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(07/17/14 2:47pm)
Thirteen Auburn Tigers were voted preseason All-SEC, including four first team selections, by the media at the 2014 SEC Media Days.
Quarterback Nick Marshall, wide receiver Sammie Coates and center Reese Dismukes represents Auburn on the offense first team while defensive lineman Gabe Wright was selected on the defensive side.
Tight end C.J. Uzomah, offensive lineman Alex Kozan and defensive back Robenson Therezie were named second team.
Running back Corey Grant, offensive lineman Chad Slade, defensive lineman Montravius Adams, defensive lineman Carl Lawson, linebacker Cassanova McKinzy and defensive back Jonathon Mincy were named third team.
The defending SEC champion Tigers were voted by the media to finish second overall and in the SEC West to rival Alabama.
(07/15/14 1:06am)
When tight end C.J. Uzomah looks back at Auburn's backfield, he sees a monster.
"You can kind of account for our running backs going through the hole, but then Nick [Marshall] will take off for 200 yards like he did against Tennessee," Uzomah said Monday at Auburn's session of SEC Media Days. "That added dimension is definitely there, and with the work that he's been putting in during the offseason, it's definitely a triple-headed monster in our offense."
And he says that will only be half of the problem for opposing defenses in 2014.
After a 2013 SEC Championship season that featured the nation's No. 1 rushing attack, Auburn is hoping to keep the momentum going on the ground, even after the departure of Heisman finalist and school record holder Tre Mason.
With the Tigers electing to run the ball on 72 percent of their possessions last season, defenses will be focused on shutting down the read-option game between Nick Marshall and his top running back, who will most likely be Corey Grant or Cameron Artis-Payne.
According to Malzahn, that is when his offense will tip the scales.
"We led the country in rushing last year," Malzahn said. "When you do that, defenses have to take some chances. We've got to do a better job this year of making them pay when they do take their chances."
Marshall will be the central focus of Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee's mission to give run-heavy Auburn a more balanced attack in 2014.
The senior quarterback has already proved his worth as one of the nation's top rushers under center, but now his coaches want him to improve his passing. Marshall completed only 59 percent of his passes last season for fewer than 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns.
But he showcased the Tigers' new emphasis on passing during the spring A-Day Game, where he threw for 247 yards and four touchdowns in just one half of play.
Uzomah told reporters at SEC Media Days to expect that trend to continue into the fall.
"It's going to be a lot more balanced than last year," Uzomah said. "It's been fun being in the mix with, in my opinion, the best group of receivers in the nation. It's a lot of fun to have the opportunity to be in the mix with those guys."
Auburn returns big-play weapon Sammie Coates, who finished third nationally in yards per catch, and several more veterans at wide receiver, such as Georgia game hero Ricardo Louis and a re-energized Quan Bray.
Joining the experienced corps are former No. 1 junior college recruit D'haquiile Williams and Jaylon Denson, who was one of the Tigers' most consistent performers in the 2013 preseason.
No matter who lines up at wide receiver or in the backfield for Auburn this season, senior center Reese Dismukes said he expects Malzahn and his staff to make the right call for the offense.
"I think Coach Malzahn is a great offensive mind and just a genius," Dismukes said. "I think that has a lot to do with a lot of our success. He, Coach Lashlee and [running backs coach Tim] Horton all work so well together."
Auburn has a target on its back after winning the SEC Championship in 2013, and Uzomah knows defenses will be focusing on being the first to figure out how to shut down the Tigers.
But he said he believes that the triple-headed monster and the nation's best receivers will always have the upper hand thanks to the coach roaming the sidelines.
"We have so many plays under the same formation that look the exact same, so it's really hard to gameplan for something like that," Uzomah said. "You can try your best to gameplan, and we may get stumped on certain plays on a certain drive. But Coach Malzahn will adjust, and we'll adjust as a team."
(07/14/14 6:46pm)
Following a marijuana citation that cost him an appearance at the 2014 SEC Media Days, Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall will face additional "consequences," according to head coach Gus Malzahn.
"It is a privilege and a reward to represent Auburn here at SEC Media Days," Malzahn said. "Last Friday, Nick lost that privilege. We have high expectations for our players, but specifically with our quarterback being the face of the program."
Malzahn said the nature and timing of the consequences have yet to be determined.
Marshall was cited, but not arrested, on Friday, July 11 for marijuana possession in Reynolds, Georgia, according to Reynolds chief of police Lonnie Holder.
According to Holder, Marshall was in possession of "eight to nine grams" of marijuana at the time of a traffic stop over window tinting.
