AUBURN —  The Auburn football team went through a 110-minute practice in full pads Tuesday evening as the Tigers prepared for Saturday’s Homecoming game against the Samford Bulldogs.

Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn noted it was a physical practice as the Tigers go into the final two games of the 2011 regular season.

“We went full pads tonight, it was fairly physical,” Malzahn said. “We tried to get back into the flow and get our mindset right so we can finish strong.”

Malzahn said the team was attentive and he was pleased with the Tigers’ effort during the practice.

“I thought it (practice) was pretty solid,” Malzahn said. “I felt like our guys were ready to get back at it and get things going.”

Auburn (6-4, 4-3 SEC) takes on Samford (6-4, 4-4 Southern Conference) at Noon CT Saturday in the 85th Homecoming game on the Plains.

Auburn and Samford have not met since the 1993 season. The Tigers hold a 25-0-1 record against Samford. The teams played 24 times from 1903 to 1945.

The game marks the return of former Auburn quarterback Pat Sullivan who has served as Samford’s head coach for the past five seasons. Sullivan will be honored prior to the game for the 40th anniversary of his Heisman Trophy-winning season of 1971.
     
Sullivan became Auburn’s first Heisman Trophy winner as a senior that season. His stats for the 1971 season: 162-for-281 (58 pct.) for 2,012 yards, 20 TD and 11 INT. Sullivan also rushed 47 times for 84 yards and two scores.

Sullivan led the Tigers to a 26-7 overall record and a 15-5 SEC record in three years.

A pay-per-view broadcast will be available in the state of Alabama to cable subscribers and small dish owners who subscribe to DirecTV or Dish Network.

Courtesy Auburn Athletic Media Relations