A game for the ages. This year’s Iron Bowl will go down in history as one of the greatest games ever. Step aside 1972 Amazins, the 2010 team led by one Cam Newton may have just pulled off the greatest comeback ever in the history of this great rivalry. In case you were in a cave last weekend let me recap the game.
Was I worried in the first half? Yes, I’d be lying if I said no; however, I held out hope as this team of Amazins never lost their focus and continued to do what they do best. I told LeeAnn at halftime that if we came out and scored a quick 14 unanswered points we would win the game. In case the recap above wasn’t clear I called that comeback.
This team has something that AU teams in the past have lacked. The ability to comeback, handle the pressure, and the ability to stay focused on the task at hand. I have never seen a team in all of sports with the ability to focus like the 2010 Tigers. Others can argue that point and will but I stand behind a team that puts aside the nonstop total BS being spewed at them from every possible media outlet in the land to continue on a championship run. I stand behind a team that never get flustered and spots a great rival 24 point only to comeback and win in the hardest road venue in the conference and the nation.
What is different about this team that allowed for this comeback and the ability to live another week in the quest for a championship? One word – Leadership. That attitude starts at the top and look no further than Gene Chizik and the on the field leader – Cam Newton. If you want proof about how the attitude of those 2 was reflected in the team look at Mark Ingram’s fumble in the first half. Down early on the road in the second half it would have been easy for AU to quit, but they didn’t. Mark Ingram took off on a long run and Auburn fans began to see all hopes of a comeback disappear with each long stride down the sideline toward the endzone. However, Antoine Carter (a huge defensive lineman and no where near the fastest guy even on the Dline) chased down Ingram from behind to knock the ball out. Coaches continuously preach “never give up on a play” and Carter showed exactly how it should be done. His will to keep plugging and not give up is a direct reflection of the leadership on this team. This play was the biggest of the game and served as notice that the Tigers were not going to give up in this epic fight.
Now comes South Carolina in the SEC Championship game. This is a rematch of these 2 teams and AU won the first one thanks to USC’s 4 turnovers in the fourth quarter. This rematch will feature 2 different teams. USC is playing as good as anyone and Lattimore is again healthy. In the first meeting, Cam had a coming out party and AU didn’t know what he was capable of until after that game.
Some will tell you this is South Carolina’s game to lose if they turn the ball over in the fourth quarter. They also say USC gave that game away and as a result Auburn should be on upset alert. I agree that AU should be on upset alert. USC is a great team led by a great running back and an even better WR in Jeffries. However, lets not forget Auburns turnovers in the first half of that game that allowed USC to even be in the game in the 4th quarter.
This will be a great SEC showdown and a very close game, but I look for AU to win 31-27.
Alabama came out ready to play and had a plan to stop Cam Newton. Alabama scored several quick touchdowns and field goals and before we knew it Bama was on top by 24. AU scored before the half and then began an amazing comeback. As the sun came out and drenched the AU section in an Orangle glow, Cam connected with TZac for a quick score coming out of the half. Auburn scored 2 more touchdowns with the last coming early in the 4th quarter as Cam connected with Lutz who then proceeded to do the funniest little endzone dance ever (It will now be referred to as the “Lutzie”). While the offensive performance was great the defense was even better as they held Bama to just a field goal in the 2nd half.
This team has something that AU teams in the past have lacked. The ability to comeback, handle the pressure, and the ability to stay focused on the task at hand. I have never seen a team in all of sports with the ability to focus like the 2010 Tigers. Others can argue that point and will but I stand behind a team that puts aside the nonstop total BS being spewed at them from every possible media outlet in the land to continue on a championship run. I stand behind a team that never get flustered and spots a great rival 24 point only to comeback and win in the hardest road venue in the conference and the nation.
What is different about this team that allowed for this comeback and the ability to live another week in the quest for a championship? One word – Leadership. That attitude starts at the top and look no further than Gene Chizik and the on the field leader – Cam Newton. If you want proof about how the attitude of those 2 was reflected in the team look at Mark Ingram’s fumble in the first half. Down early on the road in the second half it would have been easy for AU to quit, but they didn’t. Mark Ingram took off on a long run and Auburn fans began to see all hopes of a comeback disappear with each long stride down the sideline toward the endzone. However, Antoine Carter (a huge defensive lineman and no where near the fastest guy even on the Dline) chased down Ingram from behind to knock the ball out. Coaches continuously preach “never give up on a play” and Carter showed exactly how it should be done. His will to keep plugging and not give up is a direct reflection of the leadership on this team. This play was the biggest of the game and served as notice that the Tigers were not going to give up in this epic fight.
Now comes South Carolina in the SEC Championship game. This is a rematch of these 2 teams and AU won the first one thanks to USC’s 4 turnovers in the fourth quarter. This rematch will feature 2 different teams. USC is playing as good as anyone and Lattimore is again healthy. In the first meeting, Cam had a coming out party and AU didn’t know what he was capable of until after that game.
Some will tell you this is South Carolina’s game to lose if they turn the ball over in the fourth quarter. They also say USC gave that game away and as a result Auburn should be on upset alert. I agree that AU should be on upset alert. USC is a great team led by a great running back and an even better WR in Jeffries. However, lets not forget Auburns turnovers in the first half of that game that allowed USC to even be in the game in the 4th quarter.
This will be a great SEC showdown and a very close game, but I look for AU to win 31-27.
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