Those guys played like champions tonight. Honestly, if they hadn't brought so much energy, hustle, and heart, I think we would have been blown out. The offense completely let the team down. So much respect for the defense because those guys busted their ass to put us in a position to win.
Great Post Nate. I agree 100%. Casey Matthews, Eddie Pleasent, Kenny Rowe (no Kenny, I don't blame you for not being able to cover a WR on that blitz), Cliff Harris, Spencer Paysinger, John Boyett, Brandon Bair . . . they all stepped up and left everything on the field. Did they make some mistakes? Did they blow some coverages? Did they miss some tackles? Of course. But they were up against one of the most prolific running/passing QB's of all time. The defense kept us in the game by playing like warriors. They didn't get down when Auburn put together long drives - they never gave an inch. I couldn't be more proud of the team.
It was a real shame Harris tripped over the Auburn receiver and flew out of bounds on the pick near the goal line. If he wouldn't have flown over the guy he would have gotten a foot inbounds with the ball under control. That turnover would have been HUGE.
Oregon's defense was amazing, however. At the end, they just were worn down because the offense couldn't stay on the field.
I know.... if that INT were good, the Tigers wouldn't have scored and maybe the Ducks would have won. That would have been a huge momentum killer for Auburn.
I couldn't agree more. Except for a couple of screw ups by Rowe we played with the heart of a champion.
