Fanblogs.com: Auburn walks away from matchup with UCLA
Bama_Babe
· 7 months ago
Nice Kevin! I totally agree. I know plenty of Auburn fans that are not happy with Jacobs about this.
Sure, they have their own [lame] excuses as to why they said no... But think of all the reasons to say YES: -National Spotlight to open the season. Everyone would watch a game like that. -RECRUITING OPPORTUNITIES -Motivation for the whole season with a win. [Just like Alabama a year ago. If you win, you could have a season like Alabama's. If you lose, your season may go like Clemson's. But hey, at least take the chance!] -National Respect ... moreso than already exists.
The list could go on....
shiftyallstar
· 7 months ago
As an Auburn fan that still lives in Auburn, I get tired of the UT-Martin/Furman/Tennessee Tech type games that we have every year. I would rather go 7-5 and lose to a couple of non-SEC, BCS teams, than go 9-3 and beat one of the various Louisiana teams and a Div. II team. From the viewpoint of actually living here, those crappy games are boring and people don't spend as much money in town. Since I own a business here, too, that aspect is very important to me. Which teams' fans are more likely to travel here and spend money, Furman/LA Tech/Ball State or UCLA (or VA Tech or FSU or Clemson)?
Skip1
· 7 months ago
What a bizarre decision. You would think they would have learned something from 2004.
grover
· 7 months ago
At this time I have zero respect or confidence in the current AU AD, coach and program in general.
TigerEducated
· 7 months ago
I think your coach and your Offensive Coordinator should give you some good confidence on both sides of the ball. You may not have the talent right now, but you do have scheme and teachers in place, offensively & defensively.
It will take time, but I never questioned Chizik's defensive credentials. Nobody should question Malzahn's offensive credentials, either...
grover
· 7 months ago
Why should I not question Chizik? Why should I not form my opinion of his head coaching capabilities based on his record at Iowa St?
TigerEducated
· 7 months ago
Chizik had NOTHING to build on at ISU, and in two years, had no real time to build that program.
Malzahn has produced at every stop since his last head coaching stint in Arkansas as a high school coach! You're seriously going to say that this guy isn't a hire you'd have been ecstatic about prior to Tony Franklin, for goodness sakes?
Chizik's defensive philosophy isn't fundamentally different from the period of time he coordinated your defense.
His recruiting remains to be proven, though you will attract top flight quarterback talent because of his OC.
...and oh by the way...a kid I've figured for an LSU lock is a running back by the name of Lache Sistrunk. The guy's been an LSU fan his entire life. Family from Louisiana, whole 9 yards...There are pictures of him all over Facebook in nothing but LSU Gear...
That was until Auburn hired their RB Coach. Who also happens to be Sistrunk's pastor's son...They are VERY high on his list now, if not leading bigtime.
Lache Sistrunk is going to be the #1 RB in Texas, I believe...and if not, he will be a high 4* or even perhaps a 5* talent.
So, in the recruiting department, you may not have much to worry about there, either.
grover
· 7 months ago
I hope you are right. Admittedly I know nothing about Malzahn and I don't follow individual big name recruiting. I'm looking at the perspective that a coach I respected was forced out and (unlike Alabama/Saban) the administration wanted to get someone on the cheap. If the results are not there 3-4 years from now I don't think people will be making the case that AU tried everything they could to build a winning program and it just did not work out.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
The amazing thing is that it's not like the finances are way out of line here. First, Auburn would have seven home games - raking in about $2.3M per game. On top of that, the Atlanta game would pay another $2M. So... financially... you set aside $300K for the national exposure and opportunity to line up against a Pac10 opponent.
Maybe Auburn doesn't want any of UCLA after the Tennessee game.
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
Auburn has rarely played a decent non-conference schedule...
2000: Wyoming(1-10), No Illinois(6-5), La Tech(3-9)= 10-24
2001: Ball St(5-6), Syracuse(10-3), La Tech(7-5)= 22-14
2002: So Cal(11-2), *Western Car(5-6), Syracuse(4-8)= 20-16
2003: So Cal(12-1), Ga Tech(7-6), *Western Ky(9-4), La Monroe(1-11)= 29-22
2004: La Monroe(5-6), *The Citadel(3-7), La Tech(6-6)= 14-19
2005: Ga Tech(7-5), Ball St(4-7), *Western Ky(6-5)= 17-17
2007: Kansas St(5-7), So Fla(9-4), New Mex St(4-9), *Tn Tech(4-7)= 22-29
2008: La Monroe(4-8), So Miss(7-6), West Va(9-4), *Tn Martin(8-4)= 28-22
* Are 1AA schools at the time... so those teams should lower their strength of schedule even more.
180-193
And what to look forward to:
2009: La Tech, West Va, Ball St, *Furman 2010: Arkansas St, Clemson, La Monroe, *Chattanooga
Regan
· 7 months ago
AUB could fall back on the old 'SEC slate difficulty' argument, but when BAMA and TENN are playing tough OOC games year in year out, it just doesn't hold up.
It is disappointing when teams do this, I can't imagine AUB fans are too happy with the decision. It isn't as bad as it looks, given that SCAL, GT, WVU, USF, and CLEM are sprinkled in along with WSU and KSU (which were better when the games were scheduled, I'd bet.
Still doesn't matter though; it's just not what champion-caliber teams do...
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Tough out of conferece schdeules who are you trying to kid.
Bama is playing Fla int. UT chatanooga and North Texas. Wow you guys take any bate handed you. When was the last time Alabama played two major out of conference games?
Scarbinsky writes this stuff all the time. Just more Bama hype to try and hype up a program that was dominated by AU for 10 years.
Regan
· 7 months ago
BAMA has had CLEM and FSU in the past 2 years; not too long ago they had a home and home with OU, etc.
I don't particularly care for BAMA, but if I'm going to fly TENN's banner on my icon and then toot the Vols' horn for having tough OOC schedules every year and not mention BAMA, who's going to get yelled at here? :)
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Regan
Bama hasnt played more then one tough out of conference team in years. Thats my point.
Bama plays Clemson last year and receives the attention of everyone. But no critisim for playing Tulane, Western Kentucky,and Arkansas State.
Auburn has Clemson next year and gets hammered for not picking up UCLA also. Theres not alot of difference in our strength of schedule in non conference games. In fact ours is likely tougher then Bamas.
The_Observer
· 7 months ago
I suggest you stop comparing everything Auburn does to Alabama and try focus a little more on Auburn. Just because Alabama does or does not do something, it doesn't mean Auburn should follow suit. Got that?
The point is Auburn had an opportunity presented to them that would have been nice boost to the program, but they turned it down. Yes, it would have been 2 non conference BCS teams in one season, but I guess since Alabama doesn't do it, Auburn shouldn't either.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
BRILLIANTLY STATED!
