Dyer: "I'm going to commit to Auburn..."

Michael Dyer has told VYPE writer Nate Olson that he plans on committing to Auburn next Friday morning but the recruiting process will continue. Click the link for more on the number one running back in the nation.

NOTE: Olson may have gotten his quote from ArkansasVarsity.com...

Updates

• Information on Michael Dyer's announcement has bounced around wildly lately. As of now he plans on holding his press conference to accept his Under Armour game invite on November 6th and commit according to AuburnSports.com. This is constantly changing, however, so stayed tuned for more.
• Get the Al.com Auburn-Ole Miss game factsheet here.
• Trooper Taylor still has faith in DeAngelo Benton. He is just a freshman who has been out of football for a year after all. Taylor says he guarantees Benton will light up the Auburn record books before he leaves.
• According to Evan Woodbery, Philip Pierre-Louis will likely return punts again this week.
• According to Charles Goldberg, Mario Fannin will likely see more action this weekend due to Onterio McCalebb's ongoing ankle injury.

An Open Letter From SGA President Jacob Watkins

Friends,

I heard a story yesterday that I felt is worth sharing with you all. In the heat of the battle against LSU on Saturday, Kodi Burns took a shot to the chin that cut open his lip and knocked out two of his teeth. Kodi came to the sidelines with the teeth in his hand. The trainers sewed his mouth up, wiped off the blood and Kodi went right back in the game and ran the ball as hard as ever. He never quit.

The game was a tough, tough loss, but none of our players ever quit. They scored their only touchdown of the night on the last play of the game.

One thing I noticed was that the LSU student section got there early, stayed late and made a lot of noise until the very end. They made the difference for their team.

We play Ole Miss on Saturday in a game that we need to win to become bowl-eligible. Between now and Saturday, you might see signs or stickers that simply say "11:21, be the difference." We had those signs and stickers made to remind all of you that kickoff is early on Saturday. It's at 11:21 a.m and you need to be there to "be the difference." We need to get there early, stay late and be loud to show our team we are behind them no matter what.

This season is not even close to being over. There are some big games left that we can win, but we need your help to give our team the home-field advantage that Jordan-Hare Stadium has always been known for!

11:21. Get there early. Stay late. Be loud. Be the difference.

War Eagle!

Jacob Watkins
Auburn University Student Government Association President

Lester To The CFL

Former Auburn running back Brad Lester has signed with the British Columbia Lions of the Canadian Football League.

Monday Wrap Up

• Michael Dyer has made up his mind and will make his announcement on November 6th, according to Scout.com. He has decided between Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Arkansas. I am expecting him to commit to Auburn. He will take all five official visits after his commitment. His game will be on ESPNU that night.
• AuburnUndercover tells us Dyer needed only 28 more yards coming into his game Friday to break the Arkansas career rushing record. He broke it on his fourth carry of the game with a 22 yard TD run.
• AUC also reports that Marcus Lattimore will take his official visit this weekend to Auburn.
• Just about every state media outlet has reported that the team and Gene Chizik are behind Chris Todd and Todd will start this weekend against Ole Miss.
• A reminder that this weekend's game is the "Navy Nightmare" so fans in attendance are asked to wear navy.

Smith Granted Youthful Offender Status

Auburn back Eric Smith has been granted youthful offender status for his August 21 arrest for disorderly conduct. Smith was suspended for one game. The charges may be dropped or expunged after completing certain requirements. Read more here.

Auburn vs. LSU Chat

I'm heading to New Orleans today then off to Baton Rouge. Posting the chat already for tomorrow:

Weekend Weather

Todd Added to Manning Award List

Quarterback Chris Todd has been added to the Manning Award watch list for the nation's top quarterback.

Defensive Back Dismissed

Sophomore Harry Adams has been dismissed from the team for an undisclosed violation of team rules. Adams has played both defensive back and wide receiver for the Tigers in his year and a half on the Plains.

