War Eagle Extra has moved!

You should be automatically redirected in 4 seconds. If not, visit
http://www.wareagleextra.com
and update your bookmarks.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Running Auburn-ULM pre-game blog post

You're looking live at (YAWN) an early glimpse of Jordan-Hare Stadium, where Auburn and Louisiana-Monroe will be playing far earlier than anyone ever should on a Saturday. I wrote about it for today's paper. Here's the advance.

It's cool out here today, relatively. Nice crisp weather for the South. Feels like football. Let's hope it stays that way for a while.

I'll be posting some pre-game musings and updates as the game gets closer. Auburn already went through Tiger Walk and had its pre-game prayer at midfield. (Click the picture to embiggen.) I don't recall any crazy rumors being out there of anyone who might not play, so I wasn't sure who to be looking for.

Well check guys off the list once they get out there with uniforms, so check back later.

And if you want instant updates or want to follow game-long musings about today's proceedings, follow me on Twitter.

Time for some pre-game minutia:
  • Auburn beat ULM 34-0 the last time they met, in 2004. The Tigers lead the all-time series 7-0.
  • The Tigers are 15-0 against the Sun Belt, including a 52-26 win against Arkansas State earlier this year.
  • Auburn leads the SEC in rushing, averaging 278 yards per game. ULM has a decent rush defense. The Warhawks have held eight of their past 14 opponents to less than 100 yards rushing. ULM opponents have had only two rushes longer than 20 yards this season.
  • Auburn QB Cam Newton leads the SEC in rushing (121.3 ypg) and passing efficiency (182.5). He is the first quarterback in school history to throw for at least two touchdowns in his first four games.
  • The Tigers are one of only three teams in the country with three players averaging at least 70 yards rushing, with Newton, Mike Dyer (78.0 ypg) and Onterio McCalebb (70.0 ypg).
  • Auburn's defense has allowed only 10 points in the fourth quarter and overtime this season. It has shut out both of its SEC opponents in the fourth quarter.
  • A big reason: Tigers opponents are 1-for-12 on third downs in the fourth quarter and overtime.
  • Tigers DT Nick Fairley leads the SEC in tackles for a loss (8.5) and sacks (4).
  • Auburn has won 58 straight games when scoring 30 or more points. I think that might 59 after this week.
  • ULM has a dual threat QB of its own in lefty Kolton Browning, who leads the team in passing (590 yards, 5 TD) and rushing (183 yards, 1 TD).
  • ULM running back Frank Goodin needs 773 yards to pass Calvin Dawson as the school’s all-time leading rusher. Goodin has 2,606 career rushing yards.
  • ULM first-year coach Todd Berry had head coaching jobs at Illinois State (24-24 from 1996-1999) and Army (5-36 from 2000-03).
  • The teams have one common opponent: Arkansas State. Auburn beat the Red Wolves 52-26. ULM lost to them 34-20.
  • Oh, today's line is 35. I like ULM, just because maintaining a lead like that is so tough, especially if backups are playing in the game late. Then again, I'm terrible at sports betting, which is why I don't do it.
Not a lot of pre-game notes out there today, so here's he cover of today's game program. Stylish. You just knew Mario Fannin would be front and center.
UPDATE (10:19 a.m.): Hey, a real note: WR Trovon Reed is not dressed today. Makes sense. I'm sure everyone wants that knee to be 100 percent if they want him play again this year.

1 comment:

Scott M. Brannan said...

it's not that bad if you're on Eastern Time. pretty sucky if your body is on Central Time.

at work now listening to the Tiger Tailgate show. can't wait to get home for kickoff. thank God for dvr!