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Pat Dye Field => War Damn Eagle => Topic started by: AUChizad on November 30, 2009, 11:08:25 AM

Title: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: AUChizad on November 30, 2009, 11:08:25 AM
http://blog.al.com/kevin-scarbinsky/2009/11/why_didnt_iron_bowl_struggle_h.html (http://blog.al.com/kevin-scarbinsky/2009/11/why_didnt_iron_bowl_struggle_h.html)

Quote
Why didn't Iron Bowl struggle drop Alabama this year like it did Auburn in 2004?
By Kevin Scarbinsky -- The Birmingham News
November 30, 2009, 9:55AM

(http://media.al.com/kevin-scarbinsky/photo/iron-bowl-2004jpg-9259d2e59a475526_large.jpg)
Pollsters threw cold water on Auburn's 2004 Iron Bowl win.

Mark Almond / The Birmingham News)That's what Auburn fans have been asking themselves and anyone else who will listen since Friday, since Alabama 26, Auburn 21, and it's a good question to ask.

Consider that the parallels between the 2004 Iron Bowl and the 2009 edition are striking.

In 2004:

Auburn entered 10-0 and was tied for second in the AP poll.

Alabama entered 6-4 as a 10-point underdog.

Alabama, playing inspired on its home field, took a 6-0 halftime lead. It was just the second time that season that Auburn had trailed in a game.

Auburn stormed back to score 21 straight points in the second half.

Alabama scored a late touchdown with 2:16 left to pull within eight, but failed to recover the onside kick and never had the ball in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or go ahead.

In 2009:

Alabama entered the game 11-0 ranked second in the AP and BCS polls.

Auburn entered 7-4 as a 10-point underdog.

Auburn, playing inspired on its home field, took a 14-0 first-quarter lead and a 21-14 lead early in the third quarter.

Alabama gradually took control in the second half, on both sides of the ball, but didn't take its first lead until it scored the game-winning TD with 1:24 left.

The game wasn't over until Alabama knocked down Auburn's Hail Mary pass into the end zone on the final snap.

This is what I wrote from that 2004 game:

``Alabama wasn't the best team Auburn has beaten, but it was the most inspired opponent in the most hostile environment.''

I could've written the exact same thing Friday but reversed the names.

But the pollsters didn't see things the same way.

In 2004, after a closer-than-expected Iron Bowl, they dropped Auburn to No. 3.

In 2009, after a much closer call, they kept Alabama at No. 2.

My take: The pollsters got it wrong in 2004 but got it right this time.

Alabama shouldn't have dropped because it played like a championship team in the fourth quarter at Auburn. Auburn, which played like a championship team in the second half at Alabama in 2004, shouldn't have dropped, either, but did.

Why?

Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Kaos on November 30, 2009, 12:08:21 PM
Quote
Alabama gradually took control in the second half, on both sides of the ball, but didn't take its first lead until it scored the game-winning TD with 1:24 left.


bullshit
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: War Eagle!!! on November 30, 2009, 12:17:49 PM


bullshit

Couldn't have said it better my self. Alabama Took control of the last drive...but that was converting SEVERAL 3rd and 8 or 3rd and 9 conversions. McElroy played well, really well, but Alabama damn sure didn't "take over". No fucking way.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Buzz Killington on November 30, 2009, 12:36:19 PM
Scarbinsky knows the answer to his question...I think he's Julioing here a little.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Birmingham on November 30, 2009, 12:42:43 PM
but Alabama damn sure didn't "take over". No phuking way.

After the 1st Qtr Auburn gave up 26 points while only scoring 7.

The last 12 possessions for Auburn went like this...

punt
punt
punt
fumble
punt
punt
touchdown
punt
interception
punt
punt
failed end of game hail mary
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: RWS on November 30, 2009, 12:51:58 PM
I would say because Alabama wasn't tied with anybody for 2nd in the BCS this season, and for that matter, the BCS formula has changed in the past 5 years. Does it really matter at this point? Alabama plays the #1 team in the nation on Saturday. If we lose, then it doesn't matter. If we win, even if we were #3 in the BCS standings, we would most certainly move up to #2, if not #1. Even if Alabama were ranked #4 in the BCS and still in the 90 percentile range, just below Texas, I'm sure beating the #1 team in all polls would shoot us up to at least #2.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: RWS on November 30, 2009, 12:56:51 PM
After the 1st Qtr Auburn gave up 26 points while only scoring 7.