Links

• According to Phillip Marshall of Auburn Undercover, a decision from Michael Dyer will come in about three weeks, during week 10 of the season. I still expect him to commit to Auburn.
• Walt McFadden speaks to Auburn beat writer Evan Woodbery about team morale and playing against LSU.
• Gus Malzahn tells Charles Goldberg he will have to add new wrinkles to the offense to get it back on track against LSU. He also talks about the lack of discipline resulting in offense penalties.
• Eltoro Freeman has a chance to return to the linebacker rotation this weekend according to Gene Chizik. He did not travel with the team to Arkansas and had limited PT against Kentucky on special teams due to an undisclosed violation of team rules.
• Evan Woodbery questions whether SEC defenses are catching onto Gus Malzahn's offense.
• One of the top high school junior players in the nation, Enrique Florence, visited the Plains this past weekend, according to Jeffrey Lee of AuburnSports.com. Florence plans to return for the Iron Bowl and lists his top schools as Auburn, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Troy.
• Top linebacker prospect C.J. Mosley tells Inside the Auburn Tigers about his visit to the Plains this past weekend. He says he is still just deciding between Auburn and Alabama but I still believe he is a strong lean to the Crimson Tide.

LSU, Ole Miss Time/TV Set

• LSU's TV has been set for ESPN2. The game has previously been set for 6:45 PM kickoff but it was not clear whether the game will be on ESPN or ESPN2.
• The Ole Miss game will kickoff at 11:21 CT on the SEC network. Find the SEC Network near you by clicking here.
• The Ole Miss game on Halloween has also been dubbed the "Navy Nightmare" game. Fans are asked to wear navy to the game instead of orange.

Ed Christian Commits!

Big time offensive lineman Ed Christian has committed to Auburn! Christian took his official visit to Auburn this weekend and came away very impressed. He was previously committed to Florida State but de-committed after visiting Auburn for the Ball State game.

Christian, a 6'5", 280 lb. offensive lineman out of Valdosta, Georgia, says he pretty much knew he would be an Auburn Tiger after his first visit but decided to come back for an official. He is Auburn's 19th commitment in the 2010 class. He is a part of the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Super 11 for the best players from the state of Georgia.

Rivals rates him as a four star and the 29th best offensive tackle in the nation. Scout rates him at three stars and the 17th best tackle. He also had offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Tennessee and South Carolina, among others.

Auburn vs. Kentucky Chat

A Look At The Weather

Furman Time Set

Auburn's homecoming game with Furman has been set for 12:30 PM CT. It will be televised on pay-per-view.

Phillips Leaves and Other Notes

Sorry I have not been updating very often lately.

• Rivals is reporting that offensive lineman Aubrey Phillips has left the team and Auburn. He suffered a heat related illness.
• They are also reporting that Philip Pierre-Louis could see action at receiver this weekend.
• Auburn worked indoors today due to large amounts of rainfall.
• Auburn seems to be preparing for Randall Cobb to contribute greatly for Kentucky this weekend. He started the last four games at quarterback of the season last year.
• There are still tickets available for Saturday night's game.
• Auburn Undercover is reporting that visitors this weekend include Ed Christian (official), Michael Thornton, C.J. Mosley and 2011 defensive end LaMichael Fanning. Numerous current commitments will also be visiting.

Practice Notes

• Eltoro Freeman returned to practice today, as first reported by ITAT. It is not cleared as to if he will play this weekend against Kentucky after not traveling to Arkansas.
• Josh Bynes says today was a great, physical practice according to Auburn Undercover. He said Auburn's defense has to get their focus back.
• Practice started with first offense against first defense, head to head, and the pads were clacking.
• Onterio McCalebb says he was full speed today and will play Saturday, according to Charles Goldberg.
• AuburnSports.com is reporting Eltoro Freeman as day-to-day with personal issues, as is Zach Clayton with an undisclosed injury. Walt McFadden will be a gametime decision.

