Over the weekend myself, the wife and kids were talking about this upcoming football season seeing how they like to attend a game or two every year and I was telling them that I think this season is one of the most important for Auburn football in a long time. But not just because of the conference losses from last season and the offensive play calling but mostly due to all the heartache that the University and the community has endured the past few months. Nothing pulls a fan base and a community together more than success on the football field. Probably shouldn't be that way but it is especially in this state and the SEC. So I think Malzhan already has a lot of pressure on him to win this year from his on doings but also I think it's more now with the tragic deaths of Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula. Plus the fatal shooting of Officer Buechner.

Do y'all agree with that?

Umm, no. Winning football pulls a community together? That might be the saddest commentary on priorities in this state that I've ever heard, if it is true. It's a game played by kids that most people on this site regard as "Democrats and thugs" so I'm not sure why it would be so uplifting or important for a state or community for them to win.

I do agree Gus is getting fired if he doesn't win 10 plus games but that was happening anyway, in my opinion.

I said it probably shouldn't be that way Bill but it is. And I don't think it's always a bad thing either. Hurting communities at times rally around sports to help with the loss especially when they are tragic accidents like these. Just my opinion.

I get what you’re saying Leroy.

I remember when the Tornado came through just north of Birmingham 20 years ago and the community rallied around one another and the churches were a main focal and rallying point . The same with April 2011 tornadoes. The same on 9-11. If football has become that important then it's no wonder the country is so screwed up that it looks to politicians as saviours and to their favorite news source as their bible.

I hate that Rod and Paula were killed. It's a horrible thing.

But if players need someone's death to rally around, or a tragic happening, or something other than their own personal motivation to excel and win, IMO they're not playing for the right reasons. It's a lot of Knute Rockne "win one for the Gipper" stuff that still exists and is magnified by social media.


All y'all who played any sport, ever, did you play to win for your mother or father? For your friends in the stands? For a girlfriend? For your Granny who was bedridden with gout?

No. You played first and foremost for yourself and team. Everything else is nice or sounds good, but it's secondary and something fans get all giddy about because they're clueless fans who never played. They want everything to be happy and "Do it for ..." someone and if anyone ever says anything that isn't happy-unicorn positive about Big Ol' Fambly U. they get their shorts twisted in a knot.

A lot of different events motivate people in different ways. I didn't say that it will or should motivate Auburn football on the field but it helps ease the pain as a fan base when you win. I've at times have found that extra something I needed due to a heavy heart. And when I did play it wasn't for me. It was for my team mates, community and my school. I'm guessing it's on Coach Malzhan's mind more than the players due to his relationship with Rod plus his understanding of how football wins can rally a fan base for a lot of different reasons.

I played my a$$ off in the only game my father (had cancer) came to see me play. A 10 win season in AU will cure a lot of hurt.

I think it definately gives incentive. But with head dumbass behind the wheel it won’t happen

I disagree

I think the pain and shock of a death(s) can be a motivator and rallying point in the short time after the deaths. How many kids have we seen go out and play the games of their lives within the week after a beloved grandparent has died? In this case though I think by the time football season rolls around, the grieving will be over for most AU people and players. If they need to find a rallying point it needs to be playing for Mahlzan's job if they want to continue playing for him.

I get it Leroy. Arguing for arguing's sake has never appealed to me.

I think (sadly) the Bramlett death will be the only thing that gets some play.

It is a very important season though. Gus needs to win big in order to keep his job.

Some say the job has already been filled and the replacement is just waiting patiently in “retirement”.

With the schedule in front of them, Gus has his work cut out for him.

*****Spoiler alert*****

Perennial 8-4 program, goes 8-4

We'll be lucky to go 7-5 this year. That IDOT Leath may give him another extension if we go 8-4.

I agree Urban Meyer would be a great hire

Mark Richt...

Urban Kiffen Richt Jawbone and Tubbs and Bowden and Petrino so far.....Dont forget Mullin and Spurrior too, Mullin said he aint skeered to move but pat don't like him and plus they gotta pay that goofy gus off....What I heard....