Archived Stories from Fall 2000 through Summer 2001

Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic
Craig running out of time with Carolina
But with Lewis already designated the starter and Lytle earning less money than he, Craig said only a stellar summer will save his job with Carolina.
CBS picks Tigers-Tide
DESTIN, Fla. - CBS has picked up the Alabama-Auburn football game on Nov. 17, a move that will likely make kickoff at 2:30 p.m. in Jordan Hare Stadium. ...
SEC Survivor
Tuberville hasn’t got the gifts of either Spurrier or Fulmer. But he seems to manage both his staff and his players better than either of those guys can ...
Did agents pay players? 
Auburn University is investigating whether athletic officials knew that former Tiger football players Stephen Davis and Victor Riley accepted money and travel from sports agents during the 1990s. ...
NCAA stars committed violations, receipts show 
Washington Redskins running back Stephen Davis, admitted in an interview that he took cash from Summit during his college career at Auburn....
However, the NCAA typically does not investigate such cases unless there is blatant evidence that university officials knew, or should have known, about the violations....
Carroll, Holiday share glory
Holiday, an Auburn football signee, won his second title in a row. He broke a 26-year-old Class AAA record held by Americus' Mackel Harris, who ran a 10.50 in 1975. Last year, Holiday set the 100 mark in Class AA with a 10.56, breaking a 22-year-old record. ...
No Down Time For Football Tigers
"I want to know where they are and how much they are working out," Tuberville says. "College football has become a 365-day-a-year sport and if you don't work out nearly every day in some form or fashion, you are going to fall behind. ...
Hicks is dismissed from Auburn team
Corey Hicks of Memphis' Whitehaven High School lasted less than four months as an Auburn football player. He has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules, head coach Tommy Tuberville said....
Facilitating change
'We think we need more seats for scholarship donors and more suites,'' Housel said. "The most logical areas would be either end zone. Th y are also looking at the possibility of digging down and lowering the field. We're not ruling anything in or out....
NCAA investigators ask about strippers, Memphis businessman
He said the parties were hosted by then Alabama player Fernando Bryant, now with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, that included strippers. He said Bryant handed out $5 each to the Alabama players and recruits ...
Football season just 18 weeks away
A running back may be able to step in, play early and make an impact. Williams's talent and speed may be enough to overcome the experience the other three backs have gained during spring drills and the off season conditioning program....
Bengals hope for Rudi awakening 
Johnson ran less-than-stellar 40-yard dash times in pre-draft workouts, coming in at everything from 4.55 to 4.7 seconds. But the most important numbers that mattered to Cincinnati Bengals head coach Dick LaBeau were the 1,567 yards and 13 touchdowns ...
Free Agency Visits Auburn As Five Get The Call
Ben Leard heads a group of five former Auburn players who received free agent deals on Monday to join NFL teams in their first camps of the new year next week ...
Johnson and Lincoln Drafted By NFL Teams
Former walk-on Alex Lincoln and one-year sensation Rudi Johnson got the call on Sunday as they were selected on the second day of the 2001 NFL Draft ...
Seahawks Select Evans In Third Round
You can't get any further from South Florida than the State of Washington, but that's exactly where football will take Heath Evans now ...
NFL Draft Profile - Heath Evans
Auburn's starting fullback has not lost a single yard in his last 82 attempts, dating back to the 1999 season..
State's top picks: AU's Evans
The former Auburn standout is expected to be the first fullback taken in the two-day NFL draft, which begins Saturday in New York...
Several Tigers await the call 
"As far as carrying the ball, fullbacks were an afterthought in the system," Evans said. "I loved blocking for Rudi. Don't get me wrong. But I have some skills that can help teams put points on the board and I never feel like I was able to show that." ...
Tigers await word 
Lincoln has been scouted by the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, compared to Miami Dolphins Pro Bowler Zach Thomas and told he will be selected somewhere in the middle of the draft, which concludes on Sunday. ...
Cobb’s experience, cool got him through spring at No. 1
Auburn’s coaches will not let Cobb relax. It’s widely thought that Campbell still has a good chance to win the job in August, and the coaching staff goes out of its way to count Campbell as still in the picture. ...
Where's real sports action? Football practice
There are only two sure things in this little corner of the sports world: Alabama football and Auburn football. Everything else is as dicey as a trip to Tunica with your baby's college fund. ...
Auburn’s Moore, Brown battle for job 
Brown’s 55-yard run stood out in a spring that saw Auburn’s running backs struggled behind an injury-depleted offensive line. It jarred memories of ex-Tiger Rudi Johnson’s first long run of the 2000 A-Day game....
Bayou La Batre's Johnson gets FB spot
AUBURN - Bayou La Batre product Brandon Johnson, who won the starting fullback job this spring despite a sprained ankle, was named the Most Improved Offensive Skill Player. ...
Cobb outplays QB rivals, emerges No. 1 
Cobb, who will now be the No. 1 quarterback heading into fall practice, clearly out-played quarterback du jour Jason Campbell and impressed his head coach on the way to doing it. ...
QB Cobb shines in Auburn's spring game
"I thought Daniel Cobb did an outstanding job, in really the first time the pressure was on him in front of an audience," coach Tommy Tuberville said. "No doubt he'll be our first-team quarterback heading into the fall." ...
The Offense Strikes Back To Finish Spring Football
Tommy Tuberville said that even though the rules "hog tied" the defense for the annual A-Day football game, he was impressed with the offense on a day when 45 points were scored. ...
White vs Blue (Apr 14, 2001) (STATS)
Replacement for Rudi still at large 
The search for the next Rudi Johnson, the next Auburn running back, continues. Some feel that replacements hasn't arrived on campus yet. ...
Auburn A-Day Schedule
14th Practice On Friday the 13th No Problem for AU
I am interested in seeing how the quarterbacks play in front of the crowd," Coach Tommy Tuberville said before leaving for a charity function to raise funds to support the family of former Auburn player Corey Lewis, who passed away earlier this year after a strong battle against cancer....
Tiger QB's 'under the gun' at A-Day
"I want to see if we can sustain a drive," Tuberville said. "You get a false impression sometimes when you do scrimmages the way we do them — five plays or eight plays or 12 plays. This time, we're going to go out and play a game." ...
Defense has a winning spring 
'We know what we are doing,'' said McNeil, Auburn's star sophomore defensive tackle. ''Now we are just going out there and playing hard. If we do happen to make a mistake, the folks in the stands won't know because we are going full speed.''..
Talented Tiger defense will be built around speed
Dansby encapsulates the future of Auburn's defense. A standout three-sport athlete in high school, Dansby — at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds — has the size to crush even the biggest tailbacks. ...
Eyes on the Prize: Faith on the Field
And what unified the team more than anything took place the night before each game. A prayer meeting that started with a handful of players, by season's end included 90 percent of the team. Guys started sharing things with each other that they wouldn't dare talk about on the field. ...
RivalNetworks to close shop
The board of directors of Internet sports site RivalNetworks Inc. voted to shut the company down Monday night after chief executive Saul Gamoron nixed a potential asset sale to Nike Inc....
Draft 2001: The running backs 
He lacks the top speed of the premier backs and carries only a middle round grade into the draft. He could be a huge bargain there with definite starting potential. ...
Tuberville in better mood after Sunday's practice
AUBURN - The return of injured quarterback Jason
Campbell and a better performance by No. 1 QB Daniel Cobb had Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville in an upbeat mood about his offense after practice Sunday....
AU lineman slims down to fill vacancy
"Monreko is a very smart player and he's already playing guard like he's been doing it his whole life," Simmons said. "I've seen a big change from when he came here. He's really doing all the things you like to see out of young guy ... working hard, listening to people, not making the same mistakes twice. He'll be really good." ...
Campbell back in practice for Auburn
"We're looking forward to A-Day," Tuberville said. "These guys have worked awfully hard. The work ethic has really improved from top to bottom, and these guys deserve a lot of support come Saturday. So I hope we have a lot of people here." ...
AU’s Moore hopes to be ready by A-Day
Brown and Butler carried most of the load at tailback during Saturday’s scrimmage, with Darius Allen seeing playing time. “I wish Casinious could have been out there,” offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. ...
Tailbacks looking to dent the 'Cadillac' 
People talk about 'Carnell Williams this' and 'Carnell Williams that,'" Butler said, referring to Auburn's much-publicized tailback recruit. "I don't know much about what Carnell Williams can do on the field. None of us do. Until we see that, we won't know what to expect." ...
Mostly Good News On AU's Football Injuries
Coach Tommy Tuberville was relieved at the positive report on his promising young QB. He says, "Jason Campbell visited with Dr. Andrews today and he said that everything is intact--the ACL and the other ligaments. It is just a strain. There is no structural damage. He doesn't know when Jason can come back--just whenever he can get the swelling down. There wasn't a lot of swelling so that is good news." ...
QB prospect Campbell injures knee
AUBURN - A potentially serious knee injury to quarterback Jason Campbell and the loss of two running backs to ankle injuries put a damper on Auburn's spring football practice Tuesday. ...
Tough Tiger makes move 
"I like his intensity and his natural instincts for the football," said Whitt. "He's a very intense guy who has the uncanny ability to find the football. ...
Spring Football Updated Depth Chart
The updated Auburn spring football depth chart has several changes, including position changes....
Auburn's Campbell may be out for rest of spring
"The one that concerned us is Jason Campbell," Tuberville said. "On a spread-out, no-contact play he threw off his left side and was bumped and just went to the ground. We'll have to evaluate his left knee. They say it's sprained, but can't tell whether there's any damage. They'll have to wait and see when they do an MRI. Hopefully nothing's wrong and he can come back and get another scrimmage in." ...
Auburn's Simmon set, ready for trip to Playboy mansion
Auburn's senior-to-be offensive tackle has been named to the Playboy Preseason All-America Team, earning himself a trip to the Playboy Mansion. ..
Auburn staff hints at changes to depth chart after scrimmage 
Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville said the staff will release its second depth chart of spring today, with changes anticipated....
AU Returns To Practice With "Sluggish Scrimmage"
"It kind of looked like we were coming back from spring break," said Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville. "We were sluggish, we've got a long ways to go...we made some progress. The running backs look a little bit better ...
Brown, Ikwuezunma prepared for big things at Auburn, UTC 
"Right now, there's three of us switching in and out," said Brown, who is listed as the No. 1 tailback in spring practice. "There's some competition."...
Tuberville Making Tigers Earn Their AU Logos
"There are 10 guys that are recommended to get them," says Tuberville. "Probably every practice we will issue some." ...
Tiger has many faces
AUBURN, Ala. - Roderick Hood arrived at Auburn expecting to play wide receiver, switched to cornerback, moved to outside linebacker and now finds himself back at cornerback as he begins his second spring practice. ...
Auburn's offense squad may have 'Joe Joe' juice
Walkins, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., product is part of the Dillard High School connection that has fed Auburn players like Charles Dorsey, Frank Sanders and James Bostic. ...
Tuberville likes progress 
We have made a lot of progress," Tuberville said. "I think across the board, everybody is much better. It seems like this team is hungry. They have more hunger than I would have expected after winning an SEC Western Division Championship. ...
Tigers Get Very Physical At Getaway Workout
After a calm start, the football Tigers finished the first half of spring drills with a knock 'em in the teeth practice session on Tuesday. The defense got very physical, but the offense didn't back down....
2001 SPRING DEPTH CHART (updated)
Auburn football practice report
Head coach Tommy Tuberville named the top two quarterbacks after Auburn's first scrimmage, giving the first-team nod to junior Jeff Klein and the second-team position to redshirt freshman Jason Campbell....
Klein's The No. 1 QB, "The Future" Is No. 2
Auburn returned to practice Sunday evening with a new depth chart in place and Jeff Klein the No. 1 quarterback. Jason Campbell is the No.  2 quarterback and Ronnie Brown is running first team at tailback...
Klein holds No. 1 in search for QB 
In other positions of interest, redshirt freshman Ronnie Brown took the early lead among tailbacks. Anniston product Casinious Moore was second, Nebraska transfer Chris Butler third....
Defense Dominates But Offense Shows Some Life
In what has become a normal custom, the defense dominated the offense in the first scrimmage of the spring. The bright spots on offense came from a trio of freshmen as Jason Campbell, Ronnie Brown, and Joe Walkins all had solid outings....
Tigers spring into action
"Defensively, this is the most speed we've had on the team since I've been here," Tuberville said. "We're a lot quicker. ... 
Tigers Tune For First Scrimmage Of Spring Drills
Auburn worked out for nearly three hours on Thursday as high school coaches in town for a clinic visited the session. Auburn will have its first spring scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday morning. ...
AU tries to narrow QB field to a pair
"There's going to be a lot of pressure on Jeff and Daniel because they're going to have to do some things in practice ... that might not fit them," Tuberville said. "Then again, they're probably better drop-back passers and that won't fit Jason and Allen as well. ...
Spring pads AU's expectations 
'We're going back to the SEC Championship Game,'' said Pucillo, Auburn's senior right guard. ''Hopefully, we'll play Florida again so we can get a little revenge.''...
Auburn straps on the pads
While the quarterback competition heats up, the running backs are trying to earn the top spot vacated by Rudi Johnson.  Tuberville said he was impressed with redshirt freshmen running backs Chris Butler and Ronnie Brown, as well as sophomore Casinious Moore. ...
AUBURN FOOTBALL PRACTICE REPORT 
March 11, 2001 
AUBURN - Auburn had a spirited two and a half hour practice Sunday on the practice fields behind the Athletic Complex as the Tigers donned full gear for the first time this spring. Head Coach Tommy Tuberville was especially pleased with his team’s workout and cited the play of the offensive line, running backs and defense. ...
Defense Showing Promise At Spring Drills
Junior linebacker Mark Brown and sophomore linebacker Dontarrious Thomas plus the rest of the defense in general were standouts in the second day of spring football practice on Saturday. ...
Nebraska transfer in running at Auburn 
"I was rooting in the stands, that's what I did last fall," Butler said. "It's an awesome feeling here, especially going through Tiger Walk. Not even Nebraska has something like that. It gives you goose bumps. ...
Tuberville pleased with AU workout 
Tuberville announced Saturday the implementation of a reward program on the football team this spring. Auburn players will earn AU decals for their helmets for meeting various criteria. ...
AU defense picks up where it left off 
AUBURN - The defense was in command as Auburn's football team went through a spirited session of more than two hours on the second day of spring practice Saturday ...
Tuberville concerned about offensive line
"We actually pushed this group harder than the group last year or the year before," Tuberville said. "It's been a gut check." ...
Tuberville plans to move quickly to find quarterback
Tuberville and his staff made a late decision to start spring practice a week early and to do most of the practicing on weekends. There will be two Tuesday practices and one Thursday practice. The others will be on Friday, Saturday and Sunday....
Auburn football squad readies for spring practice
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville moved the start of spring practice from next week to this Friday so the players can have plenty of time to study and attend class this semester. ...
Means and mother to testify before grand jury
Making it clear that neither is a target of the FBI's ongoing investigation into this city's recruiting saga, local attorney Jeffrey Rosenblum said Wednesday that both Albert and Lisa Means have been subpoenaed and will testify before a federal grand jury....
Tigers try to thin field of four 
The Tigers will juggle four quarterbacks over the next four weeks, and coach Tommy Tuberville will pick two that will compete for the starting job during two-a-days in August. ...
Injuries, absences at heart of AU spring 
All the while, Tuberville, Auburn's coach, and his staff want to add wrinkles to their offense in anticipation of a more athletic quarterback. Three running backs want to position themselves for August when they will try to fight off a challenge from freshman Carnell Williams of Etowah ...
Hope springs eternal for Tigers 
Senior left tackle Kendall Simmons said the loss of nearly 90 percent of Auburn's 2000 total offense output shouldn't diminish the expectations for his team. Not with redshirt freshmen like quarterback Jason Campbell and tailback candidates Ronnie Brown and Casinious Moore waiting in the wings....
Auburn depth analysis: Tight Ends
Auburn will enter the 2001 season stronger at one offensive position than last season. The Auburn tight ends are young and talented. Both potential starters performed solidly last season....
Green takes a leave of absence
Wide receiver Deandre Green has left the Auburn football team for personal reasons, but is expected to rejoin the team for summer conditioning. ...
Receivers, tight ends in short supply
Green, a former Blount High School standout, has returned to Prichard to take care of a personal matter, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. Green will return in time to participate in summer workouts as well as two-a-day practices in August. Auburn officials expect to get an NCAA waiver that will allow Green to skip a semester without penalty while dealing with the personal matter....
There is always ballet Tide fans, if NCAA gives Bama the boot 
I want to be positive about Alabama's situation. I really do. But years of experience tell me that the well-known fan is turning in Tuscaloosa, wide-open, set on super-high, and something reeeeeally bad is about to hit it. ...
2001 AUBURN FOOTBALL SPRING NUMERICAL ROSTER

Spring Practice Schedule
Tuesday, March 13....Practice 1 Shorts
Wednesday, March 14....Practice 2 Shorts
Thursday, March 15....Practice 3 
Saturday, March 17....Practice 4
Sunday, March 18....Practice 5
Tuesday, March 20....Practice 6
Wednesday, March 21....Practice 7
Thursday, March 22....Practice 8 Scrimmage
Mar. 25 - Mar. 31 Spring Break
Tuesday, April 3....Practice 9
Wednesday, April 4....Practice 10
Friday, April 6....Practice 11
Saturday, April 12....Practice 12 Scrimmage
Tuesday, April 10....Practice 13 Shorts
Thursday, April 12....Practice 14
Saturday, April 14....Practice 15 A-DAY Scrimmage 1:00pm

