I’m Mike the Tiger. And this is MikeBlog. Without using any state funds, I’ve gotten my paws on a laptop computer and somehow got on the Internet. With a bit of luck, I plan to sneak around with the football team on road trips this season and find out what really happens. I’ll share what I can with you.
Check back from now until the end of the game (and maybe later) to get the view from the Eye of the Tiger.
FOURTH QUARTER
The LSU offense was able to get out of the shadow of its endzone and advance to midfield before a holding penalty stopped the drive. Plenty of time left in this one, as field position has again changed in LSU’s favor, but it’s time to get a defensive stop to get off the field.
We got one. I thought the comeback was on, but unfortunately, it didn’t happen today.
Time for the short trip back, that becomes quite long after a loss.
Thanks for reading.
THIRD QUARTER
The early-second-half hush that’s come over the stadium seems like more of an effort to conserve energy for another crazy finish rather than a lack of enthusiasm. Not to mention TV timeouts that seem to take 12 minutes.
The firework started again when Auburn completed a 12-play, 75-yard drive for the first touchdown against the LSU defense this season. Irons did the damage with 38 yards rushing, while Cox took it in from 1 yard on third-and-goal.
Time to answer the call!
We’ve got the ball and are showing signs of life down the field. Running the ball doesn’t look too promising, so its time once again for a JaMarcus Russell fourth-quarter comeback. He’s got six in his career though he’s started only 18 games — vs. Oregon St. in ’04, vs. Ole Miss in ’04, at Arizona St. in ’05, vs. Florida in ’05, vs. Auburn in ’05, and at Alabama in ’05.
SECOND QUARTER
WOW! Another field-changing kick by Bliss — 62 yards (1 yard short of his career best set against LSU last year). Each of his last two punts have been farther than the total offense of BOTH teams combined in the first quarter (LSU 48 yds., Auburn 7 yds.)
With LSU defensive backs Jonathan Zenon and Jessie Daniels leaving the game with injuries, Auburn produced its first sustained drive with quick strikes in the middle of the field to get into LSU territory.
Auburn gets to the LSU 9 when quarterback Brandon Cox is apparently injured on the second-down-and-goal play. However, coach Tuberville alertly calls timeout to keep Cox in the game. However, the LSU defense forces Cox out of the pocket again and he throws the ball out of the endzone.
And, here comes John Vaughn — the gentleman who missed a couple field goals, yada, yada.
He missed another from 26 yards off the left upright, and this one wasn’t pretty. We’ll call it a bad snap, or place. It was a knuckle ball that didn’t have a chance.
With Russell getting involved in the ground game, the LSU offense shows signs of life and enters Auburn territory. He saves a field-goal attempt at the end of the half by escaping the pocket and gaining three yards.
Colt David nailed the 42-yarder, as if it wasn’t the longest kick he’s attempted as an LSU Tiger. Would have been good from 55, or more.
LSU 3, Auburn 0. It’s still ON!
FIRST QUARTER
First media timeout, and everyone’s in the press box is a little quiet as the action unfolds. Both teams showed the ability to get off the field with third-down defense, as LSU’s Tyson Jackson and Ricky-Jean Francois came up with a sack before Justin Vincent was stopped for a short gain on LSU’s first possession.
Good punt by Jackson to pin Auburn at its 13. Equally good one on the third possession of the game by Auburn’s Kody Bliss (61 yards) to change field position a little bit. Defenses are winning thus far.
LSU mounted the first sustained drive of the game on its second drive, converting on one third down before a fourth-down reception by Jacob Hester was correctly overturned by video review.
INTERCEPTION! Craig Steltz gives the LSU offense new life in Auburn territory with an interception of a tipped ball, taking it back 16 yards to the Auburn 29. Other than the 61-yard punt by Auburn, this is the first significant change of field position forced by a defense.
Auburn’s crowd and defense stepped up the pressure on Russell, as the junior was forced to release the ball early resulting in poor down-and-distance situations. I think this man coverage on the edges may cost Auburn in the long run.
End of the first quarter, and everyone’s settling into another — pardon the pun — barn burner.
