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We’re a week away from Christmas, and so we’re all starting to really think about the gifts that’ll be in our stockings and under the tree at all of our orange and blue abodes. I know on my list I’ve got a fantastic offensive line for 2018, a ton of touchdowns as stocking stuffers, and a dominating win over UCF on New Year’s Day as the big ticket item this holiday season.
Last night, our coordinators met with the media ahead of that bowl game, and so head off to your final few days in the office with the words from Kevin Steele and Chip Lindsey.
What Kevin Steele, Chip Lindsey said about Auburn's bowl prep and UCF ahead of the Peach Bowl https://t.co/WCijP1Apr1
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) December 18, 2017
Since we’ll lose the majority of our offensive line that turned out to be very good this season, we’ll need to find some dudes to replace the studs we had up front. That process has already begun.
Auburn OC Chip Lindsey said Nick Brahms has been mostly at center, and he'll be in the mix for the starting job in 2018. He was named the offensive scout team player of the year.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) December 18, 2017
.@MGMAdvertiser STORY (w/VIDEO): With Auburn losing 4 starters off OL unit for 2018, early bowl practices key for youthful talent - https://t.co/sn9HijQeMA pic.twitter.com/vY6crxjz0W
— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) December 18, 2017
Customarily at this time of year, there are scrimmages done with a ton of the younger players, and we usually see guys emerge before the bowl that will make a big impact next season. It’s no different here in 2017.
Auburn DC Kevin Steele said Jordyn Peters played some at cornerback, nickel and safety in the scrimmage today. He stood out the most of the young guys.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) December 18, 2017
Auburn OC Chip Lindsey also mentioned RB Devan Barrett, WR Noah Igbinoghene, TE/HB John Samuel Shenker, OT Calvin Ashley and OG Nick Brahms as other bright young players in bowl practice.
— Justin Ferguson (@JFergusonAU) December 18, 2017
We’ll certainly be excited to see exactly which guys make that impact next year, and we may even get a glimpse in 2018 when the Tigers suit up against the Knights in Atlanta.
In the NFL yesterday, this is too good not to share. Cam Newton and the Panthers beat the Packer 31-24, and Cam was dialed in physically and mentally, toying with the Green Bay defense all day long.
Clay Matthews: It's that wheel route, it's that wheel route
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 18, 2017
Cam Newton: You been watching film, huh?
Matthews: Yeah
Cam: That's cool. Watch this
Cam: Slant to McCaffrey TD
I can't stop watching this.pic.twitter.com/PZcfiayC7T
And back in the college ranks, the first early signing period comes this week from Wednesday to Friday, but it’s Monday that’ll be making the adjustment to college life (sorry, awful).
Auburn commit Quindarious Monday will have a back-and-forth few days this week, but he's hoping it helps give him a head start on his freshman season -- and a chance to contribute at safety https://t.co/CDUs4q7UrK pic.twitter.com/Cm8cNERqVA
— Tom Green (@Tomas_Verde) December 17, 2017
And finally today, Auburn basketball’s got the best record in the SEC at 9-1 after beating Middle Tennessee 76-70 on Saturday evening. Have a couple of takeaways from the win and what it means for the Tigers going forward. They’ll take on Murray State tomorrow evening at home.
Read up on the takeaways from Auburn's victory vs. Middle Tennessee in today's Tiger Trio.#WarEaglehttps://t.co/JgBqB95Pu3
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) December 17, 2017
War Eagle!