It wasn’t the play calling. It wasn’t the coaching.

The truth is Alabama’s offense sucked in 2010 because it could not run the ball.

It is simple.

However, it is puzzling. How could a team with such quality backs fail to move the ball on the ground? These same backs dominated the 2009 season.

The problem with the ground game was exacerbated by Alabama’s inability to throw the ball deep. That is just one element of the issue. People knew in 2009 that Alabama was going to run first.

Cecil Hurt calls for Alabama to return to its roots—to find the toughness it exhibited in 2009 (tidesportsxtra.com). This is a wise recommendation. It is necessary for Alabama to run the football to make its offense work. You don’t always need 10 yards or five yards. You run to keep teams honest. But the opposite of that is true too. You pass deep to keep the defense honest. If everything happens within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage, it makes things easier on the defense.

Fans focus on playcalling and coaching.

It is NEVER play calling.

And just for those that missed it. It is never play calling.

It is always execution. Sure, you can help yourself schematically or with creative play selection, but what good is a creative play if you can’t execute it? If you can’t block the right guy or cover your man?

And this returns us to the key point. What is football at its most basic level? Blocking and tackling.

If you can’t block, you can’t run the football. If you can’t tackle, then you can’t stop the other team. It is a statement heard often; it is a cliché because it is true.

In some cases, the failure to block and tackle is a failure of coaching. If you remember Mike Shula’s teams at Alabama, the teams lacked the ability to execute short yardage plays because the team was not conditioned to make the yards in the fourth quarter. This was a titanic failure of coaching. Shula could not (or would not) hold the players accountable. You could also see this in his administrative responsibilities on his coaching staff—Shula would not hold himself or his subordinates accountable.

So, what about the 2010 coaching staff? Were Alabama Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban and his staff at fault? Someone somewhere will likely try to fault this staff. However, it would be a mistake. Why? The staff put this team into position to win games. The failures were always failures of execution.

In the world of business, I have a friend who worked in sales with a company and faced a price disadvantage. Did this stop the good worker? No. The hard worker devised a strategy and executed it to achieve the best results. The good worker overcomes the opposition even when the other guy knows your strategy. So it is in football. The other guy may know your play, but it up to you to do your job—to block the other guy or make the tackle. You can help with play calling, but the root is always execution.

Execution can be a coaching problem (see Shula or Dubose.) However, it is often a problem of focus, dedication and experience. Without the right focus, a team will not learn the sophisticated schemes. Without the right attitude, a team will not spend the required time on film study or conditioning or building skill. Without experience, the team will not ignore those who trumpet its praise.

This is the best diagnosis for 2010. It was not one thing, but many things. The defense was often confused by the complicated schemes the staff demanded. This is a product of youth and learning to play in the SEC. The team was not “tough” as identified by many fans and the impressive Cecil Hurt. This is a product of attitude and inexperience—if you believe you are great, why expend extra effort?

There were personnel issues too. What are the most prized defensive positions in the NFL? The answer is corner and rush defensive end. Where are Alabama’s corners from the 2009 season playing this year? They are playing on Sunday. But, personnel issues were not the determinative factor. It contributed, but of greater issue was the attitude in the program.

So what is the root problem? The team believed it was good without putting in the work required to be good. It is not that the team was lazy. The team worked hard; but sometimes you must work above what is asked. In business, the best performers are the ones who work without ceasing. These people pour every ounce of themselves into the problem. Can football be any different?

The Alabama coaching staff can only ask so much of a team. The players must possess the self-motivation to go further. The team leaders must demand a level of accountability. The 2008 and 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide teams possessed this type of leadership. It was missing in 2010.

This is not a coaching problem or a play calling problem. This is about achieving at the highest levels. If you do not go beyond the demands of your boss, you won’t achieve your desires. This team never looked beyond what the staff demanded. That doesn’t work in business. It won’t work in football.

At Alabama’s triumph following the successful 2009 campaign, the football team was celebrated in a ceremony at Bryant-Denny. Like in Rome, these men were cheered and honored. However, one thing was missing—the friend whispering in the ears of the 2010 team this warning: Remember you are mortal.

Mortals have to work harder. Maybe the 2011 team will heed the warning of the 2010 team.

104 thoughts on “Alabama football 2010: Remember you are mortal”

  1. Well you started out great in describing our offenses problems. But I disagree completely that “it’s not the play calling”.

    I am surprised that you think it’s not the play calling based on your great description of the problem to begin with.

    The running game has been lacking. But the play calling IS the reason why.

    1. Short passing offense. We run an Air Raid type passing offense. This would be slants, screens, and quick ins/outs.

    Against limited talent this offense has run up 60 pts. Throw it out to Julio, and he turns a pass thrown behind the line of scrimmage into a 60 yard gain. Those 3 yard passes turn into big gains.

    Against good defenses, that 3 yard pass gets you – 3 yards. And we end up with Pass, Pass, Pass, Punt.

    But at the same time it is KILLING our running game. Balance is not just about run vs pass play. Balance is about where you are attacking on the field. A run is obviously a short attack. But when you compile a bunch of 3 yard passes, even if you break a few for long yards, you are ALSO attacking the short side of the field.

    This is completely unbalanced play calling. And it’s not a matter of McElroy checking down either. You can watch his head on plays and he will look at the reciever it’s going to the entire time. It’s designed like that, although I’m sure McElroy probably makes some choices based on coverage/matchups.

    All those short passing plays simply make the D cheat up more and more. And when they cheat up more and more, not only are they shutting down the short passing game, they are also shutting down the running game and the running lanes.

    As you say in your article, gotta have the deep ball to keep the defense honest. Against Auburn we had some deep ball connections made and it opened up our offense for awhile. But then when it’s screen, slant, screen, slant it’s just a matter of time before they strike. And the long ball disappeared and so did our offense.

