Doldrums

[wesfau2]

The worst part of the summer is upon us.  The sports landscape is desolate for another month.  In these trying times, I reach for the solace of football wars of days long past.

Whilst celebrating the independence of our nation, imbibing my favorite intoxicants, and roasting the flesh of my conquered faunal foes over an open flame I treated myself to two particularly invigorating contests:  the 2017 versions of the UGA and bama games...aka the KERRYON IS THAT FUCKING GUY games.

A damned shame the toll those two took on KJ, leaving us unable to compete meaningfully in the SECCG...and granting Gus an ill-timed and poorly considered extension/raise.

The upshot: knocking off #1 twice in three weeks was fucking sweet.  The dominating fashion in which it was done (thanks mostly to the aforementioned KJ...but give Steele's unit its propers) was football erotica.  The offense was wildly different with Stidham at the helm rather than Newton or Marshall, as it used the short pass (hey, Ryan Davis) to set up the power run game.  The balance of the two phases of the offense made two very good defenses look hapless.  I forget (due to Gus's many flip-flops on the issue) whether Gus or Chip Lindsey was calling plays that year, but whomever had the reins was running the offense masterfully.

I hope/think Freeze can bring some of that offensive explosiveness to the Plains, but I think his future will be in the hands of the defense.  Luckily, nearly everyone is breaking in a new QB and we have one of the best defensive backfields in the conference.  Improved LB play and a stocked DL will be the deciding factors in our success, and given the crop of green field generals they'll face I like their odds.

Maybe I'm just feeling the post-coital afterglow of the rewatch, but I'm feeling some optimism stirring within.

[Snakebite]

The worst part of the summer is upon us.  The sports landscape is desolate for another month.  In these trying times, I reach for the solace of football wars of days long past.

Whilst celebrating the independence of our nation, imbibing my favorite intoxicants, and roasting the flesh of my conquered faunal foes over an open flame I treated myself to two particularly invigorating contests:  the 2017 versions of the UGA and bama games...aka the KERRYON IS THAT FUCKING GUY games.

A damned shame the toll those two took on KJ, leaving us unable to compete meaningfully in the SECCG...and granting Gus an ill-timed and poorly considered extension/raise.

The upshot: knocking off #1 twice in three weeks was fucking sweet.  The dominating fashion in which it was done (thanks mostly to the aforementioned KJ...but give Steele's unit its propers) was football erotica.  The offense was wildly different with Stidham at the helm rather than Newton or Marshall, as it used the short pass (hey, Ryan Davis) to set up the power run game.  The balance of the two phases of the offense made two very good defenses look hapless.  I forget (due to Gus's many flip-flops on the issue) whether Gus or Chip Lindsey was calling plays that year, but whomever had the reins was running the offense masterfully.

I hope/think Freeze can bring some of that offensive explosiveness to the Plains, but I think his future will be in the hands of the defense.  Luckily, nearly everyone is breaking in a new QB and we have one of the best defensive backfields in the conference.  Improved LB play and a stocked DL will be the deciding factors in our success, and given the crop of green field generals they'll face I like their odds.

Maybe I'm just feeling the post-coital afterglow of the rewatch, but I'm feeling some optimism stirring within.

I watch old Auburn games that make all my brain blood flow to my hangdown about once a week.  The one that I love watching most is that 2019 Iron Bowl.  The wife and I were at an all inclusive in Aruba, drunk off our asses, hootin' & hollerin' around a bunch of innocent bystanders.  That back and forth game along with enjoying it with my favorite person... heaven.

Malzahn, for all his faults, sure brought a lot of good memories for the Power of Dixie Land.

[Snaggletiger]

I remember thinking after the FUGA and Bama games in 2017, that this is as good as it gets with Auburn football.  No, I’m not discounting the MNC or the 2013 miracles.  Just saying that the atmosphere at both tailgates and games, and the dominating way in which we dispatched our 2 biggest rivals, who as Wes said, were both perched atop the football world at the time, gave me that ear to ear, shit eatin’ grin.  Good times!

I’m very cautiously optimistic going into this season.  For the past few years, we haven’t gotten much love from the preseason rags, analysts or so-called experts.  I feel like I know the team inside and out, and they don’t know shit from shinola when it comes to Auburn.  But sadly, they’ve pretty much been right, and I’ve finally been buying into the lack of hype. But this year, I think it’s justifiable to believe we’re going to be somewhat of a surprise. 

Competing for the West?  No, not that big a surprise.  But when you break it down, I don’t think there’s any question we’re better, and deeper at every position across the board. 

