Tag: Jason Campbell

Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown among college football’s best-ever duos

The tag team of Brown and Williams provided many memories for Auburn fans in 2024.

The 20th anniversary of Auburn’s undefeated 2004 season will be celebrated this year, and the contributions of two Tiger playmakers are still being discussed today.

Sure, players such as [autotag]Jason Campbell[/autotag], [autotag]Courtney Taylor[/autotag], and [autotag]Carlos Rodgers[/autotag] were important to Auburn’s Sugar Bowl-winning season, but the efforts of [autotag]Ronnie Brown[/autotag] and [autotag]Cadillac Williams[/autotag] were arguably the most vital to Auburn’s success in 2004.

The 1-2 punch rushed for 2,078 yards and 20 scores in 2004 with Williams taking the bulk of those numbers with 1,173 yards and 12 scores. Finding a tandem as elite as Auburn’s 2004 running backs is hard to find these days, which is why Brown and Williams are considered to be one of the best playmaking duos in college football history.

247Sports ranks the tag team of Brown and Williams as the fifth-best all-time playmaking duo in college football history. 247Sports’ Brad Crawford says that Brown and Williams make the case to be one of the SEC’s best rushing duos of all-time.

There’s going to be some debate here, but Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams are just behind two other ball carriers considered the SEC’s greatest rushing duo of all-time. Brown’s 2,707 yards rushing and Williams’ 3,831 yards on the ground featured a stunning two dozen 100-yard performances between the pair. Brown was the bruiser and Williams had breakaway speed, anchoring a 13-0 Auburn team in 2004 that was left out of the BCS National Championship. Williams finished with 45 career rushing touchdowns while Brown tallied 28. Auburn’s backfield hasn’t seen this level of elite tandem since.

Crawford ranks the duo of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones from Arkansas’ 2007 squad as the SEC’s best-ever running back duo. The top playmaking duo of all-time belongs to USC‘s Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, who enjoyed several successful seasons together in Los Angeles during the early 2000s.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Jason Campbell says Payton Thorne has ‘all the ingredients he needs’ to be successful this season

The former Auburn star expects Thorne to be more comfortable in 2024.

[autotag]Payton Thorne[/autotag] experienced plenty of criticism during the 2023 season, his first on the Plains.

The Michigan State transfer passed for 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns while tossing 10 interceptions during his debut season, where he failed to reach 100 yards passing in five games. When evaluating his 2023 performance, a former Auburn quarterback feels that there was a reason for Thorne’s disappointing season.

In a recent interview with Taylor Korn of Uncorked, former Auburn quarterback [autotag]Jason Campbell[/autotag] says that Thorne’s first season was “rushed” and that Auburn fans can expect him to improve in year two under [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag].

“He got here in June and everything was a rush,” Campbell said. “As soon as he got here, he had to rush to get to know his teammates, rushed to learn the offense. He was pretty much learning on the go during the season, his first time in the system. It’s not like he had spring practice to go through. From that aspect of it, it makes him a year better.”

Not only will Thorne have another season to develop, but Freeze and his staff have done a great job of adding talented pieces to the offense to help him out. Auburn returns a solid running game led by [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag], and will have a revamped wide receiver room to go along with an experienced offensive line.

Campbell says that Auburn’s playmakers will allow Thorne to play more loose this season.

“He has all the ingredients he needs around him to make him have a successful year,” Campbell said. “The thing for Payton, is that he doesn’t need to trot on the field and win the game. He’s just gotta go out there and play his game. Not turn the ball over alot, keep us in good situations where we are not putting our defense’s back against the wall. Allow his playmakers to make plays, play loose and let it go.”

What else does Campbell think Thorne needs to do in order to succeed this season? Campbell says that Thorne needs to run the ball more, and win a big game early in order to carry confidence into the rest of the season. The first challenging game of the season for Auburn will be against Oklahoma on Sept. 28 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Could a win over the Sooners be enough to bring out the best in Thorne?

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Auburn Sports Network announces additions to football coverage

Two key members of Auburn’s 2004 undefeated team are now key members of Auburn’s gameday coverage.

