2:30 P.M. CT NOV. 24, 2012 AUBURN TV: CBS want help with math?
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PAGE 8 PAGE 18 PAGE 2 GAMEDAY OFF THE MARQ SEC CHAMPIONSHIP CW IRON BOWL MEMORIES STAFF Gameday Editor Marq Alabama needs to defeat • Daniel Roth, magazine editor Burnett gives his take on Auburn to clinch its spot Crimson White staff • Marquavius Burnett, GAMEDAY editor the week that was in in the SEC Championship members relive their • Marc Torrence, assistant GAMEDAY editor college football. game. favorite Iron Bowl • Will Tucker, editor-in-chief memories. • Ashley Chaffin, managing editor • Stephen Dethrage, production editor • Shannon Auvil, photo editor • Ashanka Kumari, chief copy editor Cover photo: Daniel Roth BCS STANDINGS AP POLL 1. NOTRE DAME 1. NOTRE DAME (60) 2. ALABAMA 2. ALABAMA 3. GEORGIA 3. GEORGIA 4. FLORIDA 4. OHIO STATE 5. OREGON 5. OREGON 6. KANSAS STATE 6. FLORIDA 7. LSU 7. KANSAS STATE 8. STANFORD 8. LSU 9. TEXAS A&M 9. TEXAS A&M 10. FLORIDA STATE 10. FLORIDA STATE 11. CLEMSON 11. STANFORD 12. SOUTH CAROLINA 12. CLEMSON 13. OKLAHOMA 13. SOUTH CAROLINA 14. NEBRASKA 14. OKLAHOMA 15. OREGON STATE 15. UCLA 16. TEXAS 16. OREGON STATE 17. UCLA 17. NEBRASKA 18. RUTGERS 18. TEXAS 19. MICHIGAN 19. LOUISVILLE 20. LOUISVILLE 20. MICHIGAN 21. OKLAHOMA STATE 21. RUTGERS 22. BOISE STATE 22. OKLAHOMA STATE 23. KENT STATE 23. KENT STATE 24. ARIZONA 24. NORTHERN ILLINOIS 25. WASHINGTON 25. UTAH STATE 2 GAMEDAY 2012 Sports Editor Marq Burnett gives his OFF THE MARQ take on this week in college football
HEISMAN TROPHY RACE MY FAB FIVE
Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein: Despite the loss, it’s still Klein’s race to lose. The loss just made it a tighter race. A big game against Texas and a possible Big 12 conference title game could help HATE TO SAY I him distance himself from the pack. TOLD YOU SO
Last week, I boldly (in my bold 1. Notre Dame prediction section) and accu- The Fighting Irish are ranked No. rately predicted two of the top- 1 for the first time in the BCS era three teams losing. I knew it was and the first time since 1993. The a long shot, but I went out on a Irish are a win over USC away from limb and it paid off. Now the SEC clinching a spot in the national should have at least one mem- championship. ber in the national champion- ship game, barring another set of ridiculous upsets.
THERE’S STILL 2. Alabama The Crimson Tide got the help it A CHANCE needed and now controls its own
destiny. If the Tide wins out, it can If Notre Dame loses and clinch a berth in the BCS champi- Florida defeats Florida State, onship game for the second year in there could be an All-SEC a row. national championship game for the second year in a row. MCT Campus It seems unlikely now, but Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel is setting records as a stranger things have happened. redshirt freshman and shows no signs of slowing down. 3. Georgia Who would have thought the SECOND Bulldogs would have a chance at making the championship GUESSING game after its embarrassing USC quarterback Matt loss against South Carolina? Barkley chose not to declare for the NFL draft and return to college for his senior season. He and the Trojans were pre- season No. 1 and looked poised to make a national champion- ship run with a high-powered 4. Florida offense. But four losses later, the The Gators need to defeat Florida Trojans have nothing left to play State and Notre Dame to lose and for and Barkley was knocked they could find themselves in the out of the game with a right championship game. shoulder injury (his throwing shoulder) against UCLA. This raises the question of whether Barkley should have left for the league. It’s admirable that Barkley wanted to return and get his degree, but at what cost to his professional career? 5. Oregon Hopefully Barkley’s injury isn’t The Ducks’ offense never got going serious and he doesn’t hurt his and it cost them against Stanford. MCT Campus draft stock too much. Their chances of making the title game are slim to none. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller could be the only player on an undefeated team that won’t get a chance to play in the national championship. He’s led the Buckeyes with his passing and running ability. GAMEDAY 2012 3 Rivalry strains even the closest friendships
I grew up with a crimson ing friends, which we later and zipped our lips of all game- shaker in my hand and a wished to recant in the sec- related topics and silently matching cheerleading uni- ond half. celebrated via winks and fist form, so it wasn’t much of a As the game took a turn for pumps between post-game din- decision. the worse and our lead less- ner conversations. As the summer of senior ened, the vying banter turned I’d say we learned our les- year drew to an end, we tasteless and high school son: no matter the length of began to prepare to part ways friends began to turn away friendship or integrity of for our new homes filled with from their roots and towards proverbial schools, once cit- new friends and new football their current persuasions. ies divide us and sides are