It's coooooooold out right now. Thankfully, as you can see, they've closed the press box windows at Jordan-Hare Stadium. They've also provided hot chocolate for us media types, making typing possible in this kind of weather. I know you were all concerned.It's 48 degrees according to Weather.com but feels like like 42 with a wind chill. Brrrr. Oh, it just started raining too. Must be fantastic to be out there in the elements.
Check back here for updates as the game gets closer. And follow the blog on Twitter while you're at it. In the meantime, here are some facts you should know before kickoff:
- Auburn has won 15 straight against Kentucky. The last time the Wildcats won was 1966. That's quite a streak.
- The Tigers lead the all0time series 24-51-1 with a 12-1 advantage in Auburn.
- The teams have not played since 2005, a 49-27 Auburn victory in Lexington, Ky.
- The Tigers are 4-0 in home night games this year and 19-3 since 2000.
- Auburn is fifth nationally in total offense (498.8 ypg), seventh in rushing (251.8 ypg) and 10th in scoring offense (38.3 ppg).
- The Tigers have scored 230 points in six games this year. They scored 208 all of last season.
- Despite its defensive struggles, Auburn is tied for 15th nationally in turnover margin (+1.0), tied for eighth in interceptions (9) and tied for 14th in turnovers forced (14).
- Ben Tate leads the SEC in rushing (120.7 ypg). He's eighth in school history with 2,683 yards.
- Receivers Darvin Adams and Terrell Zachery have combined for 40 catches, 716 yards and nine touchdowns this season.
- Kentucky RB Derrick Locke leads the SEC and is 12th nationally in all-purpose yards (169.6 ypg). WR Randall Cobb is fifth in the SEC (130.8 ypg). He's also in the SEC's top-10 in receptions per game (4.6), punt return average (10.5), receiving yards per game (62.0) and scoring (7.2 ppg).
5:53: McFadden is dressed out and going through stretching drills with the team.
5:54: LB Eltoro Freeman is dressed. So is PR Anthony Gulley. Just got another update: Antoine Carter will start in place of Michael Goggans at right end.
5:59: Some Kentucky updates:
- Gene McCaskill will start in place of Chris Matthews at wide receiver.
- Taylor Wyndham will start in place of Chandler Burden at defensive end.
- Either Paul Warford or Cartier Rice will start in place of Martavius Neloms at cornerback.
- Quarterback will be a gametime decision.
6:04: That being said, Adam Herring is working with the ones alongside Josh Bynes and Craig Stevens in pre-game skeleton drills.
6:07: McFadden's also working with the ones. That looks like a good sign for him starting.
6:10: Philip Pierre-Louis catches the last punt before the team goes back into the locker room. Read into that whatever you'd like.
3 comments:
.....In a poll on this site, I voted for the Kentucky game as pivotal, for this season. Few, if any others agreed. What now, say ye?
.....It's only going to get more ugly, in 2009, I think.
I agree, this was a game that would either propel us or really give cause for concern. Seriously, I don't know what's worse, this or Vanderbilt.
Andy, if you gets chance, please ask CGC a few things:
1. 1wk is an abberation, 2wks is a trend, what has happened with these completely drive-killing penalties & why are they continuing to happen??
2. Chris Todd has really regressed these last few weeks, and fallen in love with throwin 30yds downfield, and into double/triple coverage. Trying to make plays is one thing, being reckless with the ball when your arm ain't the greatest to begin with, is another. I know he's our best option but he's hurting more than helping. Why aren't we at least trying to bait the D with a little underneath stuff & get that established before airing it out to double coverage?
3. Despite all the talk, tackling is the single biggest reason we give up those big plays, I know players gotta make plays, but are they just arm tackling in practice or something?? Don't give us depth & fatigue as an excuse, either.
4. Aside from the blocked fg, which at least made it a close game, special teams (kr/pr) continue to provide us with no decent field position. I see ppl coming through unblocked hitting our returner 5 yds after he heads upfield. They continue to hinder us & why have they not gotten better??
I love Auburn, but damn, this lost tonight is embarrasing.
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