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Auburn / Kansas State

Auburn opened the season with a thriller Saturday night in which fans enjoyed a nail biter of a game against Kansas St. Auburn’s offense sputtered for the first 55 minutes of the contest, but came to life on the last drive, scoring easily. A couple of plays later and it was the defense’s turn to shine. Quentin Groves ran through KSU QB Josh Freeman causing a fumble which was returned 34 yards for a touchdown by Antonio Coleman. Quentin Groves' hit on Freeman was so hard that the Auburn police arrested him after the game for assault and battery. The charges were later dropped by Freeman.

James Swinton came up with a big catch Saturday night on Auburn’s last drive which set the Tigers up for it’s only offensive touchdown. After the game Swinton stopped by the tailgate for a photo op with the 4 horsemen (see above).

Other notes: The quote of the day came when trying to determine how many wings to order for the tailgate. Little Red stated, “I’m telling everyone up front, if you only order 50 wings, I’m going to eat as fast as I can until I get my fill.”

The Osc Loves the Four Horsemen

Oscar Gonzalez, a star in the classroom, looks to become a star on the field. "I've always believed in getting the books in order before extracurricular activities", said Gonzalez. "I feel like I've got my priorities in order." Oscar Gonzalez is majoring in Spanish at Auburn. Anytime you can do well in a foreign language study, you've got to be impressed. The 6'7" offensive lineman, from Hialeah, FL, is in his sophomore year and plans to fight for playing time. He agreed to a photo op with the Horsemen in which Diamond Pat was inadvertantly cut out of the picture. The picture is still worth posting, however, because Super and Red horseman are throwing face.

Blackmon Shows Some Love to the Four Horsemen

The Four Horsemen rolled into a closed practice session last Saturday and had a rare photo op with none other than Tray Blackmon. Blackmon, who warned UAT fans last year to fear the thumb, returns for his sophomore season. He had 18 tackles last season, 2 1/2 for a loss, despite a limited role in only 6 games. Blackmon was also part of the reason Auburn throttled Florida last year by 10. His pressure and forced fumble inside the Auburn ten kept Florida from attempting a bad angled kick with a crappy placekicker. If you will remember, that was Florida's only loss of the season.

5 in a Row's Gotta Be Tough

Recently I was reflecting on the 2006 season, and it occurred to me that Auburn was supposed to lose the Iron Bowl this year. Actually, we are led to believe that this year is the year each and every year by the Neck Nation. It just turns out that it is never actually THE year for UAT. Anyway, put on your thinking caps for a minute and reminisce with me about the air of excitement in Tuscaloosa just prior to the game. Even though there was no reason to think so, all of the UAT fans believed in their hearts that they would beat Auburn that day. There was just something about the intensity and focus the players had. I think I remember a guarantee being made by one of the linemen. I can also remember someone at the tailgate saying, “I don’t know man, I just have a good feeling about this one.” Anyway, I bring all this up to remind you what desperate losers this bunch really is. I’ve enjoyed the excitement around the state, and on this board, and I hope it continues because it makes trips down memory lane that much more enjoyable for me.

1957 Team to be Honored at Vandy Game

OTWS held an exclusive interview with Mark Richard, Senior Associate Athletic Director this morning regarding the upcoming Auburn football season. Mark explained that the opening game against Kansas State is part of a contract between the 2 schools where Auburn would make a return trip in the year 2014. That game would be played at Arrowhead Stadium. Additionally, Mark explained to OTWS that the 1957 National Championship team will be honored at this year's Vanderbilt game, being that this year is the 50 year anniversary of Auburn's first claimed national championship. The '57 team will be on hand and the Tigers plan to play the Commodores in throw-back jerseys to honor the undefeated squad.

Ticket Sales to Gay Couples on the Rise

According to information released from the National Collegiate Ticket Sales Information Desk, more and more gay couples are choosing to purchase season tickets together. This problem appears to be a pandemic at universities with socially diverse student body profiles like U of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and Georgia; however, more conservative schools such as Auburn are not immune. "These gays are ruining our country", said Harold Bush, a longtime season ticket holder. "First they get their own shows on tv, then they trying to destroy marriage, now I gotta put up with them at tailgates." If you are concerned with gays near your tailgate please contact your university's athletic department.

