| 2012Auburn Tigers football | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Conference | Southeastern Conference |
| Division | Western Division |
| Record | 3–9 (0–8 SEC) |
| Head coach |
|
| Offensive coordinator | Scot Loeffler (1st season) |
| Offensive scheme | Pro-style |
| Defensive coordinator | Brian VanGorder (1st season) |
| Base defense | 4–3,Tampa 2 |
| Home stadium | Jordan–Hare Stadium |
Seasons | |
| Conf. | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Eastern Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. T–5Georgia xy | 7 | – | 1 | 12 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 9Florida x% | 7 | – | 1 | 11 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 8South Carolina | 6 | – | 2 | 11 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 23Vanderbilt | 5 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Missouri | 2 | – | 6 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tennessee | 1 | – | 7 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kentucky | 0 | – | 8 | 2 | – | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Western Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 1Alabama x$# | 7 | – | 1 | 13 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 14LSU * | 6 | – | 2 | 10 | – | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. T–5Texas A&M | 6 | – | 2 | 11 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mississippi State | 4 | – | 4 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ole Miss * | 3 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arkansas | 2 | – | 6 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Auburn | 0 | – | 8 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Championship:Alabama 32, Georgia 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The2012 Auburn Tigers football team representedAuburn University in the2012 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached byGene Chizik, who was in his fourth season with Auburn. The Tigers played their home games atJordan–Hare Stadium inAuburn, Alabama, and competed in the Western Division of theSoutheastern Conference (SEC).
On November 25, 2012, Auburn athletic directorJay Jacobs fired head coach Chizik and all of the assistant coaches after finishing the season 3–9 overall with a 0–8 record in SEC play, the program's worst season in 60 years.[1]
A shooting at an off campus party killed former players Ed Christian and LaDarius Phillips on June 9 after they had planned to transfer.[2] Current Offensive Guard Eric Mack was also shot but survived, he remains on the team, but has not participated in summer drills. Freshman QB Zeke Pike was arrested for public intoxication and was dismissed from the team. Pike will transfer to Louisville. Other transfers included CBJonathan Rose and OG Thomas O'Reilly. DE Joel Bonomolo quit the team and linebacker Jawara White suffered a career ending neck injury. Transfers Corey Grant, Mike Blakely and Melvin Ray were not eligible to play that upcoming season.
The Tigers played the 2012 season with new coordinators on both offense and defense. On offense,Scot Loeffler took control. Loeffler was previously theoffensive coordinator atTemple University, and had served stints as an assistant coach atMichigan,Florida and theDetroit Lions. While serving as a graduate assistant coach at Michigan, Loeffler tutored futureNew England PatriotsquarterbackTom Brady.
The new Auburndefensive coordinator wasBrian VanGorder, who most recently served in a similar capacity with theAtlanta Falcons. Also new to the Tigers defensive coaching staff wasWillie Martinez, who coached defensive backs. Martinez was previously an assistant coach atOklahoma. VanGorder and Martinez previously coached together atGeorgia in the early 2000s. The Tigers switched to a more aggressive blitzing scheme on defense. The presence of VanGorder on the Tigers’ coaching staff paid dividends in recruiting, as they secured commitments from several high-profile recruits for the 2013 class.
Offense[edit]
| Defense[edit]
| Special teams[edit]
|
|
Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Fullbacks
Slot receivers
Wide Receiver
Wide receiver
Tight end
Left Tackle
Left Guard
Center
Right Guard
Right Tackle
Defense
Left End
Defensive tackle
Defensive tackle
Right End
Strong Side Linebacker
Middle Linebacker
Weak Side Linebacker
Left Corner Back
Free Safety
Strong Safety
Right Corner Back
Special Teams
Team Captains
Award Finalists
The main focus in offseason recruiting was adding new offensive linemen. The Tigers signed seven, led by tackles Avery Young and Jordan Diamond, who were both rated five stars by Scouts.com.Parade All-American Shane Callahan and Patrick Miller, both rated as four star recruits, also highlight the recruiting class, as do tackle Will Adams and guard Robert Leff. The final signee to Auburn's impressive class of offensive linemen is Alex Kozan, who signed with the Tigers three weeks after the National Signing Day. In addition, 2010 signee Shon Coleman has been cleared to play after being cured of acuteleukemia. He will have four years of eligibility remaining.
The only high schoolrunning back signed was Jovon Robinson; however, he was unable to practice until potential irregularities in his high school transcripts are resolved. Three running backs transferred to the Tigers from other programs: Mike Blakely (Florida), Corey Grant (Alabama) and fullback Jay Prosch (Illinois).
The Tigers added two four-star recruits atwide receiver. Ricardo Louis signed with Auburn, picking the Tigers over Florida State; also, the Tigers beat out Georgia Tech for the services of JaQuay Williams. In addition, Melvin Ray transferred from Alabama. The Tigers also signed twotight ends: highly regarded Ricky Parks and Darrien Hutchinson.