teams to pledge our alle- We all know what became of chosen, rivalry’s hostility giances. We were determined that fateful day in November can nick even the strongest to keep close even in the face 2010. Cam Newton carried his of bonds. of adversity, the rivalry. The “Camily” to a victory, forcing This time around, not two and a half hours between the crimson and white adorned many from the Auburn Auburn and Tuscaloosa friends to retreat from the crew will make their way would not tear us apart, but original Iron Bowl party to to Tuscaloosa, fearing little did we know the foot- sulk in solitude. the wrath of the current ball teams just may. The next November, both Alabama stature and know- I admit, I am not the most Auburn and Alabama friends ing the cruel pains of defeat knowledgeable Alabama foot- learned from their past mis- already faced this season. ball fan, but I am a fan none- takes of provoking opposing I, for one, am overjoyed to theless. So, when we all gath- teammates, both knowing the (dare I say it) slaughter the By Abbey Crain ered together to watch the repercussions of feuding foot- Plainsmen and send them Staff Reporter Alabama/Auburn game for ball friends. The Alabama crew back crying. So maybe it’s a the first time as students in traveled to Auburn with high good thing they aren’t com- In my search for higher 2010, we were quickly forced hopes, already positive of the ing this year. I won’t have education, there were only into the mutual grievances outcome. We were back with to hide my excitement after two options. I could follow in that opposing friends often a vengeance and won with our sweet, sweet victory and my father’s footsteps to the find themselves. Our undeni- vengeance. Only this time, they won’t read this column. Capstone or follow my high able lead at the beginning of the friends of the UA variety I wouldn’t want to cause any school friends onto The Plains. the game incited overt nega- chose not to chide their flawed discord among us, I’ll leave tive exchanges among oppos- offense or gloat in our victory that to our football teams.
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HERE. THERE. EVERYWHERE.
Take your NEWS with you. 6 GAMEDAY 2012 HOT NOT
STANFORD CARDINAL TENNESSEE In the last two weeks, the Cardinals have destroyed the dreams Remember that time Tennessee was ranked and ESPN decided to have of the state of Oregon, taking out Oregon State and beating the College Gameday in Knoxville, Tenn., as they hosted Florida? Since Ducks at Autzen Stadium, which serves as nice payback for the then, the Volunteers have lost seven straight SEC games. Derek Dooley Cardinals after having their national championship run cut short is out as head coach and the question becomes who will replace him? And by Oregon last year. And with a win this weekend, they will se- last weekend Tennesseee lost 4141-18-18 to VanderVanderbilt. Things are very gloomy in cure a berth in the Pac 12 championship game. It’s a good week Knoxville right now. to be a Cardinal.
MCT Campus MICHIGAN STATE Nothing is going right for the fformerlyormerly 10th rankerankedd Spartans, who have lost four ARIZONA Running Back, KAʼDEEM CAREY of their last fi ve games, including losing at home to Northwestern this weekend. In his last two games he has a whopping 570 rushing yards The main issue being the Spartans’ offense, which is averaging only 16.9 points a and six touchdowns. And he currently leads the country game, good for 110th in the nation. Things have been cushy for head coach Mark with 1,585 rushing yards. Not bad for a running back most Dantonio the last two years, but this season may have the school questioning people have never heard of. whether they should have given him such a long contract extension. HERE. THERE. EVERYWHERE.
Take your NEWS with you. GAMEDAY 2012 7 IRON BOWL BY THE NUMBERS
Alabama leads 41the cur- Auburn has zero SEC rent series over wins and zero road Auburn 41-34 (with 0 wins this season. one tie).
The amount MCT Campus 21of Auburn Tigers touchdowns running back Tre Mason AJ McCarron has thrown this year (single Combined number of SEC cham- season school record) pionships between the two pro- and amount of rushing 29grams. touchdowns Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon have combined for. First year the Iron Bowl was played. 1893 Only one Auburn The Iron Bowl was canceled for 41 140wide straight years from 1908 to 1947 after a receiver (Emory 41series of disagreements between the Blake) has over two programs. 140 receiving yards for the Combined number of consensus All- Tigers on the CW | Bryce Denton Americans between the two teams. season. Crimson Tide 113 wide receiver Christion Jones
Auburn has only ever lost once at Bryant-Den- 3 Alabama and ny Stadium, with a 7-1 record overall. Auburn have 1 won the last three BCS national three straight years the road team has won championships, with in the Iron Bowl the Iron Bowl winner 3 winning each time. 8 GAMEDAY 2012 SEC Championship Game on the line in Iron Bowl
MCT Campus Last season it was LSU, not Alabama, that won the SEC western division and went to Atlanta.