Auburn depth analysis - Quarterbacks
Jason Campbell, Daniel Cobb, Jeff Klein, and Allen Tillman all will have an equal shot at earning the starting job. This group brings with it some experience and a great deal of talent....
University of Alabama notified of NCAA investigation
February 22, 2001 TUSCALOOSA -- The University of Alabama today received a Preliminary Letter of Inquiry from the NCAA notifying the school of an investigation into rules violations by the UA football program....
Here is a copy of THE LETTER.
Higgins to Give SEC a Shot
Defensive lineman Gary "Bubba" Higgins of Lovejoy, GA is headed to Auburn ...
AL/MS All-Stars
Here are the rosters for the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Game in Mobile, AL (June 16th, 2001). ...
Willis aims to finish pro career on his terms 
"The only regret I have is not being part of (Auburn's 1993) 11-0 season," Willis said. "But we had probation coming up. Coach (Pat) Dye was leaving. I'd had a good ride at Auburn." ...
TROTMAN TO LEAVE AUBURN BROADCAST TEAM; WHITE NAMED NEW NETWORK COLOR ANALYST 
Former Auburn quarterback Charlie Trotman has decided to leave the Auburn Network broadcast team and will be replaced by another former Tiger signal-caller, Stan White, according to an announcement by Auburn Network President Mike Hubbard. ...
AUBURN TICKET PRIORITY CONTRIBUTIONS DUE MARCH 1 
Tigers Unlimited, the fund raising organization for Auburn Athletics, is currently accepting ticket priority contributions for the 2001 football season. The deadline for remitting contributions is March 1, 2001. ...
Auburn depth analysis - Tailbacks
The battle for the starting tailback job could be won in Spring Practice, which begins March 13. Williams is the fan favorite, but Moore, Butler, and Brown could battle with him all the way up to the first game.... 
Signing parties a thing of the past
Frank Warren had committed to Alabama and was in the locker room after the Tide had beaten Auburn, upon a table dancing and singing with the Alabama players. "I didn't see him again after that. I don't think he even went to school the following week, not until after he'd signed with Auburn the next Saturday," ...
Which Williams is better?
Carnell "Cadillac" Williams of Etowah High School is the key cog to Auburn's 2001 recruiting class that is ranked in the top 20 nationally. Keldrick Williams from Sidney Lanier High School is one of four talented running backs to commit to Tennessee. ...
Antwarn Franklin commits to Auburn!
Antwarn Franklin could be the top defensive lineman in the state of Alabama.  Antwarn is a coveted defensive lineman from Woodlawn HS in Birmingham  He is a welcome addition to Auburn's great signing class. Franklin casts his lot with AU
Kirk says AU recruiter got Means offer 
Former Trezevant High School assistant coach Milton Kirk said in an interview this week that his former head coach, Lynn Lang, presented a deal to Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone to send Parade All-American Means and teammate Leonard Burress to Auburn in exchange for two Ford Expeditions and $100,000 cash. 
Kirk said Auburn did not pursue the deal. ...
Tigers bolster defensive line
"I had liked Auburn from the beginning," Franklin said Thursday. "I prayed about it and God led me to Auburn. I was thinking about Ole Miss (on Wednesday) but after I thought about it, Auburn was the place for me to go." ...
Auburn pleased; Bama only survives
"I have a gut feeling that this is going to be a great group and help us get to that national championship that we've all been looking for," said Tuberville, Auburn's head coach.... 
Auburn inks Brandon Jacobs!
Brandon Jacobs, a super athlete with incredible HS stats, from Assumption HS in  Napoleonville, Louisiana, has been signed by  Auburn. Brandon will attend Dodge City Junior College in Kansas. See our commitment page for more info on Brandon.  Here is a link to a Max Emfinger article on Brandon.   Brandon Jacobs
Recruiting Top 25
Auburn took advantage of Alabama's NCCA issues to control the state and head-to-head battles. If Tommy Tuberville continues to recruit well, Alabama could have problems for years to come. ...
QUOTING AUBURN HEAD FOOTBALL COACH TOMMY TUBERVILLE--February 7, 2001
It's been a good day for Auburn we are excited. I think it's kind of been anticlimactic because of the Internet and everybody is interested in recruiting. A lot of the drama has been taken out in the past few weeks, but we are excited with the players and the type of players that chose to come to Auburn and be a part of our football program and to get a degree. ...
I think one area that we maybe ended up a little short from our expectations was the defensive line. We would have hoped to maybe get one or two more, but we are still not done recruiting ...
Signings!
Here are today's signings. We are doing the best job we can tracking everyone. Eventually, we hope to get them all. We will constantly add names as we get them in the morning and throughout the day. ...
Today's class reportedly the best Auburn has signed since 1984
AUBURN - They made headlines by landing the player of the year in Alabama. But Auburn University's recruiting year proved to be far greater than getting running back Carnell Williams. ...
Signing day will bring different results for Bama, Auburn, JSU 
Auburn had a big class of 26 Tuesday night, but the number could grow to around 30 today as players considering the Tigers announce their decisions....
Tommy Gets His Caddy
Auburn is racking up on blue chips on National Signing Day, including the state's Mr. Football, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Auburn is expected to bring in a strong signee class in Tommy Tuberville's third year recruiting players for Auburn....
Wooing until the ink dries
"Once I committed, I had to begin screening my phone calls," Leard said. "It got pretty out of control. People wished me bad things in my future because I wasn't going to Georgia. It was pretty stressful for me, to be 17 years old, and people wanted me to hurt myself and told me not to leave the house." ...
Almost Signing Time
The long-awaited national signing day is just around the corner when top prospects officially pledge to college programs. Coach Tommy Tuberville and staff have already lined up what looks to be a strong class and they might not be done yet. ...
Auburn may be back in running for linemen 
Antwarn Franklin, who committed to South Carolina last week, said he will decide between the Gamecocks, Auburn and Alabama as early as today. Another defensive lineman from down the road, McAdory's McKinley Boykin, is apparently reconsidering the Tigers ...
State recruits running to out of state schools
The last time a state was raided like this, Sherman was marching through Atlanta. While Alabama and Auburn have protected its territory by locking up the bigger name prospects, outsiders have found the state of Alabama very much to their liking this recruiting season. When signing day rolls around Wednesday, these outsiders will have plucked nearly 30 prospects right out of Tide and Tiger soil....
Auburn still after Askew
The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder hails from Auburn-friendly Dillard High School. Dillard is already considered a formidable pipeline of talent to the Tigers' program. Should Askew commit to the Tigers, he would simply be another in a long line to carry on the tradition to play on the Plains. ...
Auburn coach works on finishing touches 
AUBURN - Just five days away from signing one of the more star-studded recruiting classes in recent Auburn history, Tommy Tuberville is trying to add even more glitter to the gold. ...
Ex-AU player dies of leukemia
Corey Lewis, a three-year letterman as an Auburn quarterback and defensive back, died Wednesday night in Chattanooga after a long battle with leukemia.  He was 31....
Many factors go into a recruit's final choice
While Jones went with the end-around approach, "The Cadillac" was more direct. This past Monday, he strode into a musty Etowah High School gymnasium and pulled back a slick, black coat, revealing a blue-and-white No. 24 Auburn jersey. His decision to commit to the in-state team (the opposite of what Jones did) drove the estimated crowd of 1,000 strong into a tizzy. ...
Auburn coach works on finishing touches 
AUBURN - Just five days away from signing one of the more star-studded recruiting classes in recent Auburn history, Tommy Tuberville is trying to add even more glitter to the gold. ...
Top recruiting classes for 2001 
Two SEC schools -- Auburn and Mississippi -- made a big move in this week's rankings. ...
Canes can't compete with AU this time
When it comes to on-the-job honesty, Butch Davis makes Tommy Tuberville look like George Washington. And in this case, when Tuberville says he wouldn't leave Auburn for Miami, he really cannot tell a lie. ...
DANNY LINDSEY - AU Commitment
This kid has been dominating on both sides of the ball, but his play on offense has been pretty Special. His play was so impressive, it impressed his future college coaches enough for them to ask him to compete for the starting center position in their spring training ...
His wheels are turning
'I kind of knew he was leaning toward Auburn, then he went to Alabama,'' Turner said. ''The coaches, even the athletic director, talked to me and said 'If his heart is here, this is where he needs to be. They were so convincing. I told Carnell 'If your heart is really at Alabama, really think about going here and riding out whatever happens.' 
''He looked at me and said 'Daddy, I want to play for Auburn.' ''....
3rd 'Super Senior' opts for Auburn
Mix, a wide receiver from Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, gives Auburn three of the top four players on The Birmingham News' Super Seniors team. ...
Probe apparently won't be over any time soon
The NCAA's probe into the University of Alabama football program, which has been publicly focused on recruiting in the Memphis area, is now believed to include the recruitment of Michael Gaines and Harold James Jr. ...
Report: NCAA probes goes beyond Means
MOBILE, Ala. -- The NCAA investigation into Alabama's football program that involves the recruitment of former player Albert Means now includes two additional players, a newspaper is reporting....
Tuberville likes AU, not Canes
AUBURN - Tommy Tuberville put a quick end to speculation about his coaching future Monday when he said he will not leave Auburn to become the head football coach at the University of Miami. ...
Tuberville says he's happy at Auburn
"This university and community is a great place to coach, live and raise a family, and we look forward to staying at Auburn for a long time. We are looking forward to winning a lot more championships at Auburn." ...
'Cadillac' does UT U-turn, picks Auburn 
Williams' decision leaves the Vols short of numbers at tailback. Junior Travis Stephens, a 5-foot-9, 180-pounder, is the only returning runner. ...
Williams hopes to challenge for playing time 
"Auburn is in for a surprise," Etowah coach Ray Farmer said. "They think he's pretty good, but they won't know until they get a chance to coach him. He won't let anything stand in his way." ...
Carnell "Cadillac" Williams  commits to Auburn!
Carnell Williams announced his commitment to Auburn today. The announcement came at a 1:00 pm press conference at Etowah County High School....
Hoston shifts gears from Auburn to UCF
"I'm going through a family crisis right now," Hoston said. "A lot of people are sick in my family. I want to stay close to home so if anything were to happen, God forbid, I'm able to get home as quickly as I can. There was nothing wrong with Auburn. Great school, great college. But I need to be a little closer to home."...
Carnell Williams commits
Williams announced his decision by wearing an Auburn jersey, hat and throwing Auburn mini-footballs to the crowd. ...
Carnell Williams chooses Auburn
Williams and his entire family visited Auburn two
weeks ago and they were impressed with everything about the Tigers program and the Auburn campus ...
Williams will announce choice today
Tailback prospect Carnell "Cadillac" Williams will announce his school of choice at a press conference today at Etowah High School in Attalla, Ala. ...
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation enters Alabama player probe
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has been asked to investigate a recruiting scandal involving former Alabama player Albert Means....
Walker commits to the Tigers 
The Tigers still enter the weekend on a good note. Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., offensive lineman David Walker committed to the Tigers Thursday afternoon, choosing Auburn over Ole Miss, Iowa and several other programs. Walker, a 6-3, 300-pound second-team all-state selection, bench-presses 445 pounds. ...
Boykin Denies Reports... No Decision Yet
What a difference another day makes. Despite numerous reports that McKinley Boykin of Bessemer, AL committed to Auburn on Tuesday, then changed his mind Wednesday and committed to Ole Miss, CSSE has learned neither is true ...
Boykin de-commits!
Yesterday, defensive lineman McKinley Boykin committed to the Auburn Tigers. Today, Boykin says he made the wrong decision and he wants to be an Ole Miss Rebel. Boykin is the top defensive lineman in Alabama and one of the best in the Southeast....
Tiger football recruiting top-notch, ready to wrap 
The Auburn coaching staff is now holding only three or four available scholarships to its limit of 25, but will likely end up with 30 or so players as it oversigns for the second straight year. Most of the players on Auburn's big board have announced their decision ...
Auburn lands lineman from North Carolina 
Auburn picked up a commitment from another of the South's top defensive line prospects Monday....
McAdory star picks Tigers
The McAdory High School defensive tackle said after Tuberville's visit that he will sign with the Tigers on Feb. 7, the first day high school seniors may sign on the dotted line. ....
Keldrick Williams favors SEC schools, but he won't end with Tide
Williams said he has been offered scholarships by Tennessee and Arkansas. He said he expects an offer from Auburn. He replaced his aborted visit to Alabama with a visit to Arkansas. He is scheduled to visit Auburn on Feb. 2....
ROWELL LIKELY TO AUBURN
Linebacker LeMarcus Rowell (6-3, 215) is expected to commit to Auburn at a 1 p.m. news conference today at Opelika High School....
Tucker to Auburn
Tucker, who is ranked as the #12 DE in the nation, visited Auburn on 12/15 and committed to the Tigers over Clemson (1/12), Missouri (1/19) and Notre Dame (12/1)....
Brumbaugh hopes he'll disprove doubters 
Sidelined since the 49ers cut him during 1999 training camp, Brumbaugh has busied himself with school, trying to complete his degree requirements at Auburn, work and a family. He and wife Kelly have three children. ...
AU gets commitments from three defenders 
AUBURN — The Tigers have added a trio of defensive commitments after one of Auburn's most important recruiting weekends of the year....
Florida DT picks Auburn
Lakeland, Fla., defensive tackle Wayne Dickens, coveted by dozens of programs across the country, committed to Auburn, giving the Tigers their second defensive tackle commitment of the recruiting season. ...
Dickens to AU over Georgia Tech and FSU
Herrrrrrrrrrrre come the Auburn Tigers. Last night they got Dee Durham. Today, Tommy Tuberville landed Wayne Dickens. Dickens, from Lakeland, Florida, is a member of the BorderWars.com First Team All-South....quite possibly the best defensive tackle prospect in the southeast .....
Promises fly over coveted running backs 
"They said he'd be their guy, bottom line, and they won't sign anybody else," Turner said. "I felt like they were straight-forward with me. They've got three running backs already, but they couldn't beat out Rudi or Heath Evans, and they're not of the same caliber as the guys that Tennessee is recruiting." ...
Auburn will see if Carnell can be swayed 
Williams and Opelika linebacker Lamarcus Rowell headlined the crop of official visitors, which also featured several linemen and wideouts....
Auburn scores big with Williams But Etowah running back heads to Capstone this weekend 
"We had a marvelous visit," Turner said. "It was wonderful. We really enjoyed ourselves. We were even more impressed with coach Tuberville and his staff." ...
Williams likes AU, but still undecided
Carnell Williams didn't commit to Auburn on his weekend visit to the school, but the Tigers still may have moved closer to signing the state's high school football player of the year. ...
Dee Durham Commits!
I committed to Auburn," said cornerback Dee Durham. "I feel like they are putting together a great class and I wanted to be a part of that....
Cadillac, please stay home
Cadillac, the people at Auburn can take care of you if you get injured, sick, can’t play, or some other disaster comes your way. The people in Tennessee don’t know you from the next big time recruit that comes their way....
Tigers making last-minute pitches at big names
The 6-foot-1, 275 pound defensive tackle was quoted by Jeremy Crabtree of Bobby Burton's Rivals100 as saying "At Auburn, the whole place just felt like home to me. I just loved every second of it." ...
Death penalty might come knocking on Alabama's door 
Swank, a law professor at Oklahoma, told SportsLine.com -- and an Alabama compliance official confirmed -- that Alabama is eligible to have the football program suspended by the NCAA if it commits another major violation before November 2003. ...
Tuberville takes advantage over rivals in frantic recruiting war
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville is ready to visit the homes of 25 other recruits in a frantic race toward Feb. 7, the first day high school seniors can sign national letters-of-intent. ...
Vols' recruiting run includes two star running backs 
The Vols are in the mix for other big names, including the biggest prize of all -- the nation's No. 1 running back, Jabari Davis from Stone Mountain, Ga. He is reportedly close to making a commitment to the Vols in the next few days ...
Past injuries, new talent may affect Moore’s chance to start 
Nearly two years have passed, and Tuberville has dropped hints that Moore and 2000 signee Ronnie Brown could even move to fullback. Moore and Brown said they have heard nothing about a move, and both expressed tepid enthusiasm for one....
Tigers to boost pay for staff
Nine Tigers assistants will split $121,000, roughly
a $13,000 average base salary increase, Coach Tommy Tuberville announced Tuesday....
Moving On Up
Tommy Tuberville's staff is one of the highest paid groups of college football coaches in the country....
Lineman to stay for long haul at AU 
Lindsey, a 6-foot-3, 302-pounder who had earlier committed to East Carolina, stopped by Alabama on Friday and was offered a scholarship. He came to Auburn on Saturday. He's still here....
AU back in running for 'Cadillac' 
We had to get chairs out of the living room, the dining room, just to seat everybody," said Turner. "Offensive coaches, defensive coaches, everybody. They brought the whole thing. They really put it on him." Turner added that, "Coach Tuberville got through to him."...
Williams wavering on Vols commitment
Asked if Tuberville's pitch had an affect, Turner said, "They staggered him.  "He's going to take a visit there. They really impressed him. He needed some time to think about things. He's kind of in the air again. ...
Lindsey commits!
"I committed to Auburn today," said offensive lineman Danny Lindsey. "I like the environment, the coaches, and the facilities." Lindsey is an outstanding center prospect from Coffee County High School in Douglas, Georgia. An early graduate, Lindsey will begin classes on Wednesday. ...
Auburn back in the picture for Cadillac Williams
Alabama’s “Mr. Football”, running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams has backed off his commitment to the University of Tennessee and is strongly giving Auburn consideration again....
Three more players commit to Auburn 
AUBURN - Auburn picked up three verbal commitments over the weekend and re-affirmed another, increasing the Tigers' list of pledges to 19... 
Carnell Williams to sign with Tennessee
Etowah High School running back Carnell Williams has announced that he will sign with the University of Tennessee. Williams, rated the No. 2 player in the state and the fourth best running back in the nation, visited the Tennessee campus over the weekend....
Running backs Houston, Williams leaning to UT 
"Right now I feel this is the best place for me (Tennessee)," Williams said Saturday. "But I feel like I owe it to myself to give Auburn a shot, and then weigh all the options." ...
Etowah High star 'eager' for AU visit with Rudi leaving 
The loss of Johnson is a short-term blow for the Tigers. But it is not without some benefits. Auburn would have had a difficult time convincing star high school backs they could play next season if Johnson was still around. That won't be a problem now. ...
Mix among prospects visiting Auburn
Williams is one of four running back targets giving the Tigers strong consideration. Coral Gables, Fla., tailback Frank Gore visited Auburn last month and will spend this weekend at Ole Miss. Tennessee, South Carolina and Miami are also being considered. Montgomery's Keldrick Williams will visit LSU this weekend, though Auburn is the leader for his services. Tampa tailback Lydell Ross canceled a visit to Tennessee scheduled for this weekend. Auburn and Florida lead for his services. ...
The Blitz: House warming
Ratavious Biddle and Anthony Mix are intrigued by the Tigers' system and the chance to play right away for an SEC title contender....
Top NFL RB Prospects
2. * RUDI JOHNSON - 5'10" 225 LBS. - AUBURN - Power tailback may still be raw in certain areas of play but he has the package to develop into a talented NFL feature runner. He has the power and quickness to run inside at the next level. ...
Report: Player's college choice sold
Kirk said Alabama was the only school willing to pay the requested price, so Lang directed Means to sign with the Crimson Tide. ...
Williams: AU 'close second' 
The decision of Auburn running back Rudi Johnson to enter the NFL draft has improved Auburn's chances of signing highly touted Etowah High School running back Carnell Williams. ...
Fullback Heath Evans will forego senior season to enter April's draft
'It sounds like he's coming out,'' Gran said. ''I was supposed to talk to him today, but I haven't heard from him.''
Johnson to bolt Auburn
Sources close to Johnson and the Auburn football program say the announcement that he will make himself available for the NFL draft is likely within the next three days. Fullback Heath Evans is still contemplating his decision, sources say....
Receiver's exit may spark more Auburn defections
Wide receiver Ronney Daniels may have started the exodus of Auburn's offense when he formally announced Saturday he has decided to turn pro early. Tailback Rudi Johnson and fullback Heath Evans are also considering the move. ...
COLLEGE FOOTBALL: RECRUITING NOTEBOOK
"Going to Butler worked for (Auburn running back) Rudi Johnson," Williams said. "I want to do the same thing." ...
Tuberville going after linemen this year
AUBURN - Sportscaster Keith Jackson may call football offensive linemen "the big uglies," but don't expect Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville ever to say that. ...
Auburn's Daniels heading to NFL 
Daniels, who had a record-breaking season as a 23-year-old freshman in 1999, will announce at a press conference today that he plans to give up his final two years of eligibility and make himself available for the NFL draft...
Gators, Vols will be back next season
The likely loss of Daniels isn't too big a deal, but it's the loss of Johnson that would cause a downgrade in Auburn's expectations unless quarterback Jason Campbell is as dazzling as advertised....
Auburn remains a young team for 2001
Rudi Johnson, the SEC's Offensive Most Valuable Player, is seriously contemplating aborting his 2001 Heisman Trophy run and declaring himself eligible for April's NFL Draft. Fullback Heath Evans is also considering an early jump to the pros, as is offensive tackle Kendall Simmons. Wide receiver Ronney Daniels is all but gone following his seven-reception performance in the Tigers' 31-28 loss to Michigan on Monday ...

