First of all, let me start out by saying that I really don’t hate Auburn. This is mainly just in response to some of my Auburn friends asking me if I’m pulling for them in tomorrow’s game. And I’m definitely not writing this to bash Auburn. I have actually defended them several times in the past. In particular, I thought they got cheated in 2004 when they didn’t get a shot in the title game. I thought Auburn had the best team in college football that year and believed they would handle Virginia Tech fairly easily in the Sugar Bowl. There was also an instance where John Saunders tried to insinuate that Auburn was a racist institution, or something to that effect. I can’t remember the exact situation, it may have been the non-hiring of Turner Gill, but I know it pissed me off.
That being said, here are the reasons I will not be pulling for Auburn in the BCS Championship Game:
1. Cameron Newton – The kid is a tremendous athlete and I can’t deny that. He is the main reason Auburn has been successful this year. But the bottom line is that the kid shouldn’t be playing. I read the NCAA and the SEC bylaws pertaining to this situation and I don’t understand how he is still eligible. It says nothing about the player being cognizant about being shopped. But on top of that, IT WAS HIS FATHER SHOPPING HIM. And does anyone really believe the kid didn’t know? We are talking about someone that stole a laptop (yes, he stole it, I read the police report), has 12 or 13 moving violations in the state of Florida (the real reason he rides a scooter), was on the verge of being kicked out of the University of Florida for two instances of cheating, and wouldn’t know humility if it smacked him upside the head.
2. Gene Chizik – Are you kidding me, Gene? Please just man up about the Cam and Fairley situations and quit calling everyone in the country absurd for seeing what your fan base refuses to acknowledge about these two guys and your entire program.
3. Bobby Lowder – This guy is going to be the downfall of Auburn University if his meddling isn’t stopped.
4. The shadiness of Auburn’s recruiting as of late – There have been lots of rumors flying around, as well as some unflattering comments by guardians and parents of prospects. You’ve got Pat Dye hanging around the program again, and it is well known that he got Auburn in a lot of trouble, basically forcing his retirement. Also, please tell me how a coach that was 5-19 coming into Auburn and puts up an 8-5 record (3-5 in the SEC) in his first season, pulls in a top 5 recruiting class at the end of that year including the top players in three different states. Offering playing time may get you a few top recruits, but it isn’t going to guarantee a top class. I’m listening…
5. Trooper Taylor – The guy is just shady and flat out annoying.
6. The Fans – Every fan base has their fair share of bad fans, even my beloved Crimson Tide. As an Alabama alum, it actually bothers me more than anything when I witness bad Bama fans. And I love talking football with fans of different schools. But let’s be honest, most Auburn fans have been unbearable since they have been winning. Not only do they have their head in the sand, but they ridiculously tow the company line no matter what. Also, what is the deal with Auburn fans that love to say “Well in my lifetime, Auburn has always beaten Alabama”? Really? So all the records in your lifetime are the only ones that count? Sorry, college football is built on history and tradition. There is no way to manipulate it to make you feel better about your team. I just want to hear more from the objective Auburn fans. Please stop acting like Auburn would never break any rules and that its players are all choir boys. You guys are in the top echelon of NCAA Major Infractions violators. And please stop posting these stupid pictures that say “Going Duck Hunting”, “Refuse 2 Lose”, and other lame crap. I have no problem with you guys supporting your team, but quit acting like everyone is against you and conspiring to take you down. Trust me, no one is jealous or “butthurt”, as Auburn fans on message boards are so fond of saying.
7. Traditions – Or I should say, lack thereof. Rolling trees with toilet paper, referring to the “Family” and using phrases like “All In” are extremely lame and everyone is laughing at you. I was hoping you guys were done with this kind of crap after all of the “AUsome” of the ‘90s. Just go play football and win your games. Also, singing “Lean on Me” in the locker room after the game…do I even have to say it?
8. The NCAA – They really dropped the ball with the Cam and Ohio State situations.
9. The nonexistence of a defense – I have been very disappointed to not see a strong defense for Auburn this year. I guess I am just more accustomed to you guys having a really good defense.
10. Disappointment in college football as a whole this year – For me, this entire college football season has an asterisk next to it. It’s strange enough that Auburn and Oregon are playing in the BCS Championship game, but this whole season hasn’t felt right. There has not been one dominant team this year, much less a dominant defense. I call it “The Year of the Offense.” Most of the traditional powers were a letdown this year, but hopefully next year will be a normal season again.
Those are my main reasons for not pulling for Auburn to bring the SEC its fifth straight BCS Championship. Agree with me or disagree with me, I really don’t care. But maybe this will help some of the Auburn fans understand why most of the country will be taking my stance tomorrow night.