Bama_Babe
· 7 months ago
Exactly! I was trying to get the same point across below...just with more words and a bit more confusion. You made the point much better.
OU_Ron
· 7 months ago
Bama just signed a home and home deal with Michigan St for 2016-2017
Bama_Babe
· 7 months ago
Saw that. Love it! That means Big10 home-and-home series for Bama in 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2017....seeing as how Penn St. is on the schedule for '10 & '11.
Take Alabama out of the pot of SEC schools that are criticized for not playing north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
dsoule
· 7 months ago
how about UGA playing ASU, at Oklahoma State, and Georgia Tech all in the same year. Thats 3 team that most likely will be bowling, and the last two are dark horse picks to win their conferences. MAN up auburn.
1Tomcat
· 7 months ago
The UGa vs OK St looks like a great matchup and both programs have real shot this upcoming season-these are the games fans like to see
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Regan
The same year Bama played OU we played USC.
My main point is AU always gets called out while i dont see alot of that for other teams doing the same thing.
Should AU have scheduled UCLA? i think so. And they missed a pretty good opportunity but ive been reading this for a while now. Truth be told, out of conference strength of schedule hasnt mattered one bit to the SEC being in a championship game since AU got left out in 04.
Id love to see AU get an AD with some moxy. Would it make a difference? maybe not.
Porcine
· 7 months ago
But they are going to pay Arkansas State du du du dun $1 million.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
I dont mind the Bama fans falling for Scarbinskys hate for AU but dont all of you fall for that. First off since when is UCLA some sort of major school we couldnt pass on?
Secondly how many other schools in the SEC are playing 2 BCS out of conference games. We already have Clemson on the schedule. Bama is playing the likes Fla int,North Texas and UT chat. With VT on a neutral site. And you want to dog on AU.
Yall need to let this one go.
Porcine
· 7 months ago
Yeah you right. If anyone should be called out, it should be Ole Miss. Not a single BCS nonconference game.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
Porky - That's true for 2009, but hasn't always been the case at Ole Miss. They recently doubled up their BCS OOC w/ Big XII & ACC. I think it was 05 or 06.
Porcine
· 7 months ago
In 06 they played Missouri and Wake Forest. Overall they have played only 6 BCS non con games.
1Tomcat
· 7 months ago
Ole Miss has a home & Home series coming up against Texas
Bama_Babe
· 7 months ago
Haha. First off, Scarbinsky hates Auburn one week and Alabama the next. Although he's not my favorite reporter, he is consistent in not picking a complete bias.
Secondly, "how many other schools in the SEC are playing 2 BCS out of conference games" ..... that is just it, AUtigerman. Auburn could be one of the few that actually are. That would build their resume. That would increase their chances, if the games are W's, to be high up in rankings and the SOS would help in the end (i.e. 2004). That would be a HUGE opportunity - Clemson & UCLA. 2 BCS OOC teams: One ACC, One Pac10. Even if you didn't win, the national respect would be HUGE. I just don't get how you can see it as anything other than a lost opportunity for AU...made possible by Jacobs.
I would think that if anyone would understand the importance of SOS come bowl time it would be Auburn. You don't think a much tougher OOC schedule would have helped AU in 2004?? It certainly would have.
I don't know about you and how you want your team to be seen, but I want Alabama to be known for playing any team, anywhere, any time. Obviously you think differently about Auburn, because you think that since no other SEC teams are playing 2 BCS out of conference games, that Auburn shouldn't.
Yes, Alabama has Fla Int, North Texas and UT-Chattanooga on the schedule for 2009. Am I proud of those games? No. Would I rather play BCS teams? Of course. And if you don't think VT on a neutral site is a very high quality game, you are wrong. At least Alabama has stepped up and accepted to play in the Chick-Fil-A College Football Kickoff last year and this one. Can't say that for any other team.
"Yall need to let this one go." ..... Fine. It's really no big deal to me. It's your school that is losing national respect. Auburn can turn down as many games as they want. I'm just saying there's a lot more positives to a game like this than negatives.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
BB
Im not a huge fan of Jacobs. But just because you play 2 BCS schools dosent earn respect. We did that in 07 and didnt seem to change much.
"BC"
· 7 months ago
sorry, i accidentally liked your comment.
but it's not the 2 bcs schools that's the issue. it's the opportunity to get TONS of publicity by playing in the big Chick-Fil-A college kickoff game. which might possibly include a BIG victory and a sports illustrated cover with Gene Chizik on the front.
OU_Ron
· 7 months ago
LMAO....you "accidentally liked his comment ".....and apologized for it...that's classic BC ;-)
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
You make a valid point. And for what ever reason AU (Jacobs) cant figure that out(hes a knuclehead see earlier comment). Maybe they should have pushed to get Clemson in the Kickoff game instead of a home and home but that is were Bama is smarter then AU.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
Off the top of my head...
Florida has Georgia (and they have for the last four years or so) South Carolina has Vandy has Ole Miss has
The list is significantly longer if you include *significant* mid-majors.
The notable exception is Auburn, who doesn't show up on either list.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Granted Jacobs is a knucklehead but as for the argument that AU dosent face the same out of conference strenght as the rest of the conference i cant go along with that. Ole Miss? is that a joke?
As for Alabama they had to make some sort of move to get a good team in VT, if not they would have been left with Tulane. I credit them for making that move but most of the SEC is guilty of a weak out of conference schedule. Jacobs is guilty of following suit if anything.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
Well, you know what they say: If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes. Which, in a nutshell, is the entire point of the post.
Here's Auburn, just a few years removed from a self-inflicted BCS screwjob because of their scheduling, choosing to just follow the pack.
What if the Tigers are one of several undefeated teams next year? Do you think anyone is going to let them forget that the Tigers CHOSE to play Arkansas State, Chattanooga, and Louisiana-Monroe over a BCS opponent?
I really like Auburn. I *want* them to be in the mix. And yet... very few Plainsmen will stand up and say ENOUGH with this cupcake scheduling. Do you really enjoy watching the Tigers play Chattanooga??
OU_Ron
· 7 months ago
Ask Mack Brown if a weak non con hurts your team at the end of the season....that is if he's figured it out yet..
1Tomcat
· 7 months ago
Ok Ron SOS we have already been there done that When we played TCU yall had Miami OU has a lot tougher schedule this season, however in the past several years the Horns have played OSU,TCU & Ark OU should get Kudos for the BYU game and yall should be happy yall got Baylor at home this season-BU is gonna turn some heads this season- win more games and probably knock off a couple of giants- they have one of the toughest schedules with Wake & UConn
OU_Ron
· 7 months ago
Didn't mean anything by it TC, but you know as well as I do that the weak non con was the reason Texas didn't play for the conference championship last year.......and if it's similar this year...it could happen again.
