Auburn is going to enjoy this. Big Time
Glendale, Ariz.—There was joy. There was relief. There were smiles of happiness. There were tears. There was incredible exhilaration. There was utter exhaustion.
You could see it all on the floor of University of Phoenix Stadium in the aftermath of Auburn’s 22-19 victory Oregon which gave the Tigers their first national championship since 1957.
Ted Roof, who took more than his fair share of criticism as Auburn’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons, had his arms around his two sons as confetti rained down around him. The former Georgia Tech captain could not be happier. For it was his defense that held the mighty Oregon offense to only 19 points, 30 points below its average.
Oregon’s offense had 12 possessions in the game and Auburn’s defense got nine stops: five punts, two interceptions, and what will become two very big plays in Auburn football history: In the second quarter Mike Blanc stuffed Oregon’s LaMichael James in the end zone for a safety. In the third quarter Auburn stopped Oregon on fourth and goal at the Tigers’ one-yard line.
Oregon came into this game averaging almost 245 rushing yards per game. Auburn held the Ducks to only 75.
“I am so proud of our guys. They stepped up and played the best when we needed it the most,” said Roof. “We didn’t do anything fancy. It was all about effort. All I know is that we’re the national champions. Nothing else matters.”
A lot of people wondered if Cameron Newton had one more great game left in him. He did. Yes, he had a late turnover that allowed Oregon to tie the score make a game-winning drive necessary. Still, it has been an extraordinary season for the Heisman Trophy winner in every sense of the word. He became the flash point of a great debate in college football and it was not pretty. There was a significant portion of the populace that believed that Newton should not be on the field but there were also those who believed in the presumption of innocence. The debate will never be resolved unless more facts in the case emerge down the road. That is another discussion for another day.
Regardless of where you came down on the Newton issue, there was no denying that he was one of the greatest college football players we have seen at the quarterback position. I say WAS because Newton will soon close the door on this controversial chapter of his life and declare for the NFL Draft. We may disagree about Newton’s legacy, but we will certainly never forget him.
“I have never seen a football player go what he went through and continue to perform so well on the field,” said former coach Pat Dye, who beamed during the post-game awards ceremony. “People said a lot of bad things about that kid but it never affected the way he played. He is something special.”
Then there was Gene Chizik, whose hiring in 2009 brought rounds of criticism from those who thought he was not dynamic enough or tough enough to stand up to what Nick Saban was building at Alabama. But when the sun rose this morning in the state of Alabama, the schools had the same number of national championships since Saban arrived in 2007. Chizik has proven to be a rock solid manager of the program who surrounds himself with very talented people.
“It was never about me and proving anybody wrong,” said Chizik, who was the defensive coordinator when Auburn went 13-0 in 2004 and did not get a chance to play for the national championship. “That’s not the way I live my life. From the day we arrived it was about doing what was best for Auburn. I am so proud to be a part of the Auburn family.”
It’s been a great season at Auburn but has also been a draining season for all concerned. The weekly scrutiny which came with the Newton case was not an easy burden to bear. The SEC has won its fifth straight national championship. But the conference had to routinely defend itself against the criticism that it did not exercise due diligence in the Newton case. Now that the SEC has won another championship, that criticism is not going to go away. Such is the nature of success. Off the field, it has been a tough season for college football as a whole.
And what about Auburn for 2011? As is our nature, we will quickly move on to next season. Auburn loses 24 seniors including Wes Byrum, who kicked the winning field goal at the buzzer. Newton will leave as will defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who is more than ready to play at the next level. If you had to guess you would say that Auburn will take a dip next season but such dips are easier to take when you have a crystal football in the trophy case.
Both those issues can wait at least a day or two. Auburn fans will celebrate and know that for the next year they are the national champions while Alabama is not. And if you don’t think that’s important, you do not know the state of Alabama. Auburn is going to enjoy this. Big time.
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811 comments Add your comment
Rodney Dangerfield
January 11th, 2011
9:46 am
Auburn! The best team money can buy! After seeing how successful Auburn was with pay for play, maybe more teams will adopt a similar program.
GaDawg
January 11th, 2011
9:47 am
One question. This was brought up by Herbie and Musberger, why did Auburn not want Cecil Newton at the game last night? he reportedly watch from a room at a local hotel. Just makes you wonder if this is really over. Seems like there is still some burning embers around this investigation.