By Marc Torrence won four during their tenure. Assistant Sports Editor And of course, the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant captured 13 Two rings are the difference during his career. in Alabama’s two champion- Saban is one third of the way ships under head coach Nick to matching Bryant in national Saban. The Crimson Tide won championships, but is still at three in 2009, but just one in least a decade away from his 2011. SEC championships. And at a Southeastern Conference school and conference that is division and league titles elud- at the top of the college foot- ed last season’s team. Given the ball world, every title matters. choice, any team would choose “When you’ve got a confer- a national championship over ence like the SEC that’s domi- a league championship. But a nated college football – six con- win against Auburn Saturday secutive national champion- would send the Tide back to ships, going for its seventh. To Atlanta, Ga., for the first time be the champion of that league since 2009, and give it a chance is pretty meaningful,” said Don to do something it couldn’t last Kausler, who covers Alabama year. football for al.com. “Winning the national cham- “If [Saban’s] really going to pionship [in 2011] was great, be recognized as one of the but I’m sure there’s a little best coaches out there, confer- MCT Campus bit of an empty feeling when ence championships matter,” Alabama defeated Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the 2009 SEC they look at that trophy case he said Championship en route to its 13th national championship. and see the SEC Championship Alabama’s history in the Both years were de facto this point.” trophy missing,” said Ralph SEC championship begins and semifinals for the BCS nation- And standing in Alabama’s Russo, college football writer ends with the Florida Gators. al championship game. Tim way are the Auburn Tigers, for the Associated Press. The Tide played Florida in the Tebow and Urban Meyer were who are having a season that As college football grows inaugural SEC Championship at the height of their reign would no doubt be forever larger and larger every year, in 1992, which set the stage and Alabama was on the rise remembered as the year they conference championships for conference championships under Saban. The two split the knocked off Alabama if the have taken a backseat to the across the country. series and went on to win their Tigers prevailed. national championships and Defensive back Antonio respective national titles. But an Alabama win would other BCS bowls that deliv- Langham returned an intercep- And the stakes for the SEC give the Tide one ring and a er large payouts to their tion for a touchdown with just championship are just as high shot to play for another. participants. over three minutes left to seal in 2012. Alabama and Georgia “Everyone is aware of the But Saban is crafting his the Alabama win. ESPN pro- sit at nos. 2 and 3, respec- fact that we can win the legacy at Alabama, and SEC duced a documentary about the tively, in the BCS standings West,” Saban said. “They championships are an integral play, dubbing it “The Play That and the victor would surely have an opportunity to play part of the Tide’s history and Changed College Football” as clinch a spot in Miami for the for the SEC Championship, tradition. it saved Alabama’s undefeat- national championship. which is always a goal. So “SEC Championships aren’t ed record and kept it in the “If they don’t win it this I’m sure it’s on their mind. something to look past,” safety national championship hunt. year, they’re not getting in,” But I think the focus needs to Vinnie Sunseri said. Alabama met the Gators Russo said. “They got their be for us on what we need to Former Alabama coaches again in 1999 in the postseason, second chance Saturday and do to play our best football. Harold Drew, Bill Curry, Gene handling them 34-7. But the it makes them the front-run- I think that will give us the Stallings, Mike DuBose and stakes weren’t nearly as high ners to get to the national best opportunity to accom- Wallace each have one. Wade as they were for their next two championship game. plish all those goals.” Wallace and Frank Thomas meetings in 2008 and 2009. “There’s no leeway at
Photo: CW | Bryce Denton 12 GAMEDAY 2012
Alabama has an unwritten rule and Auburn have brought college that gives players and coaches football some of the best games guidance on how to celebrate a including the “Run in the mud,” win or reflect on a loss. in which former Alabama quar- The 24-hour rule was in effect terback Kenny Stabler ran 47 after an emotionally charged last yards to give the Tide a 7-3 vic- minute victory over LSU in Death tory in the first night game in Valley. The 24-hour rule helped the series. And “Bo over the top”, players and coaches get past its when legendary running back Bo deflating loss to Texas A&M in Jackson gave Auburn a 23-22 vic- Bryant-Denny Stadium that, at tory in Paul “Bear” Bryant’s final the time, appeared to destroy Iron Bowl. Alabama’s chances at repeating It features two teams, as national champions. occupying a state divided But the 24-hour rule doesn’t by crimson and white and apply here. Not this week. Not burnt orange and navy blue, for this particular opponent. separated by 160 miles but “I’m not even doing the 24-hour on completely different ends rule,” said safety Vinnie Sunseri of the college football spec- following Alabama’s beatdown of trum. Western Carolina. “I’m already The No. 2 Crimson Tide (10-1, thinking about Auburn. This is 6-1 SEC) is trying to clinch its the game everybody looks for- first trip to the Southeastern ward to 365 days a year. It’s the Conference Championship game Civil War of Alabama. So we’re since 2009. With the chaos that excited to play.” ensued last week in college foot- It’s the Iron Bowl, one of col- ball, Alabama controls its nation- lege football’s most intense, sto- al