There is confusion in the Nix household this week.
Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Patrick Nix, a former Auburn quarterback, always made it clear that his children were to cheer for both Auburn and Tech. But with the two teams playing in the season-opener Saturday, the kids are at a loss.
"Bo had his Auburn jersey on at church last night," Nix said. "Auburn is in all of the rooms. That is home for us. We never dreamed we'd be in this position. We always told them that you cheer for wherever dad is and Auburn."
Now what?
Nix has never been in the visitor's locker room at his alma mater. His football roots are deep in Tigers' soil. In 1993, he was part of AU's 11-0 team. In 1995, as the captain and starting quarterback, he led Auburn to an 8-4 record. He finished his career there as the Tigers' career passing efficiency leader and ranked among the top five in school history in numerous other statistical categories.
Now Nix is in his fourth year at Tech and is emotionally torn.
"You do your job," Nix said. "It will be difficult, but pre-game will be neat, though. Auburn taught me to work hard and be loyal. Maybe they can win the rest of their games after that."
As for coaching in the SEC, Nix has some thoughts about that, too.
"I don't know if I'd coach at some places," he said. "You never say never, but there's at least one place where I'm about as close to 100 percent as you can get."
Punter Arndt sets some lofty goals
Punter Ben Arndt is playing with a little less pressure these days. The senior was awarded a scholarship this season.
The expectations haven't waned, though.
Arndt's goal this year is to be an All-ACC selection — one year after he finished ranked 10th among 11 punters in the ACC. If it appears he's aiming a little too high, Arndt doesn't agree.
"Being on a full scholarship has made me more relaxed, and I can build on what I did last year," Arndt said. "I think the key word is consistency. I think my goal is within reach."
Arndt believes he'd have to kick in the low 40-yard average to be considered for all-league honors.
In his best game last year, he averaged 45.8 yards a punt against Virginia Tech.
Against Miami, he punted 10 times for an average of 42 yards. More importantly, the Hurricanes' renowned punt returner, Devin Hester, was held in check thanks in large part to Arndt's solid punts.
"I had a 64-yard net punt against Miami," he said. "We felt like we handled them in that area."
What he doesn't want is a game like the one he had against Maryland, in which he averaged just 33.5 yards on eight punts.
"I think [becoming all-ACC] is certainly within his capability," coach Chan Gailey said. "He's shown some improvement, and seems to be getting better in small steps."
Six Jackets head for home state
Six Georgia Tech players will return to their home state for Saturday's game. Gailey said he would like to extend Tech's recruiting arm into the Northeast and Midwest, but he continues to reach into Alabama for talent.
Freshman defensive end Michael Johnson, a highly-touted recruit, turned down Auburn to attend Tech. Others from Alabama include: Jahi Word-Daniels, David Brown, Will Miller, Cord Howard and Nate McManus.
