INSIDE O News O Team Rosters O Staff Commentary O O Picks O Predictions O Previews O Auburn Football SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2013

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NNOWTHAT’SOWTHAT’S Tigers getting their edge AAUBURNUBURN back, Page 3 FFOOTBALLOOTBALL

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BY ALEX BYINGTON sively, I mean, it is not ex- [email protected] actly the same, but a lot of what we do mirrors a lot of Coming off their most what they do, especially in celebrated victory over a the running game,” Pelini top-10 team since win- said. “What we had in the ning the 2010 BCS Na- spring and camp probably tional Championship, Au- gives us something to draw burn players and coaches on in terms of what we are soaked in as much of the going to see.” moment as they could Sat- Yet, competing against urday night. a team that has been out- Because much like Cin- scored 182-156 so far this derella, the party stopped season, including 34-6 in when the clock struck the season opener against midnight Sunday. Miami, Malzahn admit- Less than 24 hours after ted the biggest challenge hugging teammates and is keeping the players coaches on the Kyle Field grounded and focused on turf following a 45-41 up- what’s directly in front of set of then-No. 7 Texas them. A&M, it was back to the “(We’re) just being real grind for junior quarter- honest with them that, back Nick Marshall and ‘Hey, we’re not changing the rest of the newly mint- anything that got us to ed No. 11 Tigers (6-1, 3-1 where we’re at.’” Malzahn SEC). said. “Keep doing exactly “It was a big win, we went what we’ve been doing into a great atmosphere with the same attitude, the and did what we had to do, same approach. That’s re- and take care of business ally about it.” and we were able to come And most of the Auburn out with a win,” Marshall players are taking that said Sunday evening. “But message to heart. They that was last week, now know, as Malzahn repeat- we’re focusing on Florida THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ed several times this week, Atlantic.” Auburn Nick Marshall and the Tigers say they’re focused on the next game — Florida Atlantic — and nothing else, the Tigers haven’t “arrived Auburn will play its fi- despite being in control of their own destiny in the SEC West. yet.” nal non-conference game “We’re getting better of the season Saturday That’sour only focus,” Mal- talking about anything brother of Nebraska head it’s that dedication to the every day. Coach Mal- against Conference USA zahn said flatly Tuesday. else or thinking about coach Bo Pelini. “So, when ground game that Pelini zahn, his mantra is either, opponent Florida Atlantic While some Tigers play- anything else. We’re go- you usually see that on believes will give the Owls ‘you’re getting better or (2-5, 1-4) at 6:30 p.m. at ers entertained thoughts of ing to keep the same ap- tape, that means one win a slight advantage Satur- you’re getting worse.’ A Jordan-Hare Stadium. The what bigger things might proach. That’s what’s got or one loss usually isn’t go- day, with FAU counter- lot of these guys are re- game will be televised on be open to them following us here so far. We have not ing to affect their progress ing Marshall with its own ally buying into the plan,” FSN. Saturday’s win — includ- looked ahead, we have very much.” dual-threat option at senior defensive tackle Embracing a week-by- ing a potential shot at the not talked about anything Powered by its run-based quarterback: Jaquez John- Nosa Eguae said. “They week mentality, first-year SEC Western Division title else.” pace offense, the Tigers son (1,484 total yards, 11 know Tuesday is a big Auburn head coach Gus in this season’s Iron Bowl Second-year Florida are dominating on the ). day. Wednesday is a big Malzahn didn’t even show game with No. 1 Alabama Atlantic head coach Carl ground this season, aver- “I would say out of all the day. Thursday is a big day. much interest when his Ti- — Malzahn was quick to Pelini, for one, can see the aging 300.1 rushing yards teams that we have faced, You’ve got to get better on gers were the 11th-ranked shoot down anything not affect such an approach is per game and leading the what (FAU coordinator) those three days to have team in the initial BCS associated with Florida At- having on Auburn. SEC with 2,101 yards. But Brian (Wright) does offen- success on a Saturday.” standings released Sunday lantic. “It looks to me like they evening. “No. No. The only thing are making steady im- “We’re happy that people we talked about this week provement, every week think that highly of us. was Florida Atlantic,” Mal- all year on both sides of But we’re onto next week. zahn echoed. “We’re not the ball,” said Pelini, older Florida Atlantic (2-5) at Auburn (6-1) Jordan-Hare Stadium; 6:30 p.m.

COACHES at Auburn: Auburn leads, » Auburn leads the SEC » 1-0 in rushing at 300.1 yards (Henderson State, 1990) » Last meeting: Auburn per game, which is good Auburn record: 30, Florida Atlantic 14 enough for eighth in the Jack Ingram Motors 6-1 (1st year) (Sept. 24, 2011) nation. Overall record: » Auburn, Air Force, Min- 15-4 (2nd year) BROADCAST nesota and Arkansas State »TV:FSN (34) are the only teams in the » Carl Pelini » RADIO: WGZZ (94.3 FM) FBS to have four differ- (Youngstown State, 1989) » SATELLITE RADIO: ent 100-yard rushers this Florida Atlantic record: season. Sirius 136/XM 199 5-14 (2nd year) » Auburn’s 20 rushing Overall record: GAMEDAY GOODS touchdowns and 10 passing 5-14 (2nd year) scores through seven games » Auburn has won 82 is already more than the SERIES consecutive games when Tigers’ 2012 total in both » Auburn leads, 1-0 scoring 30 or more points categories.

