Tag: Cole Cubelic

ESPN analyst is surprised by Auburn’s lack of defensive production

Auburn has yet to force a turnover and only has made four sacks through three games. The lack of production is concerning says one ESPN analyst.

Auburn’s defense has not been as effective as expected through three games.

That fact was telling during Auburn’s recent 41-12 loss to Penn State, as the Tigers allowed the Nittany Lions to be just as successful passing the football, as they were running it on their way to gaining 477 yards of total offense.

Auburn’s defense failed to create both a turnover and a sack in the game, which allowed Penn State to piece together more effective drives. The season production has, unfortunately, been consistent with their play against Penn State. Through three games, Auburn has only recorded four sacks and has yet to record a turnover.

Former Auburn great and current ESPN College Football analyst Cole Cubelic was a recent guest on the local sports talk show “Sportscall”, where he discussed his postgame thoughts following Auburn’s loss to Penn State. Cubelic says that he is surprised by the lack of defensive production to this point.

“I did not think that (the lack of sacks) would be a problem this year, I thought that getting to the quarterback would be something that Auburn would have good success with,” Cubelic said. “It’s been two consecutive years that they have not had a sack against Penn State. Penn State has not had offensive lines that have been knocking on the door of winning the Joe Moore Award. It’s collectively finding ways to make things happen, finding ways to make plays, finding ways to get the ball back into your hands.”

When reviewing the film of Auburn’s defense each week, Cubelic says that a quick way for Auburn to create more turnovers is to be more creative.

“(Auburn has) not been opportunistic and have gone out to find different ways to take the football away. A lot of turnovers are forced. You jar the football loose, that happened with [autotag]Owen Pappoe[/autotag] and Sean Clifford, the ball just happened to roll to a Penn State player over by the sideline,” Cubelic said. “Some guys are attempting to make those plays, attempting to make things happen. But, at the same time, you have to go find ways to get the football. Whether it’s in the air or getting to the quarterback, it has been a problem.”

Auburn currently ranks 10th in the SEC in total defense by allowing 359 yards per game. This week’s opponent, Missouri, averages 220 passing yards per game while rushing for 202 yards per contest.

[mm-video type=video id=01gdg7ccwbygb54f235p playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gdg7ccwbygb54f235p/01gdg7ccwbygb54f235p-1332c38c31d7d7e03c700e36287f38ba.jpg]

[listicle id=54205]

Cole Cubelic shares thoughts on Auburn’s ongoing quarterback battle

The former Tiger and current SEC Network analyst has delivered an interesting, yet thorough, take on Auburn’s quarterback saga.

Head coach [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] intends to use every bit of the final two weeks of preseason practice to evaluate the candidates for the open quarterback slot.

[autotag]T.J. Finley[/autotag], [autotag]Zach Calzada[/autotag], and [autotag]Robby Ashford[/autotag] have all impressed Harsin in their own personal ways, but Harsin needs one of those players to take control of the offense, and show him why they are the best fit to take on the role of starting quarterback.

While Harsin is still considering all options, those in the media are expressing their choices for starting quarterback, and why they are the best option. One of those is former Tiger and current SEC Network analyst [autotag]Cole Cubelic[/autotag].

Cubelic was a guest on a recent episode of On3’s podcast “The Hard Count” with JD PicKell. While on the show, the topic of Auburn’s ongoing quarterback saga was discussed, and Cubelic was asked to share his point of view on the situation. His pick for opening day starter is a safe one, but has solid logic behind it.

“I think it’s T.J. Finley’s job to lose right now, mainly because he finished the season as the starter last year, and Calzada had shoulder surgery, so he didn’t get a ton of reps with the ones in spring ball,” Cubelic said, “As a matter of fact, anything that was live – which with a quarterback still aren’t live, but perceived to be live – and even in a lot of the seven-on-seven stuff, T.J. got a lot of the number one reps.”

While Cubelic believes that Finley has the edge to start the season-opening game against Mercer on September 3, he says that another candidate could step up later in the season, and ultimately take the job.

