Nov 2, 2013; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Robenson Therezie (27) celebrates after a Tigers fumble recovery in the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Senior Day
The first reason Saturday’s game against Samford is important is because it is Senior Day. In other words, it’s the last chance for fans and the Auburn family to see seniors (and potentially early NFL draftees – Sammie Coates, for example) play in Jordan-Hare Stadium. And, this particular group of seniors means a lot to Auburn.
“It’s a real special group,” Auburn football coach Gus Malzahn said this week. “If you think back to two years ago with everything they went through, they were able to overcome those things and help lead us to the national championship game last year. And do a solid job up to this point. They’re just a real special group that provided a lot of good leadership. We’re relying on them the next two games, too, to finish this thing strong.
Betsided
“Our seniors are very excited about playing their last home game here at home, and I know their families are, too.”
Malzahn brought many of the seniors in when he was an assistant coach under Gene Chizik, though others transferred from junior colleges or other institutions. The Tigers endured a 3-9 record in 2012 while Malzahn was the head coach at Arkansas State, and this group was a big part of the turnaround that ended with an SEC Championship and BCS National Championship Game appearance following the 2013 season.
Among the seniors that will make their final appearances at Jordan-Hare Saturday are Nick Marshall, Cameron Artis-Payne, Quan Bray, Corey Grant, Brandon Fulse, C.J. Uzomah, Robenson Therezie and Jermaine Whitehead. Overall, 22 Auburn football players will be honored prior to kickoff against Samford.
Next: Why the Game Against Samford is Important, Continued