Home / Hotline Reports / Bulldog Hotline - Oct. 3, 1999
Bulldog Hotline - Oct. 3, 1999
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LSU pressured us successfully in the first half from both corners; JD thought that had more to do with our offensive troubles than LSU knowing our plays (my question). We were able to use the TEs to help the OTs with the running game working in the second half. JD reminded one caller that we ran lots of play action passes to the TEs. We also still have some other stuff available, including the "rocket" play with either T. Edwards or Thad Parker. You can’t always have every play working every week.
We’re happy to be 4-0, despite our lack of consistency, and showing flashes of promise. We have a ways to go to be the team we think we have, though. The team understands we have to keep working to get better, and is better mentally after what we’ve been through the last week. If we cut down on penalties and keep executing the running game, we should be fine. We still have very good upside potential.
We hope to have Arnaud back for the Tennessee game. O. Grant was questionable up to gametime yesterday due to an ankle injury. JD seemed to agree that teams are running away from him more often. We also expect Millican back this week.
JD was very complimentary of the special teams and Coach Phil Jones, as we have now blocked a kick in four straight games. Pass had a great punt return but made a bad play not making one fair catch.
Sanks is working very hard, and displaying a great work ethic. JD is very happy for him, and with his performance. Verron Haynes made some excellent blocks at the point of attack. Pass’s long run on the option play was very important to the team. One caller (Lisa from Easley, SC) noted that Auburn had its good moments running the ball against Tennessee last night - JD noted the underneath handoffs, used to help out a 3rd string QB.
JD was surprised to learn today that we lead the SEC in rushing; he thought we had only been running the ball OK. Having Sanks, Pass, D. Green, Arnaud and Grant available should help out.
Voodoo curse? (Donnan really loved Jim from Woodbury’s question!?) Lots of good things have happened for us the last two weeks, but things happened which kept both UCF and LSU alive until the end. JD also related a story from when he was freshman coach at NC State.
Lots of ebb and flow in college football - Alabama is a great example. What a difference between losing to La. Tech two weeks ago, to beating Florida in The Swamp. Give DuBose and his staff credit. Florida had three fumbles, missed a PAT in OT, and had little ball possession in the second half. Bama had a good plan, spreading Florida out, then running and passing effectively.
What about some things DiNardo did - sub patterns and going for 2? His offense struggled in the second half, so he thought that was his shot, plus we were out of time outs. Lots of teams plan subs and calls depending on personnel on field. JD explained the substitution rule. LSU got that tricky substitution pattern from Idaho, which had done that to them in Baton Rouge last year.
Bruce Adrine is one of our most improved players - very quick and has gotten a lot bigger since he got here. Demetric Evans played very well yesterday - two tackles for loss.
We were going to use Alex Jackson at OT yesterday, but game situation did not dictate it. We are pleased with depth across the OL, and are looking at many OL prospects.
Does T. Martin handle pressure well? You need a controlled rush to guard against Martin scrambling.
JD believes it is time for us to step it up…this is (obviously) a game the fans have been looking forward to.
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