Commentary

Rudi, Heath, Ronney, jump ship!
Auburn's offensive unit declare eligibility for NFL draft 

Now that Rudi, Ronney, and Heath have decided to forgo their remaining college eligibility and enter the NFL draft, we are left to wonder ... did they do the right thing?.  It's hard to argue with million dollar signing bonuses, but do these three have what it takes to make it in the pros?  Will they ever see a signing bonus?  

How does history treat the Tigers that have left early?  Of course Bo Jackson comes to mind as one of the ones who made it.  But think of James Bostic, one of the best running backs I've ever seen play at Auburn, and where is he now?  For those who don't know, Bostic returned to football this year to the XFL Birmingham Thunderbolts.  And Bostic was the prototype NFL back, big, fast and explosive.  Stephen Davis comes to mind as one who stayed.  Davis is now "the franchise" for the Washington Redskins, and may be one of the most prolific professional players to ever come out of Auburn.  Almost the entire defensive backfield of 1993 and 1994 left early to go professional.  As far as I know, only one is still playing, Chris Shelling, who also was given new life with the Thunderbolts.  Calvin Jackson may also be playing somewhere, if anybody knows, let me know.  One of the others spent time in prison the last I heard, wishing he, at least,  had an education.

Good luck to the Auburn seniors and to Rudi, Ronney and Heath.  You guys have given us some great memories, but we will always be thinking "What would have happened if they stayed?". 

Carnell Williams of Etowah, you can go ahead and commit to Auburn now.  You now have the opportunity to be The Man next year, and we need you.

SEC BOWL RESULTS

Las Vegas Bowl
Arkansas (6-5)  14
UNLV (7-5)  31

Oahu Bowl
Virginia (6-5)  14
#24 Georgia (7-4)  37

Music City Bowl
West Virginia(6-5)  38
Ole Miss (7-4)  49

Peach Bowl
#15 Ga Tech (9-2)  14
LSU (7-4)  28

Independence
Texas A&M (7-4)  41
Miss. State (7-4)  43

Outback Bowl
#19 Ohio St (8-3)  7
S. Carolina (7-4)  24

Cotton Bowl
#21 Tennessee (8-3)  21
#11 Kansas St (10-3)  35

Citrus Bowl
#17 Michigan(8-3) 31
#20 Auburn (9-3)  28

Sugar Bowl
#3 Miami (10-1)  37
#7 Florida (10-2)  20

Michigan's Big Three burn Auburn in Citrus Bowl
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Michigan has been spoiled rotten with its big-play receiver, dominating running back and efficiency expert quarterback. 
The Wolverines' Big Three were at it again in Monday's Citrus Bowl, possibly for the last time. ...
End of magical season brings sadness and big decisions 
Alex Lincoln and Heath Evans reached the 50-yard line, and both dropped to a knee in the middle of the orange-and-green Florida Citrus Bowl logo. They bowed in prayer, arms on each other's shoulders....
Seniors leave solid foundation 
''To be able to take them four quarters and them come out on top by three points, I think that's probably a good statement on "I think we came out and showed everybody Auburn is for real. We took a premier program like Michigan to the wire. If we don't make some big-time mistakes, we probably get a victory."...
Johnson, Daniels may dive  into draft pool
The majority belief within the Auburn football program is that Johnson, who remained non committal Monday, is a certainty to declare for the draft. Daniels all but confirmed that he will declare. 
Only Evans and Simmons gave indications that they might return for the 2001 season. ...

Michigan Football Rides Record-Setting A-Train to Citrus Bowl Win
Senior Anthony Thomas (left) ran for 181 yards and became the school's career rushing leader in leading the No. 17-ranked Wolverines football team to a 31-28 victory over No. 20 Auburn ...
Citrus Bowl could influence Rudi's future
No. 20 Auburn's star tailback will ring in 2001 today against No. 17 Michigan in the Florida Citrus Bowl, the nationally-televised game serving either as a launching pad to an NFL career or to a run at the Heisman Trophy. ...
Auburn's bowl take: $3.64 million 
The Citrus Bowl payout to each team is $4 million, but Auburn doesn't get to keep all of its money. As an SEC member, Auburn gets to keep the first $800,000, then 20 percent of the balance (or $1.44 million). The rest of the money is equally split among the 11 other conference members and the league office. ...
AU gets down to business
''It's strictly business come Monday,'' Leard said. ''It's a war. We may have made some of the best friends we'll ever have, but come Monday, it's going to be all-out. It's going to be Auburn vs. Michigan.''...
AU's Nowland out 
Ben Nowland, who started eight games at center, will miss Monday's Citrus Bowl against Michigan because of a broken knuckle on his right hand. ...
Auburn QB Goes From Booed to Beloved 
`Hearing all those boos in my direction, I was embarrassed,'' Auburn's senior quarterback said. ``It's something I never wanted to hear again. It's been a motivating thing for me. It's something I'd never experienced and never wanted to again.'' ...
Haston's long road may pay off in Citrus Bowl
"As a coach, you like to watch kids like (Haston) to succeed and get their due," said defensive coordinator John Lovett. "He's a kid like (linebacker) Alex Lincoln -- he's a hard worker and you can count on him being where he needs to be....
Leard looks to add final victory to successful career 
Just one college game remains for Leard, who went from one coaching staff’s second-choice recruit to benched to injured (constantly, it seemed) to giver of memories....
Tigers' Johnson hit the big time running
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Rudi Johnson has rushed for 1,567 yards this season, the most in the Southeastern Conference. He carried the ball 324 times, the most in Auburn history. But to truly measure what Johnson has meant to the Tigers, don't look at his numbers. Look at Auburn's numbers without him....
Tigers test pro prospects 
But Leard's departure may be only the beginning of an exodus of the Tigers' potent offense. Three key underclassmen are also considering leaving: Running back and SEC player of the year Rudi Johnson, wide receiver Ronney Daniels and fullback Heath Evans. All three have asked the NFL to evaluate their status for the upcoming draft. ...
Daniels hoping Citrus Bowl performance improves NFL chances 
Johnson's absence would likely make Auburn more attractive to the handful of standout running backs the Tigers are recruiting. Etowah product Carnell Williams has narrowed his list to Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee, while Montgomery standout Keldrick Williams lists the Tigers as the leaders for his services. ...
Tired Tigers take break from busy bowl schedule
ORLANDO, Fla. - Nothing against Animal Kingdom, but Auburn took a rain check on the planned excursion to one of Disney's many attractions Wednesday afternoon. ...
End of the line 
As the 1998 season ended, it seemed the only question was whether Leard would be content to play out his Auburn career as a reserve or if he would transfer. Then Tommy Tuberville arrived as head coach. ...
Citrus teams squeeze Florida talent
"Playing down in the Orlando area is really big for us," said Auburn wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Greg Knox. "Florida has always been one of our major
recruiting bases. ...
Daniels' decision to stay or go is no longer easy
"If I was a gambling man, I'd say I'll probably be gone," Daniels told the Huntsville Times. "I have to think about what's best for me, what I need to do. I really don't know. If I'd had a big year this year, like I did last year, it would have been a lot easier for me." ...
Tigers enjoy a day of fun
Auburn didn't practice Monday, opting instead to spend Christmas day at Disney's Magic Kingdom. Michigan, the Tigers' New Year's Day opponent, also spent the day with Mickey and Co. ...
Top recruits often kaput on college field
Enjoy the moment, young recruits, as college coaches fawn over you, as your parents beam while you sign your name to a scholarship - but don't forget that's the beginning, not the end. ...
Auburn plans for Rudi's Heisman run
Johnson richly deserves his recognition as SEC Player of the Year. At the end of next season he may win a bigger prize. He may win the Heisman Trophy. ...
Son: Dye wnts to coach Georgia
"He has spoken to some people close to the situation. He has indicated if Georgia is interested he would have a mutual interest in the situation." ...
U-M quick to show its speed can match SEC's 
SEC West champion Auburn is not the glamour team Alabama was. In fact, U-M probably has more would-be sprinters on its roster. But the Wolverines say they aren't underestimating Auburn...
It'll be a busy week for Auburn's players and coaches at the Citrus Bowl. Here is their schedule (All times EST): ...
Auburn signs juco defensive back
Auburn signed junior college defensive back Rodney Burgess on Wednesday on the first day junior college players could sign football scholarships this year....
Leard returns to practice
A frigid December morning forced No. 20 Auburn inside for a two-hour practice Sunday, the final workout before head coach Tommy Tuberville gave his club five days off before they will reconvene in Orlando for the Florida Citrus Bowl. ...
Auburn proves to be tradition-rich with its football 
W is for "War Eagle" - As in the Auburn fight song that will echo throughout the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 ...
A-Train to Orlando 
This is a tough matchup for Auburn. They'll be facing an offense that's probably more explosive than the Florida offense they faced in the SEC Championship Game....
Carrying the load
For Anthony Thomas, it's the end of the line, the last time he'll wear a Michigan uniform. For Rudi Johnson, it could be a giant step toward fame and fortune....
Lovett says Tigers' plan simple: Stop UM's Thomas 
There were 36 videotapes of Auburn's next opponent sitting in John Lovett's office the other day. Fortunately for the Tigers' defensive coordinator, not one of them featured the Florida Gators. ...
Auburn gets back to work 
After a long week of recruiting, Tommy Tuberville and his staff got back to work Friday, putting No. 20 Auburn
through two practices Friday as the Tigers began preparations for No. 17 Michigan. ...
Auburn student coach Joe Whitt Jr. serves as a voice for collegiate athletes
''I don't think they should get paid like a salary, but $2,000 a year additionally would help a lot. A lot of people are married and have kids.''...
Michigan CB Whitley dismissed from team following weapon charge 
ANN ARBOR, Mich.-- Michigan football captain James Whitley has been dismissed from the team after his arrest on a concealed weapon charge. ...
Ex-AU, pro star King takes yet another shot
After a steady NFL career and a later move to the CFL, the former Auburn All America lineman is giving professional football one more try. And the Thunderbolts are giving him the opportunity, hoping lightning strikes again. ...
A familiar scene: Blue in a bowl
"Rudi Johnson is a very powerful guy," Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "He runs with power and strength and he's difficult to bring down."...
Tigers return to field, welcome 3 top recruits
AUBURN - As Auburn returned to the practice field Friday and began looking to the Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl against Michigan, three high-profile recruits arrived on campus for official visits....
All eyes are on talented redshirt freshman
This season, Leard's lack of mobility was a hindrance to Mazzone's offense. Campbell, an all-state basketball player at Taylorsville, is a superb athlete, and Mazzone has had a difficult time suppressing his excitement at the thought of having a mobile, multi-threat quarterback under center. ...
Four candidates, one position to fill
Auburn freshman Jason Campbell, he of a scrapbook full of prep honors but lacking in media frenzy, hopes to use the next few weeks to stake his claim on the Tigers' No. 1 quarterback job for next season. ...
Citrus Bowl between U-M, Auburn will feature top running backs 
"It starts with them being one of the best defensive teams in the SEC. They have an outstanding kicking game. They have as good a running back as any in this part of the country." ...
Tigers will walk in Orlando 
AUBURN - Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville has invited Tiger fans to join his football team at various functions and attractions in Orlando before his team's game against Michigan in the Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day. ...
Tuberville asks fans to join Tigers 
AUBURN - Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville has called on Auburn fans to make the Tigers' visit to the Citrus Bowl ''a trip of celebration.''...
The SEC Championship
Over the last few weeks of the season, Auburn had that look. You know the one I mean, the look of an overachieving team that will not be denied. ...
heisman Trophy candidates for 2001
Rudi Johnson.  The next Bo. SEC defenses will be more ready next year, but he has the combination of speed and power to be the top RB in the country ...
Franchione: Classy coach for Alabama
"I was asked by the Alabama people if I could beat Auburn," Franchione said. "I told them, 'Hell yes, I can beat Auburn.'"..
Johnson is SEC's top offensive player
Johnson, an Auburn running back who gained 1,567 yards this season, was unanimous as the offensive player of the year....
Quite a combo on 'O'
AU's Johnson, Leard are first-team All-SEC; kicker Duval also honored ...
AU's Mazzone talks to TCU
AUBURN - Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone interviewed for the TCU head coaching position for 2½ hours Tuesday....
Year-end awards and my thoughts on the coaching turnover
The Runaway Boulder Award – SEC DB’s were rolled under all season when biggun’ Rudi Johnson got into the open field and momentum started to do its ugly work. This award was another no-brainer. ...
Donnan fired after 7-4 season
ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia fired football coach Jim Donnan Monday after a disappointing 7-4 season that started with the Bulldogs ranked No. 10 and picked to win the SEC East, his players said....
List of Candidates
Pat Dye - Yes the former Ga player and Auburn coach. He wants the job ...
Tuberville has Auburn flying right 
Auburn and Michigan appear to be evenly matched. Both offenses are capable of scoring points in bunches, but also can possess the ball either by running or passing. Both defenses are tough against the run. Specials teams are excellent....
Tigers, Wolverines ready to turn focus to Citrus 
“Every resurgence of Auburn football in the modern era has been accompanied by a trip to Orlando for a bowl game,” Housel said....
Reactions: Dennis Franchione 
I'm an Auburn graduate and fan. I was really scared the Tide would get someone good. I think I can speak for a lot of Auburn fans when I say we are relieved and excited. ...
Auburn bowl report: Tigers reach New Year's Day
And not just New Year's Day, but the richest, best bowl outside the four Bowl Championship Series events -- the Florida Citrus Bowl, with its $4 million payout to each team. ...
Tigers seek QB in bowl workouts
Tuberville said Sunday he will devote part of the team's preparation for the Citrus Bowl to finding a replacement for senior quarterback Ben Leard. That means true freshman Jason Campbell and redshirt freshman Allen Tillman will get snaps in practice along with sophomore Jeff Klein and junior Daniel Cobb. ...
Turnovers A Killer
"It's killing me," Mazzone said. "We have gone from averaging 28 points a game to not scoring a touchdown the last eight quarters." ...
Auburn 6, Florida 28 2000 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME POST GAME NOTES
This is the first time in SEC Championship Game history that a team opened a game with 21 unanswered points. (In the first eight championship games, no team got the first two scores of a game.) ...
Turnovers sink Tigers 28-6
The No. 7 Gators pummeled Auburn for the second time in seven weeks, with Rex Grossman throwing four touchdown passes for a 28-6 victory Saturday in the SEC championship game. ...
Florida wins rematch with Auburn, claims SEC championship
No. 18 Auburn (9-3) had a successful year just by winning the SEC West after two straight losing seasons. The Tigers were denied their first conference championship in 11 years but get to play in the Citrus Bowl, their first New Year's Day appearance since 1995.... ...

