Auburn Football All-Access Podcast

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 211, January 3, 2020 Jan 03, 2020

What went wrong in the Outback Bowl, and looking to 2020

Despite Bowl games which are not part of the college football playoff being, in some ways, not overly meaningful to a season, the manner in which Gus Malzahn’s Auburn team appeared unprepared and less motivated in the 31-24 loss to Minnesota unavoidably dims the luster off the impressive 48-45 Iron Bowl win over archrival Alabama.

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion, and a look ahead to what will surely be a critical year for Malzahn now eight years into his tenure at Auburn.

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 210, December 24, 2019 Dec 24, 2019

Auburn Tiger fans in the Christmas (and New Year’s Day Bowl!) spirit!

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for a spirited Christmas edition of the Auburn Football All-Access Podcast show!

The stocking stuffers for banter include favorite Christmas movies, the very promising Gus Malzahn hiring of offensive coordinator Chad Morris, the outstanding group of early signing day recruits, the overall vibe of Auburn football, and more!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 209, December 11, 2019 Dec 11, 2019

Riding high off an epic 48-45 Iron Bowl win, the Tigers look to a New Year’s Day matchup with the Minnesota Golden Gophers

For residents of the great state of Alabama, hailing in the Christmas holidays with Iron Bowl bragging rights makes spirits brighter and smiles bigger, to be sure.

Having put the wraps on a solid, albeit not magical, 9-3 season, the Auburn Tigers now prepare for an interesting New Year’s Day Outback Bowl matchup with charismatic head coach P. J. Fleck’s Minnesota Golden Gophers. This will be the second straight Auburn Bowl match with a Big Ten team, having boat-raced the Purdue Boilermakers last year.

Join Coach Ray and Doug Dean for the banter, including a final return “victory lap” look at the EPIC 2019 Iron Bowl!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 208, December 4, 2019 Dec 04, 2019

In one of the more electric Iron Bowls of all time, the Tigers get it done!

Epic, historic praise for the Iron Bowl rivalry is hardly anything new. But are you kidding me? An outrageous TEN lead changes, a mind-numbing THIRTY EIGHT points scored in merely the last 5:47 of the 2nd quarter between the teams, TWO pick sixes by the Auburn defense – one an Iron Bowl record 100 yard pick six in the 3rd quarter, a kickoff return by Bama’s Jaylen Waddle for a TD, a near decapitation of Bama’s best tackler, McKinney, by diminutive RB Shaun Shivers for Auburn’s go-ahead TD. And a perfect FIVE field goals outside 40 yards by Auburn kicker Anders Carlson, the game MVP.

WOW, this Iron Bowl had it ALL. And not to mention a DOINK 30-yard field goal by Bama’s Joe Bulovas with 2:00 left which would have tied the game, followed by a brilliant Gus Malzahn 4th down scheme which duped “greatest of all-time head coach” Nick Saban into a game-ending substitution penalty which bailed the Tigers out of punting to game-breaking returner, Jaylen Waddle.

Don’t miss the fun, hilarity, and analysis of the Auburn 48 Bama 45 Iron Bowl, which was an instant classic!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 207, November 27, 2019 Nov 27, 2019

Can the Auburn Tigers wreck Bama’s college football playoff hopes?

Sure, it’s Thanksgiving week, but here in the deep South, particularly in the state of Alabama, it’s IRON BOWL week, as the Auburn Tigers prepare to host 5th ranked Alabama in Jordan-Hare Stadium this Saturday, November 30th.

The game is very possibly a “play-in” game for the Tide, depending on how this Saturday’s final regular season and a week later, the conference championship games go, particularly in the Utah vs Oregon and LSU vs Georgia title games. Playoff guru Heather Dinich believes that Nick Saban’s 1-loss Bama team – due to a shaky at best “resume” in schedule difficulty – must “crush” Auburn in order to sway voters.

WHAT? The term “crush” or “dominate” has at NO point this season been used to describe Auburn’s three losses which were to # 1 ranked LSU (23-20), Georgia (21-14), and Florida in close one in the Swamp. The Auburn defense simply doesn’t let you breathe offensively to light up the scoreboard. So Bama plans to accomplish that with star QB Tua Tagovailoa out and backup QB Mac Jones trying to solve this elite Auburn defense?

