Jay Tate covers Roof, aims at Chizik...

[Kaos]

Does the Montgomery Advertiser writer have a point?  If so, do we have a problem?

Before you jump on the Fire Ted Roof bus, it's important to remember that the Head Coach is a defensive guy.

He was DC at Central Florida, Auburn and Texas before becoming a head coach.

Auburn's defense was bad in 09, passable in 10 and appears poor in 11.

Think about that before you maul Roof. Many considered Chizik one of the best defensive minds in college football during his time at Texas. That wasn't long ago.

Also consider that Roof basically wrote the book on being multiple at Minnesota in 08. He lacked talent and used quick-change fronts and schemes to provide deception. Did you see that yesterday? Nope.

What did Chizik run at Auburn? Base, base, base.

Did you see that yesterday? All day long.

[AUsweetheart]

This, if possible, makes me feel worse.

[Townhallsavoy]

The target should be directed at Chizik since he's the head coach. 

But he's winning in spite of the defense.  So fans (me included) want to find a suitable fall guy for any problems on the team. 

Roof fits that role.  He's never been very successful.  He's struggled as a coordinator before.  He's failed as head coach (forget where he was).  It's easy to blame him. 

But did we really play base in 2004? 

I remember our defense being nasty.  I remember Carlos Rogers being on an island and taking home a fancy trophy.  I remember Junior Rosegreen putting a Georgia receiver in the hospital.  I remember having the most daunting, terrorizing defensive lines I've ever seen with Ratliff, Eddins, Jackson, McClover, and Groves rotating in and out.  I remember Travis Williams and Antarrious Williams and Karibi Dede being undersized but still using proper technique to bring down SEC running backs. 

That's what I remember of Chizik's defense.  Definitely not the soft, puerile bullshit that was out there on Saturday.

[DnATL]

'04's defense was solid enough to play base.  If Roof and Chizik can adjust in 20 minutes at halftime, why not expect that they can do some work with a full week.  They say you make the most improvement between the first and second game, so I trust that the experts getting the big bucks will earn their paychecks this week.

We all know last year's team was much better, yet they made Arkansas State look pretty good in last year's opener.  And Roof was head coach at Duke, a program that makes Iowa State look like a dynasty.

Even years are the seasons for Auburn to make a run, just like odd years are for LSU.  Screwing around and calling for a change in a stable staff to improve what is really an 8-4 season will jeopardize the 11+ win run next year.

[JR4AU]

Does the Montgomery Advertiser writer have a point?  If so, do we have a problem?

Ultimately, it falls on Chizik, he's the head guy.  But he is NOT the guy running the defense.  His defenses have always been good.  The DC is the guy running the Defense, just like Malzahn runs the Offense.  Chizik's hand in both, should be more decision making about overall strategy like when to be more aggressive, and when to be  more conservative, but he's not the guy calling the fronts and coverages.  I wish he was more involved in the Def.   

[JR4AU]

'04's defense was solid enough to play base.  If Roof and Chizik can adjust in 20 minutes at halftime, why not expect that they can do some work with a full week.  They say you make the most improvement between the first and second game, so I trust that the experts getting the big bucks will earn their paychecks this week.

We all know last year's team was much better, yet they made Arkansas State look pretty good in last year's opener.  And Roof was head coach at Duke, a program that makes Iowa State look like a dynasty.

Even years are the seasons for Auburn to make a run, just like odd years are for LSU.  Screwing around and calling for a change in a stable staff to improve what is really an 8-4 season will jeopardize the 11+ win run next year.

I remember last year on Brother Oliver's weekly segment, after one of Auburn's second half comebacks, and the D stepping up in the second half.  He said some AU folks commented to him in some diner how "Roof and Chiz really do make great adjustments at half time."  He laughed and said "The only adjustment I've ever seen them make is that start lining up correctly, and playing their assignment properly, but they never change what they do."  It wasn't a cut down.  You have only so many fronts, blitzes, and coverages you can play.  They don't morph from a 4-3 to a 3-4 as "an adjustment."  Fact is, hallmark of Roof's defenses at Auburn has been the inability to get lined up correctly.  That's one of the most important aspects of Defense.  If you're out of position before the play is even started, you're fucked right off the bat.   We were out of position many times Sat. according to all Def. guys I've heard talk about it. 