The 2023 Auburn football season is upon us. With it, comes changes to how fans listen to gameday coverage. Auburn Sports Network announced this week that there will be an addition to its crew, while one member is set to take on a new role.

[autotag]Jason Campbell[/autotag], who played quarterback for Auburn from 2001-04, is moving into the color analyst seat for the 2023 season. Campbell joined the Auburn Sports Network in 2016 as an analyst for pregame and halftime coverage. He takes over for [autotag]Stan White[/autotag], who stepped aside after serving in the role since 2001.

“I would like to thank God for this amazing opportunity to continue doing something I enjoy and love,” Campbell said of the change. “I appreciate the Auburn Sports Network team and Stan for their immediate confidence in me as I move into the analyst role.  I know I have incredibly big shoes to fill.  It has been a privilege watching and learning from Stan during our time in the booth together.  Auburn Family, I look forward to sharing great memories with you alongside the Voice of the Tigers, Andy Burcham, this fall.”

As for new additions, the Auburn Sports Network is welcoming former Auburn linebacker [autotag]Will Herring[/autotag] to the crew. Herring will share sideline reporter duties with [autotag]Ronnie Brown[/autotag] this season.

With Herring’s addition, it solidifies that three key members of Auburn’s 2004 undefeated season will now be a part of Auburn Sports Network’s coverage.

[autotag]Andy Burcham[/autotag] remains the voice of Auburn Football, while [autotag]Paul Ellen[/autotag] and [autotag]Brad Law[/autotag] remain with the network in their usual capacities. Ellen will host the pregame, halftime, and postgame show, while Law will be a vital part of pregame and postgame coverage.

Auburn Sports Network announced a change to its flagship station over the summer. Local Auburn fans, as well as fans who choose to listen to the game while on campus, can listen to Auburn Sports Network’s coverage of each game on Wings 94.3.

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Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Add Carson Wentz to long Washington QB list

What a brutal quarterback stretch for Washington.

Carson Wentz unfortunately joined the long list of Washington quarterbacks who experienced much disappointment.

In 1994, though he was drafted third overall in the draft, because Norv Turner wanted him, Heath Shuler was simply in over his head. He was a huge disappointment.

Jeff George was the mega-hyped free-agent signing by Daniel Snyder in 2000. But George disappointed, not improving the offense and was actually released early in his second season by Marty Schottenheimer.

Patrick Ramsey was a first round choice (32nd) in 2002 out of Tulane. In four seasons, Ramsey passed for 34 touchdowns and 29 interceptions.

Mark Brunell came in 2004, immediately revealing he was a shell of what he had been — a dynamic, mobile quarterback earlier in his career. Brunell did have some fine games in 2005 but was having difficulty staying healthy.

Jason Campbell was the 25th overall selection in the 2005 draft (Aaron Rodgers was taken 24th). Campbell often could move the team up and down the field until he reached the red zone, where he encountered problems.

Donovan McNabb came in a 2010 trade with the Eagles. If McNabb had been an efficient quarterback, why would Andy Reid have traded him to a divisional rival?

Rex Grossman loved to sling it as the 2011 starter, but the results were often not advantageous, so the owner traded 3 first-round choices and a second-round choice to select a Baylor rookie though he had won the Heisman Trophy, had not proven he could play in the pocket in college.

Robert Griffin III had a remarkably fun season in his rookie year, running the Shanahan zone-read offense. But following his bad knee injury, Griffin refused to run the offense that made him successful and never developed as a pocket passer in Washington or anywhere else.

Alex Smith was traded for in 2018 to help fans forget Kirk Cousins passing for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. But Smith struggled, seemed to check down an awful lot, and sadly experienced a gruesome injury against the Texans.

Case Keenum was traded for in 2019 to replace the horribly-injured Smith. Keenum led the team in passing with only 1,707 yards. The other quarterback seeing action was Dwayne Haskins because Mr. Snyder insisted he would be the 15th overall selection in the draft. It was a dismal 3-13 season and Haskins was cut during the 2020 season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick was signed to be the veteran who would manage games and bring a winner to Washington.  He injured his hip and never played after the first quarter of the opener.

