October 18, 2003
Somehow, some way...Auburn controls destiny in SEC
"Cadillac" Williams was in high gear this week, scoring six touchdowns in the Tigers win over Mississippi State. Williams set a new SEC record for rushing touchdowns in a game. Much like their stud running back, Auburn has been in high gear in recent weeks. The Tigers came into the season ranked #3 in the country and proceeded to stink up the joint & rack up two quick losses.
Since then, however, Auburn is on a five game winning streak and now control their own destiny in the SEC West. The Tigers can make it to the SEC Championship game without any help from their Southeastern Conference brethren, thank you very much.
Saturday's rout over MSU saw Auburn (45-13) improve to 4-0 in SEC play. Auburn sits atop the rankings and looks to be in a pretty good position to finish there. Auburn already owns a win over Arkansas in the SEC West (beating the then #8 Razorbacks) and a good win over then #7 Tennessee.
Can't post this without mentioning the really outstanding play of the Auburn defense. The Tigers held the Bulldogs to just one third-down conversion and just 102 yards rushing. Auburn's defense has been on fire during this winning streak -- providing a lot of cover for the offense to find itself early. In the last five games, the Auburn defense has given up just 45 points combined.
The trick for the Tigers will be to continue to improve and finish strong. They still have division games against LSU, Mississippi, and 'Bama. Don't you know the Crimson Tide would just love to wreck Auburn's chances at the SEC title?
Finally, I think Auburn is under-rated in the polls. The Tigers came into this game at #25. Granted, they dug their own hole early with losses to Georgia Tech and USC (who just happens to be pretty dang good), but Auburn beat a pretty stout Arkansas team (who was ranked #8) and a good Tennessee team (who was ranked #7). Perhaps the pollsters will show them some love this week.
Props to Auburn for righting the ship. Now all they have to do is keep it between the beacons on the way to an SEC Title game appearance and a shot at a BCS bowl.
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TigerEducated says:
posted on October 20, 2003 01:47 AM — linkKevin, you're off your rocker...
The road to the SEC Western Division crown lies smack dab through Baton Rouge, Louisiana...
If LSU beats Auburn at home this Saturday on national television (we're a 4 point favorite according to Vegas, which means we're a one point favorite on a neutral field), We're at 4-1, and so are the "Paper Tigers" (I call them paper because they were ranked #3 on paper, and that's about the only place you'll find them hyped)...
By virtue of our head to head win, if all things are equal, and LSU and Auburn both run the table after their tilt in Tiger Stadium, whoever wins that game will go to Atlanta.
As for your blustering about Auburn's defensive "gems" in the last 5 games, LSU has only given up an identical 45 points themselves, and held the high powered Georgia offense to 10 points..
Before I mention a comparison of our last two defensive efforts, LSU beat MSU by a 41-6 count, with the Dawgs scoring a meaningless late TD...
Against South Carolina, and a trio of talented running backs, LSU gave up exactly ZERO yards rushing...
Against a Top Ten ranked defense nationally, LSU grinded out 276 yards rushing using it's third, fourth, and fifth string tailbacks, none better than a redshirt freshmen from an experience standpoint. Matt Mauck threw two touchdown passes and played his finest game in an LSU uniform. Our tight end had a career game, and Devery Henderson, Skyler Green, and Michael Clayton again showed that they are the best trio of wideouts in the conference...
I'm sorry, but LSU's defense is better than Auburn's, from a statistical and a real life standpoint. LSU's offense is much more balanced and effective than Auburn's, and our quarterback is much more battle tested and effective in comparison to Auburn's...
I'll refrain from commenting on the comparison of relative coaching talent on the sidelines, but Steve Ensminger and Jimbo Fisher have never been mentioned before in the same sentence until I composed this one right here...
Your optimism is built on a house of cards. LSU will trounce Auburn in front of 92,000+ and millions on television, and Auburn will stumble to a 6-2 league record. LSU will make it three straight SEC Western Division Titles (it co-champed in 01 and 02, going to Atlanta in 01, and missing out on a fluke late play against Arkansas last year from going again), and will represent the West for the 2nd time in 3 years.
If you tend to disagree with any of these facts, I'm truly sorry for you...But, perhaps you should be a tad less subjective in your opinions from here on out...