The citation came as a surprise to Malzahn, who said Marshall is remorseful over the incident.
"Up until last Friday, Nick had been a model student, teammate and citizen," Malzahn said. "Nick made a mistake and he will have to deal with the consequences. I'm not ready to say what those consequences are at this time, but I know he is regretful and he feels very bad about it."
Senior defensive lineman Gabe Wright said the team acknowledges Marshall's mistake, but is rallying to help the senior quarterback improve.
"As a senior, I'm not at the stage where you get loud and get in people's face," Wright said. "I saw him going into the dorm, just driving by, and I just told him I loved him. That's all I said. I [hugged] him in the team meeting. I know him personally. I know he made a bad decision, and he is truly remorseful. I can tell from the look in his eye and the words coming out of his mouth."
Despite the incident, Marshall's teammates said they still have faith in him as a leader.
"Our trust in him hasn't faltered in him at all and our faith in him is as strong as it's been," senior tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "Coach Malzahn will address it and he'll get back on track."
Marshall's citation is the second marijuana-related incident of the summer for Auburn; senior defensive back Jonathon Mincy was arrested for second-degree marijuana possession on June 27 in Henry County, Georgia.
In addition to action taken by the coaching staff, Wright said the team's seniors plan to come together to address the ongoing issues.
"I hate to use the word 'consequences,' but there will be senior leadership," Wright said. "We will talk, even if we have to have a senior meeting on our own. Things have been going well before those two incidents, and that's something you can't deny about this football team. We accept these two things that occurred, but I know my coach will handle it accordingly."
(07/11/14 10:14pm)
Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall has been pulled from Monday's 2014 SEC Media Days lineup in Hoover, Alabama, according to Auburn spokesperson Kirk Sampson.
Senior tight end C.J. Uzomah will attend in his place.
Marshall was cited Friday afternoon for marijuana possession in Reynolds, Georgia, according to Reynolds chief of police Lonnie Holder.
Marshall was not arrested.
"I am aware of the situation that happened earlier today with Nick," head coach Gus Malzahn said in a statement late Friday night. "I'm very disappointed and I will address it with him accordingly."
According to Holder, Marshall was pulled over for a window tint violation when the officer smelled marijuana in his car.
Marshall was found with between eight and nine grams of marijuana in the car and was ticketed for the offense.
Possession of marijuana in an amount of less than one ounce is considered a misdemeanor under Georgia state law. Possession is often punished by probation and a fine, which is set by the court.
The Rochelle, Georgia native is expected to be the returning starter for Auburn this season and was announced as a participating player at SEC Media Days on Monday, July 14.
Following a 3-9 season in 2012, Marshall led Auburn to a SEC title and within seconds of a BCS National Championship victory in his first season as quarterback.
Marshall threw for nearly 1,976 yards, rushed 1.068 and accounted for 26 touchdowns on his own.
His explosive 2013 season found the rising senior on a number of preseason Heisman watch lists as well as the Maxwell award watch list.
Check back at ThePlainsman.com for any further updates.
(07/10/14 8:30pm)
Auburn University and the City of Auburn recently announced they will receive consultations from the Urban Sustainability Accelerator (USA) program at Portland State University over the next year.
USA, housed in the School of Urban Studies and Planning, offers year-long services to smaller and midsized communities called cohorts, throughout the United States, according to Robert Liberty, executive director of USA.
These services provide consultations to help implement sustainability and redevelopment projects in interested cities.
In Auburn, three main projects will receive consultations: downtown's section of College Street, stormwater infrastructure and the alleys and back lots downtown.
Kevin Cowper, assistant city manager of Auburn, said calming the wide stretches of College Street between intersections downtown is a top priority for the city.
Similar to how the crosswalks on Magnolia Avenue funnel pedestrians off campus, the city wants to build crosswalks across College Street and between Samford Avenue and Roosevelt Drive.
The recent development and popularity of the Heart of Dixie shopping center and adjacent Barbecue House have caused an increase in students and faculty jaywalking across College Street, resulting in the need for a crosswalk.
The city also plans to redevelop the intersection of Toomer's Corner to match the changes being made to the University's corner of College Street and Magnolia Avenue. The project is scheduled to start in the summer of 2015.
Cowper said a landscaped median is planned between Samford and Thach Avenue to make "a more aesthetically pleasing entrance to campus and downtown."
Projects increasing the stormwater infrastructure on and off campus will also receive consultations.
Recent improvements to Parkerson Mill Creek, near the Wellness Kitchen, showcase how the University wants to increase flood protection and water quality on campus, according to Liberty.
