Auburn's rapid fall result of issues on, off field - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

Auburn's rapid fall result of issues on, off field

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By JOHN ZENOR
AP Sports Writer

There wasn't just one thing that led to Auburn's unprecedented fall from the top of college football - there were many.

Among the issues that plagued the program were mounting discipline problems and not much player development.

Three straight top 10 recruiting classes couldn't halt the decline after winning the 2010 national title.

Auburn fired Gene Chizik Sunday after a 3-9 season. The Tigers failed to win a single Southeastern Conference game.

Former Tigers offensive lineman Cole Cubelic was disturbed by the lack of depth and accountability on and off the field. Cubelic says he "never saw kids who were playing average or below average football taken out of games or lose their position."

Athletic director Jay Jacobs says he "became very concerned in our fundamental approach to the game."

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