Coach Gene Chizik: `Cameron Newton is eligible at Auburn University, period. End of story’

Auburn coach Gene Chizik gave a firm endorsement of quarterback Cam Newton on Thursday night in the midst of a story that questioned his recruitment. “Unfortunately, I can’t comment on it. But here’s what I can and I will this say very loud and very clear: Cameron Newton is eligible at Auburn University, period. End of story,” Chizik said. Chizik made his statement during his Tiger Talk radio show Thursday night. — Birmingham News

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November 5, 2010, 5:30 am

Alabama has better BCS odds than Boise State, Auburn

Odds to win the 2011 BCS National Championship

Oregon                          17/10

Alabama                       3/1

Boise State                   4/1

Auburn                          9/2

TCU                              15/2

Nebraska                      25/1

Utah                             25/1

Ohio State                     30/1

Oklahoma                     50/1

Wisconsin                     55/1

LSU                              100/1

Missouri                        125/1

Michigan State              150/1

Source: Bodog

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November 5, 2010, 1:06 am

College Football Speed Index

How long it takes some of the nation’s top teams to get off an offensive play (the time from whistle to snap)

  1. Oklahoma State 21.3 seconds
  2. Oregon 23.2 seconds
  3. Auburn 27.4 seconds
  4. Missouri 31.3 seconds
  5. Boise State 32.0 seconds
  6. TCU 33.4 seconds
  7. Michigan St. 34.5 seconds
  8. Alabama 34.9 seconds

Source: Wall Street Journal

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October 29, 2010, 3:37 am

Boise State vs. TCU could kill BCS?

A Boise-TCU title game would be great for the little guys and even better for college football. If all of the big-conference bullies had their noses pressed against the other side of the glass on Jan.10, the reasons college presidents have used to fight an expanded playoff might magically go away. It’s a long shot, I know. Even though Boise State and TCU both will spend the next six weeks pretty much blocking and tackling their own shadows, Oregon, Oklahoma, Auburn and maybe even LSU and Michigan State probably have to lose to get both little guys in the title game. It’s not like any team looks unbeatable, though. Two weeks ago, Alabama was No. 1 and it made good sense. The Crimson Tide were the defending national champions, had key personnel back and were undefeated against the likes of Arkansas and Florida. Then ‘Bama lost and No. 2 OSU moved up. That wasn’t quite so obvious; the Buckeyes are still wearing parts of the eggs they laid in their two recent BCS title game appearances. But they did have almost everybody back from a win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl and they had been breezing through a relatively weak schedule that included wins against decent teams from Illinois and Miami. So now Oregon’s No. 1 and uh, wait a minute. Nothing against the Ducks – they might be the best team in the land, certainly – but can anybody explain why they should have any more claim on the top spot than Boise, Oklahoma, TCU, Auburn, Michigan State, LSU or, for that matter, Utah? They’re all unbeaten, and they all have various arguments in their favor. — Columbus Dispatch

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October 19, 2010, 6:03 am

Auburn star leads Heisman talk?

In my opinion, Cam Newton is the best college football player in America. If he was still at Florida, the Gators might be 7-0 instead of suffering through a baffling three-game losing streak. Had he gone to Mississippi State where he was once headed, the Bulldogs beating the Gators on Saturday night would have been expected instead of a surprise. Because Superman did land in Auburn, the Tigers are easily a year ahead of schedule in the march back to national prominence. Fact it, Auburn is already there thanks to the big man wearing No. 2. You don’t need me to tell you Auburn wouldn’t be 7-0 and No. 5 in the country without him.

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October 18, 2010, 6:10 am

College Football Fun Facts – Week 3


  • Ohio State leads the NCAA in turnover margin (+3.50), having not committed a turnover and forcing seven through two games.

  • Boise State carries a 15-game winning streak into the game as they have not lost a game since their 2008 bowl loss to TCU.

  • Texas has been ranked in the USA Today Coaches poll top 25 for a school record and NCAA-leading 188 weeks in a row.

  • Since 2005, TCU is 46-1 when ahead (33-1) or even (13-0) in turnover margin.

  • Baylor is one of only three FBS defenses (No. 1 Alabama, No. 24 Arizona) that has yet to allow a TD this season. Baylor has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 48-3 in the first half this season.