Liberty said he hopes the plans to allow rainwater and run-off to soak into the ground will create long-term solutions to growing flooding concerns and will help replenish Auburn's water table, the underground surface saturated with water.
Another project involves cleaning up the alleys and back lots behind Little Italy and Moe's Barbecue on Magnolia Avenue.
The project, scheduled to start in December, will allow Auburn to grow up, not out, according to Liberty.
Building on the existing structures and space will better use Auburn's developed downtown and will increase the area's attractiveness.
Liberty said he also wants to rethink the way Tiger Transits are used. He thinks using the transits for more off-campus trips, similar to how the transit currently runs to Wal-Mart and Tiger Town, could better benefit more faculty, staff and students.
Mike Kensler, director of campus sustainability operations, said these projects should make Auburn a more pedestrian-friendly campus and create a greater "sense of place" where students can congregate at places, such as Toomer's Corner.
Liberty said USA researched between 40 and 50 towns and talked to more than 200 people before settling on this year's cohorts.
Each college and town cohort is required to give $18,000 to USA, which will cover 20 percent of the cost of consultations.
The remainder of USA's funding comes from three sources this year: the Summit Foundation in Washington, D.C., the Entity for Sustainable Solutions at Pennsylvania State University and an independent grant from the California Strategic Growth Council.
The program also receives monetary gifts and volunteered consultation services.
Kensler said a group of seven people from Auburn will go to Portland, Oregon, in mid-July to meet with the consultants.
After their consultation, the group, consisting of three University employees and four city employees, will revise their plans.
Liberty, who visited Auburn this spring, said he enjoyed touring Auburn, despite the heat, because of the hospitality and interest in USA he saw.
"It's a pleasure working with Southerners because of their graciousness," Liberty said.
Kenser said he is looking forward to the city and University's collaboration with USA.
"This gives us another opportunity to enhance that relationship and work together to create outcomes that are really going to be enjoyable and visible by the people of the Auburn community," Kensler said.
(07/08/14 10:45pm)
Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall and wide receiver Sammie Coates added to their preseason watch list haul this July, with Marshall landing on the Walter Camp Award (Top Player) and Davey O' Brien Award (Top QB) lists and Coates on the Biletnikoff Award (Top QB) list.
Senior center Reese Dismukes and junior linebacker Kris Frost were added to the Lombardi and Butkus award watch lists respectively on July 14.
The Lombardi award, which is given to the nation's top lineman or linebacker, is Dismukes' third preseason watch list of 2014 (Rimington, Outland).
After recording 59 tackles in 2013, Frost landed on the Butkus award watch list. The award is given to the nation's top linebacker.
On July 10, Auburn defensive lineman Gabe Wright was placed on the Bronco Nagurski Award watch list. The Nagurski award is given to the collegiate player adjudged to be the best defensively in the nation.
Wright also joined offensive linemen Dismukes and Alex Kozan on the Outland Trophy watch list, which is given to the nation's top interior lineman.
On July 8, Dismukes and tight end C.J. Uzomah were named to college football preseason awards watch lists.
They join Marshall, Coates, and safety Robenson Therezie as Auburn representatives on the numerous preseason lists released every July.
Dismukes, who began his accolade-laden career as a freshman All-American, was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list. Given to the nation's best center, Dismukes was one of six finalists for the award last winter after helping lead Auburn to the most rushing yards in the nation.
Uzomah was selected to the Mackey Award watch list, given to the nation's best tight end. The 6-foot-5, 264-pound senior caught 11 passes for 154 yards and three touchdowns last season, including a game-winning touchdown vs. Mississippi State.
Marshall and Coates were chosen to the Maxwell Award watch list, given to the nation's top player.
Last season, Marshall accounted for 1,976 yards and 14 touchdowns through the air, while also rushing for 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first SEC season at quarterback.
Coates caught 42 passes for 902 yards and seven touchdowns last year. The 6-foot-2 speedster averaged 21.5 yards per catch, placing him third in the nation.
Therezie was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, given to the nation's top defender. A starter at the "Star" hybrid position, Therezie recorded 57 tackles and a team-leading four interceptions.
Other watch lists will be released every weekday until July 19th.
(06/24/14 10:00pm)
When Christina Aycock, junior in graphic design, joined Silver Wings her freshman year in the fall of 2012, she never expected to be where she is today with the organization.
Before the school year was over in April, Aycock was elected Silver Wings National President. Aycock was elected with six Auburn students Ryan Hall, junior in psychology; Ashley Kinsey, employee in biosystems engineering; Rena Divine, employee with wildlife sciences; McKinnon Pearse, sophomore in precommunication; Sarah Sawyer, junior in nursing; and Jonathan Corona, junior in environmental design.
