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(09/16/13 9:39pm)
The return of head football coach Gus Malzahn's spread offense has brought excitement and hope to an Auburn fan base that is still shaking off the disappointment of last year's 3-9 season.
Two early victories, and the return of explosive offensive plays, have fans optimistic about the program's future.
"I won't say that I'll be satisfied with going to a bowl, but it would obviously be an improvement," said Jackson Bradford, senior in applied mathematics. "As far as the next couple years, I think we're moving in the right direction. We had a top-10 recruiting class and we went 3-9 last year. That's something that is unheard of."
After last season's failed attempt at running a pro-style offense, fans seem encouraged by the return of the spread system many of Auburn's players were recruited for originally.
"We didn't recruit to the pro-style and the players just weren't suited for it," said Carey Farr, a long time Auburn fan from Huntsville. "The guys we have on roster now are suited for the spread. The spread lets us take advantage of our quick running backs and let them use their speed."
Malzahn's most successful season at Auburn as offensive coordinator showed the nation what a dual-threat quarterback could do in his system.
"Malzahn is a genius at this type of stuff," Bradford said. "They may not have the throwing ability of a pocket passer, but we've seen it before with guys like Cam Newton that they can be even better."
Mobile quarterbacks have become increasingly common in college football and Auburn fans seem comfortable relying on a dual-threat quarterback against stout SEC defenses.
"With SEC defenses, the mobility gives you an advantage and you can do some unexpected things," said Keith Morris of Perdido Beach. "It all depends on the performance of the quarterback and if he can develop with our inexperienced receivers. We really need someone to step up in that aspect."
Though optimism abounds, the struggles Malzahn's offense experienced in 2011 leave some wondering if his offense depends on the strength of a Heisman-caliber quarterback.
"I'm concerned about how 2011 went after we lost Cam [Newton], so I'm interested to see if that'll happen again," Morris said. "I'm cautiously hopeful about our chances."
Some went as far to say that a pocket passer may provide the Tigers with more consistency in future seasons.
"The mobile quarterbacks are coming on strong right now, but in recent years we've had our struggles," said Wes Bredehoft, freshman in chemistry. "Cam obviously was an exception, but I wouldn't mind seeing a pocket passer. We could use the consistency."
While not everyone agrees on what direction will bring Auburn the most success, early wins and recruiting success have brought cautious optimism to a fan base desperate for a return to relevancy.
"I think hiring Malzahn gave a lot of people optimism around here," Farr said. "Obviously, if possible, I'd like another Cam Newton, too."
(08/31/13 2:19am)
The Auburn volleyball team cruised to a season opening victory over St. Louis University Friday night during opening round action of the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic.
Led by seniors Katherine Culwell and Chelsea Wintzinger, the Tigers swept the Billikens in straight sets (25-21, 25-21, 25-22).
Auburn (1-0) dominated the first set of play, and overcame several strong runs by the Billikens (0-1) in the second and third sets.
Culwell led the team with 18 kills, while Wintzinger collected 20 assists and 10 digs.
Early in the 3rd set, Wintzinger became just the 6th player in Auburn history to reach the 2000 career assist mark.
Sophomore Alyssa Ivey, who transferred from Middle Tennessee State University in the offseason, had 16 assists and four digs in her first match as an Auburn Tiger.
Redshirt senior Sarah Wroblecky contributed 17 digs and two assists in the season opener.
The Tigers will face a tough test Saturday morning when they face off against the #10 ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers on the second day of play from St. Louis.
(08/29/13 3:41pm)
Summer is certainly an exciting time for college students throughout the country.
Whether students are taking vacations to exotic locations, studying abroad, getting internships or just spending lazy days with their friends back home, the summer is always a welcome relief from the stresses of the school year.
As a kid, there was no question that the summer was my favorite time of the year. While summer is still great fun, the two years spent at this University have taught me one important thing about the seasons: No other time of the year can compete with the fall in Auburn.
The dreariness of the spring semester and the sweltering summer semesters pale in comparison to the excitement and atmosphere on campus during the fall semester.
It goes without saying that football season brings a lot of energy to Auburn's campus.
But, looking past the football side of it, the atmosphere on football Saturday in Auburn is something a 500-word column just can't do justice. You have to be here to experience it.
What other time of the year does a minimum of 100,000 people descend upon this small town all for the same reason?
Have you ever experienced every sidewalk within a 2-mile radius of campus completely blocked by parked cars other than on a game day?