1Tomcat
· 7 months ago
Its all good Ron- it wasn't necessarily a weak schedule, but the teams scheduled did not do as well as expected- heck Tenn Chat & Wash aint really powerhouse- Arkansas fired their coach after beating the Nat Champs- I thought Rice had a heck of a year. We agree about the OOC matchups this year Wyoming,UCF and La Monroe- aint the same as BYU and Miami Hookem-Horns
Zac
· 7 months ago
But if you do an analysis, Ron, last season TX's non-conference schedule was arguably stronger than OK's; not by much, mind you, but still arguably stronger.
OU_Ron
· 7 months ago
If it was stronger Zac, Texas would have played in the CCG...
Zac
· 7 months ago
That would only be true, IF that were the criteria under which the Big 12 Champ was selected. Under Big 12 rules, the "tie-breaker" favored OK. Agree with the rules, now, or not, that's what every Big 12 team agreed to when they signed up. Besides, I don't agree with the premise that one team is not as good as another, based upon a weaker non-conference schedule. That's the luck of the draw, as all too often a team which is decent can be going through tough times by the time your team plays them. Washington is a good example.
I'm not privy to Big 12 rules; I don't know how their tie-breaker works. Something tells me it has more to do with games in common, than those which are not. A little while back, when many of us were arguing whether OK or TX should go to the NC game, I performed an analysis. Given I'm neither an OK nor TX fan, I'd like to think it was objective and unbiased. My analysis barely favored TX, and part of that was based upon what appeared to be a stronger non-conference schedule. Does that mean I'm right? No. Does it mean TX would have faired better against MO in the Big 12 Championship or against FL for the NC? No. It's just an opinion, Ron, and we all know I'm no pundit.
Bottom line: The Big 12 had an exceptional year finishing the regular season with 3 Top-10 teams on one side of the house. OK is the 2008 season Big 12 Champ. They did their level best to win against FL for the NC. Though they fell short, I think they represented the Big 12 every bit as good as either TX or TX Tech might have. Neither OK nor the Big 12 has anything of which to be ashamed. BUT, again, that's just my opinion.
OU_Ron
· 7 months ago
Big 12 rules are...in case of a 3 way tie, the team ranked highest in the BCS will play in the CCG game.......Oklahoma was ranked highest in the BCS because of their wins over TCU and Cinci.......If it was the other way around...that being if Texas had played TCU and Cinci and OU had played Texas OOC games...then Texas would have been ranked higher and would have played in the CCG........now that tells me OU"s OOC was stronger than Texas..
Zac
· 7 months ago
"Big 12 rules are...in case of a 3 way tie, the team ranked highest in the BCS will play in the CCG..."
Well, that's a lot simpler than I was expecting. (I prefer "simple", and subscribe to the "KISS" principle - *Keep it simple, stupid.*) I find it interesting that OK would be ranked higher based upon wins against Cinci & TCU (good wins, mind you), especially given OK also played WA (0-12) & UTEP (1-11). Their non-conference slate had a cumulative record of 23-28. TX's non-conference slate had a cumulative record of 27-23. So, if the logic of the non-conference slate was used to determine which team should be ranked higher, in my opinion, it was flawed logic. BUT, as I've already said, that's just me. We are where we are, and I'm OK with that.
1Tomcat
· 7 months ago
Zac Texas played UTEP,Rice,Arkansas & FAU Arkansas & FAU both had great 07 seasons and fell off in 08 OU had Div-11 Tenn Chat, Wash, Cinn & TCU OU smashed Cinn and the Frogs had a good team- danged near beat Utah Like Foster said earlier these games are sometimes scheduled years in advance and not only do you have to look at OOC schedules, but also have to figure in timing- The Horns whuped Missu in the first half earlier in the season- Texas sat at home and OU got to play them later in the season in the CCG game- that fatcor boosted them up, plus the margin of vicory also helped OU against similar opponents-Texas has a more favoratble schedule this year, but without the big-time opponent, the media will hurt them like- see AU 04
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Dont forget West Virginia, and a pretty good Ball State. As for Chattanoga thats Bama.
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
Ball St??? They just lost their coach & their 3yr starting QB... last year was a fluke, they'll go back to 4-8 if they're lucky...
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Im not going to debate you on whos out of conference schedule is toughest. They are both lousy. Both teams will be favored by 21 in 3 of those games.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
Exactly. Alabama HAD to make a move to improve their schedule over the likes of Tulane. Otherwise they're going to get slammed if they make a run for the BCS.
Alabama had to step up & make the games AND THEY DID.
Auburn needs to step up & they REFUSE.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Kev Why you hating? AU has WVU this year. We had them last year at there home. Next 2 years we have Clemson. This is exactly my point.
Kevin @ Fanblogs
· 7 months ago
I'm not hating. I expect more from Auburn. I hope you do too.
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
He's not saying anything that Auburn fans aren't saying...
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
WEA
True but as silly as it sounds its bothersome when others say it. Sort of a right of passage kind of thing. I can talk bad about AU to you all day but let a Bammer join in, in there condesending manner and i get a bit hot under the collar. Think id have learned by now.
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
I was going to write this thread, but after hashing it out over at TET last week, I was just tired of it.
Jacobs needs to go. I don't call for people's heads very often, but in this case, I am and have been.
Regan
· 7 months ago
AUtigerman, I get what you're saying...you're representing; something that demands respect.
Sorry if my dig earlier got to ya; I like AUB and usually pull for them; besides...this won't help when it comes time to deal with the annual SEC/Pac-10 spat...
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
Scarbinsky doesn't take Auburn to task nearly as bad as Auburn fans do.
For those not familiar, we have an inept AD, and the only good that can come out of this is that it serves as an impetus to replace him with someone competent.
And as my favorite Bammer would say, that's all I've got to say about that...
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
I really don't like Scarbinsky, I don't read him...
And I still stand by by earlier assertion that Auburn plays noone, look at the numbers...
You want comparisons??? I'll post them...
"BC"
· 7 months ago
I hope not. i LOVE Jay Jacobs.
"i asked him THREE times!....."
haha. gotta love a guy that has the guts to lie when everyone already knows the truth.
BamaBorn
· 7 months ago
How does an Auburn article turn into a debate about Alabama? Forget about Bama. Help your school to get some national respect. Voice your dislikes to the Auburn powers. You're burning daylight and wasting your time dissing Alabama.
That's why you will always be treated as the ugly stepchild.
Cobia
· 7 months ago
I Would like to see Auburn plays teams from the Pac-10, Big 10, the Big 12, and Notre Dame . It would help a lot in recruiting and improved our national image. Plus we could keep the money we pay to these cupcake teams every year.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
I agree. It would be good for AU. I was just saying that this thread could have applied to a lot of teams. I shouldnt take it so personal.