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UAT's Tom Asbury Devours a Bugger on National TV

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OTWS ANNUAL RECRUITING RANKINGS

Below we've listed each commitment, their position, their OTWS ranking (on a scale from 1 - 10), and any comments we had based on our exclusive inside, unbiased knowledge. Enjoy!

AUBURN's COMMITMENTS

Kodi Burns
QB
9
Star potential written all over him.

Josh Bynes
LB
9
Has size and athleticism to get playing time as a true freshman.

Wes Byrum
K
7.5
Already penciled in as kickoff specialist. That's about all we will say for a kicker.

Quindarius Carr
WR
7.5
Will probably redshirt due to the amount of talent Auburn has at wide receiver.

Antoine Carter
DE
8
After missing out on Jerry Howard, Auburn quickly signed Carter (See Rumor Alert below). There's just too much talent here for Carter to play next year. He'll probably redshirt.

Jared Cooper
OL
7
A relatively big white kid from East Brewton. Grew up a Bammer, but didn't want to get embarrassed with the rest of UAT's offensive line. Will probably redshirt.

Kyle Coulahan
OL
7
Played multiple positions in high school including TE, FB and DL. Shut the door on Florida to come to Auburn. Will probably redshirt.

Enrique Davis
RB
9
There's just too much talent at running back for Davis to play as a true freshman. We are guessing he'll redshirt. Some are calling Davis the next great running back in Auburn's rich history of running backs.

Johnnie Lee Dixon
ATH
8.5
Grades will send Dixon to prep school. He's projected to play corner. He was the defensive MVP at summer camps in Auburn.

John Douglas
RB
7.5
Could play as a true freshman, but will probably redshirt with Carl Stewart coming back.

Brandon Earl
OL
7
Take one look at this kid's picture and you will undoubtedly say, "JUCO". Earl selected Auburn over Georgia.

Nick Fairley
OL
8.5
Will more than likely get in the rotation if he can qualify. He currently needs to score higher on his ACT. Fairley had offers from top 10 West Virginia and tradition rich Florida State. He also rejected an offer from UAT.

Eltoro Freeman
LB
9
Once again, too much talent at this position, so Freeman will probably redshirt. Although he's bound to make an impact when he gets in the rotation. Very speedy.

A.J. Greene
DE
7.5
Will probably play DT after redshirting. Greene is only 17, but was a finalist for the 3A lineman of the year.

Bo Harris
ATH
8.5
Harris will probably factor into the rotation at DE. Recruited as a running back before going to prep school. Chose Auburn over Oklahoma.

Adam Herring
LB
8
Will probably redshirt, but may sneak in the rotation this year. Herring had 101 tackles last season despite limited playing time because his high school team was always blowing out their opponents.

Carlton Johnson
LB
8.5
Chose Auburn over FSU, Florida and Georgia thanks to Enrique Davis' persuasion. However, all players with last name's beginning with "J" will enter JUCO.

Jermaine Johnson
OL
7.5
See above, JUCO

Wilfred Journet
DE
7.5
See above, JUCO

Tim Lamb
DT
7.5
Will have to redshirt with Auburn's talent. He was ESPN's 4th best DT despite only playing 3 games because of an ankle injury. Chose Auburn over Miami, Nebraska and Clemson.

Michael McNeil
DB
10
McNeil is one of the best signees this class, it will be hard to keep him off the field. UAT made a strong push for him late, but they just don't have the "big time" program needed to land a "big time" recruit.

Ryan Pugh
OL
9
Probably the best center in the country. Will make an early impact on the Tiger's OL if he can beat out Bosley.

Chaz Ramsey
OL
9
Ramsey was recruited by FSU, Michigan, Tennessee and South Carolina, but chose Auburn because of their winning tradition. Will probably redshirt.

Mike Slade
DB
7.5
Recruited as a cornerback. Will redshirt.

Chris Slaughter
WR
10
We're betting on Slaughter to make the biggest impact next year of the 2007 class. Look for him to work his way into the lineup by the end of the season.