  • After his 75-yard interception return for a touchdown, all three of Oregon CB Cliff Harris’ official touches this season have gone for scores (2 punt returns, 1 pick six). The INT was the second of his career.

  • In each game this season, Florida has had a player record a kickoff return of 50-plus yards and a rush of 40-plus yards. Mike Gillislee accomplished it in the opener vs. Miami, while Jeff Demps achieved the feat against USF.

  • Washington set a school record by using 13 true freshmen in their season opener against BYU. Previously, the season record for true freshmen to play was 12, set in 2008. In their game last week against Syracuse, a 14th true freshman played. The Huskies now have played the most true freshmen of any FBS school.

  • Nebraska is averaging 8.8 yards per rush through two games this season which leads the nation by nearly a full yard better than second-place Michigan State. The Huskers have had 11 runs of 20 yards or longer.

  • Oklahoma has won its last 32 home games, the longest current streak in the nation. The streak began in 2005 with a 31-15 win over Tulsa. The Sooners have outscored their opponents by nearly 1,000 points during the streak with the average score being 45.0 to 14.0.

  • Arizona coach Mike Stoops teams have a respectable 3-3 mark against AP top-10 schools at Arizona Stadium, including victories over No. 7 UCLA in 2005(52-14), No. 8 California in 2006 (24-20) and No. 2 Oregon in 2007 (34-24).

  • Wisconsin running back John Clay rushed for 137 yards on 23 carries in the win over San Jose State, marking the eighth-consecutive game in which the junior has topped the 100-yard milestone. That is the longest active streak in the country (Lance Dunbar of North Texas is second with five straight 100-yard games).

  • In their 14 games with Dan Mullen as their head coach, Mississippi State rushed for at least 100 yards in all but one game and scored at least one rushing touchdown in all but two games.

  • Among FBS schools, Arkansas is tenth in total offense and fourth in total defense. Arkansas is the only school in the nation to rank in the top 10 of both categories.

  • New Mexico has allowed 124 points in its first two games of the season, the most among FBS schools. That is the most points allowed by New Mexico in consecutive games since at least 1996.

  • Auburn is 20-4 in home night games since the 2000 season, including a record of 4-1 against nationally-ranked opponents.

  • Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck threw for two touchdowns last week at UCLA after throwing four touchdowns in the opener against Sacramento State. He is tied for third nationally with six passing touchdowns after two games. Luck is almost hallway to the 13 touchdowns he threw last season.

  • Penn State has won 20 consecutive non-conference games at Beaver Stadium and has not lost a non-conference game at home since 2003 when they lost 14-27 to Boston College.

  • Since 1999, West Virginia is 65-1 when scoring more than 30 points in a game with their lone loss a 34-44 defeat to then fifth-ranked Louisville in 2006. When the Mountaineers score 30 or less, they are 27-45 since 1999.

  • The Michigan Wolverines are one of just four FBS teams (Kentucky, NC State and Ohio State) that has played two games without turning the ball over once.

  • With the 54-24 win over UTEP on Sept. 10, 2010, Houston QB Case Keenum has 24 wins as a starter and is ranked third place all-time. He needs only three wins in 2010 to become the school’s all-time leader in that category, passing Kevin Kolb (26, 2003-06). With one more win he will tie Gary Mullins (25, 1969-71).

  • Missouri’s T.J. Moe is the only FBS player who has pulled down double-digit receptions in each of his first two games this season.
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September 18, 2010, 9:47 am

