The Good, The Bad, The Indifferent
The outcome Saturday was disappointing, to say the least. Up 21-10 in the 4th, with a chance to put it away. The sad thing was the feeling I had at that point. It was more of a, “Are we really going to do this?” than anything else. As crazy as this sounds, I stood there in JHS last season, on 4th and 31, knowing full well, there’s no way we win this game. Unfortunately, that’s what Auburn football has devolved into.
That’s what 11 years, and this WILL be year 11, of 4 or more losses will do. It means you’re not winning big games. It means you’re not competing for anything meaningful. The most frustrating thing for this lifelong Auburn fan in his 60’s, is that this program has proven time and time again, that it can reach that mountain top. I’m well aware that Auburn football has always been a rollercoaster ride, but the ride has been shut down and waiting for parts for far too long now.
But, I’m not quitting Auburn football, or losing faith that better times are just around the corner. Not going to get too deep in the weeds about it. I hope it’s Hugh, and he has a plan, and we just have to ride it out a little longer. If not, then we’ll move on and try somebody else. That’s what all programs do. We’re no different. So, just a few observations, the good and the ugly:
Good: Last week, I got to crash GH’s tailgate, and partake of several beers with him, although he was drinking vagina brew, Snakebite and Kaos. Didn’t go to the game, but was not going to pass up the opportunity. This week, I got to spend an Auburn Saturday with my son. Good tailgate, good food, good people, including Snake, who came by to steal beers from somebody’s cooler. You can’t take that boy anywhere.
Ugly: Have I said more than 74 times how much I F’n HATE the Jaytron XL 6000 Scoreboard? Well, I don’t care. I will campaign for that monstrosity to be demolished until that happens, or I die. One of the two. If I were the band director, I would put out a hit on whoever the “DJ” is. Constantly playing woompa-boomp garbage while the band is playing. It’s 4th down for Auburn with the most crucial play of the game, and that thing is blasting crap at deafening levels. There were people all around me hollering. “Pleeeeease shut the F*** up!!!”
Good: Outside of the Jaytron trying to ruin it for everyone, Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium was electric. Fans showed up, and showed out. Packed stadium that many times, was so loud you couldn’t hear yourself think. That’s the kind of deafening level I enjoy. And all for a 2-2 team that’s not playing well.
Ugly: There were some good things that happened on the field Saturday. At times, we looked like a dang fine team on both sides of the ball. But this team is still not Back Street Boys. Scuse’ me, In Sync. At least for Saturday, they completely ditched any hurry up, and they huddle for quite a while. Time after time after time, they would break the huddle, and guys would line up in the wrong spot. The entire day, it looked like a Chinese Fire Drill. (Can you say Fire Drill?) No, you’re supposed to be in the slot. No, dumbass, you’re on the left side. At one point, Izavion Miller had to physically grab big Percy and send him to the other tackle spot. And don’t get me started on the QB and receivers being on the same page. They’re not. Too many times after plays where Thorne was barking at receivers, clearly saying they weren’t in the right spot. I have no clue who is right or wrong. Just that there’s no excuse for it being like that at this point.
Good: This is not an excuse in any way, but I don’t think people realize how many freshmen are either starting, or playing significant roles on both sides of the ball. Bradyn Joiner is a redshirt freshman, but he was forced into duty on the line when Miller went out. I don’t recall this many freshmen doing this much. Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Amaris Williams, Malik Blocton, Demarcus Riddick, Kaleb Harris, Jay Crawford, and Towns “Yips” McGough. Bodes well for the future.
Ugly: The Jaytron XL Super 6000
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