New Director of Athletics Greg McGarity got the 1980 Championship Team  some good seats, for the Idaho State body-slamming. We sat halfway up, on the sunny side, around the 20 yard line. Found myself jumping around to different seats, trying to speak to a lot of teammates about life and the 'Dogs season. It's not easy to see this team floundering at 5-5. 
    Little bit of a slow start for Aaron Murray and the offense, but the defense made plenty of big plays. Couldn't take my eyes off freshman safety Alec Ogletree, who got his first start. Smart of Grantham to get him significant snaps and a boost of confidence, before they face Cam Newton. Alec looked impressive as he ran around and got 3 tackles. Plug him in, with LBs Jarvis Jones and Richard Samuel, and the 2011 defense will have 3 impact dudes lining up. Ogletree faces a big test on Saturday however. 
    Good to see Rambo, Boykin and Cuff jump some routes and pick 3 balls off. 'Dogs need some of that ths Saturday against Auburn. Branden Smith was back in the mix at cornerback and looking good. 
    The concern is up front. Auburn's O-Line is strong and impressive. Not sure our guys are ready for that challenge. 
    Had some fun sitting next to LIndsay Scott, watching him focus on A.J. Green. Lindsay was reading coverage and shouting out, when A.J. got 1-on-1 coverage. Murray went the other way a couple of times and I had to calm LIndsay down. Murray is still a first-year starter, I'd say. 
    I really enjoyed getting to see Hutson Mason get some playing time. He looks really comfortable out there. This was really his first shot. Bobo got him some passing opportunities. Got to see Bobo coaching him up between series, on Melvin Simmons (RB 1980 team) super, duper binoculars. Just wish I could have gone to the locker room after the game to pat him on the back. That first shot at Sanford Stadium is so memorable. 
    Nice to hear the cheers too, as we got introduced at halftime. Thanks so much for welcoming our team back.