Gamecocks Get The View From The Auburn Side
By Chris Carey
In case you hadn’t heard, there’s a pretty big game Saturday night and to get ready, we thought it’d be cool if the Gamecocks get the view from the Auburn side of the tracks. We got the chance to chat with Nick Allen, the editor at Fly War Eagle, a Fansided site devoted to all things Auburn. We wanted to see what he and fans thought of this season, this game, and what the deal is with War Eagles versus Tigers. Thanks for the time Nick!
How are Auburn fans feeling about the loss to Mississippi State? The loss was disappointing, certainly, but because of the way things happened in 2013, there is almost zero panic. The Tigers will have plenty of opportunities to pick up big wins in the second half of the season that will impress the pollsters and MSU will have to navigate a brutal stretch of their own to make it to the SEC Championship. Basically, Auburn fans are confident in the Tigers and all the team’s goals are still on the table.
Auburn is 5th in the nation which is pretty awesome, but are fans frustrated at all with this season considering how close you were to winning the national championship? I wouldn’t say fans are frustrated with the won-loss record at all, but there have been rumblings about the offense. The coaching staff has been saying for months and months that Nick Marshall is a better mechanical passer this season, but fans are concerned that he’s still having some accuracy issues. Also, Cameron Artis-Payne has been great through the first half of the season, but there is a vocal portion of the fan base that wants to see true freshman Roc Thomas take over as the primary ball carrier. So, frustrated isn’t necessarily the right word – I’d go with nitpicky.
South Carolina is as talented as any team in the SEC and they are capable of beating anyone in the nation any given week
Obviously Tre Mason was an exceptional running back, but do you think he is the only reason the running game is not up to last year’s performance? Tre Mason was a phenomenal running back last season, but he and the rest of the rushing attack really didn’t get going until the second half of the season. With that in mind, the 2014 running game is actually off to a better start statistically. However, a big reason that Mason and company were so good last year is that the coaching staff committed to running the football. This season, they are devoted to a more balanced offensive attack. Therefore, we probably won’t see the huge rushing numbers down the stretch this year because the team will pass much more than they did in 2013.
What do you think is one area of concern Auburn has, considering the schedule remaining? One of the biggest topics of conversation all season – especially on a national level – has been the brutal second half schedule that awaits Auburn. Five of the six teams left on this year’s slate have spent time in the top ten, and three (all road games) are still there. The biggest concern, in my personal opinion, is that there are so many quality teams left to play. It’s like walking through a minefield. The Tigers must have their “A” game each and every week to stay alive in the SEC West and the playoff picture.
What is the deal with War Eagle? One of my guys touched on it earlier this year.
What is your take on the game Saturday? I know the Gamecocks have struggled this season, but I was surprised that the game opened with Auburn as a two-touchdown favorite. I’m absolutely shocked that the line has moved up to 18. South Carolina is as talented as any team in the SEC and they are capable of beating anyone in the nation any given week. I think Auburn has the edge, especially at home, but I think the game will be much closer than the experts think.