Things look A Whole Lot Different In October

People complain about opponents like Louisiana-Monroe. Sometimes, it’s just what the doctor ordered. After a murderous September, it was nice to kick back Saturday and be assured of a win. As we head into October, things sure look different than a month ago…

After all the pain of the early schedule, Auburn appears to be making significant strides. Saturday’s win won’t produce a false sense of hope, but you have to admit the ULM trouncing is exactly what a good football team should do to a lesser opponent…

The quarterback controversy is firmly in the rearview mirror. Sean White has warmed nicely into his role. Look for John Franklin III to get more reps but don’t confuse that with a quarterback competition. He does things with his legs that few can, but just because you hit one long pass, doesn’t mean you can read defenses…

The offensive line has quietly gotten better. When your running backs are getting all the ink, you know things are improving up front…

How much credit for Auburn’s defensive improvement should go to Kevin Steele and how much should be reserved for the foundation laid by Will Muschamp last year? It’s an interesting question, and the answer likely falls somewhere in the middle.

Give Muschamp his just credit. He got this unit going strong by last season’s end, but Steele deserves more of the credit. His aggressiveness is a breath of fresh air, and something we’ve not seen at Auburn for at least 20 years.

You can tolerate giving up the big play when you know your defense is not sitting back and just taking what’s thrown at them. This unit has a chance to be downright nasty by Amen Corner. Enough so, that it may keep them in every game they play – including the last one…

How much will Auburn Athletics improve once it gets a strong president in place? The program has been rudderless for more than a decade and has still managed to remain relevant. If the board of trustees can find a visionary who understands how athletics can improve academics, then Auburn could see unprecedented growth in the coming years.

This hire may be Auburn’s most critical in its history with regards to athletics. There is a need for a new football-only facility and major improvements to Jordan-Hare Stadium. It’s something that current president Jay Gogue has shown no interest in pursuing. In fact, I’m not sure he could find the athletic department with a map. What a shame…

How beautiful was it to see Tennessee rip the hearts out of all those Georgia fans? It never gets old watching the Dawgs lose. Saturday’s was extra special. Meanwhile, Mark Richt is 4–0 at Miami…

Nick Saban has a way of improving every week. That said, he has a long way to go before he’s the best team in the country. He’s proved us all wrong before, but it’s hard to see this year’s team running the table…

I can’t believe I’m going to write these words: Dabo Sweeney is among the top coaches in the game. He’s obnoxious and disgusting, but you have to give it to the guy, he finds a way to win. Saturday’s home win over Louisville was huge for his program…

Is there a chance that Houston’s Tom Herman could be another Gene Chizik? If you take Cougar quarterback Greg Ward, Jr. away, how many games does Herman win? Every school with an opening is after this guy. What if he’s Chizik 2.0—not much without Cam Newton? I’m not sure Herman even knows the answers. I’d go ahead and cash in my chips at year’s end…

Auburn opens as a 1.5-point underdog to Mississippi St. this weekend, The game kickoff’s at 11 a.m. CT from Starkville. It can be seen on the SEC Network.

Until next time…

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