Jacobs reiterated that ``he's our guy'' and said he didn't believe Tuberville would leave despite persistent reports that Texas A would pursue the coach to replace Dennis Franchione, who resigned after the Aggies' win over Texas Friday.
``The thing with Texas A is that it has escalated a lot of conversation,'' Jacobs said. ``But when I went to him four weeks ago, I said, 'Look, do you want to meet sooner than later?' He said, 'Absolutely not. There's no sense because of the rumors to change what we do. Let's not break stride and keep doing what we do.' So that's what we'll do.''
Jacobs said no meeting time was set and that it would depend on Tuberville's ``recruiting calendar.''
Tuberville spent one season as the Aggies' defensive coordinator in 1994.
He said earlier in the week that he planned to stay at Auburn ``as long as they want us here. We're fired up about that.''
After the game, he refused to address the issue.
``We're not talking about that right now,'' Tuberville said. ``We're talking about Alabama.''
It would cost $6 million to buy him out of the seven-year, $18 million deal he signed after the Tigers went 13-0 in 2004. Tuberville is making $2.6 million this season, which would increase by $200,000 next year.
Asked if Auburn would consider reducing the buyout if Tuberville asked, Jacobs said: ``I haven't gone back and looked but I think it's iron clad. I'm not getting into hypothetical situations. He's our guy and we'll sit down and talk about things. We'll address it and keep moving.''
Jacobs believes Tuberville's statement this week should end speculation that he is considering leaving.
``When it first started happening, he just said, 'It seems like every year I get brought up in one of these things,''' Jacobs said. ``And when it didn't die down he said he was going to put an end to all of it. That's what he did last week when he came out and said I want to be here.''
He wouldn't say if he planned to offer Tuberville a new deal. Jacobs said he would meet with Tuberville one-on-one and then make a recommendation to university President Jay Gogue, if necessary.
``We did a great contract in 2005 and some things have changed and some haven't,'' Jacobs said. ``The thing about it is with Tommy, it's never been about him. He just wants what's best for Auburn. We'll sit down and talk about whatever that may be.''
BACK ON FIELD: The three key Alabama players returning from suspension wasted no time getting back on the field.
Antoine Caldwell started at right tackle, Marlon Davis at left guard and Glen Coffee at tailback. The two linemen had been starters before that trio and two others were suspended during a textbook-related investigation. They missed four games, along with Chris Rogers and Marquis Johnson.
Coffee only had one previous start, but carried on three of the Crimson Tide's first four plays and finished with 60 yards on 20 carries while sharing carries with Roy Upchurch. Terry Grant was bothered by a hip problem and did not play.
Saban said he was only going to play Grant ``if we needed to.''
``Those guys are more physical backs,'' he said.
Davis replaced Justin Britt in the starting lineup. Caldwell took over Chris Capps' spot.
A LITTLE NIP: Auburn cornerback Jerraud Powers is usually very quotable. Near the end of Saturday night's game, he found himself on the other end of a sound bite.
With Alabama trailing 17-7 in the closing minutes, Powers covered on a pass that was overthrown in the end zone. After the ball sailed long, he turned toward the Auburn fans and used both hands to give an exaggerated incomplete sign.
Too bad for him, he did it right in front of a German shepherd near the goal post.
``I felt something tugging on my hand and couldn't figure out what it was,'' he said. ``Then I looked down and saw that a police dog was biting me. I started yelling.''
It was a little nip on the left hand, enough to draw blood. Powers shook his hand a couple of times, stayed in the game and was soon celebrating the victory.
``I have to look into whether I can sue,'' he said, laughing. ``Just kidding.''
Powers and former Decatur High School teammate Rolando McClain of Alabama both had interceptions late in the first half.
Powers' theory: ``If he can get one, I might as well get one.''
HONORING STACY: Auburn held a moment of silence and prayer for former Alabama running back Siran Stacy before the game.
Stacy's wife and four children were killed Monday night when the family's van was struck by a pickup truck at a Dothan intersection. He and daughter Shelly, 3, were hospitalized after the crash.
Stacy's 17 rushing touchdowns in 1989 is second most for a season at Alabama. He was the first pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1992 draft, but amid injury and legal problems was cut the next year and never carried the ball in the NFL.
IRON BOWL BITS: Brandon Cox joined Jason Campbell as the only Auburn quarterback to win the Iron Bowl three times as a starter. ... Alabama return man/cornerback Javier Arenas didn't play because of a high ankle sprain sustained against Louisiana-Monroe. His absence hurt when Matt Caddell bobbled a return and Alabama had to take over from its own 1 late in the third quarter before punting. ... Auburn players had trouble figuring out how to hold up six fingers after the win while holding onto their helmets. Some cradled their helmets to free up both hands, some poked an extra finger through the facemask, others dropped their helmets to hold up both hands.
Tommy Tuberville
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/11/204326