Auburn fans are justified in optimism that Alex Golesh can turn the Tigers around. He could become Auburn's best head coach since Pat Dye. Golesh might pat some attention to Dye's legacy.
Back in 2017, while talking on the Paul Finebaum Show, Pat Dye said, "We could play football for another 500 years and not catch up to Alabama's tradition." Auburn fans were aghast, and Dye's further words caused more pain: "It doesn’t mean we can’t beat Alabama on occasion."
'On occasion' has been accurate. Since Dye's statement, Alabama and Auburn have played nine teams. The Tigers have won twice, in 20217 and 2019. Alabama has won six Iron Bowls in a row, making it over 2,300 days since Auburn beat Alabama in football.
Before the next Iron Bowl, Alabama and Auburn will have played 11 other teams. It seems odd that Alex Golesh is focused on the last game of next season. He does not come across as a fearful guy, but apparently, Golesh is already worried about his first Iron Bowl.
Favorite Song of Alabama Football Fans
At a recent Auburn practice, the favorite song of Alabama football fans, Dixieland Delight blared through speakers. After speaking with some Auburn players, al.com's Peter Rauterkus reported a player's answer was: "The Iron Bowl, people feel like it's lost its juice. Coach Golesh is trying to bring that back."
There is an old southern saying about someone having lost zest for something, "he's get up and go, got up and went." Golesh is apparently worried his players will lack enough zest in the next Iron Bowl. So the Tigers now have an 'Iron Bowl' practice period.
Coaches use all kinds of gimmicks to motivate players. When a gimmick works, it is lauded. Maybe Golesh has found a genius motivational tool, but a first impression asks why remind Auburn players that the Tigers program is 'little brother' to Alabama. The gimmick feels so lame that it is laughable.
Auburn players and fans often talk about Auburn being 'different'. Alex Golesh has certainly embraced that claim.
Note: Alabama and Auburn game history provided by mcubed.net