In the past, the Auburn Chapter of Silver Wings have been labeled as a hostess group for the Air Force ROTC, but the organization is much more than that.
When the Air Force ROTC have their monthly physical assessment, called PTs, the silver wings will bring them fruit and make signs and cheer for them. However, this is not the group's main purpose.
"It's less social than it is community service," Corona said. "We do things for them, but its meant to be more professional."
Silver wings also teams up with Air Force ROTC and their sister organization, Arnold Air Society, ASA, to complete community service projects.
"We are our own organization and we are really emphasizing it this year," Corona said. "As far as being civilians, we take pride in that because we are like the civilian force of the Air Force."
Silver wings can best be explained like a pyramid. At the bottom are general chapter members then chapter officers. Next are region officers. Silver wings divide the country into 11 regions. Auburn is in region five along with Ole Miss, Mississippi, South Alabama, Samford, UAB and Tennessee.
The Silver Wings national staff is in charge of all 90 Silver Wings chapters throughout the country. The national staff heads the projects the chapters are working on.
"We want to make sure that all the chapters in the country are doing their best, and trying to get involved with the community as much as they can," said activities officer Jonathan Corona.
The goals of national staff are to promote national defense and to reach out to people with disabilities.
"I attended my first national conference the year before last in Atlanta," Aycock said. I saw all of the Auburn staff and they were pretty much running the national staff. It was really impressive to see that age student taking on something like that."
To apply for national staff, members must complete what is called a bid packet to present to the Executive Management System (EMC). These packets outline plans for a budget and what changes would be made to the organization.
After the bid packet is completed and the EMC had voted, select members present their bid packet at the national conclave called NATCON in Washington D.C.
Aycock said she is looking forward to how her national title can benefit Auburn's chapter in the next school year.
"It definitely helps give (members) perspective," Aycock said. I want them to see that leadership and think 'Whoa that's awesome. I want to try that.'"
If you are interested in Silver Wings, contact beb0017@auburn.edu or look for the Silver Wings information booth on the concourse days in the fall.
(06/08/14 8:30pm)
Jim Gorrie has been a fan of the Atlanta Braves his entire life, but his involvement with the Major League Baseball team just got bigger.
Gorrie, 1984 building science alumnus of Auburn University, is president and CEO of Brasfield & Gorrie, one of four construction companies jointly named American Builders 2017, recently awarded the contract to build the new Braves stadium.
Barton Malow Company, New South Construction and Mortenson Construction are the other companies that make up American Builders 2017.
This group was formed to highlight each of the four companies' strengths. Brasfield & Gorrie took the lead position because of their large presence in Atlanta and Cobb County.
Gorrie graduated with New South Construction CEO Doug Davidson in spring 1984 and has always had "a tremendous amount of respect for [Davidson's] firm."
Gorrie, whose parents are Auburn alumni, grew up attending football games and said football Saturdays with his friends and family are one of his favorite memories of the Plains.
"Meeting my wife, Alison, our senior year was a highlight for sure," Gorrie said of his time in Auburn.
Gorrie and Alison met through mutual friends, after which Alison asked him to go to the Kappa Delta formal her senior year.
The couple has been married for 29 years and resides in Mountain Brook. They have two children, Mills, who attends Samford University, and Alie B., who attends Belmont University.
Gorrie was in Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he served as president and rush chairman. He was also an SGA senator and parliamentarian, member of the Builders Science Builder's Guild, Sigma Lambda Chi, Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa.
Spending time at the KA house was one of Gorrie's favorite activities to do during his years in Auburn.
He also frequented the BBQ House, Momma Goldberg's Deli, Guthrie's and Taco Casa; each meal followed by a trip to the Santa Freeze.
No matter the fun he had outside of class, Gorrie always came back to his schoolwork.
When Gorrie came to Auburn, he knew that building science was the degree for him.
"I enjoyed my senior thesis because it brought all of the pieces of my building science education together," Gorrie said. "I liked all my building science classes and teachers. We had great teachers. In fact, I talked Mark Taylor into becoming house dad for the KAs in 1983, and I'm not sure he has forgiven me for that."
Gorrie's father, M. Miller Gorrie, a 1957 Auburn alumnus, bought out the assets of the Thomas C. Brasfield Company in 1964 and subsequently renamed the company Brasfield & Gorrie.
The company is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
"It is all I have ever done or known," Gorrie said. "I never really considered anything else and have enjoyed working with my father and learning from some pretty special people."
Gorrie believes every job the company takes is special, but counts the Georgia Dome, the Kirklin Clinic in Birmingham and the M. Miller Gorrie Center in Auburn as a few of his favorites.
