AUBURN -- Disappointment and optimism, in that order, were the primary themes on the Plains during 2012.

It was a year to remember.

As Christmas approaches, this seems like a good time to review the best things I saw at Auburn this season. Yes, there were some miserable moments. Yes, there were some beguiling decisions made. Those topics have been discussed everywhere for months - to the point where no new ground can be covered.

But the good stuff? Not discussed enough.

With that in mind, join me in reviewing some of the truly uplifting and energizing things that happened at Auburn this year. Some you know about; some you don't.

They're all worth your time.

Philip Lutzenkirchen's toughness. The injury that eventually ended his season in October was a problem from the outset. He was fighting through pain during two-a-days and nobody would have faulted him for choosing surgery before the first game. He instead fought through the discomfort as long as he could. Even after surgery, he hung around and encouraged his teammates and remained the positive figurehead Auburn needed.

Onterio McCalebb seeing it through. The senior tailback is on pace to graduate, which is a huge accomplishment. He grew up in extremely adverse circumstances - living in a car at one point - yet didn't allow a dozen obstacles (or more) to steer him off course. McCalebb is one of the greatest success stories this program ever has seen. He maximized his opportunities with guile and determination.

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