QB: Last year it was TeeJay and no experience Robbie Ashford.  This year, it’s an experienced Ashford and Thorne, with really good numbers and a ton of experience in the Big 10.  Check

RB: Tank is gone, but let’s be fair.  He had his moments, but he was never able to produce proppa behind that line.  This year, it’s Jar Kwez (Hopefully) Damari Alston & Brian Battie, who some predict to bust a move.  Check.

WR: Just about everybody with meaningful playing time is back, and you have young bucks like Camden Brown and Omari Kelly returning from their freshmen years.  Add 6’6” Nick Mardner, 6’4” Shane Hooks (JSU), Ohio State transfer, Caleb Burton, and NTS transfer, Jyaire Shorter (27 yards per catch) to the mix.  Yes, we’re better and deeper there too. 

OL: Last year?  Trash!  This year, U Free got the best O-lineman from WKU, Tulsa and East Carolina. Road grader, Jeremy Wright returns, and the #1 JUCO tackle is in the fold.  Check

Defense: Huge, experienced bodies across the front.  Three transfers from LSU, Ole Miss and North Texas at LB.  Add those to Wesley Steiner and Cam Riley, we good. And DB’s?  Yeah, we good again.

The two questions to me are first, how does the QB situation shake out?  Is Thorne the logical choice, or does Robbie become Ashford, and not Trashford.  Second, who is going to step up at edge rusher?  We brought in a bunch of transfers, and maybe Keldrick Faulk will be the shiznit right off the bat.

[wesfau2]

I remember thinking after the FUGA and Bama games in 2017, that this is as good as it gets with Auburn football.  No, I’m not discounting the MNC or the 2013 miracles.  Just saying that the atmosphere at both tailgates and games, and the dominating way in which we dispatched our 2 biggest rivals, who as Wes said, were both perched atop the football world at the time, gave me that ear to ear, shit eatin’ grin.  Good times!

I’m very cautiously optimistic going into this season.  For the past few years, we haven’t gotten much love from the preseason rags, analysts or so-called experts.  I feel like I know the team inside and out, and they don’t know shit from shinola when it comes to Auburn.  But sadly, they’ve pretty much been right, and I’ve finally been buying into the lack of hype. But this year, I think it’s justifiable to believe we’re going to be somewhat of a surprise. 

Competing for the West?  No, not that big a surprise.  But when you break it down, I don’t think there’s any question we’re better, and deeper at every position across the board. 

QB: Last year it was TeeJay and no experience Robbie Ashford.  This year, it’s an experienced Ashford and Thorne, with really good numbers and a ton of experience in the Big 10.  Check

RB: Tank is gone, but let’s be fair.  He had his moments, but he was never able to produce proppa behind that line.  This year, it’s Jar Kwez (Hopefully) Damari Alston & Brian Battie, who some predict to bust a move.  Check.

WR: Just about everybody with meaningful playing time is back, and you have young bucks like Camden Brown and Omari Kelly returning from their freshmen years.  Add 6’6” Nick Mardner, 6’4” Shane Hooks (JSU), Ohio State transfer, Caleb Burton, and NTS transfer, Jyaire Shorter (27 yards per catch) to the mix.  Yes, we’re better and deeper there too. 

OL: Last year?  Trash!  This year, U Free got the best O-lineman from WKU, Tulsa and East Carolina. Road grader, Jeremy Wright returns, and the #1 JUCO tackle is in the fold.  Check

Defense: Huge, experienced bodies across the front.  Three transfers from LSU, Ole Miss and North Texas at LB.  Add those to Wesley Steiner and Cam Riley, we good. And DB’s?  Yeah, we good again.

The two questions to me are first, how does the QB situation shake out?  Is Thorne the logical choice, or does Robbie become Ashford, and not Trashford.  Second, who is going to step up at edge rusher?  We brought in a bunch of transfers, and maybe Keldrick Faulk will be the shiznit right off the bat.

I wanna hump this post...and your face.

[Snakebite]

I remember thinking after the FUGA and Bama games in 2017, that this is as good as it gets with Auburn football.  No, I’m not discounting the MNC or the 2013 miracles.  Just saying that the atmosphere at both tailgates and games, and the dominating way in which we dispatched our 2 biggest rivals, who as Wes said, were both perched atop the football world at the time, gave me that ear to ear, shit eatin’ grin.  Good times!

I’m very cautiously optimistic going into this season.  For the past few years, we haven’t gotten much love from the preseason rags, analysts or so-called experts.  I feel like I know the team inside and out, and they don’t know shit from shinola when it comes to Auburn.  But sadly, they’ve pretty much been right, and I’ve finally been buying into the lack of hype. But this year, I think it’s justifiable to believe we’re going to be somewhat of a surprise. 