Enjoy War Eagles. It make be taken away soon, or later. And Cam is gone NFL with Thuga Fairley. Again more dirty play by Fairley.
jwr
January 11th, 2011
9:48 am
I really hope all the AU haters waiting for probation don’t hold your breath. Even with proof that a booster gave 6 figures to Mr Newton’s church, AU didn’t do it, the money wasn’t given to Cam, and I’d bet that Cam was smart enough not to sign his name to anything.
All you SEC haters who are having your moment pointing out that UGA (or UT or whomever else you hate) sucked this year…in 2008 AU went 5-7, tied for last place in the entire conference, didn’t even go to a toilet bowl, and yet was just a couple of years away from a national title.
Congrats to AU for a great game and maintaining SEC dominance of the BCS.
Dawgs73
January 11th, 2011
9:48 am
Threepeat- That was absolutely hilarious…still laughing!
Rodney Dangerfield
January 11th, 2011
9:49 am
Tony Barnhart has never been accused of being an SEC blind homer has he?
jborodawg
January 11th, 2011
9:49 am
“Threepeat”, you’re good! I might not agree with your points, but you could be a sports writer one day.
If Oregon had fans from these blogs, they’d be wanting to fire Chip Kelly.
Congrats to Awbun; good game.
collegeballfan
January 11th, 2011
9:50 am
Why does it matter if Newton’s father attended the game?
I really enjoyed the game. The Auburn defense gave up an average 26.5 points per game to the major teams this season but just eat Oregon alive. Is this a comment on PAC 10 football?
Just asking.
gomdawg
January 11th, 2011
9:50 am
2011 is going to be Georgia playing and winning the NC
Mama was wrong
January 11th, 2011
9:50 am
Mama was wrong, cheaters do win.
aladawg
January 11th, 2011
9:51 am
Congrats to Auburn. The best team did win. All those tiders I lived with for 25 years can now croak since their championship is now a thing in the past.
I have heard very little about the pitiful “new” turf in the game. The quality of the game was severely impacted by the slippery turf for both teams. I don’t think it would have made a difference, but you expect better from the game for all the “gold bars”. Also Mooseburger is the worst. As much as I can’t stand Satan his analysis was probably the best.
Aladawg
BAMA dude
January 11th, 2011
9:51 am
At least everyone got to see what SEC folks have been saying about the Barn and “god” being behind them. Eric Smith beat the snot out of some dude in a hotel parking lot, then kicked an Oregon player in the head. Nick Fairley pulled his usual antics again. The game itself was the biggest derp-fest in MNC history. Both QBs tried to give the game away: Cam with the pick, the poor 4th down pass into the end zone, and the fumble; Thomas with the multiple INTs (what was he THINKING on the one Etheridge picked?) and overall inaccuracy. The game was tied thanks to the referee knocking down a Barn defender and lost on a play with a minute left where all 22 players stood around looking at each other with their thumbs in their rears until the back ran the ball into FG range. Oregon’s vaunted offense has now averaged 13.5 ppg in two BCS games- hopefully we won’t have to hear about them any more. Like Tony said, the Barn will enjoy this one, but it was a fitting end to a very odd college season.
Tideman
January 11th, 2011
9:53 am
Congrats Auburn on BCS championship . If you plan on being in this game , you gotta go through the state of Alabama. Sorry Dawg fans, it’s just a fact. ps… thanks for letting us raid your state for players. Please keep Richt
T3
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
The celebration will be short lived.
The investigations of teh Cam & Cecil Newton by the NCAA and the FBI will now go forward with amazing speed.
The truth will be known and Auburn will pay dearly.
Fall Fever
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
Cam should be able to start receiving payments from agents today, so everything has worked out exactly as planned. Congrats to Auburn. You have to admit, War Eagles manipulated the NCAA like a puppet on a string.
Buckeye
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
JDW,
I’m talking the SEC West joining the NFL. No other conference in the country can compete so it’s time to pick on somebody you own size, speed and pay grade.
With Manning winding down, JAX a perrenial mediocre performer, the Titans in a state of flux, Houston – please, you could just replace the enire AFC East.
UGA could then hire Jeff Fisher and have a chance to beat FLA every 5th year.
McDawg
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
BORING-Newton played lousy the Oregon QB played even worse
so Fairley is not dirty eh….
the Matthews family can play some football but those dudes are just plain ugly
best player on the field was #42 on the Auburn D- he killed UGA as well
jumbeauxtiger
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
Bama dude,
This is not taking anything away from Oregon or for Auburn beating them, but I am as not as worried about opening with the Ducks next September in Dallas as I was. A physical and fast defense can slow them down.