Brent Slusher
TE
8
Already enrolled in Auburn and will participate in spring practice. Will probably redshirt.

Ryan Williams
DB
7.5
Returned multiple punts and a kickoff for a touchdown as a senior. Will probably redshirt as Auburn is just too rich in talent.

Bailey Woods
TE
8.5
Too many great tight ends equals redshirt for Woods. One of Auburn's better recruiters this year.

Lee Ziemba
OL
10
Has the ability to step in and play as a true freshman. Will probably have a limited role in 2007. Chose Auburn over Michigan, Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Arkansas.

Chris Zinn
LB
7.5
Had 71 tackles and 2 touchdowns on defense, but grades will force him into prep school.


UAT's COMMITMENTS

Josh Chapman
DT
7.5
Rumored to be a steroid user, which is part of the reason Auburn lost interest in him. If he can get his personal problems in order, he might contribute to UAT's DL.

Patrick Crump
OL
7
Will greyshirt

Luther Davis
DT
8
Davis finds himself the center of attention related to a possible recruiting scandal perpetrated by Nick Saban. Davis has a lot of work to do to qualify.

Jeremy Elder
DE
5
Not sure why they signed this kid.

Nick Fanuzzi
QB
6
Will redshirt.

Tarence Farmer
DB
6.5
Signed with UAT because he saw no light at the end of the tunnel in terms of playing time at Nebraska, Ok State and Tennessee.

Nick Gentry
DT
6
Will have trouble qualifying

Brandon Gibson
WR
8.5
Good pickup for UAT even though they may have cheated to get him since his last visit to Tuscaloosa was paid for by a booster who took him to the UAT basketball game. Would probably play 2nd or 3rd string for Auburn, but will start for UAT.

Demetrius Goode
RB
8
Has a chance to start at UAT next season with their lack of talent at the position. Very fast back that could turn into a decent little player.

Jeramie Griffin
RB
5
Will never make an impact.

Darius Hanks
WR
5
Will make a bigger impact on the baseball field.

Jennings Hester
LB
4.5
Should have taken the offer to Duke.

Kareem Jackson
DB
7.5
Will probably start next season. Already enrolled and ready to practice this spring.

Chris Lett
DB
7.5
Good pickup. Could play corner or safety.

Marquis Maze
ATH
5
Has potential to be a sleeper recruit. Will probably contribute on special teams.

Rolando McClain
LB
9
Has an opportunity to play next year, and make an impact. May be moved to DE. Good pick up for UAT.

Alfred McCullough
DT
7.5
Another decent pick up for UAT. Will probably redshirt.

Kerry Murphy
DT
7.5
Won't qualify.

Michael Ricks
DB
8
Re-signed with UAT this year. Will have 3 years to play 2.

Jamar Taylor
RB
5
Will probably be moved to linebacker where we'll never hear from him again. Already enrolled.

Chris Underwood
TE
4
Life-long Bammer fan. Won't have much of an impact.

William Vlachos
OL
5
Another life-long Bamemr. Will greyshirt.

Alex Watkins
DE
7.5
Could work his way into the lineup next season with UAT's lack of talent on defense.

Chavis Williams
DE
5.5
Will move to linebacker.

OTWS's Recruiting Rankings Coming Monday

RUMOR ALERT

A very reliable source, DOT COM of FSU's MINI Recruiting Rumor Mill, is reporting that Jerry Howard has dropped Florida from consideration and has narrowed his list to FSU and Auburn. The FSU site, which is the equivalent of Auburn's War Room, is reporting that Howard will select the Tigers over the Noles. However, OTWS highly doubts this. The same source is also reporting that 5 star running back Noel Devine will not select UAT on signing day, but will instead wait until he can make an official visit to FSU.

In other news, LB Josh Bynes has cut South Carolina from the mix and now has two schools to decide between. Auburn and Louisville. Bynes cut Iowa out of the mix the other day. Bynes previously reported that he liked the girls at South Carolina and the food at Iowa; therefore, we can assume he's not chosing a school based on food and girls.

Saban Caught on Tape

Ever wonder what Saban is saying about the Necks behind closed doors? Click HERE to see what he had to say about LSU fans.