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PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AU running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) scores on a 2-yard run against Texas A&M last Saturday during the Tigers’ win in College Station. Physical, mental edge evident in Tigers’ play

BY ALEX BYINGTON [email protected] Before ever boarding the bus last Saturday for Kyle Field, Auburn’s offensive coaches were still unsure what kind of team they re- ally had. But going against the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most explosive offenses in all of , Ti- gers offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee knew they were going to have a fight Auburn running back Corey Grant (20) is one of three Tiger running backs who have led the team in rushing this season. on their hands. So they challenged ev- from quarterback Nick but we’re starting to get a tough group. We’re guys an extra-effort play when and-1 where he busted for ery player’s toughness and Marshall and was imme- more physical and the type that have been through a Mason extended his arm (53) … but to me, I think on fortitude. They challenged diately met by A&M cor- of football that Auburn ex- lot.” the final yard into the end that game-winning drive their status as men — or nerback De’Vante Harris. pects.” That toughness didn’t zone with 1:19 remaining. we had a second-and-10, more specifically, whether But Coates wasn’t going And for Malzahn and wane either, as junior tail- “Tre ran hard.The fourth- we hand him the ball and they’re “Auburn” men. to be stopped there, shov- Co., that starts with play- back Tre Mason carried 10 and-1 call early was not he’s not going anywhere — “Go and play Auburn ing Harris to the ground ing with the mentality of times for 108 of his season- there and he gets 3 (yards) it was pretty much stopped football,” Lashlee said the with his free right hand at a champion, something high 178 rushing yards in out of it,” Lashlee said. — and he drives the pile message was. the Aggies’ 24 and adding he’s tried to re-instill in the the fourth quarter, includ- “Everybody knows about for about 6 more yards. … What is Auburn football? 7 more yards on the play players since his introduc- ing 36 on the game-win- the run being Those little things make a “It’s a receiver being before being gang-tackled tory news conference al- ning drive that ended with a great effort or the third- big difference.” more physical, attacking at the 17. most 11 months ago. footballs, being physical “I thought that was huge. Competing with tough- with it after the catch. To That’s what we challenged ness and not allowing any a running back, run not to them to do,” Lashlee said team to simply run over GREEN PEANUTS be tackled, protecting the of Coates’ play.“That men- them is a major compo- football,” Lashlee contin- tality was what I was most nent of the No. 11 Tigers’ with this ued. “Obviously at quar- proud of because I felt like success after a 3-9 season $ 69 lb. coupon terback, finding a way to out of the gates we made a year ago. 1 Expires help your team win. On sure they knew, ‘Hey, we’re “I just think it’s a matter Fresh treats for your tailgate! 10/31/13 the O-line, dominating here to play and we’re go- of our guys bonded to- Full selection of fresh fruits and veggies the line of scrimmage. And ing to be the more physical gether during the spring,” for all your needs! when you turn on the film team today,’ and I felt like Malzahn said. “We were you see that.” at the end of the day, in the extremely tough on them, We’ve got Green Peanuts, too! Two plays into the Ti- fourth quarter, that’s when we were extremely chal- 3829 Pepperell Parkway • 334-737-2080 gers’ second offensive se- it paid off.” lenging, challenged our ries of the 45-41 upset of Coates led all receivers guys. They came together, host Texas A&M, Auburn’s with five catches for 104 you could tell. In fall camp, players answered their yards and a touchdown, same thing. They’re play- coaches’ challenge — with while Auburn’s potent ing for each other, and I emphasis. ground game continued to think that’s important.” Immediately after a 32- carry the load offensively, Seven games into the yard end-around by Ricar- rushing for 379 yards and season, Auburn (6-1, 3-1 do Louis, in which the 215- four of the team’s six scores SEC) has made the nation’s pound receiver cut inside Saturday, including 100 biggest turnaround after for an extra 5-6 yards rath- yards and two touchdowns starting off last season 1-6. er than simply get knocked by Marshall. “It’s a testament to the out of bounds at the end “We talked about being offseason. We were pushed of his run, fellow receiver physical at every posi- in the offseason, not just sent the tion. That’s part of it. He’s a for workouts but during message loud and clear. strong guy and we’re start- spring ball, during two- On a quick 5-yard ing to get there,” first-year a-days,” senior defensive hitch route, the 6-foot-2, Auburn head coach Gus tackle Nosa Eguae said. 200-pound sophomore Malzahn said of Coates’ “And we worked, and we it’s riding a bike! speedster caught a pass play. “We’re not there yet, all battled. We came out

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AUBURN TIGERS FLORIDA ATLANTIC OWLS