Georgia has won 16% of home games vs. top-level teams

SEC Fun Gambling Facts

  • Over the L2 seasons, FLORIDA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) as road favorites. The Average Score was FLORIDA 33.6, OPPONENT 14.4
  • GEORGIA is on a 3-15 ATS (-13.5 Units) skid at home vs. top-level teams (Win Pct. > 75%) . The Average Score was GEORGIA 24.4, OPPONENT 27
  • KENTUCKY is 2-10 ATS (-9 Units) at home in conference games since ’07. The Average Score was KENTUCKY 26.6, OPPONENT 35.2
  • S CAROLINA is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) on the road in the second half of the season since ’07. The Average Score was S CAROLINA 15.8, OPPONENT 34.6
  • TENNESSEE is on a 2-15 ATS (-14.5 Units) skid at home vs. excellent defensive teams – allowing <=285 YPG . The Average Score was TENNESSEE 19.6, OPPONENT 20.4
  • VANDERBILT is 0-8 ATS (-8.8 Units) at home in the second half of the season since ’07. The Average Score was VANDERBILT 17, OPPONENT 27.9
  • Over the L2 seasons, ALABAMA is 10-1 ATS (+8.9 Units) on the road when playing on Saturdays. The Average Score was ALABAMA 32.5, OPPONENT 16.2
  • ARKANSAS is 7-0 ATS (+7 Units) at home in November games since ’07. The Average Score was ARKANSAS 40.7, OPPONENT 25.3
  • AUBURN is 6-0 ATS (+6 Units) at home vs. teams with a winning record since ’07. The Average Score was AUBURN 29, OPPONENT 16.7
  • LSU is on a 7-28 ATS (-23.8 Units) skid at home in November games . The Average Score was LSU 26.4, OPPONENT 20.8
  • MISSISSIPPI ST is on a 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) skid at home in non-conference games . The Average Score was MISSISSIPPI ST 31.9, OPPONENT 19.2
  • Over the L2 seasons, OLE MISS is 7-0 ATS (+7 Units) in non-conference games. The Average Score was OLE MISS 41.3, OPPONENT 15.2
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September 2, 2010, 1:39 am

Auburn’s Chizik raves about converted WR Kodi Burns

Gene Chizik made an exception following Tuesday night’s scrimmage at Jordan-Hare Stadium. “I’m going to tell you, you (media) guys are going to ask me what guys stand out,” Chizik said. “I’ve got to give Kodi Burns a lot of credit. Here’s why: He has taken it as a personal thing to help us on special teams. He has really, really improved. As a pass-catching wide receiver he has done some nice things and I’m really proud of where he has come. He did some nice things again tonight. I’m proud of him and I appreciate his efforts. So do his teammates.” Burns came to Auburn as a quarterback but moved to wide receiver last season. He had five receptions for 46 yards, and still got some snaps at quarterback from the wildcat formation. But entering fall camp, it looked like Burns might be the odd man out at wide receiver thanks to the Tigers’ other returning talent and the addition of three widely heralded freshmen. How much Burns plays at wide receiver this season remains to be seen, but he has definitely played his way into the mix on special teams. – Times Daily

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August 18, 2010, 5:37 am

LSU’s Les Miles slips in SEC coaches ranking

Here is the 2010 ranking of the SEC’s coaches.

1. NICK SABAN, ALABAMA — Back in the top spot for the first time since his last season at LSU in 2004. He is also No. 1 in the nation. He is the first coach in modern times to win national championships at two schools — LSU in the 2003 season and Alabama last season. He also recruited most of the players who won the 2007 national title at LSU. He has not lost a regular season game since Nov. 24, 2007.

The scary thing is, he’s not leaving, and he has Alabama where he had LSU when he left — with gobs of talent entering, exiting and throughout the program.

2. URBAN MEYER, FLORIDA — Down from the No. 1 position a year ago, but probably the No. 2 college coach in America as well. It’s amazing how much Meyer won the last two years — 26-2 with a 15-1 SEC mark — while unhealthy.

3. HOUSTON NUTT, OLE MISS — Laugh all you want, but Nutt has averaged nine wins a year the past four seasons at second-tier programs Arkansas and Ole Miss. If he was at a program with the resources of an Alabama, LSU or Florida, he would be winning 11 or 12 a year. Nutt has not always fared well when he is highly ranked entering a season like last year.

4. MARK RICHT, GEORGIA — Last season the Bulldogs dropped to 8-5, but he would have to have another subpar season to get on a hot seat. Richt was 22-5 in 2007 and 2008 and has been close to getting into a national championship game or two.

5. BOBBY PETRINO, ARKANSAS — He has not been able to get Arkansas to the top as quickly as he got Louisville there, but he’s coming. Look for a breakout year.

6. LES MILES, LSU — Down one spot. His record is still gaudy — 51-15 (.773) and 27-13 (.675) in the SEC. But the fact is he gradually has turned an elite program — 22-4 (.846) and 13-3 (.812) in the SEC the two years before his arrival — to an average one with a 17-9 (.653) and 8-8 (.500) record the past two seasons. In 2008 and 2009, LSU lost four games by six points or less.

