Chizik on ejections: ‘I am embarrassed by it’
Transcript of Auburn coach Gene Chizik’s postgame news conference:
Opening comments: “I couldn’t be happier for our fans . . . the Auburn family. I am excited for everybody. That stadium out there tonight was electric, and our student body, our alumni, our fans . . . it was a great night for everybody. Our football team in that locker room over there has a lot of love for each other. I think tonight was another situation when we were down by 14 points I think at one point; they just play as a family. That’s all that I can tell you. They play as a family, and I couldn’t be more blessed personally in my life to be around great people, great coaches, great administrators and players who are a joy to be around. They care about Auburn. They care about this football team, and they never cease to amaze me. I am very proud of [Cam Newton] and his performance, and I am very proud of our whole football team starting with our seniors, who have done a great job getting us to this point this year.”
On Cam Newton’s ability to avoid the distractions: “Cam rushed for (151) yards tonight. I was just really proud of the way he played. Like I said, he’s a really, really talented, extremely gifted football player who means a lot to our football team. By his performance, I felt like he’s done just about what he’s done in every other game this year.”
On the decision to on-side kick to open the second half: “That’s a very potent offense, and the on-side kick we felt really good about it during the week, and we felt like we needed to take one possession away from them in the second half. We needed to get some momentum coming out. We told our guys in the locker room at halftime it’s up and running and you have to get it. Wes [Byrum] made a great kick. I think it swung the momentum starting the second half, and it took one more possession away from their offense in the second half, which we needed to do.”
On how difficult it was to defend A.J. Green: “I don’t know that we did. I know that we certainly tried about everything we had, and they made some great throws to him. He made some great catches. He’s one of the best football players, wide receivers, certainly in college football. There’s no question about it. He is a force to be reckoned with. He’s a very talented young man.”
On the difference between Auburn’s defense in the first quarter and the rest of the game: “We settled down a little bit. We tried to do some different things coverage-wise just trying to get the passing game under control. We felt like we could stop the run, but we knew that they had very talented guys at wideout, including the tight end. They do a great job of seeing what you are in. The quarterback does a great job of reading what coverages that you are either disguising and trying to work to, and he hits the guy who is most available in that coverage. They are really good at that, and I thought they executed that well. I think pass rush and pressure, more so in the second half, got to them a little bit.”
On controlling the game running the ball in the second half: “We felt like offensively, starting with our offensive line, we could get some movement up front. We were trying to get a pace going where we could wear them down a little bit. I don’t know if that happened exactly the way we wanted to, but we had some explosive plays in there where they had to run down the field and get set and reset. We did some things that we thought with clock management and other things would help us towards the end of the game. Again, our offensive line … that was a good defense we played against. My hat’s off to them. They tried to do a few different things to take away the quarterback run game which we were able to do some other things with our tailback run game, but at the end of the day, that was a really good defense. I was proud of our offensive line.”
On winning the SEC Western Division: “We had goals at the beginning of the year, and this was the first goal. Really in the name of trying to take them one at a time, we didn’t know when, if we were going to win the West, when that would happen. We were blessed to be in a position tonight where if we won, then obviously we have a trip to Atlanta. So I think there was a lot of incentive out there. There was a lot on the line, and I couldn’t be more proud of our team because of the way they responded and the way they just kept playing.”
On the personal fouls and ejections in the game: “Just really disappointed in that. That’s a lot of reflection on us as coaches, and I am embarrassed by it. That’s not who we are. That’s not the way we carry ourselves, and we will address that tomorrow.”
On Michael Dyer breaking Bo Jackson’s freshman rushing yardage total: “I think Mike as the year has progressed has got a little more comfortable with the offense every week. We certainly have a lot of confidence in him running the football and protecting the football. What a great accomplishment. I think he feels a great comfort level, and I think it is a great honor for him. Again, we are not trying to break individual goals here but certainly that is one he is always going to be proud of until the next guy comes along and breaks it. I am proud of Michael.”
Did you believe you would win the SEC Western Division this soon after taking over as head coach? “I never put a timeline and a timeframe on anything. Our belief was that the only thing that we could focus on is where we’re going with the program and how we’re trying to get there, and we’re trying to do all the things the right way that make sense that the Auburn people would be proud of and the Auburn family. It would just be what Auburn is and who Auburn is, and that’s where we tried to start. So we didn’t put a timeframe on anything, but make no mistake our goal since the day we stepped here was to win a championship, and we haven’t done that yet. So, I don’t want to act like we have. We haven’t, but we are one step closer to being able to do that.”