No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Year No. Name Year Ht. Wt. Pos. 1 Trovon Reed WR 6-0 190 JR 1 Lucky Whitehead JR 5-10 163 WR 1 Montravius Adams DT 6-4 305 FR 2 DeAndre Richardson RS SR 6-2 180 WR 3 Dominic Walker WR 6-1 211 FR Roster 2 Brandin Bryant RS SO 6-2 260 DL 3 Jonathan Jones DB 5-10 180 SO 3 DJ Juste FR 6-2 185 QB 4 Quan Bray WR 5-10 186 JR 3 Keith Reaser RS SR 6-0 190 DB 5 Jake Holland LB 6-1 240 SR 4 Derek Moise RS SO 6-2 185 WR 5 WR 6-2 215 SO 4 Adarius Glanton SR 6-1 215 LB 6 Jonathan Mincy DB 5-10 200 JR 5 Martin Wright RS SR 6-4 250 DE 6 Jeremy Johnson QB 6-5 219 FR 5 Martese Jackson SR 5-6 178 RB 8 Cassanova McKinzy LB 6-3 246 SO 6 Greg Hankerson FR 6-0 172 QB 8 Tony Stevens WR 6-4 190 FR 6 Reggie Brown FR 5-11 170 CB 9 Jermaine Whitehead DB 5-11 201 JR Tale of the Tape 7 Melvin German III SR 6-2 210 QB 10 LaDarius Owens DE 6-2 250 JR 7 Cre’von LeBlanc SO 5-11 175 DB 11 CB 5-11 200 SR 8 Marc Mauro JR 6-1 195 S 11 Brandon Fulse TE 6-4 263 JR 8 Daniel McKinney SR 6-0 205 WR 12 Jonathan Wallace QB 6-2 206 SO 9 Nexon Dorvilus RS SR 6-4 230 TE 13 Craig Sanders DE 6-4 245 SR 10 Stephen Curtis RS JR 6-3 225 QB/P 14 Nick Marshall QB 6-1 210 JR 11 Trevon Coley SO 6-2 225 DL 15 Joshua Holsey DB 5-11 197 SO 12 Jaquez Johnson SO 6-1 225 QB 16 JaViere Mitchell LB 6-2 205 R-FR 12 Tyler Henderson FR 6-4 195 S 16 Tucker Tuberville QB 6-0 185 R-FR 13 Josh Orsino RS FR 6-1 190 S 17 Kris Frost LB 6-2 238 SO 14 Evan Lassiter FR QB 17 Ben Durand QB 6-3 200 SO vs. 15 Randell Johnson RS SR 6-4 245 LB 18 Sammie Coates WR 6-2 201 SO 16 Sean Kelly SO 5-10 186 K/P 19 Ryan White DB 5-11 196 SR 16 Andrew Matyk FR QB 20 Corey Grant RB 5-11 205 JR 17 Damian Parms JR 6-2 195 S 20 Mack VanGorder DB 6-1 195 SO 17 Michael Copeland RS JR 6-1 225 TE 21 Tre Mason RB 5-10 205 JR 18 Christian Milstead RS SR 5-10 170 DB 21 Mackenro Alexander DB 5-11 192 FR PASSING LEADERS 19 William Dukes JR 6-4 190 WR 19 Trey Hendrickson FR 6-4 222 DE 22 Khari Harding DB 6-0 223 FR Player Att. Comp. Pct. Yds. TD INT Eff. 23 Johnathan Ford RB 6-0 186 FR 20 Marcus Clark FR 5-8 185 DB Auburn 20 Robert Lohnes SO 5-6 140 WR 24 Ryan Smith DB 6-2 194 SR Nick Marshall 143 82 57.3 1138 6 4 132.44 25 Peyton Barber RB 5-11 217 FR 21 Tony Moore RS JR 5-11 220 RB Jeremy Johnson 23 17 73.9 201 4 1 196.02 21 D’Joun Frye-Smith JR 5-11 175 DB 25 DB 6-2 224 JR Florida Atlantic 26 Justin Garrett LB 6-1 218 JR 22 Robert Miller FR 6-2 190 DB Jaquez Johnson 165 100 60.6 1060 6 5 120.51 22 Damian Fortner RS SR 5-10 200 RB 27 Robenson Therezie DB 5-9 204 JR 23 Winfred Strickland RS SR 185 DB 28 Jimmy Hutchinson P 6-2 190 FR Greg Hankerson 83 41 49.4 422 3 3 96.80 23 Antonio Washington JR 6-2 225 RB 28 T.J. Davis DB 6-1 191 R-FR RUSHING LEADERS 24 Lester Thomas FR 5-10 165 DB 29 Brandon King DB 6-1 212 JR Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD 25 Jay Warren FR 6-0 195 RB 29 Tyler Stovall P 6-1 205 FR 26 Jeremy McKnight SR 5-10 180 S Auburn 30 Steven Clark P 6-5 230 SR 27 Jonathan Wallace SR 6-1 210 RB 30 DE 6-2 240 SR Tre Mason 119 693 5.8 8 28 Ronnie Scott FR 5-10 165 CB 31 Trent Fisher DB 6-1 200 JR Cameron Artis-Payne 59 417 7.1 4 28 Jeremy Glinton RS FR 6-1 195 WR 31 Mark White WR 5-10 180 R-FR Florida Atlantic 29 Sharrod Neasman SO 6-0 190 DB 32 Blake Poole DB 5-11 192 SR Jonathan Wallace 102 508 5.0 3 30 Sammie Cooper FR 6-0 165 CB 32 Wade Norberg TE 6-6 210 JR Jaquez Johnson 96 346 3.6 5 30 Jeremy Gaskins SO 5-10 190 RB 33 Kenny Flowers LB 6-1 240 SO 31 Cory Henry SR 6-3 238 DL 33 Austin Powell WR 6-0 185 JR RECEIVING LEADERS 32 Javaris Giles JR 6-1 218 LB 35 FB 6-0 258 SR Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 33 Shaheem Sutherland RS JR 5-10 190 S 36 K 6-0 190 SR 34 Freedom Whitfield SO 6-2 200 LB 37 Kamryn Melton DB 5-10 173 FR Auburn Sammie Coates 18 423 23.5 2 35 Grant Helm JR 6-0 208 DB 38 Adam Dyas DB 5-9 212 JR 36 Anthony Hamilton RS FR 5-9 172 DB Ricardo Louis 16 138 8.6 1 38 Daniel Carlson K 6-4 205 FR 37 David Lozandier JR 6-0 225 LB 39 Alex Kviklys K 6-1 189 SO Florida Atlantic 38 Dekiviaus Crawford FR 5-7 157 RB 39 B.J. Trimble WR 5-10 161 SO Daniel McKinney 32 338 10.6 1 39 Alexander Lee FR 5-11 180 RB 40 Gage Batten FB 6-0 235 R-FR