Hen are we allowed to edit our picks?

[Hubbs]

With the resignation of Al Borges and the Franklin hire comming in the next few days I would like to substitute my Auburn +2 pick with Cincy -11. If its not possible its cool.

I think Franklin will be a good hire for Auburn but it sounds like Auburn may be using these bowl practices to implement a new scheme and terminology. If I were really betting and I didnt have any affection twords Auburn Clemson -2 is looking good.

[Blue Hen]

Good question. We've never really had that request before and there are no rules for or prohibiting edits. I'll change Aub + 2 to Cincy -11, Hubbs.

[Lincoln Tower]

Al Borges seemed like he was a pretty good coach. What happened?

[aufan59]

101th in offense happened. Two bad years in a row, and a QB who had no arm strength happened. If you throw out the 3 yard TD run set up by a fumble against LSU, the only game SEC game auburn scored more than two TDs in was against Vandy.

[Lincoln Tower]

Didnt they just go through 3 OCs in 3 yrs before Borges?

[Hubbs]

Borges inherited multiple NFL players in 2004 and did what a good coach would do and cordinated Auburn to 25th nationally. The following season Auburn actually increased their PPG average after losing Carnell and Ronnie and Jason Campbell. Impressive yes, but he still had Armoshodu Obamonu and Courtny Taylor and Irons a 2nd round pick. In 2006 AUburn had a drastic decline in offensive production dropping to 86th I believe in total offense. This season Auburn was horrendous at 101st.


So lets look at this:

2004 Auburn 25th offense
2005 Auburn 35th offense
2006 Auburn 86th offense
2007 Auburn 101st offense

Borges inherited a gold mine and did well with it (proving he is good) but didnt maintain or recruit well enough. The numbers dont lie. Cox didnt help the situation but Borges shouldn't have put all his apples in Cox basket. Zero QB developement under him (he was the QB coach). I could go on and on.

[Hubbs]

http://www.troytrojans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87292&SPID=10377&DB_OEM_ID=17200&ATCLID=937178&Q_SEASON=2007

[Lincoln Tower]

OK...I see. I do remember a lot of talk about Campbell not developing b/c of all the turnover he had to go through. It would seem stability would be nice, but those are pretty staggering numbers.

I can't help but be reminded of 2004 when it seemed like Tressel was wasting talent and I thought he and OC Jim Bollman were in over their heads. Looking back, they had talent, but it was very young and they just needed time. Now, I feel pretty confident in their ability to run an offensive system. I know that youth was a problem for this years Auburn team, so maybe that led to some of it.

Also, Tressel was able to bench Justin Zwick and bring in Troy Smith. Nice when your plan B works out really well. Was it Borges fault putting to much faith into Cox or Tuberville's fault for not having recruited a backup? Or both?

Somewhat relevant, it wasn't a good year for that 2004 Auburn backfield health wise. Carnell and Brown had serious injuries (Brown's costing me my fantasy season), and Campbell, after a solid season with very "meh" receivers, gets hurt as well. Heck, even Brandon Jacobs was banged up for a few games.

[Hubbs]

Petrino left after 2002, The Nall and Emsinger experiment didnt pan out in 2003 so they remained on staff at TE and OL. And then Borges. I dont blame Borges completely but he had no backup plan for Cox. He didnt do well reclcling his offense and teams could just set on the in route our slant cause they knew Cox couldnt get the ball past their shoulder. Brandon Cox was a gritty tough guy. But he held Auburn back big time IMO and cost Borges his job. If Tubbs wanted to fire somebody he should fire the WR coach Knox. He is a joke. Anyway GL with LSU I see a favorable matchup for you guys. Should be a good CG. I have LSU by 7 but I could see an OSU win. LSU isnt Florida when it comes to rushing the passer and if Auburn can score 24 on LSU I know OSU can. Should be a fun game.

[Lincoln Tower]

I didn't realize Petrino was the OC there. I do remember Auburn almost canned Tuberville for him. Interesting to see how he does at Arkansas.

As for tOSU, unlike last year, we have the underdog role on our side. Unfortunately, we don't have near as much talent as most BCS title game teams in the past have had.

Boeckman will be the key. He's gonna have to make a few plays and not turn the ball over. If he does, we'll be ok.