The Auburn Plainsman Alabama Game Day tab 11.21.13 by The Auburn Plainsman

NOVEMBER 21, 2013

AUBURN vs. ALABAMA

GAME DAY PAGE

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Know Your Enemy: Q&A with The Crimson White

Photo Story: That was then... this is now

Auburn’s Top Five Iron Bowl Victories

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

Thursday, November 21, 2013

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PAGE 12 PAGE 3 PAGE 7 Know Your Enemy: Grant finds his place on Freshman Focus: New Tigers make instant impact in 2013 The Crimson White’s Marc The Plains Torrence previews the PAGE 13 2013 Iron Bowl PAGE 8-9 Auburn in the NFL:Week 11 Photo Story: That was PAGE 4 then... this is now PAGE 14 The Tigers will face the Tide PAGE 11 Senior Spotlight: Senior leaders with a new attitude Auburn’s Top Five Iron prepare for final home game PAGE 5 Bowl Wins What does it take to beat PAGE 15 Alabama? Plainsman Picks

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

contributed by austin Bigoney / the crimson white

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron attempts a pass against Ole Miss.

contributed by austin bigoney / the crimson white

Alabama running back TJ Yeldon runs up the middle against Texas A&M.

KNOW YOUR ENEMY

The Crimson White’s Marc Torrence previews the 2013 Iron Bowl Marc Torrence sports@cw.ua.edu

Marc Torrence is the sports editor of The Crimson White, the student newspaper of the University of Alabama. In this week’s edition of “Know Your Enemy,” Torrence recaps Alabama’s latest undefeated team and previews the massive Iron Bowl showdown for the SEC Western Division championship. How does this year’s Alabama team compare to the other teams during Nick Saban’s tenure in Tuscaloosa? Where would this team rank on a list of Saban’s top squads? It’s tough to compare teams from year to year, but I think it’s one of the best. The offense isn’t as good as last year’s just because the offensive line hasn’t been able to control things like last year’s was. But the defense is much improved. 2011 had one of the best defenses in college football history, so it will never be able to match up to that unit. But over-

all, I think it is one of, if not the best teams Saban has had. Auburn’s rushing attack is one of the best in the country this season and has done well against teams that usually have success against the run. How do you think Kirby Smart’s defense will attack Auburn’s ground game? It will attack Auburn like it always does with a sort of controlled chaos. The common belief is that Saban’s teams can’t stop these spread offenses that have taken over college football. But that’s just not true, unless they’re quarterbacked by Johnny Manziel or Cam Newton — two of the best to ever play the game. Alabama is good at playing the sound and disciplined defense necessary to stop this kind of misdirection offense. Senior quarterback AJ McCarron is starting to get some more Heisman hype from members of the national media. Do you think he deserves the trophy this year? If not, do you think he will at least get invited to the Awards Ceremony? He deserves to be in the conversation, but I don’t think he’ll win it, though he could get

nominated as a finalist and end up in New York. The thing that works against McCarron, but what also makes him so effective, is the system he’s in. Because of the way Alabama plays offense and Saban’s philosophy about not running up the score, McCarron will never have the numbers that some of the other contenders have.

this game for both teams.

What did you think of Alabama’s underwhelming performance in its win against Mississippi State? It happens every year. The Mississippi State game is always sandwiched between emotional games against LSU and Auburn, so a letdown is almost imminent every year.

Auburn fans know the big names on this year’s Alabama team: McCarron, T.J. Yeldon, Amari Cooper, C.J. Mosley, HaHa Clinton-Dix. But who are some lesser-known names you think could make a big impact in this game? I’ll give you two freshmen: O.J. Howard and A’Shawn Robinson. Howard is a 6-6 tight end who can move like a wide receiver. He’s been a matchup nightmare this season. Robinson is a freshman defensive lineman who plays like a grown man. He leads the team in sacks with five and seems to consistently be in the backfield, run or pass.

What do Alabama fans think of Auburn’s turnaround this season? Are fans nervous ahead of this year’s Iron Bowl? It kind of came out of the blue. I think everyone expected Auburn to be in the 7-5 or 9-3 range, but nothing like this. A lot of people will say the Tigers got lucky against Georgia last week, but for the most part understand that Auburn is not a team to look down on. Fans are nervous because of that, the fact that it’s on the road and everything that is riding on

Alright, prediction time. How do you see this one going down? I think it’s going to be about 35-24 Alabama. Auburn’s turnaround is remarkable, but Alabama matches up really well with the Tigers. The Tide can stop the run and force Nick Marshall to throw, and it can run the ball almost at will on offense — something Auburn has struggled to stop this season. The thing Alabama has to worry about is falling behind early and letting the crowd take over.

