Rob Pate breaking it down....

[djsimp]

http://auburn.247sports.com/Article/Rob-Pate-An-unfamiliar-position-for-Auburn-32295255

Rob Pate: An unfamiliar position
Rob Pate
2 hours ago

 
The space between expectations and reality is a fertile ground, soil augmented with discord, negativity and frustration when results fall short of forecasts. Few teams have failed to live up to preseason expectations more than South Carolina.


Lofty expectations heaped on a team losing its longtime, crafty quarterback and the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft on defense were unreasonable, as is coach Steve Spurrier’s continual belittling of his own team every time a microphone is before him. Even so, they have two wins over Top 20 teams, including a gutty win over the Georgia Bulldogs. They are not a great team; but they are certainly a capable and dangerous team when they decide to be.

Walking into Jordan-Hare Stadium to take on the defending SEC champion Tigers will be the type of challenge that stokes the embers of what has sometimes been a questionable competitive fire. This is the type of game Carolina will be ready to play. Auburn must be prepared to match the intensity and tenacity of a wounded dog encroached upon. The direction of Carolina’s season can be rectified Saturday night in east Alabama.

Auburn finds itself in an unfamiliar position, that of responding to a rare loss. Couple the off week with the mistake-riddled outing in Starkville and you have an Auburn unit also sitting at a crossroads. Questions have bubbled to the surface regarding the offensive line personnel, the answer at running back, how to create a pass rush without an all-out blitz? There has been a philosophical change in preparation, choosing physical practices over assignment teaching and recognition ones. Nick Marshall has disappeared from the Heisman race and Vegas has Auburn as the least likely SEC team in the Top 10 to play their way into the playoff. I say wonderful, because each of these realities will benefit this team.

Responding to a defeat after simmering through a bye week allows us to peek inside the psyche of this team. Did they take it to heart, did they learn from the letdown, or was it forgotten too easily? This game will tell us. Self-evaluation through the off week may shake up player personnel and packages. Opportunities will arise for some to make contributions to this team far exceeding their involvement to date. Are they ready? This game will tell us.

Challenging practices with increased physical competition chosen over scout team and cerebral work hone fundamentals and encourages a tougher mindset. Does this approach pay off? This game will tell us. Marshall and this Auburn team are freed from the burden of Heisman comparisons and the shadow of last year’s squad, surely feeling a weight lifted from every action garnering heavy scrutiny for Nick and every outcome paralleled to 2013. Is their play elevated due to his candidacy descending and expectations for surviving the gauntlet without another loss minimal? This game will tell us. Auburn has become the most discreet fifth-ranked team in the nation in a long while.

I think a fast start against the Gamecocks is paramount. Deep down, South Carolina questions their ability to win this football game. We need not give them any reason to believe otherwise. Stepping on their throat and setting a tone at the outset is critical to eradicating hope from Carolina, and more importantly, to establishing a rhythm of success for a team that made several errors last time out.

I believe South Carolina will require our assistance to defeat us. Play mistake-free football, taking care of the ball, making wise decisions, be steady in the kicking game and without untimely penalties and I find it very difficult to see a pathway to Gamecock victory. They will have some success and make some plays, but they will not win this game without our help.

But what I most hope to see is an Auburn team rebound from Starkville and prove it belongs among the nation’s elite. Seniors that have imparted their own expectations of success to emerging underclassmen, that have lead by example and prove their point by playing with passion. Playmakers that take no opportunity for granted, maximize every chance they get to help this team succeed, that anticipate greatness and see it to fruition. A defense that swarms to the ball, physically imposing its will against the run and hell-bent on ending drives on third down. An offense that wins the war on first down, maintains consistency for four quarters, that takes advantage of red zone opportunities, and has its way in the trenches. A stadium of raucous fans creating an environment so electric this Auburn team can’t help but recognize the fervor and intensity of the supporters in the stands. A team relaxed, confident, but hungry.

I hope to see how desperately this team wants to win. And I hope to walk away convinced no team wants any part of this Auburn team united and firing on all cylinders. I know they are capable. Show me. Convince me.

[dallaswareagle]

I hope to see how desperately this team wants to win.



I think we all are waiting to see this.

[Kaos]

He's trying too hard to sound smart. 

I could help him make all those words less painful to read.  But as they are?  Yeeegads! 

The constant shifting tense is enough to make my teeth ache. 

I like Rob, but that's some really shitty writing. It's borderline unreadable.  If I were grading it, he'd get a D-

Example:

 

Seniors that have imparted their own expectations of success to emerging underclassmen, that have lead by example and prove their point by playing with passion.

Okay, Rob, you used some big words there. Imparted, expectations, emerging and passion are all really powerful words. But what in the shrieking tangerine fuck does that sentence even mean?  Is it a sentence?  I don't think it is. 

"have lead"  WHAT? 

