Alabama wins 36-0

November 29, 2008

Jon Johnson

Alabama put the finishing touches on a 36-0 victory when back-up quarterback Greg McElroy threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Marquis Maze in the final minutes.
The celebration is on in T-Town.
Alabama completely dominated this one and can now put behind six years of frustrations.
The Tide fans stayed long after the game, enjoying the moment. The players did a little celebrating on the field, then jogged to the locker room.
Next up is Florida in the SEC Championship Game next Saturday.
As for Auburn, I have to wonder now if Tommy Tuberville will survive. It will be an interesting week ahead to see if he gets support from the Auburn administration, or we’re talking about another search for a head coach.
Time now to get to work on copy for Sunday’s print edition, and for copy you can read here on-line.

All over but the shouting

Jon Johnson

At the end of the third quarter Alabama leads 29-0 and this one is over. The Tide took advantage of two Auburn fumbles early in the quarter, turning the miscues into eventual touchdowns.
It’s getting ugly now as Alabama administers a whipping on an Auburn team that has been lost all season long.
I’ll check back with you after the game, though really it’s as good as over now.

Halftime

Jon Johnson

Nick Saban makes the call of the game thus far when he signaled for a timeout just in time as Morgan Hull lined to try a 39-yard field goal on the final play of the first half. Hull, trying his first field goal attempt of the year, went through with the kick and nailed what would have been a made field goal. However, following the timeout, Hull had his try blocked by Bobby Greenwood, sending Alabama to the locker room at halftime with a 10-0 lead.
Alabama has pretty much been in control in the first half, other than Auburn’s final drive. Had the Tigers made the kick, it would have give them some momentum.
As it stands, I would be surprised if Alabama didn’t put this one away by early in the fourth quarter.

First quarter is over

Jon Johnson

Leigh Tiffin kicks through a field goal of 37 yards on the final play of the first quarter to give Alabama a 3-0 lead.
Alabama was pinned back on its 7 on its first possession following a punt, and started on its 4 on its second possession after a punt before moving up field for the kick.
Auburn’s offense didn’t show much spark on its two possessions. Alabama’s running game came together on the second possession.
It looks like Auburn’s defense has come to play, but that will only last so long unless the Tiger offense starts making a move.

National Anthem has been sung

Jon Johnson

The National Anthem has been sung and the Alabama band is playing “Yea Alabama.“
The parents of the Tide seniors are on the field, and they are joined now by their sons.
The seniors return to the locker room and get ready to return momentarily.
Game captains for both side have entered the field.
Now here comes the entire Alabama team onto the field. The fans go crazy.
Auburn comes out walking arm-in-arm, then begins sprinting onto the field as boos roar down.
Alabama wins toss and will kick to Auburn.
Siran Stacy of Geneva is the honorary captain, and the former Tide running back really gets the crowd going as he tosses his arms in the air to fire up everyone.
It’s kickoff.
I’ll check back with you in a little while.