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
Alabama's non-conference schedule:
2000: UCLA(6-6), So Miss(8-4), UCF(7-4)= 21-14
2001: UCLA(7-4), UTEP(2-9), So Miss(6-5)= 15-18
2002: MTSU(4-8), OU(12-2), North Tx(8-5), Hawaii(10-4)= 34-19
2003: So Fla(7-4), OU(12-2), No Ill(10-2), Hawaii(9-5)= 38-13
2004: Utah St(3-8), *West Car(4-7), So Miss(7-5)= 14-20
2005: MTSU(4-7), So Miss(7-5), Utah St(3-8)= 14-20
2006: Hawaii(11-3), La Mon(4-8), Duke(0-12), Fla Intl(0-12)= 15-35
2007: *West Car(1-10), Fla St(7-6), Houston(8-5), La Mon(6-6)= 22-27
2008: Clemson(7-6), Tulane(2-10), West Ky(2-10), Ark St(6-6)= 17-22
190-188
Auburn's is 180-193
Even with the horrible '06 sched, it's clear that Bama has played tougher opponents out of conference...
I will also add that Alabama postponed the Penn St series from '05-'06 to '10-'11 and cancelled the Notre Dame series for '06-'07 without rescheduling...
What Alabama has upcoming:
2009: Va Tech, Fla Intl, North Tx, Chattanooga 2010: Penn St, Duke, No Illinois, TBA
Regan
· 7 months ago
From what I remember, BAMA asked PSU to reschedule their home-and-home because BAMA wanted to play them after their probation was over, and PSU agreed; which was classy on both sides.
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
You are correct sir...
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Foster
Dont you agree that there is sort of a mind set amoung most SEC teams that a win over anyone is more important then the win over a quality opponent?
I agree that AU missed a great oppurtunity. But the lack of quality (out of conference ) wins in the Sec hasnt stop the SEC from winning NCs and it certainly hasnt hurt recruiting.
Its sort of an arrogance amoung most SEC teams that they dont need to play too many of those tough games. Id much rather see AU play those games,sort of a USC mentality would be refreshing. Prehaps Saban will change things and it will catch on. However if Bama wins a NT without having to play too many monster out of conference games what incentive would there be for them to risk it?
Case in point. If Ol Miss were to win the SEC with no more then 1 loss this year i think they play for a NT unless 2 other BCS conference teams go undeafeted.
Unfortunately i think its a trend that will be hard to break.
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
I completely agree, just don't complain about the 2004 season b/c you all played La Monroe, The Citadel & La Tech, that killed your chances...
If Auburn had played Va Tech or Clemson or any BCS conference team regardless of record, like Iowa St or Baylor or even Duke, then you would have gotten more consideration...
It sucks b/c schedules are put together years in advance, so you really don't know how a program is going to be 5-6 years down the road...
I think the key is to cherry pick, like Georgia getting Colorado, Oklahoma St & Arizona St... Those programs have been up & down recently... Georgia's win over the Sun Devils early in the season looked better than it actually was, the opposite can be said about Okkie St in '07... Now, we'll see how the Dawgs do in Stillwater to start off this season. No one would have thought 5 years ago when that deal was signed that the Cowboymen would be ranked higher than UGA when they play this September...
1Tomcat
· 7 months ago
I agree Foster-these games are scheduled years in advance who woulda thought that TCU vs OU would have been bigger than Ark vs Texas Texas has a kinda weak schedule this year- has home & Home series coming up with Ole Miss & UCLA both real respectable opponents
AU03
· 7 months ago
"I completely agree, just don't complain about the 2004 season b/c you all played La Monroe, The Citadel & La Tech, that killed your chances..."
Auburn was supposed to play Georgia Tech in 2004, but the NCAA shortened the regular season by a week, and GT dropped Auburn.
Auburn was also supposed to play Bowling Green that same year (finished season 9-3), but they backed out of that game at the last minute to play Oklahoma.
So while Auburn ended up with a very poor non-conference schedule in 2004, the original plan was for it to be a good bit more respectable.
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
Don't waste time arguing about the cupcakes. Just state that Auburn played 4 teams ranked in the top 15 that season, USC-2, and OU-1. That's the SOS argument you want to make...
And our games against top 15 schools were all SEC and not lollypop conferences...
gatorhippy
· 7 months ago
Wow...
The SEC hate never ceases to amaze me...
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
OK, let's do Florida's non-conference schedule...
2000: Ball St(5-6), MTSU(6-5), F$U(11-2)= 22-13
2001: Marshall(11-2), La Mon(2-9), F$U(8-4)= 21-15
Not sure why your wasting your time with this? Most of those games they were 20- 30 point favorites. Beating a 6-6 mid major is not the same as beating a 6-6 BCS conference team.
So save yourself some time or better yet get a job.
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
This IS my job... I am a stats man, a point spread manipulator, as well as a writer...
If I were disproving any other school, would you be as critical??? Of course not...
And besides, point spreads are irrelevant, but if you'd like I could post every point spread of every one of these games...
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
Let's Do Oklahoma's Non-Conference Schedule!!!!
2000: UTEP(8-4), Ark St(1-10), Rice(3-8)= 12-22
2001: UNC(8-5), Air Force(6-6), N Tx(5-7), Tulsa(1-10)= 20-28
2002: Tulsa(1-11), Ala(10-3), UTEP(2-10), So Fla(9-2)= 22-26
2003: N Tx(9-4), Ala(4-9), Fresno(9-5), UCLA(6-7)= 28-25
He was in all kinds of tv shows in the '70s & '80s... BJ & The Bear, Quincy, Starsky & Hutch, and I think he was in "The Cannonball Run"...
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
Brooks was always drunk, and Keats, well, I don't know yet...
NMLSooner
· 7 months ago
I don't think you can go strictly by oppenent record. Look at OU in 2003. By that logic playing 9-4 North Texas twice would have made our schedule tougher than playing 4-9 Alabama. If anyone remembers the rally it took to beat Alabama would know that doesn't hold water. Even good teams have rough years and schedulers don't know ahead of time when that will be. I think you try to have a minimum of one tough OOC game per year, but sometime scheduling is a problem. I think the problem with Auburn is they leave room for the perception that they are trying to avoid tough OOC competition.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
See the Sooner gets it.
NMLSooner
· 7 months ago
Made me think of The Wedding Singer quote - "See, Billy Idol gets it. I don't know why she doesn't get it."
fosterkeats
· 7 months ago
OK, I'll make it look better for Auburn...
Just look at the BCS schools each of the 4 teams I broke down played in the same time frame...
What's even cooler than that is the Sabanites are now huddled up trying to dream up an effective counter to the Auburn Limousine tour.
Saban is supposed to have the state locked down. How dare these upstarts do something so ridiculous as to assuage the dominance that is Capstone recruiting?
