11.03.2012 Gameday Tab of The Auburn Plainsman (New Mexico State)

Auburn vs New mexico st.

November 3, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman Homecoming upsets A history of the SEC’s most surprising games pg. 8

Key matchups Key points to look out for vs. NMSU pg. 7

Blast to the past 50 years of Auburn homecoming history pg. 13

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The power of tomorrow: keeping it in perspective Robert Lee editor@ theplainsman.com

Although our football team isn’t living up to expectations, students have a responsibility to support their respective programs. However, the athletics staff is also responsible for putting a quality product on the field.

We haven’t seen much of that this season, but the Tigers still have four games remaining to gain momentum and end on a high note.

Whether personnel changes are made or not, the Tigers have to respond with a positive attitude in order to come back next season with a chip on their shoulder to prove they’re quality competition.

Hiring two former NFL coordinators seemed to be the answer in the offseason, but hasn’t translated on the field, leaving the coaching staff to ponder how to form a consistent and succesful program.

By no means should anyone stop attending football games, as the Tigers need the students’ support, especially with homecoming this weekend, but we can leave our options open.

SEC media days for bas-

ketball have come and gone, and coach Tony Barbee has gathered an improved Tigers squad that is said to be the most complete and formidable team he has had since his time on the Plains.

With a double-overtime victory against Alabama, the women’s soccer team is thriving and is another great way to spend a few weekend afternoons.

So with the last four games, show up and support the Tigers. Our student section should be the loudest section in the SEC and have an impact on the opposing team’s ability to respond under pressure.

The University has seen many hardships this past year and will likely endure more, but as we have seen time and again, Auburn doesn’t give up because of a losing record.

When I began classes at Auburn three years ago, I didn’t understand the concept of the Auburn family and what it meant to be “ALL IN.” But after enjoying three years of great education and experiences, the Auburn family is what makes coming to this University so special.

Let’s keepthe Auburn family in mind this weekend and support the Tigers as they battle the Aggies and show them why Auburn is the toughest stadium to play in in the SEC.

Emily Morris / Assistant Photo Editor

The Tigers run on to the field before facing the Texas A&M Aggies Saturday, Oct. 27.

Tigers, Aggies show similiar faults John Burns Sports Reporter

New Mexico State and Auburn have little in common as far as conference or region, but their records are exactly the same at 1–7.

The Aggies won their first game, but have been less than impressive in their last seven.

Actually, they have not come within a touchdown of winning a game since week one.

While New Mexico State has one of the worst rushing totals per game at 96, its passing attack is reasonably effective. The Aggies come into this weekend’s game averaging more

The Auburn Plainsman Newsroom 334-844-9108 Robert E. Lee, Editor Chelsea Harvey, Managing Editor Andrew Yawn, Sports Editor Ali Jenkin, Sports Reporter John Burns, Sports Reporter Jenny Steele, Copy Editor Bianca Seward, Asst. Copy Editor

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than 265 pass yards a game.

Sophomore quarterback Andrew Manley has a 127.1 passer rating this season, throwing for 2,090 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Compare that to Kiehl Frazier’s 101.6 quarterback rating, 753 passing yards and two touchdowns. Both quarterbacks have thrown eight interceptions.

Manley’s favorite target is sophomore wide receiver Austin Franklin, who has hauled in 965 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

The Aggie offense has averaged 21 points a game, but the

defense has allowed more than 33.

Auburn and New Mexico State have equal records, but the Aggies have had a considerably easier schedule.

While Auburn’s most difficult opponents have been LSU, Mississippi State and Texas A&M, New Mexico State has played teams such as Ohio, Idaho and Louisiana Tech.

Both teams have been far below par thus far and at the bottom of their respective conferences, so in a sense this game will determine how far apart the worst of the SEC is from the worst of the WAC. AU Student Center Suite 1111 255 Heisman Dr. Auburn, AL 36849

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

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The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn football can be judged by other factors Jenny Steele Copy@ theplainsman.com

Jordan-Hare Stadium fits close to 90,000 people in it, and I know they can’t all be football fans.

Four years at an SEC school has taught me to appreciate the atmosphere and the nuances of the game, not the coaches and players. I’m in the stands, but my mind is elsewhere. It’s not that the game doesn’t deserve my interest; it’s that I cannot and do not understand it.

I’ve reconciled myself to this character flaw by creating a different set of rules for football.

In my mind, a game’s interest

level can be gauged by judging two things: 1. The team colors.

2. The cuteness or ferocity of a team’s mascot. It may sound like the reasoning of a toddler, but it’s reasoning that looks favorably on Auburn.

