Duke Suspended for Bowl; Duke Coming Back Next Year

[Townhallsavoy]

Per the Gusser

[WiregrassTiger]

TAMPA, Florida -- The mysterious absence of D'haquille Williams has ended with a suspension.

Williams will not play in the Outback Bowl after missing eight straight practices. Gus Malzahn said Williams broke "team rules," but declined to go into specifics.

"I'm not getting into any details," Malzahn said. "He's just not going to play."

Malzahn said Williams plans to return to Auburn for his senior season in 2015 after weighing whether to jump to the NFL.

The Auburn receiver arrived in Tampa on Saturday, one day after the Tigers' reporting date, and practiced Sunday with the team for the first time since the end of the regular season. Williams missed eight bowl practices before his return to the field Sunday.

Malzahn said previously Williams was "sick."

Auburn's most consistent receiver leads the Tigers with 45 catches for 730 yards and five touchdowns despite missing two games with a sprained MCL.

Williams' status for the bowl game -- and with the team -- has been shrouded in mystery in recent weeks. Speculation hit a high note when Williams posted a photo of himself with what appeared to be an injured eye Monday on Instagram. He later deleted the picture.

No. 19 Auburn (8-4) plays No. 18 Wisconsin (10-3) in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.

[WiregrassTiger]

bTW, The second part of this thread title is much more important to me than the first. I hate he's ending the season on this note but the bowl game is a good time to hand out punishment.

[Snaggletiger]

Not liking the suspension.  Our O didn't exactly tear it up during the time he was out.  Hard Snags wood if the return is true.   



Props to a Lurker and his massive insider penis.

[WiregrassTiger]

Duke coming back is really big, assuming he isn't a distraction (as is rumored). Regarding the bowl game, how much should Johnson play? How should Gus use him in this game?

It's not a meaningless game but just how much does it mean? Not much, imo. Let's use it as more of a building block for next year. I'm not saying have a don't care approach but I am saying put more emphasis on playing new guys than winning at all cost.

A ten win team won't be an easy w, no matter the conference or HC situation.

I realize that bowl games are a reward, esp to the seniors but it's also an opportunity to build for the future.

Personally, I'd like to see Johnson start and switch out with Nick periodically through the game.

[Snaggletiger]

Duke coming back is really big, assuming he isn't a distraction (as is rumored). Regarding the bowl game, how much should Johnson play? How should Gus use him in this game?

It's not a meaningless game but just how much does it mean? Not much, imo. Let's use it as more of a building block for next year. I'm not saying have a don't care approach but I am saying put more emphasis on playing new guys than winning at all cost.

A ten win team won't be an easy w, no matter the conference or HC situation.

I realize that bowl games are a reward, esp to the seniors but it's also an opportunity to build for the future.

Personally, I'd like to see Johnson start and switch out with Nick periodically through the game.

Maybe not start but definitely get a bunch of reps.  The Iron Bowl, even though a loss, was Marshall's crowning achievement as a QB as far as performance goes.  Let him showcase his talents for a few series and then let Johnson tote the mail.   

[jmar]

I don't think Johnson will play more than a series or two. Gus hasn't shown a willingness to play JJ before...don't know why he suddenly decides to do a ceremonial "passing of the torch" to satisfy a few fans.

[WiregrassTiger]

I don't think Johnson will play more than a series or two. Gus hasn't shown a willingness to play JJ before...don't know why he suddenly decides to do a ceremonial "passing of the torch" to satisfy a few fans.

You are obviously unaware of how much weight I swing within the program.

[The Six]

[The Prowler]

Sammie Coates is a game time decision...knee.

Glass Half Empty/Half Full if Coates doesn't play:
The Hail Mary pass on 3rd and medium-long is gone
Nick Marshall's completion percentage will go up, because he'll be forced to throw to other receivers.
Melvin Ray will have a breakout game.

[GH2001]

Sammie Coates is a game time decision...knee.

Glass Half Empty/Half Full if Coates doesn't play:
The Hail Mary pass on 3rd and medium-long is gone
Nick Marshall's completion percentage will go up, because he'll be forced to throw to other receivers.
Melvin Ray will have a breakout game.

Sammy has put his obligation to the nfl first now. There went 5 dropped passes. Whatever are we gonna do!

[Snaggletiger]

Game time decision for Coates?  Way to man up there Sammie.  I guarantee you Gordon gets 20+ carries.

[The Prowler]

Sammie is playing.

[War Eagle!!!]

Sammie is playing.

You forgot the quotation marks around "playing"...

[The Prowler]

The first play he comes in...Hail Mary.

As good as Nick Marshall was running the ball and some of his throws were right on the money, IMO Jeremy Johnson will be like a breath of fresh air.

[The Six]

Jeremy Johnson will be like a breath of fresh air.

If Gus lets him start. I keep hearing about some JUCO ATH slash runner type coming in and Gus trying to woo Braxton Miller.

[dallaswareagle]

If Gus let's him start. I keep hearing about some JUCO ATH slash runner type coming in and Gus trying to woo Braxton Miller.

Would he not have to sit out a year?

[The Six]

Jer

Would he not have to sit out a year?

Negative. Already has degree. Would be a Russell Wilson/Jeremiah Masoli type situation.

[dallaswareagle]

Jer
Negative. Already has degree. Would be a Russell Wilson/Jeremiah Masoli type situation.

Ok, thanks. Hope we don't do that to JJ.