Gimme' Some Tommy

Snaggletiger · « **on:** June 18, 2015, 04:30:21 PM »

I understand that Spring games are glorified scrimmages and rarely have any bearing on what a team will do in the Fall. However, there was one thing I took from this year's game that might sound like balderdash and bordering on shenanigans. I think this could turn out to be the most potent offense Malzahn has ever had. No need to break it all down. Just suffice it to say that I can't recall a time when he had this many playmakers at his disposal. Regardless if that's truly the case or not, they'll light up the scoreboard like always.

So what's the difference between being one of the last 4 standing or 9-4/8-5? Will Muschamp. Really, Captain Obvious? Figure that out all by yerself, didja? Yes I did. But looking at some basic defensive stats tells you all you need to know. And the fact is, if we could get even close to some Tuberville-esque defensive numbers, the only question will be who the other 3 teams will be in the playoff. First, the good ole days (Of defense) in points allowed and yards allowed:

2004 11.3 360.9

2005 15.5 315.2

2006 13.9 292.3

2007 16.9 297

2008 18.0 317

Despite making the MNC twice and winning it once, here are the post CTT defensive numbers:

2009 27.5 374

2010 24.1 368

2011 28.9 408

2012 28.3 420.5

2013 24.7 420.7

2014 26.6 398

Last year's numbers were really far worse when it counted. They did play some good D in the first few games all the way through K-State, but after that, it got ugly. Real ugly. Watching AU under CTT was sometimes frustrating because you always thought they could have opened it up more and blown more teams away. But no matter what, you could always count on a rock solid D, even in his worst year, 2008.

Can anyone explain the difference? We've always recruited well, certainly good enough to be more competitive on that side of the ball than we have been. Was it just Tuberville's philosophy and schemes, because he went through a lot of coordinators in his tenure at AU and the D was always there. Can CWM get this unit to get the PPG under 20? If he can.....

WiregrassTiger · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2015, 05:00:18 PM »

You talk too much. Homeboy you never shut up.

djsimp · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2015, 05:26:36 PM »

If we could get even close to some Tuberville-esque defensive numbers, the only question will be who the other 3 teams will be in the playoff. You heard here first.

Snaggletiger · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2015, 05:32:58 PM »

The Six · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2015, 07:33:04 PM »

For the TL;DR crowd here:

If the defense is better and the offense is lights out, Snags thinks we have a chance.

All depends on the longsnapper.

Snaggletiger · « **Reply #5 on:** June 18, 2015, 07:45:10 PM »

Quote from: The Six on June 18, 2015, 07:33:04 PM

For the TL;DR crowd here:

If the defense is better and the offense is lights out, Snags thinks we have a chance.

All depends on the longsnapper.

Gets it!!!

Catphish Tilly · « **Reply #6 on:** June 19, 2015, 10:02:18 AM »

Quote from: The Six on June 18, 2015, 07:33:04 PM

All depends on the longsnapper.

Tubs knew this well. Weller than most, I'd say.

GH2001 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2015, 11:11:13 AM »

Some of you fags and Tubs need to get a room already.

The Six · « **Reply #8 on:** June 19, 2015, 11:14:54 AM »

Quote from: GH2001 on June 19, 2015, 11:11:13 AM

Some of you fags and Tubs need to get a room already.

That's what he said to his wife and the contractor.

Snaggletiger · « **Reply #9 on:** June 19, 2015, 11:31:58 AM »

Quote from: GH2001 on June 19, 2015, 11:11:13 AM

Some of you fags and Tubs need to get a room already.

The good thing about that would be holding on to those ears.

Snaggletiger · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2015, 02:38:15 PM »

Slight tingles. Just saw where AU has 3 players on the Butkus Award watch list for the best linebacker in the nation. Cassanova, Kris and Carl. Lawson is thought of as both a DE and LB in Muschamp's system. It's been a while since many of our defensive players got any real recognition. As I said to start this thread, defense at Auburn has been teh suxxors for the last 6 years, even with going to 2 MNC games. I'm 100% confident this offense is going to make the new supergigantigynormous scoreboard snap, crackle and pop. Just give us a D in the top 25 in the country and shit's gone get real.

Catphish Tilly · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2015, 04:08:55 PM »

Beg for that D, baby.

dallaswareagle · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2015, 04:50:43 PM »

Quote from: Catphish Tilly on July 14, 2015, 04:08:55 PM

Beg for that D, baby.

Hell, I piss on a spark plug if I thought it would help.

