McCalebb hurt, should be ok

By Joe McAdory

The extent of his injury isn’t clear, but AU running back Onterio McCalebb was hurt when tackled on a fake punt play late in the second quarter. From my vantage point, I’d guess the injury was ankle or foot related. Just a guess.

In the third period, he was walking around the sidelines with his helmet on. I’d guess the dude’s ok.

Top 10 reasons why Auburn struck back

By Joe McAdory

The title speaks for itself.

10. Ball State’s Zane Fakes fumbles at the Auburn 24 with the Cardinals ahead 7-0. If he doesn’t, BSU has a chance for an early double-digit lead.

9. AU’s passing game. The Chris Todd to Darvin Adams combination is on fire. As I write this, Todd hasn’t had an incompletion.

8. Anthony Gulley’s second fumble on a punt return wasn’t recovered by Ball State.

7. Terrell Zachery has wheels. Big time.

6. Zach Clayton’s big hit on MiQuale Lewis pushed the Cards back to the 2. Two plays later, they couldn’t get out of the end zone for a safety.

5. Because Craig Stephens and John Bynes are pretty sporty linebackers.

4. Because Auburn can’t afford to get into a dogfight with a bad team.

3. Because it’s rainy and we’re hoping for the mercy rule.

2. Because Onterio McCalebb is fast. Sick fast.

1. Reality.

Burns injured

By Joe McAdory

Don’t know specifics right now, but Auburn quarterback/receiver/whatever Kodi Burns is reportedly out for the rest of the game with an injured quadriceps. What does this mean? The Wildcat formation will have to be spearheaded by someone else. Any candidates? My guess is Mario Fannin. The dude played quarterback in high school.

Through a quarter, underdog Ball State is hanging with the Tigers. It’s 7-7.

Another Top 10

By Joe McAdory

Keeping with the David Letterman theme ... here are my Top 10 reasons for Auburn’s first-quarter lethargy tonight.

10. It’s raining.

9. Opponent is Ball State.

8. Coming off of big win over West Virginia.

7. Next week’s opponent is Tennessee.

6. It’s still raining.

5. Fans are dead. No electricity in this stadium tonight. Used it up last week?

4. Would like a Saturday off. Burned out?

3. Ball State’s better than advertised. Scratch that, Ball State lost to North Texas.

2. Tiger Walk was soggy.

1. Even Nova, the golden eagle, flew circled the field for only, like, five seconds in the pregame ritual. She wasn’t pumped either.

Soaking it up

By Joe McAdory

It’s raining here again at Jordan-Hare. Doesn’t look like a sellout crowd by any means, so only about 80,000 will get wet. Those watching the game from home, or say ... a wings-oriented sports bar, will stay dry.

The Tigers just ran out of the locker room and on to the field. See ... my crappy cell phone camera picture above proves it. Now they’re wet. Everybody’s wet. Except me. A 40-yard-line seat in the David Housel press box for, like, the 2,000th time. Not bad. I would like a recliner, please. And can someone get me a refill on my sweet tea?

Thanks.