For those rowdy fans enjoying their pre-game tailgates, authorities are more lenient than usual to our shenanigans on game days.
I mean, when else will you have the opportunity to down a beer in front of the Student Center or enjoy a cigarette on our newly "Smoke-Free" campus?
As last year showed us, Auburn football can have its worst season in 60 years, and we'll still be voted the best tailgating school in the nation by Yahoo.
Tailgating is a major reason why fall is the best season in Auburn, but it's just a start.
Whether you're making that slightly tipsy walk to an 8 a.m., or simply enjoying lunch out on the green, the weather in Auburn is never better than during the fall.
On those days when the temperature lows are in the mid-'50s, and the highs just break into the '70s, the struggle to dress for the temperature becomes irrelevant.
You can dress however you choose and know that you'll be comfortable.
The cool weather also is an excuse to indulge in whatever hot coffee drink you prefer. Auburn's abundance of quality coffee shops makes certain that you'll never run out of new drinks to try.
For those who prefer a night in with friends, the cool weather makes bonfires, camping or hanging out on someone's front porch as a chill way to spend the night.
Then there's partying.
Not that anybody needed an excuse to party, but with Halloween, fall concerts and game days approaching, the fall festivities in Auburn are sure to be excellent as always.
As students get settled into their fall schedules and those dog days of August mercifully pass, one can't help but look ahead to the upcoming fall season with eagerness and excitement.
The best season is upon us yet again.
(08/28/13 2:55pm)
The Auburn University women's volleyball team sets off its 2013 season Friday, Aug. 30, in St. Louis for the first round of the Marcia E. Hamilton Classic.
An experienced team featuring six seniors, the Tigers will be tested early in the season by talented squads such as St. Louis University and the University of Nebraska, a national volleyball powerhouse that made it to the NCAA quarterfinals last season.
"There's some really good competition for us, obviously we start off with St. Louis," coach Rick Nold said. "They've had a very good program for a number of years and they're well coached. That's kind of where our focus is."
Senior middle blocker Camila Jersonsky said though the competition will be difficult, the preseason tournaments are a chance to see how their offseason preparation paid off.
"We have a good feeling about the season, but until you play someone, you don't really know," Jersonsky said. "We work really hard in the preseason, so it's a time for us to know where we are in comparison to the other teams."
Jersonsky, a 2012 All-SEC second team member from Buenos Aires, Argentina, said Nold has pushed them harder in training this offseason.
"We're practicing with 2-hour practices, twice a day," Jersonsky said. "Compared to my previous seasons, it's been really good."
Nold, who improved the Tigers' record by six games in his second season, said the large senior class has been crucial to the Tigers' productive offseason.
"Compared to the last few years, this has been without a doubt, one of our best preseasons in terms of being on the same page and getting through the stuff we need to get through," Nold said.
Nold said he hopes the senior leadership will help to incorporate the younger team members into the program.
"Chelsea (Wintzinger), in terms of setting, brings leadership and understands what hitters can handle different situations and how to put our team in the best situation to attack a defense," Nold said. "We've got a big group of newcomers, so when you have people that have been through the battles, it helps a lot."
Going into her senior year, Wintzinger said the team's goal is to finally return to the NCAA tournament, something the Tigers haven't accomplished since 2010.
"I went my freshman year as well as the other seniors, but I didn't go my sophomore and junior years," Wintzinger said. "I really want to end strong and make it my senior year."
Though volleyball is not the biggest sport on campus, both Wintzinger and Nold said they noticed those who come rarely leave disappointed.
"People don't really realize how fun and fast-paced volleyball is until you come and experience it for that first time," Wintzinger said. "I think a lot of people would love it because the energy and excitement make it a great sport to watch."
A change of venue should also help the Tigers increase attendance this fall.
"With us moving to the Arena, I think it puts us in a position where we're easier to get to than last year," Nold said. "You put it all together, it's a great environment."
(08/28/13 3:16am)
With kickoff to the 2013 football season less than a week away, Auburn defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson said he wants his defense prepared, not only for Washington State's potent passing attack, but also its developing run game.
"You can't just take a pass defense approach and forget about the run," Johnson said. "They did not run the ball well last year, but they've got an offensive line that is greatly improved with some new faces."
The Cougars, now in their second year under coach Mike Leach, finished last nationally in rushing yards per game last season.
"The run is the biggest thing they've been wanting to work on this offseason," said senior defensive end Craig Sanders. "I know they're going to be passing, but I'm pretty sure they're going to be wanting to run it."