  2. The problem with the ground game was exacerbated by Alabama’s inability to throw the ball deep.
    ———————–

    I’m sorry Capstone, I have to call BS on that. If Darren McFadden and Felix Jones can each rush for over a 1,000 yards with Casey Dick as their QB, TR and Mark Ingram could’ve easily done the same. The offensive line sucked this year at interior blocking, thats the freaking real problem. We missed Drew Davis and Mike Johnson ALOT IMO.

  3. I think that EVERYTHING needs to be reevaluated – top to bottom. This Mental Collapse has got to be addressed first. Not with overpaid Shrinks. It must be solved with HUNGRY Pipe Hitting players.
    Phuck Auburn. Nothing Matters now except doing an forensic autopsy. This Nation has got to move forward and cleanse itself.
    Tampa will be the Start – or further proof we need to do the Deal. No matter who it pisses off.

  4. How about dealing with the problems of MORE money for Nicky? Jerry is coming with mo money baby… Nicky is gone…

  5. I’ve written about that. I expect Dallas would be tempting for most coaches.

    Saban’s biggest problem in Miami was lack of QB.

    Dallas has one—Romo. And he is one of the better ones. Romo has a few good years left and with a good defensive coach has a chance to win some big games.

    The bigger questions are would Jerry Jones want Saban? And would Saban want Jerry Jones?

    I’m not so sure the answers to those questions are Yes.

  6. I like hypotheticals, so let’s think about this. (Disclaimer: I don’t think Saban leaves.)

    I won’t speak for Mal’s list, but this would be my list:

    Gruden
    He would be top of list.

    Dan Mullen
    No doubt he is hot and did a good job at Miss State

    Jim Harbaugh
    He is going to the NFL, but maybe enough dollars would get him into the SEC. It is as close to the NFL as you can get and still have a life. Kind of.

    Steve Sarkisian
    Why not get a guy from the West Coast? Maybe this one wouldn’t party with coeds.

    Gary Patterson
    His record is amazing. Sure TCU has some baggage with Alabama fans, but the guy has an impressive record. The biggest question would be his ability to lead a major program. Does he have the personality? Can he work hard enough in recruiting?

    That list ignores hot coordinators. There would probably be one or two who would merit a mention. However, Alabama would likely eschew that. On-the-job training is a rough thing to get in the SEC and at Alabama with the pressure cooker atmosphere in the state.

  7. not the play calling? if i see the god daam wildcat again i will phucking puke! julio finally has a great year and has the hot hand noone could cover him and we stopped throwing to him and went to the dumb ass screens and inside powers.mcelroys play action motion if atrocious! left a minimum of 10 points on the field and all we heard all spring and summer was how good bamas offense was gonna be.next dont give us that crap!

  8. Nobody would want Gus. He is a cancer on a program. Just ask the honorable Houston Nutt what kind of ass that Malzahn is.

  9. BTW, someone should ask Gus about Pinnacle Preps. I know the Arkansas people sure have lots of questions about that organization and its connection to Gus.

  10. You are grasping at straws. That is all you have besides a moral victory. Say it with me…..We lost. Come on now. You can do it…..We lost. You lost to a 5-19 coach with high school offense. Bwaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!

  11. Dave, I’m not grasping at straws.

    I’m telling you that Auburn is going to face NCAA scrutiny for cheating.

    Are you worried about it?

    Obviously you are. You know you won’t get the real story at Auburn websites. That is why you are here. We’ll continue to serve the public interest by directing you to the best information—information from real news outlets like ESPN, the New York Times, Fox and not rubes like Phillip Marshall.

  12. You are a rube yourself. You have nothing. Not even a victory. why can’t you just revel in the fact that you almost did it. Oh Wait, almost only counts in horseshoes. I can assure you that I am not here to defend Auburn and their recruiting practices. I am here to rub it in on you arses that a 5-19 coach from Iowa State beat you with a high school coach with a trick play, high school offense. The Mighty Saban beat with that. I don’t blame you for all the other stuff that you keep clinging to because you have nothing else to look forward to but Shreveport. Maybe you might get the bowl that Auburn did last year. Priceless. Wow! Just Wow!

  13. Your words always come back to haunt you. IF we get beat then so be it. It aint the end of the world unless you erect statues to your coaches. The irony of this situation is this. I have heard you arseholes make fun of Gene Chizik by calling him names, making fun of anything about him, this team, the coaches, recruitment, high school offense, trick plays, high school coach, conspiracies, etc. It is good to be called a Barner by jack legs like you. It is absolutely one of the greatest feelings to have a game turn out like that. I know it tears your crimson heart out but Oh well, Bwaaahhhhhhh!!!!!!

    This was better than Bo over the top. Priceless!

  14. Dave–Any dumbass can win by cheating. Just ask Mike Dubose.

    Did Auburn cheat? The evidence sure shouts that the school did so by playing an ineligible player.

  15. I have taken butt whoopings in my time and have been humbled on more than one occasion. Just give up and admit that you were out done by a school and coaching staff that you view as inferior. Now, I know that your pride will rise up in you and you will get some consolation by clinging to your 13 NC’s. But, go ahead and admit on this day, at this time, you were out done, out played, out coached, by people that you think are less than you. People that you have maligned, put down, scorned, handed you your heart in their hand. Bammer…Best 9-3 team in the nation.

  16. Please tell me what specific “evidence” there is? Don’t Take off your crimson blinders… you’ll be disappointed to realize that none of the allegations implicate AU for any wrong doing.

  17. AUTiger47 the specific evidence comes in the form of STATEMENTS from FIVE or MORE people that can verify that Cam was represented by an AGENT/RUNNER in a pay-for-play scheme.

    Now, these five or more people are:

    The co-conspirator Kenny Rogers. He is an Agent/Runner and his relationship with the family makes Cam ineligible. You know agents are kind of a no-no in the NCAA.

    Two Miss State recruiters that were quoted by ESPN. We know these were people with a close relationship since Cam Newton apologized for selecting Auburn. We know they told investigators about this conversation too.

    Two Miss State boosters who were contacted by Rogers and Cecil Newton.

    Five people with one of them involved in the conspiracy is pretty damning evidence against the Newton family.