championship destiny – mark- ried rivalries. The rivalry dates ing the fifth straight year the Iron back to 1893, and after a 41-year Bowl will have one participant hiatus and after 41 years off, controlling its BCS championship the game picked back up in 1948 fate. and has taken place every year The Tigers (3-8, 0-7 SEC) need since. Saturday in Bryant-Denny a win in the worst way. Auburn Stadium will mark the 77th meet- is experiencing its worst sea- ing between these two teams. son in 60 years and is on track Throughout the years, Alabama to finish winless in the SEC for MCT Campus GAMEDAY 2012 13 the first time since going 0-6 in con- Texas-Oklahoma and Florida State- ference in 1980. Miami all come up. The recent The Tigers have had quarter- national success of the two Alabama back issues and have been routed teams has elevated the rivalry to a in several games including blowout whole new level. If Alabama is suc- losses to Texas A&M and Georgia. cessful in its quest of repeating, this Alabama leads the all-time series will be the fourth consecutive year 41-34-1 and opened as a 34-point the state of Alabama has hoisted favorite, which is the highest Iron the Coaches Trophy. Bowl since they began recording But arguably the biggest rea- point spread 32 years ago. son this rivalry is considered But the records and statistics go the best in college football: the out the window on Iron Bowl week- fans. Yes, there are the radicals end. who give the rivalry a black “Everybody understands what’s eye nationally, but the passion at hand,” said defensive lineman and love for the game exuded Damion Square. “That those guys, by both fan bases is second to regardless of what they’re going none. through down there, are going “They’re so passionate year- to come and put up a good fight round about this rivalry that against us and we’re going to come it’s got to rub off on the players, and play Alabama football.” whether they’re from Alabama This will be the final regular sea- or Alaska,” said Associated son game for seniors such as Square Press sports writer John Zenor, and Barrett Jones. Ending their who covers both Alabama and time in Bryant-Denny Stadium with Auburn. “They know they can a victory is paramount. be heroes for 364 days if they “It’s going to be bittersweet, prob- win. If they lose, they’ll hear ably pretty emotional, you know we about that for just as long. But got to end it the right way, it’s pretty that said, the history of this cool to be able to do that against a rivalry doesn’t include all that team that’s your in-state rival like many huge upsets. There seem Auburn,” Jones said. to have been plenty of games When the discussion of greatest that were more competitive college football rivalry comes up, than expected. Auburn’s hoping games like Michigan-Ohio State, this will be another one.” MCT Campus
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By Zac Al-Khateeb window in terms of records when so far this year, junior running needed confidence heading into Staff Reporter you play rivalry games,” Saban back Eddie Lacy shared Saban’s this week’s matchup. said. sentiments in saying Auburn still Another dangerous aspect for With Alabama’s 49-0 drubbing of Unfortunately for the Tigers, represents a potential hazard to the Tide heading into the game is the Western Carolina Catamounts their record is a fairly accurate his team. the fact that Auburn has nothing Saturday, the stage is now set for depiction of how well they’ve “Any team is dangerous, and to lose. At 3-8, the Tigers’ season the Crimson Tide to take on the played all season: awfully. The you never know what could hap- is over after the Iron Bowl. The Auburn Tigers in what is now the Tigers rank at or near the bottom pen,” Lacy said. “We just have to Tigers are going to try to send most important game of the sea- in numerous statistical categories, prepare the way we’ve been doing out their seniors with a win, and son in the state of Alabama: the not only in the SEC, but nationally all season long, because they’re if not for any other reason, want Iron Bowl. as well. going to come out, they’re going to to win simply to spoil the SEC and The game, which already holds The Tigers’ problems start with play hard, and they’re going to try national title hopes of their big- huge implications for both teams, their offense. Eleven games into to win just like we’ll try to win.” gest rivals. has now grown even larger for the the season, Auburn ranks next-to- Even with all the championship Senior defensive end Damion Tide, who, with a win, will earn last in the SEC in points per game implications that come with win- Square said Alabama’s own suc- the SEC Western Division champi- with 20.4, average offensive out- ning the Iron Bowl, national or cess may prove to add motivation onship and represent the West in put with 317.9, and average pass- otherwise, the players on the team for the Tigers heading into the the SEC Championship in Atlanta, ing output per game with 164.4. said they will prepare for Auburn matchup. Ga. Starting Auburn quarterback much like they have for every “Exactly. That’s the reason why What’s more, after the top two Kiehl Frazier has completed other opponent they’ve faced. you’ve got to come with your teams in the nation lost Saturday roughly 54 percent of his passes, “It’s like any other game,” said A-game,” he said. “Those guys – No. 1 Kansas State and No. 2 throwing for less than 1,000 yards junior cornerback Deion Belue. are going to throw a lot at us and Oregon – Alabama is right back in and throwing eight interceptions “We take it one game at a time… we’ve got to be ready to respond, the title hunt after dropping to 4th to only two touchdowns. And now you got Auburn com- ready to play the way we play.” in the BCS rankings last week. The Tigers’ only redeeming ing up, so we’re going to focus on Regardless of what Auburn On the other side of the spec- quality on