Tigers beat talented team in W.Va.
Published 1:49 am Saturday, September 26, 2009
Just call us “butter” ’cause we’re on a roll!
The third win in a row came in a wild rain-delayed game where Auburn rallied from an early 14-0 deficit to beat West Virginia 41-30. This game was definitely worth the wait and the price of admission.
Those in attendance saw an Auburn team that overcame some adversity to win a game that seemed in doubt from the start.
An Auburn defense that couldn’t tackle anyone somehow forced six turnovers, with four of those coming in a decisive 4th quarter. Auburn’s running game had dominated the first two games, but the passing game is what got us off the ropes in this fight.
Any doubts that we can beat a talented team went out the window, and the lessons learned in the comeback victory could echo throughout the season.
All of that is a nice spin from a card-carrying Auburn “homer.” The truth is that we got pretty doggone lucky to win this one. I think we all ought to send a “thank you” note to the Mountaineer quarterbacks for tossing us those four interceptions in the final period.
Who cares? I’d rather be lucky than good any day.
The Ball State Cardinals come to Auburn Saturday. This game marks the end of a four-game homestand for the Tigers. In 2008 the Cardinals won the Mid-American Conference and went to a bowl game, but this year is a different story. They lost some key personnel from last year’s squad, most notably QB Nate Davis, as well as head coach Brady Hoke. Bottom-feeders North Texas, Army and New Hampshire have already whooped the Cardinals, so look for them to leave the Plains 0-4.
We are chalked as a 34-point favorite, and if we aren’t looking back at West Virginia or forward to Tennessee we should be able to cover that number. Ben Tate and Onterrio McCalebb should have a field day in this one with the Cardinals giving up over 200 yards per game on the ground.
Come on blowout! I could use a breather after last week’s game.
The Tigers win it 49-10. War Eagle!
Andy Stewart lives in Selma and graduated from Auburn University in 1990 with a degree in business administration. He is the local president of Wachovia Bank.