Chizik, Auburn End First Year with Reason for Hope

As Auburn left the field of Jordan-Hare Stadium Friday afternoon after a heartbreaking loss to rival and second ranked Alabama 26-21, there was a sense of accomplishment that seemed to prevail among many Auburn fans.


Although Auburn didn't come away with a win that would have no doubt been one of the bigger upsets in series history, the fans, coaches, and players left with a feeling that the future was bright.

Holding a Heisman leading candidate in Mark Ingram to 30 yards rushing can do that. So can scoring 21 points on a defense that was averaging giving up 11 points a game.

Auburn was tied or leading for 58:30 against what some call the best college football team in the nation, there was a lot to be proud of.

At the same time you can't help but look back and realize what could have been for this 2009 season.

Auburn held a 14-7 lead at home to Kentucky going into the fourth quarter, only to give up 14 fourth quarter points to the Cats and lose 21-14. That was a game that lacked emotion, intensity, execution, and anything else that is the opposite of the way Auburn played Friday against Alabama.

Auburn held a 14-0 lead on the road at Georgia just two weeks ago, and lost that game as well 31-24. Once again Auburn jumped out early, but lacked the ability to finish and play consistent enough defense to hold on to a lead.

Then came Friday, when Auburn held a 14-0 lead, and a 21-20 lead late in the fourth quarter and was just one stop away from a potential monumental victory over the second ranked Tide.
One the other hand, who would have thought Auburn goes into Knoxville and Neyland Stadium and puts it on Tennessee and a Monte Kiffin defense the way they did. Leading 23-7 at one point in the third quarter on their way to a 26-22 victory that at the time, put the Tigers in the top 20 in the nation.

So Auburn finishes 7-5, which is right in line with expectations that most had going into Chizik's first year at Auburn. One can't help to think though that this team was a play or two away from something bigger.

Back to the tough loss on Friday though.

As that Auburn team that laid their guts on the line left the field Friday, something unique happened in that stadium that I haven't witnessed in my 14 years of attending Auburn football games.

The cheer normally reserved only after an Auburn win, began to become a loud voice of support from the fans towards the team. A sense of pride about the effort put forth by an outmanned and thin football team, and a thought to the future and what can be under this new coaching staff.

That cheer? "It's Great to be an Auburn Tiger."

I'm sure Alabama fans had to be perplexed, as would any visiting team coming away with a huge road win.

This wasn't a moral victory for Auburn, the players said as much after the game. They weren't in the game to play it close, there were there to win. But the cheer was meant to say, "we applaud your effort, and the future is bright".

So while Auburn had it's up's and down's in 2009, the number one thing a new head coach wants to do in his first year is create optimism, build a foundation, and create excitement around the program that it will be back where the fans want it.

If hearing the voice of the fans after a heartbreaking loss was any indication of the attitude around the future of the Auburn football program right now, consider it mission accomplished.

Top 10 Things Auburn Fans Don't Want to Hear Saturday

Thanks to the Auburn nation for putting this together. Just something to lighten the mood. Auburn fans will get a kick out of this, especially after last season.

10. "Tate carries at right end, loss of two yards. Tate carries at left end, loss of three yards. Todd gets sacked for a loss of seven. Clinton Durst onto punt."

9. "It's not the end of the world, no reason to panic. We can still win the SEC!"

8. "Wow, that Dooley guy's a heck of a coach."

7. "We'll learn from this. We'll pick ourselves up, go back to work and be better men for it."

6. "Don't worry about the offense, it will come together. They were just playing things close to the vest. Keeping it vanilla. You can't show the whole playbook in the first game."

5. "Why aren't we starting Kodi Burns? He can make plays with his feet."

4. "Man, that Chris Todd looks just as good as he did last year!"

3. "False start, number 73 offense. Five yard penalty, replay the down."

2. "Why are the linemen popping up and down like deranged meerkats?"

1. "Tony Franklin, please report to the information booth on the West concourse, you have an urgent call from Gus Malzahn."

First Three Weeks of the 2009 SEC Football Schedule on ESPN

I picked up a few things while I was at SEC Media Days recently, so I thought I'd share some info with you guys. Here is the first three weeks of the 2009 SEC football schedule on ESPN networks.