William Dukes 25 337 13.5 4 40 Chris Jackson RS SR 6-1 230 TE 41 Patrick Lymon RB 5-10 194 JR 41 Josh Ballesteros RS FR 6-2 210 LB 42 Gimel President DE 6-4 248 R-FR TEAM STATISTICS 41 Michael Harrop SO 6-3 205 TE 42 Chandler Shakespeare RB 5-10 203 SR Offense AU FAU 42 Mitch Anderson GS 5-11 186 K 43 Anthony Swain LB 6-2 239 SO Points Scored 251 156 43 Robert Relf FR 6-3 220 LB 44 Cameron Artis-Payne RB 5-11 210 JR Total Offense 3460 2638 44 Jeremy Faulk FR 6-0 267 DT 45 Keymiya Harrell DE 6-4 247 SO Rushing Yards 2101 1156 45 Andrae Kirk JR 6-2 225 LB 45 Andrew Williams RB 5-9 200 JR Passing Yards 1359 1482 46 Griffin Goins FR 6-0 228 LB 47 DJ Washington FR TE 47 Spencer Smith TE 6-6 240 R-FR Defense AU FAU 47 Cameron Toney LB 6-1 236 FR 48 Andrew Curtis FR 6-2 220 LB Points Allowed 154 182 48 Forrest Hill DS 6-1 247 JR 49 Andrew Bolognese SR 6-2 195 S 49 Patrick Young FB 6-2 228 JR Yards Allowed 2997 2523 49 Joe Fischer SO K/P 50 Reese Dismukes C 6-3 297 JR First Downs 146 126 50 Nathaniel Ozdemir FR 6-2 212 LB 50 Ben Bradley DT 6-1 295 JR Rushing Yards 1011 1295 51 Khilyni Kennedy FR 6-1.5 175 DE 51 Patrick Miller OL 6-7 283 SO Passing Yards 1986 1228 52 Arthur Crouse RS FR 6-6 250 OL 52 Justin Delaine DE 6-5 240 JR 53 Jakobi Smith FR 6-4 250 OL 53 Devonte Danzey OL 6-4 282 SO 54 Nicolas Reid JR 6-3 245 LS 54 Jeff rey Whitaker DT 6-4 310 SR 55 Karl James RS JR 6-1 285 OL 55 Carl Lawson DE 6-2 258 FR 56 Isaac Edwards RS FR 6-4 280 OL 56 Avery Young OL 6-6 304 R-FR 57 Jace Banfell FR 6-3 289 OL 57 Grant Smith LB 6-0 233 FR 58 Mustafa Johnson SR 6-3 295 OL 58 Luke Ebbesmeyer DB 6-6 206 FR 59 Robinson Eugene RS SO 6-5 263 DE 59 Jake Lembke DS 6-2 240 SR 60 Shane Blair SO 6-2 300 OL 60 Jackson Thomas DL 6-1 246 R-FR 61 Eric Minemyer RS JR 6-4 250 OL 61 Michael Sulka DS 6-3 241 R-FR 62 Cody Asher FR 6-4 276 OL 62 Chad Slade OL 6-5 313 JR 63 DeAndre Williams RS SR 6-5 290 OL 63 Alex Kozan OL 6-4 297 R-FR 64 Antonyo Woods FR 6-2 284 OL 64 Duncan McKinney K 5-11 181 SO 65 Vinny Davino RS SO 6-5 260 OL 65 Tunde Fariyike OL 6-2 305 JR 66 Dillon DeBoer RS FR 6-5 245 OL 67 Dalton Schomp SO 6-0 190 P/K 66 Kevin Austin OL 6-1 272 FR 68 James Lincoln SO 5-9 169 K 68 Kyle Bolstad OL 6-4 262 R-FR 70 Austin Bland FR 6-3 265 OL 70 Robert Leff OL 6-6 284 R-FR 71 Christopher Chappell RS SR 6-9 320 OT 72 Shon Coleman OL 6-6 299 R-FR 72 Michael Scott FR OL 73 Greg Robinson OL 6-5 320 SO 73 Mikingson Marsaille RS SO 6-6 320 OL 74 Will Adams OL 6-7 297 R-FR 74 Stern Vile SR 6-5 335 OL 75 Deon Mix OL 6-4 310 FR 75 Braden Lyons JR 6-5 295 OL 76 Jordan Diamond OL 6-6 315 R-FR 76 Mohammad Farah RS SO 6-2 290 OL 77 Shane Callahan OL 6-6 275 R-FR 77 Roman Fernandez FR DL 78 Colton Wingard OL 6-2 295 SO 78 Will Griggs SO 6-0 176 WR 79 Eric Averett OL 6-3 254 R-FR 78 Derek Butcher SO 6-4 295 DL 80 Marcus Davis WR 5-9 176 FR 79 Anthony Russell SO 6-3 258 TE 81 C.J. Uzomah TE 6-4 258 JR 80 Darion Howard RS SR 6-3 260 TE 82 Melvin Ray WR 6-3 213 SO 81 Kalib Woods FR 6-3 182 WR 83 Michael Clifton TE 6-3 251 R-FR 82 David White FR WR 84 Cade Hoff man WR 5-11 191 FR 83 Tony Thomas SO 5-10 176 WR 85 Wirth Campbell TE 6-3 208 SO 84 Alex Deleon RS JR 6-4 210 TE 86 Dimitri Reese WR 5-11 180 JR 85 Marcus Cunningham RS JR 6-0 175 WR 87 Gray King WR 5-10 162 FR 86 Hakeeme Ishmar JR 6-2 210 WR 89 Jaylon Denson WR 6-3 219 JR 87 Dustin Bowens FR 6-5 235 TE 90 Gabe Wright DL 6-3 296 JR 88 Jenson Stoshak SO 6-1 176 WR 91 Tyler Nero DL 6-2 271 R-FR 89 JJ Stevens FR 5-5 149 WR 92 Kenneth Carter DT 6-4 280 SR 90 Shalom Ogbonda RS FR 6-4 245 DE 93 JaBrian Niles DL 6-2 293 SO 91 Denzel Whitfield FR 6-5 260 DL 94 Nosa Eguae DE 6-3 269 SR 92 Joe Henry JR 6-3 230 DE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 95 Reid Brooks DE 6-2 230 R-FR 94 Andrew Stryffeler RS SR 6-5 260 DE 96 Aaron Garrison OL 6-2 251 FR Auburn running back Tre Mason (21) fends off Texas A&M 95 Kayvon Sherrill SR 6-3 279 DL 97 Elijah Daniel DE 6-2 264 Fr 96 Lance Burlingame FR 6-4 280 DT 98 Angelo Blackson DL 6-4 310 JR defensive back Floyd Raven Sr. (5) during his 53-yard run in 97 Murphy Allen FR 6-2 272 LS 99 Brian Walsh DL 6-3 311 SO the fourth quarter of the Tigers’ win last Saturday. 98 Haiden Nagel FR 6-3 217 DL