Have lead .... and prove...?  Does that match? 

It's a pretty string of words but it doesn't say a single damn thing. 

Jesus. This is terrible.  Get it off the screen! 

[djsimp]

He's trying too hard to sound smart. 

I could help him make all those words less painful to read.  But as they are?  Yeeegads! 

The constant shifting tense is enough to make my teeth ache. 

I like Rob, but that's some really shitty writing. It's borderline unreadable.  If I were grading it, he'd get a D-

Example:

 

Okay, Rob, you used some big words there. Imparted, expectations, emerging and passion are all really powerful words. But what in the shrieking tangerine fuck does that sentence even mean?  Is it a sentence?  I don't think it is. 

"have lead"  WHAT? 

Have lead .... and prove...?  Does that match? 

It's a pretty string of words but it doesn't say a single damn thing. 

Jesus. This is terrible.  Get it off the screen!

Did someone put tomatoes on your biscuit this morning?

[GH2001]

Did someone put tomatoes on your biscuit this morning?

Yes...while he was watching highlights of the Saints, Cowboys and Bammer.

[DnATL]

Did someone put tomatoes on your biscuit this morning?

maybe itching powder in his whiteface make-up?

[WiregrassTiger]

He's trying too hard to sound smart. 

I could help him make all those words less painful to read.  But as they are?  Yeeegads! 

The constant shifting tense is enough to make my teeth ache. 

I like Rob, but that's some really shootty writing. It's borderline unreadable.  If I were grading it, he'd get a D-

Example:

 

Okay, Rob, you used some big words there. Imparted, expectations, emerging and passion are all really powerful words. But what in the shrieking tangerine fudge does that sentence even mean?  Is it a sentence?  I don't think it is. 

"have lead"  WHAT? 

Have lead .... and prove...?  Does that match? 

It's a pretty string of words but it doesn't say a single damn thing. 

Jesus. This is terrible.  Get it off the screen!

Personally, I plan to fillabuster Rob Pate and his egreegious writing. He's trying too hard to sound smart, indeed.

If the truth be known, he is a spimple ton, trying to perform anal cyst and make like he know a lot about How to run Auburn football and stuff. He's a dumbass.

[djsimp]

Outside of Rob Pates 247 rough draft, I agree with his take. What are we going to see from Auburn tomorrow. This will tell a lot about the teams mentality and determination. I am excited about that.

[Snaggletiger]

"...fertile ground, soil augmented with discord..."

Have to admit, this little gem did it for me.  He went a long way to say, "USCe has talent and Auburn better strap it on." 

[jmar]

All I care about is if JB Grimes has challenged our offensive line to be far more physical at this juncture as we bring some fresh faces in for the stretch run.

[djsimp]

"...fertile ground, soil augmented with discord..."

Have to admit, this little gem did it for me.  He went a long way to say, "USCe has talent and Auburn better strap it on."

He said strap.

[GH2001]

He said strap.

and "on"

Somewhere smiles.

[djsimp]

and "on"

Somewhere smiles.

[The Six]

Outside of Rob Pates 247 rough draft, I agree with his take. What are we going to see from Auburn tomorrow. This will tell a lot about the teams mentality and determination. I am excited about that.

Bingo

[jmar]

I think there is some general concern over point differential moreso than "how" we win. Nobody really knows what the esteemed panel is looking for as criteria. The Turds rolled TAMU and we did the same to LSU. Today Saban gets to expose a young UT team and we get a disappointing South Carolina team that's loaded with veteran players. And if Bo Wallace can play down to the competition tonight against LSU the honks will be promoting Alabama @ Baton Rouge as the equal of Auburn @ Vaught Hemingway.

Oh yeah... two weeks from today we host the battered and beaten Aggies and yes they still have "Kenny Trill."     

Maybe it's just the sensitive homer in me but it seems as if all I am hearing is how tremendous this Alabama team is when it is executing while playing inspired football whereas I hear anything from it doesn't matter how many yards Roc Thomas can put up-it's South Carolina...to the Ol' Ball Coach has a few tricks up his sleeve and the Gamecocks can make this interesting.

So I think this is where Pate is coming from with the high-handed article.* (I understand Patespeak)
This is boiling down to a competition about perception as much as it is about just plain old winning.
Up to this point our team appears to decisioning other teams instead of knocking them the fuck out, almost at arms length (aka finesse) as opposed to last season where we really engaged and began grinding other teams up.
And it was in the second half at Baton Rouge and then against the Grovers that we started throat punching the opposition and taking their lunch money.
My skreets hear rumblings that THIS is exactly how Coach Malzahn has "staged" this well- timed progression similarly to that of a season ago.

Get me some Jim Beam and a fat girl to punch out...'cipherin' Gus makes me feel like a Bammer!

That said, we do realize that the stakes have changed when it comes down to the overall "eye test."
The SEC Network is an extention of the Crapstain especially when the fringe panelist's have no viable dog in the fight.