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

Thursday, November 21, 2013

EDITOR’S PREVIEW

The Tigers will face the Tide with a new attitude Will Gaines @WillGainesAU

Who would have thought this would happen? Who would have thought, 365 days after getting blown out by Alabama, 49-0, Auburn would go into this game with a chance to win the SEC West? Most probably thought Auburn would be fighting to go to a bowl game at this point in the season. But the Tigers have proven the doubters wrong time and time again, and now it will all come down to biggest game in sports to decide who goes to Atlanta to represent the western division in the SEC Championship Game. The Georgia game was scary for

the Tigers and it looked like they had ruined all of their hopes, but Ricardo Louis, and perhaps a higher power, kept Auburn’s dreams alive. Even though the Tigers blew a 20-point fourth quarter lead, they still did a lot of good in this game. The running game continued to produce against a top-rushing defense, the pass rush was good and Nick Marshall had a better day throwing the football. All of these are positives, but they are going to need to play much better when the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide comes to town. Top to bottom, Alabama is a better team than Auburn right now. But the talent gap is much smaller than it has been the past few years, including 2010. Auburn finally has the speed and a physical offensive line needed to compete with Alabama.

They will need both of these when the game kicks off, especially the physical offensive line. The run game will need to be on full display against the Tide, not necessarily because Nick Marshall can’t get the job done in the passing game, but because when the running game is working it opens up so much more for this offense. The biggest advantage for the Tigers could have nothing to do with the X’s and O’s. Alabama does not have a bye week before this massive Iron Bowl matchup, so the extra week of preparation will give Auburn some much needed time to prepare for the game. This is especially important when you have a head coach like Gus Malzahn who can come up with a lot in one week. The final, and biggest advantage,

jenna burgess / associate photo editor

The Tigers huddle before the start of the Georgia game.

will be having the game played at Jordan-Hare. Against Georgia, the crowd was insane, and it is probably going to be twice that for Alabama. Alabama has played the majority of their big games this season at home, and the hostile environment could throw them a curveball.

Alabama will play well, but I think Auburn comes up with some more fourth quarter magic to pull off the 28-24 upset, sending Auburn to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship Game. A year ago, who could have imagined this scenario even being possible?

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

BY THE NUMBERS

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Since Nick Saban’s first season in Tuscaloosa, the Tide has only lost seven times. Beating one of Saban’s teams is definitely possible, but 59 other squads have tried and failed. So what can teams learn from the seven who have beaten Alabama? After digging through old box scores and game film, I have found three keys to success against Alabama in the Saban Era. Force Mc-stakes In all seven of Alabama’s losses since the 2007 season, Tide quarterbacks have turned the ball over. Sometimes the quarterbacks, who usually play the “game manager” role well, force the issue and throw interceptions at some of the most inopportune times. AJ McCarron threw two picks in the Tide’s 2012 home loss against Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M — a quick one that turned into an easy Aggie touchdown, and another when the Tide were two yards away from taking a late lead. Other times, the Bama quarterbacks lose control of the pigskin while being sacked. Greg McElroy fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter against LSU, allowing the Tigers to go up by two scores to seal their 2009 showdown in Baton Rouge. Whether it’s an interception or a fumble, the process is still the same. Defenses must put pressure on the Alabama signal caller and force him to make mistakes, especially when the Tide has momentum. The Magic Number is 150 While Auburn fans consider The Plains to be the home of “Running Back U,” even the most die-hard Tigers have to admit Alabama has

had an impressive rotation of rushers during Saban’s time at Alabama. Even with athletes such as Glen Coffee, Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson in the backfield, teams who win limit Alabama’s success on the ground. The most rushing yards Alabama has had in a loss since the start of the 2008 season is 132, which came in a 31-20 loss to Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the 2008 SEC Championship Game. The least amount of yards, surprisingly, came in the Tide’s next game. Alabama only had 32 yards on the ground against Utah in the 2009 Sugar Bowl. Since limiting a team to 132 or fewer rushing yards seems like a ridiculous request, I’ll put the mark at 150. The task won’t be easy for Auburn’s vastly improved defensive line, but talented back TJ Yeldon has one of the most inexperienced Alabama offensive lines in years in front of him. When in Doubt, Shoot it Out Teams that grab a lead against Alabama have a tendency to hold onto the ball and stick to a conservative game plan. My advice: Kick the Tide while they’re still down. Most teams that defeat Alabama string together touchdowns. When they get the momentum, they keep going at the Alabama defense — take South Carolina’s 21 unanswered points or Auburn’s “CamBack” in 2010. You do not want to hang onto the ball and look to kill the clock against Alabama. The physical defense of the Tide will make adjustments and will eventually slow you down. So Gus Malzahn, if you’re reading this, keep the speed going when you get some offensive success against Alabama. Don’t try to beat the Tide at their own game.