How welcome is this bye week now? “I think it comes at a great time. We are definitely a tired football team. If you count two-a-days when we started in August, this is probably week 14 straight. I think we tried to manage it about the best way we could with trying to back off when we needed to back off, and try to be aggressive when we needed to be aggressive. They’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do, and that’s the great thing about this team. It’s a well-needed break. We will sit back and try to get a little bit of a breather here in the next probably 48 hours, but we have a huge, huge football game coming up in two weeks, and we have to get ready to play that game.”
On coming back from a 21-7 first-quarter deficit: “Like I said, the guys in that locker room just never cease to amaze me and the coaches … offensive coaches, defensive coaches, special team coaches. Nobody gets rattled. Players keep playing and the coaches keep coaching and we have to adjust and sometimes it doesn’t look exactly the way we want it to look. Sometimes it is really ugly. Sometimes it’s not. For 11 weeks in a row now, we have found a way to win so that’s the most important thing.”
How will you deal with the ejections? “I am going to deal with that tomorrow, and I am not happy about it at all.”
Was your team a little bit hyped up to start the game? “They were. I think they were very excited to play. I knew that when we were getting off the bus. We were trying to temper it down a little bit. They were extremely excited to play this game. The seniors knew that they were never going to play out here again. That’s where it started, and they love Auburn, and they love playing in front of these fans, and they were off the chart in terms of excitement and I don’t blame them. But I think that was a little bit part of some of the play at the beginning … we weren’t very smart. We were just too out there with that. Finally we settled down, and I think we played a little bit better.”
On what it was like when it was 21-7 Georgia: “You are always concerned when it is 21-7, but I don’t think a 21-7 score affects you unless you have never been there before. We have probably been there two to three maybe more times this year. I just think our football team has confidence, and we get things adjusted to the best of our ability, and we try to come back and just keep playing for 60 minutes. We just don’t look up at the clock. We just keep playing and when it is 0:00, we will look up and the best man will win.”
(Transcript provided by Auburn.)
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481 comments Add your comment
earl dumarest
November 14th, 2010
2:00 pm
By the way, here is the complete story on the year Ga fans got hosed. As I was leaving my apartment for the game, my Pinkerton neighbor said,”Better take an umbrella or you will get wet.” I had no idea what he meant. I didn’t sit in the student section during the game, I sat with my dad and brother. When the game ended I told my dad to wait because there is always a fight after a Ga game. LOL. Well all the security, Pinkerton guys, were all down at the Auburn student section while Ga fans were rushing out on the field. Of course Auburn students aren’t going to rush the field after a loss, but the Pinkerton fools were all down there. Well after about a few minutes of Ga fans ripping up the turf in the middle of the field, the security turned on the fire hoses. So obviously the Auburn security had planned on hosing Auburn students at the end of the game. Pathetic.
One criticism of Auburn, during the Pat Dye years, whoever manages the stadium and affairs has become less fan friendly.
LHardingDawg
November 14th, 2010
2:02 pm
The church got the money. Why do you thing the FBI is investigating this thing. It’s the first time in history the FBI is part of an NCAA investigation. It is what it is, Auburn is screwed. Believe it!
SEC Admin.
November 14th, 2010
2:03 pm
I just wonder whether Fairley or Chizik are resposible for the dirty playing. I also wonder why that official didn’t see most of it. Fairley, the official, and possibly Chizik are a disgrace to college football. This game will be addressed.
earl dumarest
November 14th, 2010
2:05 pm
LHardingDawg , how stupid are you? The FBI is investigating Rogers, not Auburn. And by the way, revealing Cam’s florida problems violates federal laws. And for what it’s worth, slimeball Rogers said he never had any conversations with Auburn about Cam, only Miss State.
earl dumarest
November 14th, 2010
2:06 pm
One last thing, good luck Ga Tech. Beat Ga and keep them out of a bowl.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
2:12 pm
Earl, etc. — Don’t let the blowhards on here indict the entire UGA community. Most of my UGA friends like Richt, but are highly embarrassed by his players’ continuing problems with the law. Most UGA fans would also be embarrassed by the people on this board purporting to represent them.
dawgfan
November 14th, 2010
2:15 pm
Boy did I lose a lot of respect for the Auburn Tigers last night. From that late hitting punk Fairley to their fans booing an injured player, it was a disgrace. And Newton is a bit of a showboat if you ask me. I like his enthusiasm but he sure seems to like drawing attention to himself.
But the most sickening thing about last night’s game, aside from the final score, were Gary Danielson and Verne Lundquist. I am simply sick and tired of listening to these idiots call games. Fairley’s late hits were just “frustration.”. Auburn fans were booing an injured UGA player because they are “savy.”. These clowns ride the jock of whoever happens to be the flavor of the month SEC team and have ZERO credibility. Its sickening to watch.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
dawgfan — You really need a deep margarita.
