Let's Be Frank(lin): Did Tuberville Fib About Tony?

   There are two plausible scenarios about how the firing of Tony Franklin as Auburn's offensive coordinator Tony Franklin unfolded.

   (1.) Head coach Tommy Tuberville lied from Sunday till Tuesday when he lauded Franklin's work and said no staff changes were being considered.

   (2.) Something happened behind the scenes the past day or two that soured their relationship, either personal or philosophical.

   Here's what I think: Tuberville asked Franklin to alter his game-planning, perhaps to use less of his cherished spread offense. Or it could have been contrasting opinions on which quarterback, Chris Todd or Kodi Burns, to employ.

   Tuberville is now saying that the spread ain't dead at Auburn, which stands to reason because next year's recruiting class is tailored for that offense. So, it's peculiar that he dumped one of the foremost champions of the spread, Franklin being considered as knowledgeable as anyone about it.

   I can see Franklin unwilling to compromise. I can see Tuberville exercising his authority with a my-way-or-the-highway response.

   Given Auburn's No. 104 offensive ranking (out of 119 teams) in Division 1, a shakeup was foreseeable. Still, canning a coordinator in midseason is highly unusual. I eagerly await Franklin's take on this because we're not likely to hear the whole story from his former boss.

      

Auburn players: Whassup With The Offense?

The second-guessing in Auburn land of offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has extended to some of the players.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Ben Tate said after Franklin all but abandoned the tailback's effective carries early against Vanderbilt and resorted to his cherished spread offense.
"We got our confidence going and, all of a sudden, go completely away from it," center Ryan Pugh said.
There is no questioning the validity of the spread, and Franklin is a pioneer of sorts. With two league losses, Auburn could justify focusing entirely on the spread for the rest of the season in preparation for '09.
Still, the Tigers blew a chance to remain in the SEC West chase by not sticking with the standard running attack it employed to go ahead of Vandy 13-0 before falling 14-13.
If you were in Franklin's shoes, what would you do?

What We Learned, No. 3: Auburn's Spread Mighty Thin

   Auburn threw a surprise at Vanderbilt, operating in a standard offense during the first quarter. The Tigers scored twice and were stopped at the goal line on their other possession.

   So what does coordinator Tony Franklin do? He reverts to his beloved spread attack. Auburn fails to score the rest of the way.

   Yes, surely the Commodores made adjustments. And surely Franklin figured that, with a comfy lead, he could work on the offense dear to his heart.

   But the results speak loud and clear. Auburn's power running attack was groovin' early. The Tigers should have stayed with it, or at least mixed it in with the spread.

   What should Auburn have done? Stick with what brung 'em a lead? Or commit to improving the spread?

    

4th Weekend Lesson: Tigers', Vols' "O" Grade A Zero

   Yeah, yeah, the Auburn and Tennessee defenses kicked tail Saturday. But the Tigers can dismiss any SEC West title hopes if their offense doesn't perk up.

  Turns out, the 3-2 win over Mississippi State was no aberration. Auburn was so helpless in moving out of the shadows of its goal line Saturday that offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, who came to town on a white horse, took to calling quarterback keepers and sweeps -- stuff normally not found in the spread offense playbook.

   What can Auburn do on offense, besides pray that running back Brad Lester heals?

   As for the Volunteers, where have you gone, David Cutcliffe? Oh, there you are, reviving Duke as the new head coach. UT sure misses your offensive coordinating. Your replacement, Dave Clawson, has a clueless quarterback, Jon Crompton, and an uncertain strategy. 

   Game stat of the SEC season: All seven of the Vols' second-half possession began outside their 35-yard-line, and four of those launched in Auburn territory. One lousy score resulted.

   Is it time to replace Crompton? Change the offensive approach? Beg Cutcliffe to reconsider?