LSU coach Les Miles offered reporters a unique perspective Wednesday on the 2005 game against Auburn University in Tiger Stadium. “Last year’s game – there was no weird twist. It ended just like it was supposed to,” Miles said sarcastically. “I didn’t see any weird twists. I hope last year’s game is an example of the twists and the turns that the game will take for us.” In a series filled with games titled “The Cigar Game” and “The Earthquake Game,” the trend in the past two years has involved bizarre special teams play. In 2005, John Vaughn stole the game’s spotlight. The Auburn place-kicker had missed four field goals in the game up until he had one last chance to tie the game in overtime. But the series’ unconventional history just would not allow any normal ending. Vaughn’s 39-yard attempt banged off the left upright and sent the largest crowd in Tiger Stadium’s history into frenzy. One year earlier, it seemed as though Auburn had missed a potentially-winning extra point with 1:14 left on the clock, and the score tied at 9-9. But game officials called a leverage penalty on former LSU defensive back Ronnie Prude, which gave Vaughn a chance for redemption. Vaughn took advantage of the opportunity and sent LSU home with a 1-point loss. So the question looms – what does this year’s game have in store for everyone? Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville said his kicker has come a long way since this past season’s debacle and is ready for any challenge the game presents. “When it comes to being a great kicker, you have to have the consistency that goes along with either making short ones or long ones,” Tuberville said in a news release. “[Vaughn] will be the first to tell you that he has not had that consistency. This year he has. We have a lot of confidence in him.” LSU place-kicker Chris Jackson very simply said whatever happens, happens. “If it comes down to a kick, so be it,” Jackson said. Jackson, who admitted his made field goal against Auburn in 2005 was his most pressure-packed attempt, said he stays committed to a routine to help lessen the effects of kicking in a hostile environment. “I basically get back there and take a quick glance,” Jackson said. “Then I just get focused on the spot of the ball and try to drown out everything besides the snap and the hold.” Jackson said he can relate to Vaughn’s past misfortune and can imagine his feelings after the 2005 game. Against Alabama this past season, Jackson missed three field goals, but LSU bailed him out by escaping with a 16-13 overtime win. “The big thing is you can’t let it affect you,” Jackson said. “You got to kind of understand what you did wrong at the moment so you can correct it. Once you let it get into your mind, then you’re done with, and it’s all luck from there.” Miles said LSU will likely maintain its current plan to have Jackson attempt the field goals and allow sophomore place kicker Colt David attempt the extra points. David, who has made 47-straight extra points, said he does not get nervous “in a bad way,” but enjoys kicking in the clutch. “[The pressure situation] kind of makes it more important to me,” David said. “I kind of feel better about it. I like the rush.”
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