On defense, Auburn concentrated on the secondary, picking up four-star recruit Josh Hosely as well as T.J. Davis and Jonathan Jones. Defensive line signees includeParade All-American Gimel President and four-star recruit Tyler Nero, who has been timed running a 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds. Linebackers Cassanova McKinzy and Javier Mitchell round out the class.
| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 1 | 6:00 p.m. | vs. No. 14Clemson* | ESPN | L 19–26 | 75,211 | |
| September 8 | 11:00 a.m. | atMississippi State | ESPN | L 10–28 | 56,111 | |
| September 15 | 11:21 a.m. | Louisiana–Monroe* | SECN/ESPN3 | W 31–28OT | 85,214 | |
| September 22 | 6:00 p.m. | No. 2LSU |
| ESPN | L 10–12 | 86,721 |
| October 6 | 11:00 a.m. | Arkansas |
| ESPN2 | L 7–24 | 85,813 |
| October 13 | 11:21 a.m. | atOle Miss | SECN/ESPN3 | L 20–41 | 57,068 | |
| October 20 | 11:21 a.m. | atVanderbilt | SECN/ESPN3 | L 13–17 | 40,350 | |
| October 27 | 6:00 p.m. | No. 20Texas A&M |
| ESPNU | L 21–63 | 85,119 |
| November 3 | 11:30 a.m. | New Mexico State* |
| CSS/ESPN3 | W 42–7 | 74,676 |
| November 10 | 7:00 p.m. | No. 6Georgia |
| ESPN2 | L 0–38 | 86,146 |
| November 17 | 1:00 p.m. | Alabama A&M* |
| PPV | W 51–7 | 74,832 |
| November 24 | 2:30 p.m. | at No. 2Alabama | CBS | L 0–49 | 101,821 | |
| ||||||
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #14 Clemson Tigers | 3 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 26 |
| Auburn Tigers | 7 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 19 |
atGeorgia Dome,Atlanta, Georgia
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigers | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 10 |
| Bulldogs | 0 | 7 | 14 | 7 | 28 |
atDavis Wade Stadium,Starkville, MS
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warhawks | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
| Tigers | 7 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 31 |
atJordan–Hare Stadium,Auburn, AL
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3 LSU Tigers | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 12 |
| Auburn Tigers | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
atJordan–Hare Stadium,Auburn, AL
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Razorbacks | 7 | 3 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
| Tigers | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
atJordan–Hare Stadium,Auburn, AL
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigers | 0 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 20 |
| Rebels | 14 | 3 | 7 | 17 | 41 |
atVaught–Hemingway Stadium,Oxford, MS
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigers | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 13 |
| Commodores | 7 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
atVanderbilt Stadium,Nashville, TN
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #20 Aggies | 21 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 63 |
| Tigers | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
atJordan–Hare Stadium,Auburn, AL
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggies | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Tigers | 0 | 7 | 21 | 14 | 42 |
atJordan–Hare Stadium,Auburn, AL
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #7 Bulldogs | 14 | 14 | 10 | 0 | 38 |
| Tigers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
atJordan–Hare Stadium,Auburn, AL
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulldogs | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Tigers | 21 | 14 | 0 | 16 | 51 |
| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| #2 Crimson Tide | 14 | 28 | 7 | 0 | 49 |
atBryant–Denny Stadium,Tuscaloosa, Alabama
| Team | 1 | 2 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| {{{Visitor}}} | {{{V1}}} | {{{V2}}} | 0 |
| {{{Host}}} | {{{H1}}} | {{{H2}}} | 0 |
| 1 | 11:07 | Alabama | Eddie Lacy 2-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 7–0 |
| 1 | 5:01 | Alabama | T. J. Yeldon 2-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 14–0 |
| 2 | 12:38 | Alabama | Amari Cooper 37-yard pass fromA. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 21–0 |
| 2 | 8:39 | Alabama | Kevin Norwood 7-yard pass fromA. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 28–0 |
| 2 | 4:43 | Alabama | Eddie Lacy 1-yard run (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 35–0 |
| 2 | 0:31 | Alabama | Amari Cooper 29-yard pass fromA. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 42–0 |
| 3 | 9:03 | Alabama | Kevin Norwood 38-yard pass fromA. J. McCarron (Jeremy Shelley kick) | Alabama 49–0 |
In the 2012 edition of theIron Bowl, Alabama shutout theAuburnTigers 49–0 at Tuscaloosa.[6][7] The Crimson Tide opened the game with a 10-play, 75-yard drive that culminated in a two-yardEddie Lacy touchdown run and a 7–0 lead.[7][8] After the Alabama defense held Auburn to athree-and-out on their first possession, their offense responded with their second touchdown of the afternoon on a two-yardT. J. Yeldon touchdown run for a 14–0 lead.[7][8] The Crimson Tide then forced a Tigers'punt on their second possession, and then scored their third touchdown in as many possessions whenA. J. McCarron threw a 37-yard pass toAmari Cooper for a 21–0 lead early in the second quarter.[7][9]
On the Auburn possession that ensued, the Alabama defense collected their first turnover of the game whenRobert Lesterintercepted a Jonathan Wallace pass at the Tigers' 29-yard line.[9] Five plays later the Crimson Tide led 28–0 after McCarron threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Norwood.[7][8] The Alabama defense held Auburn to their second three-and-out of the game, and then the Crimson Tide scored their fifth touchdown of the game on a one-yard Lacy run for a 35–0 lead.[7][9] Auburn then committed their second turnover of the game whenNico Johnson forced a Tre Masonfumble thatDee Milliner recovered and returned to the Tigers' 35-yard line.[9] Alabama then took a 42–0 halftime lead when McCarron threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Cooper.[7][8]
With the Alabama starters in the game for the first possession of the second half, the defense again held the Tigers to a three-and-out and forced a punt. The offense then made it seven-for-seven on offense when McCarron threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Norwood for a 49–0 lead.[7][9] The Alabama defense then did not allow Auburn to get past their own 41-yard line for the duration of the game and secured their fourth shutout of the season.[9] This marked the second consecutive Iron Bowl in which Auburn's offense was unable to score against Alabama's defense. The victory was the second largest in the history of the Iron Bowl after the55–0 Alabama win in 1948 and improved Alabama's all-time record against the Tigers to 42–34–1.[10][11]
| Week | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | RV | RV | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Coaches | 25 | RV | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Harris | Not released | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Not released | |||||
| BCS | Not released | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | Not released | ||||||