Justin Brady says:
posted on October 20, 2003 11:54 AM — linkFirst of all, LSU did NOT co-champ last year. There is no such thing as an SEC west co-champ. There is an SEC west champ and an SEC east champ, PERIOD.
Second, Kevin is right on when he said Auburn controls it's destiny. LSU already has a loss. If Auburn beats LSU, the ONLY way for lsu to go to atlanta would be to win out after that and have AUburn lose *3* more SEC games, which is damn near impossible....so Auburn is in COMPLETE control of their destiny. It's up to Auburn whether or not they win the west.
Third, you can throw out all the facts you want but it still doesn't make anything Kevin said in his article any less true.
Before you start spouting off more opinions, first explain how the hell you could loose to Florida at home. And before you come up with any "reasons", just remember, Ole Miss went INTO the swamp and took out Florida.....Looks like LSU might be a little (A LOT) overrated this year!
*IF* LSU beats Auburn, THEN LSU will be in control of the west's destiny. But until that happens, Auburn is in the drivers seat.
Kevin says:
posted on October 20, 2003 11:56 AM — linkFirst and foremost, I could give a pile of beans about either LSU or Auburn. You're comment about opinions being subjective makes me laugh, though. All opinions are subjective by nature.
I noticed in your comments that you are pretty insistent on comparing Auburn and LSU. That's a noble effort and I applaud you for it, but it's a total non-sequitur. Presume that my post is about Santa Claus...you then berate me over the inherit goodness of Halloween.
At no point did I even attempt to evaluate Auburn vs. LSU. That will come much closer to the game. If you want to come here and bluster and attempt to rip me, you're welcome to but please try be on topic.
Further, nothing I said above is in any way untrue. Auburn does control their own destiny in the SEC West. They don't need a loss by any team to help them make it to the title game. They can line up and play their games. If they win, they're headed to the title game - plain and simple. The point of my post is how far Auburn has come after digging such a large whole for themselves.
I haven't issued any predictions for Auburn. Truth be told, I could care less if they jump in a lake. But it's worth noting that a team that began the year with a nightmare start now controls their own fate for a great finish.
When the game kicks off this Saturday, I'll definitely be watching and rooting ... for the Tigers, of course!
Finally, you're 100% wrong regarding LSU defense. The Tigers have given up 49 points in their last five games and one of those, let's not forget, was an upset loss at home.
PS - What Justin said.Pete Holiday says:
posted on October 20, 2003 12:04 PM — linkI don't expect any LSU fan to concede this, but the fact of the matter is that Georgia held itself to 10 points. LSU just happened to be the opponent on the field who received the gift.
Let's not forget that there was a good reason for Auburn's preseason hype, though I'll admit that it was over done -- Auburn has more talent than anyone else in the SEC, hands down. No contest. They haven't used it well, but when they have they've been deadly. The only thing Auburn has to do to beat LSU is play to potential... something they've struggled with.
South Carolina is the only real opponent against whom LSU has rushed for more than 200 yards. (The others being LA Monroe and WIU). Top 10 or not, that's hardly something to boast about.
After all, keep in mind the three kinds of lies in this world: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics. They don't mean anything come Saturday evening, and I think the game is Auburn's to lose.
While we're at it, let's also not forget that LSU tied for second last year in the west and won the title on a technicality.
schmed says:
posted on October 20, 2003 04:50 PM — linkWhile I don't necessarily agree with TigerEd's reasons, I like our Bengal Tigers to take care of business at home.
I won't base anything on the "lies, damn lies and statistics," but I will point out that according to the radio "Voice of the LSU Tigers," a former Miss America busted a 33 yard run against the Sweet Caroline Cornishgamehens last Saturday.
Pete Holiday says:
posted on October 20, 2003 07:13 PM — linkIf nothing else, I think we can all agree that it should be a hell of a football game.
TigerEducated says:
posted on October 20, 2003 09:11 PM — linkKevin, my comments weren't meant to disparage you...Perhaps at 1:47am, both my intent and my adding capabilities wane a tad too much towards carlessness for my own good...The post was more meant to put LSU in a good light, because I feel like many people just don't seem to think LSU deserves to be the favorite in this game.
I talked to an Auburn fan today, and allegedly, Ronnie Brown is out for the game...Can anyone else verify this?