3rdN8
January 11th, 2011
9:56 am
Congratulations to AU. Great season.
Newton didn’t bring his “A” game, and they won anyway.
How’s this for unintended consequences: Newton’s NFL stock plummets after a lackluster passing game in the NC game. AU gets him back for 2011.
jwr
January 11th, 2011
9:56 am
If Fairley was just a dirty-playing thug, he wouldn’t have the Lombardi trophy on his shelf.
The 15 yards and 1st down he will cost his team once a game is a small price compared to what he does to the opponent’s offense. Bet your a** if UGA had a DT like that, we’d be singing his praises.
jborodawg
January 11th, 2011
9:59 am
“…why did Auburn not want Cecil Newton at the game last night?…” Old news. After the investigation, Newton Sr was banned from the program and the campus. He would only be a distraction to Cam and the team; as evidenced by anyone asking about him.
And, “collegeballfan” is right; what does it matter and who cares?
Beeeeg Boy
January 11th, 2011
10:00 am
Enjoy it, cause to quote Jim “Catfish” Hunter “The sun don’t shine on the same dogs a$$ everyday.”
The Watergirl
January 11th, 2011
10:00 am
Hey Barnhart, Any comment on why in the world $cam Newton was seen hugging his father in the stands? Cecil shows alot of remorse for being the preacher/pimp that he is by disreguarding Auburn’s request for him to stay away
Dr. Phil
January 11th, 2011
10:00 am
I am an Auburn alum. I am happy for the team and for the university. The 30-year rein of “Boss Lowder” has ended, and maybe Lowder and some of his minions will end up in jail. Newton is the best football player I have ever seen, but I really don’t care for his posturing and post game self absorption, which I chose not to watch. I recall Johnny Unitas walking off the field after that great championship in 1958. In comparison, Newton is silly and childish. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the NFL.
Fink
January 11th, 2011
10:00 am
wow, Auburn did it! Congrats & WAR EAGLE !!!!!!!!!
Fairily is unbelievable. The Warren Sapp comparisons might be turn after all. Herbstreet even compared 90 to Nomakin Su. I think the Panther’s are going to get either Fairley or the DE from Clemson.(Carolina hired a defensive-minded HC)
2010:
>SEC championship >Perfect Season
> Outland Trophy >Heisman Trophy
> win @ Alabama > Coach of the Year
> BCS National Championship > Possible number 1 pick in NFL draft
* Street & Smiths, Anthlons, Lindys didnt see this coming! WAR EAGLE!!
1st and goal
January 11th, 2011
10:02 am
3 guesses as to who is picking up Cecil’s hotel bill in Phoenix?
The Watergirl
January 11th, 2011
10:04 am
jborodawg
Go to: http://www2.oanow.com/sports/2011/jan/11/cam-and-cecil-im-111048/?referer=None&shorturl=http://oanow.com/im/111048
Cecil Newton was at the game
GTBob
January 11th, 2011
10:04 am
@collegeballfan,
Oregon’s defense isn’t very good either, yet they pretty much stuffed Auburn. I don’t see it as some representation of the conference, after all Oregon had no problem putting up close to 50 on Tennessee. I see it as both teams did not benefit from the time off very well. Neither teams offense was playing very well last night. They both looked pretty rusty and nervous. If we didn’t get over a month wait for this game then I think we might have seen a much more explosive game.
jumbeauxtiger
January 11th, 2011
10:04 am
Tony, here is my projected final AP poll which I believe comes out today:
1. Auburn
2. TCU
3. Oregon
4. Stanford
5. Ohio St
6. Oklahoma
7. Wisconsin
8. Boise St
9. LSU
10. Nevada
11. Alabama
12. Okla St
13. Arkansas
14. Mich St
15. Va Tech
16. Missouri
17. Miss St
18. FSU
19. Nebraska
20. Texas A&M
21. Tulsa
22. UCF
23. Maryland
24. S Carolina
25. Utah
Dropped out: West Virginia, Hawaii and UConn.
Entered: Tulsa, UCF and Maryland
ISwallowDawg
January 11th, 2011
10:05 am
gomdawg
January 11th, 2011
9:50 am
2011 is going to be Georgia playing and winning the NC
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHYEAHRIGHTHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA
The Watergirl
January 11th, 2011
10:06 am
Go to: http://www2.oanow.com/sports/2011/jan/11/cam-and-cecil-im-111048/?referer=None&shorturl=http://oanow.com/im/111048
Cecil Newton was at the game
ISwallowDawg
January 11th, 2011
10:06 am
jumbeauxtiger
where is georgia in your final list?