    You don’t need a money trail. Statements like these are sufficient in most trials to get a guy convicted. How many witnesses do you need?

    Now, why does this involve Auburn. Even if Auburn didn’t participate in a pay-for-play scheme, Cam was ineligible when his family utilized an Agent/Runner and was also ineligible when his family requested money in the pay-for-play scheme.

    Auburn knew of this when the SEC Office was informed in January and June/July. The agent issue alone should have resulted in Auburn declaring Cam ineligible. The school then should have petitioned for reinstatement. (See Alabama, UGA and North Carolina.) The fact Auburn ignored this or failed to investigate it creates a real problem for Auburn.

    It is either a Lack of Institutional Control or Failure to Monitor charge awaiting Auburn.

    That is in addition to the forfeit/vacation of wins for the season since AU gained a competitive advantage by playing an ineligible player.

    There could be more to come. But that is what we know from the public record. It isn’t hearsay, but what you can see is clearly a list of impressive witnesses that corroborate key details of the case.

  18. Dave,
    This is one of the reasons we have so much of a problem with Auburn fans, you have so many NCAA issues over the years and it looks like you will be taken apart again, there will be none of these wins that will be acknowledged and Cam Newton will go down as the worst thing that has ever happened to Auburn, I thought that the Team from the plains played well and has accomplished much this year,The FBI, and the NCAA and possibly the Attorney General of Alabama will most likely be involved in this years “SCAM Championship Run” and we all kno wwho is involved in this and Cam isnt the only Player they bought,We will see that many of this years players were purchased through Milton and Colonial, So we were beat , but we accomplish something every year and we move on when we have a bad year , we dont go to the bank for a loan when we have a failing team like Auburn has had so long, Zero National Championships and it is always about the player and not the team, what a sham and a shame! Enjoy what you have while you have it, and remember , Alabama has more Championships and respect than Auburn ever will and you will most likely be in the same situation as USC very soon. Best thing you can do is be very quiet and enjoy the Pay to Play team you have this year.

  19. Nobody here is talking about any phucking moral victory. I don’t think that anybody is going to make excuses about this deal. We got beat and we’re going to do something about it. No Whining or Bitching like Aubies.

  20. Capstoner,

    Just because you say it isn’t hearsay does not mean it isn’t hearsay. I’ll be the first to blast Auburn if it turns out they did something inappropriate. As it stands right now, however, there is nothing more than some accusations by some sleazy people associated with MSU. I think it is pretty telling that AU met with the NCAA before the Georgia game and still played Cam. That says a lot about their confidence that he is still eligible. Your comment that 5 different people have all said similar things is relatively meaningless. Give me enough time and I could find five people that would make similar allegations about Alabama.

    Mike, you need to take some time and re-examine the news… AU has not been implicated in ANY allegations of wrong doing. Your post is reads as immature, uninformed, and desperate. Here’s a pretty novel idea: Let’s wait till some real news/evidence is released before making such strong statements.

    Pluto, Who’s whining?

  21. AUTiger47,

    it is clear you don’t know what the hell you are talking about. You call statements made by those who witnessed the violations as hearsay. That isn’t hearsay. That is evidence. Good evidence. Hearsay would be third-party accounts of an event. We don’t have that. We have FIVE people who witnessed the NCAA violations who have offered their account of what happened. One of the five is a co-conspirator. That is damning for the Newtons; and since Newton plays at Auburn it is damning for Auburn.

    Just because you are in denial doesn’t change the objective reality.

    AU played Cam despite significant evidence presented to it in January and June/July.

    Do you know what the NCAA told Auburn? No you don’t. You are using circular logic here to present your case.

    Here is what you just said.

    He wouldn’t play if he were guilty.
    He didn’t play, so he must be innocent.

    Bull. That is flawed logic and well outside the established set of facts. Yahoo’s senior investigative reporter said the NCAA warned AU not to play Cam because of potential eligibility issues. Who should I believe? You and your faulty logic or Yahoo! You remember Yahoo don’t you? They are the guys that nailed Reggie Bush and USC.

    Furthermore, your post reads as delusional. AU faces a failure to monitor charge or lack of institutional control charge. You can count on it. Ignore my warning now if you must, but it you would do well to heed it.

  22. Cappy — you HAVE TO ADMIT the O-Line was HORRIFIC in blocking. Explain to me why McElroy had a barner in his face almost every play?

    For the running game — Richardson not being even 50% didn’t help the situation. Everyone was just plain banged up.

    I just want AJ McCarron to be protected and allowed to develop in a healthy environment — so we can get production. Discussions for almost a year away now.

  23. 5thG
    We know that any team on any day can be beaten, they just have to play badly on the one day in that one stadium, Pride is a terrible sin and we all pay the price sooner or later, we all are proud of our teams and what they representand in Alabama’s case I have witnessed since 1960 on raido and on black and white right up to color TV what we all had that made Alabama the State it was the Pride we had in our football Team , we didnt have much else, many of us were poor scraping out livings in coal mines and steel mills, this was the Pride of Alabama and Bear Bryant was the leader of our team. Now, all these years later we really (most of us) dont care what Auburn does, because they are what they have always been , a team over close to Georgia that has tried to become the States Flagship Team, They never will do that and most people know this, it is like comparing Notre Dame with Tennesse Tech, there isnt any comparison, the only thing Barners have is a few good years and a few individuals ,some like Charles Barkley that is a walking idiot, that love that team, Do what you can this year because all of you know it isnt about just one person or one year , it has to be about what the Team as a whole year after nw year has done, what they have brought to the State in regards to long term Team Accomplishments.
    I admire the things Auburn has accomplished this year , but am also ashamed of what light they have put the State of alabama in, Cheaters? Pay to Play,this wasnt made up and no one has brought this from Ms State, it started in Florida with cheating, stealing, arrests and I truly and sadly believe that the only way Auburn could field this team in one year is by what is all over the Alabama and Auburn, They went out and recruited, bought Juco players that were like Cam and they put together the team they have today , all the crying and no Comment is horrible, Auburn officials dont have to sit Cam , but they should have and you all know it, What a shame for Auburn to have a good player and a good offense this year and take a chance at Probation, death Sentence and losing their AD and Coach behind this. I would have been ok with the win if not for having an Ineligeble player or players on the team , i am not ok with it and will await the outcome of the NCAA Investigation and the FBI Arrests for money laundering, I am a former Police Chief and I can tell you that the FBI doesnt step into something like this for no reason, there is something very bad going on within Auburn’s System, just like when they tried to replace Tuberville and lied , they are lying now. I wont even discuss the game and what bama did wrong because it is a non issue, I dont consider the Auburn Victory a Valid one and it wont stand , so in the end Auburn will be the LOSERS!!!!!