Tiger's 2000 Schedule Results
8/31 Wyoming (h) W 35-21
9/9 Ole Miss (Oxford) W 35-27
9/16 LSU (h) W 34-17
9/23 NIU (h) W 31-14
9/30 Vanderbilt (h) W 33-0
10/7 Miss. State L 10-17
10/14 Florida L 7-38
10/21 La. Tech (h) W 38-28
10/28 Arkansas (h) W 21-19
11/11 Georgia (h) W 29-26
11/18 Alabama W 9-0
12/2 Florida SEC Championship L 6-28

Game has a lot hanging in balance
If Auburn pulls off the upset, the Tigers would head to Bourbon Street and send the rest of the league scrambling for alternate plans. Tennessee would take its provisional bid to the Citrus Bowl and Florida would earn an automatic berth in the Outback Bowl....
Who has the edge? 
A position-by-position analysis of Saturday's SEC Championship Game ...
Tommy West to be next U of M head football coach
West, 46, agreed to contract terms after Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone declined the school's offer. ...
Gaffney ignites Gators
The redshirt freshman receiver, dismissed from the University of Florida football team in January amid theft charges, was named national freshman of the year by The Sporting News earlier this week. ...
Franchione accepts Tide offer
'Franchione says the NCAA thing won't scare him off,'' a source close to the TCU program said today. ''But naturally, he wants to find out some more details.''...
Oh, by the way, AU's playing for a title
That's right. There's a football story in the news in this state this week that has nothing to do with who doesn't want to be a millionaire if it means sitting in Alabama's electric chair. ...
Rudi! Rudi! Surprising Auburn runs for SEC title
"Because of him being at Auburn, we're playing in the championship game," Tuberville said of Johnson. "When Auburn has been successful, and I mean winning championships, it's been with some great running attacks."...
Inside, outside, recruiting all around 
The offense practiced outside in the final full-scale drill for the game. Today's workout will "mostly be a team practice, just kind of a polish-up" because seven of Auburn's assistants will be away from campus on recruiting trips. ...
Auburn talks of SEC success
Johnson has played so well, there's an outside chance he will leave early for the NFL after his junior season. A win against Florida could push him in that direction....
UF strategy is questioned
The lack of a running game has become a familiar refrain in Gainesville since Taylor left for the NFL: the Gators try to run early in games to keep defenses from teeing off on the pass, the plan is scrapped after some early struggles, then they wonder why the ground game doesn't click....
Auburn's Duval back in Tuberville's good graces
AUBURN, Ala. (November 29, 2000 2:52 p.m. EST http://www.sportserver.com) - Last year, Auburn kicker Damon Duval was just a precocious freshman whose most memorable moment was flashing the peace sign to a TV camera after being exiled from the sidelines. ...
COOK’S CORNER
There a lot is on the line here for both Auburn and Florida, mainly a $13 million dollar payday for playing in the Sugar Bowl as compared to a much smaller amount for the Citrus or Outback....
UF football: Tigers fired up over Gator quote
The quote seemed harmless at the time, a humorous line uttered by a fired up redshirt freshman after a big football victory...
COLLEGE SPORTS CENTRAL NAMES RUDI JOHNSON SEC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND TOMMY TUBERVILLE SEC COACH OF THE YEAR 
AUBURN-Auburn running back Rudi Johnson was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Year and head coach Tommy Tuberville was named SEC Co-Coach of the Year by College Sports Central, Wednesday. Johnson was also joined by punter Damon Duval on College Sports Central's All-SEC first-team. ...
Win Saturday would set Leard apart at Auburn
Just two years ago, Leard was No. 2 on the Tigers' depth chart. His self-esteem was even lower than that. Two years later, Leard is one of the spiritual leaders of the SEC Western Division champions ...
AU defense hopes to get last laugh against Grossman, Gator offense 
Honestly, we played worse than a scout team," said McNeil. "I'm sure our scout team would have gone out there and stopped them one out of five times ...
Miami's Davis : 'I'm staying'
Butch Davis told the University of Alabama no thanks on Tuesday as Crimson Tide Athletics Director Mal Moore began making contact with other head coaching candidates. ...
Hood will remain on kickoff team 
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Hood will stay on the kickoff team and share return duties with Carter ...
Nobody’s scout team 
Say “scout team” to Auburn’s defensive players, and they respond with instantaneous word association: “Rex Grossman”....
The end is near: Some not-quite-final thoughts
This is the Player of the Year in the SEC. He is proof that sports has not lost all that once was good about it. Rudi plays nobly. While he plays, football seems once again the game is was meant to be—instead of the Bobby Lowder-stuffed, money- grubbing, my team right or wrong infamy it now too often becomes. Rudi knows something that too many other SEC players do not and will never know: In football, talent without character is unharnessed, character without talent ineffectual. ...
Gators no stranger to rematch
`The revenge factor comes into play,'' Florida tailback Robert Gillespie said. `(The Tigers) are fired up because we beat them. They're going to use that as motivation. We have to go in there and play those guys like we've never played them before.''...
SEC's balance reflected in title game matchup
"We kept telling our team even when we had two losses that two losses - maybe even three losses - would win the division," said Tuberville, whose team won the West at 6-2. "After we beat Ole Miss on the road early, we felt all we had to do was win our home SEC games."...
Gators' unlucky 13 aim for their first SEC crown
For 13 University of Florida seniors, it comes down to next Saturday. When the seventh-ranked Gators and No. 17 Auburn clash for the Southeastern Conference championship, it represents those seniors' last chance to leave UF with a conference-title ring....
Auburn's attitude adjustment is complete
Those days seem far away now. Riding a wave of family-type togetherness, hard work and the dedication of a senior class sick of losing, Auburn won the West Division championship....
Eyes on the prize 
AUBURN - Alabama was thumping Florida in Atlanta's Georgia Dome, on the cusp of a glorious Southeastern Conference Championship Game victory, when Cole Cubelic realized he had seen enough. ...
Memphis is not on Mazzone's mind yet 
AUBURN - Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone says he wants to be a head coach. He just doesn't know if the time and the opportunity are right....
The comeback kids 
AUBURN T he defense had only four returning starters, and nary one of them played in the line. So what was to become of the Auburn Tigers in the 2000 football season? ...
Auburn quarterback worked through tough times to lead Tigers
As he stood along the sideline for Auburn's 1998 game against Georgia, the backup quarterback from Hartwell, Ga., couldn't help but wonder what had become of his once-promising career....
Tuberville tops SEC coaches
Tuberville signed a five-year pact for $1.25 million per year the Monday following the 29-26 overtime win over Georgia, but how much could he have commanded this past Monday after skunking Alabama in Tuscaloosa?...
Bowden deserves some of the credit for Auburns turn-around
Terry Bowden was a good coach, and will be a better coach when he returns to the trade, which he will. Are you reading, Alabama? ...
Citrus official says Auburn likely to be U-M's bowl opponent 
Gerber said Auburn is most attractive to the Citrus Bowl because, even with a loss to Florida, it is expected to be higher ranked and will have nine wins as opposed to eight for the other teams under consideration ...
Sugar or Citrus for AU
If Auburn beats Florida in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 2 at the Georgia Dome, it will play in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 2. If it loses to Florida, Auburn will play Michigan in the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Jan. 1....
Mazzone interviews at Memphis
Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has interviewed for the head coaching position at the University of Memphis, and apparently has emerged as one of the front-runners for the job.... 
Players expect better effort in Atlanta 
There's no doubt at all (that Auburn will fare better in Atlanta), especially knowing these coaches have two weeks to prepare. They always seem to come up with something really great when they have time to prepare for a team. I fully expect us to go in there and play a much better game. I think we're a much better football team." ...
Auburn will get its just rewards 
The Citrus Bowl, considered the best of the non-BCS bowls, voted on Wednesday to invite Auburn on a provisional basis if the Tigers lose to Florida in the SEC championship game on Dec. 2. ...
Team looks ahead to SEC Championship Game
Auburn will look to avenge its 38-7 regular-season loss at Florida on Oct. 14. While the Tigers will be underdogs again to Florida, at least they get to play the Gators on a neutral field in the Georgia Dome instead of having to go to the Swamp....
NCAA to question Alabama players, coaches 
"We don't know where they are looking," athletic director Mal Moore said. "They have not briefed us on their concerns, nor have we received any preliminary letter." ...
The Iron Bowl: A final look
Expect Tommy Tuberville and company to have a great recruiting class this year as well. ...
AU has some pretty good recruits too 
Year after year, recruiting guru after recruiting guru has ranked Alabama's classes ahead of Auburn's. One Alabama commitment after another is turned into a football legend. Tyler Watts was the next Joe Montana, Bart Raulston the next John Hannah, Kecalf Bailey the next Deion Sanders. Brodie Croyle is already the Tide's savior, and he's yet to announce his intentions. ...
Patience pays off 
It had been two long and painful years since Auburn had been to the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, and the Tigers' second-year head coach wasn't doing or saying anything to give the faithful reason to hope that the first year of the new millennium was going to provide an Atlanta breakthrough. ...
Tuberville gives team extra day 
AUBURN - Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville contemplated having his players return on Saturday to get ready for the Tigers' Dec. 2 Southeastern Conference Championship Game date with No. 7 Florida. ...
Tigers now turn attention to SEC title game
"They won at our place last year and there were some feelings hurt," McNeil said. "We haven't played over here in 100 years and then when we do finally play here, we win. I just try to look at this as just another game. But it was a big win for us." ...
2000 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Auburn represents the Western Division in its second SEC Championship Game. The Tigers were 5-1 versus their divisional foes en route to a 6-2 league mark. Auburn’s first SEC Championship Game was a 30-29 loss to Tennessee in 1997. ...
AU bowl picture clears 
The winner of the title game between Auburn (9-2, 6-2 SEC) and Florida (9-2, 7-1) will advance to the Bowl Championship Series and play in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2 in New Orleans. The Sugar Bowl gets the SEC representative in years when neither it nor the SEC winner is involved in the national championship. 
The loser of the SEC title game probably will go to one of three Jan. 1 bowls with ties to the SEC -- Citrus in Orlando, Outback in Tampa and Cotton in Dallas. ...
UF football: Gators turn attention to Atlanta
"Right now, we need to put the (FSU loss) behind us because our goal is to win the SEC championship," senior defensive tackle Derrick Chambers said. "We are looking forward to playing Auburn. We just have to learn from what we did wrong and try to win the SEC title."...

Auburn Wins !  All Alone on Top of the SEC West !  On to the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta ! 
The Tigers dominate Alabama 9 - 0 on 3 Damon Duval field goals

A stingy Auburn defense, Rudi Johnson's 130 yards rushing, and 3 field goals by Damon Duval translate into an Auburn shutout of Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.  The Auburn defensive line totally dominated the so-called "Pancake Posse" of the Tide, and completely shut down the Tide offense.  Arkansas beats Miss. State 17 - 10 in OT to put Auburn alone atop the SEC West.  Next game: against the Florida Gators in Atlanta for the SEC championship.

Auburn shuts out Alabama, wins SEC West 
The Tigers rode Damon Duval's three field goals and a relentless running game to a 9-0 victory on a cold, rainy day to secure a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship game.... 
Alabama Loses Defensive Battle to Rival Auburn, 9-0
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - The Auburn Tigers won a championship and dealt yet another blow to Alabama's lost season. ...
DuBose leaves Alabama on losing note
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Mike DuBose's four stormy years as Alabama's head coach came to a painful end Saturday in a cold, rainy stadium that was as miserable as his final season....
Champs Top Tide
Auburn's defense made Bama even more miserable than the nasy weather as the Tigers shut out the Tide 9-0 on Saturday. Rudi Johnson almost matched Bama's entire offensive output as the Tigers earned a spot in the SEC Championship Game....
Tigers take over T-Town
Damon Duval kicked three field goals and Rudi Johnson rushed for 130 yards as the 18th-ranked Tigers won the Southeastern Conference West title with a 9-0 Iron Bowl victory Saturday. ...