JORDAN-HARE STADIUM
2:33 p.m.
LSU’s captains take the field. Each week, these are elected by their teammates to represent the team at the coin toss. JaMarcus Russell, Jason Spadoni, Chris Jackson and Chase Pittman are this week’s captains for LSU.
LSU’s about to take the field. Auburn goes first, then LSU enters to the traditional “booing” of the road team. Eye of the Tiger plays in the background for a few moments. Maybe the irony got to the game producer, and he turned it down.
It’s hotter than expected…or, maybe, it’s the capacity crowd that’s in the building. Let’s play.
LSU wins the coin toss, and defers to the second half — I’ve got to think that one way or another, Auburn would get the ball first.
JORDAN-HARE STADIUM
2:21 p.m.
The stadium is beginning to fill, with LSU Tigers fans in the northeast corner of the lower bowl and the north and south edges of the east upper deck.
Just moments ago, “Spirit,” Auburn’s bald eagle, circled the south end of the stadium before landing at midfield — however, Spirit took one heck of an angle and nearly flew out of the stadium before turning suddenly and returning to the field. Boy, that would have been a story, and this game would have gotten its moniker early: Auburn’s Spirit was gone before kickoff.
The Auburn band’s back on the field for their pregame march. Ten more minutes.
JORDAN-HARE STADIUM
1:45 p.m.
The LSU offensive players are getting their warm-ups in. One thing that some may not realize is that teams can only travel 70 players to road Southeastern Conference games. Therefore, the players get a few more reps in pregame. If you’re not careful, you’ll get worn out before playing even one snap.
All three scholarship quarterbacks are on the trip, along with running backs Justin Vincent, Jacob Hester, Alley Broussard, Charles Scott, and Keiland Williams. Shawn Jordan, Quinn Johnson and Steven Korte are the fullbacks warming. Korte looks to see his first action of the season after missing the first two games.
Don’t forget that LSU’s without Keith Zinger for today’s game, as the tight end is not here in Auburn. We may see Doug Planchard (who’s the only player I can remember who brings two jersey numbers to the game) line up a bit more as a tight end (#85) rather than a center (#59). The other tight ends on the trip are Richard Dickson, Mit Cole, and Andrew Wright. I don’t know much about football, but I’d assume that LSU will need all of them today.
Meanwhile, Auburn’s “Pride of the South” marching band is marching around the field playing a school fight song.
It’s getting close.
JORDAN-HARE STADIUM
12:53 p.m.
Just arrived on campus at Auburn after about an hour ride. Being that I’m a little bigger than most passengers, I got a seat to myself on the bus. Tried to rest, but the excitement of the game was too much to sleep on (again).
A throng of LSU fans met the buses at the stadium. This campus is a little more spread out than the LSU campus, as far as parking is concerned, so rather than a few large parking lots full of cars, there are several streets and street corners that are packed with fans for both teams on the way in. That made for a festive drive through campus with a lot of waves from LSU fans and a strange sort of wave from a few Auburn fans who must believe that their Tigers are “Number 1.”
Once in the stadium — which, I might add, is one of the most beautiful stadiums in the conference — I popped my head in the lockerroom long enough to realize that “It’s on!”
After working my way onto Pat Dye Field, I passed big Herman Johnson and then coach Miles, who was taking his weekly walk to midfield before being interviewed by Jordy Hultberg for the LSU Sports Radio Network pregame show. Just like the rest of the team and staff, coach Miles is focused on one thing: Auburn.
I’ve now made it into the press box. I’ll try to blend into the background, and give a little commentary about the game. Stay tuned!
MONTGOMERY
9:05 a.m.
ESPN GameDay has started — why they’re not here, I’m not sure either.
The day got off to a typical road start: Fans in purple and gold milling around the hotel lobby, reading copies of The Advocate (most missing JUST the Sports section, of course), and eating the free buffet.
No team members out and about yet, as they’ll have a private buffet breakfast before going into meetings. Had a chance to eat breakfast next to the equipment manager, Greg Stringfellow, along with an associate athletics director, Mark Ewing, who coordinates much of the official party who travel on road trips. Both of these guys will have a busy day WORKING while the rest of us enjoy the game.