1. Navy blue is undeniably collegiate. It conjures up images of football powerhouses like Notre Dame and Auburn, but it also graces the uniforms of iconic schools like Yale and the Naval Academy. The latter teams may not have national championship-winning stats, but that doesn’t pertain to this form of evaluation anyway. If J. Crew happens to use a school’s color scheme as a staple in its collection of men’s ties and women’s grosgrain ribbon belts, rest assured it’s a winning team.

Emily Morris / Assistant Photo Editor

Aubie entertains at Downtown AUtumn Nights Sept. 14.

Judging teams by this metric makes LSU, Clemson and the University of Wyoming the three worst football teams in the country.

2. A mascot should be either adorable or ferocious, and preferably both. A tiger can eat a human being, but also makes for a pretty cute stuffed animal,

so Auburn passes the test. The Stanford Tree, Stanford’s unofficial mascot, fails miserably. A tree can’t charge at an opponent. A tree can’t move, and unless it’s a topiary or Grandmother Willow from “Pocahontas,” a tree certainly isn’t cute. Stanford is an exception, though, because the majority of mascots do fall into one or both of the categories.

A turkey may not be intimidating, but at least Virginia Tech has made its mascot endearing. Alabama is in its own category. It has a team animal that’s both cute and scary, yet its mascot out on the football field looks like it swallowed a hula-hoop, and its trunk is flaccid and silly. No amount of national championships can hide something that hapless. ©2012 MOE’S FRANCHISOR LLC

LETS GO

TIGERS! VISIT A MOE’S LOCATION TODAY AT: 142 WEST MAGNOLIA IN AUBURN

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Q & A with New Mexico State’s Zack Ponce Ponce, a sports writer from The Round Up Daily, New Mexico State’s newspaper, answers key questions about the upcoming game.

Who are New Mexico State’s key players on offense?

New Mexico State’s offense begins and ends with the performance of quarterback Andrew Manley and receiver Austin Franklin. Franklin is a speedy receiver and the fastest athlete on the Aggie’s roster. He ranks third in the NCAA in both receiving yards-per-game (120.6) and total reception yards (965) entering Saturday’s game.

Manley has a strong arm and can make any pass, but he sometimes overthrows his receivers. Manley also has a tendency to force balls, so his decision-making ability will make or break the team.

Who are New Mexico State’s key players on defense?

Safety Davis Cazares is NMSU’s leading tackler with

47 solo tackles. Cazares is a phenomenal tackler and will almost always take down a player running in the open field. His pass coverage is good — as long as he keeps the receiver in front of him. Cazares does not have the speed to catch receivers that pass him.

Cornerback Jeremy Harris is another defensive stopper in the Aggie secondary. Harris has improved his play since the beginning of the year. Harris played his best game of his career last Saturday, Oct. 27 when he held LA Tech’s Quinton Patton, one of the nation’s best receivers, to just six receptions for 42 yards — and he did it by playing man coverage most of the night.

What will New Mexico State need to do to stop Auburn?

New Mexico State’s offense will need to be more disciplined if they want to beat Auburn. The offensive line had been flagged for multiple false start penalties in a majority of games this year. The offensive line will also need to do a better job of protecting Andrew Manley — they are giving up an average of nearly three sacks pergame.

Defensively the Aggies will need to do a better job of pressuring Auburn’s quarterback with their front seven to give some relief to the secondary.

How will the New Mexico State players

deal with a tough environment like JordanHare?

In any normal season I think NMSU would enter Jordan-Hare intimidated, but not this Saturday.

New Mexico State played its best game of the season last week against Louisiana Tech on homecoming and held the nation’s top scoring offense to just 28 points in the loss. For the first time this year NMSU is trending upward, while Auburn’s season continues to worsen by the day.

I think the pressure is on Auburn to perform at home, and the Aggies know it. NMSU has nothing to lose, and everything to gain. The Aggies have never defeated an SEC team in the program’s history, and I think that will be used as a motivating factor.

What is your prediction for the outcome of the game?

I think Auburn will win a close game against New Mexico State 28–20, but NMSU easily covers the 22 ½ point spread.

New Mexico State’s offense is talented enough to score multiple touchdowns on the Tigers defense, but I think there will come a point in the game when SEClevel talent will prove too much for the Aggies to handle. However, I think NMSU has a realistic shot to pull off the upset.

Support for the players crucial in a losing season Ali Jenkins Sports@ theplainsman.com

After winning the national championship in 2010, the Auburn family has come to expect excellence from its football team, on and off the field.

But as the season comes to an end, that expectation couldn’t be any further from reality.

Most of you reading this have never, and will never, play a down of college football. You will never experience the Tiger Walk or have your name an-

nounced over the PA system at Jordan-Hare Stadium as you run onto the field.

But then again, most of you are what makes this team so special.

You line the streets to cheer on the players as they make their way to the game. You show up early and yell until you are hoarse. And, at the risk of sounding cliché, you win and lose with your team.