Washington was the third team for Carson Wentz in three seasons. Wentz never looked comfortable. All season he was a model teammate but a struggling quarterback.

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Jason Campbell tabbed as next color analyst for Auburn Sports Network’s football coverage

Campbell takes over for fellow former Auburn QB Stan White, who held the title for 22 years.

For just the third time since 1980, Auburn will have a new voice in the booth to serve as the color analyst for football broadcasts on the Auburn Sports Network.

[autotag]Jason Campbell[/autotag], who played quarterback for the Tigers from 2001-04, has been named the next analyst for Auburn Sports Network’s football coverage. He takes over for Stan White, another former Auburn quarterback who served in the role since 2001.

“I would like to thank God for this amazing opportunity to continue doing something I enjoy and love,” Campbell said in a press release. “I appreciate the Auburn Sports Network team and Stan for their immediate confidence in me as I move into the analyst role.  I know I have incredibly big shoes to fill.  It has been a privilege watching and learning from Stan during our time in the booth together.  Auburn Family, I look forward to sharing great memories with you alongside the Voice of the Tigers, Andy Burcham, this fall.”

Campbell has been a member of the Auburn Sports Network since 2016, where he had the role of pregame and halftime show analyst.

The voice of the Auburn Tigers, [autotag]Andy Burcham[/autotag], shared his appreciation for White’s dedication to the network for over two decades and says that he is excited to get to work alongside Campbell in his new role.

“(Campbell) was the overwhelming choice to replace Stan in the booth. He continues the tradition of outstanding quarterbacks who have moved into the booth, including Pat Sullivan, Charlie Trotman, and Stan White. I look forward to working alongside Jason starting with the A-Day game.”

Campbell will become the second member of Auburn’s 2004 SEC Championship team to be a part of Auburn Football’s play-by-play coverage, joining sideline reporter [autotag]Ronnie Brown[/autotag], who was also a first-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft.

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Kickoff time, TV network revealed for Auburn’s game with Western Kentucky

Auburn’s final home game of the season gets the afternoon treatment.

Auburn Football will host Western Kentucky for its’ final home game of the season, and will do so during the afternoon slot on SEC Network.

The Tigers and Hilltoppers will square off at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 19, and will be broadcasted live on SEC Network.

Nex Saturday’s game will mark the third time in history that these two programs have met. Both meetings took place at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

In 2003’s game, both [autotag]Jason Campbell[/autotag] and [autotag]Josh Sullivan[/autotag] threw for over 100 yards while [autotag]Brandon Jacobs[/autotag], [autotag]Carnell Williams[/autotag], and [autotag]Ronnie Brown[/autotag] scored one touchdown each in Auburn’s 48-3 win. In 2005, [autotag]Blake Field[/autotag] threw for three touchdowns and 200 yards while the Tiger defense made seven stops behind the line of scrimmage, leading Auburn to a 37-14 victory over the Hilltoppers.

Week 12 is usually designated as the final nonconference weekend for most SEC teams. There will only be three games involving mutual conference opponents: Florida at Vanderbilt, Georgia at Kentucky, and Ole Miss at Arkansas.

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Former teammates of Cadillac Williams issue challenge for next Saturday’s game with Texas A&M

Next Saturday’s game with Texas A&M will be a special occasion, and Carnell Williams’ former teammates want fellow former Tigers to be on hand.

Once the news broke that [autotag]Bryan Harsin[/autotag] had been relieved of his duties, the world as Auburn Football knew it began to shake, starting with Carnell Williams.

“Cadillac” found out 30 minutes following the official announcement of Harsin’s dismissal that he would take over as interim coach for the Tigers’ final four games.

As an Auburn Football legend, Williams says that he is excited to be in a position to give back to a program that has poured so much into his success.

“I mean, this place is dear to my heart, (Auburn) has done so much for my family and I, it has changed my life in so many ways,” Williams said during Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference. “So, for me to have an opportunity to give back to Auburn in this position as the leader, you know at times it’s heavy, but Lord knows I’m excited, I’m grateful, I’m honored, and I am ready to serve and give all I can to these players, this coaching staff and the Auburn family.”

