We got back from the Florida - Auburn game about 2:30 in the morning then got up at 7:30 this morning to get ready to leave and just arrived home. So I haven't posted until now. That was a tough hard hitting game and the most deserving team won. Auburn just wouldn't be denied. I don't see how they lost two games prior to this. The Gators had our chance after tying the game then getting the ball back on our 41 yard line. But Auburn made the stop, we punt short then Auburn makes a tough hard nosed drive to get the winning field goal. A tough loss for the Gators but a well earned win for Auburn. And for the record it was a well called game. I had a nice experience with an Auburn couple on the way out of the stadium. Auburn really travels with a lot of fans to their away games. As you might expect on the way out of the stadium, from the top level, we were surrounded by a lot of Auburn fans and they were cheering and having a great time. Then they started doing the Tomahawk chop, I thought they might be taunting us Gators with an FSU chop so I asked a nice lady in front of us, don't you have cheers of your own after winning a big game like this? She and her husband were very pleasant and said that is their War Eagle cheer. I felt very foolish and got into a conversation with her and her husband while we filed down the three story ramp. I complemented them on the win and they were really gracious and told us how much they enjoyed their trip to Gainesville. The husband made a comment that their defense worked better against speed teams. I'm not sure how that works, but sure cannot deny the result. All in all it was a nice post game experience with a couple of nice fans. Make no doubt Auburn deserved this win, and also the Gators showed a lot of heart coming back to tie the game. We just couldn't finish it off. More in another post. But congratulations to the Auburn fans. I believe their team may give a lot of people trouble the rest of the season.
One additional comment I would like to make is the youth of the Gator defense. Our starting back 7 behind the Defensive line has one senior, the other 6 players are all either true freshmen, redshirt freshmen or true sophmores. Two of them are true freshmen, one Corner and one Safety. One of the Defensive ends is also a true sophmore. In addition to that when it was an obvious passing situation the two DT's were both true freshmen. So on passing situations we had 8 players who were true freshmen, redshirt freshmen or true sophmores. I only mention this as my way of saying the future for this young defense is very bright. I never believed we could get through this season and return to the BCS Championship game, and now think the SEC Championship game is possible but not probable On the other side of the field the winning field goal was kicked by a freshman.
Gator Bill, A bit off topic here, but I wanted to be sure you would see my post. You certainly were right about Zook knocking someone off and it was the Nittany Lions. I look for a lot more so called upsets this season around the country. Glad you made the trip home safely. Don
ahh yes, the actual football topic <t>it was a great game Bill. The Gators were using two freshman that we lost the recruiting war on and man, I sure am sorry we didn't get them. Trattou and that FS.... wow, I can't imagine either of those two not starting for us right now.<br/> <br/> Auburn is a weird team under Tubbs. He is constantly NOT prepared for the teams he should beat, but seemingly his team is sky high for 'big' games.<br/> <br/> I'd say those Auburn fans have a great take on their team's defense. Many of the offenses in the SEC are now spread option, or short quick-hitting pass offenses. Auburn usually has a smaller but incredibly fast defense under Tubbs. First man flies to the ball, stands up the ball and the rest flock to gang tackle. Where they are weak is when the other team is big, physical and decides they aren't going to run around you to get the edge, but rather right over you. Miss State and South Florida are both very physical teams that tend to attack you between the tackles.. If Auburn's offense can't maintain possession of the ball, their little defense will stay on the field all day and wear down.</t>
Thanks Corey, I think the Free Safety you are talking about is Major Wright and he is now the starter. Trattau has been coming in as a defensive tackle in passing situations. And I agree about Tuberville and being ready for big games. This game was not really that big of an upset and us being a 17 point favorite was crazy.
Thanks Don. As to Zook, I think he will be a factor in the Big 10. Now whether he is able to improve his game day coaching enough to win the conference that is another matter. But he will recruit the players. I always felt he was not given a chance at Florida by way to many fans. I did feel he needed to go when he did though. Regardless I watch him with interest and hope he is successful.
!! <t>Bill you are really putting on the miles lately!!<br/> <br/> Trattou a DT? That's interesting.</t>
Actually Terry since coming here in May we've been to Michigan once and Florida twice other than that we've been in N. Carolina or the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains. We are taking one more trip to Florida for Thanksgiving and the FSU game. Yes Trattou plays tackle on some passing situations. Our two starting DT's are pretty good at stopping the run but not so good at rushing the passer so the've been using some of the freshmen there on passing downs.
Bill I may be going to the UF @ USCe game and am thinking about making it a 4-5 day weekend. What's the status of the Fall leaf change in W NC and N Ga around the 11/10/07 weekend?
I can't say for sure Gaterz, we haven't been up here that time of year before. There are signs of the leaf change now but my understanding is we need a frost and we sure haven't had one of those. But I'll keep you informed. You may have to remind me though.
Guys, In a normal year, the leaves in that area start turning in early to mid October. By mid November, most of the leaves re on the ground. This year has seen much lower than normal rain fall in the Eastern Tennessee/Western North Carolina mountains. The fall change could be over by 11/10 and never reach the beauty of a normal year.