The last 12 possessions for Auburn went like this...

punt
punt
punt
fumble
punt
punt
touchdown
punt
interception
punt
punt
failed end of game hail mary
Auburn was also only able to move the ball just 118 yards outside of the first quarter as well. If our offense could just move the ball.....Don't get me wrong though, we didn't dominate this game or anything by any means.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: jmar on November 30, 2009, 12:59:39 PM
I think this screwed up season has had an effect on everyone. There aren't many solid teams, reminiscent of '81. Alabama has a fine defense which is consistent. Their offense however can be stymied by someone with some imagination though. This whole thing is about getting hot at the right time and drawing a favorable bowl match-up.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Mr. Sensible on November 30, 2009, 01:07:44 PM
YAWN
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: jmar on November 30, 2009, 01:24:34 PM
Auburn was also only able to move the ball just 118 yards outside of the first quarter as well. If our offense could just move the ball.....Don't get me wrong though, we didn't dominate this game or anything by any means.

Yes I know what happened, but until Todd threw the pick, not a Bama fan could squeeze a turd. The sack was also a killer, but Arenas is what broke AU's spirit. #4 was a bad match-up early on. The rest of your bunch wasn't up to the task until our defense was totally exhausted.  Great game even in a loss. Has someone checked on Julio's arm? That thing was hanging.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Buzz Killington on November 30, 2009, 01:25:27 PM
Yes I know what happened, but until Todd threw the pick, not a Bama fan could squeeze a turd. The sack was also a killer, but Arenas is what broke AU's spirit. #4 was a bad match-up early on. The rest of your bunch wasn't up to the task until our defense was totally exhausted.  Great game even in a loss. Has someone checked on Julio's arm? That thing was hanging.

Fisherman's elbow is a bitch.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: GH2001 on November 30, 2009, 02:10:57 PM
Not really bull shit Kaos. The last quarter and a half Bama's D had made some serious adjustments and our yardage was paltry. This is also when Todd started being stupid. They made the adjustments to have a "chance" in the end. And when given that chance, they played the clock perfectly and did their thing. Do I hate them? Yes, but they played "the game". On the other hand, our clock mismanagement at the end of the game left me puzzled.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Saniflush on November 30, 2009, 02:20:35 PM
On the other hand, our clock mismanagement at the end of the game left me puzzled.

It' been a common theme this year.  We seem to do fine when we keep the tempo high but when we slow down to make sure we are doing the right thing we have stepped on our crank.  Just how it appears to me.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Buzz Killington on November 30, 2009, 02:27:52 PM
It' been a common theme this year.  We seem to do fine when we keep the tempo high but when we slow down to make sure we are doing the right thing we have stepped on our crank.  Just how it appears to me.
While I agree 100% with the slowing down this year...was I the only one that noticed the sheer speed at which the refs all of a sudden showed in spotting the ball and starting the clock on that last ditch drive?  I swear I saw the umpire outrun McCalebb.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Saniflush on November 30, 2009, 02:30:42 PM
While I agree 100% with the slowing down this year...was I the only one that noticed the sheer speed at which the refs all of a sudden showed in spotting the ball and starting the clock on that last ditch drive?  I swear I saw the umpire outrun McCalebb.

I didn't notice. 
I was too busy dropping tea leaves and cutting chicken heads.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: dallaswareagle on November 30, 2009, 02:38:33 PM
While I agree 100% with the slowing down this year...was I the only one that noticed the sheer speed at which the refs all of a sudden showed in spotting the ball and starting the clock on that last ditch drive?  I swear I saw the umpire outrun McCalebb.

I never saw them run out of bounds?  :sad:
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Kaos on November 30, 2009, 02:42:20 PM
Not really bull poop Kaos. The last quarter and a half Bama's D had made some serious adjustments and our yardage was paltry. This is also when Todd started being stupid. They made the adjustments to have a "chance" in the end. And when given that chance, they played the clock perfectly and did their thing. Do I hate them? Yes, but they played "the game". On the other hand, our clock mismanagement at the end of the game left me puzzled.

