AUBURN BASKETBALL
Wow. That was ugly. I don't just mean the score, either. There was an average of over 1 foul per minute. The game lasted 2.5 hours. Arkansas became the first SEC team to put up 100 points in SEC play against the Tigers last night, as they came away with the 14 point victory, 101-87.
AUBURN BASEBALL
We'll have a preview of this year's baseball team up for you, this morning. It's a doozy. Kevin Ives (@AUPPL) did a fantastic job with it, as always. Sophomore pitcher / infielder Keegan Thompson was named to the Golden Spikes Award Watch List. That award honors the top amateur baseball player in the nation.
AUBURN FOOTBALL
Cornerback Kalvaraz Bessent is no longer a part of the Auburn football team. From what I've read this is not a disciplinary issue or suspension for grades, etc. Bessent has just decided to be closer to his children.
Senior linebacker Cassanova McKinzy comes in at number 9 on the list of returning SEC linebackers for next season according to Natalie Pierre. It's hard to argue either of Auburn's returning linebackers should be any higher than that.
Who is the most important player for Auburn to replace this season? Ryan Black asks that question. He says Reese Dismukes and that we will certainly see a drop-off. I'm not so sure. Reese stepped in and played well from the very beginning. I think Austin Golson (the presumed starter right now) will do very well. I think our biggest need in terms of replacing players that are gone is STILL finding someone on Jay Prosch's level as a FB/H-back. That's just me, though.
AL.com is already ramping up the previews of Auburn's signees. They first looked to the offensive line players who could make an early impact and then turn to the defensive line for the improvement in the pass rush that may come immediately.
AL.com is also continuing it's "5 signees who could..." articles with five who will need a lot of seasoning to improve on their raw talent and contribute. Prince Tega Wanogho, Jr is definitely one of those. When he masters the techniques, he could be a beast for Auburn on the end.
One player who is going to get a ton of press leading into the season is JUCO transfer Jovon Robinson. There will be numerous stories about his path to Auburn, as well as discussions of his potential. He'll have a chance to show flashes of that potential and how fast he's grasped Malzahn's offense on A-Day, as he enrolled early enough to go through bowl practices, as well.
Just how good will Byron Cowart be for Auburn? Can you estimate that based on previous star prospects? Chadd Scott takes a look at that very issue to discuss Cowart's potential.
A big congrats to one of Auburn's most loved former players, Kodi Burns. After spending a season as the running backs coach at Samford, Burns has moved on to become the wide receiver coach at Middle Tennessee State University. I don't care for the Blue Raiders due to old rivalries with my other favorite team, but I'll dislike them just a tiny bit less with Kodi on their sidelines.
AUBURN INFO
Just a reminder of Everett's info on everything going on in Auburn this weekend! There is a lot. Baseball, softball, a Top 10 gymnastics match-up on Friday, and the planting of new oak trees at Toomer's Corner on Saturday morning.