Happy or Not, You Decide

Bear Bryant Dies 24 Years Ago Today

Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant
September 11, 1913 - January 26, 1983

Two Additional Polls to Award Auburn Nat'l Championship

According to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, "Auburn can rightfully claim eight football national championships, but chooses to only recognize one, the 1957 National Champions." Other championships awarded to Auburn include: 1910, 1913, 1914, 1958, 1983, 1993 and 2004. Wikipedia goes on to say, "Most other NCAA Division I universities recognize and claim their national championships when named by organizations other than the AP or BCS."

Under Auburn's lofty standards they may be able to claim another national championship in the near future. It appears that USC is headed down the road UAT knows so much about, NCAA sanctions. It appears that USC enjoyed its success in 2004 and 2005 as a result of cheating. According to sources, Bush and his family received nearly $280,000 in cash, rent and gifts while at USC, and the man who provided the gifts to Bush and his family have the tape recordings to prove it. The recordings were made by Lloyd Lake an investor in a failed sports agency that had an agreement with Bush to provide him with cash in exchange for him becoming their first client. The recordings were made by Lake to protect his interests should Bush not hold up his end of the deal. And of course, Bush didn't hold up his end of the deal. Instead he went with agent Joel Segal. If the recordings become public Bush and USC could face penalties from the NCAA and PAC-10. Bush will more than likely be ruled an ineligible player, be stripped of his Heisman Trophy and the Trojan's 2004 BCS national championship will be rescinded.

Which leads us to our question, who is the true national champion now that we know USC cheated? A quick look at the final polls show Auburn in 2nd place. The revised polls would put Auburn in 1st in both polls. Congratulations to the Auburn Tigers! Your 2004 National Champions.

Auburn's Recruiting Class Could Be Best Ever

With commitments from Davis, Pugh, Burns, Freeman, Ramsey and Ziemba, Auburn's 2007 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best ever. But with less than 2 weeks to signing day the Tigers need a couple more on defense to make a huge statement. The big targets are DE's Frank Alexander and Jerry Howard. Alexander appears to have his list narrowed to Oklahoma or Auburn while Howard is heavily favored to go to the Gators. If Auburn loses out on both of these they'll turn to Antoine Carter of Miami. A potential diamond in the rough. At LB Auburn hopes to sign Josh Bynes. Bynes is undecided between South Carolina, Louisville, Iowa and Auburn. Auburn also has a good shot at Adam Herring who has not been very highly touted. Finally there's Michael McNeil the safety from Mobile who has everyone's attention. McNeil is trying to decide between Auburn and FSU.

OTWS estimates the chance of each of the above prospects signing with Auburn as follows:
Frank Alexander - 30%
Jerry Howard - 5%
Antoine Carter - 80%
Josh Bynes - 75%
Adam Herring - 90%
Michael McNeil - 50%

If Auburn can pick up McNeil, Bynes and one of the DE prospects, look out!

Auburn Destroys UAT in Front of National Audience

SOURCE: OA News
Frank Tolbert had waited long enough.

The junior is the only current Auburn basketball player to have played at AU each of the last three seasons. And like all his teammates, Tolbert was winless against archrival Alabama, thanks to the Crimson Tide’s seven-game win streak.

Tuesday, Tolbert took matters into his own hands. And it paid off.

Read the full story here

Enrique Davis a Tiger

Enrique Davis informed Mickey Andrews last night that he was declining FSU's offer and sticking with his commitment to Auburn. He then informed Eddie Gran of his decision. Davis is one of the top running back prospects in the country. Since Coach Gran arrived at Auburn he has recruited, coached and help 4 players get to the NFL. That number will be 5 after this year's draft. Enrique was quoted by Rivals.com as saying, "We're going to win a national championship at Auburn and I'm going to flash my ring in everyone's face."

Jared Cooper Correction / Update

According to our sources in Brewton, Jared's grandfather visited the Book and Bean coffee shop the other morning and stated that Jared decided on Auburn after his scholarship offer was upgraded from grayshirt to full. Also, in a previous report on Cooper we stated that he was a guard at W.S. Neal. He's actually a tackle, but Auburn is recruiting him as a guard.

