below GaryZ says Auburn in '03 was ranked pre-season #1 by Sports Illustrated and became part of their front page curse.
WRONG.
SI ranked Ohio St #1 in their pre-season poll in '03.
And as you can see, Auburn was not on the front page. LOL
just another transcription error for our buddy GaryF!
McGuire was correct btw. It was the sporting news that ranked Auburn #1 pre-season that year.