Losing hurts.

It hurts the fans, it hurts the program, but most of all, it hurts the players.

As the season has progressed, and Auburn’s record has fallen to new lows, more and more

fans have essentially given up.

They’ve called for new coaches and belittled players.

But think about this: if you, as a fan, can hurt as much as you do when the team loses, how much more does it hurt the players?

I’ve had the opportunity to listen to the players talk about their struggles week in and week out. And you know something? They feel your pain. I can see it in their eyes, and I can hear it in the way they talk.

“There’s no quit in us,” said senior wide receiver Emory Blake after last week’s 63–21 clobbering by Texas A&M. “We’re just going to keep fighting.”

Even coach Gene Chizik, despite what the fans and media think, feels it.

“I don’t think there is a whole lot you can tell them other than that everybody is hurting the same amount,” Chizik said.

“Just like I told them, I said, `I love you guys for what you are trying to push through, and the adversity that comes with being 1–7.’

“It’s tough. It’s tough. Again, we are just trying to continue to push forward to continue to try to encourage them when everything doesn’t go exactly like you want it.”

There’s no good explanation for what happened this season.

You can put the blame on whoever or whatever you want, but the bottom line is that this just wasn’t Auburn’s year.

As fans, we think we know what the best thing for our team is. We know it all, remember? But this week, as Auburn goes up against New Mexico State in this year’s homecoming game, remember one thing: These young men are fans too.

They hurt like you do, and they feel like you do.

If you can treat our football players as gods when they bring home a national championship, the least you can do treat them like men when they fall short of our expectations.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

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The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn’s mic-man urges fans to remain ‘all in’ Sonya Lovejoy Community Reporter

No one understands the pressure and frustration of Auburn’s football season as much as the Auburn cheerleaders. Every turnover, mistake and miscommunication brings disappointment to the team and frustration to the fans.

It is mic-man Jesse Teel’s job to rally the Auburn family and keep the atmosphere positive and hopeful.

“I think we have the best fan base in the SEC,” Teel said.

Teel said he was born into an Auburn family and as a child wondered why his blood came out orange and blue. His parents told him it was normal and he believed them.

Teel’s high school didn’t have male cheerleaders, so he had to

cheer from the stands. He said his family tradition came to fruition when he came to Auburn and realized why he bled blue and orange. This is Teel’s second year as mic-man and his last year at Auburn.

“Balancing time between cheer and school has been tough this season as I try and wrap up my college career and finish strong,” Teel said.

While Teel said he enjoys every aspect of his position, the fans are his favorite part of his job.

“We do well representing the South and the Auburn spirit,” Teel said. “I have not seen enough of the rest of the country to make a call on us having the best fans in the nation, but I wouldn’t put it past our student section to be number one.”

Teel said he feels responsible as Auburn’s mic-man to support the fans, encourage them to continue and support and encourage the team during victories and losses.

After Auburn’s defeat against Texas A&M, Teel encourages Auburn fans to remain “All In.” From Teel’s view, the fans are continuing to support Auburn.

“The crowd this year seems to act more like a family and continue to grow closer together and to Auburn,” he said.

Auburn will be back to morning football Saturday, Nov. 3 while playing host to New Mexico State at homecoming. Teel said he is confident the festivities and large crowds will give the team a new and exciting energy.

Teel said the best part of his

Home is where the

Courtesy of Auburn Cheerleading Squad

Jesse Teel (left), senior in horticulture, is Auburn’s mic-man. job is when fans give 100 percent and participate with the cheers. He said “Great to be” is

Art

Come as you are!

his favorite cheer because, as he said, “It is true after all; it IS great to be an Auburn Tiger.”

is …

Monday – Saturday

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art | jcsm.auburn.edu

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 1, 2012

A losing season still has its perks to offer Bianca Seward Copy@ theplainsman.com

Chin up, Auburn. It’s not all that bad! I think some of you have forgotten how good we’ve had it this semester. Of course I preferred watching the games of our undefeated season, but acting as though this season has had no winning moments is just crazy!

Maybe it’s just because I’m a “glass half-full” kind of person, and I have to say I don’t know how any of you are getting through these games without your glass half full, but I just can’t help but see the perks of going 1–7.

Here are some great benefits of a losing season that are sure to distract you from whatever disaster is happening on the field.

1) Cheaper downtown!

No cover charge at 1716 on Saturdays. Does anyone else remember when some bars downtown dared to charge $10 cover during our undefeated season? With each loss, we get closer and closer to the downtown bars paying us to come and drink. Sky, we lost to Vanderbilt.

It’s time to extend that great 7–9 p.m. free stamp policy to Satuday nights.

2) Pad your resume!