“I still think that (Zach) Calzada is more capable,” Cubelic said. “I think eventually he wins the job, but as of right now, I still think Zach’s got to go take it from T.J. if he’s going to be the starter game one and be the starter for the entire season.”

The next chance for an Auburn quarterback to create separation is Friday when the team holds its second scrimmage of fall camp.

[mm-video type=video id=01g3sqrf92g55e92cma7 playlist_id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=01f5k5y2jb3twsvdg4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g3sqrf92g55e92cma7/01g3sqrf92g55e92cma7-4363ac1e3cfbd85f31ace419fc82ebc7.jpg]

[vertical-gallery id=51743]

SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic breaks down LSU in its first season under Brian Kelly

Cubelic said that LSU may have the most NFL talent on its roster in the SEC after Alabama and Georgia.

There’s nothing quite like coaching in the SEC.

Even for someone like [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag], the third-winningest active head coach at the FBS level who has led a college football program in every season since 1991, there can be a bit of a learning curve.

Kelly will hope to manage the hardships in his first run through the SEC as the Tigers look to bounce back from a 6-7 finish in 2021 that resulted in former coach Ed Orgeron’s dismissal midway through the season.

Not many are high on LSU entering 2022, but SEC Network sideline reporter and analyst Cole Cubelic offered a more optimistic outlook during an appearance on On3’s “The Hard Count.”

“We’ve spent a lot of time on our show, on other shows debating who is the third best team in the SEC,” Cubelic said. “LSU rarely comes up. … But if you go over the next three years, the guys that are on rosters on Sundays, outside of Alabama and Georgia, I think LSU has the most guys that are going to be drafted and that are going to play in the NFL on this roster right now. That doesn’t mean you’re going to go win 10 games. So he’s got his hands full.”

LSU’s roster is certainly more talented than some realize after retooling through the transfer portal and a recruiting class that features potential immediate impact players like five-star linebacker [autotag]Harold Perkins[/autotag], a prospect from the Lone Star State who Kelly managed to flip from Texas A&M.

The improvements may not come overnight, but this is a team that could be set to surprise some observers in 2022.

[mm-video type=video id=01g9k1zff4bq9pc57j06 playlist_id=01eqbz5s7cf4w69e0n player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g9k1zff4bq9pc57j06/01g9k1zff4bq9pc57j06-be23944232a282f50b095d1d49716cbe.jpg]

[listicle id=56164]

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

Former Auburn Tiger Cole Cubelic believes Bryan Harsin will return

ESPN’s Cole Cubelic believes that Harsin will be back.

This feels like a soap opera doesn’t it? Like sand through the hourglass, so are the days of our Harsin lives.

After reports of the Auburn Tigers head coach having a ‘benign’ meeting with school officials, one former player believes Bryan Harsin will be retained as head coach. In the words of The Joker…And. Here. We. Go.

Former Tiger and current ESPN analyst Cole Cubelic took to Twitter to voice his take on the matter for his alma mater.

“I believe that Bryan Harsin will be retained as the Auburn head football coach,” Cubelic tweeted.  “Alignment will be critical moving forward. Adjustments from all sides will be necessary.

“Must find a way for everyone to attempt to put this behind them & move forward to help all parties reconcile & find a way to work together towards competing for championships. Will not be easy. Divisiveness cannot continue.”

With each passing day, it feels like Harsin returning in 2022 becomes a likely scenario. In his interview with ESPN, the Auburn head coach stated, “certainly, I’m the right man for the job.”

“There’s no doubt about it. No one is going to have a better plan than I do, but we’ve got to change some things. This place is not going to be a championship program until we change some things. You’ve got to let the head coach be the head coach and support him.”

But has the damage already been done? While yes alignment will be critical, could this just be delaying the inevitable? Should the Tigers have a slow start out of the gate in 2022, they could then pull the trigger. Perhaps given the fact that it would be late in the process, Harsin will be given another chance due to a lack of options?

Frankly, Harsin deserves to come back in 2022 and the administration needs to give him support or this was never going to work with him as head coach.