[JR4AU]

Gene Chizik's Defenses as a DC

Scoring Defense Ranking:

Central FL
2000: 32nd
2001: 13th
Auburn
2002: 13th
2003: 9th
2004: 1st
Texas
2005: 8th



Base or not, he, as a DC produced solid fucking defense.  It's on him to find someone else that can handle that job at Auburn, because it's not Roof. 

[GH2001]

Gene Chizik's Defenses as a DC

Scoring Defense Ranking:

Central FL
2000: 32nd
2001: 13th
Auburn
2002: 13th
2003: 9th
2004: 1st
Texas
2005: 8th



Base or not, he, as a DC produced solid fucking defense.  It's on him to find someone else that can handle that job at Auburn, because it's not Roof.

Jay G Tate is a fucking hack. Ever seen the guy? Seriously? Just another armchair geeky QB.

[AWK]

Jay G Tate is a fucking hack. Ever seen the guy? Seriously? Just another armchair geeky QB.

I like Jay Tate's writing.  I think he calls 'em like he see's them, which is refreshing.

[GH2001]

I like Jay Tate's writing.  I think he calls 'em like he see's them, which is refreshing.

Just one notch under Evian Doucheberry to me. Stirs up shit internally by connecting dots that don't exist. His article here is pure speculation with no basis.

[AWK]

Just one notch under Evian Doucheberry to me. Stirs up shit internally by connecting dots that don't exist. His article here is pure speculation with no basis.

Everything he stated... is true.  Not opinion.

[GH2001]

Everything he stated... is true.  Not opinion.

Semantically, every single thing he actually put in that article is true.

What he is implying is not....that's all I'm saying.

He lacked talent and used quick-change fronts and schemes to provide deception. Did you see that yesterday? Nope.
What did Chizik run at Auburn? Base, base, base.
Did you see that yesterday? All day long.

He is simply  IMHO.

[jmar]

http://annistonstar.com/bookmark/9416379-Time-to-improve-With-improved-MSU-looming-Tigers-must-f%E2%80%8Aix-defensive-woes

Check out this eerie piece from last season with comments from "The Bull."


http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/09/video_way_too_many_mistakes_ha.html

Tate and Marshall are asking good questions here concerning alignment, man coverage etc.

Eltoro Freeman can help but I don't want Hollands' confidence hurt. Bates missed quite a few tackles from what I have learned but I haven't seen a replay. It's a good bet Blackson will play more inside especially on first and second down as Utah State averaged over a full yard per rushing attempt against last seasons stats. It's just my opinion but I think there is some fear of getting burned on run support when playing press and the entire first half was a young defense on its heels without a break. Auburn managed just three first downs and the screens and misdirection played well against our aggressiveness. Once we honed in on that they started with the quick slants. It was a tremendous plan and Utah State executed it well.

A great deal of the focus needs to be directed at our inability to open holes up front. That falls on Grimes and Malzahn. As Gus says, we run the ball, that's what we hang our hat on. I saw a limited playbook from our run game, less motion and very little pace due to the fact that we were stymied the entire first half.

Hats off to Trotter for staying cool and showing poise under fire late.
Incidently, Robinson and Westerman did not play in the first game.

[The Prowler]

I've said it before, the coaches teach all of this in practice...lining up correctly, how to tackle, how to get off the guy blocking you, etc. until it's live or until it counts, that's all they can do is teach them. I don't see a problem that can't be corrected through practice, film study & game experience. Coach Roof nor Coach Chizik can't go out there and line 'em up or tackle the ball carrier...that's all on the players. The only thing that the coaches can do is call different plays and make adjustments. Then after the game, show them their mistakes & teach them how to do it correctly. Some will be able to learn and will be able to correct their mistakes...some won't. You all have to remember, these are still Sophmores and some Freshmen, for a lot of them, last Saturday was their first game to start.

Basically take the Second String and some Scout Team players last year and start them against Arkansas State (we would've probably lost that game or had to come back in the final 2 minutes). That is basically what we're looking at here, minus a handful of starters from last year's National Championship team.

So yeah, we will have growing pains, growing pains are no reason to want a coach fired....I sure hope the Offense doesn't sputter against MSU, because then fans will be calling for Coach Malzahn or Coach Grime's job.