  24. proof – u stupid ignorant sluts….cam newton plays for au – his dad is the dad of an au player …ipso facto dumbsheet evidence against them is evidence against au…no wonder obama is president with dumbsheet like this voting all over the usa

  25. I have to say this also, it seems the media, Including Alabama’s number 1 fan, from our National Championship last year have stopped asking questions because the National media are giving Auburn the benefit of the doubt because they are ranked 2nd,and Chiklet wont talk about anything but the games, wont let his players talk, the more they say the more they are in trouble so he has shut them up. I did listen to Finebaum because for a while he seemed to be what he should be,and what he acted like , A strong alabama fan , he finally picked a side last year , sat in little boats with Saban and rode the National love for Alabama, then when we lose a game he become a Jackass as he has shown for years, he badmouthed Alabama and fell in love with Auburn, So it is very apparent to me he is not loyal to anyone , including his wife! He goes where the money and where he can get his mug shown on National TV , he will never represent any team and he will never be an Alabama resident that has loyalty to any team , he is what he is …an Outcast that is looking to make money off of the SEC and Alabama when he can run his mouth, I would like to ask all alabama fans to Shut his program off , He dosnt deserve to have one and I personally dont want him representing my Team or Coach, I would like to see Coach Saban pull his Press pass and send his scrawny butt back to Tenn. Ban his Show, He isnt for alabama nor auburn only for himself.

  26. on the packer atl game – overtime does not count to bookies – at the end of regulation in a pickem game and it is tie the bookies win on both – as a saints fan – go into ot and win in ot is fine

  27. atlanta wins – the game but not the 2nd half as the fix said…2/2

    hammah and the fix and the bookies – 14/15 on the weekend – u can’t beat us

  28. u stupid ignorant slut = if the greatest football program in history are losers – u must be a pedophile

  29. Without getting too cerebral on the subject:
    The problem was a lack of experience and depth in the secondary coupled with a lack of leadership in the offensive line. If you add a defensive line that is good for most schools but not quite up to the Saban Scheme of things you end up 9-3.
    At the beginning of the season we all knew these weaknesses existed but we all probably got caught up into the National media telling us we were the best thing going too.
    I blame most of this on the fans. Unlike Auburn WE EXPECT TO BE IN THE NATIONAL TITLE HUNT.
    We knew that the 2009 National championship team had lost key elements to the NFL. But we all (including me) thought that Saban could just plug and play a team in.
    That is on us. The fans. Our level of expectation should have been a little less optimistic.
    Even Bear Bryant had years like this.
    As Bama fans we should realize we are not always going to be the best team going. And we should support our coach this year for giving us a good season. For those who don’t like it think back about 5-6 years and tell me, do you feel better off today than you did then?

  30. Autiger47

    I think your post shows some intelligence and general reflection on the information you have received. But I think therein is the problem.

    To begin with no less than 5 people have made the accusations against Mr. Newton.
    At least 2 of those people have pretty good reputations. Being MSU coaches. I am sure their words were not meant with any malice toward Auburn University and that they would not be making such accusations lightly. (i.e. getting caught out on these accusations would kill their careers.)

    What the people at MSU did was cover their tails when Cecil asked for money. Any school that wishes to remain out of the NCAA doghouse would have done the same thing.
    So where does this leave Auburn University.
    Well. Lets evaluate.
    It is hard to believe that Cecil would have been shopping out Cam to the place he wanted to go to, and then suddenly give him to another school for free.
    Such moves defy common logic.
    Reasons?
    1. Cam Newton was Dan Mullen’s boy. Cam wanted to play for MSU. And then inexplicably he changed his mind and decided he liked Auburn.
    Now stick with me here. And please don’t try to rebut with the syrupy “Auburn Family””It feels like home” sales pitch.
    Cecil had never been to Auburn. So how would he know what was in Cam’s best interest?

    I am inclined to believe the 2 MSU coaches if not the others involved.
    After all why would you risk career suicide/endless slander lawsuits on spreading a rumor that couldn’t be corroborated/substantiated?

    Also, (and finally) autiger47,
    If the FBI is looking, (and doing it publicly) it usually means they already have sufficient evidence to look. That is how they get their warrants for search and wiretaps and such.
    I hope for you and the sake of Auburn University that they haven’t had these wiretaps/surveillance going on since Colonial started going under.
    If that is the case Auburn is in for some of the darkest hours in NCAA history.

  31. hope is dopes especially when it is hope for a past event …the fbi ncaaa have nailed now it is a matter who goes to jail..per au bot – we r toast and we r going to just ride it out and win games and worry about the consequences later..once a leper always a leper

  32. almightytmc1,

    I appreciate your thoughtful post. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t uncomfortable about the NCAA investigation… and I think any other AU fan would who said they were 100% sure that nothing inappropriate happened would also be lying. That said, I have spent a lot of time reading everything I can to try to make an informed opinion, and here is where I currently stand (this is my most candid thoughts/opinion on the matter).

    1. The allegations do not involve wrong doing by Auburn. If the “pay-for-play” allegations turn out to be true, it seems to be more damning for MSU. Auburn apparently knew about the allegations back in January, contacted the NCAA, and determined Cam was clear to play. From what I can tell, none of this news is new to Auburn or the NCAA, which is why I believe most of it has already been investigated… and Cam was already cleared to play. By the way, comments by others that suggest AU is hiding something by not speaking out are intellectually dishonest. The NCAA prohibits parties being investigated to speak out about it… which is why AU has been so quiet (with the exception of pointing out that he is ineligible).