Links

• "Auburn's Chizik calls Coleman 'ultimate teammate' after meeting" - Charles Goldberg
• You can vote here for SEC Midseason Rookie of the Year for the Birmingham News. Daren Bates and Onterio McCalebb are on there ballot.
• Philip Marshall of Auburn Undercover says Auburn is actually able to sign 33 in this year's class due to the lack of scholarship players who reported in August.
• Kentucky's quarterback, Mike Hartline, is hurt and will not play against Auburn. Charles Goldberg reports about it here.
• Big time lineman Ed Christian is looking forward to his Auburn official visit this weekend. He will show up in Auburn on Friday because he does not have a game this week, according to ITAT.
• Auburn's loss to Arkansas did not affect Michael Dyer's favorites according to Jeffrey Lee of AuburnSports.com. Auburn appears to still be the team to beat.

Coleman

Shon Coleman has jumped in the Rivals rankings. He went from a three star to a four star and sprung into the Rivals 100 at number 76. He is Auburn's highest ranked commitment according to Rivals but I still am likely switching to using ESPN.com's rankings. He is a three star (78/100) on ESPN.com. Coleman is considered a soft verbal and is looking around at other schools.

Time Set For LSU

The Auburn-LSU game has been set to kickoff at 6:30 CT on either ESPN or ESPN2.

Arkansas Game Stats And Figures

• Auburn drops its first game of the season. It was also Auburn's first day game of the season. Auburn has dropped their last 5 daytime (including a 4 PM kickoff) FBS games.
• Coach Gene Chizik goes to 10-20 on his head coaching career and 5-1 at Auburn.
• Ben Tate led the game in rushing with 184 yards on 22 carries (8.4 YPC) and 2 touchdowns. The big stat is his fumble inside the Arkansas 5 yard line. Tate also had a long of 60 with his long touchdown run in the third quarter.
• Chris Todd was 15 for 28 for 133 yards (4.8 AVG).
• Auburn's 375 yards is their least on the season. It is also their first game being held under 400 total yards.
• Auburn's scoring streak of 20 straight quarters was snapped by a scoreless first quarter. Last season, Gus Malzahn's Tulsa offense had scored in every quarter before the fourth quarter of Tulsa's loss to Arkansas.
• "You can't play like we did today and win in the SEC," - Gene Chizik.
• Auburn's leading receiver was Quindarius Carr who caught one pass for 32 yards.
• Auburn had 5 players return 8 kickoffs in the game. Mario Fannin returned 4 for a total of 84 yards. Tate, Harry Adams, McCalebb and Zachery also returned kickoffs.
• Philip Pierre-Louis had Auburn's only punt return for 15 yards.
• Wes Byrum was one for one on field goals; now at 11 for 12 on the season.
• Auburn rushed for 207 yards in the third quarter while outscoring Arkansas 21-7.
• Ben Tate passed Tennessee's Hardesty for the lead in SEC rushing. Hardesty rushed for 97 yards, lowering his average per game from 115 to 112. Tate raised his average per game from 108 to 120.6.
• As of 6:00 PM CDT, Ben Tate leads the nation in rushing this week.

Auburn vs. Arkansas Chat (Bumped)

Pick'Em

Make your picks!

Profile Comparisons

For you to compare for the poll, I like ESPN.com's rankings better:

• Rivals: LaDarius Owens
• Scout: LaDarius Owens
• ESPN.com: LaDarius Owens

I will bump the chat back up to the top at game time tomorrow.

Notes

• It has come to my attention that Rivals does not want subscriber information released on my blog. While I grab whatever information from whichever sites I can find including often posting rumors on here, I will no longer post Commitment Weekend Wrap up which I used Rivals and AuburnUndercover as a source for. I also will not have as many recruiting notes. I usually wait until information is common knowledge on message boards such as TigerDroppings and AuburnEagle anyways. I am by no means trying to post "insider" knowledge.
• I have kind of been planning on switching using profiles from Rivals to ESPN.com's anyways. I would love feedback about that. I will post a poll.
• I am looking into posting a chat online tomorrow for game time. I hope it will work out. This is the only game this season I will not be attending so I look forward to discussing it live.

Alabama All Star Roster

The Alabama roster has been released for the Alabama-Mississippi All Star Classic. It will take place December 12th. Some commitments and notable targets for the game include:

RB - Corey Grant

RB - Jamaal Woodyard

WR - Jeremy Richardson

OL - Quinterrius Eatmon

DL - Craig Sanders

LB - C.J. Mosley

LB - LaDarius Owens

LB - Jawara White

Todd Added To Maxwell Watch List

Chris Todd has been added to the the Maxwell Award Watch List. Ben Tate is already on the list. The Maxwell Award is given to the best player in the country every season.