September 3rd
South Carolina at NC State- 6 pm CT (ESPN)

September 5th
Kentucky vs. Miami OH- 11 am CT (ESPNU)
Western Kentucky at Tennessee- 11 am CT (ESPN360, Gameplan)
Georgia at Oklahoma State- 2:30 pm CT (ABC)
Jackson State at Mississippi State- 2:30 pm CT (ESPNU)
Louisiana Tech at Auburn- 6 pm CT (ESPNU)
Charleston Southern at Florida- 6 pm CT (FSN, ESPN360, Gameplan)
Missouri State at Arkansas- 6:30 pm CT (ESPN360, Gameplan)
Western Carolina at Vanderbilt- 6:30 pm CT (CSS, ESPN360, Gameplan)
Alabama vs. Virginia Tech- 7 pm CT (ABC)
LSU at Washington- 9:30 pm CT (ESPN)

September 6th
Mississippi at Memphis- 2:30 pm CT (ESPN)

September 12th
Troy at Florida- 11 am CT (ESPN360, Gameplan)
UCLA at Tennessee 3 pm CT (ESPN)
South Carolina at Georgia- 6 pm CT (ESPN2)
Vanderbilt at LSU- 6 pm CT (ESPNU)
Mississippi State at Auburn- 6 pm CT (FSN, ESPN360, Gameplan)
Florida Intl at Alabama- 6 pm CT (ESPN360, Gameplan)

September 19th
Louisville at Kentucky- 11 am CT (ESPNU)
North Texas at Alabama 11 am CT (SEC Network, ESPN360, Gameplan)
Louisiana Lafayette at LSU- 6 pm CT (ESPNU)
Mississippi State at Vanderbilt- 6 pm CT (FSN, ESPN360, Gameplan)
Southeastern Louisiana at Mississippi- 6:30 pm CT (CSS, ESPN360, Gameplan)
Georgia at Arkansas- 6:45 pm CT (ESPN or ESPN2)
West Virginia at Auburn- 6:45 pm CT (ESPN or ESPN2)
Florida Atlantic at South Carolina- 6 pm CT (ESPN360, Gameplan)

RB recruit says Alabama coaches told him they don't have any RB's that are any good.

So check this out. Alfred Blue, a running back prospect from Hahnville, LA, said he visited an Alabama camp recently and apparently the Alabama coaches had some interesting things to say to Blue, according to him. Here's the quote that caught my attention below, here's the article.

What did Alabama say about an offer?

"They told me I could come in and play. The only thing holding them back is that they told me that they have a lot of RB's on their team that aren't any good, and their defensive coordinator is crying about giving all of the scholarships to the offensive side of the ball, so they are limited. That is the only hold up, but they are still thinking about offering me."

Interesting indeed.

2009 College Football "Dynamic Duo's"

We all know the superstars in college football, the Heisman candidates, the All Americans. Those guys are great to watch no doubt, but what's more intriguing sometimes are trying to find the tandems of great players within the same team, and even the same side of the ball.

2009 boasts another great group of what I call "dynamic duo's". A tandem of great players on the same side of the ball that will cause the opponent a big headache in trying to deal with not one, but two dynamic players.

So let's take a look at the top 20 duo's in college football for 2009.

20. QB Tony Pike and WR Mardy Gilyard, CINCINNATI

Cincinnati had all kinds of quarterback health problems last season, but Pike still threw for almost 2,500 yards last season and 19 touchdowns while missing some time. The man that got away from the state of Florida, Gilyard was on the receiving end for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns.

19. RB Jacquizz Rodgers and WR James Rodgers, OREGON STATE

Jacquizz had a big freshman season with over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns, and helped lead the Beavers to the upset win over USC. James had 607 yards receiving, 408 yards rushing, and 9 total touchdowns as well. No doubt the best brother combo in college football.

18. QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker, MINNESOTA

No doubt the best Gopher duo since Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber. Weber threw for 2,700 yards last season and 15 touchdowns, while Decker was his main target hauling in over 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns.

17. RB Stefon Johnson and WR Damien Williams, USC

This might look odd, but with no proven QB yet, these two playmakers are certainly worthy. Johnson accounted for over 700 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns in a crowded backfield last season, while the transfer from Arkansas, Williams, racked up almost 900 yards receiving and 9 touchdowns as well.

