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Borges needs to work his magic again
Cook's Corner by BEN COOK
BIRMINGHAM POST-HERALD
A little over a year ago, the name Al Borges meant nothing in the state of Alabama. In fact, it hardly meant anything anywhere in the Southeast. ::::>That's what happens when you are the offensive coordinator at an obscure football school like Indiana, but in the past year Borges has enjoyed a King Midas year — everything he touched turned to gold.
::::>Mainly what he touched was the Auburn Tigers' offense, and it certainly was golden last season.
::::>Borges was well known at other places across the country where he had put his touch on offenses for the California Golden Bears, Oregon Ducks and UCLA Bruins in the Pac-10 after successful stints at Portland State and Boise State. The common thread there was all of those schools were west of the Mississippi River. In fact, they were west of the Rocky Mountains.
::::>When he accepted the job of offensive coordinator and quarterback coach for the Indiana Hoosiers, a school known for basketball instead of the oblong ball, Borges expanded his territory but took a huge risk of burying his career. Fortunately for him, he was rescued by Tommy Tuberville, who needed to jump start an offense that had been less-than overwhelming under the dual offensive leadership of Steve Ensminger and Hugh Nall the previous season.
::::>Being back at a real football school in a powerful football conference was a great stroke for Borges. Being at Auburn where he had Jason Campbell, Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown made it even better. Borges was set up for success and he didn't disappoint. Auburn's offense was one of the best in the country last season as the Tigers rolled through a perfect season, a Southeastern Conference championship and a No. 2 national ranking.
::::>Everybody threw kudos at Borges for his work with the offense. Everybody, that is, except Borges who modestly deflects the praise toward his players and the defensive side of the football.
::::>All that modesty aside, Borges had a magical first season as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Auburn.
::::>But now his work is cut out for him. Does Borges still have the Midas touch when it comes to the Auburn offense? Don't forget that will be an offense without Campbell, Williams and Brown. In fact, this will be a season for Borges to test his pet theory about offense.
::::>"You've got to find things your kids can do well and gear your offense toward that," he said in an interview this spring. "That s what I think offensive football really is: finding out who your weapons are and gearing your offense to get them the ball."
::::>Finding who the weapons are is Borges' challenge for this season. The Tigers are riding a 15-game winning streak and out to defend their SEC title; the backfield may wear orange and blue, but underneath it will be green and greener.
::::>Quarterback Brandon Cox has shown signs of being able to live up to his potential, he just hasn't had to do it with a game on the line yet. That's not to say he can't, just that he hasn't had to yet. But he will inherit Borges' quarterback-friendly offense and a talented and experienced offensive line to work behind.
::::>Tre Smith, who emerged No. 1 on the depth chart at tailback, had some big moments for the Tigers in 2002 and Ã03, but he missed all of last season with an injury. He did not...he played till he could play no more, then he redshirted.
came when he was forced into the role because of injuries to his better known counterparts Williams and Brown.
::::>In that situation, not as much is expected of you as it will be when you start a season No. 1. Smith will have to prove that he can handle the pressure of being the starter Already proved it...Bammer in '02....and the 5-10, 199-pound junior will also prove he can take the pounding of a full season.
::::>But why should anybody worry about the Tigers' offense as long as Al Borges is around ... and as long as he hasn't lost his Midas touch.
Cook's Corner appears each Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Birmingham Post-Herald.