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the fun and analysis on this monster rivalry week, and even grab a couple of holiday culinary tips from “Chef Ray”!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 206, November 21, 2019 Nov 21, 2019

Auburn’s offensive woes cost it another big SEC game

Given the opportunity to take on # 4 ranked archrival Georgia in the rabid confines of Jordan-Hare stadium, the Auburn Tigers’ defense delivered a winning performance, stuffing Georgia with a remarkable NINE “three and out’s” on offense, and in the 4th quarter, suffocating the Bulldogs’ offense to a paltry 4 total yards.

Surely that would be plenty to deliver what would be a very big Amen Corner win? Unfortunately, it was not, as the continuing woes and lack of a consistent, planned “identity” on Coach Gus Malzahn’s 2019 offense was the culprit, as the Tigers were stuffed for zero points through the first three quarters. And although the offense caught fire in the final quarter to close the score to 21-14, they again came up short as Bo Nix was unable to deliver on critical plays down the stretch.

Up next, a likely breather game against Samford, and then, the 83rd edition of the Iron Bowl on November 30, 2019.

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 205, November 13, 2019 Nov 14, 2019

Can the Auburn Tigers make November, 2019 a month to remember?

Amen Corner, as former Auburn Coach Pat Dye dubbed the Georgia and Alabama rivalry games of late November, has arrived on the Plains in Auburn. With the college football playoff committee’s ranking of LSU as the # 1 ranked team coming off of their emotional 46-41 road win over the Crimson Tide, the national – and SEC country – discussion centers heavily around one team which has the opportunity to be a November dream wrecker.

The Auburn Tigers’ only two losses, as it turns out, have been in the Swamp against a # 11 ranked Florida Gator team, and by the score of 23-20 against the # 1 ranked team in all of college football.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis of the hugely important renewal of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, # 4 ranked Georgia vs # 12 ranked Auburn, Jordan-Hare stadium, November 16, 2019.

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 204, October 30, 2019 Oct 31, 2019

In the wake of the crushing loss in Baton Rouge, Auburn still has huge games ahead

The Auburn Tigers turned in what would be considered one of the more brilliant defensive game plans and efforts in Baton Rouge, holding the juggernaut LSU offense to a mere 24 points, half of their eye-popping season average of 50 points.

And that is precisely what will sting about the loss, as once again in a big road game, the Auburn offense sputtered, stumbled, and could find little rhythm or success. Nonetheless, the Tigers’ found themselves down only 23-20 with a desperation shot at an onsides kick with two minutes left, which came up short.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion, and how Auburn must rally in a hurry as some huge games remain, all of which will be in home Jordan-Hare stadium.

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 203, October 24, 2019 Oct 24, 2019

Auburn must be road warriors to end 20-year drought in Baton Rouge

The stakes simply do not get any higher in a midseason SEC West tilt between the # 2 and # 9 ranked LSU and Auburn Tigers this Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge.

LSU is riding extremely high with the nation’s most potent aerial attack, an oddity to even say in the same breath as “LSU”. Meanwhile, Auburn just may have a mad on as they recently are mentioned at best as an afterthought to contend for the SEC title and playoff selection.

Can Malzahn and Kevin Steele bring a smart, bold plan that knocks LSU back on their heels, and sets up this weekend’s big stunner?

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 202, October 17, 2019 Oct 17, 2019

How Gus Malzahn’s staff must use the Arkansas road game to ready for the brutal home stretch

In the wake of the bitter – and entirely avoidable – 24-13 loss to the Florida Gators in the Swamp, what lies ahead now for Gus Malzahn’s 5-1 Auburn Tigers is nothing short of a bloody gauntlet which includes a road trip to face currently undefeated LSU in Death Valley, and November home sweet home stands against an improving Ole Miss, Georgia, and # 1 ranked Alabama.

The first order of business coming off the open date is to take care of business in FayetteNam, against a Razorbacks team that fought the Aggies hard, but has more problems on both sides of the ball than they’re likely to fix against an elite Auburn defense, and capable Tigers offense.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 201, October 10, 2019 Oct 11, 2019

How must Auburn use the open date to correct the problems exposed in The Swamp?

Few football season open dates have come at a better time than this one for Gus Malzahn’s Auburn team, coming off the bitter “one that got away” against Florida in the Swamp, and dealing with the injury of bell cow running back Boobee Whitlow.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the banter!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 200, October 3, 2019 Oct 03, 2019

Here We Go Again, 25 Years Later: Battle of Undefeated’s in The Swamp

In a curious twist of fate, the undefeated and 7th ranked Auburn Tigers will head to Florida Field in Gainesville, aka “The Swamp” to take on the 10th ranked and also undefeated Florida Gators.