Bernie Matt
November 14th, 2010
2:26 pm
Hey cry babies watch the tape and you will see that UGA tried to chop block the guy (Fairley), in the second quarter, who you are calling a cheap shot artist. What Bitches you are!!!
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
2:32 pm
Ben,
You can try to justify this all you want, but this is the first time, in many many many years, that I’ve wanted to jump in the TV screen and join the brawl. Auburn won the game fair and square and there are no misgivings about that…but Fairley is flat out a dirty, rotten, scoundrel. The reason he was getting chop-blocked was because he was driving Murray into the ground, landing hard on him with his shoulder (why do you think he injured his shoulder btw?) and the spearing he gave was way over the top. Argue to your heart’s content, but it doesn’t matter…because he has made a complete ### of himself on national TV and don’t think that UA, USC, and whatever bowl team AU plays will not be taking extra steps to protect their QB from this rogue player.
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
2:34 pm
Btw, I didn’t know much about Chizik before this game…but he is in the same class as Lane Kiffin and Bobby Petrino
Bernie Matt
November 14th, 2010
2:34 pm
Hey Eric C. those teams you mention… they mAy tske steps to protect their QB by blocking Fairley. PULL YOUR PANTIES UP BOY!!!
earl dumarest
November 14th, 2010
2:35 pm
Eric, you moron, when Fairly injured his shoulder, he landed on the ground WITH the QB on top of him. You stupid SOB
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
2:36 pm
Earl…BS, that injury was all Fairley’s doing…he aggravated it on that play. When you pound and pound like that, that is what happens.
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
2:37 pm
Bernie, ha! you are funny…nope, he’ll get his at some point.
earl dumarest
November 14th, 2010
2:42 pm
Eric, you are a lying sack of >>>>>.
llf
November 14th, 2010
2:47 pm
Only Auburn ThugNation would be proud of that bunch of Clown$. Only an Auburn coach would allow (teach?) a player to intentionally seek to injure the other team’s quarterback — multiple times! Only $EC game official$ would decline to eject an AU player for such mi$behavior.
jtdawg
November 14th, 2010
2:48 pm
At least he admitted the dirty play of his football team was on him and his coaches.
Shameful….
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
2:49 pm
Earl, why must you use that kind of language on Sunday of all days? I’m just respectfully disagreeing with you.
Dirty Dawg
November 14th, 2010
2:57 pm
When the ‘truth outs’ and Auburn’s and the Newton’s guilt is a fact, what’ll you be saying about those that are calling for the ‘death penalty’? Whatever it is just remember, you had a choice.
True DAWG fan
November 14th, 2010
3:08 pm
trash!!!!!
Anything to Win - Auburn low life scum
November 14th, 2010
3:11 pm
I’ve always like Auburn and valued them as a member of the SEC. Not anymore. I’ve never seen such a classless bunch of thugs and cheaters in one place at one time. It goes from the coach on down. Fairley is a thug and had to be released by his coaches to do what he did.
They wanted Murray hurt so they sent Fairley to do it. I hope film of his continual late hits and spears will be sent to the SEC office. It was evident Auburn was win at all cost … fair or not.
I’m through with Auburn. Roll Tide
gcs
November 14th, 2010
3:26 pm
Auburn showed their true colors Saturday and that is of undisciplined thugs.
.
DawgGone
November 14th, 2010
3:35 pm
Amazes me how many UGA fans are on here calling some other schools classless, or thugs, or that some other school showed their true colors.
UGA fans…news flash…you are either stupid, or have selective memories. You need to get your own house in order before you start throwing rocks at somebody else. Your program has been a joke this year, and the laughing stock of college football with the actions of your AD, your DC and your players (13 arrests).
Of course, you don’t want to talk about any of that…you just want to call out some other school’s actions…what a joke. Keep on talking…the more you do, the more you prove what I am saying AND the more you prove that you are the dumbest college football fans in the world.
I will give you one thing…you’ve got to be the best 6 loss team in the country.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
3:53 pm
I freely admit that Fairley is aggressive, and I think he sometimes goes too far. The shot in the back was uncalled for, and the penalty was warranted. But I’ve been watching football for a long, long time, and in my experience, any time a dominant defensive lineman spends an entire game in the opponents’ backfield, the other side claims he’s dirty. I’ve seen Auburn fans say the same thing about opposing defenders before, and I argued with them. This ain’t choir practice, boys, and only very aggressive men are going to succeed in the trenches. All of this whining about “dirty” play from Fairley looks to me more like fans of a 5-6 program looking for somewhere — anywhere — to redirect their anger. Trust me, I saw Auburn fans doing the same thing in 2008, and it didn’t sound any less whiny coming from them. As I said, I like UGA, and I’m not going to condemn the whole program. That said, UGA fans lost their ability to complain when their guys went after Fairley and then cleared the bench. And don’t tell me about “thugs” when UGA’s roster keeps popping up on the local arrest list.
