Friday, October 15, 2004
AU Preview: Arkansas
This week's game at Auburn (2:30 PM CST, CBS) features an Arkansas team that has plagued us recently. This is a dangerous time of year for Auburn, as the team has a historical tendency to look ahead to upcoming games against Georgia and Alabama. Who else remembers two years ago, against Arknasas, at Auburn? Yeah, that was fugly. Onto ESPN's take.
When Arkansas has the ball
Matt Jones is the source of all evil. The Matt Jones that plays for Arkansas is the center of their offense, and is the only returning starter from last year's offense. He has almost single-handedly kept Arkansas in games against Texas and Florida, and put Alabama away with some key scrambling plays. Fortunately, unlike past seasons, this Auburn team has fared well against scrambling QBs at Mississippi State and Tennessee. Arkansas has few threats at WR, and the Auburn LB corps is fast enough to contain Jones on the run. Arkansas does have three usable RBs who can run behind a strong OL to wear down Auburn's front 7. Arkansas' rush offense against Auburn's rush defense should be the key to the game.
When Auburn has the ball
Auburn has enough depth at WR to come out in 3-WR sets to make Arkansas pay for the 8 and 9-man defensive fronts that will be needed to even attempt to hold back Williams and Brown of Auburn. Arkansas has a quick defensive line, but they are not overly strong and can wear down, as there is little depth behind the starters. A few short passes and a large dosage of the Cadillac and the Hummer should kill Arkansas' defense as the game goes on.
Bottom Line
The X-factor in this game is how well Tommy Tuberville and the Auburn coaching staff can keep the team focused in spite of tons of positive media coverage. Hype killed this team last year, and could do so again this year. Matt Jones is also a master of keeping his undermatched team in games, and even winning them. Arkansas has had an extra week to prepare, and should put up an excellent fight. That said, Auburn just has too much talent to lose this game.
ESPN's Prediction: Auburn 29, Arkansas 26.
Jason's Notes:
Talent-wise, we should win this game by 10. It's the intangibles that are up in the air. If Auburn stays focused, it's a definate win. If there are any mental lapses, Matt Jones will make us pay and make a great game of it. The key is whether or not there will be enough Auburn mistakes for Jones and Arkansas to turn into a win. I'm betting that there won't be.
Sorry about the lateness of this preview, but I've had higher sports priorities lately (not one word, or I swear I'll ban all of you!). Since this game is televised on CBS regionally (not sure about nationally, Bubba would know better than I would), I fully expect a good number of comments out of you people. Those who are not watching with a CPU should post after-the-fact comments here, as well. I should be at the game with SB (and hopefully Jessica). War Eagle!
When Arkansas has the ball
Matt Jones is the source of all evil. The Matt Jones that plays for Arkansas is the center of their offense, and is the only returning starter from last year's offense. He has almost single-handedly kept Arkansas in games against Texas and Florida, and put Alabama away with some key scrambling plays. Fortunately, unlike past seasons, this Auburn team has fared well against scrambling QBs at Mississippi State and Tennessee. Arkansas has few threats at WR, and the Auburn LB corps is fast enough to contain Jones on the run. Arkansas does have three usable RBs who can run behind a strong OL to wear down Auburn's front 7. Arkansas' rush offense against Auburn's rush defense should be the key to the game.
When Auburn has the ball
Auburn has enough depth at WR to come out in 3-WR sets to make Arkansas pay for the 8 and 9-man defensive fronts that will be needed to even attempt to hold back Williams and Brown of Auburn. Arkansas has a quick defensive line, but they are not overly strong and can wear down, as there is little depth behind the starters. A few short passes and a large dosage of the Cadillac and the Hummer should kill Arkansas' defense as the game goes on.
Bottom Line
The X-factor in this game is how well Tommy Tuberville and the Auburn coaching staff can keep the team focused in spite of tons of positive media coverage. Hype killed this team last year, and could do so again this year. Matt Jones is also a master of keeping his undermatched team in games, and even winning them. Arkansas has had an extra week to prepare, and should put up an excellent fight. That said, Auburn just has too much talent to lose this game.
ESPN's Prediction: Auburn 29, Arkansas 26.
Jason's Notes:
Talent-wise, we should win this game by 10. It's the intangibles that are up in the air. If Auburn stays focused, it's a definate win. If there are any mental lapses, Matt Jones will make us pay and make a great game of it. The key is whether or not there will be enough Auburn mistakes for Jones and Arkansas to turn into a win. I'm betting that there won't be.
Sorry about the lateness of this preview, but I've had higher sports priorities lately (not one word, or I swear I'll ban all of you!). Since this game is televised on CBS regionally (not sure about nationally, Bubba would know better than I would), I fully expect a good number of comments out of you people. Those who are not watching with a CPU should post after-the-fact comments here, as well. I should be at the game with SB (and hopefully Jessica). War Eagle!
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Cheese induced nostalgia.
Saturday night, I found myself in a moment of nostalgia. I was enjoying a tupperware bowl of mac & cheese (AKA "The Stuff") during a football game.
One method to general happiness that I preach is to enjoy the simple things in life. Mac & Cheese played a crucial role in my intake of calories during my time at Auburn. (I have Jared to thank for introducing me to it's glory.) I thought about the Friday evenings of Kraft goodness, complimented by a bean bag chair in a "cozy" dorm room, along with a rerun of sportscenter. It was always good to mix up a few moments of simplicity among a week of craziness.
That is all. Don't forget to enjoy the little things in life, and don't forget the secret to happiness: 1 1/2 cups water, pasta, 3 minutes, stir, 3 minutes, stir, 3 minutes, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup milk, cheese sauce, mix, enjoy.
One method to general happiness that I preach is to enjoy the simple things in life. Mac & Cheese played a crucial role in my intake of calories during my time at Auburn. (I have Jared to thank for introducing me to it's glory.) I thought about the Friday evenings of Kraft goodness, complimented by a bean bag chair in a "cozy" dorm room, along with a rerun of sportscenter. It was always good to mix up a few moments of simplicity among a week of craziness.
That is all. Don't forget to enjoy the little things in life, and don't forget the secret to happiness: 1 1/2 cups water, pasta, 3 minutes, stir, 3 minutes, stir, 3 minutes, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup milk, cheese sauce, mix, enjoy.