After the news of Williams earning the title of interim coach, his former teammates issued a call to action for former Auburn players to show up to Jordan-Hare Stadium for Auburn’s next home game against Texas A&M on Nov. 12.

Fellow running back [autotag]Ronnie Brown[/autotag] and quarterback [autotag]Jason Campbell[/autotag], who played with Williams from 2001-04, issued the challenge on Instagram, calling for former players to support Williams as he becomes the first black head coach in Auburn history, and the first Auburn alum to lead the program since Shug Jordan, who coached at his alma mater from 1951-1975.

Williams’ first game as head coach will be Saturday on the road at Mississippi State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.

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The updated top 10 passers in Auburn football history

The updated all-time passing list after the 2021 season.

There have been some memorable passers in Auburn Tigers football history. Most recently we saw the son of one of the top 10 passers ascend the charts. Bo Nix came within striking distance of being the No. 2 passer in school history. His father Patrick Nix was a four-year player for Auburn as well.

Other notable names for the program include Jason Campbell, who led an undefeated team in the 2004 season. The Tigers didn’t get a shot at the title but finished No. 2 after defeating Virginia Tech in the Nokia Sugar Bowl.

Recent quarterbacks Nick Marshall and Jarrett Stidham both made an appearance on the top 10 all-time passers list as well. A look at the updated top 10 following the 2021 college football season:

Ex-Raiders QB Jason Campbell: Al Davis once told him to ‘Throw the ball deep’ mid-game, leading to a TD

Ex-Raiders QB Jason Campbell tells incredible Al Davis story

The legend of Al Davis is well told. The late, great owner of the Raiders did it all in pro football and revolutionized the sport, helping it become the powerhouse it is today.

But there are some stories about Davis that have yet to be revealed.

Former Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell recently told an incredible tale about Davis during an appearance on Next Round Live. Campbell remembered a time when Davis called an unconventional but successful play from his upstairs perch at the venerable Oakland Coliseum.

The date? Halloween, 2010. The opponent? The Seattle Seahawks. The Raiders shellacked Seattle that day, 33-3, and one touchdown was a direct result of Davis’ demand to “throw the ball deep.”

Take a listen below, thanks to the Raiders’ official Twitter account.

 

That is simply sensational. Davis’ demand wasn’t entirely practical given the coverage on defense, but Campbell, his coaches and his teammates executed the play for a deep touchdown to Davis’ speedy wide receiver, Darrius Heyward-Bey.

There are many stories about Davis calling plays from upstairs, but this one is interesting because of the timing. The Raiders were on a roll for the first time in years, having dismantled the Broncos the week before, 59-14. Davis was definitely feeling himself, and his roster, during the Seahawks game.

His confidence was well-founded. The Raiders, under head coach Tom Cable, went undefeated in the AFC West that year and outscored their opponents by 39 points during the campaign. The Raiders offense was 10th in the NFL in yardage that season and the defense ranked 11th in yards against.

They ultimately finished 8-8, however. Still, it was the first sign of life from the franchise since it lost to coach Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Davis famously said he doesn’t want to take what the defense gives him, he’d rather take what he wants. That spirit was in full force when Cambell chucked the football downfield, against all odds. Now, the Raiders have to recall another Davis classic — Just Win Baby — as they attempt to make a run to the Super Bowl with the Al Davis Memorial Torch on display inside Allegiant Stadium.

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Auburn football’s top 20 passers ever

Where does your favorite Auburn quarterback rank all-time?

Auburn football has a decorated history of quarterbacks.

The Tigers have had multiple quarterbacks hoist Heisman Trophies at the end of the year as well as seen their passers taken in the first round of the NFL Draft. Bu where do these special players rank among Auburn football history?

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix will more than likely get a great opportunity to climb this list during the 2021 college football season.

Despite inconsistent quarterback play as of late, Auburn fans have seen several signal-callers throw the ball all over the field.

Let’s take a look at the leading passers in Auburn football history.