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

PLAYER PROFILE

Grant finds his place on The Plains Taylor Jones Sports Writer

Auburn’s offense has been successful this year, largely due to the running game. While Tre Mason leads the Tigers in most rushing categories, the other backs Auburn uses to compliment Mason’s run game are huge in helping Auburn move the ball. One of the key components of the Tigers ground attack is junior Corey Grant. Grant played high school ball at Opelika High School, and was ranked as a four-star running back by Scout.com and Rivals.com. Grant committed to Alabama, but was redshirted during his freshman year. After redshirting, Grant transferred to Auburn where the Tigers were eager to use the speedy back to their advantage in the spread. Grant clocked his 40-yard dash at 4.4 sec-

onds and was brought in to replace the role of speed-back that was left void after Onterio McCalebb graduated. Auburn star cornerback Chris Davis said he is impressed with Grant’s ability to distance himself from defenders. “All he needs is a little space and then he’s gone,” said Davis. Grant sat out the 2011 season to satisfy the NCAA transfer rule, and saw little success during last season when he only accumulated 29 yards on nine carries. This season, however, has been a total change for Grant, who has five touchdowns and 557 yards on 56 attempts. “It’s rewarding (to play) after all the hard work and just sitting around and watching everybody else do their thing,” Grant said. “Finally this year, having my chance

and doing what I’ve done, it’s a great feeling.” Grant had his biggest game to date in Auburn’s opener against Washington State. Grant carried the ball nine times, accumulating 146 yards on the ground, including a 75-yard run, along with five touchdowns. “He’s a big-play guy, there’s no doubt,” said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. “Any time he has the ball in his hands he has the chance to do something big with it. He’s a big weapon for us.” In Auburn’s win over Georgia, Grant ran the ball in from 21 yards out to put the Tigers up 10-0. Grant would go on to carry the ball six times for 53 yards. “Thank God (Grant) is with us, he’s lightning,” Mason said after the Georgia win. “He sparked us in the beginning of the game.”

jenna burgess / associate photo editor

Corey Grant breaks away for a touchdown against Florida Atlantic.

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

Thursday, November 21, 2013

THAT WAS THEN...

Iron Bowl 2012

Malzahn hired

Corey Grant, Wash State

Chizik fired

This is now

At the end of the 2012 Iron Bowl, the Auburn Tigers were staring at a shutout loss to their bitter rivals and a winless SEC record — one of the worst seasons in modern Auburn football history. Less than two years after lifting up the crystal football at the BCS National Championship Game in Glendale, Ariz., Gene Chizik was fired as the head coach. Weeks later, Auburn introduced Gus Malzahn, Chizik’s offensive coordinator during the run to the national title, as the new head man on The Plains. Malzahn’s arrival brought a new sense of hope to the Auburn program, but the most optimistic preseason predictions had Auburn finishing just above the .500 mark for the 2013 season. Eleven games later, the Tigers are 10-1 and one win away from a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. Here is a look at the journey of Auburn football in 2013, from the basement of the SEC to a BCS bowl contender.

Cameron Artis-Payne, ASU

Trevon Reed, Miss State

Photos by Katherine McCahey and Zach Bland

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

LaDarius Owens, Texas A&M

Tre Mason, Ole Miss

Tre Mason, Tennessee

Sammie Coates, Florida Atlantic

Nick Marshall, Georgia

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

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AUBURN’S TOP FIVE IRON BOWL VICTORIES No. 1: Auburn – 28 Alabama – 27 Nov. 26, 2010

No. 2: Auburn – 23 Alabama – 22 Nov. 27, 1982

No. 3: Auburn – 17 Alabama – 16 Dec. 2, 1972

With an 11-0 record and the SEC Western Division title in hand, the 2010 Auburn Tigers found themselves down to defending national champions Alabama by 24 midway through the second quarter. Then the momentum started going Auburn’s way. A fumble forced by Nick Fairley led to a Newton-to-Emory Blake touchdown connection before halftime. The Tigers added two more touchdowns in the third. Early in the fourth quarter, Newton found a wide-open Phillip Lutzenkirchen in the end zone for the go-ahead score. After a famous touchdown dance and two more defensive stops, the Tigers were celebrating a comeback win that kept their championship dreams alive.

