Former Auburn Heisman Trophy winner Sullivan set to lead Samford vs. Tigers

AUBURN, Ala. — Pat Sullivan will once again take the field at Auburn. Then the Tigers’ 1971 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback will try to lead an upset of his alma mater.

Sullivan leads his Football Championship Subdivision Samford Bulldogs into Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time today, revisiting the campus where he once starred. Auburn (6-4) will honor him some 25 minutes before kickoff and Sullivan will be accompanied by his family, including grandkids, and an expected 65-70 teammates on the field.

He was the program’s first Heisman winner, followed by running back Bo Jackson (1985) and quarterback Cam Newton last season.

“When we scheduled the game, I certainly didn’t know any of the recognition part was going to be taking place,” said Sullivan, whose school record of 53 career touchdown passes still stands. “But as it has unfolded, I think it will be a special thing for our players. I really don’t want it to be about me. When we talked about it, the thing that really is important is I want my teammates to come back and I think they are.

“Any award that I won or Bo or Cam or Mark (Ingram) or anybody else in team sports is because of your teammate. I know that and I know they felt a part of it.”

Sullivan, a former TCU coach, will become only the second Heisman winner to take on the school where he won the award, as a head man. South Carolina’s Steve Spurrier became the first when his Gamecocks played Florida in 2005.

Sullivan is at least assured of enjoying a few minutes of the pregame festivities. He played for coach Shug Jordan and was part of the school’s famed Sullivan-to-Terry Beasley connection. Beasley, who still holds Auburn’s career record for receiving yards, is also expected to take part in the ceremony.

“Once that’s over with, we’ll try to do everything we can to be the best we can be,” Sullivan said. “I really don’t think coach Jordan or any of the Auburn people would want it any other way.”

The rest of the afternoon might not be quite as pleasant for Sullivan and the Bulldogs (6-4). The Tigers are 25-0-1 in previous meetings, the last coming in 1993, and Samford has won only twice in 76 tries against current Southeastern Conference teams.

Sullivan said he hasn’t attended an Auburn game since the 1996 LSU game when the Auburn Sports Arena, known as the Barn, burned down across the street.

If it seems odd that the opposing coach is honored before kickoff, Auburn’s Gene Chizik certainly doesn’t seem to mind.

“Everybody knows what a phenomenal football player he was here and what he did for Auburn University,” said Chizik, who came to know Sullivan through mutual acquaintances and coaching events. “Let me go on record in saying what a phenomenal man he is. What he did for this university and what he means to the fans, what he means to this university, I’m thrilled for him to be celebrated in this way.

“I’m just excited for him, because there’s nobody who deserves it more.”

The Tigers could have used Sullivan and Beasley this season considering the troubles the passing game has had.

They’re coming off a 45-7 loss at Georgia that was the program’s worst defeat in 15 years. Next up is a visit from No. 3 Alabama for the Iron Bowl, and presumably this one will turn into little more than a tuneup and confidence builder

Sullivan said his players are excited. Presumably, he is, too.

“They’ve been looking forward to going into Auburn all year,” Sullivan said. “It’ll be the largest venue they’ve ever played in.

“Auburn without question will be the most talented team that we’ve played.”