The last time this happened was exactly 25 years ago, as then Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix led the Tigers to a stunning 36-33 upset of # 1 ranked Florida, who was a 16-point favorite at home.

This Saturday, the Tigers will again be led by a QB named Nix, whose father and high school coach, Patrick, will watch on from the stands.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis of the clear-cut college football headliner this Saturday, October 5th!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 199, September 26, 2019 Sep 26, 2019

Surging 4-0 Auburn Tigers return home to settle score with Miss. State

The consensus pundit opinion of Auburn’s stunning 28-20 victory over the Texas A&M Aggies last Saturday was that Gus Malzahn and his staff flat out laid the wood to Jimbo Fisher and Co in the coaching department. It was as problematic a loss for the $75 Million man, Fisher, as it was a huge road win for Malzahn, whose surging Tigers are now ranked 7th in the AP Poll and in the conversation as the team with the current best resume as the college football playoff committee might tend to evaluate it.

The big challenge this week is to get the team back to earth, and to that end, Malzahn has trumpeted early and often his recollection of what he called the “embarrassing” loss in Starkville a year ago as the Tigers prepare to face 3-1 Mississippi State in a 6:00 p.m. kickoff in Jordan-Hare this Saturday.

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 198, September 19, 2019 Sep 19, 2019

Undefeated Auburn takes its show on the road to College Station

As both Auburn and Texas A&M enter SEC league play this week, this game is considered the prime time headliner in the CBS 2:30 p.m. CST spot, as it promises to be contested deep into the fourth quarter.

While it may at least technically not be considered a “must win” for either team should they have hopes to win the SEC West title, if you study both teams’ brutal remaining schedules, go ahead and call it “must win”. In fact, this game pits arguably the two teams with the toughest football schedules in all of college football.

And for both head coaches, the fact of their compensation is not lost on them, as Fisher’s guaranteed $75 M and Malzahn’s lucrative contract were not “invested” for a mere return of being “decent” every year. Contending for titles is the expectation, else the seat begins to grow as hot as an August in Alabama.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for analysis of keys to this game, and how both coaching staffs will opt to play it on both sides of the ball in hopes of getting off to a winning start in conference play.

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 197, September 10, 2019 Sep 11, 2019

Auburn Tigers are sitting pretty at 2-0, 8th in the nation . . . or are they?

Ah, such is the reality of college football, right? Is that spectacular glass of Cabernet half FULL? Or are my eyes fooling me, and it’s half EMPTY in merely week two of the 2019 college football season?

Metaphorically, speaking, that is . . .

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for analysis of exactly where the Auburn Tigers sit week three of the college football season, with arguably the best defense in the SEC, yet an offense which, albeit only two games in, has Auburn fans frustrated and befuddled given that this is head coach Gus Malzahn’s seventh season.

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 196, September 4, 2019 Sep 04, 2019

Coach Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers Start the 2019 Campaign with a Bang

While it is usually ill-advised to open your college football season against a top-15 opponent, if you find a way to escape with a win, it can inject a big dose of confidence for your team.

That was exactly the case as the Auburn Tigers overcame a slow start, their defense ultimately lived up to billing, and TRUE freshman QB Bo Nix was able to deliver a game-winning strike to WR Seth Williams with only 9 seconds on the clock to seal a 27-21 Auburn win!

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis!

Intro music provided by Royalty Free Music: https://www.youtube.com/royaltyfreezone

Music used: For You King by Ender Güney https://www.youtube.com/c/NCMEpicMusic

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/…

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 195, August 29, 2019 Aug 29, 2019

Are you ready for some football? As in, the huge Auburn vs Oregon matchup?

For most college football coaches, the textbook wisdom would hold that you schedule the Fighting Sisters of the Poor as your opening game to avoid a blemish on your record right out of the gate.

So what does Auburn do for Gus Malzahn in this, a critical must win season, with the head coach starting a true freshman at QB? Book an opening game with the 11th ranked Oregon Ducks, who will be starting the odds on first round QB draft in Justin Herbert.