Alabama had recorded nine straight wins against Auburn heading into the 1982 Iron Bowl, Paul “Bear” Bryant’s final rivalry game in charge of the Tide. In a game that will be forever remembered as “Bo Over the Top,” the Auburn offense drove the length of the field in the final two minutes at Legion Field. On fourth-and-1 from just outside the Alabama goal line, Auburn elected to hand the ball to future Heisman winner Bo Jackson. In his first Iron Bowl, Jackson jumped over the top of the Alabama defensive line and into the end zone for the Auburn touchdown, giving Auburn a 23-22 victory.

Long before 28-27, there was 17-16—or as it is more commonly known, “Punt Bama Punt.” The No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide appeared to have their perfect season intact midway through the fourth quarter of the 1972 Iron Bowl at Birmingham’s Legion Field. After the Tigers made it 16-3, the Tide was forced to punt the ball back to Auburn. Auburn’s Bill Newton blocked the punt from Alabama’s Greg Gantt, and teammate David Langer ran the ball 25 yards in for the touchdown. Alabama was forced to punt on the ensuing drive, and the unthinkable happened one more time — Gantt’s punt to Newton’s block to Langer’s touchdown.

No. 4: Auburn – 30 Alabama – 20 Dec. 2, 1989 For years, Alabama coaches and fans said it would never happen. In 1989, it finally happened — an Iron Bowl in Jordan-Hare Stadium. After years of games in “neutral” Legion Field, Alabama was ranked No. 2 and sported an unbeaten record heading into its first trip into Jordan-Hare Stadium. Auburn was No. 11 and had a chance at a share of their third straight SEC Championship with an upset victory. An emotional day that started with 20,000 fans at Tiger Walk ended with Stacy Danley’s 130yard rushing performance as Auburn defeated Alabama 30-20.

No. 5: Auburn – 21 Alabama – 17 Nov. 29, 1986 It was the game-winning play that almost wasn’t. With less than a minute left in the 1986 Iron Bowl, Alabama led Auburn 17-14. Tide running back Bobby Humphrey had run for 205 yards, and Auburn had already come back from two separate deficits. Pat Dye wanted to call timeout on fourth-and-goal from the 8, but Auburn quarterback Jeff Burger took the snap and handed the ball off to Tim Jessie. Jessie ran right and handed the ball to wide receiver Lawyer Tillman on a reverse, and the Mobile native cut up the field for the winning score with 32 seconds left on the clock.

COMPILED BY JUSTIN FERGUSON / ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

Thursday, November 21, 2013

anna grafton / Photo editor

Jeremy Johnson warms up before the FAU game.

zach bland / Photographer

Carl Lawson sacks Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel.

FRESHMAN FOCUS

New Tigers make instant impact in 2013 Kyle Van Fechtmann Sports Writer

@BrickOvenOnline

In a fall to remember on The Plains, this season has been filled with many plays to remember. It has also been filled with new faces making some of these big impact plays. At 5-foot-9, true freshman wide receiver Marcus Davis has been one of Nick Marshall’s favorite targets this season. Davis caught his first touchdown in the Arkansas State game, which was also Marshall’s first career touchdown pass. Davis has 22 receptions for 191 yards on the season. “I just play with a chip on my shoulder,” Davis said on his playing time. “I just play football.” Although he doesn’t have the most yards on the team, his receptions seem to come when Auburn needs a play most. In Auburn’s last drive to win the Mississippi State game, Davis caught four consecutive passes for 38 yards to help Auburn move up the field before the game-winning touchdown pass to C.J. Uzomah. Carl Lawson, the five-star recruit and top ranked defensive end by Rivals.com, has already started living up to his potential in his first season. Lawson has 12 solo tackles and 18 total tackles thus far. His biggest game this year came against Ole Miss when he had two fourth quarter sacks and six tackles. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson has stepped up whenever he has