Bama_Babe
· 7 months ago
What's even cooler/funnier is that Chizik and Co have to go out and get a limosine, decorate it, add a catchy name and parade around in it to get any attention from recruits....?? ;)
But careful there, WEA. The goal there at AU, according to Mr. Trooper Taylor, is to just simply "keep kids in-state". He says it's not an Alabama vs Auburn thing...he just doesn't want them going out of state.
As we all know, and as you stated above, Saban has the state locked down ... So as long as this "Tiger Prowl" is keeping recruits confined to the state of Alabama, I have no problem with it nor am I worried. Because if they remain in-state, we all know where they'll end up. ;)
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
Don't get me wrong. On it's face, it is real cheesy, but highly popular. Kinda like American Idol.
There are always a certain number of kids who want to flee their home state, and so they will. It's the same reason I prefer to drive foreign cars. I want to be different. But not like short-limo different...
The_Observer
· 7 months ago
Yeah it is like American Idol...it's just like the first 3 episodes (and I think you know why).
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Yea but it just might work.
heres a quote
It was really exciting," the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Sanders said. "I didn't get to talk to them or anything because I was in the classroom. But we were looking out the window when their Hummer limo was coming down our street.
"It was pretty cool."
An Alabama coach also visited Ariton High School Tuesday.
"They said Coach (Kirby) Smart came by but I didn't ever see him," Sanders said.
The_Observer
· 7 months ago
What do you mean by work? Explain to me why driving a limo around is going to help your program.
I didn't know that Auburn had fallen so far off the map that a limo is what it takes to peak the interest of recruits.
C'mon! What is going through a recruits head..."Geez, I was thinking about going to Florida, LSU or Alabama, but now that I've see Auburn in a rented LIMO I want to play for them!"
It's gimicky, but maybe you guys are right. It has certainly garnered attention, but we will have to wait until February to find out whether or not it is positive.
My final point...
It shouldn't take a freaking limousine to get recruits to go to Auburn. You guys are better than that.
AUtigerman
· 7 months ago
Your talking about 17 and 18 year old kids. And the top recruits at those schools knew all 7 coaches were there because of them. That was the big thing.
So what i mean by it might work. It may help to generate some excitment amoung recruits in the state of Alabama. Certainly has them talking. And to AU fans it shows that AU isnt going to sit back and let Saban just take his pick without a fight.
War_Eagle_Atlanta
· 7 months ago
Actually, I don't. I've never seen one episode...
The_Observer
· 7 months ago
Lucky you.
Zac
· 7 months ago
Now, just yawl wait a minute. What's missing from this argument, hmmm? Come on now. What have I been telling uze gize from the beginning? It's all about the money! That's right. Show me the MONEY!!!
What have we got here? We've got a team with a new HC and coaching staff going into their 1st year together. In 2010 (only their 2nd year) they'll play 8 (Count Em!) EIGHT HOME GAMES. AND, none of em will be WVU… (OK, I threw that in for comic relief.)
So, can anyone tell me what Auburn banks each home game, even when they're playing the Jill St. John School of the Blind? I'm willing to bet it's a lot more than they would have taken home from a trip to Atlanta against perennial power UCLA. AND, that doesn't include the boon to the local area (hotels, restaurants, other travel expenses, etc.).
There's something else to consider: The teams they're playing. OK, so most of these are considered canon fodder; not much honor in playing them, I suppose. Still, these teams are probably making more by playing at Auburn than at home against their conference schedule. So, there's at least some honor in giving them a boon; not to mention keeping one's word. In other words, a deal's a deal.
BUT, things like this can be worked around, right? Other teams do it all the time, right? Well, maybe, just maybe, this Jacobs guy tried and got nowhere with any of the non-conference teams from the 2010 schedule. I mean, did anyone ask him?
I'll be the 1st to admit; I prefer to see old "Div-1A" teams play old "Div-1A" teams. I absolutely hate it when BCS teams play PCS teams (Is that the right acronym?), and my alma mater does it all the time. But let's face it. If the money and the circumstances aren't right, why bother with all the inconvenience involving such a change? I mean; this is not like changing socks. Besides, all the "glory", and potential recruiting advantages, from playing and beating a mediocre PAC-10 team on neutral ground doesn't add up to one's community singing "Thanks for staying at home." Just a thought.
(Ya know whut? I get a big kick outta the fact that this isn't about the Big East…for once.)
Cobia
· 7 months ago
Great post zac!
bama_R_number_one
· 6 months ago
uh ima little late but seems like th barners are jelious of out 12 titles as normal. ROLL TIDE TOLL
All Comments
Sure, they have their own [lame] excuses as to why they said no...
But think of all the reasons to say YES:
-National Spotlight to open the season. Everyone would watch a game like that.
-RECRUITING OPPORTUNITIES
-Motivation for the whole season with a win. [Just like Alabama a year ago. If you win, you could have a season like Alabama's. If you lose, your season may go like Clemson's. But hey, at least take the chance!]
-National Respect ... moreso than already exists.
The list could go on....
It will take time, but I never questioned Chizik's defensive credentials. Nobody should question Malzahn's offensive credentials, either...
Malzahn has produced at every stop since his last head coaching stint in Arkansas as a high school coach! You're seriously going to say that this guy isn't a hire you'd have been ecstatic about prior to Tony Franklin, for goodness sakes?
Chizik's defensive philosophy isn't fundamentally different from the period of time he coordinated your defense.
His recruiting remains to be proven, though you will attract top flight quarterback talent because of his OC.
...and oh by the way...a kid I've figured for an LSU lock is a running back by the name of Lache Sistrunk. The guy's been an LSU fan his entire life. Family from Louisiana, whole 9 yards...There are pictures of him all over Facebook in nothing but LSU Gear...
That was until Auburn hired their RB Coach. Who also happens to be Sistrunk's pastor's son...They are VERY high on his list now, if not leading bigtime.
Lache Sistrunk is going to be the #1 RB in Texas, I believe...and if not, he will be a high 4* or even perhaps a 5* talent.
So, in the recruiting department, you may not have much to worry about there, either.
Maybe Auburn doesn't want any of UCLA after the Tennessee game.
2000: Wyoming(1-10), No Illinois(6-5), La Tech(3-9)= 10-24
2001: Ball St(5-6), Syracuse(10-3), La Tech(7-5)= 22-14
2002: So Cal(11-2), *Western Car(5-6), Syracuse(4-8)= 20-16
2003: So Cal(12-1), Ga Tech(7-6), *Western Ky(9-4), La Monroe(1-11)= 29-22
2004: La Monroe(5-6), *The Citadel(3-7), La Tech(6-6)= 14-19
2005: Ga Tech(7-5), Ball St(4-7), *Western Ky(6-5)= 17-17
2006: Wash St(6-6), Buffalo(2-10), Tulane(4-8), Arkansas St(6-6)= 18-30
2007: Kansas St(5-7), So Fla(9-4), New Mex St(4-9), *Tn Tech(4-7)= 22-29
2008: La Monroe(4-8), So Miss(7-6), West Va(9-4), *Tn Martin(8-4)= 28-22
* Are 1AA schools at the time... so those teams should lower their strength of schedule even more.