Skimpy resume? No worries! After this season, we can all list National Wildlife Federa-

tion under volunteer experience with all the work we are doing to save Toomer’s Oaks by not rolling them this year. I knew Auburn was a university rooted in service, but man are we taking things to the next level! Way to go, guys!

3) Educational advantages When I convinced my parents to pay tens of thousands of dollars on my college education, my biggest selling point was what a well-rounded experience I would have. And I was right! Poor Bammers; they have no idea what a loss is!

I didn’t think it was possible to add to the list of educational experiences Auburn has over Alabama, but then again I should never underestimate Auburn!

4) Better hospitality!

Try and name somebody who doesn’t like the visiting team when they’ve lost? Not possible. Everybody loves a visiting team who loses. It’s awesome when people come to your campus and lose! What top-notch experiences I have had in both Oxford and Nashville. While a loss to arguably the weakest SEC football teams is tough, the wonderful hospitality we’re treated to is a nice silver lining. I mean just think, if we keep this up people will be paying us to show up!

5) Solid excuse to leave early!

Thank you, Spirit; no one has been as bold as you. We’re all guilty of leaving earlier and earlier with every added loss. Most

of us try to stick it out until at least halftime, but even that is becoming an impossible task.

Spirit, you changed all that. At a record zero minutes into the game, Spirit left Jordan-Hare.

What a solid argument you’ve made for those of us hoping to leave early, but who are tied down to friends waiting to see a comeback. Who is going to say we have to stay seated freezing in the stands when the spirit of Jordan-Hare was gone before the game even started?

So relax, Tigers. We’ll be back on our feet again. In the meantime, use these tips as ways to distract yourself until the season’s over and we can give all our attention to Auburn basketball ... Or until I can get back to you on perks for that season too.

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Thursday, November 1, 2012

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The Auburn Plainsman

Auburn vs. New Mexico State: key matchups to look out for Oct. 8th - Nov. 19th

Zeke Turrentine News@ theplainsman.com

Auburn is limping into Saturday, Nov. 3 for a matchup with fellow 1–7 squad New Mexico State. For the second straight week, Aggies come to town, though this week the competition seems a little less stiff. The NMSU Aggies have played the 118th most difficult schedule in the nation according to Jeff Sagarin, whose ratings make up part of the BCS computer polls.

Despite the soft schedule, State is ranked 171st in his rankings of all 246 FBS and FCS schools.

Auburn’s fifth most difficult schedule helps place the Tigers at 83rd.

But don’t let the 20+ point line from Vegas fool you. Both teams have been struggling on both sides of the ball all season. In fact, both teams are in the bottom 25 in most of the basic offensive and defensive stats from points scored and allowed (Auburn is 122nd of 124 in points scored) to yards gained or allowed (Auburn’s offense is 123rd in yardage).

Although the Auburn coaching staff and players would never let it show they are taking an opponent lightly, especially at 1–7, the team should be able to use the second half of this game to fine tune a game plan for the three-game stretch that closes the season. In order for those opportunities to exist, though, Auburn will need to excel in a few key matchups early on.

AU tackles Greg Robinson and Patrick Miller vs. NMSU DE Donte Savage Auburn’s freshman quarterback Jonathan Wallace has been announced as the starter for the

Courtesy of Todd Van Emst

Freshman quarterback Jonathan Wallace was recently named starter over Clint Moseley and Kiehl Frazier. game, and the edge blockers will need to make sure he has time to throw comfortably, even if Scott Loeffler doesn’t call for many deep throws. Donte Savage is an athletic rusher and leads the Aggies’ defense with three sacks and is second with six tackles for a loss. His speed around the edge has also led to a blocked kick and several QB hurries. CJ Uzomah and Jay Prosch will also play a part in keeping Wallace on his feet.

AU QB Jonathan Wallace vs.

NMSU’s 102nd ranked pass defense Of course Auburn hopes it doesn’t have to rely on its firsttime starter throwing the ball to win, certainly not against a smaller WAC team, and Tre Mason, who has been wondering why he hasn’t been seeing the ball more often, will presumably get 20 carries. But for Wallace to continue to win the faith of his coaches and the hearts of his fans, he will need to show at least a few times that he is a capable downfield thrower. Preventing these Aggies from pushing eight and nine defenders up

to the line like the Tigers saw last week could be a key to setting Mason free on a few long runs.

AU secondary vs. NMSU WR Austin Franklin The sophomore Aggies receiver has been a bright spot in their sour season and should pass 1,000 yards on the year on Saturday. He has caught 57 passes for 965 yards and nine touchdowns in eight games. Auburn has had trouble with star receivers all year long. Clemson’s DeAndre Hopkins had 11 receptions, 119 yards and a TD. Every game after that, it seemed like the secondary would slip at inconvenient times. Green or Bumphis would find a way to be open in key spots in Starkville. Ole Miss’ Jeff Scott and TAMU’s Ryan Swope torched Auburn at times.

