Auburn a `little rusty' in its return to practice

[Saniflush]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/12/auburn_a_little_rusty_in_its_r.html

Auburn coach Gene Chizik said the Tigers were a "little rusty" upon their return to practice Saturday from a two-week layoff.

"But it was nothing we didn't expect,'' Chizik said.

The jet-setting Tigers practiced for the first time since beating South Carolina in the SEC Championship Game and hitting the awards circuit. Next up, way down the road, is the BCS national championship game against Oregon on Jan. 10.

Chizik still said the energy was good, but "the timing was off a little bit."

**Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton said the Tigers weren't sharp.

But Chizik said his quarterback has been sharp in other ways.

"I've got to give him a lot of credit," Chizik said. "He has been on a whirlwind since the championship game. I think he's handled everything great."

Chizik said Newton was happy to return to come back "just being one of the guys. I think the team appreciates that. I think he's done a fabulous job handling that stuff."

**With its practice fields torn up to build the new indoor practice facility, Auburn practiced on the soccer fields. Chizik said that doesn't matter.

"Our routine is normal. We haven't changed anything," Chizik said.

Auburn has the option of practicing on the soccer and track fields, as well as Jordan-Hare Stadium. Chizik indicated practicing in the stadium may be the last option, though the Tigers practiced there leading up to the Alabama game.

**Defensive tackle and Lombardi Award winner Nick Fairley says he has not decided on whether he'll leave early for the NFL.

"It's in the back of my mind, but I haven't thought about it,'' Fairley said. "I've been telling everybody I'm just trying to win for Auburn."

**Safety Aairon Savage won't be healthy enough to play against Oregon because of a broken ankle that cost him the last six games. Chizik had said at the time of the injury that he was hoping Savage could return late in the season.

"He's really taking on a coaching role for us,'' Chizik said.

[djsimp]

I figured they would be a little rusty but I will be curious as to see what the news coming out of practice is the next few days. Am I correct in saying that both Auburn and Oregon are only allotted 15 days of organized practice? If thats the case, I'm not sure why the Ducks got started so early. There is three weeks before the game and only 15 days of practice. You account for Christmas holidays and that seems to be right where you'd want to be before the game.

Another thing, why would they be tearing up the practice field now? I know there is planning and all, and you have to work on a schedule in construction, but I would have at least waited 2 weeks before they started their construction.

[Saniflush]

I figured they would be a little rusty but I will be curious as to see what the news coming out of practice is the next few days. Am I correct in saying that both Auburn and Oregon are only allotted 15 days of organized practice? If thats the case, I'm not sure why the Ducks got started so early. There is three weeks before the game and only 15 days of practice. You account for Christmas holidays and that seems to be right where you'd want to be before the game.

Another thing, why would they be tearing up the practice field now? I know there is planning and all, and you have to work on a schedule in construction, but I would have at least waited 2 weeks before they started their construction.

I just figured it was less of a trip for the Ducks to fly South. 

[djsimp]

I just figured it was less of a trip for the Ducks to fly South.

We're just gonna lure the bastards in. "Thats what we do here".

[The Prowler]

I don't think that there is a set amount of practices.  Just a set amount of time per day or per week that you're allowed.

[Saniflush]

I don't think that there is a set amount of practices.  Just a set amount of time per day or per week that you're allowed.

I'll have to see if I can lay my hands on it but there is a set number.  I think it's 15.

[GH2001]

I'll have to see if I can lay my hands on it but there is a set number.  I think it's 15.

Nope, only limits of that kind during spring and summer as far as number of practices. The 15 is more of a feasible amount when you look at the calendar, but no written rule.

[Saniflush]

I stand corrected.

[djsimp]

Nope, only limits of that kind during spring and summer as far as number of practices. The 15 is more of a feasible amount when you look at the calendar, but no written rule.

It looks like you're right. Everything that I have found, from bammer sites for some reason, says that there is not a limit. I think the 15 days is a limit on how many days you can go in full pads.

[Aubie16]

There are no limits on the amount of practices. There are no limits on the time of the practices. There are no limits on how many times you can put on full-pads. There are no practice limits whatsoever when it comes to bowl practices. The NCAA confirmed that to an Auburn beat writer who asked a couple of weeks ago.

It is assumed that whoever started saying that was confused about the 15 practice limit that is in place for spring ball.

[CCTAU]

There are no limits on the amount of practices. There are no limits on the time of the practices. There are no limits on how many times you can put on full-pads. There are no practice limits whatsoever when it comes to bowl practices. The NCAA confirmed that to an Auburn beat writer who asked a couple of weeks ago.

It is assumed that whoever started saying that was confused about the 15 practice limit that is in place for spring ball.

And this is why it is so important to go to a bowl game. The extra practice is a tremendous advantage for the young guys.

[jmar]

And this is why it is so important to go to a bowl game. The extra practice is a tremendous advantage for the young guys.

See there ...it all makes perfect sense.