Film Room: Looking back on the best plays from the career of Smoke Monday
It is finally draft week. This is the biggest week of multiple Auburn player’s lives. After being a force at safety for 4 years, it is time for Smoke Monday to take his skills to the next level.
Monday was always a fan favorite because of his name, but his fiery attitude on the field will always be remembered. He also had some game-changing plays in his career. Let’s honor him and relive those moments on this Monday.
Monday saves Auburn and Bryan Harsin from disaster
TJ Finley gets the most credit for saving this game against Georgia State last season, deservedly so. However, Monday stepped up and made a game saving play when Georgia State’s QB had a chance to get in field goal range and tie the game. Monday, though was too good at reading the QB’s eyes over the middle and jumped the route, then took it to the house.
Andy Burcham’s radio call: “From the 25. Auburn rushes three again. Grainger looks to throw–IT’s PICKED OFF!! PICKED OFF BY SMOKE MONDAY! 25, 20, 15, 10 HE SCORES! TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!“
“Smoke Monday is going to take a glory ride!” – Joe Tessitore
A 100 yard pick-6 in a tight game against Tennessee. Monday had a flare for the clutch plays. This one came late in the game. After seeing Jarrett Guarantano stare down a few primary receivers, Monday read his eyes and baited him into a throw at the goal line. Then, Monday shows off his speed (which was better than perceived) for a glory ride.
Andy Burcham’s radio call: “From the right hash, wide side of the field to the left. Guarantano from the shotgun. Play action, with time, throws it to the ENDZONE AND IT’S PICKED OFF BY SMOKE MONDAY!! DOWN THE SIDELINE, MONDAY! STAYS ON HIS FEET, HE MAY GO THE DISTANCE! TO THE 30, TO THE 20, 15, 10, 5, TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!!! 100 YARDS! SMOKE. MONDAY.“
“Smoke Monday just smoked him!” – Brad Nessler
Monday was an unbelievable blitzer from his safety spot. He had a knack for timing the snap and getting in the backfield before anyone had a chance to block him. He did this consistently. On this one you can see he is moving full speed before the ball is even snapped. Mac Jones could only take the hit and go down. Huge play in a huge win for Auburn.
Andy Burcham’s radio call: “Play clock is down to 3. Jones get pressure, DOWN HE GOES! Auburn brought the blitz, Auburn got the blitz. Smoke Monday with the stop!“
“It’s intercepted on the fly.. SMOKE MONDAAAAYY, TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!” – Brad Nessler
If this wasn’t the best play of his career, it was close. A tie game in the Iron Bowl, he already has a sack. On 3rd and 8 he was lurking here with a disguised coverage and was there for a ball that sailed on Jones. He always knew how to find the end zone when he got the ball in his hands. This play gave Auburn momentum and the lead. Of course, the Tigers would go on to win. Monday inspired plenty of energy that day.
Andy Burcham’s radio call: “Derek Brown back in the ball game for Auburn. Jones to throw. Floats it to the sideline.. IT’s INTERCEPTED ON THE PLAY, DOWN THE SIDELINE, TIGERS! SMOKE MONDAY! HE’s GONNA SCORE! TOUCHDOWN AUBURN, TOUCHDOWN TIGERS!!“