offense has been their Auburn.” brings to the game, however, trum, Auburn doesn’t have much two running backs, Tre Mason Much like in the Tide’s previous Square said what this game will to play for in this game, other than and Onterio McCalebb. Both big games, however, the Tigers boil down to is the same thing that pride. The Tigers (3-8, 0-7 SEC) are have proven to be decent rushing have a number of intangible fac- every other Alabama game has heading into the Iron Bowl with threats for the Tigers, compiling tors that may play in their favor in boiled down to: playing to its own their worst record since the 2008 920 and 573 rushing yards respec- the Iron Bowl, regardless of how standard. squad entered the game 5-6. So far tively, as well as a combined 14 Alabama approaches the game. “We know what’s ahead,” this season, Auburn is winless in- rushing touchdowns. After reeling for most of the Square said. “We have played conference, as well as winless on Defensively, Auburn hasn’t year, Auburn came away with its against these guys previously. We the road. fared much better. The Auburn most complete victory of the sea- know it means a lot to them and Despite the Tigers’ misfortunes, defense is giving up just under son Saturday against the Alabama they know that it means a lot to Alabama head coach Nick Saban 27 points a game, while allowing A&M Bulldogs, 51-7. While the us, so we are going to have come said he isn’t letting his team over- opponents to gain an average of victory wasn’t against an impres- and play to our standard. We are look its biggest rival. over 400 yards per game. sive opponent, the win may pro- going to play a good Iron Bowl for “You throw everything out the Despite the Tigers’ level of play vide the Tigers with some much- the fans.” GAMEDAY 2012 15 EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON BAMA Gameday: In your opinion, what vocal leader like Dont’a Hightower John Zenor has been the biggest reason for and players like Mark Barron AP Sportswriter Auburn’s struggles? and Dre Kirkpatrick. C.J. Mosley, John Zenor: I’d say the rough Dee Milliner and Jesse Williams transition from Gus Malzahn’s are all awfully good, but I’m not spread to a pro-style offense cou- sure they have the personalities pled with serious quarterback to really rally the defense on the issues, which have improved some- field when things aren’t going what since freshman Jonathan well. I’m not really sure who sets Wallace claimed the job. There’s the tone for the defense, whereas plenty of blame to go around, that was pretty obvious in 2009 though: No powerful between- with Rolando McClain and last the-tackles runner, a talented but season with Hightower. That’s young offensive line and a back just my take. The guys who are seven on defense that has really on the field and the coaches might struggled. Instead of progressing, say otherwise. this team has regressed since com- peting pretty well with Clemson in GD: If Auburn is to pull the upset, the opener. That’s probably the big- give me a few things the Tigers gest issue. must do. Any particular player that needs to have a big game? GD: How much did Alabama’s JZ: I’m not sure an upset would loss to Texas A&M change your be so much what Auburn did as perception of the Tide’s defense? what Alabama didn’t. It’s a really JZ: I’d say that game combined tough matchup on so many levels with the LSU game showed this for the Tigers. So I think Alabama defense is good but probably not would have to have turnovers and up to the standard set by the 2009 other mistakes and just come out and 2011 groups. Just too many big with a lackluster effort, perhaps plays against two very different looking ahead to Georgia. You offenses. It’s not necessarily tal- will get a physical effort from both ent, but it’s hard to replace a pass teams in this game. That’s almost a rusher like Courtney Upshaw, a given in this rivalry. AP
atmosphere – eating corn dogs at backs. What would you have done still isn’t an Upshaw or a Dont’a Laken Litman the State Fair of Texas and then in that situation? Hightower on this team, which has Writer/Reporter, FoxSports/Scout.com walking into the Cotton Bowl to LL: I would have run the ball. hindered them some. see the stadium literally split down Alabama’s ground game struggled I do not think this defense was the 50-yard-line, half in crimson, against Texas A&M, and ended ready for Johnny Manziel and that half in burnt orange – I have to the night with only 122 rushing was due to lack of preparation say the environment I witnessed yards. But when you are down five and being emotionally and physi- in Death Valley was surreal. From points and have just minutes left, cally spent from the previous week the people who started tailgating and you’re on the six-yard-line, I against LSU. This defense has the in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, to believe you forget what happened athleticism, the strength and the the booming sound in the stadium, previously in the game and rely on instincts, they just aren’t quite on to the outrageously passionate your roots. Bama is known for win- the same level as last year’s unit. fan bases for both teams, I really ning games with its rush and when But like I said above with think that is the best atmosphere you just have a few yards to go, you McCarron, I think now that Alabama I’ve witnessed and I don’t think it tell your offensive line to play out controls its own destiny, we’ll see would have been as spectacular if of its mind and you give the ball more inspired football all the way LSU and Alabama didn’t have the to Eddie Lacy or T.J. Yeldon and around. history they had or were as good you win the game. Passing in dire as they are. situations is risky. Alabama got too GD: Who wins, what’s the A lot of Longhorn fans were cute and it cost them. score and why? Gameday: You’ve covered upset when the Aggies left the LL: Alabama will win this Oklahoma/Texas