The M. Miller Gorrie Center was made possible through donations from Brasfield & Gorrie employees and was a named in honor of the Gorrie's father, chairman and founder of Brasfield and Gorrie.
"We surprised my father," Gorrie said. "Auburn officials were present one night at the Birmingham Country Club to spring the news on him."
Brasfield & Gorrie also completed the last renovation to Jordan-Hare in the mid-eighties.
Even though Brasfield & Gorrie recruits employees from all over the country, Gorrie remembers his Auburn roots.
"We have a pretty strong Auburn presence in our company for sure," Gorrie said.
Gorrie has also donated to the J. Steve Williams Endowed Scholarship in the McWhorter School of Building Science this year.
Gorrie considers landing the Braves contract a "great win" and is excited about working with the team.
Gorrie grew up listening to the Braves play on the radio with his grandfather.
The lifelong Braves fan frequently watches the team on TV, even though he rarely makes it to games at Turner Field.
"I did take my son the day before we were selected for the Braves stadium," Gorrie said. "We had a great time, even though the Braves lost."
(05/20/14 10:54pm)
The Auburn Tigers basketball team snagged it's third commitment today, when three-star T.J. Lang of McGill-Toolen High School in Mobile announced his commitment to Auburn via Twitter.
The 6'6 small forward was signed by Virginia Tech, but decommitted after Virginia Tech fired coach James Johnson.
Lang is the third commitment in the Tigers recruiting class, joining New Mexico State transfer K.C. Ross-Miller and Cinmeon Bowers, a 6'7 power forward from Chipola (Florida) College.
Signing Lang is another step in reversing the Auburn basketball team's recent struggles, even though Bruce Pearl still hasn't met any of the three recruits due to the NCAA's Show-Cause Penalty that expires in August.
Lang isn't the first in his family to play college ball, as his father Antonio Lang had a very successful career at Duke, winning the national championship in 1991 and 1992 before having a brief stint in the NBA.
(05/20/14 2:37am)
With a thin returning backcourt, head coach Bruce Pearl and staff have searched the country for players who could help immediately.
They found one Monday night, as former New Mexico State guard K.C. Ross-Miller committed to Auburn.
He will be eligible immediately with 2 years left to play.
As a redshirt sophomore at New Mexico State last season, Ross-Miller averaged 8.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 30 games, while shooting 43.7% from the field and 39.3% from three-point range.
His journey to Auburn is an interesting one. After committing to Kentucky in high school, he ended up signing with LSU. After not meeting academic qualifications, he played his freshman season at the University of New Orleans.
He then transferred to NMSU last season, where he was involved in controversy.
On February 27, after a loss to Utah Valley, Ross-Miller threw the basketball at the head of a Utah Valley player as the fans stormed the court, leading to a post-game brawl, players and fans included.
Ross-Miller was suspended for 2 games, but he did not see any action for the rest of the season.
Ross-Miller joins top junior college forward Cinmeon Bowers, forward Jack Purchase and forward Sam Logwood in the 2014 Auburn class.
(05/20/14 2:46am)
K.C. Ross-Miller played his freshman season at New Orleans prior to transferring New Mexico State University. He will be eligible to play immediately at Auburn after transferring. (Photo via nmstatesports.com)
(05/08/14 5:20am)
Auburn's women's softball team defeated South Carolina with a final score of 7-5 in the first round of the SEC Tournament Wednesday in Columbia, S.C.
Auburn made good contact with the Gamecocks' pitching for most of the game.
Coach Clint Myers and his Tigers (39-16-1, 11-13 SEC) had a great offensive approach going into the game and executed it early on.
The winning pitcher was Lexi Davis. She allowed six hits, five earned runs and had two strikeouts.
Marcy Harper finished the game for Auburn in the final two innings, striking out two and only allowing one hit and no earned runs.
South Carolina took two of three from Auburn last weekend in the regular season, but Wednesday, the Tigers showed up to play.
Auburn started off hot in the first inning with a first-pitch homerun by Emily Carosone and then back-to-back doubles that resulted in a two-run lead.
In the third inning, Davis had two strikeouts and Auburn remained at a two-run lead.
Austyn West exploded on a hanging curveball for a homerun to lead off the fourth inning, giving the Tigers a 3-0 lead.
After 40 pitches and West's homerun, South Carolina replaced their pitcher, Julie Sarratt, with Nickie Blue in the fourth.
Auburn's fourth run scored in the fourth inning after a wild pitch from South Carolina.