180-193
And what to look forward to:
2009: La Tech, West Va, Ball St, *Furman
2010: Arkansas St, Clemson, La Monroe, *Chattanooga
It is disappointing when teams do this, I can't imagine AUB fans are too happy with the decision. It isn't as bad as it looks, given that SCAL, GT, WVU, USF, and CLEM are sprinkled in along with WSU and KSU (which were better when the games were scheduled, I'd bet.
Still doesn't matter though; it's just not what champion-caliber teams do...
Bama is playing Fla int. UT chatanooga and North Texas. Wow you guys take any bate handed you.
When was the last time Alabama played two major out of conference games?
Scarbinsky writes this stuff all the time. Just more Bama hype to try and hype up a program that was dominated by AU for 10 years.
I don't particularly care for BAMA, but if I'm going to fly TENN's banner on my icon and then toot the Vols' horn for having tough OOC schedules every year and not mention BAMA, who's going to get yelled at here? :)
Bama hasnt played more then one tough out of conference team in years. Thats my point.
Bama plays Clemson last year and receives the attention of everyone. But no critisim for playing Tulane, Western Kentucky,and Arkansas State.
Auburn has Clemson next year and gets hammered for not picking up UCLA also. Theres not alot of difference in our strength of schedule in non conference games. In fact ours is likely tougher then Bamas.
The point is Auburn had an opportunity presented to them that would have been nice boost to the program, but they turned it down. Yes, it would have been 2 non conference BCS teams in one season, but I guess since Alabama doesn't do it, Auburn shouldn't either.
I was trying to get the same point across below...just with more words and a bit more confusion. You made the point much better.
That means Big10 home-and-home series for Bama in 2010, 2011, 2016 and 2017....seeing as how Penn St. is on the schedule for '10 & '11.
Take Alabama out of the pot of SEC schools that are criticized for not playing north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
The same year Bama played OU we played USC.
My main point is AU always gets called out while i dont see alot of that for other teams doing the same thing.
Should AU have scheduled UCLA? i think so. And they missed a pretty good opportunity but ive been reading this for a while now.
Truth be told, out of conference strength of schedule hasnt mattered one bit to the SEC being in a championship game since AU got left out in 04.
Id love to see AU get an AD with some moxy. Would it make a difference?
maybe not.
First off since when is UCLA some sort of major school we couldnt pass on?
Secondly how many other schools in the SEC are playing 2 BCS out of conference games. We already have Clemson on the schedule.
Bama is playing the likes Fla int,North Texas and UT chat. With VT on a neutral site.
And you want to dog on AU.
Yall need to let this one go.
Secondly, "how many other schools in the SEC are playing 2 BCS out of conference games" ..... that is just it, AUtigerman. Auburn could be one of the few that actually are. That would build their resume. That would increase their chances, if the games are W's, to be high up in rankings and the SOS would help in the end (i.e. 2004). That would be a HUGE opportunity - Clemson & UCLA. 2 BCS OOC teams: One ACC, One Pac10. Even if you didn't win, the national respect would be HUGE. I just don't get how you can see it as anything other than a lost opportunity for AU...made possible by Jacobs.
I would think that if anyone would understand the importance of SOS come bowl time it would be Auburn. You don't think a much tougher OOC schedule would have helped AU in 2004?? It certainly would have.
I don't know about you and how you want your team to be seen, but I want Alabama to be known for playing any team, anywhere, any time. Obviously you think differently about Auburn, because you think that since no other SEC teams are playing 2 BCS out of conference games, that Auburn shouldn't.
Yes, Alabama has Fla Int, North Texas and UT-Chattanooga on the schedule for 2009. Am I proud of those games? No. Would I rather play BCS teams? Of course. And if you don't think VT on a neutral site is a very high quality game, you are wrong. At least Alabama has stepped up and accepted to play in the Chick-Fil-A College Football Kickoff last year and this one. Can't say that for any other team.
"Yall need to let this one go." ..... Fine. It's really no big deal to me. It's your school that is losing national respect. Auburn can turn down as many games as they want. I'm just saying there's a lot more positives to a game like this than negatives.
Im not a huge fan of Jacobs. But just because you play 2 BCS schools dosent earn respect. We did that in 07 and didnt seem to change much.
but it's not the 2 bcs schools that's the issue.
it's the opportunity to get TONS of publicity by playing in the big Chick-Fil-A college kickoff game. which might possibly include a BIG victory and a sports illustrated cover with Gene Chizik on the front.
Florida has
Georgia (and they have for the last four years or so)
South Carolina has
Vandy has
Ole Miss has
The list is significantly longer if you include *significant* mid-majors.
The notable exception is Auburn, who doesn't show up on either list.
Ole Miss? is that a joke?
As for Alabama they had to make some sort of move to get a good team in VT, if not they would have been left with Tulane. I credit them for making that move but most of the SEC is guilty of a weak out of conference schedule.
Jacobs is guilty of following suit if anything.
Here's Auburn, just a few years removed from a self-inflicted BCS screwjob because of their scheduling, choosing to just follow the pack.
What if the Tigers are one of several undefeated teams next year? Do you think anyone is going to let them forget that the Tigers CHOSE to play Arkansas State, Chattanooga, and Louisiana-Monroe over a BCS opponent?
I really like Auburn. I *want* them to be in the mix. And yet... very few Plainsmen will stand up and say ENOUGH with this cupcake scheduling. Do you really enjoy watching the Tigers play Chattanooga??
When we played TCU yall had Miami
OU has a lot tougher schedule this season, however in the past several years the Horns have played OSU,TCU & Ark
OU should get Kudos for the BYU game and yall should be happy yall got Baylor at home this season-BU is gonna turn some heads this season- win more games and probably knock off a couple of giants- they have one of the toughest schedules with Wake & UConn
We agree about the OOC matchups this year
Wyoming,UCF and La Monroe- aint the same as BYU and Miami
Hookem-Horns
I'm not privy to Big 12 rules; I don't know how their tie-breaker works. Something tells me it has more to do with games in common, than those which are not. A little while back, when many of us were arguing whether OK or TX should go to the NC game, I performed an analysis. Given I'm neither an OK nor TX fan, I'd like to think it was objective and unbiased. My analysis barely favored TX, and part of that was based upon what appeared to be a stronger non-conference schedule. Does that mean I'm right? No. Does it mean TX would have faired better against MO in the Big 12 Championship or against FL for the NC? No. It's just an opinion, Ron, and we all know I'm no pundit.