    2. Given that all of the allegations pertain to MSU and Cam’s dad, I think it is a real leap for anyone to start making claims that Auburn payed for Cam. I do think it is very plausible that Cam’s dad may have chosen AU due to a better supporting cast of receivers and running backs. I truly hope he did not ask for money from MSU, and at worst, I think he may have come to his senses and decided AU was a better chance to show off his son’s athletic skills.

    2. Should the NCAA find new information that supports the allegations, the worst case scenario is probably that AU would have to forfeit games. Obviously, this would be terrible for AU, but really, what other option did AU have? Again, AU and the NCAA determined in January, and then again in the spring, that Cam was eligible to play (remember, the recruitment problems involved MSU – NOT Auburn). Two-thirds of the way through the season, the allegations re-surface and you (i.e., reader) think AU should just give up their chance at a SEC and NC? You can’t tell me that Bama would do differently. Think about it, the choices are giving up a chance to play for the NC by sitting Cam so that if it turns out that he was ineligible you don’t have to forfeit the last 4-5 games, or sit him so that you can claim the 4-5 games in the event he is guilty. Who really cares about the last 4-5 games if you ultimately have to forfeit all the others? I think it is a very slippery slope if the NCAA determines that he was ineligible and then punishes AU beyond making us forfeit games, particularly since they cleared him to play (Fact). Are we headed to a time that allegations automatically requires that a player should be benched? Can you imagine what the face of college football would look like when opposing schools learn all they have to do to avoid facing an elite player is raise allegations? For those of you thinking that Georgia and USCe sat players, remember that it was a much different scenario in that those allegations did not come in the middle of the season AFTER the compliance office had consulted with the NCAA and determined they were eligible to play.

    3. Finally, let me just say that I will be the first to email, call, and write our AD and president if it turns out that AU did something wrong. I feel pretty confident that they didn’t, but I also recognize that it’s a possibility. That said, I think it would be a bad day for college sports if Auburn had to forfeit a championship for (the following is based on accusations alone, not innuendo or supposition): the recruitment of an athlete, that AU recruited legitimately, whose farther asked but did not receive money from another school. I was talking to my mother (who knows very little about football)about this the other day and the conversation went something like this: “So AU would have to give up the championship when the NCAA cleared Cam to play, Cam didn’t know, the inappropriate recruitment had nothing to do with Auburn, and no money changed hands?”

    I’m sure this puts the NCAA in an akward as hell position. You can bet if AU wins the BCS and then has to forfeit it because of the recruiting practices of another school, AU will make sure everyone knows that they are giving up the trophy due to a conversation between a parent and a booster… NOT due to money changing hands.

  33. F_ck Auburn. I hope they go on probation for 10 years. They paid the money. You expect any rational person to believe that Mr. Newton turned down $180,000 from Miss. St. to come to the shit smelling Plains of Auburn? For free? There is a money trail, Auburn is just got really good over the years of knowing how to hide it.

  34. No tears here BP*. Just gonna redouble my efforts and hate Auburn even more. And you are still a d!ckhead regardless. And the asterisk is there, just like all the other seasons Auburn has done well in, there is an asterisk. Like I said before, enjoy it while it lasts.

  35. My mama hates Auburn too, BP*. Just don’t get on here and cry when the magic season is forfeited. And you had better be worried about South Carolina. I think they expose your lucky team.

  36. You raise a good point BamaBrando — they have forgot about the rest of the season. They think it’s all in the bag. Even if they roll South Carolina — do you REALLY think they’ll beat an Oregon which has defense?

  37. Cap — I really don’t want to dive deep into this — but your hypothetical candidates for the job are great — but one Kirk Ferentz from Iowa would be my top pick — that guy HAS IT. Even though Jerry Jones hangs out with Saban’s agent — I don’t think it would go down — the only factor would be if T. Saban were unhappy in T-Town. He LIKES being at Alabama. He doesn’t LIKE the unrealistic expectations the fans and boosters have. There are 64 Div. I-A schools all trying to do the same thing. Bad odds. He’s doing the best he can. I’ll defend him to the end unless play calling becomes Shula-esque. You know what I’m talking about. We got the REAL DEAL. Despite the current past.

  38. I don’t know how many times Cappy has to type the strong and true facts about the lack of institutional control at Aubarn — hell, he probably just copies and pastes it now — but the NCAA DID warn Aubarn about the “future consequences” of playing $cam Newton before the Georgia game. Am I not right? That’s what I read and remember. Correct me if I’m wrong. Was that NCAA telling Aubarn, “do the right thing now before it get’s worse in the future”? That’s what I take from it. Analysis please.

  39. First of all Brandi* we have beaten SCAR once this year ( the team that destroyed Bama ) ….And Dumbage….If you think Oregon has a defense you are a spastic.

    Not saying Scar is no good.

  40. Where is Crimsonite (aka EGGHEAD White)?

    Apparently, he has headed for the hills after all of that big talkinng about Bammer this year.

    Come on Eggy, too scared to take your medicine??

    Hey Egg Head White, UP YOURS!

    BWAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA……………!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Way to go Auburn, shut the Bammer Moron Nation up once and for all!!!!

  41. Stinks to know that your world beater team isn’t al that, doesn’t it….enjoy being fourth in the west …….AGAIN…

    I love it…. There are so many bammers with thwir feet in their mouths they can’t respond…..

    Chizik trumps Saban…

    Malzahn trumps Smart…..

    Roof trumps McElwayne……( that has to hurt)

    Your team has no heart…

    There is something missing from Alabama….And I’ll give your bammers a brief explanation on what it is….Selflessness.

    Your team is suffering much the same thing that the early 2000 USC teams suffer3ed from…Their are too many premadonnas on the team. They only think about themselves and not the team…Unlike last years team. Last years team went through the tough times and never, ever wanted to go back….This years team expect it to be GIVEN to them just because of who they are. This explains the quit in their eyes in the second half.