The secondary hasn’t been bad this year. They rank 60th in the nation, better than any of Auburn’s other vital statistics. But they need to ensure big-play guys like Franklin can’t find their way open on third downs, or all the first and second down work disappears.

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

Homecoming upsets: a spectacular history andrew Yawn Sports@ theplainsman.com

We all know the SEC has a history of stunning wins, and never are we more prepared for a victory than at homecoming.

Occasionally, however, even our homecoming games can surprise us.

Here is a look back at some of the most surprising homecoming upsets in SEC history.

1 9 9 0

Tennessee 45 Florida 3 No. 10 Florida and No. 9 Tennessee faced off for Tennessee’s homecoming game, and Florida coach Steve Spurrier’s homecoming to his alma mater. A Tennessee native, Spurrier spurned the nearby Volunteers after high school and chose to play football for the Gators. In his first season as Florida head coach, the former Heisman winner guided his team to a 5–0 record. Against Tennessee (3–0–2), the Gators fell apart. After making it to halftime only down 7–3, the Gators turned the ball over six times in the second half and made their visit to Knoxville seem more like a Tennessee homecoming game than it should have. The Vols would score 38 unanswered points in the second half.

Louisiana Tech 26 Alabama 20 Alabama was not expected to win often this year, but a victory over Louisiana Tech was still assumed in the Crimson Tide’s first homecoming game under new head coach Mike DuBose.

The team was depleted by penalties stemming from a 1993 NCAA player eligibility investigation and lost 30 scholarships between 1995 and 1998. And yet, after starting the season 4–3, Tide fans could not expect that their team’s homecoming game would begin a 4 game skid to end the season 4–7. Alabama never led in the game, and even the presence of sophomore Heisman candidate Shaun Alexander couldn’t help the Tide get the win.

1 9 9 7

2000 Central Florida

Vanderbilt 24 Georgia 22 Vanderbilt had not beaten Georgia since 1994. On homecoming, however, the Commodores went to Athens for No. 16 Georgia’s homecoming and escaped with a victory. In the second half, Vanderbilt scored two touchdowns to take a 21–13 lead. Georgia finally responded with an interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but a missed field goal and failed two-point conversion left Vanderbilt with the ball and down by one point. The Commodores converted a fourth down on their final drive to get them into comfortable field goal range and kick the winning field goal.

40 Alabama 38

Alabama came into the season ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls, and Mike DuBose finally looked ready to guide his team to a national championship in his fourth season. This would not prove to be the Tide’s year, however. Alabama started the season 1–2, and DuBose entered his resignation notice after a 21–0 shutout loss to Southern Mississippi. His resignation was denied, and DuBose took the Crimson Tide into the must-win homecoming game hoping to gain some momentum for the 3–4 Tide. The game was close throughout and featured comebacks by both teams. UCF jumped to an early 10–0 lead, but Alabama stormed back to go up 24–10. UCF answered with 37 unanswered points, and a second Alabama comeback was proved futile as UCF kicked the game-winning field goal with three seconds left. DuBose was notified after the game that he would not be returning next season.

2 0 1 2

2 0 0 6

Ole Miss 41 Auburn 20 Although Auburn was not spectacular in 2011, the team won the Chick-filA Bowl and the addition of coordinators Brian VanGorder and Scot Loeffler had the Plains abuzz. The expectations were high this season for the Tigers, but Auburn would not deliver. While this game was Ole Miss’s homecoming, the Rebels’ win was an upset simply because the team hadn’t beaten an SEC team in two years. The Tigers kept it close in the first half and went into the locker rooms tied 17–17 with Ole Miss at halftime. However, the Rebels would outscore Auburn 24–3 in the second half to steal the win and put Auburn at a previously unimaginable 0–4 conference record to start the season.

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The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Series of events adds fun to homecoming week Becky Hardy Campus Reporter

This year, Auburn’s Traditions Council decided to hold a weeklong celebration for homecoming week, with a structure similar to Auburn’s Welcome Week, said William Walick, SGA director of traditions.

The SGA Tradition’s Council wanted to reach out to the student organizations and Auburn’s community, said Sarah Worsham, executive vice president of programs.

“These could be outreach events, fundraisers for philanthropic causes, or just something fun to celebrate Auburn tradition,” Worsham said. “This is the first time SGA has reached out to other organizations so there could be an even wider variety of activities for students.”

There will be no parade this year because of scheduling conflicts, so the Tradition’s Council put together a list of various activities that will fill up the entire week.

“From swing dancing to poetry readings and the ODK homecoming float competition, there are many ways people can jump in to get involved,” Worsham said. “Various organizations will be hosting these events and the majority of them are free.”