Future Opponents (Opponent in Bold and This Week's Game)

Texas A&M 19

Arkansas 47 - vs. Auburn - 11:00 AM, ESPN

Alabama 38 - @ Ole Miss - 2:30 PM, CBS

Kentucky 20 - @ South Carolina - 11:30 AM, Fox Sports South/Sun Sports

LSU 20 - vs. Florida - 7:00 PM, CBS

Georgia 13 - @ Tennessee - 11:21 AM, SEC Network

Ole Miss 23 - vs. Alabama - 2:30, CBS

Vanderbilt 7

Elon 19

Furman 12 - BYE

Pybus Out For The Season

Linebacker Spencer Pybus is likely out for the rest of the season with a concussion. He has not played this season. Harris Gaston also suffered an undisclosed injury and could miss the rest of the season.

Recruiting Notes

• C.J. Mosley will take in the Auburn-Kentucky game next weekend. He will be at LSU this weekend.
• Vic Beasley will take an official visit to Auburn for the Iron Bowl.
• Trovon Reed's top three are still Auburn, LSU and Florida. Auburn appears to currently hold a lead over the other two.
• I would expect to see Shon Coleman, Jake Holland and possibly D.J. Howard pick up a fourth star on Rivals when the updated rankings come out.
• Ed Christian still appears to be taking his official visit next weekend for the Kentucky game. It appeared as if he would possibly commit after the Kentucky game but he has now opened up to even more schools such as Alabama, Florida, Tennessee and Clemson.
• Offensive lineman Daryl Williams will likely take an official visit to Auburn in January.
• Auburn is the early leader for 2011 offensive tackle Alan Posey. Posey is from Athens, GA but does not seem to want to go to Georgia. Posey has only visited Auburn, UGA and Georgia Tech.

Commitment Weekend Wrap Up

Sorry I did not publish this last week. I had it almost completely typed up and then forgot I did not publish. Here is this week's:

• Joel Bonomolo - season high six tackles, two for a loss and one sack
• Kenneth Carter - nine tackles, five solo, three for loss and one QB pressure
• Steven Clark - did not get to punt this week
• Shon Coleman - played despite a torn miniscus, no stats released in a 34-6 loss
• Jessel Curry - ten tackles, two for loss...16 rushes for 108 yards
• Justin Delaine - five tackles, one for loss and four QB pressures
• Antonio Goodwin - no stats released in a 28-20 win
• Jake Holland - sixteen tackles, 11 solo, an interception, pass breakup, forced fumble and three QB pressures
• D.J. Howard - DNP due to a minor hip injury, could return this week
• Shaun Kitchens - BYE
• Demetruce McNeal - BYE
• Jonathan Mincy - BYE
• LaDarius Owens - 12 tackles, two sacks, a safety and a forced fumble
• Cody Parkey - 1 for 1 on FGs (19 yards), 1 for 1 on PATs, three kickoffs through the endzone (2 split the uprights)
• Jeremy Richardson - DNP due to stitches in his hand
• Craig Sanders - 8 tackles on defense...33 carries for 278 yards and three touchdowns on offense
• Chad Slade - five pancake blocks...two tackles, one for loss and a sack
• Jawara White - five tackles, three solos and one for loss

Isom Possibly To Return

I have heard Byron Isom will likely be back this week. Bart Eddins still may get the start depending practice.

Target Reed Out 2-4 Weeks

Auburn target Trovon Reed will miss 2-4 weeks with a slight tear in his left MCL. No surgery will be required according to his head coach. He was injured in the first quarter of his game on Friday.

Byrum Honored

Junior kicker Wes Byrum was honored by the Lou Groza Award Committee as the National Kicker of the Week. He was 4 for 5 on field goals against the Vols on Saturday and is 10 of 11 on the season.