7. STEVE SPURRIER, SOUTH CAROLINA — When Spurrier’s entire career is judged, he will go down as one of the best ever. But lately, he just doesn’t have it.

8. DAN MULLEN, MISSISSIPPI STATE — State came close to going 7-5 in Mullen’s first season after inheriting a 4-8 program. Mullen probably got more out of what he had than most other league coaches last season.

9. GENE CHIZIK, AUBURN — He started fast with a 5-0 record but fizzled to 8-5. His last season at Iowa State was eerily similar. He started out 2-0 and finished 2-10.

10. DEREK DOOLEY, TENNESSEE — Dooley and Chizik must have the same agent. Dooley got a high-profile job, too, after going 4-8 at Louisiana Tech!

11. ROBBIE CALDWELL, VANDERBILT — Caldwell edged Kentucky’s Joker Phillips with the best SEC Media Days performance in history. No one has ever channeled his inner Hee Haw better.

12. JOKER PHILLIPS, KENTUCKY — The best first name for a head coach since Bum Phillips. — Monroe News Star

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August 16, 2010, 7:32 am

Gene Chizik, current players would like to see 2004 title in Auburn

The perfect season was six years ago, when most Auburn players were in high school or even younger. But the legacy of 2004 still permeates the football complex here. Murals celebrating the team adorn the walls. Former players still drop by to visit head coach Gene Chizik, who was the defensive coordinator of the squad.  So while the debate to strip Southern California of its 2004 national title and award the championship to another team — likely Auburn — doesn’t directly affect current players, they still have a rooting interest.  “It means a lot,” said senior guard Byron Isom. “I’ve followed the story. That means a lot to the Auburn family and the Auburn program, so I’m just waiting to see the outcome.”  The outcome could come as soon as next week, when officials from the Football Writers Association of America will discuss the disputed trophy via teleconference, according to Steve Richardson, the group’s executive director. Chizik, who served under Tuberville in 2004 but left after the season to take the defensive coordinator position at Texas, said Auburn would gladly accept the trophy.  “I don’t have a say in it, but obviously it’s a very important time and we’re very proud of that year,” Chizik said Wednesday. “Whatever they decide to do, we will certainly be keeping up with, I’m sure.”  — Mobile Press-Register

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August 5, 2010, 7:09 am

Auburn’s Newton will heighten expectations at QB

Auburn set school records for offense last season de spite playing a quarterback with limited mobility and a damaged throwing shoulder. Cameron Newton will change all that. The Tigers’ top quarterback, who transferred to the Plains last winter, will allow offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to scheme more creatively this fall. Newton has quick feet, plenty of arm strength and a chip on his shoulder after a two-year stay at Florida ended badly. An infusion of talent at quarterback isn’t the only thing creating lofty offensive expectations. Here’s a look at Newton and two teammates whose development and effectiveness could be the difference for Auburn this season. — Montgomery Advertiser

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July 19, 2010, 8:29 am

Tuberville stirs controversy by hiring former Auburn trainer

Leave it to Tommy Tuberville to create a buzz simply by hiring a new head trainer at Texas Tech. He’s tapped Arnold Gamber for that job, which makes sense given the coach’s history of staff loyalty. Gamber served as head trainer at Auburn during Tuberville’s entire tenure. Gamber has a long and respected resume, but there’s still something curious about the hire. A year ago this month, former Auburn lineman Chaz Ramsey filed a lawsuit against Gamber alleging that he mishandled Ramsey’s rehab after back surgery and ended his football career. The lawsuit, now in the deposition phase, is scheduled to go to trial in February. — Birmingham News

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July 12, 2010, 7:33 am

Auburn QB Cameron Newton expected to make splash

As Alabama was preparing for the BCS title game last January, its Iron Bowl rival received a boost when Cameron Newton chose the Tigers over Mississippi State.
No one on the Plains is expecting Newton to get Auburn in the national championship hunt, although he won the junior-college title last year at Blinn in Texas. Fans will be happy if the 6-6, 247-pounder can jump-start a passing attack that ranked 10{+t}{+h} in the SEC last year. Most believe Newton has the physical tools to be successful. But he has to prove he has matured since leaving Florida, where he was Tim Tebow’s backup, after legal problems sidetracked his career. – The State

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July 9, 2010, 7:03 am