Alabama-Auburn game statistics

Bama Week

Both sides await historic Iron Bowl
Families are divided at this time of year in a friendly kind of civil war — one which pits brother against brother, especially siblings with divided collegiate loyalties. ...
AU's turn of the century trip almost forgotten
As it turned out, the results of the earlier games proved deceptive. Auburn won 17-0 on three 5-point touchdown runs, two by Matt Sloan and one by W. H. Guinn. Sloan also kicked a pair of extra points. The Alabama team never crossed midfield....
For Auburn, chances for success may rest on Duval 
Leg strength has never been the question for Auburn kicker/punter Damon Duval. Consistency has been, and he appears to have answer....
Weekend Predictions: Loose chads? Get 'Pedal N Play'
Alabama coach Mike DuBose lost his job, two secretaries, four interns, those cute little leopard-skin boxers he only wears on special occasions and a Barry White album. But the Crimson Tide band plans to salute DuBose by spelling out "Who's Your Daddy?" on the field at halftime Saturday....
As bruisin' Rudi Johnson goes, so goes Auburn 
The bruising Auburn running back has gained most of his yards after being hit by would-be tacklers this season. He has run through, bounced off or generally stepped on defenders to gain 747 of his 1,390 yards after initial contact was made. ...
Reelin' Tide defense must find a way to stop him 
"I think one of the real differences in their football team is Rudi and his ability to run and take over a football game," said Crimson Tide head coach Mike DuBose, who was fired Oct. 31 and will be coaching his final game. "I don't think that we've played a running back that has (his) ability and has shown and done it." ...
Tigers covet victory on Tide's turf 
For some of the Tigers' younger players, such as Mobile product DeMarco McNeil and tight end Robert Johnson, there is still a bit of a grudge over the way the Crimson Tide recruited them - or actually didn't recruit them....
A list of 10 of the best Iron Bowls
A list of 10 of the most memorable Iron Bowls ever, starting chronologically with the most recent: ...
The Iron Bowl: The measure of success? 
"I don't think it's a must this year," said ESPN analyst and Mobile resident Mike Gottfried, "but eventually, Alabama-Auburn is the one game you have to win." ...
AU's got it together 
''If we don't win this game, I wouldn't be happy with this season,'' McGarry said. ''Going from 3-8 to 5-6 to 8-3 would be considered improvement, but not to me. It's great to win as many games as you have the last two years combined, but if you don't beat Alabama it doesn't mean anything.''...
SEC Seer: The action that counts is in the West 
The more important game to the league this week is the Iron Bowl, being played in Tuscaloosa for the first time in 99 years....
Different destinations 
Alabama was ranked as the third-best team in the country and the Crimson Tide's scouting report took up two full pages. To find anything on the state of Alabama's other storied program, you had to flip through 45 pages. When you did find something on Auburn, ranked 55th, it was a single sentence that read, Nation's third-worst rushing attack hopes that juco transfer Rudi Johnson is the answer at tailback...
AU concerned that Bama could explode
Tuberville would roll the dice and see what happens, and that's exactly what he expects from DuBose and the rest of the Alabama coaching staff, a group that will end its employment at the Capstone shortly after the final buzzer Saturday afternoon. ...
Rudi will make AU a winner in T-town
One of the keys to victory for Auburn may be something as trivial as the coin toss. It would be wise for Tuberville to put his offense on the field first and send Johnson into the heart of a Tide defense that allowed Mississippi State to run up and down the field last week. ...
Tigers energized, focused in practice 
"We have had a lot of enthusiasm," Tuberville said. "The players are really into what we're doing. It's been fun to see them bounce back after a tough, physical game last Saturday (a 29-26 overtime win over Georgia). We had everyone practice today, so it was good to see everyone back." ...
There's no place like home after all 
"Ray didn't think it through," Dye said this week. "He made a popular comment with Alabama fans. But he really didn't have a say in where it would be played because it was our home game." ...
Run, Rudi, run
Expect Alabama to come out more ready to play than in any other game this season, but with a caveat. If Johnson proves the unstoppable force early, Alabama could turn into the moveable object....
Count this vote: Rudi for Heisman
Will Rudi Johnson win the Heisman Trophy? Nope. Will Rudi Johnson get my Heisman Trophy vote? Yep. ...
Repeat of 1989 game's atmosphere not likely
The 1895 massacre is particularly notable because it wasJohn Heisman's first victory as Auburn's coach. Yep, the Heisman the trophy is named after.... 
Tuberville to make $1.25M annually
"Tommy has obviously done an exceptional job of directing our football program both on and off the field," athletics director David Housel said. "The job Tommy has done is truly remarkable. We wanted to show our appreciation and make a significant commitment to him." ...
Mazzone mentioned for Memphis job 
AUBURN — Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone may be a candidate for the University of Memphis head coaching job, though the school still has a coach. ...
Rob Pate overcomes mystery illness to enjoy Auburn's renaissance
Saturday, Pate will play the final regular-season game of his Auburn career against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium. He'll play with dedication as Auburn tries to clinch at least a share of the Southeastern Conference West Division championship....
Up next: Alabama
The Tigers have a winning streak going in Tuscaloosa, beating Alabama 48-0 in 1895 and 17-0 in 1901, and they'd love to keep that going. Shutting out the Tide would be even nice, but Tuberville and the Tigers will be glad to get a victory any way they can take it. ...
Tide says AU more balanced this time
"They had good skill people last year and they just didn't have a running game to complement it, and you could defend kind of a one-dimension thing," Johnson said Monday. "But you can't do that anymore. He gives them a running game even in a spread offense. He breaks tackles. He's his own blocker sometimes. You could almost make them throw the football if you wanted to get by just putting a certain look. That's not the case anymore. It gives them a lot of balance." ...
Inside Slant
Auburn can wrap up a share of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division by beating Alabama on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A New Year's Day appearance, likely in the Outback Bowl or the Florida Citrus Bowl, is all but wrapped up, regardless of what happens against the Crimson Tide. The Tigers (8-2, 5-2 SEC) still need help to get to next month's SEC Championship Game against No. ...
Auburn vs. Alabama
Bama doesn't have enough on offense to beat the Tigers and Auburn will run Rudi until he drops. Our prediction ... Rudi Johnson 38 carries for 178 yards, 2 TDs and Auburn immortality....
Auburn Football 
"I keep thinking he's going to say 'Give me the ball, let me score.' He's actually saying: 'Run the quarterback sneak. We'll score,'" Mazzone recalled. "Heck, who am I to disagree with him? If that what you want Rudi, that's what you get." ...
Hokies' Beamer says Alabama has contacted him 
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer says he has been contacted by Alabama representatives about the Crimson Tide football job. ...
Leard's numbers drop as Tigers focus on ground game 
The Auburn quarterback, who was cast aside in the middle of the 1998 season by the previous coaching staff, has come a long way since the days he was a backup to Gabe Gross, who was more a left fielder than a quarterback. ...
Tuberville knows all about rivalries 
At Miami, Tuberville was involved in many heated games between the Hurricanes and Florida State. At Ole Miss, Tuberville split four Egg Bowl games against Mississippi State, losing twice in Oxford and winning twice in Starkville. ...
Last weeks irony-filled 
Johnson has everything it takes to win the Heisman  - talent, a penchant for big plays, a warm smile and a big heart. Winning the Heisman requires luck and a team that wins big games. Predicting luck is impossible, but the Tigers have a chance to be a special team in 2001. ...
Iron Bowl not the same this season 
"If you can't get excited about the Alabama-Auburn game, when you're at Auburn or at Alabama, you've got no business playing the game," DuBose said....
The Hot List
Auburn: Last year, you couldn't have used Auburn and rushing in the same sentence. With the addition of tailback Rudi Johnson this season, it has been a completely different story. There may not be a tougher back in college football....
DuBose expects emotional finale
"He's a powerful running back with deceptive speed," DuBose said. "The problem they give you is that if you put too many men in the box to stop him, they'll throw, and if you don't have enough in there, he can be awfully hard to stop. They've done a good job of doing what we tried to do here (offensively), but Rudi is the difference in this football team."...
Auburn finds ways to win games
A New Year's Day appearance, likely in the Outback Bowl or the Florida Citrus Bowl, is all but wrapped up, regardless of what happens against the Crimson Tide....
No Auburn fans in Baton Rouge this week, folks
The reason is simple: If Alabama somehow upsets Auburn this week in Tuscaloosa and LSU takes care of business Nov. 25 against Arkansas, the Bayou Bengals head to Atlanta to represent the Western Division in the SEC Championship Game. ...
Injuries plague Auburn
The Tigers went through a light practice Sunday without starting linebackers Alex Lincoln and Dontarrious Thomas, as well as wide receiver and kick return specialist Tim Carter. All three suffered concussions in Saturday's 29-26 overtime win over Georgia. ...
Auburn Eyes Citrus Bowl 
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Shortly after an overtime win over Georgia, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville was campaigning for a trip to Orlando, Fla. ...
Inside the SEC
Emotions will run high at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, and not just because Mike DuBose will be coaching his final game at Alabama. Auburn will be making its first appearance in Tuscaloosa since 1901. The Crimson Tide (3-7) has been a terrible flop after beginning the season ranked No. 3, but DuBose will leave with cheers in his ears if he can ruin Auburn's SEC title hopes.... 
Rival survival
For the Tide, playing their last game under coach Mike DuBose, a win against their bitter state rival will soothe a lost season. Alabama, beaten by Mississippi State 29-7 on Saturday, is trying to avoid the most losses in a season since going 0-10 in 1955....
Final week for DuBose a special one
"You'd hope this (Auburn) game, and the importance of the game, and what this game represents, would be a motivating factor for them," DuBose said. "But you have to be a little concerned....
Auburn’s young defense maturing at the right time
Headed into this week’s Iron Bowl clash with Alabama, Auburn — here’s the “shock” — ranks third in the Southeastern Conference and 19th nationally in total defense....

Auburn Wins An Overtime Thriller!
Damon Duval is a perfect 3 of 3 on field goal attempts and Rudi Johnson rushes for 152 yards to lead AU to a 29-26 OT victory
Game Summary
First Quarter
Ga - Td, Terreal Bierria 80 yd Interception Return (Billy Bennett Kick)
Second Quarter
Ga - Fg, Billy Bennett 34 Yd
Ga - Fg, Billy Bennett 37 Yd 
Aub- Fg, Damon Duval 48 Yd
Third Quarter
Aub- Td, Reggie Worthy 6 yd pass From Ben Leard (Damon Duval Kick) 
Aub- Fg, Damon Duval 37 Yd
Fourth Quarter
Aub- Td, Ronney Daniels 10 yd pass From Ben Leard (Damon Duval Kick) 
Aub- Fg, Damon Duval 49 Yd
Ga - Td, Terrence Edwards 16 yd pass From Cory Phillips (Billy Bennett Kick)
Ga - Fg, Billy Bennett 19 Yd
OT
Ga - Fg, Billy Bennett 25 Yd 
Aub- Td, Ben Leard 1 yd RunAtt: 1

Thumb's down for UGA's Carter
Georgia quarterback Quincy Carter will not play in Saturday's game against Auburn because of an injured right thumb. ..
RUDI JOHNSON NAMED SEMIFINALIST FOR DOAK WALKER AWARD-Nov. 10, 2000
AUBURN-Auburn junior tailback Rudi Johnson is one of eight semifinalist for the 2000 Doak Walker Award Presented by Vectrix, announced the Southwestern Bell - SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors, Thursday. The award is presented annually to the nation's top running back. ...
Carter sidelined
ATHENS, Ga. — Georgia quarterback Quincy Carter will not play Saturday against Auburn because of an injured right thumb....
Georgia looking for payback against Auburn
Or a nightmare. One year ago, a mediocre Auburn team became an offensive juggernaut once it got to Athens. Ben Leard was transformed into Kurt Warner. Ronny Daniels became Isaac Bruce. It was no contest....
Auburn's no-name defense 
AUBURN - Auburn linebacker Alex Lincoln admits he wasn't heavily recruited. Actually, he wasn't recruited. He began his college career at non-scholarship Mississippi College, showed up at Auburn two years later and became the Tigers' leading tackler. 
AU vs. Georgia a rivalry made in heaven
Among the major rivals that Auburn used to play at neutral sites, Georgia was the only one to come to Auburn without whining. Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia Tech all protested. ...
Nall builds a bond of trust
There is a bond between Nall and Auburn's offensive linemen that goes beyond teaching someone how to block. After every Auburn win, he and his wife cook for all of them at their home....
Outcome may hinge on Florida 
AUBURN - While the eyes of the country are set firmly on Florida today, hoping to see the final result of the presidential election, the Georgia Bulldogs are trying desperately to get Florida off of their minds. 
Phillips, Leard former high school teammates 
AUBURN - Ben Leard's fan base, already depleted when Georgia is on the other side of the ball, will be even smaller on Saturday night. ...
Patience key for QB Leard 
Leard is just the kind of quarterback to play a patient game. More than any other part of his game, he’s known for heady play. He takes what the defense gives....

Tuberville will be $1.2 million man
Tuberville will rank among the Top 10 highest-paid football coaches in the country
Auburn faces new Georgia defense 
"Give it to No. 14," the Georgia quarterback told the officials after winning the coin toss, referring to Leard's Auburn jersey number. ...
Tuberville will be rewarded 
Still, what Tuberville has been able to accomplish in just 24 months at Auburn is remarkable. When he arrived in 1998, Auburn's athletic program was awash in virtual scandal. ...
Friendships put aside for this rivalry 
It's a good thing Walker is in the midst of a very impressive football career because he would fail miserably as a spy....
Candidates may need adjusting 
TUSCALOOSA - This just in: There were multiple reports of Tommy Bowden sightings in Birmingham Monday! ...
Tuberville praises Quincy Carter
AUBURN - Georgia quarterback Quincy Carter
"is the best athlete in the league, bar none," says Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. ...

Daniels leaning toward return 
Daniels: "I'm leaning more toward staying,"
Tigers save the biggest for last 
A sweep would give Auburn at least a share of the SEC West title, and perhaps a trip to Atlanta for the conference championship game. There's talk a win against Georgia or Alabama would get Auburn an invitation to the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl in Tampa. ...
Even during open week, Auburn's mind on football 
Auburn returned to practice Sunday, working for more than two hours in full pads, knowing full well that it needs little help from outside sources to win the SEC West. ...
Tigers once again rule Jordan-Hare
AUBURN - Rob Pate's first year at Auburn featured a 10-3 record and a trip to the Southeastern Conference championship game. He figured those kind of good things would go on forever. ...
Auburn prepares to defend its turf
"We're not going to talk about (the series)," Tuberville said. "I've heard some of the players talking about it. But I saw the game on TV yesterday where Alabama hadn't lost a game at LSU since '69. It makes for great talk, but players win games."...
How 'bout these rivals?
Auburn and Georgia first played football in 1892, with Auburn winning 10-0 in Atlanta. Other than 1943 (because of World War II), they've played every year since. It is the South's longest-running continuous series....
SEC title dreams exist for Auburn
When 14th-ranked Georgia takes the field against 22nd-ranked Auburn this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Eastern, the Southeastern Conference East Division will have been decided by the Florida-South Carolina outcome in Gainesville....
Tillman shines at practice
Quarterback Allen Tillman was the star, completing four of six passes for 137 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown pass to freshman Joe Walkins. Freshman quarterback Jason Campbell was 2-of-5 passing for 43 yards. Running back Chris Butler, sitting out this season after transferring from Nebraska, had 11 carries for 65 yards....
Auburn, Georgia both need wins as rivalry game looms 
Neither will forget last year's meeting, where the underdog dominated the favorite 38-21 on the road and inspired great exasperation among the favorite's home crowd....
Leard enjoying final season at Auburn
When it comes to football, Auburn quarterback Ben Leard has tunnel vision. Always has. Always will....

DuBose's final days: Coach's departure clouds recruiting 
At least two of the nation’s top high school prospects, both from Etowah County and both considering the Crimson Tide, will be watching the events in Tuscaloosa these next few weeks with a keen eye....
Tuberville: Firing a 'wake-up call' 
"It kind of gives you a wake-up call," Tuberville said. "We're a fraternity of coaches. Mike has been in this business a long time. I guess the longer you stay in it, the better chance you have of something like this happening to you." ...
Report: DuBose on his way out 
CNN/SI.com and CNN were reporting Tuesday night that Mike DuBose was told Tuesday he will not be retained as University of Alabama head coach at season’s end....
Joe Medley: Seventh victory gives AU plenty of good vibrations 
With Auburn’s home game against Georgia on Nov. 11, the Tigers have a chance to finish undefeated at home this season. This after going two years without a conference win in Jordan-Hare Stadium....
Bulldogs not giving up on season 
For most of the year, the goal of the Georgia football team was to play in Atlanta in December. Now, with the high hopes of this season dashed,
the Bulldogs will work hard to make sure that doesn't happen....
Good, better, best? 
Still, Tommy Tuberville is far from satisfied. No. 23 Auburn may very well be on the verge of a division championship, and the Tigers have most assuredly wrapped up a bowl trip. ...
'All for the best' 
AUBURN - Eddie and Rosemary Gran were alone with their baby girl and their grief....

AUBURN-GEORGIA GAME TO BE TELEVISED BY ESPN

Iron Bowl now has an ironclad logo
TUSCALOOSA — When it became obvious both Alabama and Auburn would play the football series between the two schools on campus sites, representatives from the schools tried to come up with a catchy name to symbolize the series. ...
Thug-like behavior of Tide players sinks to new level
On the final play of the Tide's loss to Central Florida, senior fullback Dustin McClintock blocked Central Florida freshman Commer Rucker to the ground, sat on him and reportedly punched him several times in the face. DuBose told one reporter he didn't want to comment until he spoke to McClintock. ...
Tigers ready for bye week
Tuberville saw his strong safety, Rob Pate, at Wal-Mart, but it was virtually all of the player interaction he had on Sunday, one day after the Tigers outlasted Arkansas, 21-19, to move to the top of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division standings. ..
Tigers take a break
After nine straight weeks of games, the Tigers will cut back their practice schedule this week as they enjoy their only open date of the season Saturday. ...
Tigers' Crayton wins SEC honors
AUBURN - Defensive back Rodney Crayton has become the third Auburn football player to win a Southeastern Conference player of the week award this season. ...
Tigers hit stretch run in driver's seat
In fact, no team in the Southeastern Conference has won more games and received less attention doing it than the Auburn Tigers, who have earned a well-deserved open date this week after going through the first nine weeks of their season with a 7-2 record. ...
Auburn poised for run at West championship 
Georgia was supposed to be playing for a division championship. Auburn was supposed to be playing for a spot in the Music City Bowl or maybe, with a little luck, the Independence Bowl. At least that's what the prognosticators said in August before a game had been played....

TUSCALOOSA - Alabama football players continue to lash out at fans who booed head coach Mike DuBose and quarterback Andrew Zow during Saturday's 40-38 homecoming loss to Central Florida. ...
How good is Auburn? It wins
Maybe the wisest thing to say about Auburn is that it keeps finding ways to win. In football, there are no points given for style, and seven victories are worth savoring. There's a big difference between a six-win team that barely breaks .500 and a seven-win team.... 

Leard did just enough to win
The bottom line is simple. Leard did enough to win, leading the Tigers to a 21-19 victory. Leard was far from perfect, however. In fact, a couple of incompletions could have been and maybe should have been interceptions returned for touchdowns....
Tigers win a Hog wild game
AUBURN - Alex Lincoln had already begun his
celebration when the unthinkable happened. ...
Auburn pushed too hard, Tuberville says 
The Tigers' defense - hanging on by a thin thread - stiffened, keeping Arkansas out of the end zone and saving Johnson from two weeks of despair.... 
Talley's final tally not enough 
AUBURN - One night last week, Arkansas tailback Fred Talley dreamed he would run 77 yards for the touchdown against Auburn. One of his coaches had a similar dream Friday night....
Tuberville takes safety way out 
The last time Tommy Tuberville took a safety on purpose he ended up losing a game to Mississippi State. That was last year when State beat Auburn 18-16. ...
Auburn survives Hogs, gut check 
Auburn looked tired against Arkansas Saturday afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Plays that looked so easy in the early season looked taxing. Players who ran so easily early in the season looked slower and even sluggish. ...
Add another century game to Rudi's season
The Tigers' junior tailback gained 114 yards on 29 carries against Arkansas, giving him eight 100-yard games in nine efforts this season. He is now tied with Bo Jackson for most 100-yard games in a single season. Jackson gained at least 100 yards in eight games en route to winning the Heisman Trophy in 1985. ...
Youth steps up in aerial assault
Leard hit 19-of-30 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown against the run-oriented Arkansas defense. Five of those passes went for more than 20 yards apiece, shaking up the Razorbacks' gameplan and helping Auburn earn enough offense to pull out a 21-19 win Saturday. ...

