Unlike Any Other It's been almost a week since I had the privilege to call one of the greatest football games ever played. That's right. I said "ever played". How could you not come to that conclusion? Anyone who watched or listened would have to agree with that conclusion. Auburn's 7-3 win over LSU was the most physical football game I've witnessed in person. Now I understand some of Auburn's games back in the 50's and 60's were every bit as physical, but I'm talking in the last 30 years or so. I don't remember one like the one we saw Saturday. This week the Auburn football medical staff are the hardest workers as they try to get a banged up football team healthy enough to play two games in 12 days. There will be some guys who don't play this weekend versus Buffalo and there will be some that will play limited roles. But amazingly most will play. Last weekend's game was also one of the least enjoyable games I've ever broadcast. I wish I could tell you exactly why. Maybe it had to do with the fact that every play, every penalty, every mistake could prove to be the difference. Maybe it's because we all knew that the loser is pretty much out of the Western Division title race. That's an awful lot of pressure in what was just the third game of the season. I wonder how many fans out there were just like me and had a massive headache after the game was over, a result of sheer relief that Auburn had held on to win the game. I wonder how many fans were thinking the same thing I was…the roles are reversed…two years ago we were moving towards the south end zone…same direction…and we broke their hearts. Are they about to do the same to us? But it didn't happen. This team proved that it is a contender for a conference and national title. This team proved it could overcome mistakes and take advantage of breaks to win a gut-wrenching defensive struggle. This team showed that it could put together one offensive drive that led to a touchdown…all they would need as it turned out. This team showed it had a punter that could change the complexion of the game with the thunder in his leg. This team showed heart, character, courage, and determination...the same characteristics that set apart the 2004 team. Just like going into the game it really is impossible to break it down to single out one play or one moment that proved to be the difference. The obvious choice is the reversed pass interference call in the fourth quarter. However, that call didn't end LSU's hopes. They still had opportunities to throw for the end zone. Their opportunities came up short, thanks to an Auburn defense that would not be beaten. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of football to be played and much can happen in the next nine games. But one thing is also for sure, we won't see another one like this past Saturday's game. Heaven help us if we do! I don't think my heart could take it. Until next time, War Eagle and so long everybody! Rod Bramblett In 2006, Rod Bramblett enters his fourth season as the play-by-play voice for Tiger football and men's basketball. In 1998, Rod Bramblett began serving as the host for the Auburn Network's weekly call-in show Tiger Talk. In addition, Bramblett has been the voice of Auburn baseball since 1993. The Valley, Ala. native also serves as co-host on the Auburn Football Preview Show & host on the Auburn Football Review and the Auburn Basketball Review show. An Auburn graduate, Bramblett is Director of Broadcast Services for the Auburn Network, where he is responsible for coordination of the network's affiliate relations and audio production. |
 
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