As a former defensive coach, Tommy Tuberville has been around some good units.

Lanett knew it was facing a big challenge last Friday.

The first paragraph of LaFayette’s preseason preview mentioned the importance of the Bulldogs staying healthy.

TUSCALOOSA — A special start to the season for Alabama could be threatened if lackluster special teams play continues.

Former Auburn swimmer Richard Long and long-time staff member Tom Healey will assume new roles with the Auburn swimming and diving team, head coach Richard Quick announced Wednesday.

The Auburn High volleyball team beat Opelika, 3-0 (25-21, 25-15, 24-23), on Wednesday night.

Chuck Thurlow of Auburn won the co-angler division of the FLW Series on Lake Champlain (Plattsburgh, N.Y.)

But after last Friday, Loachapoka has a blemish on its mark — a visit to Class 2A Reeltown resulted in a 24-14 loss.

Auburn’s Felix Kiboiywo has been named Southeastern Conference Cross Country Male Athlete of the Week following his performance Sept. 27 at the Roy Griak Invitational, the league office announced Tuesday.

Sure, the booing hurts, but to hear Auburn’s starting quarterback tell it, it’s just one more facet of the job description.

Sunday, Auburn’s offensive coordinator admitted the Tigers aren’t running the “Tony Franklin Offense.”

Kodi Burns waited for his chance. Saturday, the sophomore backup quarterback got it, and took full advantage.

Oh yeah, the defense.

TUSCALOOSA — Nick Saban is all about preparation, so he was ready for the question about Alabama being ranked No. 2 this week.

If you listen closely, you should be able to hear the sound.

Auburn junior forward Rebecca Howell was named the Southeastern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week for her play this past weekend, which resulted in a goal and an assist as the Tigers went 1-0-1 to open up SEC play, the conference office announced Monday.

Auburn High’s ninth-grade football team improved to 3-1 on the year with a 35-14 win over Smiths Station on Monday night.

The Auburn football game against Arkansas on Oct. 11 at Jordan-Hare Stadium will kick off at 4 p.m. and be televised on a pay-per-view basis.

Tony Franklin knows he has critics.

Chris Todd will start at quarterback against Vanderbilt.

But Kodi Burns will play, too.

Lee-Scott won its fourth consecutive game, 35-20, over Hooper and Will Garner was a big reason. The junior carried the ball 12 times for 127 yards and four touchdowns in the victory.

Six weeks ago, few of even the most passionate Crimson Tide fans expected to wake up five games into the season with their team coming off a deceptively easy 41-30 victory over No. 3 Georgia, enjoying a 5-0 record and a No. 2 national ranking.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Allison Whitworth’s nine saves were huge.

So were the two that Katy Frierson made as Auburn rebounded from a tie on Friday night to down Vanderbilt, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon.

ATHENS, Ga. — What goes with a black jersey?

How about a black eye? Or two?

No matter how you dress it up, it still doesn’t look good.

Chris Todd started Saturday’s game, but he didn’t finish.

Linebacker Josh Bynes knew he’d get some playing time at middle linebacker.

Third-ranked Georgia and eighth-ranked Alabama met as top 10 teams for only the third time in the 65th game in the series Saturday night.

STILLWATER, Okla. — As good as it was for Troy to have last year’s win over Oklahoma State on national television, it was probably better that no one could see this year’s game unless they owned a ticket.

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. — Elkanah Kibet captured his second individual title and Felix Kibioywo placed seventh to pace the No. 25 Auburn men’s cross country team to a fifth-place finish at the 8K Roy Griak Invitational on Saturday.