16. QB Jonathan Nesbitt and RB Jonathan Dwyer, GEORGIA TECH

If Nesbitt was a better passer, this duo would be much higher. Nesbitt racked up almost 700 yards rushing, 800 yards passing, and 9 total touchdowns last season, while his counterpart Dwyer was a workhorse in the backfield with almost 1,400 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns.



15. QB Tyrod Taylor and RB Darren Evans, VIRGINIA TECH

Tyrod has been talking to Michael Vick in the offseason about becoming a better quarterback, we'll see if it works this season. Taylor only threw for a little over 1,000 yards and 2 touchdowns in '08, but rushed for over 700 and 7 touchdowns. Evans had a great year rushing for 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns.

14. QB Jeremiah Masoli and RB Legarrette Blount, OREGON

Masoli and Blount had breakout seasons last year, look for more of the same in '09. Masoli in not a full season as a starter, threw for over 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rushing for over 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. Blount is a big, athletic back that ran for over 1,000 yards behind Jonathan Stewart last year, Blount also added 17 touchdowns himself.



13. DT Terrance Cody and LB Rolando McClain, ALABAMA

The second ranked defensive duo in the nation in my mind is the mammoth Cody and the athletic, intelligent McClain. Cody had 24 tackles and 5 tackles for loss last season, but Cody's game is all about clogging up the middle, and that he does. McClain had 3 sacks, 95 tackles, and 12 tackles for loss as well.

12. QB Daryll Clark and RB Evan Royster, PENN STATE

This duo led the Lions to the Rose Bowl last season and they are back for more. Clark had a stellar season throwing for over 2,500 yards and 19 touchdowns, while also rushing for another 10 touchdowns. Royster added over 1,200 yards on the ground and 12 touchdowns of his own.

11. QB Jimmy Clausen and WR Golden Tate, NOTRE DAME

While the Irish have struggled, and finally got a bowl win last season, Clausen and Tate have a chance to breakout in '09. Clausen for all the criticism, still had over 3,000 yards passing and 25 touchdowns in '08, while Tate added over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns. The ceiling for this duo is very high in 2009.

10. S Eric Berry and LB Rico McCoy, TENNESSEE

Berry and McCoy lead a Vol team that is looking for resurgence. McCoy racked up 87 tackles last season in the middle, but the star is at safety. Berry notched 72 tackles, 3 sacks, 7 interceptions, and 2 touchdowns last year, he will solidify himself as the best safety in college football in '09.



9. QB Max Hall and RB Harvey Unga, BYU

For the second straight year, this BYU duo makes my top ten. Hall threw for almost 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns last year. Unga, the big, bruising back, had over 1,100 yards rushing, over 300 yards receiving, and 15 total touchdowns to compliment Hall.

8. QB Kevin Riley and RB Jahvid Best, CALIFORNIA

With Riley sharing time as a starter last season, this may be a tad high, but he should have a great season and Jahvid Best is absolutely electric. Riley had over 1,300 yards passing and 14 touchdowns in '08, but Best is the star. The fast back racked up almost 1,600 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns last year and is a darkhorse Heisman candidate in '09.

7. QB Juice Williams and WR Arrelious Benn, ILLINOIS

Williams is one of those guys that you say, "is he still there?". Well he is and he's coming off a season where he threw for over 3,000 yards, rushed for another 700 yards, and accounted for 27 total touchdowns. Benn had a big year in terms of yards with over 1,000, but only had 3 touchdowns, he's still a threat anytime he touches the ball.

6. QB Jevan Snead and WR Dexter McCluster, OLE MISS

If the Rebels are going to live up to high expectations this season, this duo has to lead the way. Snead threw for over 2,700 yards and 26 touchdowns last year and will be a second tier Heisman candidate going into '09. McCluster might be an under the radar to people nationally, but he has skills comprable to Percy Harvin, showing that by rushing for 655 yards, receiving for another 625 yards, and scoring 7 total touchdowns last year.

5. QB Todd Reesing and Dezmon Briscoe, KANSAS

How about this duo being top 5 nationally, but only fourth in the Big 12? Reesing is coming off an almost 4,000 yard season while throwing for 32 touchdowns. His top target Briscoe had an awesome year with 1,400 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns.