Auburn nips Hogs, 21-19
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Ben Leard passed for 240 yards and No. 25 Auburn picked off two passes in the final minutes to preserve a 21-19 victory over Arkansas on Saturday....
POST GAME NOTES - ARKANSAS 19, AUBURN 21
Rudi Johnson's 23-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was his 13th of the season, moving him into a tie for fifth place with Stephen Davis (13 in 1994) in Auburn's single season rushing touchdowns record. ...

Game Day
Auburn air attack hasn't passed test 
I'm kinda confused about it," said Johnson, who played prep ball at Montgomery's Jeff Davis High. "I can understand that you want to do what got you to this point and continue doing the things that are going to help you win. But if you've got the other weapons, then you should be able to use both weapons or all weapons. We can run the scoreboard up." ...
One last game at home for Caver 
The senior middle linebacker wants to menace Auburn’s offense one last time and make it 2-0 against SEC teams from his state during his senior year. He won’t come alone....
UA Still Has Good Numbers on ?D÷
This one slips up on you: The Southeastern Conference leader in fewest yards allowed per game is, ta-ta, Arkansas. ...
Another Busy Workout
Auburn stayed on the practice field longer than normal on Thursday in preparation for Arkansas Razorbacks. Coach Tommy Tuberville said he believes the Tigers have had a good week of practice getting ready for a return to conference action....
Hogs have info on Johnson 
Stopping No. 25 Auburn means halting the progress of star tailback Rudi Johnson, and no coach on the Arkansas staff knows Johnson better than special teams coordinator/tight ends coach James Shibest. ...
New Hogs' aide has inside info on AU's ace
"The best thing we could do with Rudi," said Shibest, "is just keep him off the field." ...
Tuberville puts Tigers through the paces 
AUBURN - After spending the previous six weeks trying to protect players from injuries, Auburn continued its about-face in practice strategy with another tough workout Thursday. ...

Thursday 10/26/2000
Supreme impact player 
"The Bible says, 'You suffer these things so you can comfort others', and I've walked through a lot of crap since I've been here," he said. "I just love people, and I love my teammates, so I reach out to anybody I can."...
Improved running game trims passing
I'd say, 'I'll stop Rudi (Johnson) and you guys don't have a chance,'" Auburn's offensive coordinator said. "That's what happened in the (Mississippi) State game. They were going to stop that, and we weren't patient enough with Rudi and we didn't try to help the running game any by doing some other things we do offensively."...
Tigers' new running game pays dividends
While offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone says the Tigers haven't passed as well as would have liked, a quick check of the numbers reveals Auburn is passing the football on almost the same pace it was last year. Auburn has thrown for 1,584 yards this season - just 5 fewer yards than after eight games a year ago. It has thrown for 10 touchdowns, just one fewer than last year. ...
Coach lays it on the line 
Tigers survive tough practice injury-free
AUBURN - Auburn accomplished what it wanted in Wednesday's tougher-than-normal football practice: ...
This game is big for Auburn. A win and the Tigers stay atop the SEC West standings. A loss and the race is over. With Georgia and Alabama left, Auburn is not about to win out. The main thing here is to secure their seventh win and get more production out of the defense....

Wednesday 10/25/2000
Tigers take action, put on pads again
For the first time since September, No. 25 Auburn worked out in full pads behind the athletic complex Tuesday afternoon. And after a four-week run of light-contact practices in shorts and shoulder pads, high-speed collisions have rejoined the Auburn practice agenda. ...
Tuberville re-energizes No. 25 Tigers
'I think we all took the week off last week,'' Tuberville said. ''The players took the week off of being emotional, the coaches took the week off, I took the week off and I think the fans took the week off....
Pads will be popping on Plains 
Scenes like Johnson’s upending returned to Auburn’s practice field Tuesday to good-natured chants of “Superstar! Superstar!” Tuberville, concerned that his team had lost its edge, went back to full-pad workouts for the first time in six weeks....
Evans: Fan man
A junior, Evans just has a magical effect on Auburn fans. On only the fifth play of the game Saturday, he caught a 13-yard pass against Louisiana Tech and the shouts blended into a roar at Jordan-Hare Stadium. ...
Coach: McNeil must get mentally tougher
"Every time he came off, he looked like he was half dead," Auburn defensive line coach Don Dunn said. "He'd go back out, and he had a great game. He's getting better and better." ...

Tuesday 10/24/2000
A rush to glory 
AUBURN -- When Rudi Johnson rushed for 110 yards against Northern Illinois Sept. 23, his teammates awarded him with a game ball. 
Johnson doesn't know where the ball is now. Nor does he care. ...
A legend is in the making 
Johnson's legend is growing off the field as well. After every home game, hundreds of fans, mostly kids, wait outside of the Tigers' locker room for a glimpse at the powerful tailback....
Auburn improves in a rush
"We weren't picked to win a lot of games this year, we were picked pretty low," said Tuberville, a Camden native who played at Southern Arkansas and coached at Hermitage High School and Arkansas State. "I think it was key for us to win that sixth game going into our last three conference games to take the pressure off."...
A Coke and a smile: AU's Rudi Johnson loves being the man, making kids feel good 
After the game I know there are a lot of people out there waiting. They're taking time to wait for me; it's my job to give them what they need. They pay money, they come see us play and we just try to entertain them." 
Offense faces stingy Hog defense
Auburn's offensive coordinator must prepare his unit for an Arkansas team that is allowing just «30.4 yards on the ground and just 153.2 yards in the air ...
Tigers, Hogs' top receivers injured
AUBURN - Auburn and Arkansas may be without their top receivers for Saturday's 1 p.m. SEC West showdown in Jordan-Hare Stadium. ...

Monday 10/23/2000
Auburn now back in contention
Auburn, which began the weekend in third place among SEC West teams, moved into a tie for first Saturday night after division front-runners Alabama and Mississippi State lost on the road. ...
Win over mediocre foe has Tigers in more than mediocre place
What's so remarkable about Auburn's accomplishments this season is they have come in spite of the team's "youth rally." Twenty-one players - redshirt freshmen, freshmen and junior college players - have seen their first major college football action this season....
West still up for grabs, but Tigers need a little help Auburn’s senior football players spent last week reminding younger players of 1997, when the Tigers won the Southeastern Conference West Division with two league losses....
One game means top to bottom for AU
Pessimistic fans awakened to the stark reality that for the second consecutive week, a freshman quarterback had picked apart Auburn's renowned, veteran defensive secondary....
The Game
Auburn leads the all-time series, 5-3-1, with the Razorbacks winning the last two meetings ... The Tigers hold a 2-1-1 advantage in Jordan-Hare Stadium ... The winner of the eight games has scored at least 21 points ...
Tuberville Not Anxious to Revisit ’99
Last year we played one of our worst games against Arkansas,” Tuberville said. “We did nothing right in the kicking game, the offense or defense. We coached terrible. (Auburn quarterback) Ben Leard got hurt on the first series.”...
AU's Daniels is day-to-day
AUBURN - Auburn All-SEC wide receiver Ronney Daniels is "day-to-day" because of an ankle sprain he suffered Saturday, coach Tommy Tuberville said Sunday. ...

Sunday, 10/22/2000
McCown Makes Mark, But Tech Falls Short, 38-28
AUBURN, Ala. - It was a game that was billed by the local Alabama papers as a potential homecoming feast for the Auburn Tigers. However, no one told Louisiana Tech true freshman quarterback Luke McCown....
From one legend to another
Talk with Bo Jackson inspires Rudi Johnson to rush for 249 yards ...
Rudi, La. Tech take AU on wild ride 
Johnson, Auburn's junior tailback, shredded the Louisiana Tech defense for 249 yards and four touchdowns on 33 carries as the Tigers ended a two-game losing streak with a 38-28 victory....
Tigers are bowl-eligible 
The Tigers won their sixth game of the season Saturday, which qualified them for a bowl game. And considering the SEC has seven bowl tie-ins, the likelihood of Auburn going bowling for the first time in three years is strong. ...
Johnson, Tigers grind out win 
"We ran some people over today," said Auburn wideout Ronney Daniels. "Getting the winning season is a big goal. Getting to a bowl game is the
next goal. Rudi's just like the rest of us -- he wants to win and accomplish things for this team. You can see it in his eyes when he's out there running. You can't help but feed off that." ...
Freshman QB shreds AU defense
It was a good thing for Auburn that Johnson made big plays every time the Tigers needed them because nothing else was outstanding for Auburn Saturday. Without him, Tigers might have suffered an embarrassing loss. ...
Tiger defense not exactly perfect
"You don't just come into a game with a team like that and just say you're going to shut them down," Lovett said. "You have to find ways to slow them down. When they score, they like to score in big
chunks and we were forcing them into making play after play. They probably didn't like that." ...
Auburn's offense needs some air 
Still, there is cause for concern on the Tigers' offensive coaching staff. For the third consecutive game, quarterback Ben Leard was less than spectacular, completing 12 of 18 passes for 135 yards and one interception. At least two of his incompletions could have been disastrous if the Bulldogs' defenders had spent a little time catching passes. ...

Post Game
Tigers triumph over Tech, 38-28
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Rudi Johnson rushed 33 times for 249 yards and four touchdowns as Auburn overcame a record-setting day from Louisiana Tech freshman Luke McCown for a 38-28 victory Saturday. ...
Auburn 38, Louisiana Tech 28 
Johnson became the 13th Auburn player to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, raising his total to 1,126 yards. Bo Jackson holds the Tigers' single-season record of 1,786 yards in 1985. ...
La. Tech vs Auburn Game Stats
POST GAME NOTES
With 249 yards rushing today, Rudi Johnson now has rushed for 1,124 yards this season. This ranks him ninth on Auburn’s single-season rushing chart. Bo Jackson holds the single-season record with 1786 yards rushing in 1985. He is the 13th player in Auburn history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season and the first since Stephen Davis had 1068 yards in 1995. ...
Tuberville On Ronney Daniels’ injury: "Ronney Daniels will be ready to go next week. He turned his ankle, but he will be fine." ...

Game Commentary  
Auburn 38, La Tech 28
This game belonged to Rudi Johnson.  His 78 yard touchdown scamper was one of the best runs I've seen at Auburn in a long time.  For those who did not see it, I'm working on getting the highlight video on this site.  It was a thing of beauty; starting left, weaving toward midfield, then bouncing back left and off to the races down the sideline.  There were a few tremendous blocks down the field as well.  
The offense played better, but again, it was against La Tech, a 2-5 team that Middle Tennessee State beat 49-21.  The offensive line play was much improved, and allowed our quarterback ample time to throw the ball.  Leard looked a little sharper, but unfortunately, since he had to play the entire game, the back-up situation is still unresolved.  Ronnie Daniels left the field with a twisted ankle, but coach Tuberville said he should be back at full speed by the Arkansas game next week.
The defense, again, couldn't stop the pass.  We continually gave up short passing routes.  If not for several miscues in the red zone by La Tech, we could have easily lost the game.  The line couldn't get to the La Tech freshman quarterback, and he had plenty of time to find the open receivers.  And the receivers were open.  Our secondary, who were supposed to be among the best in the SEC, got beat time after time. On the positive, we did have two big interceptions and a fumble recovery.   DeMarco McNeil's play was outstanding and our young linemen and linebackers have tremendous potential.  My hat is off to Alex Lincoln, who is the emotional leader of the defense.  Not only does he get the players pumped up, he gets the crowd into the game as well.
Coaching and play calling were good.  The adjustments made by the defense at halftime slowed La Tech down, although it never stopped them. The mix of running and passing plays confused the La Tech defense, and they were totally unable to stop Rudi Johnson.  This guy is the real deal.  Next week, a tough SEC game against a scrappy Arkansas team.  It is a game we must win to stay in contention for the SEC West, and also a game we should win.  My prediction ... coming on Thursday.
LSU 45, Miss State 38
LSU pulled another rabbit out of their hat at Tiger Stadium.  I actually quit watching the game in the third quarter when MSU was up 31-17.  Congrats to LSU, who never gave up, and along the way, helped Auburn's quest for a SEC West title.
Tennessee 20, Alabama 10
I really thought that Alabama would win this one.  They looked unstoppable last week against Ole Miss.  Just like Curry lost his job for being unable to beat Auburn, Tennessee may be Dubose's demise.
Virginia Tech 22, Syracuse 14
Syracuse outplayed Tech, but gave them too many chances.  Michael Vick looked human for once, but came through when it counted, keeping the Hokies hopes for a national championship alive.
Purdue 30, Wisconsin 24 OT
Wisconsin started the season ranked in the top 5 and with national championship aspirations.  Purdue is on track for its first Rose Bowl berth in 34 years.
UAB 14, MTSU 9
I attended MTSU for a semester before transferring to Auburn.  It was a dominant school in Division II football, and is playing respectable in Division I.  This was a good win for the Blazers and Coach Watson Brown, who are hoping to become bowl eligible next week against East Carolina. 

Game Day 10/21/2000
Auburn should have easy day against La. Tech 
The Louisiana Tech team that plays Auburn on Saturday is not the same Tech team that upset Alabama last season.
The Bulldogs are 2-5, with wins coming against teams with a combined 0-14 record. Middle Tennessee State hammered Tech 52-6. A bad Penn State team beat the Bulldogs 67-7....
Auburn trio has bright future 
The future? Three kids on the Tigers' scout team. ...
Flags starting to fly too often for Tigers 
The Tigers were penalized 20 times for 152 yards in their back-to-back losses to Mississippi State and Florida. That left Auburn as the third-most penalized team in the Southeastern Conference with 67.8 yards a game. ...
Louisiana Tech expecting Auburn to run Johnson often
The Tigers (5-2) can still secure their first winning season
in three years with one more win, making themselves eligible for a bowl. They would like to achieve that in front of a homecoming crowd Saturday against huge underdog Louisiana Tech (2-5). ...
Bicknell knows underdog role 

AU offensive line hit with injuries
AUBURN - Ankle injuries to starting offensive tackles Kendall Simmons and Colin Sears may limit their playing time against Louisiana Tech on Saturday. Defensive end Josh Weldon is also questionable because of a bad knee ...
Johnson closes in on 1,000 yards
Auburn has had only 10 seasons in which a running back has rushed for 1,000 yards since it began playing the game in 1892, and has managed that trick only three times in the past 13 years. But the Tigers may welcome a new member to their exclusive club Saturday. ...
Campbell expected to push hard for starting QB job in spring
Almost inevitably, it turns out that Jason Campbell did something that caught an eye or caused a gasp. Auburn's freshman quarterback, a Parade All-America last season at Taylorsville (Miss.) High School, has been the Tigers' scout-team quarterback this season, providing a weekly preparatory picture for the Auburn defense. ...
Coaches Corner: LT
Bulldogs come into the game ranked 108th in the country in rushing defense, which is good news for Auburn tailback Rudi Johnson, who needs just 125 yards to break the 1,000 yard barrier....
Rudi's not concerned about 1,000-yard barrier 
AUBURN - With 125 yards Saturday against Louisiana Tech, Auburn tailback Rudi Johnson will reach 1,000 yards rushing this season. But nothing could be further from his mind. ...
Price family thanks AU family
AUBURN - Assistant coach Terry Price says the support of the Auburn family has helped him deal with the death of one of his twin sons. The twins were born prematurely last week. ...
Linebacker Thomas expected to play more 
Thomas, a second-string linebacker, has been impressive and caught Florida running back Robert Gillespie from behind to end a 47-yard run in Auburn's 38-7 loss Saturday. ...
Campbell is turning heads at AU 
AUBURN - At almost every practice, freshman quarterback Jason Campbell does something that leaves Auburn coaches shaking their heads and smiling....
Tigers QB remains a target in the pocket
Ben is so much of a pocket passer that he concentrates on the receivers so much -- he brings a lot of (the potential for injury) on himself," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. "A lot of times, you see a guy throw a ball and start ducking. When (Leard) lets the ball go, he's still watching the ball and seeing what's happening instead of protecting himself." ...
Tigers could have changes on the line
Cubelic’s resurgence highlights a round of changes that Auburn’s coaching staff is mulling in the wake of two losses. Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday that personnel shuffling could come on the offensive line and in the linebacker spots....
Auburn stretch run will define the Tigers' success
"We started the season with our seniors wanting to have a winning season and go to a bowl game," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said at his weekly press conference Tuesday. "The possibility of going to a bowl game and winning six games can be realized this week. Of course it does not guarantee us a bowl game, but it gets us to the point where we can be at least looked at as a bowl team." ...
Healthy Cubelic earns more playing time
AUBURN - Cole Cubelic doesn't have a screw loose. Surgeons fixed that last January when they replaced the old screw in his broken right foot with a space-age new one. ...
Rane on the Plain 
Auburn trustee and television funnyman Jimmy Rane loves being 'part of the team'...
No break in season so Tuberville trims practices
AUBURN - Seven straight games and two more weeks of action before his team's first break of the season has prompted Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville to cut back the practice schedule.... 
Auburn's seniors deliver message: Remember 1997
"It's kind of funny that we lost to the same two teams," quarterback Ben Leard said. "There are a lot of parallels, but that season's done, and we've still got four games."...
AUBURN FOOTBALL Tigers like to spring surprises on special teams
He's done all of those things the past two seasons, and has become the most-talked about player on Auburn's special teams. But there's a lot more to Auburn's special teams than Duval. ...
Tigers in tailspin will go back to basics 
Head coach Tommy Tuberville said Sunday the Tigers will consider making a few personnel changes and concentrate on fundamentals after back-to-back losses to Mississippi State and Florida have spoiled Auburn's unbeaten season. ...
Up next: Louisiana Tech
After back-to-back losses at Mississippi State and Florida, Auburn is glad to be back home and taking a break from the SEC wars by playing Louisiana Tech for homecoming. Auburn leads the series 7-0-1 (the tie was in 1948) and the Tigers average margin of victory over the Bulldogs has been 18.1 points ... 
"We kind of took a step backwards the last two weeks," he said. "We knew it was going to be a tough couple of weeks. I was hoping we'd get a little more accomplished and make ourselves a better football team, but I can't say that that happened." ...