Quarterback: yards per carry. FAU’s offensive line, despite featuring three seniors, is still coming together as a unit with Livin’ on the Nick Marshall returned from his knee center Mustafa Johnson and DeAndre Williams as the injury to post one of his most complete only players with any starting experience entering the games this season, passing for 236 yards season. and two touchdowns while adding his » Edge: Auburn second straight 100-yard rushing game and two more scores on the ground. Jaquez Johnson is Defensive line: a dual-threat sophomore that is already setting records Auburn’s deepest unit rotating in 13 Edge at FAU, combining on more than 1,400 yards of total different guys this season, the defensive offense and 11 touchdowns through seven games, and is front has been a major reason for its Special teams: completing 60 percent of his passes. success, providing pressure at nearly » Edge: Auburn every turn. Senior Dee Ford continues to Despite often being overlooked, the Running back: pave the way with a team-high five sacks in just five Tigers’ special teams are in the top half of games after missing the first two with injuries. The the conference in nearly every category, Tre Mason has emerged as the go-to Owls have gotten most of their pressure along the including an SEC-leading kick returner tailback within the SEC’s leading ground in Mason (30.4 yards per return). FAU’s attack, rushing for 108 of his season-high right side from senior end Cory Henry and sopho- more tackle Brandin Bryant, who lead with four sacks kicking game has been a little off as of late, with kicker 178 yards in the fourth quarter against Mitch Anderson missing two of his last five field goals Texas A&M. Cameron Artis-Payne and apiece. » Edge: Auburn and three of his last seven PATs. Corey Grant provide a nice complement with unique » Edge: Auburn power and speed. FAU senior Jonathan Wallace is once Linebackers: again leading the Owls on the ground, averaging 5 The Tigers’ most maligned and criticized Coaching: yards per carry working alongside a fellow run threat in unit has still managed to be productive, as In his first year as an SEC head coach, Johnson. Cassanova McKinzy, Kris Frost and Jake Gus Malzahn has led the biggest turn- » Edge: Auburn Holland have combined for 78 tackles this around in the country through the first Receivers: season despite splitting time. FAU’s most seven games of the season, flipping the script after a 1-6 start a year ago, and is Auburn’s passing game has been its one experienced unit is in its second level, where Adarius 15-4 in his career. Carl Pelini, brother of Nebraska head inconsistency so far, with only deep-threat Glanton and Andrae Kirk lead the team with 49 and 46 coach Bo Pelini, has struggled in two seasons at FAU, Sammie Coates even among the SEC’s tackles, respectively, while Randell Johnson is in third on top-15 receivers with 423 yards per game. the team with five tackles for loss. going 5-14, including 2-5 this season. Junior Quan Bray is the Tigers’ next lead- » Edge: FAU » Edge: Auburn ing receiver with just 166 yards, averaging 23.7 per game. Secondary: Overall: FAU has a pair of 330-yard receivers in Daniel McKinney Auburn is fresh off its biggest win since (338) and William Dukes (337) to go along with a Jenson Coming off a game in which it was winning it all in 2010 after knocking off Stoshak (253). burned by one player for 287 yards and its second ranked team this season with » Edge: FAU four touchdowns, Auburn’s SEC-worst sec- ondary has performed admirably with nine a 45-41 upset of previously top-10 ranked Offensive line: — all despite being routinely Texas A&M on the road, and is building A key component to the Tigers’ run- decimated by injuries. Ryan Smtih and Ryan White are itself as a potential darkhorse in the SEC West race down ning success is up front, where Auburn hoping to fill in for the season-ending loss of safety Josh the stretch. And whereas the Tigers have prospered in has been its most consistent all season, Holsey. The Owls’ defensive backfield has allowed back- close-game situations this season, FAU is 0-3, including allowing an SEC-leading six sacks while to-back 200-plus yard games through the air and has a 42-35 overtime loss to Middle Tennessee State last opening holes for Mason and Co. to aver- yet to face an offense of Auburn’s caliber this season. month. age right at 300 rushing yards per game at a clip of 6.3 » Edge: Auburn » Edge: Auburn For all the up-to-date information on Auburn football, read Alex Byington’s AUBlog at OANOW.COM/SPORTS and follow him on Twitter @AUBlog. OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS N www.oanow.com TIGER TAILGATER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2013 N 5 With so much to play for, next game is all that matters

