I don't normally post barn articles but I enjoyed reading this one.
There hasn't been a more thorough whipping of a defending national champion in 27 years. The last time a defending champ lost by this much was Miami's 38-3 defeat to Florida State in 1984, back in Jimmy Johnson's first year replacing Howard Schnellenberger. Auburn's defeat was tied for the fourth-worst by a defending champ since 1936.
Gene Chizik hadn't been blown out like this since his days at Iowa State. Auburn hadn't lost by this much since the 36-0 defeat to Alabama in 2008 at Tommy Tuberville's farewell. Speaking of 2008, Auburn's offense has now gone four straight games without scoring 20 points, the first time that's happened since the dismal '08 season.
Raise a hand if you thought you'd hear Tony Franklin and Gus Malzahn mentioned in the same breath after Auburn spent $1.3 million to keep the latter as offensive coordinator. There are major personnel challenges for Malzahn, who hasn't suddenly turned dumb, but it's still jarring nonetheless.
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