A-Day that was kind of boring.

Blue 30 White 14


And here is a video highlighting some of the more exciting plays of the game. If you listen closely you can hear a man screaming every time Kodi Burns drops back to pass. He sat right in front of us and he is saying "Stick it Kodi!!! Stick it in there!!!" repeatedly until Kodi throws it or takes off running. The mind wonders where that phrase began and if he uses it anytime else. He must be Kodi's mentor, like a louder, less wise version of Mr. Miyagi. 

Overall, the "game", even with the new Spread Eagle offense, was kind of a bore. The defense didn't really do anything extraordinary and the full measure of the offense was limited by the quarterbacks wearing non-contact jerseys. I realize it is a spring game and that is how it is supposed to be. Tuberville called it one of the "most exciting spring games he had seen" which really puts Auburn's offense from last year, and pretty much every year save 2004, into perspective.

Some thoughts:

• The quarterback race still looks to be tight. Right now it appears that Kodi Burns is 1 and Chris Todd is 1a. This could change when Todd's right shoulder becomes 100% as both he and Tony Franklin say that it is only about 60-65% right now. Is that an excuse or is his shoulder really hurt that bad?
• Burns looked efficient running the offense with the first team (blue), completing 14-18 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. Todd was 17-24 for 183 yards and a touchdown with the blue team. Both looked good in the pocket but Kodi seemed, to me at least, to have a receiver locked in pre-snap and if that receiver was covered to just take of running. Often times the running back in the flat was open but Burns scrambling may be an even better choice. Going through a progression of receivers is something that will come with time and at least Kodi is not trying to force passes into well covered receivers. Todd is less mobile and dynamic than Kodi but he seems to have a better grasp of the offense. If his shoulder really is that far from 100% look for him to get some significant playing time this season. It doesn't hurt that Tony Franklin seems to really, really like him.
• The receivers had a decent day. Some easy balls were dropped but for the most part they looked to be consistent. James Swinton had an impressive catch and run and the much maligned Tommy "Not a blocking tight end" Trott (original credit to Joe Cribbs Car Wash) looked impressive in the hybrid slot/tight end role.
• Ben Tate was the only scholarship running back to get significant playing time. He had 22 yards on 5 carries and 2 touchdowns. Anthony Jemison, a walk on running back, also had some impressive runs.
• The tempo of the offense seemed to wear down the defense. By the end of the 1st half, and especially the 2nd half, most of the defense was sucking wind. Their fatigue probably also had something to do with the lack of breaks and the 48 minutes of football that was compressed into 2 hours.
• The punting from Ryan Shoemaker and Patrick Tatum was atrocious. Thank goodness for punter #85 (I could look it up but I don't want to) and his towering punting abilities. Tatum and Shoemaker better watch out.
• Middle linebacker Josh Bynes had an impressive pick six. He will be getting a good deal of playing time methinks. 

Only 6 more months until the 2008 season kicks off. A preview video from autiger96 for your viewing pleasure.