(RNN) – If you have to blame the Auburn Tigers' 26-19 loss to Clemson on something, look no further than Brian VanGorder's mustache.
Sure, the first-year defensive coordinator had a solid outing. His defense bent but didn't break against a talented Clemson squad Saturday, allowing the young Auburn offense to keep up until the final minutes.
But while VanGorder showed the intensity that has helped him to find success in the NFL and NCAA, his mustache just sat there, hipper than Tony Manero on the weekend.
Sadly, the whiskers remain trapped in a time period of gigantic lapels, polyester suits and triple-option offenses. Auburn players can't help but be confused as VanGorder calls plays while his mustache screams "look out for the wishbone," or "you know who's a good running back? That Earl Campbell!"
It's enough to leave everyone in a glass case of emotion.
Defenders already had to worry about one of the better QBs in college, Clemson's Tajh Boyd. Being asked if they've heard the new Donna Summer record or "going to Studio 54 after" by a coach's facial hair only added to the anxiety.
‘Foggy Bottom Boys'
The Mississippi State Bulldogs opened their season Saturday with a 56-9 win against Jackson State. The toughest part of their day ended up being the run onto the football field.
Somebody set the dry ice machine settings to "industrial revolution-era coal factory," dropping the visibility to zero, and some of the Dawgs knocked each other over while charging out in front of the home crowd.
The school's athletic department had the scene on its YouTube page but removed the video. Unfortunately, the only other evidence on the site is a more mean-spirited version of the "Starkville Stumble."
While the moment might have been embarrassing, MSU fans should be hopeful. Nearly every "we start out bad but end up good" sports movie begins with something like that – The Longest Yard, The Replacements, Necessary Roughness, Bad News Bears, Major League, the list goes on and on.
If Mississippi State can find a rebellious hotshot with a checkered past, a Welsh field-goal kicker or an old-timer with one more good year in him, they should be in for a fantastic season.
Copyright 2012 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
The Mississippi State Bulldogs had a great trip. They'll see you next fall. (Source: YouTube)
Auburn Tigers defensive coordinator or evening news anchor circa-1977? You decide. (Source: YouTube)
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