[Tuck4Bama]

Tommy Tuberville knows how recruiting works. The opposition grabs something negative and takes off running. That's what happened to Tuberville and Auburn in 2004 when the double-whammy of an ill-timed trip to Louisville and a SACS investigation hurt his efforts to find the best recruiting class available.

The Tigers are playing a bit shorthanded because of it today.

The Tigers have only four players who initially signed scholarships from that class of 29 players who have full-time starting jobs today.

Maybe that's why all 49 of Auburn's points this year have been scored by freshmen and sophomores. And maybe it is a good thing for Auburn the last two recruiting classes have been top-heavy with talent to pick up the slack. At least 18 freshmen or sophomores played last week, and figure to do it again when the Tigers play host to Mississippi State in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.

Tuberville says recruiting was hurt by the public relations hit Auburn took from the academic problems created by the SACS investigation (no, the school wasn't put on academic probation and Auburn didn't lose its NCAA accreditation).

What one assistant coach said then holds true today: "The only SACS my players know is when you tackle the quarterback."

Shorthanded Tigers trace woes to'04- al.com