he celebration was “a special deal.” T And the Auburn football team — players and coaches — enjoyed it. Gus Malzahn demanded it. The players needed it, especially after last season. MikeSzvetitz The win over then-No. 7 A View From the Lazy-Boy Texas A&M was well earned, and needed to be processed accord- ingly. a month away. You can’t get to Ticker-tape parade and all. Game 12 without playing No. “On Saturday, we enjoyed it,” 8. You can’t win them all if you Malzahn said of the victory and don’t win the next one. reception his team received And that’s the beauty and when they returned from Col- beast of where Auburn finds lege Station, Texas, both at the itself this week. airport and the athletic com- The potential for a never-for- plex. “I told our players and get season is there — the biggest coaches, they worked hard and turnaround in college football to enjoy it.” after last year’s 3-9 season — but Then the proverbial clock so is disaster. Because one loss, struck midnight and it was and the carriage turns back into Sunday. a pumpkin. Florida Atlantic week. “I think that’s a challenge for “Once Sunday got here, that’s any team in college football,” behind us,” Malzahn added. Malzahn said about keeping “We’ve got to get back to doing the focus on the next game and what got us here — working not looking ahead. “You see it hard, taking it one day at a time, every week. You see teams that one game, one practice at a are on a high kind of losing their time. We really haven’t gotten momentum. That’s our chal- too much into that after Satur- lenge. We’ve got to keep mov- day night.” ing forward. We’ve got to keep The program’s biggest win improving and not look ahead. since the 2010 season could “It’s a challenge. It’s something only be celebrated for a few we address. I’m very up front hours. Not a minute more. with our players (about it).” There are bigger things on the And the message has been re- horizon for this Auburn team to ceived. One game at a time, it is. get caught up in just one win. “Our main goal is focused on They want (need) more. Five win No. 7,” junior center Reese THE ASSOCIATED PRESS more, to be exact. Dismukes said. “Our goal is to Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn celebrates after defeating Texas A&M last Saturday in College Station. The Tigers The team that entered this beat Florida Atlantic. As far as are now in control of their own destiny in the SEC West. year fighting for just a sliver the team, we don’t need to get of respect is now fighting for ahead of that at all. As far as the so much more … like an SEC whole team, we just need to fo- Championship. cus on beating Florida Atlantic. Sure, it’s a long way away, but “You win football games then the goal is attainable — some- everything will fall into line.” thing that wasn’t on anyone’s Easy to say. Difficult to do. radar at the beginning of the But Auburn’s going to try the season. only way it knows how, and The ceiling has been elevated. that’s by not being satisfied with Hopes are high. And now an 8-4 just one big win. There has to be season would be considered more. a disappointment, when two “We have not arrived,” Mal- months ago it would have been zahn said again on Tuesday dur- celebrated. ing his weekly press conference, Auburn controls its own after saying the same thing after destiny, which is the goal of any Saturday’s game. “… When you football team. If the Tigers win look across college football, the out, they’ll clinch the SEC West teams that do not keep improv- and play for the conference title. ing throughout the year, it is Chuckle, if you’d like. But like relevant; there are a lot of ups senior defensive end Dee Ford and downs. That is our chal- said this week — why not? Why lenge. We have to keep rolling, not just win them all? take it one game at a time and Something that seemed so far- stay focused.” fetched is now an actual reality. If they can do that, then the And as of this week, Alabama 2013 season really will be a is the only ranked team left special deal. on Auburn’s schedule. Crazier MIKE SZVETITZ is sports editor of the THE ASSOCIATED PRESS things have happened. Opelika-Auburn News. He may be reached Auburn running back Tre Mason dives for extra yardage during his 53-yard gain during the Tigers’ win over Texas But the Iron Bowl is more than at [email protected] or 737-2513. A&M last Saturday.

