AUBURN SHUTS OUT MISSISSIPPI STATE 34 - 0

RATING THE TIGERS
Box Score  Play by Play Recap

Overall Grade: A

Offense:  B+
The B+ on offense was based on our inability to run the ball at will.  MSU stacked the line and keyed on Irons, effectively shutting him down (only 68 yards rushing).  Again Brad Lester did a good job, as his slashing running style seemed to keep the MSU defense off guard.  Brandon Cox seemed to be more on target with his passes this week, and Courtney Taylor came ready to play.  The offensive line only allowed one sack, although Cox was hurried a couple of times.  Rod Smith had a great game, although he lost a fumble near the end zone.  If we could have one back break a 100 yards rushing, I would have graded the offense a solid A - but keep in mind, this MSU defense will be rated among the toughest in the SEC.

Auburn has really shown diversity in their first two weeks, throwing for 277 of 338 total yards this week, after running for 298 of 484 against Washington State.  From what I've heard from the insiders, we'll take the wraps off the offense this week against LSU, and play a more explosive playbook than we have seen so far.

Defense: A+
I have a hard time faulting a defensive unit that pitches a shut-out.  A couple of times receivers got behind the defensive backs, but the MSU quarterback never could make the throws when they counted.  The defense was swarming, and we got to see many young players on Saturday.  Look for a rougher, tougher, defensive effort next week,  with some new blitz and cover packages designed to exploit the quickness of the LSU personnel.

Special Teams: A
John Vaughn was on target again with another career long field goal of 55 yards.  Robert Dunn still looked a little shaky returning punts, as he fumbled one, and problems getting up field.  I'd still like to see what Tristan Davis or Brad Lester could do in that position. 

Coaching: A
Another good game plan and a disciplined approach.  Auburn put up a very conservative offense and defense, as that was all it took to win these games convincingly.  I know we hear this all the time, but Auburn has only used approximately 10% of the available playbook.  Expect to see much more next week against LSU.  

Let's see more of:
$25 ticket prices.  The face value our Auburn - Mississippi State tickets were $22.86.  Mississippi State is one of the only schools in the SEC where a family of four can see a football game for less than $100.  The stadium was immaculate, and the food prices were half the cost they are at other stadiums.

Most SEC schools have forgotten about the middle class families, and are catering to corporate ticket buyers and big-time money contributors.  Mandatory donations are making it impossible for many families to continue buying season tickets.  I suggest a tiered seating arrangement, where the big donors still get their seats, and pay a much larger premium to do so. The more you donate, the better your seats, and the more they cost.  Let one section be designated the corporate section, as corporations routinely buy 30 blocks or so of seats, and give them their employees who in turn, sell to scalpers.  Where do you think the scalpers get the handfuls of tickets for sale outside the stadium every Saturday?  They are corporate tickets! Let  parts of the upper deck be the "cheap" seats ($20 to $25 a seat), and family friendly.  Another idea that we could borrow from the Atlanta Braves is to save the top two rows of seats for sale on game-day only, and for $5 or $10 a ticket.   Just some "off-the-cuff" suggestions ......

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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