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A spirit that is not afraid

Editor's Preview: Tigers face tough task at start of "Amen Corner"

Sammie Coates celebrates after an Auburn touchdown. Anna Grafton / PHOTO EDITOR
Sammie Coates celebrates after an Auburn touchdown. Anna Grafton / PHOTO EDITOR

Cy Brown is the sports editor for The Red and Black, the student newspaper at the University of Georgia. In this edition of "Know Your Enemy," Brown gives Auburn fans a scouting report on the Tigers' oldest rivals, the Bulldogs from Athens. Georgia started the year with a lot of preseason hype, but injuries have hampered the Bulldogs' progress in 2013. How do you grade the team's performance so far this season? I'd say B-. People thought if Georgia got through Clemson, South Carolina and LSU 2-1, it would be on easy street. Then Missouri and Vanderbilt happened. However, the injury factor also makes fans a bit more understanding than they would normally be. Out of all the injuries Georgia has had this season, which one do you think has been the biggest blow to the team? Even though he's back now, it's Todd Gurley. His presence was sorely needed in all three of Georgia's losses this year. He sat half the Clemson game and didn't play against Mizzou or Vandy. His ability to break off big yards make him a game-changer. Had he played, Georgia would likely have won at least one of the Mizzou or Vandy games, perhaps both. It seems that head coach Mark Richt is always on the hot seat in the eyes of some Georgia fans. What do you think his job security is like in the midst of a season like this? It's highly doubtful he's going anywhere. The people who call for his head are a vocal minority. Fans may say they want him gone at times, but that doesn't matter. He has a complete commitment from the Athletic Association and the University. If the pressure ever got to be too much, he could let go of a coordinator, grab another and the fans would let up. Again, the injury situation also makes the difficulties this season more understandable. Who are some players Auburn fans need to keep an eye on in this matchup? Freshman outside linebacker Leonard Floyd has been a force this season, piling up 5.5 sacks so far. Inside linebacker Ramik Wilson is the most sure tackler on the team and his name should be called often on Saturday. He's averaging more than 10 tackles per game. Aaron Murray's favorite target is wide receiver Michael Bennett. Expect that to be a potential connection on third downs. And, as always, pay attention to Todd Gurley. He just needs a bit of space, then all he sees is endzone. Where does Auburn rank in the rivalry hierarchy to Georgia fans? Where does the dislike rank in comparison to Georgia Tech and Florida? The Auburn-Georgia rivalry is an interesting one. It isn't the biggest for either team. Georgia fans hate Florida the most -- Tech is thought of more as an annoyance and obligation than a rivalry -- and Auburn fans, obviously, hate Alabama more. But it's not "The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry " for nothing. These teams are 54-54-8 against one another dating back to 1892. Pat Dye played at Georgia. Vince Dooley played at Auburn. Our mascot even wants a piece of you guys. These two schools are eternally linked. I don't think there's a more underrated rivalry in college football. Alright, prediction time. How do you see this year's edition of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry turning out? Both teams will put some points on the board. The one thing that lays into Georgia's hands is Auburn inability to pass the ball. That plays into hands of the Georgia defense, that has a terrible secondary. But, I have more faith in Gus Malzahn being able to put up points than I do Mike Bobo. Auburn has won 83 consecutive games when it scores 30 or more. That will move to 84. Auburn 33, Georgia 27


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