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Things ALBERT CESARE/OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS 2 Watch 4 2) Johnson’s jamboree: After being officially named the backup quarterback on Auburn’s two-deep depth chart, Florida Atlantic Johnson should see a lot of action against FAU, but it’ll be in- teresting to see how he’s used before replacing Marshall once at Auburn the Tigers build a big lead. Auburn’s coaches have repeated Compiled by that Johnson’s three plays against A&M were not part of the Alex Byington “plan” and that Johnson’s role moving forward will be increased. So while clearly not going to show too much in a non-conference game, this could be the perfect opportunity to try out some of the new 5 packages offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and head coach Gus Malzahn have 1) Pass parade: It’ll be interesting promised since Johnson’s successful season debut two weeks ago. to see if the Auburn coaching staff tries to focus more on the passing game this week after it continues 3) Spreading the love: to struggle for consistency, picking While fellow junior Tre Ma- up in the second half against Texas son has quickly separated A&M after several dropped passes himself as the go-to run- and misconnections in the first two ning back out of Auburn’s quarters. Nick Marshall should start, “three-headed monster,” but talented true freshman Jeremy the other two “heads” are Johnson will also likely see plenty of still capable of taking over action against another overmatched a game in their own right. non-conference opponent. Coaches said all week that they still have plans

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS to feed bruising back Cameron Artis-Payne and speedster Corey Grant, so expect to see a steady pace of both as the Tigers try and keep Mason healthy for a pivotal stretch run. Auburn’s first full service ALBERT CESARE/OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS 4) Skewered secondary: Auburn’s defensive backfield has been sliced and cigar shop and lounge!! diced for much of the season, allowing an SEC-worst 283.7 passing yards per game despite proving opportunistic with nine interceptions. With several Yes, you can talented passing offenses still on the horizon, including Georgia and Ala- bama, look for the Tigers’ secondary to smoke inside! try and make a point against FAU and quarterback Jaquez Johnson and the Owls’ trio of talented pass catchers. 2328 S. College St. • Ste. 12 • Auburn www.havanadreaming.com • 334-246-3111 Earn $100 this week Donate your plasma to help save lives

worldwide. If you qualify as a new donor, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 5) Digging deep: This is another game where Auburn is expected to play a lot of people you can earn up to $100 this week. once it develops a sizable advantage. And with only SEC games remaining on the schedule, it stands to reason this could be one of the last times several backups and third-team players could see action the rest of the year.This would be the ideal time for someone who has been overlooked to step up and cement himself as a legitimate option moving forward.

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BY KEN ROGERS [email protected]

TUSCALOOSA — A ri- valry needs time, tradition, TENNESSEE (4-3, 1-2 SEC) talent and, truth be told, a AT NO. 1 ALABAMA (7-0, 4-0) little turmoil. 2:30 p.m. Saturday; TV: CBS The storied Alabama- Tennessee college foot- ent Tennessee head coach. ball series has had pieces Jones joins the list that in- of each in the 95 previous cludes Phillip Fulmer, Lane meetings that date back to Kiffin and Derek Dooley. 1901. Saban wants to see his Lately, however, it has team continue to make slipped. Just how far was progress as it prepares for evidenced earlier this week its stretch run. when Alabama put a num- “I don’t think this is the ber of tickets on sale that time to get satisfied with were returned from Ten- yourself in any way, shape nessee’s allotment. Simply or form,” the coach said. put, the Vols have had too “If you’re focusing on what much turmoil in their pro- you need to do to be the gram in recent years. best player you can be and However, things are look- what we need to do to be ing up for Tennessee (4-3, the best team that we can 1-2 SEC), which is above be, our focus is going to be .500 this late in the sea- what we need to do to im- son for the first time since prove and get better for the 2007. The Vols beat No. 11 challenges ahead.” South Carolina, 23-21, last TheVols will present some week on Michael Palardy’s challenges of their own. 19-yard field goal as time Quarterback Justin Worley expired. That was UT’s first has thrown for 10 touch- win over a ranked oppo- downs and 160 yards per nent since it knocked off game. His completion rate PHOTOS BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS the Gamecocks in 2009 — is 55.8 percent and he has Coming off an upset win against South Carolina, Tennessee will try to keep the momentum going Saturday against Alabama snapping a streak that had thrown six interceptions. and quarterback AJ McCarron (below). reached 19 losses. Worley has several tal- Tennessee head coach ented receivers, including “They have really good there and execute.” Butch Jones is eager to see touted freshman Marquez pass concepts, and I think Saban said the Vols’ mo- what comes next. North, a 6-foot-4, 215- the players are starting to mentum goes far beyond “Very proud of our kids, pounder from Charlotte, understand what’s expect- the scoreboard. proud of what we are N.C., and Pig Howard, a 5- ed of them and execute it “Tennessee is emerg- building here, where we 8, 185-pound sophomore with more consistency.” ing as a very good football are coming,” Jones said from Orlando, Fla. The Vols are clearly bet- team in the last two weeks,” this week. “They have to Rajion Neal has averaged ter than the group that was Saban said. “When a team understand: now, what 131 yards per game rush- blown out at Oregon and improves like they’ve im- you do with momentum? ing in the Vols’ last three that lost at Florida. Senior proved, it’s always a sign The more you win, the games, wins over South offensive lineman Ja’Wuan of good coaching, good more what is at stake. Alabama and South Caro- James credited the coach- coaching staff and a lot of “Now you are putting lina sandwiched around ing staff for instilling a be- people doing a very, very yourself in position to play a heartbreaking overtime lief in the players. good job. meaningful games into loss to then-No. 6 Georgia. “I saw a different team in “They’re able to run the October and leading into Saban said the Vols have that Georgia locker room ball very effectively on November. That is what been better balanced and at the end of the game,” offense and the quarter- you work towards. It gets credited Worley for bring- James said. “In everybody’s back’s played really well to every new game is a new ing along the team’s pass- minds we believe that we for them.” season, a new gameplan. ing game. can win these types of Saban said eight starters Each week is a new week.” “He has played well in the games. I feel like we went are back on the Tennessee But it faces what is look- last two games and seems a out there and showed it defense, including talent- ing more like the same Al- little more confident as he against South Carolina. ed middle linebacker A.J. abama team that has won gains a little more experi- “Just to have that con- Johnson. Palardy does the the last six games in the se- ence,” Saban said. “Some fidence from him (Jones) punting and placekicking ries. The Crimson Tide (7- of the receivers have im- and the other coaches, it for the Vols. 0, 4-0 SEC) has not lost to proved and developed. The helps a lot because if they “They’re very good on the Vols since Nick Saban freshman receiver, North, believe in us to the fullest, special teams,” Saban said. arrived in 2007. Saban will has become kind of a sig- then we can believe in our- “This is a really solid team be facing his fourth differ- nificant guy for them. selves and we can go out all the way around.” CATERING CHOICES We make any Tailgate Party delicious! Ask your Sandwich Artist® for details!