    This is the biggest comeback EVER for Auburn and the biggest lead EVER given up by Bama…Your team has no heart…Filled with premadonnas….Period.

  42. bama has 2 west 1 sec 1 national title and a 8 0/12-2 8 0/14-0 5-3/9-3

    au 3 5, 3 5m 0 8 what is so great about

  43. only the mind of a pedophile – sick twisted perverted rebrobate mind cannot see the au being hammered unmercifully by the ncaa

  44. Blah blah Butt Plug — try to get past South Carolina first, then we can argue about a potential Oregon — you almost didn’t handle business against Spurrier the first time. It’s not in the bag yet! But the money sure has been. Enjoy the rest of your $eason — the only NC Aubarn will enjoy is the late 1950’s. Oh wait, they got the NC in 2004 too, forgot about that one.

  45. the bama au game was fixed – the late money the heavy money the late money came in on bama thus bama loses bookies win – all games are fixed –

    when 14-0 the bama offensive drive – fishy = even though we scored w the help of celebration penalty – i knew we were doomed

  46. check vegasinsider.com au pointspread looks like started at 5-7 generally the money is on the cocks and spread is going down for now….but the last hour before the game will determine the outcome hopefully the money on the cocks will drive spread down to 3 ish and all the late money will be on au and the cocks win game…and hopefully straight up money moneyline will be on auburn 2

  47. Well then, if it were just execution we should just go back to the Notre Dame Box. That would simplify everything. Whittle down the playbook to just one page. Even the dimmest bulbs could surely comprehend that playbook.

    The fact is part of coaching is learning to adapt. Saban has a history of blowing big leads. Part of coaching is knowing where your strengths and weaknesses are and adapting your game plan to those countering your weaknesses. In other words, use your talent to the best of their ability, not what you would “LIKE” for them to be. Saban is stoic in that regard. The excuse is “they just didn’t execute”. If Bama were to play the New England Patriots and lose, the excuse would be “they just didn’t execute”.

    It’s a piss poor excuse.

  48. CHEER UP BARNGOATS EVEN THE BIBLE TALKS ABOUT A LIFE AFTER DEATH LLLLLLLLMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOO

  49. CHEER UP BARNGOATS-SCOTT PETERSON IS ON DEATH ROW AND GETS A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL A DAY………..LMAO

  50. TOLD U SO – U STUPID FREAKIN REPROBATES…REPORTED BY CNN YESTERDAY…MISSISSIPPI STATE PRESS RELEASE..MISS ST WAS EXTORTED BY CECIL NEWTON HIMSELF AND THAT MS IS COOPERATING WITH THE INVESTIGATIION OF AU CAM NEWTON’S NOT THEMSELVES U DUM FRIKS –

  51. BP*, South Carolina had Auburn on the ropes if you recall. Oh yeah, you and the Auburn math means Auburn whipped Carolina without any kind of lucky break. Keep thinking stupid like that. Carolina is better now than they were the first time. You still don’t think Auburn was fortunate to leave Tuscaloosa with a win? F_ck yo mama.

  52. Hey Crimson Hammah,

    Would you mind providing a link. I search both CNN and MSU’s websites and was not able to locate the article you are referencing. Of course, if CNN says something, it must be true… so I would like to read the statement.

    Thanks!

  53. CNN REPORTED WHAT MISS ST RELEASED AND NO NOT EVERY WORD SPOKEN ON CNN IS AN ARTICLE ON CNN.COM

  54. THE COPS HAD SCOTT PETERSON GUILTY ON DAY 1 BUT DID NOT ARREST HIM JUST HAD HIM SQUIRMING FOR 8 MONTHS AND THEN ONLY ARRESTED HIM BECAUSE HE WAS SKATING TO MEXICO – WHAT ARE THE STATUE OF LIMITATIONS ON BUYING A TIGER

  55. MILLION DOLLAR BAND WAS COOL IN CALLING OUT SCAMCAM WITH TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN PURE CLASS MOCKING THE CLASSLESS

  56. Brandi* , it’s only a game son. Chill. The venom you spew on here is unmatched. Does that make you proud ? Anyhow, my momma would probably whoop your ass.

    As far as SCAR getting better, true to a point, but keep in mind Kentucky beat them after they beat you…See how that works…Auburn has also gotten a lot better since then too…Our 12-0 unbeaten record sort of proves that….Facts are inconvenient aren’t they ?

    Hammah, shut up about the Vegas fix angle….Good grief give that crap a rest.

  57. crimson hammah,

    Any chance you have a link to the MSU statement? I’m having a hard time finding that as well.

    Thanks again.

  58. And Dumbage….YOU brought up Oregon..Not me. But I agree the Gamecocks will be tough, but I think we will win it. And if we do, Oregon has NOT seen a front seven like ours./

  59. AGREED STATUTE…MISS ST RELEASE – 3 SENTENCES NO BIG DEAL OF COURSE MISS ST WILL BACK UP THEIR COACHES….

  60. BP SHOW ME ONE GAME WHERE THE BETTING PUBLIC WON A GAME U REPROBATE WHO DOES NOT KNOW AU IS DEAD MEN WALKING EATING THEIR LAST MEAL

  61. FOLLOW THE MONEY ON VEGASINSIDER.COM – I’M HOPING THE PUBLIC IS ON SC DRIVING SPREAD DOWN TO 3 AND THEN THE HOUR BEFORE KICKOFFI JUMPS ON AU THUS FIXING IT FOR SC AT LEAST THE POINTS AND THEN SWEAT OUT SC WINNING STRAIGHT UP

  62. NOTE – MOST AU FANS ON SEC RANT TIGER DROPPINGS AND AU FANS IN REAL LIFE KNOW AU IS TOAST …SO MOST AU FANS DO NOT HAVE REPROBAT E MINDS

  63. Hannah,

    Would you mind posting a link to the three sentences? I haven’t seen them and would like to check it out.

    Thanks again.

