Final thoughts from chilly Iron Bowl

Saturday's 17-10 Auburn victory over Alabama wasn't the best Iron Bowl I've seen, but it wasn't bad either. The 10-7 margin for much of the night kept things interesting. What's the best Iron Bowl I've been to? I'd say Auburn's 22-14 win in 1993 topped them all since it had so many storylines and big plays. Saturday's game was sort of ho-hum for a while. Not sure if it was great defense or less than stellar offense. Here are a few other thoughts:

* Jerraud Powers was funny after the game. He made the biggest play of the night when he picked off John Parker Wilson in the end zone -- grabbing the ball in mid-air after it bounced off of D.J. Hall's fingertips and facemask -- but talked more about being bitten by a police dog in the fourth quarter. That's right. Bitten. In the hand. Powers ran beyond the end zone on an incomplete pass and this hungry German Shepherd took a disliking to the defensive back and snapped at his hand. Powers said he hadn't been bitten by a dog since he was 6, which was obviously the number of the night.

* My mission was to write a defensive sidebar after the game. Obviously, I talked to Powers, and a few others. I'm pleased to have written the sucker in 25 minutes -- speed helps on deadline -- but in hindsight, I wish I could have done a better job. Then again, I'm never really satisfied so I guess that's just me.

* I thought the atmosphere inside Jordan-Hare Stadium was electric, radiant. With the bands playing and fans roaring, it's an atmosphere second-to-none. God I love college football.

* Walter McFadden, Auburn's No. 6, ran in my direction, held up five fingers with one hand and one with the other. So I took the dude's picture with my cell phone. If I were a real photographer, the photo would have gotten both hands. I'm such an idiot.

* After the game, AU running back Ben Tate stood in front of the student section holding a white cardboard No. 6 and danced with it for the cameras. For about 30 seconds, he had the number turned around the wrong way, resembling an upside-down 9.

* So is Tommy Tuberville staying or going? I'd still say the AU coach is staying, but he sure did act funny in the post-game press conference. The way he addressed the media seemed different. He said last week he'd "stay at Auburn as long as they want us." That means nothing folks. "As long as THEY want us." Who are "they?" Auburn people? I believe 'they' are the school;s behind-the-scenes power brokers, some of which were either on a plane to Louisville, Ky., four years ago,or owned the jet. How do 'they' feel about Tuberville?

* I was surprised to see Alabama run as much as it did. Glen Coffee got a workout. Where was Terry Grant? Auburn's duo of Brad Lester and Ben Tate were very effective, and that's a combo we'll see even more of in 2008.

* It was cold. Bad cold. I'm not usually the type to wear a hoodie over my head, but I did so the entire second half. I looked like the unabomber, with a notepad and pen. It was in the 40s outside, but that darn wind was wicked. Yeah, I was in the press box, but it's cold there too. I'm from Florida, so I guess I'm a cold weather wuss.

* My Iron Bowl MVP: Auburn defensive lineman Josh Thompson, who made a team-high 12 tackles.

* We are 364 days from the Iron Bowl, which next year will be played in Tuscaloosa. I expect both teams to be ranked in the next meeting as both should be improved. I wouldn't doubt if next year's game is for the SEC West championship either.