Bottom line: The Big 12 had an exceptional year finishing the regular season with 3 Top-10 teams on one side of the house. OK is the 2008 season Big 12 Champ. They did their level best to win against FL for the NC. Though they fell short, I think they represented the Big 12 every bit as good as either TX or TX Tech might have. Neither OK nor the Big 12 has anything of which to be ashamed. BUT, again, that's just my opinion.
Well, that's a lot simpler than I was expecting. (I prefer "simple", and subscribe to the "KISS" principle - *Keep it simple, stupid.*) I find it interesting that OK would be ranked higher based upon wins against Cinci & TCU (good wins, mind you), especially given OK also played WA (0-12) & UTEP (1-11). Their non-conference slate had a cumulative record of 23-28. TX's non-conference slate had a cumulative record of 27-23. So, if the logic of the non-conference slate was used to determine which team should be ranked higher, in my opinion, it was flawed logic. BUT, as I've already said, that's just me. We are where we are, and I'm OK with that.
Arkansas & FAU both had great 07 seasons and fell off in 08
OU had Div-11 Tenn Chat, Wash, Cinn & TCU
OU smashed Cinn and the Frogs had a good team- danged near beat Utah
Like Foster said earlier these games are sometimes scheduled years in advance and not only do you have to look at OOC schedules, but also have to figure in timing- The Horns whuped Missu in the first half earlier in the season- Texas sat at home and OU got to play them later in the season in the CCG game- that fatcor boosted them up, plus the margin of vicory also helped OU against similar opponents-Texas has a more favoratble schedule this year, but without the big-time opponent, the media will hurt them like- see AU 04
Alabama had to step up & make the games AND THEY DID.
Auburn needs to step up & they REFUSE.
Why you hating? AU has WVU this year. We had them last year at there home. Next 2 years we have Clemson.
This is exactly my point.
True but as silly as it sounds its bothersome when others say it.
Sort of a right of passage kind of thing.
I can talk bad about AU to you all day but let a Bammer join in, in there condesending manner and i get a bit hot under the collar.
Think id have learned by now.
Jacobs needs to go. I don't call for people's heads very often, but in this case, I am and have been.
Sorry if my dig earlier got to ya; I like AUB and usually pull for them; besides...this won't help when it comes time to deal with the annual SEC/Pac-10 spat...
For those not familiar, we have an inept AD, and the only good that can come out of this is that it serves as an impetus to replace him with someone competent.
And as my favorite Bammer would say, that's all I've got to say about that...
And I still stand by by earlier assertion that Auburn plays noone, look at the numbers...
You want comparisons??? I'll post them...
i LOVE Jay Jacobs.
"i asked him THREE times!....."
haha. gotta love a guy that has the guts to lie when everyone already knows the truth.
That's why you will always be treated as the ugly stepchild.
I was just saying that this thread could have applied to a lot of teams. I shouldnt take it so personal.
2000: UCLA(6-6), So Miss(8-4), UCF(7-4)= 21-14
2001: UCLA(7-4), UTEP(2-9), So Miss(6-5)= 15-18
2002: MTSU(4-8), OU(12-2), North Tx(8-5), Hawaii(10-4)= 34-19
2003: So Fla(7-4), OU(12-2), No Ill(10-2), Hawaii(9-5)= 38-13
2004: Utah St(3-8), *West Car(4-7), So Miss(7-5)= 14-20
2005: MTSU(4-7), So Miss(7-5), Utah St(3-8)= 14-20
2006: Hawaii(11-3), La Mon(4-8), Duke(0-12), Fla Intl(0-12)= 15-35
2007: *West Car(1-10), Fla St(7-6), Houston(8-5), La Mon(6-6)= 22-27
2008: Clemson(7-6), Tulane(2-10), West Ky(2-10), Ark St(6-6)= 17-22
190-188
Auburn's is 180-193
Even with the horrible '06 sched, it's clear that Bama has played tougher opponents out of conference...
I will also add that Alabama postponed the Penn St series from '05-'06 to '10-'11 and cancelled the Notre Dame series for '06-'07 without rescheduling...
What Alabama has upcoming:
2009: Va Tech, Fla Intl, North Tx, Chattanooga
2010: Penn St, Duke, No Illinois, TBA
Dont you agree that there is sort of a mind set amoung most SEC teams that a win over anyone is more important then the win over a quality opponent?
I agree that AU missed a great oppurtunity. But the lack of quality (out of conference ) wins in the Sec hasnt stop the SEC from winning NCs and it certainly hasnt hurt recruiting.
Its sort of an arrogance amoung most SEC teams that they dont need to play too many of those tough games. Id much rather see AU play those games,sort of a USC mentality would be refreshing. Prehaps Saban will change things and it will catch on.
However if Bama wins a NT without having to play too many monster out of conference games what incentive would there be for them to risk it?
Case in point. If Ol Miss were to win the SEC with no more then 1 loss this year i think they play for a NT unless 2 other BCS conference teams go undeafeted.
Unfortunately i think its a trend that will be hard to break.
If Auburn had played Va Tech or Clemson or any BCS conference team regardless of record, like Iowa St or Baylor or even Duke, then you would have gotten more consideration...
It sucks b/c schedules are put together years in advance, so you really don't know how a program is going to be 5-6 years down the road...
I think the key is to cherry pick, like Georgia getting Colorado, Oklahoma St & Arizona St... Those programs have been up & down recently... Georgia's win over the Sun Devils early in the season looked better than it actually was, the opposite can be said about Okkie St in '07... Now, we'll see how the Dawgs do in Stillwater to start off this season. No one would have thought 5 years ago when that deal was signed that the Cowboymen would be ranked higher than UGA when they play this September...
who woulda thought that TCU vs OU would have been bigger than
Ark vs Texas
Texas has a kinda weak schedule this year- has home & Home series coming up with Ole Miss & UCLA both real respectable opponents
Auburn was supposed to play Georgia Tech in 2004, but the NCAA shortened the regular season by a week, and GT dropped Auburn.
Auburn was also supposed to play Bowling Green that same year (finished season 9-3), but they backed out of that game at the last minute to play Oklahoma.
So while Auburn ended up with a very poor non-conference schedule in 2004, the original plan was for it to be a good bit more respectable.
And our games against top 15 schools were all SEC and not lollypop conferences...
The SEC hate never ceases to amaze me...