The Cougars' averaged 29 yards per game, 10 yards less than Tulane, which finished just above the Cougars in that category.
"They've been really talking positive about the running backs," Johnson said. "They're good players. I think their running game is going to be more effective this year, but it is something that you can't ignore."
Johnson said stifling the run game will also help to contain the Cougars' passing attack, a category Leach's team finished 9th nationally in 2012.
"There's no question about it, (Leach) loves to throw the football," Johnson said. "His running game can become a problem though. If you allow him to establish the running back, you're going to have a long day."
Auburn's team conditioning will likely receive a test Saturday, Aug. 31, going up against Leach's pass-heavy spread offense.
"They had a 105-play scrimmage recently, and they ran the ball five times," Sanders said. "That's a lot of pass rushing, so we have to be in shape for that."
Johnson also expressed concerns that a lack of depth on the perimeter could create issues against the air raid offense.
"You get one dinged up or one has to come out of the game, you cannot have a huge drop off to that next guy against a team like this because they're going to throw it out there and keep pressuring you," Johnson said.
Though both coach Gus Malzahn and Leach are renowned for their versions of the spread offense, the differences in play styles have made scout team practice difficult for Johnson and his defense.
"The spread to me is three or four wide receivers on the field at one time and tempo," Johnson said. "There are all different flavors. What we've prepared for with our offense in some aspects will have prepared us very well for what we are going to see, but some of it is very different."
With many players potentially getting their first starts, Saturday will be a chance for Auburn's defense to showcase their offseason improvement.
"I will be able to jump ten feet in the air," Sanders said. "It's going to be awesome, I'm ready."
(08/28/13 3:05am)
On the heels of a prolific high school career, top freshman defensive end Carl Lawson brings elite pass rushing ability to an Auburn defense that finished 74th nationally in sacks in 2012.
The 6-2, 258-pound Lawson, rated the No. 1 overall defensive end and No. 4 player overall in the 2013 recruiting class by Rivals, has already impressed his new teammates with his physicality and speed.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him be successful and it's going to be quick," senior defensive end Dee Ford said. "Usually on defense you have to make physical changes before you can play and this guy is ready to play."
New defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has praised the quick transition Lawson and fellow newcomer Elijah Daniel had made to Division I competition.
"They're maybe two of our best pass rushers," Johnson said during fall camp. "I think they're coming along well enough that we're going to be able to play those guys sometimes, and hopefully early."
Lawson is expected to improve Auburn's edge pass rush, an area the Tigers struggled to find consistency in during the 2012 season.
"Those guys have shown a good sense of rushing the passer, smoking off the ball," said senior defensive lineman Angelo Blackson. "Those guys are young, but we need them to compete this year."
A native of Alpharetta, Ga., Lawson excelled at Milton High School where he tallied 42 sacks and 75 tackles for a loss in his final two seasons. Lawson was selected to the Under Armour All-American team after his senior season.
This summer, ESPN recognized Lawson by naming him to their preseason freshman All-American team. He is Auburn's first since junior Reese Dismukes and former player Erique Florence were named to the CBSSports.com team in 2011.
Lawson and Daniel, along with seniors Craig Sanders and Nosa Eguae, will be utilized in a rotation system to fill the defensive end spot opposite Ford this fall, according to Johnson.
But with Ford out for the season opener, the newcomers could see a lot more playing time against Washington State.
"Those guys are talented," Eguae said. "Those guys came in with college bodies."
While the athleticism Lawson brings to the field may be obvious, but teammates say the intangibles Lawson plays with are what set him apart.
"He just has one way of playing and that's it," Ford said. "He has one motor."
By donning the No. 55 jersey, Lawson will be reminding Auburn fans of the freshman success of another well-known No. 55: All-Pro linebacker Takeo Spikes and former Auburn player.
(08/03/13 5:34pm)
Auburn University graduated 1,277 students Saturday during commencement ceremonies held at the Auburn Arena.
"You are joining a special family of Auburn University graduates today," Auburn University President Jay Gogue said.
Thom Gossom Jr., the first Black athlete to graduate from Auburn University, was the commencement speaker for the ceremonies.
Gossom, who has appeared in numerous feature films and television shows, addressed the new graduates and their families about using their experiences at Auburn to write the screenplay of their own lives.