4. QB Tim Tebow and RB Chris Rainey, FLORIDA

A year ago Tebow and Harvin were the top duo in the nation in my mind. Harvin's gone, enter Chris Rainey. Tebow's numbers were a bit down, but still threw for over 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns, to go along with his almost 700 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. While some might think this is high, Rainey is the next Gator playmaker accounting for 650 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns last year in Harvin's shadow. He is the most dangerous back in the nation with his speed.

3. QB Colt McCoy and WR Jordan Shipley, TEXAS

McCoy is coming off a Playstation like season that saw him complete over 70 percent of his passes, throw for over 3,800 yards, rush for another 560, and rack up 45 total touchdowns. Gone is Quan Cosby, and it's time for Shipley to be the number one guy. Last season Shipley had over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns as the second option.



2. QB Zac Robinson and WR Dez Bryant, OKLAHOMA STATE

While Texas and Oklahoma's playmakers get all the attention, don't forget the Cowboy duo of Robinson and Bryant. Dez is now the best receiver in America now that Crabtree is gone, and Robinson should have a big senior year. Robinson is coming off a season where he threw for over 3,000 yards, rushed for over 500 yards, and accounted for 33 total touchdowns. Bryant had a giant year as well with almost 1,500 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns.



1. QB Sam Bradford and TE Jermaine Gresham, OKLAHOMA

How many times do you see a tight end as part of a top ranked duo? Well having the Heisman winner as the other half helps, and both of these guys could have easily gone in the first round last year. Bradford is coming off a monster year, throwing for 4,700 yards and 50 touchdowns, there's no way he hits those numbers again. Gresham will be the top tight end in the nation coming off a season with almost 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Traditional Powers Trying to Get Back on Top

The great thing about college football is there are more than a handful of traditionally strong programs across the nation.

It gives the ability to have a few big time powers struggle for a few years, but there are more than a few to pick up the slack.

Every big time program goes through their own peaks and valley's. Right now Oklahoma, Ohio State, Texas, Florida, Southern Cal, are a few premier programs that are at the top of their games right now, and then there are a few that are trying like heck to get back to that plateau.

First one that comes to mind are the Michigan Wolverines. The Maze and Blue record the last four years is 30-20, which isn't terrible, but by Michigan's standards it isn't all that great either. Most of the focus is on last year's record of 3-9 for first year coach Rich Rodriguez. When you take into account the change in offensive systems and philosophy, added with players transferring out, resulted in the struggle that was 2008.

Michigan has now last five of their last seven bowl games going back to 2002. Going back in recent history, Michigan had produced double digit wins in five of their last seven seasons from 1997-2003, they've only got one double digit winning season in their last four seasons.

Michigan's 20 losses in the last four years are the most for the Wolverines since 1965-1968, where they lost 18 games.

Michigan will turn it around though, and quick. Their recruiting class last year was solid, and they added some real speed at key positions, the kind of speed that the Big Ten just doesn't see on a regular basis.

One of Michigan's key rivals, Notre Dame, is another obvious pick. The Irish, maybe the most historically rich program in the nation, have produced a 29-21 record over the last four years, and an even worse 10-15 record the last two seasons.

One of the most disturbing trends is losses in nine of their last ten bowl games. Their bowl win last season actually broke a nine year losing streak in bowl games, a streak that spanned from 1995-2007.

Notre Dame is a program that usually feasts on the lesser programs that they face every year, but in the last two years the Irish have lost to Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Air Force, and allowed Navy to break a 43 game winning steak over the Midshipmen in 2007.

It's not just Notre Dame itself though, Charlie Weis is fighting for his legacy as well. As of now, only three Notre Dame coaches historically have a worse winning percentage than Weis does right now. It's now or never for the Irish as Weis has put together some very good recruiting classes the last few years. You should begin to see some results in 2009, or Weis will be in serious trouble.

When was the last time Nebraska produced a player the caliber of Tommy Frazier? Lawrence Phillips? Ahman Green? The Cornhuskers are another team that is looking to regain the dominance they had in the 70's and the 90's. The Huskers are 31-20 over the last four years, never losing less than four games in that span.