Competing for the West?  No, not that big a surprise.  But when you break it down, I don’t think there’s any question we’re better, and deeper at every position across the board. 

QB: Last year it was TeeJay and no experience Robbie Ashford.  This year, it’s an experienced Ashford and Thorne, with really good numbers and a ton of experience in the Big 10.  Check

RB: Tank is gone, but let’s be fair.  He had his moments, but he was never able to produce proppa behind that line.  This year, it’s Jar Kwez (Hopefully) Damari Alston & Brian Battie, who some predict to bust a move.  Check.

WR: Just about everybody with meaningful playing time is back, and you have young bucks like Camden Brown and Omari Kelly returning from their freshmen years.  Add 6’6” Nick Mardner, 6’4” Shane Hooks (JSU), Ohio State transfer, Caleb Burton, and NTS transfer, Jyaire Shorter (27 yards per catch) to the mix.  Yes, we’re better and deeper there too. 

OL: Last year?  Trash!  This year, U Free got the best O-lineman from WKU, Tulsa and East Carolina. Road grader, Jeremy Wright returns, and the #1 JUCO tackle is in the fold.  Check

Defense: Huge, experienced bodies across the front.  Three transfers from LSU, Ole Miss and North Texas at LB.  Add those to Wesley Steiner and Cam Riley, we good. And DB’s?  Yeah, we good again.

The two questions to me are first, how does the QB situation shake out?  Is Thorne the logical choice, or does Robbie become Ashford, and not Trashford.  Second, who is going to step up at edge rusher?  We brought in a bunch of transfers, and maybe Keldrick Faulk will be the shiznit right off the bat.

I think, based off unsubstantiated rumor, Jarquez will be good to go.  Also, I am hearing that Faulk is moving to D-End.  Thinking our Edge room will consist of McAllister & Sings on early downs, with the App State specialist coming in on obvious passing situations.

[WiregrassTiger]

Maybe I'm just feeling the post-coital afterglow of the rewatch, but I'm feeling some optimism stirring within.

#1 it is well known that you use drugs And b, I don’t foresee us being able to pry Gus away from UCF.

AU is furked. Forever.

I’m buying Troy shit.

[Snaggletiger]

I think, based off unsubstantiated rumor, Jarquez will be good to go.  Also, I am hearing that Faulk is moving to D-End.  Thinking our Edge room will consist of McAllister & Sings on early downs, with the App State specialist coming in on obvious passing situations.

I don't know enough about his style of play to have an idea if he's better standing up, or down in a stance.  He's now listed at 6'6" 288. That's a youngun' who can eat up his weight in groceries.   

[Snakebite]

I don't know enough about his style of play to have an idea if he's better standing up, or down in a stance.  He's now listed at 6'6" 288. That's a youngun' who can eat up his weight in groceries.   

I’ve worked hard 16 years of my life (way harder before having a kid) to be a “manbearpig”.

He’s worked hard for probably 5 years and could make me scream uncle with a gaze. Genetics is about a bitch.

[Buzz Killington]

The worst part of the summer is upon us.  The sports landscape is desolate for another month.  In these trying times, I reach for the solace of football wars of days long past.

Whilst celebrating the independence of our nation, imbibing my favorite intoxicants, and roasting the flesh of my conquered faunal foes over an open flame I treated myself to two particularly invigorating contests:  the 2017 versions of the UGA and bama games...aka the KERRYON IS THAT FUCKING GUY games.

A damned shame the toll those two took on KJ, leaving us unable to compete meaningfully in the SECCG...and granting Gus an ill-timed and poorly considered extension/raise.

The upshot: knocking off #1 twice in three weeks was fucking sweet.  The dominating fashion in which it was done (thanks mostly to the aforementioned KJ...but give Steele's unit its propers) was football erotica.  The offense was wildly different with Stidham at the helm rather than Newton or Marshall, as it used the short pass (hey, Ryan Davis) to set up the power run game.  The balance of the two phases of the offense made two very good defenses look hapless.  I forget (due to Gus's many flip-flops on the issue) whether Gus or Chip Lindsey was calling plays that year, but whomever had the reins was running the offense masterfully.

I hope/think Freeze can bring some of that offensive explosiveness to the Plains, but I think his future will be in the hands of the defense.  Luckily, nearly everyone is breaking in a new QB and we have one of the best defensive backfields in the conference.  Improved LB play and a stocked DL will be the deciding factors in our success, and given the crop of green field generals they'll face I like their odds.

Maybe I'm just feeling the post-coital afterglow of the rewatch, but I'm feeling some optimism stirring within.

I may have a problem...because when I think about that year's bammer game, all I see is sleepy the linebacker driving the crown of his helmet into the side of Kerryon's helmet late in that game.  He was not the same after that ILLEGAL fucking hit.