Former SEC player, current ESPN analyst talks ‘really intriguing’ Clemson-Wake game

A former SEC football player and current ESPN college football analyst gave his thoughts on Saturday’s matchup between Clemson (7-3, 5-2 ACC) and No. 10 Wake Forest (9-1, 6-0). Cole Cubelic, a former Auburn offensive lineman and captain, talked …

A former SEC football player and current ESPN college football analyst gave his thoughts on Saturday’s matchup between Clemson (7-3, 5-2 ACC) and No. 10 Wake Forest (9-1, 6-0).

Cole Cubelic, a former Auburn offensive lineman and captain, talked about the 12 p.m. tilt at Death Valley that is one of the Week 12 games he’s most looking forward to.

“I think that Wake-Clemson game is really interesting,” Cubelic said on ESPN2. “Obviously D.J. Uiagalelei and company have not really been able to get the offense going. But Wake stops about nobody defensively.

“Now, we know that walk-the-dog, zone read offense that Wake Forest has got going, that Coach (Dave) Clawson has put in – super effective. But Clemson’s defense has been really good, still this year, even with all the injuries. But you look at some of the offenses that they’ve played down the stretch, not super high-powered. So, I think that’s a really intriguing matchup.”

Clemson’s offense, which ranks 12th in the ACC in points per game (24.4), will be facing a Wake Forest defense ranked ninth in the ACC in scoring defense (29.1 points per game allowed).

Meanwhile, Clemson’s defense – which ranks first in the ACC and third nationally in scoring defense (15.3 points per game allowed) – will be tasked with slowing down a Demon Deacons attack that ranks first in the conference and second in the FBS in points per game (44.7).

Clemson Variety & Frame is doing their part to help bring you some classic new barware and help one of the local businesses that helps make Clemson special.

Order your Nick’s barware and do your part to help.  #SaveNicks

Georgia football RB named SEC breakout player

Georgia football RB Kendall Milton named SEC breakout player

[mm-video type=video id=01fcvdsvm8s20d35bzgn playlist_id=01eqbz2y40j067srkf player_id=none image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fcvdsvm8s20d35bzgn/01fcvdsvm8s20d35bzgn-21485565b2db681fabf4a0309708ddae.jpg]

ESPN and SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic has named Georgia Bulldogs running back Kendall Milton one of the top breakout players in the SEC.

Cubelic considers Missouri wide receiver Mookie Cooper, LSU tight end Kole Taylor, South Carolina wide receiver EJ Jenkins, and Auburn wide receiver Ja’Varrius Johnson to be his other offensive breakout players in the conference.

Milton is extremely talented. He came to Athens as a five-star recruit in the class of 2020 and impressed after enrolling early as a freshman. Milton grew stronger this spring and may have another level to his game.

He played in seven games throughout his first season in Athens. Milton recorded 193 rushing yards, broke lots of tackles and showed a good burst. However, Milton sprained his MCL against Florida and missed Georgia’s remaining regular-season games.

Milton was available throughout spring practice and was impressive in the spring game, in which he scored a touchdown.

This offseason, Milton has changed from No. 22 to No. 2. The No. 2 jersey fits him quite well.

In order for Milton to break out, he will have to emerge from Georgia’s crowded backfield of Daijun Edwards, Zamir White, James Cook and Kenny McIntosh. Georgia returns all of its leading rushers from last season.

Milton may have the highest potential of any Georgia running back on the roster. He is explosive and difficult to tackle. His receiving skills need polish, but nobody wants to tackle him in the open field.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[listicle id=45139]

 

‘Keep an eye on’ Texas as a destination for LSU transfer QB T.J. Finley

According to Cole Cubelic, Texas may be looking to add another QB. When asked about LSU’s T.J. Finley, Cubelic said to “keep an eye on” UT.

Quarterbacks tend to flock to Steve Sarkisian. Two have committed to Texas since the former Alabama offensive coordinator took the job. Cole Lourd accepted a preferred walk-on spot, while four-star Maalik Murphy committed in February.

With Hudson Card and Casey Thompson in the midst of a quarterback battle, the future of the room is unknown. When one of the signal-callers loses the job, will they put their name in the transfer portal? True freshman Charles Wright is the only other quarterback on the roster.

