I have been looking at this game for a while and here's what I got. I know I said I was going to play Va Tech as my only bowl play, but I can't resist on this one.
Points to ponder for Auburn:
This game has huge implications for Auburn as they are poised to make a national championship run in 2006 and Tuberville is very aware of how important pre-season rankings are (see 2004). He knows that Auburn was 5 missed field goals away from winning the west this season and after wins over UGA and Alabama, he now has Auburn back on everyone's radar. He is not taking this game lightly. Last year's Auburn team peaked after their big win over UGA, and they were just too talented to lose to Alabama or Virginia Tech even though they didn't play well in either game. This year's team is peaking right now. Auburn's O-line is the best in the country IMO, and everyone is back healthy on both sides of the ball. Kevin Sears at LB is the only key player out for AU. Auburn's biggest weakness and liability was Tre Smith at punt returner, but he has been demoted to third string. Throw in the fact that members of UW's coaching staff have called out Auburn's undersized Center, Joe Cope. This has provided some bulletin board material for Auburn, and that never a good thing.
I realize that this is Alvarez's last game, and he has an excellent bowl record as HC. I have been looking at every angle on this game, and I haven't come up with one solid angle on why Auburn should not be a play for me. I'm not thrilled about laying 10, but I just don't see this one going any other way. AU has too much speed on both sides of the ball, and I don't see UW being able to run against AU's d-line. Too much on the line here for Auburn not only to win, but win with style points to impress the AP and coaches going into next season. Not a huge play for me as Va Tech -7.5 is my big game tomorrow, but a nice sized play on Auburn -10
Auburn 41
Wisconsin 14
Points to ponder for Auburn:
This game has huge implications for Auburn as they are poised to make a national championship run in 2006 and Tuberville is very aware of how important pre-season rankings are (see 2004). He knows that Auburn was 5 missed field goals away from winning the west this season and after wins over UGA and Alabama, he now has Auburn back on everyone's radar. He is not taking this game lightly. Last year's Auburn team peaked after their big win over UGA, and they were just too talented to lose to Alabama or Virginia Tech even though they didn't play well in either game. This year's team is peaking right now. Auburn's O-line is the best in the country IMO, and everyone is back healthy on both sides of the ball. Kevin Sears at LB is the only key player out for AU. Auburn's biggest weakness and liability was Tre Smith at punt returner, but he has been demoted to third string. Throw in the fact that members of UW's coaching staff have called out Auburn's undersized Center, Joe Cope. This has provided some bulletin board material for Auburn, and that never a good thing.
I realize that this is Alvarez's last game, and he has an excellent bowl record as HC. I have been looking at every angle on this game, and I haven't come up with one solid angle on why Auburn should not be a play for me. I'm not thrilled about laying 10, but I just don't see this one going any other way. AU has too much speed on both sides of the ball, and I don't see UW being able to run against AU's d-line. Too much on the line here for Auburn not only to win, but win with style points to impress the AP and coaches going into next season. Not a huge play for me as Va Tech -7.5 is my big game tomorrow, but a nice sized play on Auburn -10
Auburn 41
Wisconsin 14
