Tommy Tuberville apparently still has some friends out there.

The embattled Auburn coach got a public statement of support from Paul Spina (right), president pro tempore of Auburn’s board of trustees, and athletic director Jay Jacobs.

“I think Tommy made a couple of staff mistakes, and I’m going to fight for him to have the opportunity to correct those mistakes,” Spina told the Birmingham News. “Tommy deserves that opportunity, and I’ll fight for him to have that opportunity to remain the head football coach at Auburn University.

“I think Tommy is good for Auburn. Given the opportunity, I think he can continue to be good for Auburn.”

Jacobs released a statement Wednesday evening:

"As I do with every coach, I evaluate their job performance based on the body of work. That being the case, we will continue to support Coach Tuberville and the program as we always have, and are looking forward to the next four games."

Tuberville, who met briefly with reporters after practice, had this as a response:

"You look at it and you appreciate it, but you've just got to do your job, just keep going, work at it and try to get better. You always look for support obviously, but I know we've just got to keep trying to get better and win games."

In other news:

• Backup CB Neiko Thorpe (ankle) doesn't sound like he'll play. Tuberville said he's probably a week away. Phenix City native D'Antoine Hood will likely be Auburn's third cornerback against Ole Miss.
  
  
• CB Jerraud Powers (hamstring), DE Antoine Carter (ankle) and NG Tez Doolittle (groin) all practiced Wednesday.
  
  
• No news on the place-kicking situation. Tuberville said the trio of Wes Byrum, Morgan Hull and Clinton Durst went 18-for-18 Wednesday. I'm highly skeptical, but that's what the man said.