I don't know that we steamroll South Carolina like many will expect. But I am betting the nastiness component was added in the off week to shape this team into what we think it will be heading into November. The toughest battles are right up front in the trenches and staying healthy is part of the recipe.

I can only imagine how ugly it would be for opposing QB's if Johnson had Carl Lawson swooping in while Garner manages the DT's.


What I want to see is a physical ground game moving the chains, maybe 55+ runs/ 20 passes. This is when we are at our best with Marshall at the reigns. The points should be there if we can accomplish this up front and don't get bogged down in the red zone having to settle for field goals. And up until now we have managed to stop the run with the exception of State which has a dual threat QB that Thompson is not. USCe does however have a run game that I believe we can neutralize for the most part.

34-17 Good Guys-nothing to prove other than showing some grit heading for a Game Day showdown v. Freezepop and the Ackbars. 


             

[WiregrassTiger]

I am very pleased to see jmar this coherent this far into a Saturday. I hope that the Gus strategy also has a heavier dose if JJ starting today. I see a 70/30 minimum nick/JJ as our only chance of running the table. May as well get it cranked up today.

[The Prowler]

"...fertile ground, soil augmented with discord..."

Have to admit, this little gem did it for me.  He went a long way to say, "USCe has talent and Auburn better strap it on."

Yup, I stopped reading it at that line...no clue what that meant, nor did I even care.

[wesfau2]

I think there is some general concern over point differential moreso than "how" we win. Nobody really knows what the esteemed panel is looking for as criteria. The Turds rolled TAMU and we did the same to LSU. Today Saban gets to expose a young UT team and we get a disappointing South Carolina team that's loaded with veteran players. And if Bo Wallace can play down to the competition tonight against LSU the honks will be promoting Alabama @ Baton Rouge as the equal of Auburn @ Vaught Hemingway.

I'm ok with this, though.  Assuming we take care of business and meet Bama with only one loss, then our win over them will look tremendous. 

Their resume is getting inflated while our guys are earning their victories and getting battle-tested.

[Kaos]

I think there is some general concern over point differential moreso than "how" we win. Nobody really knows what the esteemed panel is looking for as criteria. The Turds rolled TAMU and we did the same to LSU. Today Saban gets to expose a young UT team and we get a disappointing South Carolina team that's loaded with veteran players. And if Bo Wallace can play down to the competition tonight against LSU the honks will be promoting Alabama @ Baton Rouge as the equal of Auburn @ Vaught Hemingway.

Oh yeah... two weeks from today we host the battered and beaten Aggies and yes they still have "Kenny Trill."     

Maybe it's just the sensitive homer in me but it seems as if all I am hearing is how tremendous this Alabama team is when it is executing while playing inspired football whereas I hear anything from it doesn't matter how many yards Roc Thomas can put up-it's South Carolina...to the Ol' Ball Coach has a few tricks up his sleeve and the Gamecocks can make this interesting.

So I think this is where Pate is coming from with the high-handed article.* (I understand Patespeak)
This is boiling down to a competition about perception as much as it is about just plain old winning.
Up to this point our team appears to decisioning other teams instead of knocking them the fuck out, almost at arms length (aka finesse) as opposed to last season where we really engaged and began grinding other teams up.
And it was in the second half at Baton Rouge and then against the Grovers that we started throat punching the opposition and taking their lunch money.
My skreets hear rumblings that THIS is exactly how Coach Malzahn has "staged" this well- timed progression similarly to that of a season ago.

Get me some Jim Beam and a fat girl to punch out...'cipherin' Gus makes me feel like a Bammer!

That said, we do realize that the stakes have changed when it comes down to the overall "eye test."
The SEC Network is an extention of the Crapstain especially when the fringe panelist's have no viable dog in the fight.

I don't know that we steamroll South Carolina like many will expect. But I am betting the nastiness component was added in the off week to shape this team into what we think it will be heading into November. The toughest battles are right up front in the trenches and staying healthy is part of the recipe.

I can only imagine how ugly it would be for opposing QB's if Johnson had Carl Lawson swooping in while Garner manages the DT's.


What I want to see is a physical ground game moving the chains, maybe 55+ runs/ 20 passes. This is when we are at our best with Marshall at the reigns. The points should be there if we can accomplish this up front and don't get bogged down in the red zone having to settle for field goals. And up until now we have managed to stop the run with the exception of State which has a dual threat QB that Thompson is not. USCe does however have a run game that I believe we can neutralize for the most part.

34-17 Good Guys-nothing to prove other than showing some grit heading for a Game Day showdown v. Freezepop and the Ackbars. 


           

Congratulations.  You are a better writer than Rob Pate. 

[dallaswareagle]

Congratulations.  You are a better writer than Rob Pate.

That's like saying I have more hair than Bruce Willis.