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1) Number of snaps true freshman quarterback Jeremy Johnson plays? 27 — His first five will be early, as his role in the “regular” offense will be expanded. Then, he’ll get a bunch in the second half when the game is well in hand for Auburn. 2) How many total yards do the Tigers rack up? 601 — Auburn’s streak of 600-plus-yard games extends to three in a row Saturday as Florida Atlantic will have a very tough time stopping the Tigers on the ground and through the air. 3) How many sacks will Auburn’s defense record? 7 — The Tigers’ deep and talented defensive line continues to get better every week. Coming off a game where they sacked Johnny Manziel three times, the Tigers’ front four will feast on FAU. 4) How many cups of hot chocolate will be sold in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night? 80,357 — One for every fan who shows up to watch Auburn grab its seventh win of the season in a game where the temperature at kickoff is supposed to be in the low 50s-high 40s. MikeSzvetitz 5) Final score? Auburn 57,Florida Atlantic 6 — Another big and easy win for Auburn as the Tigers move to 7-1 with back-to-back SEC road games coming up on the sched- Sports Editor ule. The Tigers use Saturday’s game to prepare for the “Normal ” Bowl against Arkansas.

1) Number of snaps true freshman quarterback Jeremy Johnson plays? 32 — Expect to see a lot more of Johnson against a two-win FAU squad, both during designed-play packages in the first half while starter Nick Marshall is in the game and then after when Johnson takes over after Auburn builds and two-to-three touchdown advantage. 2) How many total yards do the Tigers rack up? 655 — Auburn will continue its run of 600-yard games to three straight against Florida Atlantic, which gave up more than 500 yards of offense against Miami in the season opener, an offense nowhere near as explosive as the Tigers. 3) How many sacks will Auburn’s defense record? 9 — The Tigers’ 13-deep defensive line racked up three sacks on one of the nation’s toughest players to sack (Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel) and is playing at an entirely different level than earlier in the season. FAU, which has already allowed 20 sacks through seven games, will get a steady fill of Dee Ford, LaDarius Owens, Montravius Adams and Carl Lawson on Saturday. AlexByington 4) How many cups of hot chocolate will be sold in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night? 75,451 — With temperatures suppose to be in the lower 50s and drop- Beat Writer ping into the night, it’s probably going to be one of the colder games this season. So bring your thermal underwear, you’re gonna need ‘em. 5) Final score? Auburn 52, Florida Atlantic 7 — Auburn’s offense will have another game to write home about as both Marshall and Johnson combine for over 550 yards of offense, mostly coming through the air, as the Tigers coaches work on the inconsistent passing game.

1) Number of snaps true freshman quarterback Jeremy Johnson plays? 35 — Johnson will get some early snaps with the first-team offense in the package that Gus Malzahn and Rhett Lashlee have prepared for him, and then he’ll get plenty of run in the second half when the game is well in hand. 2) How many total yards do the Tigers rack up? 654 — Western Carolina and Texas A&M weren’t able to slow Auburn’s offense, which has been in a groove of late, and FAU won’t have much success either. 3) How many sacks will Auburn’s defense record? 6 — Auburn’s defensive line has been feasting lately, and that will continue against an FAU team that is tied for 103rd in the nation in sacks allowed, giving up 20 through seven games. Of course, Auburn’s line is much better than the average C-USA defensive line, so expect plenty of sacks. 4) How many cups of hot chocolate will be sold in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night? 85,974 — With the weather starting to turn and a cold front rolling through the region, expect plenty of fans to make not just one hot cocoa run, but multiple runs Saturday. TomGreen 5) Final score? Auburn 63, Florida Atlantic 10 — The Tigers will cruise to an easy win that should be decided pretty early on. Prep Beat Writer

1) Number of snaps true freshman quarterback Jeremy Johnson plays? 16 — Gus Malzahn and friends will be reluctant to reveal any of the special “Jeremy Johnson plays” that they’re installing, but the freshman should be able to come in for a couple of drives just to hand the ball off during garbage time. 2) How many total yards do the Tigers rack up? 499 — Auburn won’t be showing much of its offense Saturday. In fact, the Tigers will be doing just enough to get the job done. If Auburn can come away with a solid victory without getting any key pieces hurt, Malzahn will consider the day a success. 3) How many sacks will Auburn’s defense record? 4 — You could say that the Auburn “front four” has been outstanding this season, but really, it’s been an eight-deep rotation that has contributed so much to the defense’s success this year. Saturday night could be a classic “stat game” for senior Dee Ford, as he attempts to climb higher on the SEC leaderboards for sacks this season. He currently sits third among sack artists in the conference with five on the year. 4) How many cups of hot chocolate will be sold in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night? 99,999 — There’s always that one game that catches the Southern JustinLee football fan off guard. One week it feels perfect — or too hot, even — then suddenly your team goes on the road or hits a bye week, and the next thing you know, you’re frozen Sports Intern and wondering why you didn’t bundle up, or at least rent one of those padded stadium chairs to keep you off the frigid bleachers. All you can do to stay warm is make a run for hot chocolate — at the end of every quarter, and during every TV timeout, and every chance you get. Bundle up and be prepared! Don’t be that fan! 5) Final score? Auburn 38, Florida Atlantic 20 — The Owls have seen three games slip through their feathers by a single score. Flip those around, and FAU is a bowl-bound team. Combine that with the fact that the Owls have had two weeks to prepare for Auburn, while the Tigers are coming off a huge high from their landmark win over Texas A&M, and FAU could very well keep this game within that 24-point spread — which is just for entertainment purposes only, of course.

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