[Tuck4Bama]

AUBURN -- During the introductory portion of his weekly Tuesday press conference, Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville launched into a passionate, totally unprompted defense of Mississippi State coach Sylvester Croom.

Croom is just 10-26 in his fourth season at State. But Tuberville sharply criticized any suggestion that Croom's job should be in jeopardy and took some not-so-subtle shots at former MSU coach Jackie Sherrill, an old rival from Tuberville's stint at Ole Miss.

"If Sylvester Croom is on the hot seat, then we need to look around and check ourselves," Tuberville said. "Here's a guy that came in and took over a program that was dismantled, out of control, that needed some leadership in their football program, and bring some dignity and character back to it. He has definitely done that.

"I'm proud to say I'm a friend of his. He's worked very hard and done it the right way. He didn't come in the first year and skirt the rules and try to throw a team together to win. He's looking out for those young guys. He's doing it the right way."

Tuberville went on to say that he would love for Croom to coach his two sons. He also suggested that Croom had a "10-year plan," an idea sure to either amuse or inflame State fans.

"Hopefully, we can knock him off this week," Tuberville said. "But I'm telling you, every time we play them our players always say, 'Coach, these guys play as hard as anybody we play.' We expect that this weekend."

AUBURN NOTEBOOK: Tuberville defends Croom- al.com