The Auburn Observer (private feed for tonytheautiger@gmail.com)

The 2025 Auburn Grubserver Awards Show

It’s the third annual Auburn Grubserver podcast episode — but the inaugural awards show. Hundreds of Observer subscribers voted for their favorite restaurants in the Auburn/Opelika area in the following categories, with Justin and Dan guiding you through the selections:* Barbecue* Breakfast* Burgers* Chicken Fingers* Chinese* Fine(r) Dining* Ice Cream* Italian* Japanese* Korean* Mexican* Pizza* Sports Bar* WingsThe guys also go through an In Memoriam segment for establishments that are no longer with us, along with the induction of the 2025 Grubserver Hall of Famer — joining Pannie George’s in our list of the ultimate places where you should eat if you’re visiting the Auburn area.This podcast, originally published in August, has now been unlocked for free for all listeners. Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Episode 514: It's What's For Dinner (Baylor Recap)

Justin and Dan are back from Texas, and they decide to record a marathon episode of The Observer podcast to recap what they saw from Auburn’s 38-24 road win at Baylor and what else happened in Week 1 of college football season. Topics include:* the vibe shift that winning this game provided for Auburn football* Justin taking a small victory lap about his running game prediction* why Auburn thrived, for a change, at taking what Baylor’s defense gave it* Jackson Arnold’s decision-making and how the offense reflected his strengths* how the Tigers’ defensive front made a big impact in this game* the surprising struggles against defending Baylor’s passing attack* Rayshawn Pleasant’s instant impact at kick returner* why Amaris Williams really caught Dan’s eyes in Waco* a strong night for Auburn’s tight ends* how this might have been Connor Lew’s best game at Auburn* the perfect pairing of Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb at running back* the other areas to improve over the next two home games* GUS MALZAHN, IN HIS BAG* Alabama’s continued on-field downturn under Kalen DeBoer * Arch Madness and everyone needing to calm down* how Week 1 was all about running the dang ball, everywhere* keeping an eye on what happened at Kentucky and Texas A&M* Troy (yikes)! Rice (yay)! New Mexico (cool)! UCLA (oh no)!* Justin and Dan’s Texas travel recap If you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Episode 513: Let It Rip (Baylor Preview)

We made it. Let’s talk about an actual football game happening this week. Justin and Dan are previewing Auburn-Baylor. Topics for this subscribers-only podcast include:* is Auburn’s defense going to be strong again? (we could find out early)* why it’s important to look at the context with Baylor’s offense from last season* who will provide the pass rush for the Tigers?* can Auburn make its extra depth at running back count?* Damari Alston’s time to shine after a long wait* the extra-special importance of a turnover battle in Week 1* Jackson Arnold taking over for his first start as an Auburn Tiger* why Auburn needs to make its talent advantage really count in the trenches* a turnaround in special teams play after a rough season in that department* Dan’s plans in Waco* Justin’s barbecue hunt in the Dallas area* the guys’ top four U.S. states, excluding the ones where they’ve livedThis is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join for a discounted rate of $4/month or $40/year by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Episode 512: Walk the Talk

Before Justin and Dan preview Auburn vs. Baylor later this week, they go deep on some aspects of the Tigers’ roster heading into the 2025 season. Topics for this episode include:* all the defensive “ORs” on the depth chart and what they mean* why that Dave Aranda quote makes more sense than some Auburn fans think* “believe it when you see it” when it comes to Auburn’s offense* Baylor’s defensive strengths and how Auburn might have to attack them* the pass protection questions and the commitment to the ground game* Damari Alston’s first crack at becoming the Tigers’ new lead back* Horatio Fields’ big preseason camp and chances at starting out wide* why Dan thinks a sharp performance on either side of the ball could mean big things in SEC play* why Justin is still focused on one big stat for the Auburn offense in Week 1* Alex McPherson’s health situation * Dan’s review of the War Eagle+ series on the 2010 national championship teamIf you’re receiving this free podcast episode and would like to upgrade to a paid subscription that gives you access to all stories and premium podcast episodes for the special price of $4/month or $40/year, subscribe using the button below or clicking this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.

Episode 511: Iron Sharpens Iron (feat. Jay Busbee)

After Justin and Dan talk about the SEC’s move to a 3-6-6 scheduling format in football, Jay Busbee of Yahoo! Sports joins the show to discuss his new book, Iron in the Blood: How the Alabama vs. Auburn Rivalry Shaped the Soul of the South. Topics for this show include:* Justin’s victory lap for the 3-6-6 Mafia* Dan’s correct point about how this was the only way to go to nine games* a discussion of which team Auburn should get as its third permanent opponent* an interesting note that Notre Dame could be adding Auburn to a future schedule* why Jay decided to write the definitive book on the Iron Bowl… as an outsider* Jay’s favorite Auburn wins, players and coaches to discuss* how Shug Jordan should be a bigger name in college football history* imagining an alternate universe where the Iron Bowl moved back to neutral sites* Kick Six stories* what Jay sees for the future of the Auburn-Alabama rivalry* Justin and Dan breaking down Week Zero in college footballThis is a premium podcast for Observer subscribers only. You can join for a discounted rate of $4/month or $40/year by clicking the button below or going to this link.Follow Dan (@dnpck) and Justin (@JFergusonAU) on Twitter. Thank you for subscribing. Leave a comment or share this episode.