The bottom of the fourth inning is when South Carolina got back in the game with an RBI double by Kristen Struett and a homerun by Victoria Williams.
South Carolina started to attack Davis' pitching in the fifth inning and tied it up after Ashlyn Master's solo home run.
Auburn was shut out in the fifth inning, but capitalized in the sixth inning when they scored two runs to lead 6-4.
Harper entered the game as pitcher after South Carolina hit a homerun in the bottom of the sixth to cut the Tigers' lead to 6-5.
Auburn extended their lead to two in the seventh inning and held on to beat South Carolina 7-5.
The Tigers will play Alabama tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m.
(05/04/14 9:43pm)
The Auburn softball team ended the season on a low note Sunday, dropping game three of the weekend series with a 4-2 loss to South Carolina.
The Tigers took the lead early on a sacrifice fly from Tiffany Howard that scored Mackenzie Kilpatrick in the top of the second inning.
South Carolina grabbed the lead back in the home half of the third off of a solo homerun from Ashlyn Masters that put the score at 2-1.
The Tigers tied the game in the top of the fifth on a throwing error that allowed Morgan Estell to come in and score.
Auburn wouldn't see the lead again.
South Carolina followed with two runs of their own in the bottom of the fifth, and the score wouldn't change from there.
Auburn stranded one runner in the sixth, and went three up, three down in the bottom of the seventh to end the game.
The loss was the second straight for the Tigers after Saturday's defeat ended a six-game winning streak.
Auburn finished the season 38-16-1 overall, with an 11-13 mark in conference play. They'll get the ninth seed in the SEC tournament, which will start on May 7 in Columbia, S.C.
(05/03/14 11:00pm)
Auburn softball's six-game winning streak came to an end Saturday afternoon after a 7-4 loss at South Carolina.
The Tigers (38-15-1, 11-12 SEC) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning, but the Gamecocks exploded for five runs in the bottom of the third inning.
Chelsea Hawkins and Sarah Mooney connected for back-to-back home runs in the third, with Hawkins' grand slam accounting for four of South Carolina's runs in the inning.
Gipson drove in another run for the Tigers in the top of the fourth, but the Gamecocks extended their lead to 7-2 in the bottom half of the inning, a deficit the Tigers were never able to overcome.
Marcy Harper took the loss for Auburn after giving up seven earned runs on six hits in six innings of work.
Auburn struck out just once on the afternoon, but Emily Carosone, Kasey Cooper, Branndi Melero and Morgan Estell, the Tigers' first four batters, went just 2-of-13 for the game.
The Tigers will look to win the series Sunday in the regular season finale from Columbia, S.C. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.
(05/03/14 2:24am)
After winning the series at No. 24 Arkansas last weekend, Auburn baseball dropped game one of their home series losing 3-0 to No. 23 Mississippi State.
The game remained scoreless through the first three innings as Dillon Ortman pitched 1-2-3 second and third innings.
In the bottom of the third Damon Haecker hit a hard ball to third that could have scored Jordan Ebert from second but Mississippi State's third baseman made a great play at third base to end the inning and prevent the RBI single.
Mississippi State struck first in the top of the fourth when C.T. Bradford led off with a solo home run. But after the homer Ortman was able to get the next three Bulldog batters out.
Auburn got runners on the corners with two outs in the bottom of the fourth but the inning ended when they tried to double steal and Blake Austin got thrown out at home.
Mississippi State hit another solo homer to take the 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth.
Auburn left two more runners in scoring position in the bottom of the sixth.
Ortman pitched another 1-2-3 inning in the seventh.
In the top of the eighth the Bulldogs hit an RBI double to take a 3-0 lead and that was it for Ortman as Justin Camp replaced him and managed to escape the inning.
Auburn went down in order in the bottom of the eighth.
The Bulldogs got their first two batters on in the ninth and then Daniel Koger came in. But then they loaded the bases and with no outs Reid Carter escaped the bases loaded jam to end the inning.
In the bottom of the ninth Auburn got two runners on with no outs but they could not manage to bring a run home, which clinched Mississippi State's victory.
Auburn will look to bounce back tomorrow in game two tomorrow at 6 p.m. at Plainsman Park.
(04/23/14 2:45pm)
Auburn is stepping up its game with the opening of yet another apartment complex geared toward students. The University enrolls roughly 25,000 students, and they all need a place to live.
319 Bragg, opening in fall 2014, is the newest apartment complex near campus. 319 Bragg offers a variety of apartment layouts and includes 86 apartments total.
The apartment complex, which is still under construction, has a functioning downtown office where students can call or drop by with questions.
