Last year, Georgia came into Jordan-Hare as an underdog. The 110th matchup between Auburn and Georgia was televised by LFS at 11:30, which meant one thing last year: a loss. And lose we did. Brandon Cox had one of his worst games of last year, and the defense was shredded. We want revenge. Brandon Cox has said several times this week that it’s personal for him. Of course, it’s a road game against a top ten team and Cox always seems to take that personally.
Since it’s a rivalry, I’ve been trying to find reasons to really dislike UGA, other than the fact their band played in our faces during last year’s march-around. I know people from Georgia see this as a bigger game than Alabama. Their dislike of Georgia is for obvious reasons, plus they live with a bunch of people who like to bark like a dog for their team. It’s the 111th time these two teams have played, the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry”. So that could stir up a little animosity. In trying to find other reasons though, I failed. Those jokes about LSU fans and corndogs? Gators and jean shorts? Nothing. So if anyone does have any good cracks on Georgia or stereotypes, fire away.
So, it’s rivalry time. Auburn heads to Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia for a 3:30 EST matchup with the Georgia Bulldogs on CBS. This game could decide which team goes to the Sugar Bowl. With a win, Georgia would be in the driver’s seat to win the SEC East and go to Atlanta and the SEC Championship Game, probably against LSU. An Auburn win would set the table for the Tigers to go to New Orleans January 1st with a win over Alabama, assuming LSU goes to the national championship game.
The game goes much deeper than that, however. The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry will be played for the 111th time on Saturday. Though this may be the most civil rivalry Auburn has, the overall series is very close between the two teams. Auburn holds a 53-49-8 lead in the series. Through 110 meetings, Georgia has outscored Auburn by just 20 points (1,685-1,665). The only think that can keep Auburn and Georgia from playing football is a world war….seriously. The two teams did not play in 1943, only because Auburn did not field a team due to World War II. The two teams did not play in 1917 and 1918 because of WWI. With those two exceptions, Auburn and Georgia have played continuously since 1898.
An Auburn win will rely heavily on the Tiger defense, which will be hard pressed to shut down Georgia freshman running back Knowshown Moreno, who has 541 yards and six touchdowns in his last three games and has already surpassed the 1,000 yard mark on the ground this year. Of course, Bulldogs QB Matthew Stafford is a threat as well, having thrown fifteen touchdowns and just six interceptions this season
The Auburn offense will also have to play well on the road yet again to get a win in Athens. Brandon Cox has played at Sanford Stadium before, leading Auburn a thrilling 31-30 victory. That experience should help Auburn in their final road game of the year. It’s time to get revenge for last year.Some interesting facts:
Georgia has not beaten Auburn and Florida in the same season since 1982.
Auburn is 10-2 the last twelve trips to Athens, Georgia.
Brandon Cox could become the 10th consecutive senior quarterback at Auburn to defeat the Bulldogs. Those nine previous quarterbacks were also 8-1 against Alabama during their senior campaigns.
Since 1961, both teams are a combined 1-17-1, when held under 100-yards rushing during the game. Auburn is 1-5 and Georgia is 0-12-1.
Auburn has won 15 consecutive games when wearing all white uniforms, which they will be wearing on Saturday. Their last loss in white? 2003 at Georgia.
Auburn is the only Football Bowl Subdivision team to lead at the half in every game it has played this season.
That’s about it. War damn eagle and all that. See you Saturday.