The latest in a long line of Alabama natives to become a star on “Idol” makes his debut tonight.

We’ve said it since his very first Auburn press conference: our coach is a preacher. … Keep Reading: * Some Auburn fans less than thrilled with Coaches’ Trophy tour * Former Auburn cheerleader competing in new season of ‘Survivor’ * Three-hour delay turns flight to Phoenix into Auburn pep rally * ‘Cammy Koozie’s’ fund family’s [...]

This go round, Auburn’s good fortunes only took six weeks to inspire a local restaurant.

National Guardsman Walt Austin may have watched the game alone but he celebrated in style: “I’ve made a lot of frivolous purchases in my life. I’ve bought things I didn’t really need. I’ve spent more money than necessary to get the ‘name brand.’ I try to be careful with my money for the most part, but sometimes you just have to treat yourself to something nice.”

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, is about to eat a little crow by wearing a little tie.

Had Rick Bragg had any interest, or any certainty that he would not have been promptly dismissed by his employer—and yes, they do roll like that— the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and interpreter of all things southern, and current University of Alabama professor of writing could have had his wordsmithin’ way with the pure Dixie drama this year’s Iron Bowl. But he just doesn’t do that anymore.

You miss Dr. Gouge’s bit about the Rubicon, the applause and chants (“Ko-di, Ko-di, Ko-di…”) for Mr. Burns, and, if you can believe it, even lot of Fairley’s clowning. (And of course the great season recap video, which you can find here.) But this is the meat and the potatoes and the “War Damn…” desert. [...]

Think of that feeling of the opening weekend of the season. Anything is possible and the opponent isn’t one you’re really very concerned about. You’re just full of optimism about what you’ll see that season. It is a carefree feeling, heading inside when it isn’t LSU or Georgia or Alabama across the way. That’s a great way to walk inside the old stadium. This was like that, but perhaps better.

“He said ‘yes’ to Auburn football.” — Gene Chizik on God. … Keep Reading: * I Survived the Kopper Kettle Explosion and all I got was this t-shirt * Erin Andrews at Toomer’s Corner * Was Walt Disney an Auburn fan? * Against Me! bassist pulls for the Tigers * Player on 1972 ‘Amazin’s’ squad [...]

You can take the man out of Florida, but you can’t take the Florida out of the man.