AUBURN DEFEATS LSU IN A DEFENSIVE SLUGFEST

RATING THE TIGERS
Box Score  Play by Play Recap

Overall Grade: A+
A good, old-fashioned SEC slugfest with Auburn coming out on top.  There isn't much difference between these two teams, Neither team may lose again this year.  This one was a instant classic!
 

Offense:  B
They scored enough to win, and made enough plays to rest the defense.  The offensive line allowed penetration, and gave up 3 sacks, but the LSU defense will make most teams look bad.  Some things that need to be corrected:  several times defensive linemen made into the Auburn backfield untouched, and LSU was allowed to run the same exact play unmolested 3 straight times toward the end of the game. Cox was on target when he had to be, and showed toughness after his injury.  Irons was wrapped up most of the game by the speedy LSU defense, but had some runs that really showed heart.  Carl Stewart had a break-out game with the longest pass reception of the day, a 19 yard fullback sprint-out, hat set up the winning touchdown.

Defense: A+
What can you say - when you hold the #6 team in the nation (with an explosive offense to boot) to 3 points, you are playing great!  The defensive lineman, ends, and linebackers all played a great game.  The secondary allowed receivers to get behind them at times, and made some mistakes that can be blamed on youth.  Will Herring and David Irons made some textbook tackles, the other defensive backs would do well to watch the film and see how to wrap the ball carrier up after they hit them.  We also found out Saturday that Eric Brock is a prime time player and that we have some real, but young talent in the secondary!  I've don't think I've ever seen a quicker defense at Auburn!

Special Teams: A
Kody Bliss was the AuburnFootball.com MVP.  He kept LSU in a hole for most of the game, and was a genius at kick placement.  The LSU voodoo curse continues with John Vaughn, who missed a 26 yard chip shot field goal on his only field goal attempt of the day.

Coaching: A
The defensive coaches called a near perfect game.  We probably won't see a better defensive game this year!  Offense play calling emphasized ball control.  Good coaching, lots of emotion on the sideline, and a great game plan makes for a great team.

Injury Report:
1) TE Cole Bennett left with an injury.  Cole will be out 3 to 4 weeks with a broken ankle.  He will have surgery today (9-18-2006).
2) Pat Sims left with an injury.  He is reported to have a twisted knee and will be out 1 to 2 days, but may rest this week and take off against Buffalo.
3) Jonathan Wilhite left with an injury.  Jonathan should be back this week from preliminary reports.
4) Patrick Lee was unable to play due to pre-game sickness- he'll be back this week.
5) Sears and Blackmon still suspended and did not play.  Sears will play next week against Buffalo.  Blackmon is still suspended.
 

Let's see more of:
Tough opponents.  The non-conference schedule this year is horrible.  PAC "cellar dweller" Washington State, Buffalo, Tulane, and Arkansas State are all paid for victories.  Didn't we learn anything in 2004?  We need to see more "brand name" opponents, and only then will we start getting the benefit of the doubt with the pollsters.
 

Of course, these are just our opinions ... please add your own contributions to our message boards!

More to come ....  WAR EAGLE!

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