We seemed to start the game nice and crisp, but missed a FG. We ran into a very
sharp team last night. CMR has given
Auburn credit all year long. We went into
the game expecting to make things tight for them for the first time in awhile.
We never mounted anything to get them shook after the early drive.
Reggie Brown – everything has been positive. CMR knew pretty quick he would
be OK. Reggie wanted pretty early on to get up and move around. Ron Courson
spent time with him today and he seems OK.
We never knew for sure where Cadillac and Ronnie were going. Borges has done
a great job of getting them to block and decoy for each other. Plus, their OL
and WRs did a great job blocking.
Thomas Brown did a nice job for us. We were ready to play Milton more, but it
was a cool night and with so many TV timeouts, we thought TB was fresh. He did
a good job running and receiving.
We’ve got a huge game against Tech; last home game for our seniors and we want
to give them a good sendoff. It's Tech, and that’s we really need to be
playing for.
Roy in Roswell – still proud of our team, with a chance for three 10-win seasons.
What’s the difference between the west coast offense and what we do? Also, any
chance we can find ways to get two tailback types on the field at the same time
next year? Lots of ideas as to what the west coast offense is .. CMR was reading
Walsh’s book – it’s a controlled passing game, using multiple formations, to
control the ball as opposed to using a pounding running game. We started camp
with the idea of using two TBs at the same time but Lumpkin’s injury caused
us to scrap that. We thought Lumpkin could be the TB and Ware could work at
FB some. Plus, the Auburn guys are in their 4th year.
Rick in Woodstock thanked CMR for getting our expectations up to where 8-2 is
disappointing. Calloway is really hard-nosed coach and CMR says he’s the one
turning it more into finesse and play-action. Whether we’ve been over-rated
or underachieved, the jury is still out. We were in position to win every game.
The other game we lost to Tenn. was close enough to go either way.
My question & Matt from Marietta’s question concerned special teams – numbers
are getting back up to where we can work to get back to the level we were the
last few years. Lots of things go into field position, including moving the
ball and getting the other team stopped. We’ve had to field several high snaps
this year. The kick Andy missed yesterday was the first one he really mis-hit,
striking the top of the ball. The others he missed were just barely.
We have to be ready for the Tech game and CMR is sure the fans will be ready.
We don’t have many seniors but they’ve given us an awful lot.
Andrew in Columbus wonders why we didn’t meet expectations many had for us,
meaning we’re not going to compete for the SEC or national title, and is surprised
we got manhandled as we did yesterday. When expectations are national title
or bust, more teams than not end up bust. CMR is as hurt as anyone. In this
last game, we couldn’t stop Auburn’s high-powered offense. We got blocked. On
offense, every time we had a chance to do something good, we did something wrong.
And our kicking teams have been cold more times than not. We play in a strong
league and can’t win every time though we’d like to. Auburn got through their
tough game against
LSU and took momentum from that game. We would like to have
made it a better ball game and were surprised and hurt. CMR hopes fans understand
we still have a lot to play for.
Ed in Cumming wanted to know how Thurman and T. Davis graded out. CMR watched
a bit of TV tape and knows both played hard and hit hard. We’re always looking
for LBs in recruiting and there are some very good ones in state. Today was
the first day off for the coaches in an eight-week stretch. Another caller (Tommy)
noted Odell and TD were hitting hard, but maybe were trying too hard to play
run and got burned on pass plays. CMR said that’s why Auburn is so good – they
run well and know when to throw off play fakes. Davis was all over their guy
on their last TD pass but the ball was thrown perfectly.
Munson saw CMR at the movies this afternoon – good movie, plus popcorn and coke
helped CMR stay awake. CMR & family saw The Incredibles.
Steve in Atlanta asked if the
Tennessee & Auburn losses were more mental
or physical, and is all for a playoff in college football. CMR thinks a lot
of it is lots of evenly matched teams, and noted in 2002 that we had a bunch
of close games, winning all but one. Auburn is one team this year that has not
had many close games. A year ago, on paper they were more experienced and we
had an excellent game against them.
When you get a playoff system, you may get what you want at the end but what
would it do to the regular season? You may lose something in the process.
Scott in Arcade wants us to finish the drill with recruits we’re looking at
who were visiting at Auburn yesterday. We go head to head with Auburn a lot.
Recruits look for their opportunity after being in-state. In any given year,
we might have an opportunity for DTs and get some, then a DT the next year might
see we signed three DTs this year and decide he has a better opportunity at
Auburn.
Jason wants to know what opportunities might be out there for Odell, MJG, et
al. CMR thinks coaches can’t wait until after the bowl game to speak to guys
like that now. CMR plans to talk to ours soon about what might be in their best
interest. If you’re a coach, you should be in it for what’s in the best interest
of the players.
Dave in Stone Mtn. – concerned about penalties that seem to be lack of concentration
(boneheaded, says CMR half-jokingly). Also, we seem tired and the off
week will help. What about a penalty on the hit Reggie Brown took – in the NFL,
there would be a fine and suspension. CMR: no excuse for not having enough guys
on the line of scrimmage, especially on the punt team. CMR also thinks the whole
team is tired but hopes you get juiced up with adrenaline but Auburn had more.
CMR also doesn’t think the Auburn player was trying to hurt Reggie or hit him
helmet-to-helmet. If officials deem a player is using his helmet as a weapon
it is dangerous for everyone.
CMR talked more about Reggie Brown, saying he could tell Reggie would be OK.
Our fans chanting for Reggie was great, then their fans joined in and it became
surreal. CMR thought it was very classy on the part of all the fans there.
Wayne in Mobile – says we could still win the east since Tennessee’s QBs are
hurt .. gave props to Ronnie Cottrell .. and says Danny Sheridan predicts we
will go to the Cotton Bowl vs. Texas. Wayne also thinks we should wear white
at home for the Tech game but CMR says we like doing it the way we do it.
Lewis asked about recruiting – this week the coaches will be on the road and
at HS playoff games this weekend. This is the last week of the evaluation period.
Then recruiting picks up after the Tech game.
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