  64. RECRUITING – HOW MANY DOES BAMA SIGN IN 2011 CLASS? I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH SABAN CUTTING SOME OF THE KIDS WITH BAD ATTITUDES WEED HEADS OR JUST CARE ABOUT A NFL CAREER ONLY?WHAT JRS RS SOPHS ARE GOING PRO?

  65. BAMA NEEDS TO BE CAREFUL IN ALL THESE OUT OF STATE PLAYERS WHO ARE JUST NFL MERCENARIES WHO DO NOT HAVE THE SAME PASSION AND PRIDE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL…LSU HAS SEEN THE PROBLEM WITH THIS AND HAVE READJUSTED THEIR RECRUITING TO TAKE A 3 STAR IN HOME PLAYER OVER MOST 4 STAR OUT OF STATE PLAYERS

  66. Autiger47 Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 2:38 am
    ____________________

    Nice post but the crux of it all will rest on the statements made by Cecil Newton that he did ask for 3 easy payments for Cam. At that moment Cam became ineligible.
    Had that not have happened. There is still 5 people out there who are telling the same story. 2 of which are telling it at jeopardy of their careers.

    We all know that after so many people came forward there was a reasonable suspicion to question Cam’s eligibility. The SEC and the NCAA both contacted Auburn about a poosible suspension, but the people at Auburn said “no”.
    Given the preponderance of the evidence, and the fact that Auburn has been addressed on the possibility (i.e. given the chance to do the right thing) they are playing a player who may be ineligible. Its is not unrealistic to say that Auburn owes a duty of care to the reputation of the NCAA and SEC as well as to opponents to play fairly and show compliance in these matters. “All-in” was the response.
    Take away from it what you will.
    MSU notified the SEC and has been compliant.
    MSU said, This player’s father approached us for money.
    That is about all MSU could have done to fix the situation.
    Conversly, Auburn had this information and chose to do nothing about it. They allowed the player in question to play on, even after (at least) 2 SEC coaches went on record to say that rules where broken.
    Depending on the over all effect this has on the end of the season. It wont end well.
    It can be argued that Cam Newton affected the SEC west picture, as well as the NC picture.
    Someone will have to pay.

    As for the Colonial Bamk/Uncle Milty etc etc etc. part of it.
    You are a smart man you can pretty well figure out how the governemnt is going to connect the dots.

  67. almightytmc1,

    While I totally agree that the allegations raise reasonable suspicion, I think Hammah did a nice job of illustrating why Auburn fans are able to sleep at night. My impression from reading message boards was that almost everyone was stunned and nervous when the allegations first came out. However, after the days passed and no tangible evidence has been brought forward, most of us have decided to wait for concrete evidence before having an outright panic attack. Take my recent conversation with Hammah for instance:

    crimson hammah Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
    TOLD U SO – U STUPID FREAKIN REPROBATES…REPORTED BY CNN YESTERDAY…MISSISSIPPI STATE PRESS RELEASE..MISS ST WAS EXTORTED BY CECIL NEWTON HIMSELF AND THAT MS IS COOPERATING WITH THE INVESTIGATIION OF AU CAM NEWTON’S NOT THEMSELVES U DUM FRIKS –

    AUtiger47 Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
    Hey Crimson Hammah, Would you mind providing a link. I searched both CNN and MSU’s websites and was not able to locate the article you are referencing. Of course, if CNN says something, it must be true… so I would like to read the statement.
    Thanks!

    crimson hammah Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
    CNN REPORTED WHAT MISS ST RELEASED AND NO NOT EVERY WORD SPOKEN ON CNN IS AN ARTICLE ON CNN.COM

    AUtiger47 Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 4:36 pm
    crimson hammah,
    Any chance you have a link to the MSU statement? I’m having a hard time finding that as well.
    Thanks again.

    crimson hammah Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
    …MISS ST RELEASE – 3 SENTENCES NO BIG DEAL OF COURSE MISS ST WILL BACK UP THEIR COACHES….

    AUtiger47 Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 7:00 pm
    Hannah,
    Would you mind posting a link to the three sentences? I haven’t seen them and would like to check it out.
    Thanks again.

    crimson hammah Says:
    November 29th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
    IT WAS ON CNN TELEVISION

    Hammah’s first statement appears to suggest that new evidence was “REPORTED BY CNN YESTERDAY…MISSISSIPPI STATE PRESS RELEASE… MISS ST WAS EXTORTED BY CECIL NEWTON HIMSELF”. The implication is that (1) it is new and damning evidence, given it was reported by CNN as recent as yesterday, and (2) hammah’s source is credible. I have honestly scoured every message board and piece of news that I can get my hands on to try to make an informed conclusion, and I had not seen or heard this new incriminating evidence. It’s clear from the rest of the conversation that hammah, at best, saw a brief clip on CNN that said something about the investigation. Yet, hammah portrayed it as though it was hard evidence that the sky was falling in AU. I’m not trying to pick on him (I presume he’s a him), rather, I’m only suggesting that after much effort to determine the truth, these are the types of reports that are available. The last thing that I have read about boosters being involved indicated that the boosters said they had no involvement. The most recent piece by J. Bond has him saying that he hasn’t talked with Kenny Rogers in the last 2 years. Although ESPN’s headline said, “Newton’s father admits he asked for money”, the actual article says that he was alleged (by a source) to have admitted to asking for money. Everyone has a “source” that can’t be revealed or an insider who is either part of the program, or close to someone in the program. I’m sorry, but again, I have read everything that is available and nobody has said that “The SEC and the NCAA both contacted Auburn about a poosible suspension, but the people at Auburn said “no”.” If you have a reference for that I would be happy to read it. I’ll also point out that the “…5 people out there who are telling the same story” are only now telling the same story. In other words, they have gotten their stories straight… kinda. Finally, the notion that “…2 of which are telling it at jeopardy of their careers” can and should be considered in a number of ways. One possibility is that 2 MSU coaches are telling the truth, and the Auburn coaches, AD, and perhaps the president are all risking their careers (and possibly big time money since it is in Chiziks contract to pay the school back millions if he brings NCAA sanctions). Another equally plausible possibility is that the 2 MSU coaches are trying to cover their rears.

