.....and I think this is the most INTENTS the buildup to this game has been in that time. I think there are several factors at play here.
One is there have been many matchups over that time where there was a talent disparity. My first few years here as well as the last eight or so, we were on the down side of that. There were several 42-14 type beatdowns in there. In the late 90s/early 2000s, we were better and won four in a row, a couple of them with relative ease. Croom somehow pulled one out of his fat *** three years ago to keep it from being a complete wash. And the 3-2 game lives in infamy as two completely inept teams.
There have also not been many years when both teams were trying to have strong seasons, and an early game like this meant so much. When this game was played in early to mid-October, you sort of knew who you were by then. But this year, each team is looking to establish something. For Auburn, it is the validation that their lofty goals are in fact realistic, and that they could indeed challenge for the West. For State, I think it's more about getting to and beyond the 6-6 mark. With some winnable games down the road, an early win over Auburn would set the Dogs up for a nice season.
Then there's the Cam Newton factor. Enough said.
I think each fan base is also thirsting to prove that their second year head coach was the better hire. I think almost each fan base is unanimous in thinking that theirs was the better choice, as they should. In an of itself tomorrow doesn't settle this one, but it gives one of these coaches a heads up in that argument.
I guess cowbells are in there too. Auburn fans seem to be more vocal than some others about them, but maybe thats just because I live here.
All in all, I think someone is leaving Scott Field (still my preferred name for our facility) with some hurt feelings and a loooooooot of disappointment. Because both fan bases and probably teams and staffs are convinced that they are going to win.
One is there have been many matchups over that time where there was a talent disparity. My first few years here as well as the last eight or so, we were on the down side of that. There were several 42-14 type beatdowns in there. In the late 90s/early 2000s, we were better and won four in a row, a couple of them with relative ease. Croom somehow pulled one out of his fat *** three years ago to keep it from being a complete wash. And the 3-2 game lives in infamy as two completely inept teams.
There have also not been many years when both teams were trying to have strong seasons, and an early game like this meant so much. When this game was played in early to mid-October, you sort of knew who you were by then. But this year, each team is looking to establish something. For Auburn, it is the validation that their lofty goals are in fact realistic, and that they could indeed challenge for the West. For State, I think it's more about getting to and beyond the 6-6 mark. With some winnable games down the road, an early win over Auburn would set the Dogs up for a nice season.
Then there's the Cam Newton factor. Enough said.
I think each fan base is also thirsting to prove that their second year head coach was the better hire. I think almost each fan base is unanimous in thinking that theirs was the better choice, as they should. In an of itself tomorrow doesn't settle this one, but it gives one of these coaches a heads up in that argument.
I guess cowbells are in there too. Auburn fans seem to be more vocal than some others about them, but maybe thats just because I live here.
All in all, I think someone is leaving Scott Field (still my preferred name for our facility) with some hurt feelings and a loooooooot of disappointment. Because both fan bases and probably teams and staffs are convinced that they are going to win.
