Auburn's Chances May Again Rest In Courtney Taylor's Hands

When Auburn people think of LSU, they automatically think of Courtney Taylor and the "Catch." It's in the history books of great Tiger plays, right up there with Punt Bama Punt, Bo Over The Top and Reverse To Victory. Taylor's catch in the end zone in 2004 to beat LSU may be the biggest catch in Auburn history.

Taylor's hands figure to play another big role in the outcome of Saturday's contest when 6th ranked LSU comes to Pat Dye Field. You would be hard pressed to find an Auburn receiver who had a better year than Taylor in 2004. The sophomore sensation looked like the second coming of Terry Beasley. He was Mr. Automatic. This writer believed he could one day dominate like Larry Fitzgerald did at Pittsburgh a few years back.

But last year, it all came crashing down. An ankle injury pushed Taylor to the back of the Auburn receiving pack. For a guy who was a preseason all conference selection and on a few All-American teams before the year started, last year was devastating. Now he's ready to move past all that.

Taylor wants to be remembered for more than just the catch. "Honestly, I get to the point that I get tired of it," Taylor said. "It's to the point that '05 was such a disappointing season that it's like that catch is all people remember me for. I want to do something now, in the present day."

He's certainly headed in the right direction. After a solid night against Washington State in the season opener, Taylor had his best statistical day as a Tiger last week in Starkville. The senior grabbed nine receptions for 103 yards. With a trio of young receivers in the line-up on Saturday, Courtney Taylor's hands may yet again decide the outcome of Auburn-LSU.