Gus Malzahn: Auburn’s ‘gotta embrace’ taking on a No. 1 team in Georgia
By Paul Harvey
Published:
The Auburn Tigers are getting set to take on No. 1 Georgia at home this weekend in what should be a huge game.
The Tigers were ranked No. 14 in the initial College Football Playoff Top 25, but they could wind up in the top 10 after knocking off Texas A&M. The Tigers have recovered since blowing a lead to LSU earlier this season with RB Kerryon Johnson and QB Jarrett Stidham playing a big role for Auburn.
Saturday’s game against the Bulldogs is another crucial one in a long rivalry that could dictate how the rest of the season goes for both teams. Georgia is looking to get to the SEC Championship Game with an undefeated record after clinching the SEC East last week. Doing so would put the Bulldogs in a great position to make the Playoff.
Auburn, on the other hand, still has an outside shot at winning the SEC West. The Tigers will need to beat Georgia and Alabama to do so, but anything is possible at this point in the season.
Head coach Gus Malzahn took time to address the looming matchup against Georgia during his press conference Tuesday. Auburn has lost three straight to the Bulldogs, but Malzahn said Auburn’s health is a lot better for this year’s game:
“Every year is different, I will say this: we are healthier as a team,” said Malzahn. “Our starting QB is healthy, couldn’t say that the last two years. Our team has a little bit different mindset than last year.”
When it comes to the challenges of taking on a top-ranked team like the Bulldogs, Malzahn said that Auburn has to embrace the challenge:
“You’ve gotta embrace the fact you’re playing the No. 1 or No. 2 team in the country on your home field,” Malzahn said. “Our goal is still to win the SEC Championship…We’re not looking forward to anything other than Saturday, but it’s a big game for our team.”
A lot will truly be on the line when the Tigers and Bulldogs tee it up for another edition in the rivalry. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 3:30 pm EST on CBS.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