"The beautiful thing about this film of your life is you get to write the script," Gossom said. "You get to determine what happens to the protagonist. Also as a result of your graduation today, your character will possess the intangible asset: the Auburn brand. "
According to Gossom, the intangible asset is something that Auburn graduates can use to carry themselves through whatever path they choose to take in their lives.
"The brand of Auburn University can and will help you write the second act of your life," Gossom said. "What we all have in common is the intangible asset. The intangible asset now resides within all of us."
Gossom's speech was praised by many parents after the ceremony as personal and encouraging for the recent graduates as they move on in life.
"The speech was good and very insightful I thought," said Steve Yadloczky, the father of recent graduate Carlie Yadloczky. "It will be helpful for a lot of people; hopefully they can carry on the Auburn Way."
Although she considers it a relief to be finished with school, Yadloczky, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a minor in human development, says her graduation is bittersweet and she'll miss the school she's called home for four years.
"I'll certainly be back on campus within a few months," Yadloczky said.
(07/28/13 3:18am)
During last week's Auburn City Council meeting, several city councilmen voiced concerns about the unanimous decision to install seven new parking kiosks in the new 93-space parking lot in downtown Auburn.
The new lot, scheduled to be complete in late August, is located in the old Colonial Bank and Auburn Bank drive thru-teller lots on Gay Street.
Councilman Arthur Dowdell thought the city's money could be better spent in other areas.
"I'd like to see the city's money spent more wisely, and I'd hope we would consider that," Dowdell said.
Assistant City Manager Kevin Cowper believes the benefits this new technology will outweigh the $215,740.96 price tag.
"This is a system that will cost more than just installing 93 parking meters, but we believe that it is worth the added expense to have more parking available to the public," Cowper said.
One benefit of the new kiosks, Cowper said, is the diverse payment options offered to the user, especially for college students.
"In terms of the meter technology itself, this is a much more advanced technology than a mechanical meter. The old meters only accept coins. The kiosks will accept coins, bills and credit cards," Cowper said. "So, it's much more convenient for the user. Not everybody has a quarter in the car. The younger generation doesn't typically carry a lot of cash, and they are more prone to using credit cards. So offering multiple methods of payment will encourage the users to feed the meters and comply with the law."
Kasi Davis, senior in Radio, Television and Film, is the manager at Wrapsody, located on downtown College Street. She said the different payment methods will make it easier for everyone to park.
"Parking downtown has gotten pretty bad. We've had customers come in and complain that they can't find parking. So it has been an issue," Davis said. "We have customers come in all the time that ask to exchange a dollar for quarters, which we don't mind doing, but I just don't think that a lot of people carry quarters around with them. So I think it will be much more user friendly."
The new parking kiosks will also make it easier for law enforcement officers to do their jobs.
"The metering system will enable our enforcement officers to better enforce the parking meter limits. They'll be able to get a print-out that will tell them whose time has expired and who is illegally parked. So it will be much more efficient," Cowper said. "We think there are a lot of benefits for installing this type of parking meter system from both the enforcement standpoint and the user standpoint as well."
Cowper said the kiosks will have a four hour time limit, instead of the two hour limit offered to the public now. He hopes the increased time allotment will make it easier for the employees and patrons of downtown area businesses to find a parking spot.
During the meeting, Councilman Bob Norman also raised the question as to how user-friendly the new system would be. While Cowper acknowledged there could be a learning curve, he didn't think the transition would be difficult.
"It will be a new system, so it will take a little bit of getting used to, particularly if you haven't used an electronic meter before. But really, it's not any different than using an ATM," Cowper said. "We set up a test kiosk in one of the parking lots downtown. Over the course of a couple of months we've talked to people who have used it, and we've watched them use it. We've seen what issues can crop up, so we've been able to tailor the system to take care of any difficulties that we've seen. So we do think that it will be user friendly."
Cowper estimates the new kiosks will generate "around $40,000 a year," and will pay for themselves by 2018.
"Long term, if these kiosks are successful, which we think they will be, it would certainly be nice to implement this system for the entire downtown area," Cowper said.
(07/21/13 5:23pm)
Combining the poise and demeanor of a seasoned veteran with an intimate knowledge of Gus Malzahn's offensive system, new Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee established himself as the protege of Auburn's newest head coach.
(06/30/13 1:00pm)
Former Auburn football player Will Herring hosted his 9th annual Back to the Dawghouse Football Camp Saturday at the Opelika Sportsplex.
Herring, an All-SEC first-team linebacker for the Tigers in 2006, has built a reputation in his hometown of Opelika for being a role model to the youth of the community.