Alexander Interview

After learning of AU's latest in-home visit to Frank Alexander, OTWS decided to look Frank's number up. After calling 37 Alexanders in the Baton Rouge area we finally got the right house. Below is the transcript of our short interview with the highly touted defensive lineman:

Q: How was your senior season at Southern Lab?
A: Busy man, I mean with football and school and trying to figure out where to go to college, it’s been really busy.

Q: Are you leaning towards any particular college right now?
A: I pretty much got it narrowed down to 4. Tulane, Miami, Oklahoma, and Auburn.

Q: In that order?
A: No, they all about even right now. I’ll have a better idea after I take my last visit.

Q: I read that Auburn’s head coach visited you this weekend. How did that go?
A: Coach Tuberville is a really cool guy. He’s down to earth. It meant a lot that he came by to see me.

Q: Had you talked to him much before his visit?
A: Yeah, he’s been recruiting me the whole time. I’ve mainly talked to Coach Knox. He’s my main contact at Auburn.

Q: What was your high moment and low moment of the season?
A: High moment was definitely our win over Christian Life. They weren’t no good this year though. They’re like one of our big rivals here in town. Low moment would be losing to St. John in the semi-finals. I’m not sure we could’ve beat Evangel Christian, but I would’ve liked to play in the Super Dome.

Q: Where did ya’ll get the mascot of Kittens?
A: I don’t know man. We just the kittens though.

Q: Do you think you might grow into a Tiger one day?
A: Could be. I just need to decide.

Collette Connell, Alabama Fan

We've all seen the video of Collette accosting Saban, but have you seen the music video to Gretchen Wilson's "All Jacked Up"? CLICK HERE TO ENJOY!!! By the way, be sure to notice how the state trooper rips her off of Saban. Also, check out the lady with the baby on her hip in the background when they're giving the Roll Tide. Also, listen in the background when they're interviewing Saban's wife. Also, look... never mind. There's too much to point out. Enjoy it for yourself.

A Lot of History Since UAT Last Beat Auburn

After the September 11th attacks on our country most people were mourning the losses of their friends, family and countrymen. UAT, meanwhile, was sneaking in a rare win against Auburn.

Many years later UAT has yet to enjoy another win against its biggest rival and many things have happened since then. Here’s a look at what things were like the last time UAT won the Iron Bowl:

Steve Spurrier was the coach at Florida
Harry Potter movies didn’t exist
Saddam Hussein was still in power
Lance Armstrong had only won 3 Tour De Frances
Tom Cruise was still married to Nicole Kidman
Everyone still liked Tom Cruise
Bush was a newly elected president
I received a tax check from the Bush Administration
The IRA was still a threat
We had nine planets in our solar system
Hybrid cars weren’t invented
Enron was a good investment
Richard Scrushy was a good CEO
Arthur Andersen was an accounting firm
Starbucks was a new public company

Since that time, long ago, UAT has fired 3 coaches and now looks to it’s 4th for answers. Will Nicolae “Nick” Saban answer the call, and give UAT fans a long awaited victory over Auburn. Chances are “NO”, but only time will tell. Lots of time. The real question is will the Neck Nation give him the time?

Jared Cooper Having Second Thoughts?

Nicolae Carpathia Saban made a visit to East Brewton a few days ago to visit Auburn commitment Jared Cooper. Jared is a life long Bammer fan who committed to Auburn after it became apparent that Shula and his staff were not going to make an offer. Now that Saban has arrived, UAT has an interest in the W.S. Neal guard. Brewton area Dixie League baseball coach, Hugo Williamson, stated, “I coached him 4 years ago when he was 14 and he was bigger than me. He’s a big kid, but I’m not sure he’s got what it takes to be an SEC lineman. He pushes around the little 200 lb guys, but I’m not sure how he’d do against the Groves of the world.”

Saban who has preached integrity, discipline and commitment since he arrived in Tuscaloosa is hoping to steal this kid who has already given his word to another school. Cooper has yet to decide if he will take a visit to Tuscaloosa.