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by Ryan
11-20-06
What made this win so great was that Alabama was playing for their pride, respect, the stability of their coach, even possibly playing for a chance to play in a bowl, the only reason that Auburn wanted to win was because we think jokes involving counting fingers are hilarious. As it turns out, Auburn’s love for demeaning comedy is stronger than Alabama’s desire to escape mediocrity.
I was honestly scared going into this year’s Iron Bowl. Auburn was
once again going into a dangerous game with too much confidence. Kenny Irons
requested that practice end early so that he could wait in line for a PS3
for crying out loud! http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5694252&nav=menu91_2
I was scared to death that Kenny would be up all night playing his new PlayStation
3 the night before the game. From what I saw at the game, I would say that
he probably played too much PlayStation the night before.
As predicted, this year’s Iron Bowl was one of the most intense battles of the past few years. The momentum switched at least 6 times and despite the overall sloppiness of the game, yet it was ultimately the most entertaining game of the year… for Auburn fans. To put it fairly, Auburn was one forced fumble away from this game going into overtime. Plus John Parker Wilson almost cried after he was choke-slammed by Quentin Groves for the first time. It was as if he could see the second one coming.
So what separated Auburn from Alabama Saturday? Alabama outgained Auburn offensively 364 to 261. Kenny Irons, Brad Lester, and Brandon Cox all played hurt, while Courtney Taylor played maybe a down or two and then was out for the game. Alabama came into the game angry and had a vicious crowd to assist them. How did the Tigers come out with a win? Coaching.
Auburn will continue to beat Alabama each year until the Crimson Tide can come up with some coaches that can compete mentally and emotionally with the Auburn coaching staff. Mike Shula can’t seem to get over his obsession with losing. And despite the two big letdowns this season for Auburn, I give Tuberville and company major kudos for winning every close game we had this year. Auburn was a few touchdowns away from having a 7-5 season. Tubbs definitely knows how to grind out a win, maybe better than anyone else in the country.
Now let’s talk about how right I was about everything:
1) Predicted Turnovers: 5 -- Actual Turnovers: 5 (Auburn – 1, Alabama
– 4)
2) Predicted 4 plays for 40+ yards -- Actual 4 plays for 30+ yards (kinda
close)
And in the words of the great Kacie Jackson as posted on my facebook wall:
3) There was a dumb animal that ran across the field with a flag
4) A band came out on the field, Alas it was Lynard Skynard but no one cheered
5) And… there were several mullets – but no surprise there!
Now for some more predictions:
Arkansas vs. LSU
Arkansas is looking more and more like the real deal. Arkansas is playing
for the slight hope of a National Championship bid, and LSU is playing for
a chance to get wasted later that night. LSU has a lot more riding on this
one. I pick LSU to come alive in a 21-17 upset.
Florida vs. Florida State
This won’t even be a game. Tebow will take over in the second half and
will dominate, giving me all the more reason to hate him. Florida wins 31-3.
**Bonus Prediction!**
Urban Meyer will play the run too much in the next year and Tebow will suffer
the inevitable fate of a running quarterback in the SEC and undergo a series
of concussions and broken ribs.
Louisville vs. Pittsburgh
Can we go back to not caring about the Big East? Pittsburgh wins by a score
of “who cares?” to “who gives?”
Georgia vs. Georgia Tech
Both of these teams have a knack for beating Auburn. Auburn’s raptor
center trains our new War Eagle VII “Nova” to carry little rodent-sized
nuclear bombs and Athens is reduced to ashes in a 7-7 tie. No animals will
be injured, including the stupid Bulldog XXI or whatever its called.
Notre Dame vs. USC
The only prediction I can give is that America loses. The winner of this game
will probably leapfrog everyone and Lou Holtz and Lee Corso will be overcome
with joy at the expense of justice and all that is good in this world.
Iron Bowl thoughts
from Booch Chiggins coming soon!
War Eagle!
Ryan can be contacted
at ryan@theauburner.com
