered the path to manhood on the right track. That's more important than football. And I'm glad Auburn's head coach feels the same way.

B(c)S

So, Auburn is Number 4 in the BCS?

I don't care. I stopped caring about polls in 2004. It's good pub for AU and that's about it. Hope for two Arkansas losses, win the SEC. The rest is a beauty contest.

(Unless, of course, AU is ranked #1 or #2 at the end of the year. In that case, the system is fine.)
The U :

It is an abomination to see how far Larry "Uncle Fester" Coker has allowed Miami to return to its Jackass Tradition.

Mr. Coker, it appears that you will have some time on your hands in the very near future. I've taken the liberty of forwarding a book to you. It's called "What to Do When You Have Nothing to Do". It's been autographed by the author, Terry Bowden. Like Terry, you won with the previous coach's players and then proceeded to run the program into the ground. Also, say "Hi" to your professional commentators, I'm sure they will join you soon in the unemployment line. Make sure to listen all the way through.

Freshman to Watch:

Even though it was an ugly game (definitely not a 2 Beer game), I enjoyed watching the Wisconsin/Minnesota game for one reason. That reason's name is P.J. Hill. This freshman is 5'11'' and weighs 240. So far, he has rushed for 1,011 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in just 7 games. Did I mention he is a freshman? Kid is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. If he can stay injury-free (not a definite given his punishing running style), he will be a monster for the next few years in that system.

Florida and Auburn fans:

Both fanbases need to read Orson's post over at EDSBS explaining why AU won (and Florida lost). Florida fans should read it before they start whining about bad referee calls. Auburn fans should read it before trying to talk classless smack.

Bottom Line: It was a classic game and both teams left everything on the field. No reason for the fans to belittle it by acting like jackasses.