"What makes us different from other apartments in Auburn are the five bedroom options. The only other complex that offers that is Creekside," said Logan Sowers, an employee at the downtown main office. "We've got an elevator, a full-size gym equipped with separate men and women locker rooms and steam rooms."
319 Bragg offers amenities such as a water volleyball court, beach hammocks, grilling stations, a dog park, a putting green and a study lounge, just to name a few.
The complex is also three blocks from campus and provides students with the luxury of many amenities with a close proximity to campus.
"My sister and I looked at almost every apartment complex in Auburn and what stood out most about 319 Bragg was that it was brand new and close to Lowder," said Katherine Justice, junior in marketing. "It's only a five minute walk and I'm looking forward to the pool and how everything will be brand new."
According to Sowers, Bragg is almost full to capacity. Students and parents can come by the main office for a virtual tour or to sign a lease.
"Our main office has a floor plan constructed so students who are interested can take a virtual and see the renderings of the building," Sowers said.
319 Bragg also started a social media campaign far in advance. It includes a Facebook page, interactive website with a parents page, a blog and a Hummer decked out with the 319 logo.
Students are set to move in Aug. 15.
South Donahue was the most recently completed complex on campus and brought luxury to on campus dorms.
South Donahue, completed in fall 2013, houses 418 students in the suites, complete with a living room and small kitchen.
Each apartment is complete with a washer and dryer, a 42' flat screen in the living room, queen-sized beds and personal bathrooms. The dorm also has a convenience store on site, and a wellness kitchen will open across the street in fall 2014.
"I like the privacy of my own new bathroom, queen-size bed and C Store right downstairs," said Tony Castro, freshman in political science. "I also have my own washer and dryer, so that's pretty nice too."
Pricing for these new apartments run a little steeper than surrounding apartments.
In 319 Bragg prices range from $675 for a two-person apartment, to $565 for a five bedroom. These prices are per month.
At South Donahue, a one bedroom is $5,200, a two bedroom is $5,000 and a four bedroom is $4,500. These prices are per student per semester.
(04/19/14 11:31pm)
Gus Malzahn and his staff have made it a point of emphasis this offseason to become more balanced offensively in preparation for the 2014 season.
The performance of Nick Marshall and his stable of wide receivers during Saturday's A-Day game showed the potential impact that the Tigers' passing game can have upon the SEC this fall.
"Our emphasis was obviously throwing the football," Malzahn said. "That's been one of our main points offensively this spring was to get our guys throwing and catching the ball in front of a crowd."
Auburn's running game was second to none in 2013, but the progression of Marshall, who threw for 236 yards and four touchdowns Saturday, means the aerial route may become more of a focal point in the offense moving forward.
"I am a way better passer than last year," Marshall said. "I took note of all the little things and what the coaches told me and put it towards my progress. I just focus on putting the ball in a place where my receivers can catch it and make a play on the ball."
Malzahn said an important part of Marshall's progression was that he went through spring practice this year, something that benefited the senior on the field and in the locker room.
"He earned the respect of his teammates last year, but now he has a chance to go through spring," Malzahn said. "Nick is more of a leader by example. He does not say a lot, but when he does they listen."
Sammie Coates' one-handed touchdown grab in the second quarter showed the pair still have a connection from last year, but JUCO transfer D'haquille Williams' 88 yards and a touchdown proved the Tigers may have their hands upon yet another dangerous aerial threat.
"He is just an awesome kid to have on your team," Marshall said. "He is one of those receivers who you just put it in his sight and he will come down with the catch for you."
It wasn't just newcomers who made an impact during Saturday's game, either.
Senior receiver Quan Bray had 89 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while sophomore Tony Stevens tallied 58 receiving yards and two touchdowns as well.
"We have a lot of guys that are veterans and go out every day to work on our craft," Bray said. "We're working on our releases and we just harp on Coach (Dameyune) Craig telling us this is your craft."
With Ricardo Louis, Marcus Davis, C.J. Uzomah and Melvin Ray also pushing for playing time, there likely won't be a shortage of options for Marshall to throw to this fall.
According to Malzahn, that, alongside his own improvements, has made the Tigers' quiet leader feel totally at home in the offense.
"I think the big thing is just being more comfortable," Malzahn said. "He is just more under control. His balance is good. His eyes and progression are good. So you can tell that he has really improved."
(04/19/14 1:19am)
Auburn will have the tall task of replacing Dee Ford, Nosa Eguae, Craig Sanders and Kenneth Carter along the defensive line but Auburn still has plenty of star power returning in 2014.
Of the many players returning for Auburn on the defensive line, sophomores Carl Lawson, Elijah Daniel and Montravius Adams are looking to make immediate impacts after all three had impressive debuts for Auburn as freshman in 2013.