Another reason there will be no parade this year is because in the past there had not been many student attendees, Worsham said.

“We pay close attention to past data from events and really just wanted to try a new approach to how we as an SGA helps with homecoming week,”

“

This year is the beginning push to make homecoming bigger and better for the Auburn family...”

—Sarah Worsham SGA executive vP of programs

Worsham said. “Putting together a list of activities for students to participate in during homecoming week is something similar to many of our peer institutions.”

Although SGA has put together the list of activities during Homecoming week, it is not SGA that created each activity.

“Many great student organiza-

tions and community partners have been planning and preparing for these events,” Worsham said. “The Tradition’s Council role in homecoming has been to serve as a group who puts together the list of activities to make it easy for students to find ways to get involved (much like Welcome Week).”

SGA hopes to develop a committee of people from various parts of campus that will evaluate what types of programs students and alumni would like to see more, Worsham said.

“We do believe that SGA will continue to serve in the capacity of gathering together information about campus events during the week of homecoming and hope that other student organizations will make an effort in coming years to plan a special

homecoming week event,” Worsham said.

This year’s trial run will determine whether this style of homecoming week will continue.

“This year is the beginning push to make homecoming bigger and better for the Auburn family by getting more organizations involved,” Worsham said.

SGA hopes students can continue to appreciate Auburn’s traditions and involvement opportunities.

“Many great members of the Auburn family have come before us to make this place what it is today,” Worsham said. “Reflecting on our past and welcoming home alumni should lead us to want to find ways to celebrate with our classmates during this week.”

Homecoming Event Calendar A look back

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Monday, Oct. 29 • Miss Homecoming Campaign Kickoff

3 p.m., Student Center Green Space • Start HC with MC

5 p.m., Student Activities Center 207 Tuesday, Oct. 30 • Stadium Tours

1–4 p.m., Gate 9 • Freshman Scavenger Hunt

3 p.m., Student Center Green Space Wednesday, Oct. 31 • ODK Cake Race

3:30 p.m., Student Center Green Space

Coming up

Thursday, Nov. 1 • Flashmob Rave

9 p.m., RBD Library Friday, Nov. 2 • Homecoming Float Display

All Day, Roosevelt Concourse • Miss Homecoming Voting

7 a.m.–9 a.m., online • Homecoming Swing Dance

7 p.m., The Marriott Grand National For more events, visit Auburn.edu/sga.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

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Game Day Hours Nov 3 2012

7:30am-3pm 7:30am-11:30am

Student Center Village Dining Terrell Dining More Locations

Saturday

Team Depth Charts Holder Ryan White - Jr.

10am-5pm 7:30am-5pm

7:30am-5pm 7:30am-7pm CUB STOP C-STORE

7:30am-7pm 7:30am-3pm

RYE OF THE TIGER PLAINSMEN PIZZA PLAINSMEN PASTA SIDES ON THE SIDE

8:30am-7pm 8:30am-7pm 8:30am-7pm 8:30am-7pm

TERRELL C-STORE

9am-7pm

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Quarterback Nick Carey - Jr. Travaughn Colwell - So. King Davis III - Fr. Andrew Manley - Jr. Andrew McDonald - Jr.

Kick Returner Quan Bray - So.

7:30am-7pm

10am-5pm

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Defensive End Dee Ford - Jr. Craig Sanders - Jr. Nosa Eguae - Jr. Defensive Tackle Jeffrey Whitaker - Jr. Gabe Wright - So. Tyler Nero - Fr.

Quarterback Kiehl Frazier - So. Clint Moseley - Jr. Jonathan Wallace - Fr. Running Back Onterio McCalebb - Sr. Tre Mason - So. Mike Blakely - RS Fr. Fullback Jay Prosch - Jr.

Defensive Tackle Angelo Blackson - So. Kenneth Carter - Jr. Devaunte Sigler - So.

Wide Receiver Emory Blake - Sr. Sammie Coates - RS Fr. Ricardo Louis - Fr.

Defensive End Corey Lemonier - Jr. LaDarius Owens - So. Nosa Eguae - Jr.

Wide Receiver 2 Trovon Reed - So. Travante Stallworth- Sr.

Outside Linebacker (WILL) Jonathan Evans - Sr. Justin Garrett - So.

3-wide Quan Bray - So. Tight End Brandon Fulse - So. C.J. Uzomah - So.

Middle Linebacker (MIKE) Left Tackle Jake Holland - Jr. Greg Robinson - RS Fr. Cassanova McKinzy - Fr. Shon Coleman - RS Fr. Outside Linebacker (SAM) Daren Bates - Sr. Kris Frost - RS Fr. Cornerback Chris Davis - Jr. Jonathon Mincy - So.

Left Guard John Sullen - Sr. Alex Kozan - Fr. Center Reese Dismukes - So. Tunde Fariyike - So.

