Blue Math

My oldest daughter is very good in mathematics. In fact, while at Auburn, she almost took enough mathematics to minor in the discipline. I, on the other hand, was never very good at mathematics. Perhaps for me it was that I spent not enough time chasing linear algebraic equations, and way too much time chasing abstract quadratic fun.

I do remember one thing from college algebra, however. I remember that in abstract algebra, the term “center” denotes the set of all those elements that commute with all the other elements. And though I think I still don’t fully understand “commutative property” as is used in binary operations, I do understand something about language. For me, the important thing about “commute” is the root word. It comes from the Latin word “communis”, which means “common”. We get the word “communicate” from it.

Therefore, the term “center” denotes the set of all those things surrounding it, and hence, communicates effectively with them.

And that is exactly what a Center does on a football team.

It was 40 years ago. The 1967 Auburn Tigers, under head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan, had an offensive line that was anchored in the middle by one of the finest to ever play the game. He was their center, and their captain. He was the one who called the offensive blocking schemes at the line of scrimmage. He understood defensive line formations so well, that he was given the freedom to change the blocking schemes based on the play that was called, and the formations he saw when he came to the line of scrimmage. His teammates called him a “playing line coach”.

He snapped the ball to Loran Carter, Auburn’s quarterback who led the SEC in passing that year. His teammates included “Captain Crunch” Mike Kolen and Buddy McClinton. All-American Freddie Hyatt played for that team. And he was, for his time, one of the largest to ever play the position. He was 6’5”, 260 lbs. in 1967.

Forrest Blue was not only the captain of Auburn’s 1967 Tigers, but he was named “Most Valuable Lineman” at the senior bowl. He went on to have a stellar career in the National Football League. Blue was a first round draft choice of the San Francisco 49ers, and was All-Pro and a Pro-Bowler from 1971 through 1974. He played for the Baltimore Colts from 1975-1978. While playing for the 49ers, one of the quarterbacks who took his snaps was none other than Steve Spurrier.

The interesting thing about mathematics is that it comes from the Greek word “mathema”, which means “to learn”. So, I hope that you have “learned” about one the great “centers” of Auburn lore…….Forrest Blue…..communicator and captain of the 1967 Auburn Tigers.

War Eagle!

WJLaneSr