Got a chance to take a morning walk around the downtown area. The weather couldn’t be better. A few clouds, temperature in the low 70s. Perfect for college football!
The buses leave for Auburn at 11:30 a.m. Time to clean up, dress up, stop by Tiger One on campus, and get to the game!
More from the stadium….if I can get into the lockerroom, on the field and in the press box.
MONTGOMERY
Friday, 9:35 p.m. CT
Let’s play two! If you’re in Montgomery for an evening, you might as well go to the ballpark. After dinner, I tagged along with two of the video crew — only Kevin and David, because Baldy and Speedy are out of commission — to watch the aforementioned baseball game. Just happened to get sixth-row seats behind home plate for the championship game for $14.
Over the constant chants of “War Eagle” — from both old men and young ladies — we were able to watch the Biscuits batter the Stars, 10-2, by the time we left in the sixth inning.
Back to the team hotel that’s a block away from the stadium. Things are getting quiet as the football team goes through its film session and team meetings. Can’t get in the room…but there’s a buzz in the air about this game.
Time to dream about a big win. See you in the morning.
MONTGOMERY
Friday, 4:28 p.m. CT
We’re here. Glorious Montgomery.
After a short 49-minute hop from Baton Rouge, we took another escorted bus ride from the Montgomery Airport to the Embassy Suites. I’m on the sixth floor, overlooking the atrium here. I don’t like my roommate much, but when you sneak onto a LSU road trip you can’t complain too much. He’s a sports information guy who took the best bed (second from the window) and likes it about 63 degrees.
Back to the trip:
I just saw fullback Steven Korte! He’s on 3. There’s Brad Mendow — one of the team’s videographers who breaks down footage right after the game on the plane — who’s on the fourth floor! Watching Brad, Doug and their crew work to cut up the game on their laptops after a game is amazing. They work as hard and long as anyone on campus.
Got to ride the elevator with Herb Vincent — the Senior Associate Athletics Director. He’s going to the Montgomery Biscuits’ Riverwalk Stadium tonight for a stadium tour with Skip Bertman prior to the Biscuits’ Class Double-A playoff game 4 against the Huntsville Stars. Guess they’re looking for a few ballpark pointers for the New Alex Box Stadium. Riverwalk Stadium was built in April of 2004.
Time to watch a little TV — David Toms at the 84 Lumber, or Michigan-Notre Dame from a few years ago on ESPN Classic — then I’ll sneak past the team’s evening meetings.
Enjoy the Friday night.
BATON ROUGE
Friday, Sept. 15, 11:52 a.m. CT
Time to leave. It’s a beautiful day on the LSU campus. Warm but not hot. A few clouds in the sky, just enough to keep the sun off a mascot. I’ve been waiting for this moment since the Peach Bowl.
If I don’t get to the Football Ops Center quickly, I WILL be left! But, going through this since birth has made me aware of that fact, so, I’m about 45 minutes early. Only the staff photographer, the video guys and the bus driver will beat me on board one of four buses that get escorted to the Baton Rouge Metro Airport.
Since President Bush isn’t in the caravan, I can give you the 411 on the route — we’ll take Skip Bertman Dr. to Government St., then jump on I-110 north to the airport, swinging around corners on two wheels to keep up with the escort before going about 55 mph all the way to the interstate. Weird.
Once at the airport, we’ll go through security just like any other mascot — ever since 9/11, the days of walking from the bus to the charter flight on the tarmac are done. On the plane, some of your favorite players will probably get the leather First Class seats — JaMarcus, LaRon, Dwayne, Ali, Justin. Not sure how the coaches pick these guys, but they’ve got the best seats in the house.
Then, coach Miles. Then the coaching staff, strength coaches, athletic trainers, equipment managers, team and in-house video crew, in-house radio crew…then the rest of the team. Way in the back you’ll find the mascot (and everyone else who “acts up” on the flight) and the world’s smallest bathroom.
We’re flying a Delta charter to Montgomery, Ala., where we’ll stay at the Embassy Suites.
More when we get there. Safe travels for those flying and driving, and Geaux Tigers.