Monday 10/16/2000
'G' whiz Gators'
"They didn't really respect us, I don't think," Grossman said of Auburn. "They were playing some defenses and they didn't think we could throw the ball. We definitely took advantage of that pretty quickly. They were blitzing a lot and didn't have any safeties back a couple of times. Obviously, Jabar just ran right past a guy who was expecting a shorter pattern. We definitely made a statement that we could throw." ...
Leard will likely play on Saturday
Quarterback Ben Leard practiced and said he is fine after taking a hard hit to the chin against the Gators. Head coach Tommy Tuberville said after the game Leard had suffered a concussion, but changed the diagnosis Sunday to only a bad headache. He said Leard should be fullspeed for this Saturday's Homecoming game against Louisiana Tech (2-5)....
Tigers try to find way to make plays
"We're not going to panic," Tuberville said. "We won five games by doing a lot of things right. We were just overwhelmed in the past couple of games. That's just what it comes down to. To win those games, we would have had to play over our heads. We didn't get close to it." ...
Joe Medley: Auburn shows it’s not ready for elite status 
Auburn’s offense hardly moved against State, and the defense hardly stopped Florida. Florida and State exposed weaknesses right where everyone thought Auburn had them in preseason....

Commentary

Florida 38, Auburn 7
Sloppy play, missed opportunities, and numerous penalties marred this game for Auburn.  Not that we wouldn't have lost anyway, but Auburn University should have the talent to go up against the Floridas and Tennessees of the SEC head to head.  I don't think the play calling was especially bad this week as it was last week, but the missed fake punt did cost us a touchdown, gave Florida a touchdown, and set the tone of the game from the beginning.  I won't say that was a bad call, because if it had been executed, Auburn would have scored easily.  Basically, we got whipped.  If Spurrier had wanted, the score could have been 70 to 7 instead of 38 to 7.
Offense was anemic.  We were unable to execute any pass plays with efficiency.  Leard was being rushed and couldn't find the open receivers, and when he did, the passes were off the mark or the receivers dropped them. The passing game has turned completely around from last year.  We keep saying that the next game will be the game that the passing game "breaks out", but it never happens.  Rudi was the bright spot.  if anyone had told me before the game started that Rudi would have had 123 yards, I would have guessed we would have won, or at least been in the game.  After the game he said "we won't lose any more games this year".  The offensive line did little to slow Florida's defense.  The guys played hard, but lets face it, we are undersized compared to the SEC elite.  
Defense could not stop the pass.  A freshman quarterback and freshman wide receivers ate our corners for lunch.  The were beat consistently on the long routes, and had a hard time tackling after the pass was caught.  You would think that Ike Hilliard and Jack Jackson were back at Florida against freshmen cornerbacks.  Remember playing Florida in 93 and 94?  Every time Terry Dean or Danny Wuerffell threw a pass, we expected it to be intercepted. This is evidence that good recruiting and talent beats experience.  There is no way that their freshmen should have been able to beat our seniors.  The defensive line was unable to get close to Grossman.  We have talent on the line, but they are young.  This is the SEC though, and if you are going to stop a passing team, you have to get to the quarterback.
Special Teams play was average.  The failed fake punt set the tone of the game.
Coaching didn't lose the game, but it didn't do anything to win it either.  It seemed that we were surprised when Florida threw the ball right at our senior corners.  Penalties and poor execution killed us.  Quentin Riggins said after the game "these guys played hard".  I respect them for that, but when we play hard and don't win, something is definitely wrong.  Next week should be an easy win, and a chance for our guys to get healthy and to work on execution.

Our prayers go out to Auburn Coach Terry Price (no relation) and his family.  They are going through some tough times now, and need our thoughts and prayers.  

War Eagle!
tprice@auburnfootball.com

Game Day
SEC Roundup
Auburn at Florida: Look for a better effort from the freshly humiliated Tigers. Will it be enough? Only if Rudi Johnson gets rolling again. If Rudi gains around his average—123 yards—Auburn might steal this one. But Rudi gains 70 yards or so....
Auburn to battle Florida in The Swamp
The winner of this game will remain in the driver's seat in its division while the loser will find itself in a struggle to make it to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game....
Auburn to try to break through with road victory
It's just two different teams, two different personalities," Tuberville said. "They're coming off of a big win. We're coming off of a big loss. It's just pretty much a must-win for both teams since both teams already have a loss in the conference." ...
Bouncing back may be hard for Auburn 
Auburn knows they have to bounce back quickly to have a chance against Florida Bouncing Auburn gets a quick chance at redemption, but it's not at a place where many have found it. ...
Auburn looks to jump-start offense 
Keys to the game: Florida has scored 31 offensive touchdowns this season, averaging just 1 minute, 57 seconds per scoring drive. To offset the Gators' explosiveness, Auburn must control the clock ...

Friday 10/13/2000
Auburn's Daniels looking forward to facing the Gators
Despite coming off a tough loss to Mississippi State that knocked his team from the ranks of unbeatens, there has been an extra bounce in the step of Auburn sophomore wide receiver Ronney Daniels this week....
Auburn back living a dream...sort of 
Standing on the Florida Field turf on a warm fall afternoon. That's what the Auburn fullback always wanted -- a chance to beat the Gators and coach Steve Spurrier on their hallowed home turf. ...
Auburn DBs key to victory over Gators 
With Auburn showing so much reliance on its running game, Florida is likely to stick with what it did against LSU. Auburn offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone must be quicker to go to the pass than he was last week at Mississippi State.....
Auburn knows offense must play better 
The Tigers have blamed the game plan and missed blocks, and quarterback Ben Leard has pointed a finger at himself. But tailback Rudi Johnson had the simplest and most accurate explanation for what happened Saturday in Starkville. ...
Auburn prepares for Florida 
"Time heals all wounds," Tuberville said. "I know that our offense was embarrassed with how they played, and they're anxious to get back on national television again and show people across the country they're much better than how they played. ...
AU defense in hot seat at Swamp
The Tigers are ranked 13th in the nation in total defense this week, which is even better than the terrorizing unit from Mississippi State, and statistically better than 101 other teams in Division I-A. ...
Pate won't play vs. Gators
AUBURN - Auburn linebacker and special teams standout Phillip Pate will not play against No. 10 Florida when the two teams meet Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (CDT, CBS) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. ...
Fame within grasp for Johnson, Auburn
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- With some success at the Swamp on Saturday, Auburn tailback Rudi Johnson could go from regional sensation to national superstar. ...
'Swamp' trip stays with Leard 
AUBURN - The closer Dameyune Craig got to the taunting fans in the Florida Field end zone, the louder the catcalls became. As he walked past, paper cups came flying. Craig raised his helmet defiantly to the crowd....
Commissioner critical of players' conduct this year
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- Southeastern Conference commissioner Roy Kramer sent a memo to conference football coaches and athletic directors Thursday denouncing "trash talking and taunting" at games. ...
Gaffney a great catch
Dismissed in more ways than one by Steve Spurrier, Jabar Gaffney works his way into the Florida coach's good graces by being a 'game player'...

Thursday 10/12/2000
Gator makes most of chances
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Equipped with a tape of his high school highlights, quarterback Rex Grossman happened to stop by the University of Florida on a rare summer day when coach Steve Spurrier was not on the golf course. ...
Leard playing through ups, downs at last
Now that Leard has played six games into this Auburn football season without missing a start — the deepest into an Auburn season he has gone without missing a start — he’s learning new territory. He’s playing through a season of ups and downs....
Auburn secondary has primary concern 
Steve Spurrier has rebuilt the Gators' program over the last decade by building a passing powerhouse. This season, Florida is first in the SEC and sixth nationally in scoring offense, averaging a whopping 42.8 points per game. ...
AU mixes old, new into team
Auburn's two-deep depth chart is full of rookies, freshmen, redshirt freshmen, sophomores and transfers. The final total: 31 players in their first or second years of eligibility are listed as first or second string. Throw in the snappers and holders and you've got 35 first- or second-stringers who haven't even played two full sea sons for the Tigers. ...
Student who portrays Aubie apologizes after wearing controversial shirt
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Auburn's mascot Aubie has apologized for wearing a T-shirt during Saturday's Auburn-Mississippi State football game which some television viewers found to be offensive. ...
It looks like a bad weekend for Tide, Tigers and Blazers
The stat that really jumps out is how long it takes Florida to score - about two minutes per drive. That would suggest it doesn't make sense for Auburn to use its running game to control the clock to control the Gator offense. ...
Sears cleared to play in Florida game
AUBURN - Injured starting offensive tackle Colin Sears returned to practice Wednesday and has been cleared to play in Auburn's game at Florida at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. ...

Wednesday 10/11/2000
AU wants to run or gun by Gators 
"A lot of people have the notion that you're going against a Florida team and if you can control the ball, you can keep their offense off the field," Tuberville said. "I've done that before and we rushed for 300 yards and lost by three touchdowns. You just try to find out what you can do best and stick with it. It's a hit-or-miss thing." ...
Starkville debacle on Tigers’ minds 
Heath Evans sees a way to put Auburn’s embarrassing loss to Mississippi State behind him. Never forget it....
Auburn must bounce back strong after loss
"The last time we played like that was against Arkansas last year and we bounced back and played well," Tuberville said. "We understood what we did wrong and we had good leadership. I think the big thing we'll find out from this team is how deep our leadership goes....
Florida has gained upper hand in once-heated rivalry against Auburn
''This is a class program, a program that is on the move and obviously headed in the right direction. You have to build a solid foundation, and that's what Coach Tuberville has done.''...
Evans: AU in must-win situation 
"Probably (Saturday) just hurt our pride more than anything," Evans said. "When you walk out of a game, sometimes you lose and you know you were beat by a better team. When you look at it, we played as bad as we've played here in a long time for basically three quarters and then you lose by seven points. ...
Auburn trying to get offensive
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- It only looked like Auburn's offense was slogging around in a swamp last weekend. That's not a good sign for a team gearing up to play in "The Swamp." ...
Tuberville places blame on MSU
AUBURN - Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Mississippi State players "tried to start a ruckus" during pregame warmups before last Saturday's game, and the fact the Bulldogs were penalized for it shouldn't come as a surprise. ...
Evans not knocking blocking
Evans, the junior, and Johnson, the junior college transfer, became fast friends last spring when Johnson showed up on campus. It was then that Evans was eased from tail back to fullback. And it was then Auburn's leading rusher last year began to realize he would not repeat. ...

Commentary
Auburn 10, Mississippi State 17 
The Coaching
What can I say ...  Mississippi State was ranked first in the nation against the run and 110th against the pass ... and Auburn's game plan was to run the football.  Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said "I did a terrible job. I was stubborn. I wanted to  see if we could run.  I did a poor job of preparing the team and calling plays. "  I should say so.  Although I'm not a coach, I would think that you would attack the MSU secondary in a situation like this and force linebackers to drop back in coverage and the defense to stop blitzing.  Every time MSU blitzed or put 8 men on the line, a receiver was open and Ronnie Daniels was in single man coverage.  They always say that a good running attack will open up the passing game.  In this case, when MSU's number one ranked run stopping defense  was concentrating on stopping the run, a passing attack (against the 110th ranked secondary) would loosen up the defense and open holes for the run.  It doesn't take a genius to see that. The play-calling was very "Bowdenesque" in its single-mindedness.  The play calling also wasn't very imaginative.  We all know, so you can guess the opposing team knows, that when Leard lines up under center, 95% of the time Rudi gets the ball (against MSU he got it 100% of the time).  When Leard lines up in the shotgun, 95% of the time he will pass.   When Leard checks out of a play when he is under center and goes to the shotgun, 95% of the time he will throw a screen to Ronnie Daniels.  In fact, I believe he did it every time he checked out of a play last week against Vandy.  If I can pick up on this, I guarantee you that the opposing defense knows it.  Also, last week I heard that Tuberville had only used about 40% of his offensive plays, and he was going to open up the playbook against MSU.  I didn't see anything new.  Where were the reverses and misdirections that had worked so well in earlier games?  Why didn't Tim Carter, "the fastest man in the SEC", get the ball?  Rudi couldn't get to the corners, why not see if Tim could?  Where was the "motion" offense that sets up big plays to the tight ends?  Only in the second half, when we started throwing the ball, were we able to move it.  Hello!  Didn't I mention that MSU had the 110th ranked pass defense in the nation?
The Team
Defense did enough to win the game. We had a hard time stopping the run, but most of that credit belongs to the MSU offensive line.  We dropped some possible interceptions that could have turned the game around; but overall, if you only allow an opposing  team 17 points, your offense should win the game.
Offense looked horrible.  We didn't execute, Leard couldn't hit the side of a barn, and receivers couldn't hold on to anything.  Rudi couldn't run, but only because the offensive line couldn't block.  A lot of this should be credited to the Joe Lee Dunn defense of MSU, and a lot goes to poor play calling by our offensive coordinator.  But we looked and played like we had lead in our shoes.  I noticed it when we came onto the field.  Still, we did enough to give ourselves the opportunity to win in the fourth quarter.  We still have a great offensive unit, we just can't afford to have any more days like this one.
Special Teams looked good.  Duval was one of the bright spots of the evening.  The blocked punt gave us a chance to win in the fourth quarter.  These guys really stepped up.
Next Week we'll find out what we are made of.  I have confidence in the team and its coaches as we get ready for a tough Florida team in Gainesville, which is perhaps the hardest place to play in the nation.  Hang in there guys and keep your heads up.  And no matter what happens: "It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!"
Florida 41, LSU  9
This is a very good Florida team that got its wake-up call last week against MSU.  The rumor is that "Brother" Bill Oliver will be directing the defense in the Swamp next year.  
Oklahoma 63, Texas 14
How does a top 10 team get beat this badly?
Miami 27, FSU 24 
Wide right!  Bobby Bowden has nightmares about these words.  This was a huge win for Butch Davis and the 'Canes.
Kansas State 52, Kansas 13 
Kansas State is my pick for the national title.  It would be Clemson, but they play FSU, unless Daddy Bowden lets his son win so he will have a shot at the championship.  
Alabama Coaching Rumors
Mississippi State Coach Jackie Sherrill is the new frontrunner for Dubose's job.  

Tuesday 10/10/2000
A pressing situation
"I remember that Wyoming game and that quarterback had no pass rush to worry about. He could have stood back there and made himself a sandwich if he'd have wanted to," said Torbor, a redshirt freshman at defensive end. ...
Can you say, bombs away? 
AUBURN - Larry Casher remembers his last visit to The Swamp as an unsettling experience, so the Auburn cornerback has something different planned for his return trip Saturday. ...
Despite loss, Tigers are in good shape 
Still, Auburn fans can take heart. Tuberville's team is ahead of schedule and in excellent shape as it enters the stretch run of the season, especially when you consider Auburn's goals going into the season. ...
Offense can't wait for Saturday 
Sunday's film session was a tough one for the Tigers' entire offensive staff and every offensive player. Absolutely nothing worked in Saturday's 17-10 loss at Mississippi State, but instead of going back to the drawing board this week, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone is going back to the past. ...
Tuberville: Title hopes on line
The good news for Auburn is this week's opponent, the Florida Gators, is more of a finesse team because its game is built on the pass. ...
Crucial game set for division leaders
Auburn joined the rest of the Southeastern Conference last Saturday - picking up its first league loss of the season, becoming the last team to do so. This Saturday the Tigers will have a fight on their hands to avoid starting a streak in the other direction as they travel to The Swamp to face Florida, the highest-ranked team in the SEC (No. 9 in the USA Today-ESPN coaches poll, No. 10 by the Associated Press). ...