and Texas/Texas Big 12 for the SEC, but there were GD: Defensively, Alabama has game. Sure it’s a heated rival- A&M. How do those rivalries com- also a lot of stubborn ones that given up a lot of yards in the last ry and records will be thrown pare to some you’ve seen in the didn’t care. I don’t think Alabama/ two weeks, particularly in the pass- out the window, but the Tide SEC this year? Auburn or Alabama/Tennessee ing game. Also, Alabama wasn’t will win. In 2009, Alabama was Laken Litman: They’re cer- fans would ever let their rivalries been able to get a lot of pressure ranked No. 2 riding an undefeat- tainly on par, although I hear end, and that’s one major differ- on the opposing quarterback in ed season heading into the Iron that Alabama/Auburn is the best ence in the SEC. I think there’s the last two weeks. Is Alabama’s Bowl and it was a ruthless bat- and most passionate in all of col- more passion and dedication in defense overrated? tle. Alabama ended up winning lege football, so I guess I’ll have to this conference. LL: Maybe a little bit. Nick Saban just 26-21 and I think there’s a wait until this weekend to see for mentioned last week that this team chance – despite how Auburn’s myself. GD: Saban said people shouldn’t doesn’t have a dominant rusher season has gone (they’re 3-8, I have gone to every single second guess the decision to pass like Courtney Upshaw. Adrian 0-7 SEC) and despite all the talk Texas/OU game since I was eight the ball at the end of the A&M Hubbard and Xzavier Dickson are about Gene Chizik getting fired, years old and though I didn’t game. He has what is consid- young still and full of potential, and etc. etc. – that it won’t be a blow- think anything could surpass that ered the best offensive line in the C.J. Mosley has consistently domi- out. That said, I’m predicting: country and two talented running nated every game. But again, there Alabama 37, Auburn 7. 16 GAMEDAY 2012 Ar und THE SEC GAME OF THE WEEK FLORIDA vs. FLORIDA STATE
Two 10-1 teams square off in a battle between Florida’s third-ranked defense and Florida State’s fifth-ranked offense. The game should come down to how well EJ Manuel can handle the Gators athletic sec- ondary. With an outside national champion- ship shot on the line for Florida, look for the MCT Campus Gators to come out strong early in this one. Florida Stateʼs Rashad Greene SOUTH CAROLINA ARKANSAS OLE MISS GEORGIA CLEMSON LSUU MISSISSIPPI STATE GEORGIA TECH
A battle between polar oppo- You can never fully count out With a bowl appearance on the line Georgia Tech may have struggled to sites: Clemson’s high powered Razorback quarterback Tyler Wilson for the Rebels, Hugh Freeze should start the season, but they have won explosive attack versus South in any game. LSU quarterback Zach have his team more than ready to four of their last five and the triple Carolina’s lockdown pressure Mettenberger has been on a roll as handle Bulldogs quarterback Tyler option offense could provide a lot of defense. For Clemson, a win would of late, so look for him to continue Russell. If Ole Miss can stop Russell, trouble for the Bulldogs defense. give them a statement victory that his excellence against the struggling than they have more than enough could push them into a BCS bowl. Arkansas defense. firepower to take this game. GAMEDAY 2012 17 Ar und THE NATION
NOTRE DAME MICHIGAN OREGON OKLAHOMA vs. vs. vs. STANFORD STATE USC OHIO STATE OREGON STATE vs. vs. UCLA OKLAHOMA
USC has greatly under- Considered the great- This game won’t be as Both teams are coming With Kansas State’s loss, performed its preseason est rivalry in the country important to Alabama off of the biggest wins of the the Sooners find them- expectations, but it should by some, the Buckeyes, fans after the Ducks’ season against Oregon and selves with a potential Big be a close, hard-fought bat- who will have no chance loss to Stanford, but USC respectively. Stanford 12 title chance if Kansas tle with the Trojans high- at the postseason with a win, Oregon still has a strong all-around State loses to Texas next flying passing game going because of NCAA vio- has a decent shot at the team led by freshman weekend. Oklahoma quar- against Notre Dame’s lock- lations, will still have national championship quarterback Kevin Hogan, terback Landry Jones has down defense. Notre Dame an outside chance at a game if Notre Dame fal- while UCLA has one of the struggled at times this has a strong offensive line potential AP title if they ters this week. Oregon top offenses in the country season, but he still has that should allow them to finish the season unde- has won the Civil War led by senior running back the tools that made him a move the ball against the feated. Michigan has the last four straight Jonathan Franklin. This potential first round pick at Trojans and give them a found its stride as of late, years, but the Beavers could also be a preview of one point. For the Cowboys, chance at their first nation- though, the combination have one of the few the Pac-12 Championship; Clint Chelf, the team’s third al championship since 1988. of Gardner and Robinson defenses in the Pac 12 if Stanford wins the two quarterback of the year, The key to the game is may be too overwhelming capable of containing teams will play again next will just need to continue whether the Irish defense for the Buckeyes defense. Marcus Mariota and weekend with the confer- his hot start against a sus- can contain receiving duo Kenjon Barner. ence title on the line. pect Sooner defense that Robert Woods and Marqise has allowed 83 points in its Lee. last two games. 18 GAMEDAY 2012 IRON BOWL MEMORIES