But Malzahn appears to be embracing this opportunity for his Auburn team, who most pundits believe to have the first or second toughest schedule in all of college football.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis, as we kick yet another joyous season of college football here in the Deep South!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 194, August 14, 2019 Aug 14, 2019

Fall camp heats up as Auburn prepares for the Oregon Ducks

In an August 31st game which is clearly the most significant prime time opening weekend game, the Auburn Tigers and Oregon Ducks will face off in “JerryWorld”. While the game may not be technically a “must win” for either head coach, Mario Cristobal or Gus Malzahn, it comes about as close to it as possible if you study the team schedules and gauge the temperature on Malzahn’s proverbial hot seat.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they kick off the football podcasting season, with the huge season opener a mere 17 days out!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 193, May 30, 2019 May 30, 2019

On a Saturday night, Memorial Day weekend, May 25th, 2019, tragedy struck in a two car accident, taking the lives of Auburn legendary play-by-play announcer Rod Bramblett, and his wife, Paula.

Join show cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they fondly remember the life and brilliant impact of Rod Bramblett, the “voice of the Auburn Tigers” since 2003, and for 10 years prior to that calling Auburn baseball.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 192, April 17, 2019 Apr 17, 2019

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean with an in-depth discussion of the apparent strengths and weaknesses for Gus Malzahn’s 2019 Auburn football team.

While the focus among fans is naturally the competition at QB, there appears to be an embarrassment of riches at a few other positions.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 191, April 12, 2019 Apr 12, 2019

After an absolutely obligatory tip of the hat to Auburn Coach Bruce Pearl, and the 2018-2019 Auburn basketball team’s historic Final Four run, Coach John Ray and Doug Dean take a sneak peak at a few of the key findings from Coach Gus Malzahn’s spring work for the coming football season.

With Auburn’s A-Day game this weekend, the available analytical data to forecast this 2019 football season will ramp up!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 190, February 7, 2019 Feb 08, 2019

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode190, February 7, 2019

Breaking down the Auburn 2019 Signing Class

Ah, the twists, turns, and 12th hour drama that is college football recruiting! On the “second wave” of signing day, February 6, 2019, the Auburn Tigers landed several critical targets including 4-star DL Charles Moore, and top 100 running back Mark-Antony Richards.

The sting lingered, however, with the shocker “flip” of 550-day Auburn committed WR, George Pickens, who signed with Georgia.

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis of this 11th ranked college football signing class, which is loaded with a number of likely high-impact players, even as true freshmen.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 189, January 18, 2019 Jan 18, 2019

Will Auburn finish strong in recruiting?

Coach Gene Chizik said it well – college football recruiting is a lot like shaving, if you go one day without doing it, it starts to show.

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for discussion of important developments in college football and Auburn football, with a particular focus on how Malzahn’s staff is working to finish strong leading up to the February 6th, 2019 (second) national signing day.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 188, January 1, 2019 Jan 01, 2019

There is always a danger in reading too much, or alternatively, too little into a dominating Bowl win in terms of what it may portend for the following football season. For example, the 2003 Auburn Tigers ended that disappointing season with an impressive 28-14 Music City Bowl win over Wisconsin, and in 2004, ran the table undefeated, though spurned from the BCS “mythical” National Championship game. But as many or more Bowl game wins – or losses – prove to be irrelevant to the following season’s fortunes.

Join show cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion, in this the first show of the New Year!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 187, December 19, 2018 Dec 19, 2018

With Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn having survived apparent opposition to his continued tenure as head coach in 2019, the focus moved quickly to the critical early signing period in recruiting. The Auburn staff is to be commended for holding the 2019 signing class largely intact to this point.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 186, November 30, 2018 Dec 01, 2018

Sorting out the mess: How secure is Gus Malzahn as Auburn head coach?

In the wake of a frankly embarrassing 7-5 regular season which included blowout “Amen Corner” losses to archrivals Georgia and Alabama, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn has arguably his lowest level of fan base support since 2013.