Obviously you can't expect the run like the one they had in the 90's where they won three national championships and had a stretch of nine of eleven double digit winning seasons from 1993-2003.

The Cornhuskers are moving in the right direction with Bo Pelini, and a win last year over Clemson in their bowl game was a nice momentum builder for a program that hasn't finished the season ranked since 2005.

Well thanks to the NCAA, Florida State's recent record now looks much different in the official record books, but for the sake of argument, let's just take their on the field records anyway and not pay attention to the vacated wins.

Of the teams mentioned in this article, the Seminoles actually are the only one that doesn't have a losing record in the last four years, but they also have lost six games twice, and hold a 31-21 record since 2005. Their next worst four year span of losses was from 1973-1976 where they lost 35 games.

Then Bobby Bowden got that program rolling in the 80's and 90's like nobody else. Florida State actually went to a BCS bowl, or what is now a BCS bowl, in 12 of 14 seasons from 1992-2005, an incredible streak.

Now, the Noles have a 3-4 record in their last seven bowl games, and haven't made a January bowl game since 2005, and they lost five games that season.

The question is can the Seminoles turn it around to ACC champion status before Bowden hangs it up. With the NCAA vacating the Noles wins, the all time coaching record is probably not within reach for Bowden.

The last of the five programs that are looking to get back on top are the Tennessee Volunteers. The Vols were an absolute NFL factory in the 90's, but have since fallen off resulting in the firing of Phillip Fulmer and the hiring of Lane Kiffin.

The Vols sport a 29-21 record the last four years, and have only made two bowl games in that same span, winning only one. Even worse, the Vols are only 3-5 in their last eight bowl games. Before 2005, the Vols went 15 years in a row making a bowl game.

Another recent historical trend is losing to Florida. Now Tennessee hasn't had a lot of success against Florida in the last 20 years, but they have lost four in a row and seven of ten to the Gators. That's extremely important because if the Vols want to turn it around to national prominence, beating their division rival is an absolute must.

Goal one for new coach Kiffin, is find and develop a quarterback. Kiffin has put together a very good staff and they are showing they will recruit well. Honestly though, any program in the same division that Florida is in right now has a big hill to climb.

Looking at those five programs, I'd say Florida State and Tennessee look like they can make the quickest climb back to a BCS bowl, with Notre Dame in third.

The Noles and the Vols have the richest recruiting areas to take advantage of, and are a quarterback away from being very competitive.

Notre Dame just needs their quarterback to live up to billing, and recruit some speed on defense. The next two years could be very promising for the Irish as some top notch recruits should start rising to the top.

Nebraska and Michigan to me have the longest rise back to national prominence. The Cornhuskers are a good team this year, but in a conference with Oklahoma and Texas right now, that's a huge hill to climb and not enough talent in the midwest to take advantage of after those two.

Michigan has a unique oppoturnity though, as the Big Ten isn't known for speed, but Rodriguez's offense is predicated on speed and the Wolverines dipped down into Florida last year to grab some real speedsters. In a year or two they could be an extremely dangerous team in that conference.

Notre Dame, TV contracts, and what the BCS could be.

$18 million. That's the amount of money that perennial cellar dweller Vanderbilt is raking in on an annual basis thanks to the SEC's new TV contracts with ESPN, CBS, and the SEC championship game.

Notre Dame on the other hand?

The Irish are making $9 million off the NBC TV contract annually, they don't have a championship game since they are independent. While I couldn't find the numbers for what Notre Dame makes being a member of Big East basketball, I'd guess it isn't close to $9 million a year, especially when you split it between 16 teams.

So why do the Irish still hold out and relish their identity as an independent and claim the TV contract with NBC as a leading reason?

The Irish are sitting right in the middle of Big Ten country, a conference with 11 teams, and yet they are still independent and the Big Ten still has 11 teams.

The SEC set the standard for what a big time conference can achieve in TV contracts last summer when they signed a 15 year deal with ESPN worth $2.25 billion. That payout gives $12.5 million per team a year, plus the CBS contract which is 15 years and $4.6 million per team a year, plus what the SEC earns from their conference championship game gives each team around $18 million annually.