Right Guard Safety Chad Slade - So. Jermaine Whitehead - So. C. Westerman - RS Fr. Demetruce McNeal - Jr. Right Tackle Safety 2 Avery Young - Fr. Demetruce McNeal - Jr. Patrick Miller - Fr. Trent Fisher - So. Place Kicker Cornerback Cody Parkey - Jr. Ryan White - Jr. Alex Kviklys - Fr. T’Sharvan Bell - Sr. Punter Punt Returner Steven Clark - Jr. Quan Bray - So. J.D. Strawbridge - Fr. Trovon Reed - So.

Defensive Line Anthony Smith - Sr. Alexander LaVoy - Sr. Chance Roberts - Jr. Eric Ramos - Sr. Donte Savage - Sr. Kevin Laudermill - Jr. Thomas Shepard - Fr. Desmond Anaya - Sr. Nick Oliva - Jr. Kalvin Cruz - Jr. Walton Taumoepeau - Sr. Matt Ramondo - Fr. Inuka Rhaheed - Fr. Mark Brown - So. Stephen Meredith - So. Linebackers Trashaun Nixon - Jr. Bryan Bonilla - Jr. Matthew Heard - Fr. Josh Smith - Jr. Deontae Ragas - Fr. Dylan Davis - Jr. B.J. Adolpho - Sr. Robert Wagner - Fr. Anthony Joyner - So. Cornerback Jeremy Harris - Sr. Cameron Fuller - Jr. Darien Johnson - Jr. Kedeem Thomas-Davis - Fr. Randell Carroll -Jr. Jordan Addison - Jr. Samuel Oyenuga - Fr. Free Safety Justin Smith - Jr. Davis Cazares - Jr. Strong Safety George Callender - Jr. Anthony Edwards - Jr. Zachery Baker - So.

Running Back Brandon Betancourt - So. Robert Clay - Sr. Devon Dozier - So. Jesse Forte - So. Germi Morrison - Sr. Akeelie Mustafa - Jr. Tiger Powell - Jr. LaFelton Traxler - Sr. Fullback David Quiroga - Sr. Wide Receiver Kemonte’ Bateman - Sr. Joshua Bowen - So. Jerrel Brown - Jr. Joe Cordova - Jr. Jeremy Fielder - Jr. Austin Franklin - So. Gary Issacson - Fr. Cole Liggins - So. Joseph Matthews - So. Rayvean Moore - Fr. Darrius Preston - Sr. Adam Shapiro - So. Brennon Shay - Jr. Kevan Walker - Sr. Marcus Williams - Sr. Tight End Andrew Dean - So. Matt Jaramillo - So. Zach Jones - Fr. Perris Scoggins - Jr. Trevor Walls - Sr. Offensive Line Alexander Trujillo - Fr. Andy Cunningham - Fr. Peter Foreman - Fr. Faison McKinnis - Fr. Davonte Wallace - Jr. Houston Clemente Fr. Andrew Kersten - Sr. Isaiah Folasa-Lutui - Fr. Ryan Arbelaez - So. Dada Richards - Jr. Valerian Ume-Ezeoke - So. Abram Holland - Fr. Mike Kaiser - Jr. Kicker Tyler Stampler - Sr. Brock Baca - Fr.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Auburn Plainsman

13

50 years of Auburn homecoming history Enjoy a blast to the past, courtesy of Auburn’s library archives, with these 1962 homecoming photos.

Clockwise FROM TOP LEFT: Mary Forbus was named miss homecoming. a student handles the eagle before flying over the field. drum major ”BIg John” Thompson led the auburn Marching band. the glomerata remembered the plainsman staff with the line, “what controversy can we spawn this week.”

John McGreever races down the field in the homecoming game against mississippi state.

14

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, November 1, 2012

An open letter to Spirit the bald eagle Lane Jones Intrigue@ theplainsman.com

Look, buddy. It’s been a rough couple of games for all of us. Particularly for you, after the dizzying flighting path you took on your way down to the field at last week’s game against Texas A&M. Instead of soaring around the stadium and touching down triumphantly on the 50-yard line, you took a seemingly random stroll about the stands. Just scoping things out, guys! Don’t mind me up here!

At one point, you left the stadium altogether (not that we can blame you—we didn’t want to watch what happened on that

field either). We were breathless as we waited for you to make the dive onto the field—partially from fear, but mostly from having to sustain our “war eagle” for so long.

Spirit, I’m not going to try and hide it from you: there’s been speculation. It’s not pretty. People are wondering what’s gotten into you. Is it all the late nights you spend out partying with chicks? Stage fright? Is it a selfconfidence issue?