I inherited my fandom – everything from the way I to feel better. I stayed and watched as Greg McElroy pace around living rooms and hallways while I watch and company set up the last drive of that game, and away games to the way I curse under my breath in I watched and screamed as McElroy tossed the foot- the stadium – from my dad. Put us both in the same ball to the right side out of the I-formation to Roy room during a tense game, and you’ve got one of my Upchurch for the go-ahead touchdown. When I see favorite memories in the making. that play in a video, I still don’t think Upchurch is That’s what made the 2009 Iron Bowl my favor- going to catch it. ite. I watched it at my aunt and uncle’s house, just I ran outside and yelled. I could hear my dad, who down the street from my grandparents’ house, and had paced down the street to watch the game in the I remember every up and down of that comeback. In living room at my grandparents’ house by himself, the fourth quarter, my dad walked out of the room, yelling too. And that’s my favorite Iron Bowl memory. and even out of the house – he had to pace around
Will Tucker Editor-in-Chief
Coming to Alabama, I had always liked the team second is a panicky reaction, which consists of sit- but I hadn’t been the die-hard fan I am today. The 2009 ting in complete silence staring at the screen with season, my freshman year at the Capstone, changed my hands folded over my mouth. Usually close games that completely. No season of Alabama football will are a roller coaster of both of these versions of myself ever mean more to me than the 2009 season, which – both of them scare my mother. produced my favorite Iron Bowl memory. During the first half of the game, she told me to Being home for Thanksgiving my freshman year, calm down. The second half, she told me to react the 2009 comeback Iron Bowl win for the Tide was the so she knew I hadn’t had a heart attack sitting on first time my mom had seen me react to an Alabama the couch. During the game-winning drive, I prob- game. She’d watched me obsess over college football ably did have a miniature heart attack. It was one for years, but Alabama brought out a side she hadn’t of many heart attacks the Crimson Tide have given seen. me over my four years at the Capstone, but it will I have two very different reactions to football always be one of the best heart-stopping moments as games. The first is a constant blur of yelling, fidg- an Alabama fan for me. eting, clapping and maybe a little cussing. The Ashley Chaffi n Managing Editor
As I worked my way through middle and high season went because I’d come into the whole thing school, I was an Alabama fan in name only. I knew with a doomed attitude. Rocky Block was a nailer-bit- that I preferred to wear crimson and white anytime er, I’ll admit, but I still didn’t have skin in the game. my school decided to have a rivalry day and I knew I During the Iron Bowl, though, I transformed from a hated talk about fear and thumbs. Still, I wasn’t real- student into a full-fledged fan. Without any rhyme or ly a fan. I didn’t care much for football and the fate of reason, I needed desperately to watch our boys win the team didn’t matter much to me. In 2009, I stepped that game. Since that day, since we fought back and onto The University of Alabama campus as a fresh- won an imperfect game to keep our perfect season man and everything changed during that year’s Iron alive, I haven’t missed watching any of the Crimson Bowl. Tide’s games. I remember the 2009 Iron Bowl because That season, I figured the Tide would make it to the it made me realize what a football game could mean SEC Championship and get run over by Tim Tebow in to its fans and it made me experience that, deeply his last conference game. I didn’t care which way the and intensely, for the first time.
Stephen Dethrage Production Editor GAMEDAY 2012 19
I come from one of those families that have and, depending on the outcome of the game, a it rough on Iron Bowl weekend, one of those few jeering calls back and forth between her and families that’s called a “house divided.” No, we my dad. This Saturday however, will be much don’t have one of those tacky half-Auburn, half- different than years past. My Alabama fam- Alabama flags on our porch; my parents, UA ily, and Auburn sister included, will be driving alumni, wouldn’t have that. And they have never to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl. I kid you not, quite figured out why my sister chose Auburn, this has never happened before. While it could but she did. Thus, we have always had that awk- potentially be a rough day for some, I’m looking ward dilemma of “we can’t watch the same game forward to seeing all of my family in one place, in the same room” each Thanksgiving holiday. putting team rivalry behind them, so we can Typically, it’s resolved by my sister watching the spend the entirety of the Thanksgiving holiday game with her fellow Auburn fans and hubby together. Roll Tide! somewhere other than my house in Birmingham
Lauren Ferguson Culture Editor
My dad’s side of the family are staunch Auburn shouts and pointing fingers at the screen or fists fans – thankfully I inherited my Crimson blood from pumping. I would occasionally break into tears at the my mom’s side of the family. But because of this, my sudden burst of emotion. earliest memories of the Iron Bowl – of football, even A family tale even goes that one of us (or maybe – are with Auburn fans. both) was unceremoniously dumped into the floor I didn’t really understand football when I was when Daddy leaped out of his seat to protest a call. young, but I was a fervent tomboy who always want- But, regardless of the heart-stopping moment ed to be “one of the guys” with my dad and his four where you suspect the world might finally be ending, brothers. I would rock my Crimson Tide wind suit the excitement and emotion Alabama and Auburn’s to Pop Pop and Grandmama’s house and sit happily storied rivalry brings to the table is something I’ll in my dad’s lap after dinner, when the men crowded always remember and love. This year, I’m excited around the television. to contribute to that inhuman roar with a hundred I would nod off to sleep when, inevitably, an inhu- thousand other fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium. man roar would fill the room. It might consist of Melissa Brown News Editor
