BREAK UP THE TIGERS

Auburn actually won a football game!!!!

it's been a long time since i could say that. and i witnessed the winning first hand, as i was at the Homecoming game yesterday vs. Tennessee-Martin. to say it was an enjoyable experience would be stretching. Auburn played like shit for most of the first three quarters letting TN-Martin hang around until Kodi Burns suddenly realized he was a lot better at running the ball than he was at throwing it. rushing for 2 touchdowns in the 2nd half and 158 yards total on the ground, leading the Tigers to a 37-20 victory and saving Tuberville's job for at least a few more weeks.

but before the points onslaught at the end of the game, this one felt very much in doubt. Auburn started strong as they have in most of their games this season by scoring a touchdown on the opening kickoff but then Robert Dunn fumbled a punt into the endzone that gave TN-Martin a 7-7 tie. Auburn then kicked a few field goals and got a short touchdown by Brad Lester to take a 20-7 lead. unfortunately TN-Martin was able to score again on a long drive to close out the first half and that's about the time "the fear" started to creep in. i'd seen this game WAY too many times this season and i knew how it usually ended. when the Skyhawks (yes that's really their school's nickname) scored to open the 3rd quarter and tied it up 20-20, i was pretty much assuming Auburn was about to lose for the first time in school history to a DIAA team and that Tommy Tuberville would likely be fired on Monday...but then thankfully Kodi took over on the ground and saved us all the embarrassment and shame of losing to a cupcake school.

there really weren't many positives, if any, to take away from this game. i mean it's good that Auburn FINALLY got a win. they needed it bad. but this really felt like a microcosm of the entire season. the offense looked inept. the kick coverage is awful. the defense was banged up and couldn't get pressure on the QB. the safeties still can't cover anyone. and if you are a QB who is interested in moving the chains, well just look to the middle of the field against the Tigers because it's wide open all fucking day. the only good things that can be said were that WE DID WIN THE GAME...and at this point, even wins over lower division cupcakes should be looked at positively.

some other thoughts about the game.

Tommy Trott has become Kodi Burn's go to receiver. he's got zero ability to make anyone miss, but he's at least able to catch the damn ball and move the chains. if Auburn had a solid QB then i think Trott could be ALL SEC...maybe next season.

Tristan Davis continues to be Auburn's most criminally underused weapon. the guy has the best fucking speed on the team and can take a play for 60 yards anytime he touches the ball. the fact that he hasn't been the starting running back all year is insane. when i look at him taking those kickoffs for touchdowns i see wasted potential. Auburn should have had him the backfield these last four years as a lethal change of pace back for Kenny Irons and as the go to guy this year. i know injuries have slowed him down, but when he has been healthy he's rarely seen any action outside of special teams and as a lead blocker!??!?! are you kidding me. i totally see Davis getting signed to some NFL team as a free agent to return kick offs and then because of injury to a starter will get into an NFL game and have a huge game and people will be asking who the hell he is and where'd he come from and Auburn fans will be kicking chairs and cursing Tuberville's name.

Kodi Burns IS the Future of this Auburn football team. i just don't think that being the QB is the future he should be pursuing. the kid can't throw the football with any accuracy to save his life...but he's got great speed and great moves and is the best damn runner on the team. a simple solution should be made regarding Mr. Burns. turn him into a runningback. he's built like one. he can break tackles and make people miss. he's got a great second gear and he could probably put on a few more pounds of muscle and find himself taking handoffs on Sundays. whoever is coaching this team next year needs to make this happen.