The lack of confidence in Malzahn is by all evidence not limited to rabid Auburn fans, but is pervasive among Auburn power brokers who reportedly have worked to press Auburn president Stephen Leath and AD Allen Greene to find a way to move on from the Malzahn era immediately.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion as Bowl season is upon us!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 185, November 22, 2018 Nov 23, 2018

As a 24 1/2 point Iron Bowl underdog, the 2018 Auburn Tigers certainly have the table set for what would indisputably be college football’s most stunning upset of the year, should they find a way to navigate the admittedly narrow path to victory in Bryant-Denny stadium this Saturday.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion of Iron Bowls past, and the factors which most likely will have to come into play for the Tigers to pull the shocker against the # 1 ranked, undefeated Crimson Tide.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 184, November 16, 2018 Nov 16, 2018

As Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn tries to pick up the pieces from yet another embarrassing loss to archrival Georgia in Athens, a very disappointing 2018 season result of 7-5 looms as likely with the remaining two games including a likely win over Liberty this Saturday, followed by what appears a near impossible road game against No. 1 ranked, undefeated Alabama on November 24th.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion of where things stand with Malzahn, and with Auburn football heading into next season as Malzahn appears likely to return for his 7th season as Auburn head football coach.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 183, November 8, 2018 Nov 08, 2018

Riding the wave of a stunning 10 point come from behind victory over the Texas A&M Aggies, Gus Malzahn got words of confidence from AD Allen Greene that he will return as head coach for 2019.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion, covering a look back at the win over the Aggies, Malzahn’s newfound job security as head coach, and the renewal of the deep South’s oldest rivalry between the hedges this Saturday night!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 182, November 1, 2018 Nov 01, 2018

While in no way impacting the SEC West race standings, this Saturday’s Auburn vs Texas A&M game at Jordan-Hare stadium has major implications for the head coaching future of Gus Malzahn at Auburn. It is not an overstatement to term it “must win”, most likely.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 181, October 25, 2018 Oct 25, 2018

It certainly seemed that going on the road to Oxford, MS last Saturday was the right medicine for an Auburn team, and head coach, Gus Malzahn who were under considerable fire after playing so poorly in a loss to the Tennessee Vols. Auburn played superb defensively, largely shutting down the explosive Rebels offense, and the Tigers even managed to break 250 yards in rushing, which had been elusive all season.

At the same time, the good will gained can evaporate quickly if the losing returns against first year head coach Jimbo Fisher and his Texas A&M Aggies who will visit Jordan-Hare stadium on November 3rd.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the discussion as where Coach Malzahn stands, and the opportunity for the Tigers heading into a very challenging Amen Corner.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 180, October 18, 2018 Oct 18, 2018

Coach Gus Malzahn on Perilously Thin Ice

Objectively, sixth year Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn has gotten himself in an extremely treacherous position in terms of his job security going forward. While that may sound odd to the casual observer given Malzahn’s agent Jimmy Sexton leveraging an insane $32 million buyout last December, the ardent support of both the Auburn fan base and power brokers is evaporating.

Against this backdrop of desperation, Auburn heads to Oxford to take on an Ole Miss team that can light up the scoreboard, yet struggle to stop almost any offense. The outcome could make the coming bye week seem like the longest two weeks in memory with the Texas A&M Aggies coming to Jordan-Hare on November 3rd.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 179, October 11, 2018 Oct 11, 2018

For all realistic purposes for the Auburn Tigers, the 2018 season’s hopes to contend for the SEC well into November went up in smoke in a miserable performance in Starkville last Saturday night, as the Tigers lost 23-9.

The heat level on head coach Gus Malzahn, including from his own fan base, is palpable, as almost no noticeable improvement has occurred with the offense now six games into the season. Showing some progress, and delivering a win over first year VOLS head coach Jeremy Pruitt can be fairly called desperately needed.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 178, Oct. 4, 2018 Oct 04, 2018

Auburn looks to find offense on the road in StarkVegas

Although the Auburn Tigers sit in the enviable position of a lofty 8th national ranking despite the loss to LSU, there is still a frustrating vibe among Auburn fans because of an offense that is largely anemic five games in. And conventional wisdom is that going on the road for a night game with a stout Mississippi State defense, with cowbells clanging, would not be the Rx for a cure on offense.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they break down this Auburn team, and what it will take to deliver what would be State’s third consecutive loss, and a big win which could help the Tigers get things rolling offensively.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 177, September 25, 2018 Sep 26, 2018

Missing Link: The Auburn Offense

It’s treacherous and often “bad karma” to complain about any 34-3 decisive win against an SEC opponent. But nonetheless, Auburn fans are rightly confused and frustrated that despite fielding a terrific defense, and explosive special teams, the offense simply has not found an identity and SEC caliber production as yet.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 176, September 18, 2018 Sep 18, 2018

In most any competitive SEC West game, if you hold an opponent to 122 yards rushing, and 14 of 42 passing (33% completion rate), you’d fully expect to have won the game, especially at home. But that was not the case for Auburn last Saturday, thanks to a potpourri of mistakes and blown opportunities.