Counter that with the senior leadership of Gabe Wright and Jeffrey Whitaker returning with plenty of experience and this defensive line could make a lot of noise in 2014.
"As a defensive unit, we are so athletic," said Lawson. "Everyone on D-end and D-tackle can go back and forth between two positions. Elijah has been working hard as always. He's trying to get his fundamentals right, same thing as me. Just working hard to get better that's all he can do. Mon is a freaky athlete."
In spring practice this year Auburn has tried rotating three different sets of only defensive tackles. The name "Rhino Package" was coined after senior Gabe Wright ran the idea across position coach Rodney Garner.
Returning senior tight-end C.J. Uzomah has liked what he's seen so far in the Rhino package and explained the problems Auburn could cause for other SEC opponents who rely heavily on big offensive lines and dual tight-end sets.
"That's something completely different than blocking against like Dee, someone who's extremely quick and fast," said Uzomah. "Blocking against someone like Gabe and Montravius, they're [huge]."
Even with their success last season, the defensive line has problems it wants to fix in 2014.
"As a defensive unit, we need to establish more communication," said Lawson. "We had a lot of problems with that last year. It's a big spring for me because last year I was a little bit disappointed about my performance, and I can't wait to get better."
(04/19/14 12:39am)
Finding a true aerial threat to line up opposite Sammie Coates was a never-ending carousel in 2013.
A committee approach saw Ricardo Louis, Marcus Davis, Quan Bray and eventually Melvin Ray step up and make an impact in various key moments.
While the lack of a true number-two receiver was overcome by a record-breaking rushing attack last year, a fresh batch of receiving talent and returning quarterback depth have Gus Malzahn and company savoring over Auburn's aerial potential in 2014.
Number one JUCO recruit D'haquille Williams, freshman speedster Stanton Truitt and a healthy Tony Stevens will join Coates, Louis, Bray and Ray in a crowded wide receiver field.
"We've got depth now, we've got size and we've got speed," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "That's all three pretty good things to have. I would hope that could become a strength for us."
It hasn't taken long for Williams to show his new teammates the level of talent he'll bring to the table as the Tigers hunt for another SEC Championship.
"He's a freak, he's a monster," tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "I'm not sure if I've seen someone have as much presence attacking the ball. He's making unbelievable catches down the field and making plays with his feet."
Lashlee said he thinks the addition of Williams and Stevens, who are 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-4 respectively, to the physical duo of Coates and Louis will give Auburn versatility in its passing game.
"That's four pretty big guys that all can go make plays on the ball, whether it's on deep balls, in the middle of the field or in the red zone," Lashlee said.
One person who is particularly pleased with the additions in the receiving department is quarterback Nick Marshall, who will likely be the first quarterback to start two seasons under Malzahn.
"We've got great receivers," Marshall said. "It's going to be sick watching us this year."
(04/19/14 12:28am)
Auburn running back Tre Mason made it to New York City as a Heisman finalist in 2013.
Now, in 2014, Nick Marshall could be the next Auburn star to vie for the famous stiff-arm trophy.
Marshall exploded onto the SEC scene last season and has looked much more comfortable as the first returning starting quarterback in Malzahn's hurry-up, no huddle offense.
"It's just the way he's carrying himself," Malzahn said. "You can just tell he's getting more comfortable. The game is a lot slower for him, I'd say."
Marshall has used his first spring at Auburn to his advantage in order to perfect the Tigers' fast-paced offense.
"Coming into the spring coming off last season, the expectation this year is high," Marshall said. "I know everything about the offense now. I'm just playing ball right now and executing the plays well."
Auburn led the country in rushing yards last season, but next season, the offense is expected to throw the ball more.
Marshall is confident in his passing abilities and is looking forward to throwing more next season.
"I'm excited about that because I like throwing the ball," Marshall said. "But when it comes down to it, we still are going to run the football. We've got more receivers coming in, so that gives us more weapons on offense."
The coaches want Marshall to have at least a 65 percent completion percentage next season, which only four starting quarterbacks have done in Auburn history.
"It shouldn't be a goal, because like I said the expectations for us are higher this year," Marshall said. "I'm just trying to do what the coaches tell me and then just complete the passes like they want me to."
Marshall's knowledge and confidence in the offense gives the rest of the team confidence by having a leader they know they can rely on.
"He knows what Coach Malzahn or Coach Lashlee is going to call in certain situations and kind of understands what play works," tight end C.J. Uzomah said. "Having that and having that confidence in himself brings out everything in us."
