News Showcase

Good morning. If you hear a loud knocking sound, don’t be alarmed.

It’s only Auburn fans who’ve read ahead of you in this space, and they’re knocking on wood for all they’re worth.

Newspapers report news, and, when there’s an unusual lack of news, well … that’s news.

One can’t help noticing the relative quiet from Auburn since the end of the 2006 football season.

There’s been garden-variety academic news. Linebacker Patrick Trahan and defensive tackle Greg Smith hiccupped in school, so they won’t be eligible next season.

There’s the on-going saga of linebacker Tray Blackmon, who returned to campus in May after taking time off from school to resolve personal issues. The twice-suspended Blackmon must make up schoolwork this summer to be eligible for the 2007 season, but it’s doable. Stay tuned.

There’s the grade-changing probe in Mobile involving Auburn signees Nick Fairley and Ryan Williams, but the investigation has stayed within the Mobile County school system. There’s been no indication that anyone from Auburn was involved.

Fairley was always considered a so-so prospect to qualify academically to play next season. It looks like Williams has done well enough in school and on his entrance exam to be eligible, even if 10 grades are restored.

Neither player was expected to make much if any impact on the field this season.

Nothing much else of note, and those who’ve followed Auburn any length of time know that’s noteworthy.

The same school that replaced at least one coordinator on its football staff every January from 2002-06 had no turnover on the staff this year.

The school that replaced its men’s and women’s basketball and baseball coaches and nearly ousted its football coach between November 2003 and June of 2004 replaced only its swimming coach this year.

Fans grumbled about third-year baseball coach Tom Slater, but athletics director Jay Jacobs came out in support of Slater before the season ended. That appears to be that, at least for another year.

Could there be another silly-season scandal looming?

Wasn’t it about this time last year when we heard rumors about the New York Times nosing around Auburn?

That became an education on directed-reading courses, a black eye on the smiley face Auburn had stamped on its academic reputation.

We’re not hearing much chatter this late spring.

Blame the drought. Blame Paris Hilton. Blame Rosie O’Donnell.

Blame general pacification at Auburn because of years of football success, including five straight Iron Bowl victories.

Blame Alabama’s movie-script search for a football coach for providing the state enough drama to last until football season.

Blame what you will, but it’s been a quiet offseason on The Plain.

Call it boring, if you prefer, but a quiet offseason can be a good thing. Quiet usually means stability, and stability usually follows success.