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A CHANGING OF THE GUARD . . .
NO, MAYBE UNDERWEAR
February 3, 2010 is the date that will live in infamy. This is the date that Auburn Football Team surprised Alabama’s as not only the supreme team in the state, but in the nation. Never mind the 26 victories out of 28 games. It does not matter that Alabama has had two number one recruiting titles the last three years and having a top five this year. It does not mean anything that Alabama is the defending National Champion. No, Auburn’s number three recruiting class catapults Auburn all the way to number one.
Another great argument for Auburn’s rise to glory is their last season’s record. Auburn fans daily remain listeners on local sports call-in shows, that Coach Cheez-it’s record was better than Saban’s first year. Top it off with 32 signees versus Alabama 26, then look out.
What happened with Auburn’s 8-5 record may be explained by what we at WFB, Writer’s For Bama, is the Bowden effect: where a new coach comes into a new program and does better than expected. Little Terry Bowden blows into Auburn in 1993 and reels off an undefeated season in his first year. Another example of the Bowden effect is Charlie Weiss at Notre Dame, they are basically one hit wonders.
Auburn lost their starting QB and running back. News flash to incoming signees, the SEC defenses are faster than high school and junior colleges. If they are put in a situation where it will be hard to succeed, then chances are, success will be limited.
Does Cheez-it’s staff have the ability to galvanize the veterans and incoming freshman into a cohesive unit? Will the veterans welcome them and take them under their wings, even if some of the freshman will take their job? These are questions that will have to have a positive outcome or the team will look like Tuberville’s last Auburn team.
How will the incoming freshman re-act next year when Gus Malzolm leaves for a head coaching job? Trooper, Luper, Sneezy and Grumpy are also reported to be looking elsewhere.
Then there is the threat of NCAA involvement if Coach Dan Mullins of Mississippi State makes good on his threat to turn Auburn in for recruitment violations concerning Cam Newton.
None of this matters however, Auburn beat Alabama in recruiting finishing 3 to Bama’s 5. Bama finished 5 despite losing their top 3 prospects on the last day. The Auburn Family is giddy with excitement. Even Scarbinsky seems to be openly rooting for Auburn as well as most of the sports talk talent on WJOX.
Bama haters unite, Auburn has had one good recruiting year and will beat Alabama for the next 5 years. Well goodbye everybody . . . . I’M HEADED TO TOOMERS CORNER . . . SEE YA IN ATLANTA.
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