Outback Bowl: The Good, The Bad and The Exciting

It proved that the third time was the charm for the Auburn Tigers, as they claimed a 38-35 overtime victory over the Northwestern Wildcats.  This game had everything a college football fan could want.  There were big plays, comebacks, miscues, shortcomings, and it was decided in overtime.   Auburn in the first half looked to have things in control, but Wildcat quarterback Mike Kafka and company wouldn't give up. Kudos to the Wildcats for playing their hearts out.  Those kids really wanted to win that one for their school.  However, Auburn managed to prevail in the clutch as it had in seven other victories this past season.  Taking a quick look at the game, it is clear to see that this game had everything Auburn was this past season.

Positives
The Tigers became the opportunistic defense that had help win many games this past season.  Auburn picked off Kafka five times.  Walter McFadden had two interceptions, one returned for 100 yards.  The defense seemingly got stronger as the game went along, especially on the line.  Antonio Coleman, Jake Ricks, Nick Fairley, and Mike Goggans all applied pressure at some point.  The offense clicked effectively during the game, gaining 425 yards and scoring when needed. Ben Tate got the job done with 108 yards on 20 carries.

Negatives
Penalties and turnovers were almost Auburn's undoing.  Auburn had ten penalties for 110 yards, several of them personal fouls costing them valuable field position.  Auburn turned the ball over four times; twice on passes by Kodi Burns when Auburn was threatening to score, and two fumbles at the end of fourth quarter that gave Northwestern new life.  Put all those together and what do you have?
Auburn's season, wrapped up in one game.  When Auburn was good, they were good.  That five game win streak showcased how good the Tiger's could be when they had everything going. When Auburn was bad, it was awful.  The three game skid to Arkansas, Kentucky, and LSU showed how the Tigers can look seemingly ineffective in all aspects.  While the Alabama game might have been their best game of the season, the Outback Bowl will be Auburn's most complete.

The game wasn't pretty, but those young men got the job done.  As the 2009 season officially comes to an end for Auburn, the team, coaching staff, and fans have to be on cloud nine.  Winning in dramatic fashion, gaining Cameron Newton from the recruiting trail, and a stellar recruiting class in the wake have the Auburn family smiling today.  Lastly, there is nothing that can measure the amount of confidence that Auburn has winning this final game.  For the seniors, this is a great way to go out.  For the returning players, they have to like their chances for the next season.  The coaches will certainly have more viable options going into 2010.

Truly, the sky is the limit.