As for Justin Brady, I'd like to point out that there have been co-champs in the SEC Western Division the past three years...I'm sorry he doesn't keep up with it...
As for his "if LSU wins" then it's in the driver's seat, till then Auburn's the catbird type of comment, I can't help but laugh...
At this point, Justin, they're BOTH in the driver's seat. They're on a collision course, to be honest. With a win, each will have a red carpet on the way to Hotlanta. Auburn holds no upper hand heading into the contest. Exiting the contest, whoever wins will have a decided advantage...Auburn via the scenario Justin speaks of, and LSU by the scenario of head to head matchups I spoke about.
If anything, it will come down to who can run the ball and control the line of scrimmage, and which defense will stop the run. I also think that it will come down to which quarterback plays the best.
These are obviously not new adages when it comes to trying to "pick a winner" and pontificate about a gridiron contest between two seemingly even teams.
I think that the Auburn defense hasn't faced anyone but charlatans in Tennessee and the Razorbacks from Fayettenam, as witnessed by Tennesse being trounced by Jawja and the Hogs losing AT HOME to Florida. They got some street cred by eking out tough wins versus those two opponents. They faced one legit team (and I'm not sure how legit they are in USC), and they came out laying an egg Foghorn Leghorn would have been proud of...
One last aside to anyone like Justin who wants to talk some smack about UF laying a woodshedder on us two Saturday's back...
Ask Arkansas if Florida's for real. I agree if you make the statement that our offensive gameplan was the single poorest of the Jimbo Fisher era, and absolutely NO gametime, halftime, or on the fly adjustmenst were made, but NO ONE can question our offensive line's talent...
When our third, fourth, and fifth string tailbacks rush for 276 combined on a top ten defense in the nation that's already gone up against Tennessee and Jawja, and on top of our Quarterback having a career day, that's strong ... very strong
I'm looking forward to a great game, and I hope I didn't ruffle too many feathers...
Kevin says:
posted on October 20, 2003 09:23 PM — linkYou're all right by me, TigerEd. Like I said, I plan on rooting for the Tigers anyway in the Auburn-LSU game. Oh wait, they're both Tigers. Damn, foiled again.
Look for a game preview by Geaux Tiger genius Dave Frey later this week. You're comments are very welcome, TigerEd. Good luck this week, btw.
Chris Lawrence says:
posted on October 21, 2003 11:43 AM — linkIt's early days yet, folks; pretty much everybody's still in it if they play their cards right. Auburn and Ole Miss control their own destinies, but LSU and Arkansas will be right back in it if they can knock off their opponent due to the divisional tiebreaker. And bear in mind that Auburn has to travel to Athens, something I'd wish on nobody this year. Not to mention both State and Alabama trying to play spoiler. I kinda like the way Ole Miss's schedule sets up relative to everyone else's (only two remaining road games, with one of those in Starkville), but schedule will only get you so far. I just don't see a cruise here for anyone.
Having said that, this will probably be a year in which the division winner is 8-0 or 7-1, not so much because of teams outplaying others but because of luck.
Justin Brady says:
posted on October 24, 2003 09:16 PM — linkTigerEducated, if you're tring to put LSU in a good light, you failed me miserably. It just added to the fact that it's not LSU that I can't stand. It's the freakin fans.
Anyway, Co-champs is just some made up BS. Whether or not you say LSU is a co-champ. They did NOT go to the SEC championship game. This means they did NOT win the west, regardless of what you say.
And lastly, LSU is *NOT* in the drivers seat yet. There are in the back seat. Let's not forget that there are 2 undefeated teams in the west. I do agree that Auburn has the only real chance, if Ole Miss beats Arkansas this week, no one will be talking about LSU, it will be the Ole Miss - Auburn matchup that will be the talk of the town.
Even is LSU wins, it's still VERY possible for auburn to win the west. IF LSU looses to Auburn, all hope is lost for LSU, since it would require 3 auburn losses to have a shot. This is LSU's only chance to salvage that pitiful showing against florida.
TigerEducated says:
posted on October 26, 2003 02:07 AM — linkJustin...I listen to music...of all types...My tastes are what most would consider very "eclectic"...
From Mozart's 5th Symphony to Mazzy Starr to Lynrd Skynrd to Henry Rollins to Jelly Roll Morton to the Eagles to Michael Jackson to Garth Brooks...