Vic Beasley Update

Victor Beasley, Jr. is still committed to Clemson but is leaning heavily toward Auburn. He says Auburn is the team he likes the most other than Clemson. He plans another visit to Auburn and I could see his commitment change. Auburn's success this season seems to have renewed Beasley's interest. His top three seem to be Clemson, Auburn and Tennessee, in that order.

How The AP Voters Voted Auburn

Courtesy of Pollspeak.com:

Doug Lesmerises	7
Ray Ratto	8
Kirk Herbstreit	9
Tom Hart	9
Eric Schmoldt	11
Chris Fowler	13
Tom Keegan	13
John Adams	14
Steve Campbell	14
Adam Van Brimmer	15
Barker Davis	15
Chadd Cripe	15
Jeff Gravley	15
Matt McCoy	15
Rick Nyman	15
Andy Staples	16
Garland Gillen	16
Ryan Finley	16
Doug Doughty	17
John Davis	17
Mike DiRocco	17
Alex Abrams	18
Dave Matter	18
Mike Finger	18
Mike Herndon	18
Angelique Chengelis	19
Bob Asmussen	19
Jake Schaller	19
Jay G. Tate	19
Brett McMurphy	20
Glenn Guilbeau	20
John Clay	20
John Hunt	20
Kirk Bohls	20
Teddy Feinberg	20
Tom Mulhern	20
Jimmy Burch	21
Joe Giglio	21
Mitch Vingle	21
Wade Denniston	21
Desmond Conner	22
Marcus Fuller	22
Mark Anderson	22
Scott Wolf	22
Steve Conroy	22
Eric Hansen	23
Israel Gutierrez	23
Ray Fittipaldo	23
Rich Kaipust	23
Travis Haney	23
Craig James	24
Joe Rexrode	24
Jon Wilner	24
Paul Arnett	24
Bob Condotta	25
Mike Hlas	25
Mike Strain	25
Sal Interdonato	25
Austin Ward (REPLACED BY ERIC SCHMOLDT)	N/A
Keith Sargeant	unranked
Kevin Gorman (REPLACED BY RAY FITTIPALDO IN WEEK 3)	N/A
Pete DiPrimio	unranked

Auburn Cracks The Polls

Here is a look at various rankings and where Auburn ranks:

• Anderson/Hester Top 50: 4th
• Sagarin Top 50: 7th
• Massey Ratings Top 50: 9th
• ESPNU Fan Rankings: 14th
• ESPN.com's Power Rankings: 15th
• Associated Press Top 25: 17th
• USA Today Coaches Poll: 19th
• Harris Interactive: 19th
• Billingsley Top 50: 25th

Home Night Game Streak Will Continue

Auburn will host Kentucky at home in 2 weeks and ESPNU has announced they have picked up the game. It will kick off at 6:30 PM CDT.

SEC Players of the Week

• Wes Byrum was named the Special Teams Player of the Week, going 4 for 5 on field goals.
• Onterio McCalebb was named SEC Freshman of the Week for the second time this season. He racked up 204 all purpose yards against Tennessee.
• Ben Tate was listed under "Other Outstanding Performances for Week 5".

Arkansas Time and TV

Set for 11 AM CDT on ESPN.

Back!

Pretty easy drive, great food, great drink, beautiful women, overall pretty courteous fanbase and a big Auburn win! I will be back later with more but I hope everyone else had as good a weekend as I did.

This Weekend

I'm heading to Knoxville! Everyone who is traveling be safe! I will probably not update again until Sunday unless something big happens (like a commitment). Everyone have a great weeekend and War Damn Eagle!

Punter Commits!

Steven Clark has committed to Auburn. The two star punter is Auburn's 18th commitment for 2010. Clark, out of Kansas City, Missouri, had offers from Iowa and Purdue. He and fellow Auburn kicker commitment Cody Parkey finished 1 and 2 at the Jamie Cole Kicking Camp.

Weekend Weather

RUMOR: Dyer Commits?

There are rumors swirling right now that Michael Dyer officially committed to Auburn tonight at a pep rally at his school. Right now the rumors are unconfirmed. I will let you know if that changes...

AS OF RIGHT NOW, THIS RUMOR APPEARS FALSE