By John Zenor
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ten hours after winning the college football national title, Auburn coach Gene Chizik was typically intense and businesslike, already saying the time to celebrate was over.
“It’s expired,” he said Tuesday morning, adding that the Tigers “have to start all over starting today.”
OK, the Tigers might not have to start from scratch after a 14-0 season that culminated with the program’s second national title, first since 1957.
They do face quite a challenge to make sure their rise to national championship contender is not a passing fad. That’s especially true if the Tigers’ biggest stars, quarterback Cam Newton and defensive tackle Nick Fairley, head to the NFL following their junior seasons.