Countdown to Kickoff: 42 Days

Tommy Tuberville’s return to Oxford, MS in 2000 ended up being a good one for the former Rebels’ coach. The Tigers were coming off a close win over Wyoming to open the season (Rudi Johnson’s first appearance on the countdown) and would need another huge effort from their stud back to start the year 2-0. That’s exactly what they got from Rudi Johnson.

The JUCO product carried the ball 29 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns. One of those occurred with Auburn facing 4th & 2 down 6 early in the 4th quarter. It indeed, was “Rudi time”.

That touchdown would put Auburn ahead for good as the Tigers escaped Oxford with a 35-27 win. To the anger of many fans in attendance, as time expired Auburn players lifted Tubs on their shoulders to celebrate the victory. Turned out Tubs didn’t need a “pine box” to leave Oxford, just a better offer from a better program....

42 days till kickoff! War Eagle!