Tough times at Auburn

October 27, 2008

By Jon Johnson

After yet another disappointing performance on Thursday at West Virginia, it pretty much looks like this season is a lost cause for Auburn.
The Tigers may find a way to win at Ole Miss, and obviously should beat Tennessee-Martin, but I find it hard to imagine Auburn pulling upsets against Georgia or Alabama.
With that said, the real question mark now involves whether Tommy Tuberville will be around at Auburn next season.
I just don’t have a real good feel for it right now. If he stays, I’m sure there will be many adjustments to the current staff, other than the obvious of bringing in a new offensive coordinator.
If Auburn continues its current trend of looking completely lost in its final three SEC games, then Tuberville could be done.
Tuberville has the biggest challenge of his Auburn career ahead in the next month. Should Auburn play respectable, I’d like to see him get another year to turn things back around. I believe he deserves it from what he’s done for the program during his tenure.
But if Auburn doesn’t show any fight over its final four games, then perhaps it will be time to cut Tubs loose.

My AP rankings Week 10

October 26, 2008

By Jon Johnson

No big surprises this week. I did stay up late to watch the Southern Cal-Arizona game, and moved the Trojans down a spot after the seven-point win. Here’s my rankings submitted to the Associated Press on Sunday morning.

1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Penn State
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. Texas Tech
7. Southern Cal
8. Georgia
9. Oklahoma State
10. Utah
11. TCU
12. Ohio State
13. Boise State
14. Missouri
15. BYU
16. Florida State
17. Ball State
18. Tulsa
19. LSU
20. Minnesota
21. Michigan State
22. North Carolina
23. West Virginia
24. Oregon
25. Connecticut

Tubs on the defense

October 20, 2008

By Jon Johnson

Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville addressed rumors during his Monday press conference, apparently just to clear the air and let folks know he intends to be at Auburn for a long time.
Of course how the season plays out, and those who make the decisions at Auburn, will ultimately decide how long Tuberville will be around.
Things obviously have gone sour on Tuberville so far this year, but here’s believing he’s still got plenty of time to get things back on solid footing in the next couple of weeks.
How Auburn performs in its final two games, against Georgia and Alabama, will tell us a lot.
I believe Tuberville deserves to be back unless things fall completely apart. He’s proven his worth as a coach over the years, and shouldn’t be pushed out after one poor season.
But stranger things have happened, and Tuberville is on the hotseat.
He can cool it if his team responds in a positive manner in the coming weeks, starting with Thursday night’s game at West Virginia.

My AP rankings Week 9

By Jon Johnson

Ranking the top teams was much easier this week with few upsets on the field. It was the bottom bunch which took the most figuring. Below are my rankings submitted to the AP on Sunday morning.

1. Texas
2. Alabama
3. Penn State
4. Oklahoma
5. Florida
6. Southern Cal
7. Texas Tech
8. Oklahoma State
9. Ohio State
10. Georgia
11. LSU
12. Utah
13. Boise State
14. South Florida
15. Missouri
16. Pitt
17. Kansas
18. TCU
19. Tulsa
20. Florida State
21. BYU
22. Georgia Tech
23. Boston College
24. Northwestern
25. Ball State

Troubled times at AU

October 13, 2008

By Jon Johnson

An off week couldn’t come at a better time for Auburn. I’m still puzzled at why Tommy Tuberville fired Tony Franklin, yet decided to stay with the offense Franklin orchestrated.
Obviously things weren’t any better Saturday night against Arkansas. In fact, it appears the offense took a step backwards - as if you could go back any further.
With Auburn not due to play until Thursday, Oct. 23, at West Virginia, it might be time to junk the spread and go back to the basics.
It will be interesting to see if freshman Barrett Trotter is given a try, or if the Tigers finally give Neal Caudle an opportunity at quarterback.
I’d like to see Caudle get a chance. He’s been around for awhile, and if he doesn’t work out now, you’ll know he can’t handle the job.
Caudle certainly can’t do any worse than Kodi Burns or Chris Todd, can he?
Interesting times indeed.