According to SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic, Texas may be looking to add another quarterback. When asked about LSU‘s T.J. Finley, Cubelic said to “keep an eye on” the Longhorns alongside Auburn and Penn State. Finley entered the transfer portal on May 6.

After only playing for one season, Finley would have four years of eligibility remaining. He completed 57.1% of his passes for 971 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions.

With how young Finley is, adding the former three-star could create quite a log jam of playing time. Card or Thompson should remain the starter for two, possibly three seasons.

Texas is also still in pursuit of elite-level quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Those two would demand on the field time immediately. Add the hopeful development of Maalik Murphy into the equation and Finley would have another gauntlet of a quarterback room to breakthrough.

Having options at quarterback is never a bad thing in the day and age of the transfer portal. Ja’Quinden Jackson has already transferred out of the program after seeing who had a real shot at the starting job this upcoming year.

Finley was the top quarterback out of Louisiana coming out of the 2020 recruiting class. Overall, he was the No. 21 in-state prospect and No. 499 nationally. Listed as a pro-style quarterback, the 247Sports composite ranked him at No. 19.

Cole Cubelic explains the one alarming thing about Auburn football right now

The former Auburn offensive lineman and current SEC Network analyst thinks the lack of Auburn fan outrage is a problem.

Appearing on The Paul Finebaum Show on Friday, former Auburn offensive lineman and current SEC Network sideline reporter and analyst didn’t hesitate to let everyone know what worries him the most about the current state of the Auburn football program.

“It’s the fan reaction, Paul,” Cubelic said. “Whether it’s the discussion, the outside noise, the actual results, that may be the most alarming thing to me this entire season as it pertains to Auburn football because it hasn’t been the reaction, it has been the lack thereof.

“You’ve done a radio show in Birmingham, Alabama. You know what it is like when either Auburn or Alabama loses multiple games in a season and things don’t go according to plan. There haven’t been a lot of frustrated callers. There haven’t been a lot of people calling in or tweeted in or texted in and told us how frustrated or how mad or how angry they are with this Auburn season. There seems to be a little bit more of acceptance and that, to me, is the most alarming thing”

While fan reaction hasn’t appeared as loud as it has in the past, if you listen to most Auburn supporters, they have grown tired with the Gus Malzahn regime and are wanting a move.

And we haven’t been afraid to show our support for such a move especially after Malzahn’s bizarre quote this past Saturday when he stated that a four-loss season in a normal year is “solid.”

You can watch the Cubelic interview below:

WATCH: ESPN Discusses if it will all click for Texas in 2020

ESPN college football analysts Cole Cubelic and Mike Golic Jr discuss whether or not 2020 will be the year of the Texas Longhorns.

The annual question that seems to be near the forefront of everyone’s mind always is “Texas back”? ESPN college football analysts Cole Cubelic and Mike Golic Jr make their case on if in fact, this is the year it all clicks for the Texas Longhorns and head coach Tom Herman.

Both Golic and Cubelic made valid points on the Texas Longhorns in 2020. Outside of the wide receivers, the team has plenty of talent returning in 2020.  Sam Ehlinger is poised to have the best season of his collegiate career with some uncertainty at wide receiver. The team has leading-rusher Keaontay Ingram coming back with Roschon Johnson, Jordan Whittington and freshman Bijan Robinson.

For the defense they welcome back Joseph Ossai, Caden Sterns, B.J. Johnson and D’shawn Jamison. The incoming freshman duo of Prince Dorbah and Alfred Collins look to make some noise in their first year on campus. Golic is obviously a bit jaded because we have all heard it before but could this be a different Texas team?

With an influx of talent and new coaches in play for the Longhorns, it just might be. They will find out relatively early just where they stand with a visit to Death Valley in a matchup with the defending National Champions. As Cubelic stated, it might be the year that Texas finally takes back over the Big 12 and gets on the national stage in pursuit of a college football playoff appearance.

Only time will tell but this team has all the makings to get it done. It will be put up or shut up time come the fall of 2020.