At no point did Bama "take over" the game, despite Spencer Tillman's smirklingly snide "Alabama, dey's gonna wake up and dey gon' win dis heah game bys double digits" comment at the half. 

Fuck you Spencer.  Fuck you Tony.  Fuck you LSU homer hairpiece fuck who's name escapes me now. 
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Saniflush on November 30, 2009, 02:49:37 PM
Fuck you Spencer.  Fuck you Tony.  Fuck you LSU homer hairpiece fuck who's name escapes me now. 

You don't say much sir but when you do you get right to the point and I applaud you for it.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Buzz Killington on November 30, 2009, 02:53:27 PM
I never saw them run out of bounds?  :sad:
:bugs:
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Mr. Sensible on November 30, 2009, 03:27:06 PM
LSU homer hairpiece fuck who's name escapes me now. 

Brando? I thought he was in the tank for Ole Miss.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Buzz Killington on November 30, 2009, 03:35:27 PM
Brando? I thought he was in the tank for Ole Miss.
No...he's just tanked.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: GH2001 on November 30, 2009, 03:41:02 PM
At no point did Bama "take over" the game, despite Spencer Tillman's smirklingly snide "Alabama, dey's gonna wake up and dey gon' win dis heah game bys double digits" comment at the half. 

phuk you Spencer.  phuk you Tony.  phuk you LSU homer hairpiece phuk who's name escapes me now. 

That was Barnhardt wasnt it who said that?

Nah, I dont think they took the game over either. I think they just woke and made some adjustments about the same time we were wearing out. They provided themselves a chance at the end and capitalized. They did enough and it wasnt pretty at that. Thats all.

Brando is the guy you are looking for. Yeah, he is the guy who challenged an Auburn fan to a fight on the air on Finebaum one day. Hes a real classy homer for LSU.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: jmar on November 30, 2009, 03:52:41 PM
 still sayin' "they are gonna run it"
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: Townhallsavoy on November 30, 2009, 05:01:50 PM
For one, it doesn't matter this year.  No voter is analyzing the games from November 26/27/28.  In 2004, you had three legit contenders from major BCS conferences competing for a spot.  The voters and media WANTED Oklahoma/USC.  They found their official opportunity to make it happen. 

This year, they could have boosted Bama to 1st, Texas to 2nd and dropped Florida to 3rd and it wouldn't matter.  Texas will beat Nebraska.  Florida/Bama winner will meet them in Pasadena. 
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: AUsweetheart on November 30, 2009, 09:32:49 PM
While I agree 100% with the slowing down this year...was I the only one that noticed the sheer speed at which the refs all of a sudden showed in spotting the ball and starting the clock on that last ditch drive?  I swear I saw the umpire outrun McCalebb.

I noticed. That was about the time my chewed up fingers started to bleed.
At no point did Bama "take over" the game, despite Spencer Tillman's smirklingly snide "Alabama, dey's gonna wake up and dey gon' win dis heah game bys double digits" comment at the half. 

Fuck you Spencer.  Fuck you Tony.  Fuck you LSU homer hairpiece fuck who's name escapes me now. 

I could kiss you for that.
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: The Prowler on November 30, 2009, 09:35:14 PM
Fuck you LSU homer hairpiece fuck who's name escapes me now. 

Stanley McClover?
Title: Re: Why Didn't Iron Bowl Struggle Drop Alabama?
Post by: AUTiger1 on November 30, 2009, 10:05:00 PM
Why would they have dropped?  Who do you jump in front of them?  TX beat a 6-6 A&M club and also gave up over 500 yds.  TCU pounded a 1-11 NM St team.  Not any surprise, but did that win really warrant a 2 spot jump in the polls when bama beat a 7-5 SEC squad? Does Cincy deserve that kind jump for beating a 3-8 Illinois team?  As bad as I hate to say it, they should have stayed where they are.   I hope UF hangs 50 on the phukers and they drop below TX, Cincy, TCU and Boise St.