needed to fill in for Marshall this year. Johnson got the start at quarterback against Western Carolina and took advantage of his opportunity by throwing for four touchdowns and 201 yards, which earned him his first SEC Freshman of the Week honor. “Coach tells me to stay prepared no matter what,” Johnson said on his involvment this season. “If I get in, I get in. If I don’t, I’m still going to stay prepared and cheer the team on and do my role.” He won the same award two weeks later after his performance in the Florida Atlantic game. After Marshall was knocked out of the game with a shoulder injury, Johnson came in and threw for 192 yards with two touchdown passes. Other freshmen have been able to have an impact for Auburn this season. Six-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle Montravius Adams has been a playmaker for Ellis Johnson’s defense. XIn the season opener against Washington State, Adams recorded his first career college sack. He has 18 total tackles on the year, including four against Texas A&M. Redshirt freshman Alex Kozan has become a consistent, reliable presence on the offensive line this year. After redshirting last season, Kozan has developed into a starter on one of the country’s best offensive line units that has paved the way for Auburn to lead the SEC

in rushing. Last season, Avery Young started the first three games on the offensive line as a true freshman, but then he got injured and received a medical redshirt. Now healthy, Young stepped up and became a starter when Patrick Miller was suspended for off-thefield issues. Johnathan Ford switched from running back to cornerback in preseason camp because he wanted to help make an immediate impact for Auburn’s secondary that suffered from early injuries. “(Ford) is a big-time athlete,” said offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. “So to be able to be young and immediately prove yourself on offense, then go over and help us out on defense, that says a lot about his character, his toughness and his ability.” Ford has had five tackles, but has also gotten opportunities to showcase his rushing ability when he had two carries for 45 yards and a touchdown against Western Carolina. True freshman defensive end Elijah Daniel has earned his playing time this season while recording seven total tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and two sacks. According to junior defensive tackle Gabe Wright, “the sky is the limit” for Daniel’s potential. The sky could also be the limit for this year’s freshmen class if they continue to make impact plays and develop their skills in the years to come for Auburn.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

Auburn IN THE No. 3:

No. 3:

Miami 20, Auburn 18

Cam Newton led the Carolina Panthers on a game-winning drive against the New England Patriots This season-opening matchup in Monday Night Football, while Jerraud Powers grabbed his first interception of the season.

carolinapanthers.com

Name (No.) Cam Newton (1) Jerraud Powers (25) Karlos Dansby (55) Nick Fairley (98) Ben Tate (44) Daren Bates (51) Ronnie Brown (23) Josh Bynes (56) Jason Campbell (17) King Dunlap (77) Ben Grubbs (66) Josh Harris (47) Will Herring (54) Corey Lemonier (96) Sen’Derrick Marks (99) Jay Ratliff (90) Carlos Rogers (22) Pat Sims (90)

Team Carolina Panthers Arizona Cardinals Arizona Cardinals Detroit Lions Houston Texans St. Louis Rams San Diego Chargers Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns San Diego Chargers New Orleans Saints Atlanta Falcons New Orleans Saints San Francisco 49ers Jacksonville Jaguars Chicago Bears San Francisco 49ers Oakland Raiders

Pos. QB CB MLB DT RB LB RB ILB QB T G LS OLB LB DT NT CB DT

between college football powerhouses filled with bad blood. Week 11was Statistics When the 1 Tigers Three TDs in No. MNF win vs.and NEthe No. 10 Hurricanes met at Giants Six tackles, 1 INT in vs. JAX Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., it Five tackles in win vs. JAX was a battle between two sides that One in loss hadsack rightful claimvs. toPIT the 1983 na127 all-purpose yards vs.identical OAK tional title. Despite having BYE WEEK records, “The U” jumped Auburn in Did vs.after MIAdefeating No. thenot finalplay AP poll 1 Nebraska theOT Orange Bowl. Two tacklesinin loss vs. CHI Unfortunately for Auburn, Mi248 yards, 1 TD in loss vs. CIN ami quarterback Bernie Kosar had Inactive vs. MIA one of the Started in best win games vs. SF of his career, and the defense thatTB limited future Started in loss vs. Heisman winner Bo Jackson to less Participated in win vs. SF than 100 yards forced a late fumble Participated in loss vs. NO to secure the narrow victory.

One tackle in loss vs. ARI Inactive vs. BAL Four tackles in loss vs. NO Two tackles in win vs. HOU

Cam Newton signals for a first down against the New England Patriots.

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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

Senior leaders prepare for final home game

From their BCS National Championship to this year’s comeback campaign, veteran Tigers reflect on their wild careers in Auburn

Eric Wallace Sports Writer

zach bland / Photographer

Dee Ford and Nosa Eguae sack Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel.