BBBieUgaVIII
November 14th, 2010
3:54 pm
Taking bets
How many UGA should be out for the 1st Half of the Tech Game? UGA players jumped on Fairley and threw punches on not 1 but 2 plays and half the team rushed on the Field. The SEC is watching the tape right now. Many of the starting Offensive line should miss 1/2 the Tech Game and many of the defensive players that rushed the field. What do the UGA fans have to say about that?
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
3:59 pm
Ben, you mention redirecting anger…but you, as many non-UGA fans, are very quick to point to “thugs” on “UGA’s roster.” You admit he sometimes goes too far. Well he went way too far yesterday and the refs should have called more penalties. If the refs aren’t going to protect players, then the players have to take action.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:00 pm
I think several UGA players should miss playing time for that, but we’ll see.
For all the blind UGA defenders on here talking trash about Auburn, I will only note that last night some distinguished member of the UGA nation set Toomer’s Corner on fire. Class act, that. I’m sure all of you are proud that you don’t have trashy people associated with your program.
Eric C.
November 14th, 2010
4:01 pm
It amazes me how many Dawg-haters are on a UGA-sports-blog. If it p##### you off, then get off the board.
From Where I Sit
November 14th, 2010
4:02 pm
Spurrier will defeat Auburn!!!!!
Enough Said!!!!!
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:04 pm
Eric — By saying he sometimes goes too far, I was specifically referring to the late hit he was called for, as well as some plays he was called for in earlier games. The charges by UGA fans that he should have been called for more penalties yesterday is just whining. The hit to the QB’s knee was clearly an accident, and like I said, fans always think that any hit that occurs as much as a millisecond after the ball is released should be a penalty.
As for the retaliation, there is no excuse for that, ever. I do not excuse the punches thrown by Auburn’s players, and you shouldn’t excuse the conduct of your guys. That is totally out of bounds.
ohio dawg
November 14th, 2010
4:06 pm
what has become of the once proud SEC
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
P.S. — I will note that some Auburn fans felt that UGA should have been penalized for the hit Newton took while laying on the ground, but that’s bull crap. Clearly, the Georgia player was moving in for a tackle and just happened to hit Newton after he had slipped down. If UGA had won the game, the whiny counterparts on Auburn’s side would no doubt be upset over Georgia’s “dirty play.”
DawgGone
November 14th, 2010
4:07 pm
I’ve read the posts from many UGA fans who say they have no problem with getting beaten by Auburn, but they do have a problem with Fairley. It sounds like you are saying you don’t mind losing, but Auburn didn’t have to play so rough and hurt you guys in the process…you come off sounding like a bunch of girls.
IADAWG
November 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
Okay, well I guess it is about time to address reality here. Dawgs lost. It’s just a game. Yes, 11 players have been arrested at Georgia. That is not a happy thing. But claiming moral superiority? You know why no Alabama or Auburn players are arrested? It’s because no policemen in his right mind would ever arrest one of the state of Alabama’s football gods. He would have to flee the state to avoid threats to his family and himself. It isn’t because the kids who go to those are so disciplined or just better people. It is simply because they would have to kill someone if front of a live TV camera to have anyone accuse them. That is the reality of it. Isn’t it about time to for some self reflection?
JB
November 14th, 2010
4:08 pm
Players should be tossed for chop blocks and dirty hits, and the NCAA should fine the schools when players do it. The NFL is cleaning up these kind of dirty plays. If Fairley was is an NFL game yesterday, he would’ve lost a lot of money. College football needs to figure it out.
Also, did everyone forget that Cam Newton is a convicted criminal? Remember the arrest at Florida? Do you really think all these new allegations are false? At least Georgia kicks these kind of players off the team from time to time.
No one is questioning that Georgia lost, but Auburn should be embarassed. If they happen to win the NC, it will eventually be taken away when all this settles.
DawgGone
November 14th, 2010
4:10 pm
IADawg…and you know all of this how? Have you talked to the police in the state of Alabama? Have you done some kind of under-cover documentary on how police officers to their jobs?
So let’s see…if UGA has has 13 players get into trouble, other schools just HAVE to have had as many get into trouble as well. It just HAS to be. OR, could it be really simple…that more UGA players get into trouble that at most other schools?
