AU86

Yes, Auburn lost to Baylor --- the first game of the season. Baylor was ranked 20th, AU not ranked but lost by only 6 points. And if you watched the game you would have seen that AU was in the lead for a good stretch of the game. As with most teams, as the season progresses so too does the team improve.

Sooo.... The original contract was crazy money to begin with, but the extension was over the top. Does the AD who agreed to the contract extension get the boot too?

Agreed. But by all metrics last year Auburn didn't stand much of a chance. But Auburn managed to take Bama into 4 OTs with a 2nd string QB hobbling around through most of the second half. Bizarre things happen during those in-state rivalry game.

If I were an LSU fan I'd be concerned that LSU managed only 13 points against an Arkansas team playing their 2nd & 3rd string QB.

I don't think that will happen this year. LSU managed 13 points against an Arkansas team playing their 2nd & 3rd string QB.

If memory serves me correctly, I think TAM has had a top 5 recruiting class the last 3 years.

Nope... Don't want Mullen at Auburn. Go check his record. His MSU record is not all that stellar, and his UF record was a downhill trend over 4 years.

Can the Aggies continue their mastery? Mastery of what? TAM came into the SEC 10 years ago and hasn't so much as won the SEC West in all that time. So what mastery is this guy referring to?

Yes, depth and talent are a problem. And yes the QB struggles are apparent. The O-line is inconsistent, so the young QB likely never feels comfortable. As for coaching, one way to help a young QB is to put in a game package that is applicable to his skill level. Yes, 5 yrd routes should be a no brainer, but having him sling the ball 30+yrds down the field gives him no way to build a rhythm. This season has been a steady decline carried over from last season -- little to no improvement.

I get taking chances and the reasons to do it. However, AU was still in the game at that point (1st qtr, 0-0) so why try a fake punt on your own 34yrd line on the road against the #2 team? If AU was on the UGA 34yd line then by all means try the fake punt (given the struggles of the AU kicking game recently). And yes, the O-line needs a lot of work. But at the same time, OC needs to put together a game plan for a young, inexperienced QB. AU is on their own 8yrd line and the play calls were all pass plays. Help out the young QB by getting him some breathing room by running the ball to gain a few yards. Perhaps Harsin and company forgot that Kirby Smart is a defensive guru.

I will amend my earlier statement to say there was some improvement in the WR play, but overall the offense is making it hard for the defense to keep Auburn in the game

Auburn's running game has been inconsistent all season -- OL is just not up to the task.

Agreed. Poor decisions put the team in precarious territory. Burn down the clock in 3rd qtr on a 4th & 10 to take a time out? Who does that??!! And the second 4th & 10 at the same spot on the field failed again to which only luck saved the day, but followed up with a low percentage play yielding an interception!!! This is all poor coaching. OL struggled all night, which was repeat of last week. Two weeks in a row giving up double digit leads and no points in the second half is another indication of poor coaching. No improvement all year!