Craig Stevens News

Spring evaluation is starting about four months early for the Auburn Tigers. With its Jan.

Even as chilly rain and dark skies loomed over Auburn's football complex Saturday, the Tigers could take comfort in knowing they were preparing for a brighter day.

Alabama defensive back Javier Arenas sacks Auburn quarterback Chris Todd in the 1st half at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., Friday, Nov.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson carries the ball past Auburn linebacker Craig Stevens , left, and linebacker Jonathan Evans in the second quarter Friday, Nov.

When it came to red-zone offense last season, no one in the country executed worse than Auburn.

It was a constant mantra for the Auburn defense, and a constant challenge. "They've been saying that all week, 'Number 22, number 22.

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn coach Gene Chizik has made a habit of redirecting questions about the team's strug gles in last year's Iron Bowl, a 36-0 loss, but questions inten sified this week.

Auburn coach Gene Chizik has brought in former players to speak to his team, showed film clips from memorable games and publicly expressed reverence for the school's traditions.

Toss a dart at any position on No. 2 Alabama's defense, and chances are you'll hit a candidate for a national or Southeastern Conference honor.

Linebacker Eltoro Freeman's status for the Nov. 27 Iron Bowl is not clear, Auburn coach Gene Chizik said, although several teammates expressed confidence he would play against Alabama.

More than just bragging rights will be on the line when Auburn and Georgia renew the Deep South's oldest rivalry.

AUBURN -- Tommy Trott won't soon forget what happened in Athens, Ga., last weekend.

Auburn At Georgia FACTS & STATS: Site: Sanford Stadium -- Athens, Georgia. Television: ESPN2.

The Auburn Tigers still remember how Georgia, clad in those strange black jerseys, yukked it up on the sideline and a turned a game that had been close most of the night into a rout.

AUBURN -- Tailback Onterio McCalebb, who has earned just 10 carries during the past month, is struggling with a high-ankle sprain.

The Deep South's oldest rivalry looks a little tarnished. When Georgia hosts Auburn between the hedges Saturday night, it will be the first time since 1991 the teams have met with neither ranked in The Associated Press poll.

Auburn linebackers Josh Bynes and Adam Herring chase after Arkansas running back Ronnie Wingo, Jr.

AUBURN, Ala. -- At least Furman earned a $375,000 payday Saturday afternoon. The rest of its afternoon wasn't rewarding.

Craig Stevens is busy as usual, this time returning an interception for a TD with escort from Antonio Coleman , Josh Bynes and Zac Etheridge This story appears in Thursday's Birmingham News: AUBURN -- Craig Stevens wouldn't mind if Saturday's game against Furman is your typical homecoming fare where the starters play early and then get a rest.

Trooper Taylor talks to students at the new student union Thursday in support of the SGA's `Be the Difference' slogan for Saturday's game Auburn coach Gene Chizik says the Tigers have spent the week addressing the rash of penalties that have hurt the team's fortunes the last three weeks.