Perhaps you're guessing that this is just an interesting non-sequitir, but I assure you, I truly am about to make a point...
Of the many musical genres I enjoy, there is one that produced an artist....which artists produced an album....which album produced a single...which became an album title...Which fits appropriately with LSU's performance tonight, as well as your opinion of me in light of our TOTAL ANNIHALATION OF AN OVERMATCHED, OVERHYPED, and OVERRATED Auburn team in Tiger Stadium to the tune of 31-7...
His name is Toby Keith...
The song is...
HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?
P.S.-->Those of you who are not Justin, I apologize for my late night missives. They come off as a tad arrogant, and perhaps even smack of condescension. But, I can assure you that most of the rest of you all will find me a very amiable and affable conversationalist.
I usually have a high tolerance for those who attempt to exhibit an inflammatory personality for the sake of being inflammatory, such as Justin so transparently does...I guess when in such a jovial mood, and under the slight (wink, wink) influence of Coors Light, ones skin wears thin, and one tends to lean towards being more of an Old Testament type of behavioral pattern...That of "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth"...Or in Justin's case...
"Petty Immaturity for Petty Immaturity"
Kevin says:
posted on October 26, 2003 08:37 AM — linkTiger - you are definitely entitled to a little arrogance in light of the ass whipping that LSU handed Auburn. Congrats.
Justin Brady says:
posted on October 26, 2003 12:56 PM — linkhehe, petty immaturity huh? This is football. You know who I am and how I act outside of football, you know what you speak of is not true outside of the website. Until then, bring it on! I always love some good ole trash talkin.
Taking with the title of this article.....Auburn, nor LSU control their destiny in the west. Now, Ole Miss does. I give you congrats on LSU trouncing Auburn, but you have to give props for what Ole Miss has done as well.
Hey Kevin, wheres the "Somehow, Someway....Ole Miss controls it's destiny in the west" article? Looking forward to it :)
Pete Holiday says:
posted on October 26, 2003 03:14 PM — linkJustin, with all due respect, you're out of your gord. I think you really need to go back and think long and hard about what it takes to control one's own destiny.
Let's ignore the LSU/Ole Miss game for a second and say that both Ole Miss and LSU win out (aside from that game), the winner of the west will be the winner of that game.
Therefore, by very simple logic, both teams control their own destiny. Ole Miss does. LSU does. Had Auburn beat LSU, they would. To say that LSU doesn't is just as wrong as saying that Ole Miss doesn't.
Welcome to the NCAA, where more than one team can control its own destiny.
Chris Lawrence says:
posted on October 26, 2003 04:02 PM — linkPete's right; "controlling your own destiny" is the opposite of "needing help to win." Auburn now needs help to win the conference (namely, another LSU loss in addition to Auburn winning the rest of its games, including its game against Ole Miss). LSU and Ole Miss don't need help; they just need to take care of business.
Justin Brady says:
posted on October 26, 2003 08:21 PM — linkThat's true.....I guess you can argue both sides of the spectrum and say it's Ole Miss's game to loose or it's LSU's game to loose. I think it's Ole Miss's game to loose ONLY because if Ole Miss looses to LSU another LSU loss give Ole Miss the west title. The edge does belong to Ole Miss because they don't have a loss yet.
All things aside, you gotta give me this....NOONE thought Ole Miss would be 4-0 in the SEC at this time of the year (not even me, I just wanted to get 6 wins and be bowl eligible so I could have 1 more TV game to watch in December). The Rebels have put theirselves in very good position to win it.
Pete Holiday says:
posted on October 30, 2003 12:24 AM — linkJustin said: "Anyway, Co-champs is just some made up BS."
I would like to direct your attention to the official website of the SEC where the final '00-'01 football standings for the conference are up here. If you read the chart, you'll see that Auburn and LSU are clearly labeled as "Western Division Co-Champions."
Co-champions may be "some made up BS," but it was apparently made up by the conference.
Sean says:
posted on October 30, 2003 12:50 AM — linkSEC West co-championships have been claimed by 5 of the 6 SEC Western teams in the history of divisional play.
No shock that a fan of the 1 school to never be a co-champ refuses to admit the existance.
Also from 2002, LSU, Auburn and Arkansas were all Co-Champs of the SEC West.
