FanHouse Karibi Dede

We've talked the past few days about the lack of senior leadership on this Auburn team. Many have pointed to a lack of leadership by the old guys as a reason for the meltdowns against Arkansas and Georgia. Personally, I think that's an over simplification. But it's hard to argue that leadership hasn't played some role in the Tigers struggles this season.

It's ironic that this senior class is on the verge of being the most successful to ever wear orange and blue and yet we're talking about their ability to lead. True, there is really no senior leader on this team. You could argue that the Irons brothers, Will Herring, Karibi Dede or Courtney Taylor are the go-to guys, but it has been hard to see where they've rallied the troops this season. Until now.

Reports out of Auburn on Tuesday are that Taylor gave an impassioned speech to the offense that brought tears to his eyes and others. Taylor knows the rivalry better than anyone on the team. He grew up just outside of Tuscaloosa and has been a part of three wins over the Tide.

I get it. I understand this whole myspace.com thing. I'm down with the technology of the college age student. But at 37, there's little chance you'll ever see me there. As my wife would say, that's kind of creepy. Having a myspace site at my age is akin to Matthew McConaughey hanging out with the kids in Dazed and Confused.

But if you play college football, having your own space on either facebook.com or myspace.com is almost mandatory. And that drives college coaches and administrators crazy. The problem is, well, college kids can sometimes get a little crazy and express themselves too much.

For those of you who aren't hip like me, and don't know about the latest crazy sweeping the country, myspace and facebook are areas where primarily college age students go to "claim their domain" and set up a mini web site about themselves.

Some are more elaborate than others. Most include pictures of themselves, their friends, pets, favorite cars, favorite music, etc. It gives young people a way to go and get to know each other. It's kind of like your room at home when you were a kid. It's a place to express yourself. Got it Dr. Phil? Good.

This phonemonon has not been lost on the Auburn football players. More than a few of them have their own sites, including Kenny Irons, Brad Lester, Courtney Taylor and David Irons. Christa Turner, who's the Auburn beat writer for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer writes an interesting front page story today about the Auburn players and their "space."

Below are links to some of the Auburn players sites. They are unique to say the least...

Kenny Irons

Brad Lester

Courtney Taylor

David Irons

Karibi Dede

Link: Football Saturday In The South

Karibi Dede. Don't you just love to say that name? That is without question, the coolest name in all of college football. I'd love to be Auburn radio play-by-play man Rod Bramblett just for a night so I could say that name over and over again.

Dede is more than just a cool name. The senior from Woodbridge, Virginia has become the unofficial on-field coach for the Tiger defense. And why not? Dede has played all over the field. He's spent time at safety, middle linebacker and now outside linebacker. And he already has his college degree.

Dede's leadership is crucial to Auburn's title hopes. With so many young guys on defense, the team is looking to Dede and fellow linebacker Will Herring to carry the team early while the new guys learn their roles.

On Saturday it worked to perfection. Dede played virtually the entire game and graded out among the highest on the team. Tigers defensive end Quentin Groves says Dede is without question, the go to guy.

"He's the mind of our defense," Groves said. "He's one of the smartest guys I've ever met when it comes to football. He's an extension of Coach Willis and Coach Muschamp. If I have a question, I can go to Dede and he can explain it like he's the defensive coordinator. He studies it that much."

The recent college graduate will be looked to again on Saturday to provide more leadership. With Mississippi State starting a new quarterback, look for Dede to play a big role in welcoming the new guy to SEC football. Kickoff is set for 11:30 CST from Scott Field in Starkville, Mississippi. The game will be televised by the Lincoln Financial Network.