DawgGone
November 14th, 2010
4:11 pm
JB…hating on another team because they beat you is like drinking poison and hoping somebody else dies…it is ultimately self-defeating.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:12 pm
JB — Your comment is what is embarrassing. Newton is not a convicted criminal. Are you seriously arguing that UGA has gotten rid of all the kids who got arrested? Really? Regarding your point about NFL rules and who would be fined, trust me, there would have been plenty of fines on both sides after yesterday’s game. Don’t for a minute think otherwise.
Musa Smith
November 14th, 2010
4:13 pm
UGA fans are embarrassed by the arrests…..are AU fans embarrassed by Fairley? I have not seen such a post yet.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:14 pm
IADAWG — Whether you like it or not, Richt is a reflection of his mentor, Bobby Bowden. He does not recruit for character, and he is loose with discipline. Auburn had the same problem during Terry Bowden’s time as coach. The first promise Tuberville made when he was hired is that he would recruit “a better class of player,” and Chizik has continued that. Richt chooses to go another route.
DawgGone
November 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Musa…please check what you write for facts before posting. There have many, many posts from Auburn fans saying that the hit in the back on Murray was wrong. He was flagged for it, and should have been.
What UGA fans want is for Fairley to be hanged for it. That’s the difference.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:16 pm
Musa — I haven’t seen too much embarrassment on the part of UGA fans here. I also have not seen embarrassment over intentionally attacking a player on the field. Like I said before, I have never seen a dominant defensive lineman who was not called “dirty” by opposing teams.
Wow...
November 14th, 2010
4:22 pm
DawgGone. Again…The arrests of UGA players and the AD do not justify the type of football Auburn played last night.
Winning dirty does not a classy person/program make.
Not being arrested does not a classy person make.
Not being penalized for a clearly dirty play does not a classy person make.
The arrest and AD are dead horses…just keep on beating them though trying to prove an invalid point. Go easy on the thinking buddy…it might not be your strong suit.
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:24 pm
“Not being penalized for a clearly dirty play does not a classy person make.”
What, you mean the attack on Fairley at the end? Yeah, I agree with you, that wasn’t classy at all.
IADAWG
November 14th, 2010
4:24 pm
DawgGone… It’s common sense. Players get arrested at Florida, at Tennessee, at South Carolina… but no one gets arrested at Alabama or Auburn? Anyone who has any experience of football in the south knows that the state of Alabama is football insane. It is a RELIGION. Remember that disgraceful incident with Bill Curry? Name the last football player at one of those schools who was arrested IN the state of Alabama. Please don’t fry a neuron trying to come up with a name…
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
IADAWG — I didn’t even have to strain: http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2009/12/two_auburn_football_players_ar.html
By the way, both guys are no longer part of the team. If I’m not mistaken, Ealey played Saturday, right?
Vince
November 14th, 2010
4:28 pm
Dawg Gone…
Though the UGA arrest record for driving scooters down alley ways and not paying speeding tickets is high, and nothing to be proud of…have you checked out Florida’s? 35 arrests in two years.
You guys continue to miss the point, but at least bloggers across the nation agree with what the UGA fans saw. 1. Auburn was out to hurt Aaron Murray 2. Auburn hurt Aaron Murray 3. The Auburn fans booed a hurt Aaron Murray 4. Chizik was fist pumping on the sidelines during the fracas 5. Fairley did a mid field dance(?) to celebrate the injury of Murray 6. Two Auburn players punched Georgia players…to the delight of the Auburn coaching staff….judging from their reactions.
UGA fans didn’t mind losing the game so much as the loss of what most consider a friendly rivalry. Even before the game yesterday my daughter said to me,”You know, I don’t really know if I want Georgia to win or not because I want Auburn to win the national championship. ” Oddly, I agreed with her.
Those sentiments are now gone.
AFDawg
November 14th, 2010
4:30 pm
Auburn Finally Gets Its Chance, Sounds like you’re on the defensive dude — and you know why, you know your team plays dirty, recruits illegally, and has a coach who condones it. I agree — gloves off, this is a hate rivalry now!
Ben
November 14th, 2010
4:32 pm
Vince — You can’t even keep your stories straight. Auburn fans did NOT boo Murray when he was injured. They booed a player who was running off the field until the UGA coaches told him to get down so the clock would stop. Legal, happens all the time, but the fans don’t have to like it. As for the other stuff, it’s BS. The Auburn coaches were certainly not celebrating anyone getting injured — that’s just delusional. And I’m not sure the University of Soulja Boy should be complaining if some Auburn players danced around.