Our seasoned guest returns for a look back at a pivotal win in the magical 1993 season. We have missed him these last few weeks, as Auburn has focused on newer and “less serious” foes. Welcome back.
Perfect Weather
by Merideth Akers
In 1993 I turned down an invitation to travel by private plane to Fayetteville for the Auburn vs. Arkansas game. The weather forecast called for below freezing temperature, windy conditions, and snow. The weatherman hit the bullseye with his forecast.
Terry Bowden was in his first year as Auburn’s head coach. The departure of Pat Dye as head coach was untimely, but he had left the squad loaded with good players. Auburn had jumped out to a perfect 7-and-0 record and it was hard to turn down such an enticing opportunity to fly to the game. Auburn was on probation and under a TV ban, so my only option was to listen on the radio and then wait for the Terry Bowden replay show on TV.
As I recall, Frank Sanders caught a long pass from Stan White to set up an early Auburn touchdown. Later in the game, safety Brian Robinson returned an interception for a score.
Because of the weather, Auburn mostly ran the ball, and with a good bit of success. Auburn had two premier tailbacks in Stephen Davis and James Bostic. But the workhorse on this day was fullback Reid McMillan. My guess is that McMillan ran between the tackles for over 100 rugged yards. I remember that a tough touchdown run by Reid McMillan in the fourth quarter sealed the win for the Tigers. Auburn won the game 31-21.
My friend returned from the bone chilling, but exciting game to report, “It was perfect weather for killin’ hogs.”