So teams like Vanderbilt and Kentucky make more money than Notre Dame on a yearly basis, that's almost unthinkable. The NBC/Notre Dame deal used to be the thing that made everyone else around the nation jealous. Now it's just looked as a good deal, but not great.

So why does Notre Dame and the Big Ten still stay separate? If they joined the Big Ten, they would no doubt up their annual payout and may push the Big Ten to bigger contracts than even the SEC. The Big Ten already makes $7 million per team a year from the Big Ten Network, and they make another $9 million per team a year from ABC.

So think what the contract would look like if Notre Dame was a part of that conference? Not to mention that would lead to a conference championship game, which means another million or two a year as well.

Notre Dame potentially holds the key to unlock all that the BCS could be, just think about it.

Notre Dame wises up and joins the Big Ten, which is a no brainer. The Big Ten then creates their championship game, which the Big 12, ACC, and SEC already have. Anyone think the Pac 10 won't follow suit?

Of course they will. First, I think the Rose Bowl will want their two traditional conference crowning a champion the same way. Second, the Pac 10 will be the only big time conference other than the Big East to not have a conference championship. They will see the money flowing from TV contracts and a conference championship game and they will want a piece of that pie.

So with the Big Ten and Pac 10 now having conference championship games, the pressure will be unreal on the BCS and athletic directors to make these championships a play in to the BCS playoff.

Sure these steps to a playoff are far fetched for right now, but that's the potential, but Notre Dame can start the ball rolling.

Recently, the Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said they had no plans to expand at this time, but there's no doubt his tune would change very quickly if Notre Dame wanted in.

So get with the program Irish. At the very least, you should join the Big Ten because it makes more sense than anything in this world right now. More money, keep your three out of conference games with USC, Stanford, and Navy if you want to.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself Notre Dame, join the Big Ten, and let's that that one giant leap for college football fans everywhere towards a playoff, or at the very least do what makes sense, or cents.

2009 SEC Preview: Tennessee Volunteers

The Vols enter 2009 in rebuilding mode, but don't tell new head coach Lane Kiffin that.

Kiffin has already done enough talking to fire up most coaches in the league, now comes time to do the talking on the field.

Goal number one, find a quarterback, and fast. BJ Coleman was the most impressive during spring practice, but has since transferred when he said he wasn't in the Vols plans for the future.

There's no doubt, the goals for any Tennessee team are make a bowl game at the very least, and it won't be any different for Lane Kiffin, even in his first year.

3 easiest games

1. Western Kentucky 9/5
2. Ohio University 9/26
3. Memphis 11/7

Last year, the Vols got off to a bad start by blowing a lead at UCLA and losing that game. That game sent hints of what was to come with an anemic offense and no quarterback to lead the team. This year those three games should be easy wins, and with two of them in September, the Vols should get some early season confidence before the heart of SEC play.

3 hardest games

1. at Florida 9/19
2. at Alabama 10/24
3. Georgia 10/10

If the Bulldogs don't find an adequate replacement for Matt Stafford, there's a chance the Vols could pull an upset at home in early October. The other two games mentioned have added intrigue this year. Lane Kiffin took shots at both schools in the off season, and now has to make road trips to both places. The Alabama game should be a good defensive, hard hitting game. Meanwhile, Urban Meyer WILL try and run the score up on Kiffin, no doubt about it. Don't be surprised though if the Vols hang around, just a gut feeling.

Top Offensive and Defensive Players

Offense: Gerald Jones, Wide Receiver, Junior

Jones racked up almost 500 yards of offense last season and 5 touchdowns. The offense was a mess with no quarterback to get him the ball, but Jones found ways to make plays, including playing the quarterback in the Wildcat formation. He's the best athlete on the team next to Eric Berry.

Defense: Eric Berry, Safety, Junior

This super safety had over 70 tackles and 3 sacks, but he's best known for his 7 interceptions returned for 2 touchdowns and a total of 265 return yards last season. There isn't a better safety in the nation, only USC's Taylor Mays is in the same ballpark. Watch him while you can, this junior may be off to the NFL after this season.

Breakout Player

Chris Walker, Defensive End, Junior

This 6'3 240 pound end may be on the small side, but he's ultra quick and dominated during the spring. He had 3 sacks last season in a backup role, think Dwight Freeney.