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Few senior classes have seen the ups and downs of college football quite like Auburn’s 2013 class. From the stunning heights of the 2010 BCS National Championship to the bitter disappointment of a 3-9 2012 season, the renaissance of the 2013 season seems a fitting end for a senior class that has seen more than its fair share of controversy, tragedy and upheaval. “Coming in as a freshman and winning it all, that’s absolutely the best way to start off your college career,” said defensive end Craig Sanders. “In 2011, we had a decent season and finished it off by winning the Chick-fil-A Bowl. “And then the 2012 season was just in the dumps. But now, everyone is buying into what Malzahn and his staff has for us.” For some, Auburn is merely the final stepping stone before the bright lights and paydays of the National Football League. “I play for a whole lot of people instead of me,” said cornerback Chris Davis. “I’ve got to provide for my family, and through this game, I’ve got a good chance of doing that, and that’s why I go out every Saturday and play like I do.” Others will end their playing days in an Auburn uniform, destined to make a living in something other than football. Regardless of where these seniors go after they suit up for the final time, it’s difficult to imagine Auburn sitting at 10-1 without the consistent production of the Tigers’ veterans. Senior defensive end Dee Ford has had a monster senior season in the orange and blue, recording 22 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and 8

sacks on the season. Ford has had a number of memorable moments for the Tigers in 2013. As few will ever forget his game-clinching sack of Johnny Manziel in Auburn’s 45-41 upset in College Station. “We looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve got to make something happen. We’ve got to find a way to win,’” Ford said. “That’s what you need from a defense.” Auburn’s injury depleted secondary has been carried this season by the consistent performances of senior defensive backs Ryan Smith, Ryan White and Chris Davis. In addition to developing into one of the SEC’s top cover corners, Davis became an electrifying punt returner in his final season on the Plains. Davis averaged 22.45 yards per return in 2013 and his game-breaking 85-yard punt return in Neyland Stadium gave the Tigers a 20-13 lead against Tennessee, a lead Auburn would never relinquish. An ACL injury to sophomore defensive back Joshua Holsey forced White and Smith to make position adjustments in the middle of the season. The move didn’t seem to faze the veterans, who combined to grab four interceptions off three of the SEC’s top quarterbacks: Manziel twice, Murray once and Bo Wallace once. On special teams, Steven Clark and Cody Parkey played steady roles all season for the Tigers. Parkey again provided consistency in the kicking game, making 75.76 percent of his attempts. His impact may have been most felt on kickoffs though, as his-

“

I’ve got to provide for my family, and through this game, I’ve got a good chance of doing that, and that’s why I go out every Saturday and play like I do.” —Chris Davis senior cornerback

booming kicks consistently flew out of opponents’ end zones and occasionally through their uprights. Clark’s senior season has been the best of his career, with an average of 42.54 yards per punt. The Kansas City, Mo. native was also named a Lou Groza award semifinalist for the third consecutive year. Fullback Jay Prosch found new life as the lead blocker in head coach Gus Malzahn’s 3rd ranked spread running game. His impact wasn’t limited to blocking, as the powerful fullback’s fifty six yard reception converted a key first half third-and-two against Texas A&M. Nosa Eguae, Jake Holland and Craig Sanders are among the other seniors who have played an impactful role in the rejuvenation of the Auburn football program. With a fresh group of talented underclassmen ready to inherit their spot on the depth chart, Auburn’s 2013 seniors can leave The Plains with their heads held high, along with a lifetime of unforgettable memories.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

WEEK 14 PLAINSMAN PICKS Alabama vs. Texas A&M vs. Missouri Auburn

Clemson vs. Ole Miss vs. South Carolina Mississippi State

UCLA vs. USC

Minnesota vs. Michigan State

Kyle Van Fechtmann Sports Writer (56-16)

Oct. 14th - Nov. 25th

@Albritton_22 Twitter Picker (55–17)

Taylor Jones Sports Writer (52–20)

Will Gaines Sports Editor (51–21)

Justin Ferguson Asst. Sports Editor (51–21)

• Barrel & Drop-off locations information online • Donate online on our website • 100% of all proceeds goes to the Food Bank of East Alabama

Jeffrey Moore Sports Reporter (48–24)

Eric Wallace Sports Writer (45–27)

www.beatbamafooddrive.com BE A PART OF THE COMPETITION! Tweet your picks @TheAUPlainsman with #PlainsmanPicks Picker of the week will be featured in next week’s Game Day edition

Center for Community Service

The Auburn Plainsman: Game Day Edition

Thursday, November 21, 2013

LIVING ON A PRAYER

PHOTO BY ZACH BLAND / PHOTOGRAPHER