Looks like Auburn will honor its 9/15/07 contract.

[BleacherBull]

From today's Columbus, GA Ledger-Enquirer:

Auburn scrambles to finish schedule

Tigers still have two holes to fill in 2007 football schedule

BY CHRISTA TURNER

Staff Writer

AUBURN, Ala. - Auburn associate athletic director Mark Richard estimates he's talked to someone at nearly every university in Bowl Championship Series conferences -- or at least their league commission for scheduling football.

Like last year, it's been a nightmare for the Tigers to come up with the last couple of teams to round out the 2007 football schedule.

The Tigers are trying to fill two slots -- opening day on Sept. 1 and the week before the Georgia game, which is Nov. 3

"We've talked to a lot of teams," Richard said. "I can't really throw out names at this point."

Richard and athletic director Jay Jacobs each expressed a desire to finish the schedule within the next two weeks. Auburn is seeking a team from a BCS conference for the season opener -- much like Washington State in 2006 -- and a non-BCS caliber team for the November slot.

With the help of ESPN, Auburn tried to work out a deal with Oregon State for the opener.

"They tried to make it work," Jacobs said. "I believe they had to move around a game or two. We certainly appreciate them trying."

The key for the Tigers is beefing out a home schedule many Auburn fans perceive as weak already. For the conference schedule, the Tigers have Alabama -- their strongest draw -- but also Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. None of those three are considered big draws.

The Tigers already have a pair of interesting non-conference games. South Florida plays in the Big East, finishing 9-4 this past season with a bowl win. The Bulls lose only five senior starters and ended the season strong with an upset of West Virginia. They will also host New Mexico State, coached by former Kentucky coach Hal Mumme.

"We feel like we owe it to our people to have at least a couple of strong games in there to make it a little more attractive, the home season ticket, and that's what we're trying to do," Richard said.

Jacobs said scheduling will be much easier once the Tigers get past the 2007 season. West Virginia is already on tap for the 2008 and 2009 season, and Auburn is already working on schedules for 2010 and beyond.

Richard said that having West Virginia lined up has actually hindered the efforts for the upcoming schedule.

"It's tough to get a team because they want to go back-to-back-years," Richard said. "That's what has been making it difficult. We've tried working with ESPN again to land a team like we did with Washington State that came in and played one game and we didn't have to return that trip.

"We're hoping to have something soon. I would like to have this completed by January 31. I think we can reach this goal."

www.ledger-enquirer.com

[Cubanbull]

Hmm its difficult to schedule games vs other BCS teams when you are NOT willing to travel in return.

[BULLfreak]

they better I just got my Hotel rooms for the game.

FYI if you are planning on going to the game get your rooms now. I had to find a room in GA because a room in Auburn is going to cost you if you can find one.

[WoolyBully]

...The key for the Tigers is beefing out a home schedule many Auburn fans perceive as [highlight]weak[/highlight] already. For the conference schedule, the Tigers have Alabama -- their strongest draw -- but also Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and Mississippi State. None of those three are considered big draws.

See...now that tells you something about SEC football. It's not a question of whether your opponent is in conference....not a question of whether your opponent is a BCS team. It's a question of whether your opponent - at home - is a good BCS team.

I wonder what constitutes 'not a big draw' in Opelika?

[smazza]

Hmm its difficult to schedule games vs other BCS teams when you are NOT willing to travel in return.

auburn plays in tough sec

big east teamsike usf need to travel to play top 25 teams if we want respect

[smazza]

ohio state's bs schedule didnt prepare them for a great team like florida

[E.T.]

Auburn needs to act like a big time program ... no reason not to have a complete schedule 7-8 months before the season starts.

8-)

[dabull80]

Hmm its difficult to schedule games vs other BCS teams when you are NOT willing to travel in return.

auburn plays in tough sec

big east teamsike usf need to travel to play top 25 teams if we want respect

Not in 2007 - we will have 2 top 25 teams coming to RayJay and two more on the road.

[Apis Bull]

Hmm its difficult to schedule games vs other BCS teams when you are NOT willing to travel in return.

auburn plays in tough sec

big east teamsike usf need to travel to play top 25 teams if we want respect

Not in 2007 - we will have 2 top 25 teams coming to RayJay and two more on the road.

That's just one of his ongoing mantras.  Just ignore it.

[crambone]

All I know is that we had better show up, or we're getting raped.