In an unusual game cluttered with mistakes by the home Auburn Tigers, and a slew of penalties, the door was opened for LSU to pull the upset, which they did, 22-21.

Coach John Ray and Doug Dean analyze the key factors in the loss, as they become critical to correct as the Tigers move on with this Saturday’s Auburn vs Arkansas game.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 175, September 12, 2018 Sep 12, 2018

Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers are 7th ranked, undefeated, and sporting what usually wins you big games – a deep and elite defense, and a proven veteran quarterback in Jarrett Stidham. It also bodes well for Auburn that this Saturday’s matchup against 12th ranked LSU will be in the rabid confines of Jordan-Hare stadium, where Auburn has won 13 straight games, including back to back wins over # 1 ranked Georgia and # 1 ranked Bama last November.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis of this interesting matchup, and what it will take for Auburn to beat LSU, moving their record to 3-0 to position themselves well for a “back-loaded” schedule against Bama, Georgia, and very likely, another rematch with Georgia if they were to win the Iron Bowl.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 174, September 3, 2018 Sep 03, 2018

Key takeaways from Auburn’s huge win over # 6 ranked Washington

When December arrives, it’s entirely possible that Gus Malzahn and his coaching staff will look back on their huge 21-16 win over the Washington Huskies as critical to a selection by the college football four team playoff selection committee.

Obviously, with arguably the nation’s most brutal schedule, that fond September hope will prove to be a dashed dream unless the team is coached up to correct deficiencies which are not uncommon from an opener against a great opponent, particularly in the O-line and rushing attack.

As the surging LSU Tigers prepare to come to Jordan-Hare on September 15th, there is a lot to discuss, so join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 173, August 30, 2018 Aug 30, 2018

Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic
Auburn vs Washington
September 1, 2018

Auburn vs Washington Scouting Report

As legendary Auburn head coach, Pat Dye, was fond of saying about Thursday of big game weeks, “. . . the hay is in the barn.”

If the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Classic, featuring the SEC’s # 9 ranked Auburn vs the PAC 12’s # 6 ranked Washington is not a “must win” game for both teams’ college football playoff hopes, then it’s about as razor close to that as you’ll find.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they field listener questions, and quickly dive deep into the scouting report on Washington, and the likely keys to victory for Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers Saturday afternoon in Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz stadium!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 172, August 24, 2018 Aug 24, 2018

Game strategy and critical matchups in the Auburn vs Washington opener

Merely days remain for the coaching staffs at Washington and Auburn to put the final touches on what many consider a likely “elimination game” for the College Football Playoff. As odd as that sounds being the two top 10 ranked teams’ season opener, both the Huskies and Tigers would have to pull the football equivalent of an inside straight in poker to make the playoff after dropping the season opener.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the analysis of Washington, and how Auburn’s staff will most likely deploy as Malzahn and his staff hope to avoid what would be a third straight tough loss in the Mercedes-Benz stadium.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 171, August 17, 2018 Aug 17, 2018

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they analyze the critical elements of Auburn’s Fall Camp preparations as the team is a mere two weeks from the challenging season opener versus the Washington Huskies.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 170, August 7, 2018 Aug 07, 2018

Quite literally, the sound of “BOOM” can be heard across college football practice fields now as Fall Camp is underway with college football less than 24 days away! Coach Gus Malzahn and staff are focusing heavily on two critical question marks – a reliable starting five on the O-line, and a 2-3 deep running back rotation.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they evaluate the most significant developments for the Auburn coaching staff as they prepare for a major challenge in the September 1st season opener against preseason # 5 ranked Washington.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 169, July 25, 2018 Jul 25, 2018

With the kickoff of the long awaited 2018 college football season a mere 38 days away, the anticipation becomes palpable across the nation, with even greater fervor in the deep South!

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they discuss with special guest and best in class prognosticator, Phil Steele, what the season may bring for the Auburn Tigers, the SEC, and among the national contenders!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 168, April 9, 2018 Apr 10, 2018

Spring football work is at once extremely important to the coaching staff while being nearly useless in terms of objective forecasts of the coming season for fans and pundits.

