Charles Barkley Is Gagging On His Foot

In 2008, when the Auburn Tigers hired Gene Chizik, Charles Barkley was outraged. Now he pulled out the race card, blah blah I won't get into that. However, following Auburn somewhat and just watching ESPN on a regular basis there is no doubt Gene Chizik knows what he is doing. The Tigers dealt with much scrutiny under a microscope thanks to Cam Newton and that whole situation. He did a hell of a job managing and keeping the guys focused on the present task and not placing emphasis on off the field allegations.

Chizik was 5-19 during his two year stint as head coach of Iowa State, which is a downright awful record, I'll side with Barkley on that. But to say his resume was the worst of the applicants when applying to fill in Tubervilles job is insane. First off this isn't his first rodeo at Auburn, in 2004 he was the defensive coordinator and that team went on to be 13-0 and finished number 2 in the country in the final rankings. Secondly, he was the defensive coordinator at Texas when they won the Nat'l Championship against USC. Gene has been seasoned being successful in the past. Just because he didn't have success at Iowa State doesn't make him a poor choice. Look at Bill Belichick, he coached with the Browns for 5 years starting in 1991 and only had one above .500 season. Then he goes on to the Patriots and everyone knows how that story is unfolding.

I don't dislike Charles, in fact I think he's hilarious and I understand he's known for being outspoken. But with that said before we bash a hire, lets give the guy a year or two. Who knows maybe that guy you didn't want will bring your alma mater an undefeated season, Heisman Trophy winning QB and a National Championship.

With all that said, congrats to Auburn and Gene Chizik with a great season and deserving of the Nat'l Championship. Kudos.

Big Cat

Daily Debate: Who Ya Got?

It seems like this game has been somewhat under the radar with all the coaching moves and the NFL playoffs but Auburn and Oregon will meet for the National Title tonight in Glendale, AZ.  So, the obvious question is..Who ya got?



If I were a betting man I'd be putting my money on Auburn.  Both these teams are known for prolific offenses and I think the game will come down to which defense can come up with a few key stops.  The Auburn defense is by far the most athletic and fast defense the Ducks have seen all year and I'm not sure if they will be able to wear the Tigers down like they have all of their other opponents.  Nick Fairley should be able to cause some significant disruption to the Ducks' spread offense.  The only chance the Ducks have is to try and get him running side to side and tire him out.

Therefore, I'm taking the Auburn Tigers for this years' BCS National Title.

-Eric

I've already put in my two cents on how I think the game will end (see below). I'm taking my Ducks.

-Mitch

Eric, while I agree with most things said on there... what about the Ducks' defense?  They around the top 20 nationally, I do think they deserve some credit.

Big key to the game will be the play of Darren Thomas, quarterback of the Ducks.  The Tigers have shown the inability to stop the pass all season, but they have been alright due to a heavy pass rush. I think Thomas could have a breakout game.  For the Ducks, stopping Cam Newton is like trying to stop me from doing the Dougie when it comes on, nearly impossible.  I kept having flashbacks to the Ducks struggling against Terrelle Pyror, a homeless man's Newton, in last year's Rose Bowl. But this is a new team.

I think this is the best National Championship game we have had since 2005.  Both teams are evenly matched.  One thing about both teams is they don't quit. Both have seen large deficits during a game (See Stanford and Alabama) so if one starts 21-0, don't turn off the television. I will take the Ducks by a field goal. Oregon 38-35  

-Charlie.