January 11th, 2011
10:04 am
Tony, here is my projected final AP poll which I believe comes out today:
1. Auburn
2. TCU
3. Oregon
4. Stanford
5. Ohio St
6. Oklahoma
7. Wisconsin
8. Boise St
9. LSU
10. Nevada
11. Alabama
12. Okla St
13. Arkansas
14. Mich St
15. Va Tech
16. Missouri
17. Miss St
18. FSU
19. Nebraska
20. Texas A&M
21. Tulsa
22. UCF
23. Maryland
24. S Carolina
25. Utah
Dropped out: West Virginia, Hawaii and UConn.
Entered: Tulsa, UCF and Maryland
BAMA dude
January 11th, 2011
10:07 am
jumbeauxtiger
January 11th, 2011
9:55 am
Bama dude,
This is not taking anything away from Oregon or for Auburn beating them, but I am as not as worried about opening with the Ducks next September in Dallas as I was. A physical and fast defense can slow them down.
I’ll take plenty away from them. Any team that has to run the spread on theor own 1 yard line and theor opponent’s 1 yard line because they can’t block is a fraud. I have to say, Stanford looked like a much better team than Oregon to me. Oregon’s QB can’t pass the ball consistently at all.
ISwallowDawg
January 11th, 2011
10:07 am
dap01
January 11th, 2011
8:13 am
Congrats Auburn. Thanks for proving that cheating and independant studies are the way to go in college football. Cam: Thanks for showing that stealing, cheating and breaking of every NCAA rule is ok as long as you win.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH
ISwallowDawg
January 11th, 2011
10:08 am
dap01
January 11th, 2011
8:14 am
Why does the AJC turn a blind eye to such blatant disregrad for rules?
HAHAHHAHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
ISwallowDawg
January 11th, 2011
10:08 am
RxDawg
January 11th, 2011
8:30 am
I can honestly say I’m not happy for college football today.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
ISwallowDawg
January 11th, 2011
10:08 am
JB
January 11th, 2011
9:05 am
Everyone in Russia sends congrats to the AU coach…..You did your country proud. Putin really enjoyed how you got there…………The Kremlin way………….WAR EAGLE
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH
BAMA dude
January 11th, 2011
10:09 am
*wow, the same typo twice. Need coffee.
Aiken Chicken
January 11th, 2011
10:09 am
Congrats Auburn for winning and keeping the SEC streak alive.
BAMA dude
January 11th, 2011
10:10 am
3rdN8
January 11th, 2011
9:56 am
Congratulations to AU. Great season.
Newton didn’t bring his “A” game, and they won anyway.
How’s this for unintended consequences: Newton’s NFL stock plummets after a lackluster passing game in the NC game. AU gets him back for 2011.
No way, no how he goes to class from this point forward. Mark my words.
Andy O'Plasty
January 11th, 2011
10:11 am
“this is what it’s like when the dawgs cry”…..
mark
January 11th, 2011
10:12 am
Anyone notice that most of the players did not wear mouthpieces? Is this still a penalty? Congrats to Auburn. Go Dawgs..
History Major
January 11th, 2011
10:13 am
Who picked up the tab for Cam’s courtside seats at the Lakers game. Those tickets go for about $2000 a seat per game.
If AU is winning, they are cheating. Check the history.
Sunny D
January 11th, 2011
10:15 am
Wouldn’t you love to see Cam and Cecil do a lie detector test. What a crock!
Asterisk
January 11th, 2011
10:15 am
Way to go champs! *
The Bag Man
January 11th, 2011
10:18 am
The SEC (Simply Enough Cash) Conference. The best that money can buy.
Dawg Tired
January 11th, 2011
10:18 am
Money well spent.
Mike Finch
January 11th, 2011
10:20 am
Congratulations to Auburn. Your alums totally own the NCAA!!
Score Check
January 11th, 2011
10:20 am
Congrats to the dirtiest player money can buy and also to the dirtiest player who ever played.
Gator S
January 11th, 2011
10:25 am
Congrats to the National SCAMpions!!!!!!!!
AlwaysAVol
January 11th, 2011
10:26 am
I heard that to upstage Alabama’s Wal-Mart display of the crystal football last year, Tractor Supply Company is going to host Auburn’s road show. LOL Just kidding. Congrats War Eagles!