A year ago, “Fear the Thumb” was everywhere.
The slogan, referring to Auburn’s chances of winning a fifth consecutive Iron Bowl against Alabama, was a hit with Tigers fans. AU supporters snapped up bumper stickers, T-shirts and memorabilia with the slogan emblazoned on it.
Even head coach Tommy Tuberville wore a “Fear the Thumb” T-shirt almost a year before the 2006 Iron Bowl.
Auburn won “one for the thumb,” its fifth consecutive win in the in-state rivalry, with a 22-15 victory in Tuscaloosa. A year later, no catchy six-win slogan has emerged to rival “FTT.”
At least, not yet.
Auburn noseguard Josh Thompson, a senior, remembers the hubbub surrounding “Fear the Thumb.” And he’s sure someone, somewhere, is cooking up the perfect phrase.
“There’ll be one soon,” he said, laughing.
Slogan or not, plenty is at stake for Auburn today. The Tigers have a chance to win six consecutive games against Alabama for the first time in school history.
But it won’t be easy. Quarterback Brandon Cox knows that all too well.
Alabama’s defense is tied for the Southeastern Conference lead with 19 interceptions this season. Cox, who threw four interceptions in Auburn’s last outing, a 45-20 loss to Georgia, says the Tigers will be ready for the Crimson Tide’s aggressive defense.
“They’ve got a good defense,” Cox said. “They can force turnovers.
“We’ve just got to control the ball. The games we’ve lost we’ve turned the ball over.”
One bright spot for Auburn: Cox’s health. The senior struggled with injuries most of last season; heading into last year’s Alabama game, he was slowed by a sprained left knee, a burst bursa sac in his right knee and a sprained right ankle.
A hobbling Cox had one of the ugliest stat lines of his career: 6-for-14 passing for 137 yards and two interceptions. But he threw a touchdown pass, a 22-yarder to Prechae Rodriguez, which gave Auburn the lead for good.
That touchdown was one of 42 the senior has thrown in his career. But according to Cox, few have been bigger.
“It’s one of the highlights of the career,” he said with a smile.
Cox hopes this season’s game produces more highlights. Good health should help.
“I don’t have any injuries,” he said. “Being off last week really helped.
“I was struggling last year at this time. I was pretty banged up. I’m pretty much 100 percent this time.”
Even if Cox and the offense can put points on the board, Auburn’s defense must contain Alabama’s explosive offense. It all starts with wideout DJ Hall, whose 918 receiving yards lead the Southeastern Conference.
Hall, who also has six touchdown receptions, will challenge an Auburn defense that gave up several long passes against Georgia.
“He’s good at getting that ball in his hands,” cornerback Patrick Lee said. “That’s something we’ve got to keep an eye on.”
At 7 p.m. tonight, the waiting will be over. The Tigers and Tide will square off with history — and a year’s worth of bragging rights — on the line.
Auburn defensive end Sen’Derrick Marks can hardly wait.
“Two good teams going at it,” Marks said. “We’re going to see what happens.”

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