Auburn-Georgia: The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry Returns to Athens

This game isn't your typical rivalry.  Sure, there is the tradition, the trash talk between the fans, and the wins and losses.

This game is much more than a long standing rivalry.

While Auburn has a strong distaste to their rivals in the state of Alabama, the Auburn-Georgia rivalry is based upon more of a brotherly love. 

By brotherly love, I mean tough love.

Twenty players on Auburn are from the state of Georgia.  Many of these players grew up playing football either next to each other or on opposite sides on the high school gridiron.

Those bonds create more of a brother vs. brother feel during the modern era of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.  Two names, Patrick Dye and Vince Dooley, stand out when these two teams meet. 

As these two teams meet again for the 113th time, there are only three points to be made that will either spell victory or defeat for each team:

1. Which secondary will step up?

Georgia's secondary has been vulnerable to the pass, allowing 211.1 yards per game and 17 TD's.  Auburn's secondary is very thin, even more so with the season ending injury to Zac Etheridge. 

Both secondaries will have to play their best game of the year to allow pressure to be applied to each team's respective quarterbacks.

2.  Which offense will show up?

Both teams have had their share of ups and downs on the offensive side of the ball.  Georgia averages 27.1 points per game, good for seventh in the SEC.  Auburn averages 35.0 points per game, second in the SEC. 

Both teams have shown glimpses that when their offense is clicking, it is hard to stop.  Early scores will determine who takes the advantage and quite possibly the game.

3. Where will the "X-Factor" come from?

There are so many athletes on each team that can change the momentum of this game.  Georgia's main explosive play maker is A.J. Green, an outstanding wide receiver with a real knack for the ball.  Auburn's play maker is Ben Tate, a punishing running back that has held Auburn on its shoulders throughout the season.

This area may slightly tilt to the Tigers who have more options with their spread offense to find that "X-Factor" as the game goes along.

Final Analysis

Any rivalry game is never easy to call.  History favors Auburn in this series holding a 18-10 record "between the Hedges."

If Georgia can hold Auburn under 28 points, they can have a shot of winning this football game.  Unfortunately for those in the red and black, I do not see that happening.

Auburn has found its stride again, even against a fellow SEC school in Ole Miss.  Auburn has the momentum right now rolling into what Tiger fans affectionately calls this game the start of "Amen Corner."

If Auburn gets two touchdowns in the first quarter and holds Georgia under seven points, I don't see the Bulldogs coming back. 

Auburn's defense may give up some points, but Auburn's offense will score more against a susceptible Georgia defense. 

Auburn will stop the losing streak against Georgia, and they will take another one in their home away from home.

Auburn 42, Georgia 24