"Like it or not, the fact is that we are role models," Will said. "I know contrary to some of these superstars, some people say they are not role models, but you are role models. People look up to you, and in my opinion you're a role model.
"Growing up in my family I was taught the value of hard work and being humble and I just hope that passes on to some of the kids here at the camp."
Will's father, Ron, said family values play a big part in what they hope kids will learn from the camp.
"We use this as a vehicle to reach kids. Football is a platform, and we stress character, integrity, education, 'mind your momma,' 'listen to your coach' and that kind of stuff," Ron said.
The football camp, which is free for kids third to seventh grade, is viewed by Will as an opportunity to give back to the community that supported him throughout his youth and the early stages of his football career.
"It's just a way to reach kids because these kids love football, and they care what we have to say so we try to take advantage of it and tell them a little about Jesus and just love up on them a little bit," Will said.
\0x200BHis strong Christian faith motivates him to be involved in the community and to set an example for the kids who look up to him.
\0x200B"God has given myself as well as these other guys a platform. You know, my platform is football. There are different platforms in life, but for us I think we're mighty blessed to play a game that we love and for me to do it and make a living," Will said.
\0x200BRonnie Herring, whose son attended the camp for the third consecutive year, said Will's honesty, faith and respect toward others are what make him such a great role model.
"He has a lot of respect for people, and of course a lot of people respect him. The way he interacts with people and the way he treats people is a great example for the young men that watch him," said Ronnie.
"I really admire that he's outspoken about his beliefs. He does it in a very respectful way and I think that's great for the children including my son."
Will, who is currently a member of the New Orleans Saints, said while he enjoys being involved in other community events, the annual football camp has always been his favorite.
"From time to time I'll have a speaking engagement here or there and if I can help out in any way I can I love doing that. But, you know, right now this camp is kind of our passion, and we look forward to it every year."
(06/24/13 12:30pm)
Just in time for the fall semester, Auburn University is nearing completion of its newest on campus living facilities.
The completion of the South Donahue residence halls is on schedule and should be ready for occupation by the end of July.
"In terms of style, it is similar to the Village residence halls, but better," said Kim Trupp, director of housing for Auburn University. "It will have upscale amenities and also a premium price."
Each South Donahue unit will include 42-inch, flat screen TVs in the living area, a washer and dryer, quartz countertop kitchenettes and queen-sized beds.
"Most of the units have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, whereas most of the units in the Village are four bedrooms and two bathrooms," Trupp said. "So you will have your own bedroom and bathroom in the South Donahue dorms."
The location of the new residence hall will also make it possible for students to support the Auburn baseball team from the comfort of their own dorm.
"If your room is facing Plainsman Park, you'll be able to watch baseball. From the second floor until the sixth you can see into Plainsman Park," Trupp said.
The new dorms will be $900 more a semester than the units of the Village, but Trupp expects that the luxury of the South Donahue dorms will prove worthwhile.
"Once students live there, I think there'll be a really high demand," Trupp said.
Ben Chapman, a construction project manager with Auburn University, says that although some delays occurred during construction, their overall effect was minimal.
"Many projects have unforeseen delays and setbacks at times and the South Donahue Residence Hall is no exception. We included provisions within our construction contracts to help overcome potential delays," Chapman said.
While construction on the South Donahue residence hall has been relatively seamless, some concerns have been raised over the size and visibility of a traffic table built for residents of the new dorms.
Many Auburn students and residents have complained that the steepness of the traffic table is causing their vehicle to bottom out and, in some instances, inflicting damage to the bottom of their vehicle.
Chapman says that the traffic table is larger than most on campus due to the number of students who will be traveling in that area of campus.
"There will be a high pedestrian volume so we tried to make the traffic table a little larger," Chapman said. "With that new residence hall being opened and the future wellness kitchen, there will be a lot of students moving around in that area."
Despite being cautious of future pedestrian traffic, Chapman said they have already made plans to change the traffic table.
"The approach ramps are steeper than they need to be and we acknowledge that. We are planning to rework it during an upcoming student break."
Until renovation can be completed, Chapman said he hopes drivers will become more aware of the steep traffic table and show caution when driving through the South Donahue part of campus.
"We ask for drivers to genuinely slow down for the traffic table and be aware that they are entering an area with more pedestrians," Chapman said.
(06/12/13 7:23pm)
In an attempt to improve the gameday experience for fans, the city of Auburn and Auburn University have undertaken several projects that will enhance Auburn's parking facilities.