Monday 10/9/2000
Tigers go back to work after first loss
"We took a step backward," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said Sunday. "We had good effort but we just made too many mistakes. The sun came up today regardless of what everybody thinks. We played five good games and we took one off. We've got a lot of work
to do." ...
Joe Medley: Auburn lost a game, not the whole season The same Auburn team that proved itself no less vulnerable than the rest of the SEC on Saturday can take heart in a vulnerable SEC. Despite the 17-10 loss at Mississippi State, the Tigers landed on a feather-soft bed and got a massage from a bedfellow named parity....
MSU rings Auburn's bell
The noise of the thousands of cow bells waved by Mississippi State football fans Saturday at Scott Field may stay with Auburn players for a while. ..
Tigers' O-Line claims blame for loss
AUBURN - Every member of Auburn's offensive line showed up early for practice Sunday afternoon. Guard Mike Pucillo, tackle Kendall Simmons, guard Hart McGarry, center Ben Nowland and tackle Jeremy Toungett met together in the Athletic Complex and watched film of Auburn's 17-10 loss at ississippi State Saturday. They noted good plays and pointed out their own bad blocks, missed assignments and poor follow-through. Against the Bulldogs, then-undefeated Auburn didn't even make a first down in the first half. The O-Line took responsibility for that....
Dunn's gamble pays off
The Bulldogs defensive coordinator bet he could beat "the riverboat gambler", Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville, at his own game. ...
Auburn defends its plan
Auburn was determined to run at Mississippi State's defense, the nation's leader against the rush. Auburn ran all right - it just didn't run far. Not until the second half did quarterback Ben Leard seriously challenge Mississippi State's pass defense, ranked 110th in the nation going into the game....
Tigers look ahead to Gators
"I think they were excited about getting back to work," said offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone. "They have a chance to redeem themselves." ...
State takes Auburn offense to the woodshed in showdown 
S TARKVILLE, Miss. - Inside the Auburn coaches' booth in the press box at Scott Field, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone kept talking to his quarterback, his offensive linemen and other assistant coaches on the sideline.

Game Summary
POST GAME NOTES
AUBURN 10, MISSISSIPPI STATE 17
AU Head Coach Tommy Tuberville: "This is as bad as it gets. We didn't do anything offensively or defensively in the first half. You can't rush the ball for 18 yards and expect to win on the road. We battled back and made some good plays in the second half." ...
AU notes: Auburn offense has tough day
Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville is now 2-4 all-time against Mississippi State, with both wins coming in Starkville. Tuberville's 1995 Ole Miss team beat the Bulldogs 13-10 and the Rebels won 15-14 in 1997. Tuberville is now 0-2 against the Bulldogs as coach of the Tigers....
AU comes up short 17-10
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) -- Dicenzo Miller ran for 124 yards and Mississippi State held Rudi Johnson to just 26 yards as the No. 20 Bulldogs beat No. 15 Auburn 17-10 on Saturday. ... 
Bulldogs control play at line of scrimmage, hand Auburn first defeat 
"It was one of those days, it was kind of like we were in slow motion," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. "Everybody was in slow motion. I don't know if it was the weather or what. We're a better football team than (the way) we played today. Much better. We're going to have to be to win any more games." ...
"I apologize to people who paid money to see that game," said Tommy Tuberville. "That's as bad as it gets."...
Tigers' offense misfires against State
But the only piling seen Saturday was a gaggle of Mississippi State defenders piling on top of Johnson. The junior tailback gained 26 yards on 18 carries as Auburn lost 17-10 at MSU's Scott Field. ...

Game Day
SEC's only unbeaten faces difficult test this weekend
ATLANTA - There's only one unbeaten team left in the Southeastern Conference after one month of play. No one would have expected that team to be Auburn, coming off two consecutive losing seasons. ...
Auburn schedule turns tougher
"This is just going to be an old-school, grind-it-out football game," Mississippi State cornerback Fred Smoot said. "I think the team with their heads screwed on straight is going to win." ...
Tigers try to take next step toward West title
A victory makes Auburn the clear favorite to win the West and play in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. An Auburn loss turns the West Division race into a free-for-all....
Best advice for betting on SEC games? Don't
Tommy Tubbs might try some tricks, but tricks are for playing against kids. State's defense is full of large, angry men. This game should be an old-fashioned, SEC physical war, straight out of the 1960s....
Road all the rage for AU
It is in those places, far away from warm and friendly Jordan-Hare Stadium, that Auburn will have its chance to prove it truly is one of the nation's elite teams....
Auburn looks for control
AUBURN, Ala. - Both 13th-ranked Auburn (5-0, 3-0 SEC) and 20th-ranked Mississippi State (3-1, 1-1 SEC) come into today's game with a lot to gain. However, unlike Auburn, the Bulldogs have a lot more to lose....
Classic SEC Showdown
This game has all the makings of a classic Southern football grudge match with the most intriguing battle up-front in the trenches. The Bulldogs bring the SEC's top-ranked rush defense (26.0 ypg) and the third-ranked rush offense (174.5 ypg) into the contest while the Tigers bring the SEC's top-ranked rush offense (195.4 ypg) and the third-ranked rush defense (91.6 ypg). ...

Friday 10/6/2000
Tigers' Daniels hopes to go from marked man to main man 
"We told him in the spring and in two-a-days that he was going to be a marked man," said Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. "If anybody was going to be marked, it was going to be him because we didn't have a running game. We do now. I think (tailback) Rudi Johnson is going to help him in the long run. I hope Ronney can see that." ...
Auburn vs. Miss. State: It's on the line 
“Mississippi State week is always real hectic for us,” senior right tackle Colin Sears said. “We’re trying to learn all of the assignments, trying to learn all the different situations, trying to find out who he’s going to send (on blitzes).”...
CBs Vital Vs. Run
"I think we've been playing pretty good the last two weeks," Walker says. "If we continue doing what we've been doing, like being more aggressive on defense, knowing where we're suppose to line up at and attacking the ball, then I think we'll be fine." ...
AU likes big games on road
AUBURN -- The Auburn football team may have the Mississippi State Bulldogs right where it wants them -- on their home turf. ...
No surprises for Tigers, State 
The game features two teams that like to run, clog things up in the middle defensively and make things happen with an occasional big play. That formula has taken Auburn to a 5-0 overall record and a 3-0 mark in the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State has followed a similar path to a 3-1 record overall and 1-1 mark in the league. ...
Auburn hopes Cobb won't have to play
"Cobb will be the first guy on the field if something were happen to Ben," Tuberville said. "It's Cobb's turn to step up and see if he can get it done. Hopefully, we won't have to see those guys unless the score gets out of hand." ...
Bulldogs brace for rumbling Rudi
The junior college transfer has also restored the running game to a school that was once synonymous with power backs, but was the worst rushing team in the country last season. ...
The Great Unknowns 
The Tigers added six freshman runners last signing day. And Johnson. A junior college All-American who gained 2,224 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last year at Butler County (Kan.), Johnson struggled during spring practice because of poor conditioning and unfamiliarity with the Auburn offense. "We knew what Rudi had done, but sometimes junior college gives you a false indication," Tuberville says. ...
Thursday 10/5/2000
Mississippi State star is king of trash talk 
"Smoot talks a lot of trash but Smoot is probably the best cornerback coming out (of college) this year," Auburn senior flanker Clifton Robinson said. "I don't blame him. If I was him, I would talk about everybody's mom, too. To be a receiver, you have to have concentration and he's trying to get under those guys' skin. He's good at it." ...
Receivers turning up everywhere for AU 
Auburn all-Southeastern Conference wide receiver Ronney Daniels busted a pass route. He ran away from the flow of the play, out of quarterback Ben Leard’s sight. Leard simply completed a 41-yard pass to Robert Johnson to set up an Auburn touchdown....
Joe Medley:SEC’s national prominence sagging this season 
Five weeks into the 2000 season, one Southeastern Conference team — Florida in the USA Today/ESPN poll — ranks among the top 10 in either of the two major polls. None made the top 10 in the Associated Press poll....
Auburn hopes it's ready for Dunn's defense 
"The scheme Coach Dunn plays is very difficult to prepare for," Leard said. "I'm going to have to play my best game of the season to even compete with them." ...
No run on Dunn
AUBURN - He's not very tall, sports a spare tire
around his middle, doesn't wear socks and will never, ever, make the cover of Gentlemen's Quarterly with his fashion habits. ...
AU's Tuberville hopes to catch Dogs napping, daydreaming of Gators 
A win over the unbeaten Tigers, coupled with his team's pounding of the Gators, would make Sherrill the favorite to win SEC coach of the year. And then if Mike DuBose should decide to leave down the road ... 
MSU banged up for Auburn game 
Davis had company in the training room Tuesday. Both offensive tackles, Pork Chop Womack (shin) and Kenric Fairchild (bruised kidney) are reportedly being held out of practice this week. Sherrill said their availability for the SEC West clash with unbeaten Auburn is unclear. ...
Sherrill saying all the right things about the Tigers
"By beating early Mississippi and LSU, and after playing us this weekend, they don't have a lot of games left," said Sherrill. "This is their sixth game, and really, this is their midseason of the year. They've done a tremendous job." ...

Friday 10/6/2000
Tigers' Daniels hopes to go from marked man to main man 
"We told him in the spring and in two-a-days that he was going to be a marked man," said Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. "If anybody was going to be marked, it was going to be him because we didn't have a running game. We do now. I think (tailback) Rudi Johnson is going to help him in the long run. I hope Ronney can see that." ...
Auburn vs. Miss. State: It's on the line 
“Mississippi State week is always real hectic for us,” senior right tackle Colin Sears said. “We’re trying to learn all of the assignments, trying to learn all the different situations, trying to find out who he’s going to send (on blitzes).”...
CBs Vital Vs. Run
"I think we've been playing pretty good the last two weeks," Walker says. "If we continue doing what we've been doing, like being more aggressive on defense, knowing where we're suppose to line up at and attacking the ball, then I think we'll be fine." ...
AU likes big games on road
AUBURN -- The Auburn football team may have the Mississippi State Bulldogs right where it wants them -- on their home turf. ...
No surprises for Tigers, State 
The game features two teams that like to run, clog things up in the middle defensively and make things happen with an occasional big play. That formula has taken Auburn to a 5-0 overall record and a 3-0 mark in the Southeastern Conference. Mississippi State has followed a similar path to a 3-1 record overall and 1-1 mark in the league. ...
Auburn hopes Cobb won't have to play
"Cobb will be the first guy on the field if something were happen to Ben," Tuberville said. "It's Cobb's turn to step up and see if he can get it done. Hopefully, we won't have to see those guys unless the score gets out of hand." ...
Bulldogs brace for rumbling Rudi
The junior college transfer has also restored the running game to a school that was once synonymous with power backs, but was the worst rushing team in the country last season. ...
The Great Unknowns 
The Tigers added six freshman runners last signing day. And Johnson. A junior college All-American who gained 2,224 yards and scored 31 touchdowns last year at Butler County (Kan.), Johnson struggled during spring practice because of poor conditioning and unfamiliarity with the Auburn offense. "We knew what Rudi had done, but sometimes junior college gives you a false indication," Tuberville says. ...
Thursday 10/5/2000
Mississippi State star is king of trash talk 
"Smoot talks a lot of trash but Smoot is probably the best cornerback coming out (of college) this year," Auburn senior flanker Clifton Robinson said. "I don't blame him. If I was him, I would talk about everybody's mom, too. To be a receiver, you have to have concentration and he's trying to get under those guys' skin. He's good at it." ...
Receivers turning up everywhere for AU 
Auburn all-Southeastern Conference wide receiver Ronney Daniels busted a pass route. He ran away from the flow of the play, out of quarterback Ben Leard’s sight. Leard simply completed a 41-yard pass to Robert Johnson to set up an Auburn touchdown....
Joe Medley:SEC’s national prominence sagging this season 
Five weeks into the 2000 season, one Southeastern Conference team — Florida in the USA Today/ESPN poll — ranks among the top 10 in either of the two major polls. None made the top 10 in the Associated Press poll....
Auburn hopes it's ready for Dunn's defense 
"The scheme Coach Dunn plays is very difficult to prepare for," Leard said. "I'm going to have to play my best game of the season to even compete with them." ...
No run on Dunn
AUBURN - He's not very tall, sports a spare tire
around his middle, doesn't wear socks and will never, ever, make the cover of Gentlemen's Quarterly with his fashion habits. ...
AU's Tuberville hopes to catch Dogs napping, daydreaming of Gators 
A win over the unbeaten Tigers, coupled with his team's pounding of the Gators, would make Sherrill the favorite to win SEC coach of the year. And then if Mike DuBose should decide to leave down the road ... 
MSU banged up for Auburn game 
Davis had company in the training room Tuesday. Both offensive tackles, Pork Chop Womack (shin) and Kenric Fairchild (bruised kidney) are reportedly being held out of practice this week. Sherrill said their availability for the SEC West clash with unbeaten Auburn is unclear. ...
Sherrill saying all the right things about the Tigers
"By beating early Mississippi and LSU, and after playing us this weekend, they don't have a lot of games left," said Sherrill. "This is their sixth game, and really, this is their midseason of the year. They've done a tremendous job." ...
Wednesday 10/4/2000
Dye, the player, goes into Hall
Those who are familiar with college football in Alabama are well versed about Pat Dye as a coach. ...
Dunn's defense blends brains with blitzing
"No matter how much you study and watch film and think about it, they're going to get to you at some point," explained Leard, a senior who will make his first career start against the Bulldogs this week....
Auburn will face biggest test so far against Mississippi State
"We're getting ready to find out what we're made out of Saturday," Tuberville said. "This will be our biggest test of the year. Mississippi State is a good team and is are coming off a great win. It will be a major test for us."...
State game suddenly a lot bigger for AU 
“It’s going to be a great football game, prime time CBS, you know, all of the things that surround the ball game. ... This is probably the biggest game that I’ve been involved in since I’ve been here.”...
Running Bulldogs gear up for Auburn 
Auburn (5-0, 3-0) leads the SEC in rushing with 195 yards a game. Mississippi State ranks third at 174. Defending the run, MSU ranks No. 1, allowing 26 yards a game; Auburn is No. 3 at 92. ...
Up next: Mississippi State
Before the season this game appeared as though it might be to see which team would stay out of the SEC West cellar, but now it could decide the division championship. Both teams have played better than expected, and Auburn surprisingly is the SEC's only undefeated team. ...
Johnson will help Daniels in long run, coach says 
"I'm fine," Daniels said. "I'm happy about it. I feel like last year my numbers were up and we were losing. So I feel like this year my numbers are down but we're winning, and that's bringing more to the team. Like I said before the season, I'd rather win and do nothing than lose and do everything." ...
Auburn's Daniels looking for breakout game
I think Number 25 will show up this week," Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said. "He's been kind of held back a little bit. It's time for him to step up to the front again."... 
S.C. linebacker commits to AU
AUBURN - Auburn picked up its sixth commitment for the 2001 football season Tuesday when a linebacker from South Carolina said he would play for the Tigers....
Giddy Tigers try to keep feet on ground
We've got a lot of young guys and they don't know anything about what it takes, and we're trying to keep it where we're not satisfied with the way we're playing right now," the Tigers' junior left tackle said. "We've got to play better. A lot of the young guys are like, 'We're playing good right now. We're going to go 13-0 and win the national championship,' and I'm like, 'Well, we've got to go win one game at a time.' ...
Tiger rookies set to face giant line
AUBURN — Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill says if you're going to sign junior college players, you better be prepared to play them. 
He should know. He's got 19 of them. ...
Auburn's offense undergoes makeover
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- When Mississippi State and Auburn last met, the Tigers' running game was nonexistent and without injured quarterback Ben Leard, the passing game wasn't much better. ...

Game Commentary  
  Auburn 33, Vandy 0
Damon Duval and special teams were the stars of this rout.  Duval averaged over 50 yards per punt, kicked a field goal, pinned the 'Dores deep several times, and threw for a touchdown.  Overall, the Tigers looked tough: the defense was overwhelming, the offense moved the ball at will, and the game plan was almost perfect.  If there were any glaring weak points, it was with second team quarterback play.  We may be in trouble if Leard gets hurt.  Next week: Miss. State.
Alabama 27, South Carolina 17
Alabama picked up a needed  win here as a loss would have certainly ended Dubose's career in Tuscaloosa.  As an Auburn fan, I would love to see Bama win the rest of their games until Auburn comes to town. Why?  Because with Dubose at Alabama, we can be assured that the Crimson Tide will always be engulfed in controversy and mediocrity.
LSU 38, Tennessee 31 
Ever since the loss to Auburn, I have said in this column that Rohan Davey needs to be the leader of the Bengal tiger offense.  Sabin finally woke up and started Davey, and he responded like a warrior, leading LSU to an impressive 38-31 overtime victory.  Even more impressive, Davey played hurt for most of the game, noticeably limping on and off the field.  The LSU win was not only big for LSU, but made the UAB win last week even more noteworthy.
UAB 47, Louisiana-Lafayette 2
A dominating performance over a weak opponent.  UAB may be the second best team in the state.
Mississippi State 47, Florida 35
If you've ever read this column, you know I've called Florida the most overrated team in America.  Well, "the emperor has no clothes" as the old story goes.  Florida's weak defense was easily exposed by a hungry MSU offense.  This was the worst example of tackling I've ever seen since Florida's 1996 bowl loss to Nebraska.   
Ole Miss 35, Kentucky 17
The 'Cats don't play defense, and it showed in this loss.  We all thought that Kentucky had a stellar offense, but then again, the best defense they have faced is Florida's.  A well-coached Ole Miss dominated this game.
Oregon 23, Washington 16
Oregon State 31, USC 21
These Oregon teams are tough.  The have only average talent, but exemplary coaching. 
Penn State 22, Purdue 20
"Even a blind hog finds an acorn every once in a while"

Auburn at Mississippi State
This will a tough, physical game.  Auburn has more talent and better coaching, but the physical style of MSU is tough to play against.  It's been my experience that many  Miss. State fans are rude and classless (My wife and I have  been cursed the last two times we've been to Starkville); and that bell ringing is obnoxious.  However, they do have a good team; but are very capable of getting beat.  My prediction: Auburn 28, MSU 21