Auburn Statement a Boo-Boo

   Auburn is 3-0, ranked in the nation's Top 10, with a dynamite defense that has been dented for only two touchdowns.

   Still, their 3-2 sleepwalk past Mississippi State has solicited criticism from Tigers fandom this week. So, in a pre-emptive strike before the LSU game (7:45 p.m., ESPN), dean of students Johnny Green pleaded to students in a mass e-mail, "Remember, the team isn't trying to lose the game . . . "

   Thanks for clearing that up, Johnny. We thought maybe the Tigers wanna lose.

   "Please join me by agreeing to demonstrate your support for, and not criticism of, our football team," the statement said. "That means no booing."

   Was this really necessary? Imagine if Auburn were 1-2 or, gosh forbid, 0-3. Would the students be asked to wear happy faces?

   Nice try, Mr. Green, but here's one word for your misguided effort: Boo.