    If new tangible evidence other than allegations and innuendo is released tomorrow or any day after that, you won’t have to say “I told you so” – I’d be pissed. As it stands today, however, there really isn’t anything the provides strong support that AU is in trouble. All the pejorative cap locked conjecture by hammah won’t change that.

  68. So far the damage is when Cecil asked for the money in 3 payments. That made Cam ineligible.
    If you look back at the Andre Smith saga. At the the mere innuendo that Andre had spoken to an agent he was suspended. Pending clearance from the NCAA.
    If you will look back to last season, when Harris and Julio went fishing. Nick Saban pulled the plug until they were cleared by the NCAA.
    There was no “all-in” philosophy. Just a program that has had enough dealing with the NCAA to know that if they bungled it they would get hammered.
    Fast forward to the book scandal. Now we all know that Bama is on the book lending system which in essesnce means that if you check it out and dont turn it in you have to pay for it. Yet Bama showed full compliance.
    Fast Forward. Marcell Dareus. Same problem, Nick Saban’s answer “lets suspend him until he is cleared by the NCAA.”
    That is the SOP for most schools. If in doubt suspend until you get a clearance.

    Now. think about it.
    2 MSU coaches whether they were trying to save thier tales or not made these accusations. To do so half-heartledly would bring a world of trouble. Some to MSU some to the Newton’s. But still these two coaches came forward. Putting their careers in Jeopardy. Wouldnt have been easier just to say nothing at all?
    Auburn had a choice to make. And it was “all-in”.
    It may take some time. A couple of years. But the NCAA will not let it go.

  69. No they cleared Cam to play.
    Based that they didnt have enough evidence.
    That has nothing whatso ever to do with the investigation.
    I am sure if you will read the whole f*cking article you would gather that. Instead you are an obtuse rube.
    And your program cheats worse than Bammur ever dreamt.
    You, your program and your school are an embarrassment.
    A disgrace to the football world and even if you can possibly win the NC it will always be tainted until the day it gets that asterisk.
    It only took you 53 years to get this good at cheating.
    that makes you a universal failure.

  70. BP* no one cares here. Enjoy your season, even though Auburn carefully went through various loopholes to get a thug player. The NCAA is ‘aggressively’ going to close those loopholes, so Auburn will have to come up with another way to buy the next player. But ALL of your leadership from this team will be gone after this season, and next season you won’t be so smug, and you will be whining and crying about Bama cheating again. Just like the hypocritical Auburn fan that you are.

  71. Thats right BP* the season is almost over. Enjoy this one… they rarely happen for Auburn like this. I will still be around, you are still a d!ck, and Bama is still a better football program than Auburn. I have plenty left, keep slinging it d!ickhead.

  72. The NCAA response:

    “We recognize that many people are outraged at the notion that a parent or anyone else could ‘shop around’ a student-athlete and there would possibly not be repercussions on the student-athlete’s eligibility.

    I’m committed to further clarifying and strengthening our recruiting and amateurism rules so they promote appropriate behavior by students, parents, coaches and third parties. We will work aggressively with our members to amend our bylaws so that this type of behavior is not a part of intercollegiate athletics.”

    Yes that asterisk will apply here. Auburn got a thug player that was shopped around by his thug ‘preacher man’ dad. Everyone knows that it happened, so there goes Auburns credibility as far as being a respectable program. Every team in the SEC now hates Auburn. Enjoy wearing the target, and the NCAA will be watching you guys very closely from now on.

  73. Oh we will enjoy it. Being undefeated is rather nice. Not only that, but ripping the heart out of bamas chest last week, and now this week playing an team we have already beat ( and you couldnt) for the SEC title is even more enjoyable.

    Add that to being #1 in the country and , yes , its very nice.

    Nothing you can say will make any Auburn fan unhappy…And that is what bothers you the most.

    We are whistling in the sunshine , and bama is pissing and moaning.

    Life is good.

  74. Auburn 2010
    (0-12)
    ———–

    Arkansas State……0-1
    MS State…………0-1
    Clemson………….0-1
    South Carolina……0-1
    LA Monroe………..0-1
    Kentucky…………0-1
    Arkansas…………0-1
    LSU……………..0-1
    Mississippi………0-1
    UT Chattanooga……0-1
    Georgia………….0-1
    Alabama………….0-1

  75. Hey rollturd…..I don’t know if you are aware , but Cam has been cleared now for the THIRD time by the NCAA…There has been no official letter fo inquiry to Auburn, and guess what ? They will never be ! Get your head out of your butt and take off your crimson galsses and you will see it too.

    Auburn is 12-0 and will remain 12-0

    We will most likely win the SEC championship, and then the national championship.

    Like I said. It’s all good for Auburn..
    But bad for bama.

    this is all you rubes have to cling to…Must suck to be you.

  76. Well, it took you long enough to get close enough to get one, but it still doesn’t change the fact that you are still a worthless prick now does it?

    But it is always great to be a Bama fan. Bama has more class and tradition than you could ever have at Auburn. Racism, Cowsh!t, Buying Players and Rolling Trees doesen’t compare to Bamas rich history and tradition. So keep on hating and wanting, 1 good season doesn’t change any of that.

  77. OMG – DID NO ONE MISS THE POINT OF THE CNN STORY – ALL IT WAS IS THAT NCAA ARE SPEAKING TO AND COOPERATING WITH THE NCAA-MISS ST ARE WITNESSES AS OPPOSED TO TARGETS AS THE SCREWY AUBIES WOULD HAVE U BELIEVE….

  78. POLL > WILL NCAA VACATE OR FORFEIT AU’S SEASON . I SAY FORFEIT WITH THEIR ARROGANCE AND STONEWALLING ETC…AU WILL GET THE MOST SEVERE HAMMAH IMAGINABLE

  79. Read my posts and then yours Brandi*…Now tell me who is hating and wanting ?

    Like I said, it’s all good.

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