GH2001 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2015, 09:18:07 AM »

Quote from: Snaggletiger on July 14, 2015, 02:38:15 PM

Slight tingles. Just saw where AU has 3 players on the Butkus Award watch list for the best linebacker in the nation. Cassanova, Kris and Carl. Lawson is thought of as both a DE and LB in Muschamp's system. It's been a while since many of our defensive players got any real recognition. As I said to start this thread, defense at Auburn has been teh suxxors for the last 6 years, even with going to 2 MNC games. I'm 100% confident this offense is going to make the new supergigantigynormous scoreboard snap, crackle and pop. Just give us a D in the top 25 in the country and shit's gone get real.

Lawson will have the same role under Boom that Dante Fowler had. Good sign.

The Six · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:00:44 AM »

I'm sorry guys but I'm gonna have to see it on Carl Lawson. He did what he did while Dee Ford was tearing up the world. I think a lot of his hype comes from one tackle in game two years ago. Call me Missouri on Carl Lawson until proven otherwise.

GH2001 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:27:41 AM »

Quote from: The Six on July 15, 2015, 10:00:44 AM

I'm sorry guys but I'm gonna have to see it on Carl Lawson. He did what he did while Dee Ford was tearing up the world. I think a lot of his hype comes from one tackle in game two years ago. Call me Missouri on Carl Lawson until proven otherwise.

Well, he has the talent. He has the coaches now. And he has supporting cast around him. Not gonna judge him too too much off what he did as a true freshman although he was decent. But if he doesn't (and Adams as well) show out this year, there is no excuse.

And does Byron Cowart start or play game 1? Having Cowart on one end, and Adams in the middle, as well as 3 LBs on the field now - its hard to think it won't be better. Not setting the world on fire but better.

djsimp · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:28:04 AM »

Quote from: The Six on July 15, 2015, 10:00:44 AM

I'm sorry guys but I'm gonna have to see it on Carl Lawson. He did what he did while Dee Ford was tearing up the world. I think a lot of his hype comes from one tackle in game two years ago. Call me Missouri on Carl Lawson until proven otherwise.

Well, good morning Debbie.

Godfather · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:46:51 AM »

I'm being the Prowler this year, because honestly I will be disappointed with anything less than a playoff berth.

I really think the tools, talent, and schedule shape up well for us this year.

I think our defense is going to be vastly improved, and is going to shock a lot of folks here. Of course this is all pending a healthy group of kids, injuries could derail us obviously.

Catphish Tilly · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:53:55 AM »

Quote from: Godfather on July 15, 2015, 10:46:51 AM

I'm being the Prowler this year, because honestly I will be disappointed with anything less than a playoff berth.

I really think the tools, talent, and schedule shape up well for us this year.

I think our defense is going to be vastly improved, and is going to shock a lot of folks here. Of course this is all pending a healthy group of kids, injuries could derail us obviously.

BOOOOOOM!!!!(!(!#!!!!!

Snaggletiger · « **Reply #19 on:** July 15, 2015, 10:56:08 AM »

Quote from: The Six on July 15, 2015, 10:00:44 AM

I'm sorry guys but I'm gonna have to see it on Carl Lawson. He did what he did while Dee Ford was tearing up the world. I think a lot of his hype comes from one tackle in game two years ago. Call me Missouri on Carl Lawson until proven otherwise.

I get where you're coming from but I think it was a combination of things. I think he was overshadowed by Ford. Not only in the preseason pimping but his ass kicking play on the field. Ford had 10.5 sacks and was always chasing a mofo down. He was a cut above everyone. My perception was that Lawson underachieved a bit. Not much but compared to my expectations or maybe more from what I wanted to see from him. We'd never seen a defensive player come in with the hype and the absolutely sick stats to back it up like Lawson. I had this expectation that he'd immediately be a man among boys. Unstoppable.

But this is the SEC West and that shit don't happen very often in this league. That's why I'm cautious about what I think Cowart will do. Comparing the two. Ford had 29 tackles...14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Lawson had 20 tackles...7.5 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. One of those sacks sealed the Ole Miss game. In Lawson's defense too, he was worked in more as the season went on. Plus, Auburn was rotating in as many as 11-12 D-Linemen all year.

No doubt his return immediately makes us better on D. But I think any chance he has to have a real break out season depends on finding someone who can get pressure off the other end. Otherwise, he's going to get a lot of double teams. Thus endeth Snaggle's amateur analysis.