[wesfau2]

I may have a problem...because when I think about that year's bammer game, all I see is sleepy the linebacker driving the crown of his helmet into the side of Kerryon's helmet late in that game.  He was not the same after that ILLEGAL fucking hit.

I was too focused on them crushing his shoulder.

[WiregrassTiger]

That's a youngun' who can eat up his weight in groceries.   

If this were the only criteria, Token would make a great nose guard.

They won’t be moving him unless they bring a damn wrecker.

[Snakebite]

If this were the only criteria, Token would make a great nose guard.

They won’t be moving him unless they bring a damn wrecker.

A nose guard is just what Hunter Biden needs to block out all that booger sugar he's been snortin' in the situation room.

[Vladimir]

If this were the only criteria, Token would make a great nose guard.

They won’t be moving him unless they bring a damn wrecker.

Him not very fast. Low center gravity.

[WiregrassTiger]

Him not very fast. Low center gravity.

posting personal photos of someone is going a bit too far, imo.

But I agree he has a low center of gravity. Especially when he sits on his ass.

[Snaggletiger]

Was listening to sports talk earlier, and they were talking about the Big 12 having their media days next week.  There had already been a vote to rank the conference, and they were listing the teams, mainly because...you know....Doldrums.

But when I heard the rankings, my old timers disease kicked in.  I forgot about the new teams that joined. They had Texas, Kansas State and Oklahoma as the top 3.  But from the bottom, it went:

14. West Virginia

13. Cincinnati

12. Houston

11. BYU

10. Iowa State

9. Kansas

8. The Fighting Malzahns of UCF

I swear I totally forgot that UCF is now in the Big 12. I picked the wrong day to stop doing acid. 

[WiregrassTiger]

Was listening to sports talk earlier, and they were talking about the Big 12 having their media days next week.  There had already been a vote to rank the conference, and they were listing the teams, mainly because...you know....Doldrums.

But when I heard the rankings, my old timers disease kicked in.  I forgot about the new teams that joined. They had Texas, Kansas State and Oklahoma as the top 3.  But from the bottom, it went:

14. West Virginia

13. Cincinnati

12. Houston

11. BYU

10. Iowa State

9. Kansas

8. The Fighting Malzahns of UCF

I swear I totally forgot that UCF is now in the Big 12. I picked the wrong day to stop doing acid.

This would make 14 teams in the Big 12. Fucking idiot.

[Vladimir]

This would make 14 teams in the Big 12. Fucking idiot.

like have 14 in Big 10. Some people are just dumbass.

[Snaggletiger]

I saw a little piece on huge D-lineman and Purdue transfer, Lawrence Johnson.  I started thinking that we're probably going to see U Free & Co. go heavy in the portal again this upcoming season.  All of these guys on the defensive front 7, transferred in at one point or another.

Marcus Harris

Elijah McAllister

Jayson Jones

Justin Rogers

Lawrence Johnson

Mosiah Nasili-Kite

Stephen Sings V

Larry Nixon

Jalen McLeod

I may be missing someone, but all of these guys are either Juniors or Seniors. In fact, the starters/contributors are going to most likely be made up of mostly upper classmen.  So, he's going to have to do well in the port hole while he builds the roster through recruiting.

[djsimp]

Was watching this mornings video from LockeOnAuburn. Blackerby and Ferguson were playing the what if game. Interesting thought...

"what if" HF used Ashford as an inside WR? Close to the TE (Fairweather?). Coaches could use him also in the backfield with a quick drop back...with Hunter??? Talk about locked & loaded. Robbie is a gamer. Thorne would have a machine to play with...thoughts???

Seems like any and all defenses studied AUs offense, they would all have to plan for that offense. Doesn't matter if they knew the playbook. The AU offense would still be hard to deal with...strain means cracks in the defense...

[Snakebite]

Was watching this mornings video from LockeOnAuburn. Blackerby and Ferguson were playing the what if game. Interesting thought...

"what if" HF used Ashford as an inside WR? Close to the TE (Fairweather?). Coaches could use him also in the backfield with a quick drop back...with Hunter??? Talk about locked & loaded. Robbie is a gamer. Thorne would have a machine to play with...thoughts???

I think if Robby has his Kodi Burns' moment, defenses across the league will dread playing Auburn.  He is too dangerous not to use, but doing so with a selfless attitude will rally the team around him. 

None of the other guys seem to want to look at him as a leader (at least last year).  If he grows up a bit, plays with humility, and gains some wisdom from Thorne as a QB... he could be our next Heisman winner in 2024, assuming Thorne heads to the league.