Auburn or Georgia? & Other College Football Today
November 14, 2009, Athens, GA.
This week, the South’s “oldest rivalry” is re-ignited when the Auburn Tigers (7-3, 3-3 SEC) and Georgia Bulldogs (5-4, 3-3 SEC) meet for the 113th time at 7pm in Athens at Sanford Stadium. Former Bulldog head coach Vince Dooley played his collegiate ball at Auburn, and that’s why this is referred to as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” Auburn is 1 of 2 teams that Georgia has played more than 100 times in their history.
Out of all of the meetings of these two teams, the Tigers hold merely a two game advantage. The rivalry is fierce and the outcome of their games is always close. The Tigers, however, have won 10 of their last 13 games at Sanford Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Both teams are coming off homecoming wins. Auburn’s 63-31 win over Furman catapulted it into the Top 25 in the coaches’ poll. Georgia shut out Tennessee Tech 38-0.
Last time the two teams met in 2008, Georgia beat Auburn 17-13. But that was with Matthew Stafford and before Joe Cox was their quarterback. I am hoping Joe Cox can step up his game for the matchup!
Auburn player, Ben Tate has rushed for 1,142 yards this season. Auburn is currently the second highest scoring team in the SEC. Auburn’s defense is last in the league in scoring, and they are allowing more than 26 points per game.
The Tiger’s offense ranks 13th nationally in red zone offense, scoring on 31 of 33 opportunities.
This could be a high scoring game with many penalities and turnovers. From what I have read, and based on the record at Sanford Stadium, the Georgia Bulldogs are not favored to win. I am hoping they can dig deep to fight, fight, fight! and we can all see a great game tonight!
In other college football this week:
The key game this week isn’t in any of the major conferences, but in the Mountain West, where No. 4 TCU hosts No. 16 Utah at 7:30PM ET on Saturday. TCU is a 17-point favorite at home.
Another key matchup this week is in the Big Ten when No. 10 Ohio State hosts No. 15 Iowa. The Buckeyes are 14.5-point favorites at home against the Hawkeyes. This game will likely decide the winner of the Big Ten title and the automatic BCS bowl bid.
Steve Spurrier faces his old team as well when South Carolina hosts Florida. The Gators are 15-point road favorites. Last year, Florida posted a 56-6 win over the Gamecocks in the Swamp. South Carolina has lost three of its last four games, but has yet to lose at home this season.
Saturday Football Fever commences with many great games to watch, as the college football season starts to wind its way down! I will be watching to see how all of these matchups turn-out!
Filed under: Game Thoughts
Tags: Athens, auburn tigers, Ben Tate, College Football, Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, ESPN2, Florida., GA, georgia bulldogs, Iowa, Joe Cox, mark richt, matthew stafford, Ohio State, Sanford Stadium, Saturday Football, sec, South Carolina, Steve Spurrier, TCU, Utah, Vince Dooley