I was born an Auburn fan. Yes, I know. How unfor- couldn’t contest as Cam Newton carried the Auburn tunate, right? But Auburn is a part of my family cul- team to a national championship, but there were ture – from football to traditions to academics, the even more questions as to whether Alabama was the school has intertwined itself into my family history. right decision for me. Both of my parents and their fathers went to Auburn I was surrounded by my Auburn-loving fam- for their undergraduate degrees. Additionally, five of ily members as Alabama redeemed itself in the my six uncles graduated from our cross-state rival, as 2011 Iron Bowl and eventually made its way to the well. And to make matters more intense: My grandfa- national championship, just a year after Auburn won ther and three uncles played football there. theirs. Although they love Auburn, they appreciate a When I made the public announcement of my deci- good football game just as much and realized there sion to attend The University of Alabama after a solid was space for both teams in our crazy family. I had five months of keeping that decision a secret, I was surrounded myself with great friends and ingrained met with confrontation and denial. I will hand it to myself into a culture that was uniquely my own. And them – my family did a great job at hiding their disap- that’s all they could have hoped to come from my col- pointment. There were the jokes about football that I lege experience. Mazie Bryant Assistant News Editor 20 GAMEDAY 2012 Tide well on its way to the top Thanksgiving Day feast yester- day was the fact that conference realignment made this “national semifinal” in Atlanta possible. If not for the addition of Texas A&M and Missouri this year – and the scheduling changes brought from that – Alabama and Georgia would have already faced off this season. The Bulldogs were originally slated to travel to Tuscaloosa this season in a game that would have taken place in late September. When the new 14-team schedule was composed and released last December the SEC wanted to add marquee games for both new- comers. It was determined by the higher-ups in Birmingham, Ala., By Chad Haynie that both Alabama and Florida Featured Columnist would play Texas A&M and Missouri this year. The Southeastern Conference The marketing ploy or what- has a lot to be thankful for this ever you want to call it caused week. The conference appears to a problem: there were too many be set to send one of its members games scheduled and not enough to the Discover BCS National weeks to play them. The old rota- Championship game in Miami, tion, which would have had UGA Fla. There is even a slim chance playing in Bryant-Denny Stadium CW | Austin Bigoney we could see another national this year, had to be thrown out. Alabama student Hannah Stephens calls out the Auburn Tigers during title game with two SEC teams There could only be two cross- the Tideʼs game against Western Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 17. squaring off against each other. divisional games – only one if you Missouri, Georgia or Tennessee. now get to see it next week. One of the things Commissioner don’t count the permanent rivals Slive must have mentioned at his Uga got a break. You might think that I’m crazy, – and Alabama couldn’t play Scratch that, Uga got a huge because that is not an opinion break. Instead of heading to held by many. I just call them like Tuscaloosa to play Alabama, the I see them. Just as I told you last Dawgs got to play Ole Miss at week Alabama would be fine and home and Auburn on the road this still make it to the national cham- year as their Western Division pionship game, I’m telling you opponents. I’m sure Mark Richt this week Alabama will dominate was really torn up about that the Dawgs in the Dome. when he heard the news. Georgia has been truly impres- Georgia has gotten a lot of sive this year in three games: lucky scheduling breaks over Vanderbilt, in the second half the years. It’s not a conspiracy or against Ole Miss and Auburn. anything. At least I don’t think it When you’re hanging your hat is. Just a bit of good fortune when on Vanderbilt, you are not a great B ’Sit came to not having to play the football team. U best teams from the Western DDY I know what Auburn fans Division in what seemed like reading this must be thinking. every year. How could this guy seriously The thing is, the Bulldogs be overlooking the Iron Bowl? never seemed to capitalize on I told you last week I wouldn’t the breaks they caught in the ignore an opponent again. schedule. In the four years that Well I’m not. Auburn does not Georgia has been able make it to have a chance in this game. I or the SEC Championship Game the will honestly be surprised if Join us for gameday call Dawgs only won twice, the other the Tigers are able to score a two games they were blown out. touchdown. about our tailgate specials! Had Alabama played Georgia As this is our last issue, I in late September as originally want to close out by saying 205-339-4885 scheduled, the Crimson Tide that I have enjoyed having the would have exposed what you privilege to write this column will see in the Georgia Dome next each week. It has been anoth- We welcome carry-outs week: an above average football er great season to follow the team that will be overmatched by Crimson Tide. I hope every- Monday- Saturday: 5am- 9pm a superior Alabama team. one has a happy holiday sea- The SEC (and even more so, son. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Sundays: Closed CBS) should be thankful. This Christmas and Happy New game will have a ton of hype, but Year! 2701 Lurleen B Wallace Blvd. Northport, AL 35476 it won’t even be close. Everyone See you all in Miami. would have known that, but will