Auburn -3 vs Wahington - Quality of Play

[DeadLast]

Commenting on who would replace a starter is evaluating the second string.

When I handicap a game I look at the kids who are going to play (or in this case, could play). If that is evaluating the second team, I'm guilty.

 

[Seminoles]

This game could go either way I think. Washington is coming up but I'm not sure if they can handle a decent SEC team. Then on the other hand you have Auburn known to have 5 or 6 losses a season. Last season was an anomaly with 4. And now 0-2 in bowl games.
I see a close game but hard to call an out right winner.

 

[cloverleaf]

Clover, you are right about Hand’s reputation as an O-line coach, but I have no idea why that is. He failed miserably at his last two stops - Penn State and AU. Auburn’s O-line was very average last year despite being one of the most experienced units in the country and Penn State gave up over 3 sacks per game Hand’s final two seasons (ranked 122 and 111).

Malzahn’s relationship with Hand go back to their coaching days at Tulsa. Look up BFF in the dictionary and their picture will be there. Despite their friendship and despite Malzahn’s loyalty (to a fault), Hand was told to pound sand and find employment elsewhere. That would not have happened if he was doing a good job.

Bringing Grimes back was not a sexy hire - he can’t recruit a lick. He is, however, a damn good position coach. Despite AU’s lack of talent this year, look for them to improve fundamentally and be more physical than the previous two years.

Hand will be missed at Auburn. His two year, $420,000 a year contract was up in January. He was offered
a contract extension with raise but turned it down to move to Texas where he is co-offensive coordinator and
line coach with a significant raise. When Auburn tried to resign Hand, Malzahn said, "Herb is one of the best
offensive line coaches in college football." Auburn replaces him with Grimes who coached at powerhouse UConn
last year. If you don't think this is a drop off/downgrade for the O-Line, then you are badly uninformed.

 

[MattyMatt]

When I handicap a game I look at the kids who are going to play (or in this case, could play). If that is evaluating the second team, I'm guilty.

Smart man,especially in a game like this one,she’s TOUGH!

 

[StevieRay]

Auburn opens it up second half and pulls away

 

[DeadLast]

The o/u on this game this morning on Heritage was 50 1/2. Now down to 50. I was expecting the total to be around 46/47.

Can't see anyway one would play the over at that number. Auburn has too many unanswered questions on O (O-line and Running back situation) and too good a defense to get pushed around.

In Auburn's season opener against Clemson two years ago there were 32 points scored. Last year (second game) the same two teams combined to score 20 points. I expect this match-up to be similar.

 

[Albatross]

I hate the Barn, but dont see how Washington keeps it close here. Outside of the Oline, I have Auburn advantage on every other position

 

[cloverleaf]

Which team has the best field goal kicker?

This game is going to be tight.

 

[Enfuego]

I hate the Barn, but dont see how Washington keeps it close here. Outside of the Oline, I have Auburn advantage on every other position

Huh?

UW's RB Gaskin is perhaps the best player on the field having run for at least 1,300 yards in each of his last three years.

Also, UW's secondary is one of the deepest in the nation.

Not sure how you can say they have an advantage all over the field. Some would argue Browning is better than Stidham too me being one of them.

 

[Albatross]

Just from shear talent and the difference of the games played. Like I said UW has a very good Oline, but this will be the best Dline they play all year.

I made the mistake last year putting heavy stock in the UW secondary as a big key in the Fiesta bowl. Penn St threw all over them in a blowout type game. Lost money there. I know it was last year, but I just dont believe in them.

I would love to come in here and eat crow with a Auburn ass beating.....I just dont see it.

 

[Knightrofins]

I know this is a neutral game but wouldnt you think the crowd will be 80/20 or at least 70/30 auburn?

 

[Albatross]

I know this is a neutral game but wouldnt you think the crowd will be 80/20 or at least 70/30 auburn?

You bring up a good point.......Barn usually gets killed when playing at Mercedes. Could be the stat I am missing. Liking UW a little more.

 

[Enfuego]

Just from shear talent and the difference of the games played. Like I said UW has a very good Oline, but this will be the best Dline they play all year.

I made the mistake last year putting heavy stock in the UW secondary as a big key in the Fiesta bowl. Penn St threw all over them in a blowout type game. Lost money there. I know it was last year, but I just dont believe in them.

I would love to come in here and eat crow with a Auburn ass beating.....I just dont see it.

I had PSU.

 

[Albatross]

I had PSU.

Salt in an old wound. I see what you are trying to do....lol

 

[Enfuego]

Salt in an old wound. I see what you are trying to do....lol

Haha, my fault. I probably lost every other game that day.

 

[CaptainLee]

Line will drop before kickoff and Auburn will win on the field.

 

[Greenbacks]

I like Washington +2.5

Browning can get it done here on the road

GL