Among our three beloved eagles, you are the only one that’s bald, but that’s nothing to be ashamed of. Even your close friends and family are concerned that something might be wrong. It was a little more than a year ago that you smacked straight into the glass window of a luxury box during the MSU

game while we watched from below, terrified. It’s been said that you got distracted by your own reflection and, trust me, as a girl who’s been know to spend hours in front of the mirror, I get that.

But after last week’s game, we’re starting to worry that it’s not just a one-time thing.

I mean, two guys leapt out of a moving airplane at more than 2,000 feet and still made a smoother landing than you did.

We’re worried about you, Spirit.

We don’t like to see you like this.

Our homecoming game is this week. We’re up against New Mexico State for what might be the brightest moment in a dark season. Thousands of Auburn alumni flock to Jordan-Hare stadium to relive old memories and make new ones. This is your time to shine. You can finally prove all your critics wrong.

All we’re asking is for one loop around the stands, and then you can head straight to that hunk of meat waiting for you on the ground. We believe in you. We know you can do it. And, realistically, we don’t have a whole lot to look forward to for the rest of this season. At least give us this.

Respectfully yours, Lane

Thursday, November 1, 2012

15

The Auburn Plainsman

Other weekend games for the serious sports fan Friday, Nov 2

Swimming at Kentucky Volleyball vs. Arkansas Womans Tennis vs. Houston Mens Tennis vs. Crimson Tide

Womans Tennis vs. Houston All Day Mens Tennis vs. Crimson Tide All Day

Volleyball vs. Georgia 1:30 PM Mens Tennis vs. Crimson Tide All Day

Saturday, Nov 3

2 PM 7 PM All Day All Day

Sunday, Nov 4

Danielle Lowe / Assistant Photo Editor

Freshman swimmer Valarie Inghels swims at a meet.

1710 Catherine Court Suite B Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 321-3000 www.waltonlaw.net ď §

ď §

Former City of Auburn Prosecutor Former Deputy Defense Attorney of Montgomery

No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. This is for general information only. For legal advice, contact a lawyer.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

16

The Auburn Plainsman

Weekend at a glance: events and attractions Friday, Nov. 2 Football and Forestry Program at The School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Building (8 a.m.–12 p.m.)

For those interested in forestry, courses will be offered on forest generation for the future, introduction to woodland management and managing the forest with fire. A tailgate lunch will follow after the courses. To register, call Kelly Knowles at 334-844-1010.

Football Fans and Feathers at The Edgar B. Carter Educational Amphitheater (4 p.m.)

This could be your chance to see a raptor flying closer to you than Spirit soaring on game days. Falcons, eagles and hawks will be free-flown from flight towers, and those attending will learn interesting information about the birds. Registration is not mandatory, and admission is $5 per person.

Saturday, Nov. 3

All-Star Lecture Series at Goodwin Room in the Auburn Alumni Center (4 p.m.)

Lasting about 30 minutes, Dwayne Cox will be speaking on the origin of the infamous Auburn vs. Alabama rivalry.

Fall Roundup and Taste of Alabama Agriculture at Heritage Park (8–11 a.m.)

Hosted by the College of Agriculture, this tailgate will be one to remember. The event will feature locally grown foods, a series of auctions and activities for children. Tickets are $5 at the gate.

Opelika Unplugged at the Opelika Event Center (7 p.m.)

Local musicians and songwriters are featured at Opelika Unplugged every first Friday of each month.

101 Dalmatians KIDS at Auburn Junior High School (6:30 p.m.)

Put on by the Auburn Area Community Theatre, this play will be performed by and for children. A favorite for both kids and adults, tickets are $4 for children, seniors and adults and $6 for adults.

Hudson Family Foundation Benefit Concert at the Auburn Arena (6 p.m.)

Dierks Bentley, Craig Morgan and Easton Corbin will all be playing for the Auburn Homecoming Benefit Concert for the Hudson Family Foundation, created by Tim Hudson and his wife for children in need.

• • • • • • • • • •

Book event with Hardy Jackson at The Gnu’s Room (7 p.m.)

Author Dr. Harvey H. Jackson will speak about his latest book, “The Rise and Decline of the Redneck Riviera: An Insider’s History of the FloridaAlabama Coast.” Coffee will be available for purchas, and admission is free.

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Sunday, Nov. 4 Christmas Open House in downtown Opelika (12 p.m.– 5 p.m.)

The holidays are starting early this year. Shops and vendors of downtown Opelika will be opening their doors for all things Christmas. Door prizes and free gift wrapping at select stores are also offered.

The 2012 FACES (Foundation for Auburn’s Continuing Enrichment in Schools) 5k Festival at Auburn High School (2 p.m.)

The pre-registered price is $15 or $20 the day of the race.

Pre-paid registrations will receive a T-shirt. A one-mile fun run will also be held immediately following the 5k.