Photo by Cliff Williams | For The Corner News

Auburn’s Ben Tate runs against LSU Saturday. The Tigers step it up this week.

This past Saturday was one of the most disappointing games in recent Auburn football history, but it may also have been one of the worst coaching jobs of all time by the Tiger staff.

Tuberville and company displayed poor game management, as well as many questionable calls like the pooch kicks, East/West running plays, no field goal attempts within Byrum’s range, no Kodi (again) and not using timeouts when the game is on the line. 

I don’t like to get down on the team, but I do feel that the coaches are free game because they are the ones that make the big bucks and the big decisions. I give DC Paul Rhodes a free pass this week because his defense had to be tired from being on the field so much with so many short series by the AU offense and because of the pick six. (The incredible field position we gave LSU didn’t help our defense either.)

Offensive Coordinator Tony Franklin has got to find a way to get Kodi Burns in the game. Chris Todd was better at times, but is still having trouble getting the job done. A change of pace and schemes may be exactly what this offense needs. If they were so close in competition for the starting job, it wouldn’t hurt anything to give Burns a chance.

The play-calling must improve immediately, and I hope I never see another long pass on fourth and one. The scheme of wearing down a defense by making them run sideline to sideline every running play hasn’t seemed to work against the defensive speed of the SEC. LSU runs a version of the spread, but the majority of their running plays went straight at our defense. The end result tells the whole story. LSU’s Charles Scott had 132 yards on the ground compared to all of the Auburn running backs 70 yards.

Tommy Tuberville has got to regroup and improve the Tigers very quickly with the Tennessee Volunteers coming to town Saturday. The Vols have gotten off to a slow start, but this team has talent. It will be another big test for the Tigers.  One good thing to look forward to this weekend … there won’t be any corndogs wandering the streets of Auburn. On to the games: 

Sept. 27
Ole Miss at Florida - The Rebels may come into this game a little flat after last weekend’s loss to Vandy. Tebow leads the Gators to another win at The Swamp.
Prediction: Florida 31, Ole Miss 17

Arkansas at Texas - So I was wrong about the Pigs. They are absolutely one of the worst teams in the land. Texas takes the Pigs to the woodshed. 
Prediction: Texas 42, Arkansas 10

Western Kentucky at Kentucky - Kentucky gets one last practice before the showdown against UAT.
Prediction: Kentucky 35, Western Kentucky 7

UAB at South Carolina - Don’t worry UAB fans, basketball season isn’t too far away.
Prediction: South Carolina 38, UAB 6

Mississippi State at LSU - MSU has no chance in Death Valley. 
Prediction: LSU 31, Miss. State 7

Alabama at Georgia - UAT fans are riding high, but will come crashing down this weekend. Saban takes his first loss of the season.
Prediction: Georgia 24, Alabama 7

Tennessee at Auburn - This game will be a battle to the end. This is a must win for both of these struggling teams in the hunt for the SEC. It will be close, but the defense will save the day (AGAIN) for the Tigers!
Prediction: Auburn 21, Tenn. 17