Taylor Denman, sports editor of the Red & Black, The University of Georgia’s student newspaper, answered a few questions about this year’s installment of The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.
1. What's the feeling like around campus? Auburn/Georgia is usually a massive rivalry game, but both schools have had disappointing seasons, to say the least. Is Athens still as excited for the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry this year like years past?
TD: Students are just about as excited as any fan of a team playing to finish the season. Georgia can have a bad year and it still means a lot to fans if the Bulldogs can get a couple wins over rivals. People have stopped coming to games, though. The student section on the sideline didn't fill up until kickoff last week, and the endzone seats might as well have been empty. Florida knocked the wind out of the fanbase more so than the team.
2. What happened to the Dawgs this season? There was a ton of promise to start the year, but it seems the wheels have come off the wagon, so to speak.
TD: The first wheel that may not have ever been precisely attached is the offense. New coordinator, three quarterbacks - who hardly know who will start week-to-week. It makes for a lot of three-and-outs. The second wheel to fall off was Nick Chubb. Sony Michel is a dynamic player, but as the season's gone on it's apparent that he isn't built to carry the ball as much as Chubb did. Add in a missed opportunity at Tennessee and a pair of gut wrenchers against Alabama and Florida, you find out it’s been tough to be a Georgia football player this season.
3. How hot is Mark Richt's seat? Year after year, it constantly seems like he's on the verge of having to worry about his job, but he always does well enough to stave off the pressure. But this year seems different.
TD: It's not that people are satisfied with the staff after beating Kentucky, but it at least likely saved them for the remainder of the season. It seems like most of the discontent is between Richt and his coordinators, Jeremy Pruitt and Brian Schottenheimer. It's very possible that this program looks different at the top if Georgia fails to make a bowl or busts in a bowl game. Even then, someone is bound to leave, but Richt will have to be dragged from his office. For now, winning will keep everything status quo. This is what happens when your fanbase is “The Boy Who Cried Fire Richt.”
4. Is there any clarity in the QB situation? Georgia's had somewhat of a revolving door for most of the year. Has any one of them separated themselves?
TD: It seems likely Greyson Lambert will continue to get most of the snaps by virtue of having been the guy most of the season. Schottenheimer's progression-based offense means good things happen when the quarterback's first few reads have been open. As they get to the third progression or check down, they start to force throws. Georgia was shifty against Kentucky last week, running some wildcat sets. I guess you could say it's likely Michel or receiver Terry Godwin could start if Georgia decides to stick with what ain't broken.
5. What aspect of Georgia's offense will give Auburn's defense the most trouble this week?
TD: Let's say the wildcat offense, if they stick with it. Godwin and Michel are a pretty lethal combo back there, and Godwin can throw as well. Otherwise Auburn can look forward to Michel and Keith Marshall trying to wear the defense down.
6. Is there anything about Auburn that will particularly worry the Bulldogs?
TD: If Auburn can run up tempo and spread the ball out, Georgia's linebackers could struggle to get to the point of attack and they'll keep the secondary on its heels. Defensively, Auburn's front needs to stand up to Michel and Co. Being forced to throw is Georgia's worst nightmare.
7. Score prediction?
TD: Despite the rough start, Auburn has mostly been the victim of some tough opponents and heartbreakers this season. I like the Tigers by one possession at home, 17-13.
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