2000: Ball St(5-6), MTSU(6-5), F$U(11-2)= 22-13
2001: Marshall(11-2), La Mon(2-9), F$U(8-4)= 21-15
2002: UAB(5-7), Miami(12-1), Ohio U(4-8), F$U(9-5)= 30-21
2003: San Jose(3-8), Miami(11-2), *FLA A&M(6-6), F$U(10-3)= 30-19
2004: Eastern Mich(4-7), MTSU(5-6), F$U(9-3)= 18-16
2005: Wyoming(4-7), La Tech(7-4), F$U(8-5)= 19-16
2006: So Miss(9-5), UCF(4-8), *West Car(2--9), F$U(7-6)= 22-28
2007: West Ky(7-5), Troy(8-4), Fla Atl(8-5), F$U(7-6)= 30-20
2008: Hawaii(7-7), Miami(7-6), The Citadel(4-8), F$U(9-4)= 27-25
*1AA team
Their 8 year total is 219-173
WITHOUT F$U, they are 141-135, F$U has been 78-38 since 2000
In regards to non-conference scheduling, Florida would be better than Alabama and waaaaay better than Auburn in this scenario...
What Florida has upcoming...
2009: *Charleston So, Troy, Fla Intl, F$U
2010: Miami OH, So Fla, *App St, F$U
2011: Fla Atl, UAB, *Furman, F$U
Who's next???
Beating a 6-6 mid major is not the same as beating a 6-6 BCS conference team.
So save yourself some time or better yet get a job.
If I were disproving any other school, would you be as critical??? Of course not...
And besides, point spreads are irrelevant, but if you'd like I could post every point spread of every one of these games...
2000: UTEP(8-4), Ark St(1-10), Rice(3-8)= 12-22
2001: UNC(8-5), Air Force(6-6), N Tx(5-7), Tulsa(1-10)= 20-28
2002: Tulsa(1-11), Ala(10-3), UTEP(2-10), So Fla(9-2)= 22-26
2003: N Tx(9-4), Ala(4-9), Fresno(9-5), UCLA(6-7)= 28-25
2004: Bowl Gr(9-3), Houston(3-8), Oregon(5-6)= 17-17
2005: TCY(11-1), Tulsa(9-4), UCLA(10-2)= 30-7
2006: UAB(3-9), Wash(5-7), Oregon(7-6), MTSU(7-6)= 22-28
2007: N Tx(2-10), Miami(5-7), Utah St(2-10), Tulsa(10-4)= 19-31
2008: *Chatt(1-11), Cincy(11-3), Wash(0-12), TCU(11-2)= 23-28
* 1AA school
They finished 193-202, slighty better than Auburn but not better than Alabama or Florida...
What they have coming up...
2009: BYU, *Idaho St, Tulsa, Miami
2010: Utah St, Florida St, Air Force, Cincinnati
He was in all kinds of tv shows in the '70s & '80s... BJ & The Bear, Quincy, Starsky & Hutch, and I think he was in "The Cannonball Run"...
Just look at the BCS schools each of the 4 teams I broke down played in the same time frame...
(12) Oklahoma: UNC, Ala(x2), USF, UCLA(x2), Ore(x2), Wash(x2), Cincy, Miami
(11) Florida: F$U (x9), Miami
(10) Auburn: Syracuse(x2), Southern Cal(x2), Ga Tech(x2), Wash St, Kan St, USF, West Va
(7) Alabama UCLA(x2), OU(x2), USF, Duke, Clemson
So at this angle, Auburn has at least played more games vs BCS schools than the Tide...
The Gators need to thank the Seminoles for playing them every year...
Well seems you had Scarbinsky pegged pretty good. He actually heap some praise on AU this week i may frame it.
http://blog.al.com/kevin-scarbinsky/2009/04/sca...
Saban is supposed to have the state locked down. How dare these upstarts do something so ridiculous as to assuage the dominance that is Capstone recruiting?
But careful there, WEA. The goal there at AU, according to Mr. Trooper Taylor, is to just simply "keep kids in-state". He says it's not an Alabama vs Auburn thing...he just doesn't want them going out of state.
As we all know, and as you stated above, Saban has the state locked down ... So as long as this "Tiger Prowl" is keeping recruits confined to the state of Alabama, I have no problem with it nor am I worried. Because if they remain in-state, we all know where they'll end up. ;)
There are always a certain number of kids who want to flee their home state, and so they will. It's the same reason I prefer to drive foreign cars. I want to be different. But not like short-limo different...
heres a quote
It was really exciting," the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Sanders said. "I didn't get to talk to them or anything because I was in the classroom. But we were looking out the window when their Hummer limo was coming down our street.
"It was pretty cool."
An Alabama coach also visited Ariton High School Tuesday.
"They said Coach (Kirby) Smart came by but I didn't ever see him," Sanders said.
I didn't know that Auburn had fallen so far off the map that a limo is what it takes to peak the interest of recruits.
C'mon! What is going through a recruits head..."Geez, I was thinking about going to Florida, LSU or Alabama, but now that I've see Auburn in a rented LIMO I want to play for them!"
It's gimicky, but maybe you guys are right. It has certainly garnered attention, but we will have to wait until February to find out whether or not it is positive.
My final point...
It shouldn't take a freaking limousine to get recruits to go to Auburn. You guys are better than that.
So what i mean by it might work. It may help to generate some excitment amoung recruits in the state of Alabama. Certainly has them talking.
And to AU fans it shows that AU isnt going to sit back and let Saban just take his pick without a fight.
What have we got here? We've got a team with a new HC and coaching staff going into their 1st year together. In 2010 (only their 2nd year) they'll play 8 (Count Em!) EIGHT HOME GAMES. AND, none of em will be WVU…
(OK, I threw that in for comic relief.)
So, can anyone tell me what Auburn banks each home game, even when they're playing the Jill St. John School of the Blind? I'm willing to bet it's a lot more than they would have taken home from a trip to Atlanta against perennial power UCLA. AND, that doesn't include the boon to the local area (hotels, restaurants, other travel expenses, etc.).
There's something else to consider: The teams they're playing. OK, so most of these are considered canon fodder; not much honor in playing them, I suppose. Still, these teams are probably making more by playing at Auburn than at home against their conference schedule. So, there's at least some honor in giving them a boon; not to mention keeping one's word. In other words, a deal's a deal.
BUT, things like this can be worked around, right? Other teams do it all the time, right? Well, maybe, just maybe, this Jacobs guy tried and got nowhere with any of the non-conference teams from the 2010 schedule. I mean, did anyone ask him?
I'll be the 1st to admit; I prefer to see old "Div-1A" teams play old "Div-1A" teams. I absolutely hate it when BCS teams play PCS teams (Is that the right acronym?), and my alma mater does it all the time. But let's face it. If the money and the circumstances aren't right, why bother with all the inconvenience involving such a change? I mean; this is not like changing socks. Besides, all the "glory", and potential recruiting advantages, from playing and beating a mediocre PAC-10 team on neutral ground doesn't add up to one's community singing "Thanks for staying at home." Just a thought.
(Ya know whut? I get a big kick outta the fact that this isn't about the Big East…for once.)