#1 Strength and Concern

Strength: Defensive Backs

The strength for the Vols will of course be their secondary. Even with the dismissal of Demetrice Morley from the team, having Eric Berry back there is plenty, but Art Evans, Rod Wilks, and Dennis Rogan will make the secondary a strong unit.

Concern: Quarterback

The main concern is still the quarterback. It looks like Jonathan Crompton will emerge as the starter, especially with BJ Coleman transferring, but no Vol could do anything well under center last year. Tennessee will not be a threat on offense until they get better QB play.

2009 will be successful if?

For this season to be a success the offense is going to have to be much better than 115th in the country. The defense will be there with Berry and senior linebacker Rico McCoy, but if Tennessee can't score it will be another long year.

As far as records go, 8-4 would be a success after a 5-7 season a year ago, and that would mean a New Year's Bowl game. For Vols fans though, if they can win over Alabama, Florida, or Georgia, that would be icing on the cake. One Vol fan told me, "remember, Saban went 6-6 in his first year, so we have to be better than that."

A Day with the Tiger Prowl: Behind the Scenes in Hoover

Here's a summary of what I experienced on Thursday at Hoover High School with the Auburn football coaching staff.

Showed up, grabbed some pics, and hung out until Tommy Thigpen, Phillip Lolley, and Ted Roof got there in their BMW, yes BMW.

I stood there and talked with every coach on that staff, one on one, UNREAL. OC Gus Malzahn is all kinds of down to earth. Even asked me who some kids are at Hoover that we should keep an eye on. Talked QB's, etc. Awesome guy. Rocker gave a "War Damn Eagle" walking in, he definetly has a prescence about him.

Curtis Luper and Trooper Taylor were awesome greeting people, laughing, having a good time. You could tell meeting people was cool, but when I gave them that "War Eagle" they lit up like, heck yea War Damn Eagle!

Then we went into the school, Josh and I actually walked Trooper through the school back to the athletic offices. He had just finished doing the Paul Finebaum interview. We were talking about that, about how the Prowl was going, etc. Once again, ridiculous doing that, super guy.

Then we hung around with all the coaches, they talked with head coach at Hoover Coach Niblett. Malzahn and Lolley talked with him for 10 minutes or more. Coach Rocker said the tour was going great.

Then talked with Coach Roof about the defense and linebackers. Just talked about not trying to get people hurt in A-Day, etc.

Cool moment, an Auburn fan brought his son in with an Auburn jersey to meet the coaches. Trooper immediately saw him and went and shook his hand. Trooper then took him to meet Malzahn because he said he was a QB. Kid got pics with Trooper, Rocker, and Malzahn.

Then back outside before they left, I had the chance to talk with Lolley. Talked about instate recruiting, and how he knows Alabama will get their share, they just have to get their 3, 4, 5 for sure, you can't walk out of the state with zero big time players from instate. I asked Lolley if some Alabama coaches were showing up at some of their stops, and his response was reflective of the entire trip really. He said yea a few of them have. He said, "We don't care though. We're not intimidated by anyone, they could all show up. Wouldn't matter to us."

Then they headed out, Curtis Luper and Trooper Taylor to Oklahoma, Phillip Lolley back to Jess Lanier High School, then the other four coaches to Spain Park High School.

Another great highlight was before they left, I was able to go into the stretch Hummer and sit for a second with Coach Tracy Rocker. That thing is the lap of luxury for sure.

Let me say this, EVERY coach was down to earth, unreal to talk to all of them. Awesome guys. Seriously one of the best days ever, ridiculous. HERE'S THE QUOTE OF THE DAY from Coach Malzahn. Josh and I were talking to him about last year, how rough it was. His response was, "It's a new day. We have a great staff and it's a new day."

Here's some pics.

Auburn vetoes game with UCLA?

According to this report, ABC was attempting to set up a matchup between UCLA and Auburn in the Georgia Dome in 2010.

Personally, I can't blame Auburn officials for not wanting the game. They already have Clemson on the schedule for 2010 at home, so why add another big time OOC game?

You can win a national title by playing one tough OOC game, seems like there's more to lose by playing two tough OOC games.

Remember 2003 Auburn fans? Thought playing USC and Georgia Tech was a good idea, that landed you in the Music City bowl.

Here's the report. Read down to find the story.