Review - AU 17 AL 31
This game will probably not be known as a classic, but it was an interesting football game. Auburn's offense showed a brief spark of brilliance then retreated into oblivion, much like it did against Ole Miss and Arkansas. Auburn's defense did not look as dominant as it did earlier in the year. This was probably a combination of tired bodies and defeated hearts. The Tigers' season was a nightmare and was coming to an end. I was impressed that Demontray Carter ran the ball at the level he has been heralded for the last 2 years. Gabe Gross looks like he will only improve with age. The real story of the game was two things. One was Shaun Alexander and how he was virually unstoppable. If I wrote an Alabama page on the WWW, I would be constantly saying "Give Shaun the ball!!!". The last two years, 'Bama has done that only a few times but it worked each time. If he stays, he will be hyped for the Heisman. The other story was missed opportunities. Auburn could not take advantage of Alabama's poor kicking game and Robinson's turnover on a punt return was ill timed. Bironas had his worst game, but it did not really factor into the final outcome. He will prove to be one of the Tigers all-time great kickers and Auburn has had some great ones. There's no next week this time. More later when I do my year in review in January. I will also post a recruiting page at that time.

Preview
This is the big one and for Auburn, they are playing for pride and for only their fourth win of the year - one that would go a ways toward soothing the fans who have suffered through a horrible season. A win for Alabama would assure them of a mid-tier bowl which is what they prefer, but after last year they will take any bowl that waves an offer. A loss to Auburn would only reflect a slight improvement form last year (basically reversing the loss to LSU by a near miracle and defeating BYU instead of losing to La Tech). The home team has dominated this series. Legion Field no longer has turf so that may level things a bit from the past (in 1996 it did not help, however.) Auburn needs to play their best game in all facets, not asking for something they cannot do. Alabama wil be trying to make a statement after last year's last minute loss and will be hungry. Interstingly, it will be the worst combined records for the two teams (9-11) in over 4 decades at game time. I look for Alabama to utilize Zow and Alexander to maximize their chance of victory. Auburn must have good performances from Gross, Burks and the WRs. This one is hard to call, but I think it will be close and low scoring. I pick the Tide because of the game being in Birmingham - a place even Terry never won and Dye only won 3 times out of 6.
PREDICTION: AL 13 AU 10

TV: ESPN 6:30PM CST

Nov. 14 (Univ. of Georgia) at Auburn

Review - AU 17 GA 28
This game was really a surprise to me. Not only did the defense put in their worst performance of the year, but the offense played one of their best - but not a very good one, however. Auburn's defense looked like it did not know that the Tight End was an eligible receiver. Even my wife's novice football eye saw the gaping holes the AU defense gave the GA Tight Ends all night. Georgia' offense at times was a better defense that we were. They self-destructed on third down and their kicking game was poor at best. I hope this is not a sign of things to come. Our defense must play well to have a chance against 'Bama. Our running game was not much better that usual, but Burks did make a few good runs. The biggest improvement was in the passing game. Gross had a pretty good night and K Bailey is quietly close to breaking all of Terry Beasley's records at WR. Last year he was "butterfingers" but he has come on this year to make a good contribution. A closer look at the stats show that the Tigers again did not give the game away on mistakes and turnovers. They seemed to stop this problem as soon as Oliver becaue coach - not necessarily any connection, just an observation.

Preview
On paper this looks like a mismatch. Georgia has the talent to win this game easily. History is on their side as well. The road team seems to be the victor more times than not. There is a good chance that this will be a game played in the rain and that could help Auburn even the playing field a bit - slowing down the speed of Champ Bailey and Quincy Carter. Of course, on the other hand - does Auburn need any help to make them fumble of make other mistakes? Another question to be answered is how Auburn will react to the off-the-field newspaper stories and Internet rumblings which are possibly at least somewhat true, but really unproven. Meanwhile, Georgia has had a week off to prepare their gameplan. Pat Dye used to call this "Amen corner" and Auburn has not swept these two games very often recently - last year being a surprise exception (on even years only twice in the last 30 years). For Auburn to win they need to continue to dominate on defense - creating a couple of turnovers that lead to AU scores. They must particularly key in on Bailey and Carter. The offense needs to settle and play well like they did against Arkansas. Overall they need to forget about the coaching situ and just play football.
PREDICTION: GA 17 AU 9

TV: ESPN 6:30PM CST

Nov. 7 (Univ. of Central Florida) at Auburn [Homecoming]

Review - AU 10 CF 06
This was a game where the most important stat was the final score. Auburn needed three miracles in the last two minutes to win a game in which their offense played as poorly as it had all year. This is especially true when you consider that this UCF defense had allowed over 30 points to Purdue, La Tech and Youngstown State. The defense really played well in this game and are the real cause for victory. Without them, those three miracles would have been meaningless. UCF was in the Red Zone 4 times and got only 6 points. They sacked Daunte 7 times and intercepted him four times. They hurried him and forced him to make mistakes on other occasions. It will build Gabe's confidence by him making the key 4th down play and the 58-yd pass to Bailey that gave them the points they needed. Once again, give the defense the credit for this homecoming win.

Preview
This game is mainly about Auburn vs. Daunte Culpepper - Heisman candidate. This team would be a sure also-ran without him. Auburn cannot afford a let down, but I don't expect one. The AU defense stopped him last year and the defense is much better now. Our offense should be able to score much like we did against La Tech. We cannot afford to make turnovers and we must contain Daunte to be successful.
PREDICTION: AU 31 CF 14

TV: None