But that’s “what we’ve got” in April, and let’s face it, in the deep South, football is already occupying minds.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they break down what Gus Malzahn and his staff have to work with in 2018, starting with a Kevin Steele defense that has all the look of “elite” in the SEC.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 167 Jan 25, 2018

No Slow Season in Auburn with a new Athletic Director, recruiting, and a red hot basketball team

As a college football fan, you can always look forward to a little R&R after the January Bowl games, since the news grinds to a halt, right? Well, No, not this January at Auburn University. In the news and of enormous significance in athletics at Auburn is the hiring of forty year-old Athletic Director, Allen Greene, who in his early days has done nothing but impress.

Meanwhile, Coach Gus Malzahn “trades” O-line coach Herb Hand for J. B. Grimes, who served on the Auburn staff prior to Hand, even as recruiting heads into the home stretch for national signing day. And Oh, by the way, Bruce Pearl’s Auburn basketball team is on a red hot run, sitting atop the SEC with a stunning 18-2 record.

Join show cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for insight and opinion on the Auburn Tigers!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 166, Dec. 28, 2017 Dec 28, 2017

Coach John Ray and Doug Dean break down the Auburn vs UCF Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl

All good things got to come to an end, be it podcast show seasons, or football seasons. And for the Auburn Tigers, “very good” is perhaps an apt descriptor for the 2017 season, though not great, having come up one game short of the college football playoff.

Join show cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean, as they break down a likely “who wants it more” matchup between the Auburn Tigers and UCF in the first big New Year’s Day Bowl game, the Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 165, December 18, 2017 Dec 19, 2017

Auburn looks to capitalize on Big Six Bowl momentum

While missing the college football playoff scene with a loss in the SEC Championship game, Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers have the enviable position of playing in a New Year’s Day “Big Six” Bowl game against the only undefeated team in the country, UCF, in the Chik-Fil-A Peach Bowl. Malzahn’s staff has capitalized on the opportunity to get valuable work for the younger players who will be counted on to make the 2018 season special as the Tigers return 18 starters from the 2017 season.

Join cohosts Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they break down where the Auburn program stands now, in contrast to a tumultuous SEC field which is marked by numerous head coaching changes.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 164, Dec. 5, 2017 Dec 05, 2017

Taking stock of a wild, rollercoaster 2017 Auburn season

Although every major Power Five conference football team sets their sights on a conference or national football championship in the preseason, once the dust settles, a 10+ win season and New Year’s Bowl berth is considered a success.

Such is the case for the Auburn Tigers, who rode an improbable streak in November, taking down No. 1 ranked Georgia and No. 1 ranked Alabama, only to run out of gas in the SEC Championship Game to Georgia 28-7.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean as they take stock of the season, and the future with a stable coaching staff, and recruiting season dead ahead.

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 163, Nov. 30, 2017 Nov 30, 2017

Can the Auburn Tigers continue surging in SEC title game rematch with Georgia?

After thrashing No. 1 ranked Alabama 26-14 in a game which could have been an even bigger margin for Auburn, the Tigers have positioned themselves for what amounts to a play-in game for the four-team playoff.

Are in-season rematches really “tricky” for the winner of the first game, as some pundits like to suggest this week? Not historically, no, and the intrigue as to what strategic elements Kirby Smart’s UGA staff will change to produce a more competitive game is captivating.

Or in the end will it be no more complicated – barring a rash of turnovers – than which team is able to win the physical war in the trenches? If so, advantage Auburn Tigers.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for the Auburn vs Georgia SEC Championship Game preview!

Auburn Football All-Access Podcast, Episode 162, Nov. 27, 2017 Nov 27, 2017

Auburn makes case as America’s hottest team in a dominant win over Alabama

With almost every SEC football poker chip pushed out on the table set in Jordan-Hare Stadium this past Saturday, Gus Malzahn’s Auburn Tigers played almost every hand brilliantly, putting away archrival Crimson Tide by the score of 26-14. The Tigers held a potent Bama offense scoreless in both the First and Fourth Quarter, while racking up over 400 yards of offense against the Tide defense.

In winning the SEC West Championship for the second time over Alabama in five years, Auburn punched its ticket for a rematch game with the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship Game next Saturday.

Join Coach John Ray and Doug Dean for an in-depth look at what the Auburn coaching staff did so very well to beat Nick Saban’s Tide team soundly in all three phases of the football game.

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