That first loss is going to be painful for some, lol....and I'm sure there will be bammers crawling all over this site like ants.

[jmar]

I've said it before, the coaches teach all of this in practice...lining up correctly, how to tackle, how to get off the guy blocking you, etc. until it's live or until it counts, that's all they can do is teach them. I don't see a problem that can't be corrected through practice, film study & game experience. Coach Roof nor Coach Chizik can't go out there and line 'em up or tackle the ball carrier...that's all on the players. The only thing that the coaches can do is call different plays and make adjustments. Then after the game, show them their mistakes & teach them how to do it correctly. Some will be able to learn and will be able to correct their mistakes...some won't. You all have to remember, these are still Sophmores and some Freshmen, for a lot of them, last Saturday was their first game to start.

Basically take the Second String and some Scout Team players last year and start them against Arkansas State (we would've probably lost that game or had to come back in the final 2 minutes). That is basically what we're looking at here, minus a handful of starters from last year's National Championship team.

So yeah, we will have growing pains, growing pains are no reason to want a coach fired....I sure hope the Offense doesn't sputter against MSU, because then fans will be calling for Coach Malzahn or Coach Grime's job.

That first loss is going to be painful for some, lol....and I'm sure there will be bammers crawling all over this site like ants.

I agree Prowler. Did you see Roof being questioned? See above.

[The Prowler]

I agree Prowler. Did you see Roof being questioned? See above.

I just watched it. Get the DL to gel and play together as one unit, that will help the defense out tremendously.  Same goes for the OL in not only helping out the Offense, but helping out the Defense as well. If only one improvement is made and that improvement is on the OL, it'll be a major difference from game 1 to game 2 and it'll show on the scoreboard. Then from game 2 to game 3 get that DL to gel, then it'll be another difference from games 1 & 2 to game 3.

[Saniflush]

You fuckers try not to burn the house down before the second game.

[Godfather]

I've said it before, the coaches teach all of this in practice...lining up correctly, how to tackle, how to get off the guy blocking you, etc. until it's live or until it counts, that's all they can do is teach them. I don't see a problem that can't be corrected through practice, film study & game experience. Coach Roof nor Coach Chizik can't go out there and line 'em up or tackle the ball carrier...that's all on the players. The only thing that the coaches can do is call different plays and make adjustments. Then after the game, show them their mistakes & teach them how to do it correctly. Some will be able to learn and will be able to correct their mistakes...some won't. You all have to remember, these are still Sophmores and some Freshmen, for a lot of them, last Saturday was their first game to start.

Basically take the Second String and some Scout Team players last year and start them against Arkansas State (we would've probably lost that game or had to come back in the final 2 minutes). That is basically what we're looking at here, minus a handful of starters from last year's National Championship team.

So yeah, we will have growing pains, growing pains are no reason to want a coach fired....I sure hope the Offense doesn't sputter against MSU, because then fans will be calling for Coach Malzahn or Coach Grime's job.

That first loss is going to be painful for some, lol....and I'm sure there will be bammers crawling all over this site like ants.

Gots to go with the da Prowler on this one.  I too was pretty upset watching the game, but after sleeping on it.  I think this game will provide more of a learning experience then a blowout would have...on both sides of the ball.  Also not to sugar coat it because the defense was out of position a LOT, but that Utah State team is not bad, they gave chOklahoma all they could handle first game last season as well.   Bottom line this team again showed it could come back and win, even with it's back against the wall in it's first game no less.  That takes leadership and heart. 

lots and lots of heart.

[GH2001]

Gots to go with the da Prowler on this one.  I too was pretty upset watching the game, but after sleeping on it.  I think this game will provide more of a learning experience then a blowout would have...on both sides of the ball.  Also not to sugar coat it because the defense was out of position a LOT, but that Utah State team is not bad, they gave chOklahoma all they could handle first game last season as well.   Bottom line this team again showed it could come back and win, even with it's back against the wall in it's first game no less.  That takes leadership and heart. 

lots and lots of heart.

THIS.

Fuck Jay G Tate.

[The Six]

Fuck Jay G Tate.

I guess you prefer Evan Woodbammer or Charles Goldenshowers.

Idiot. Jay Tate is not an Auburn fan but he covers Auburn better than any other.