On November 15, 2014, The Georgia Bulldogs will host the Auburn Tigers. This will be the Georgia’s first home game since October 4th homecoming game against Vanderbilt.
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry: Bulldogs vs. Tigers
Georgia and Auburn have been playing each other since 1892, totaling 117 games. Since it is the oldest rivalry still contested between teams in the deep south, the series is referred to by both schools as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” The game win/loss history is almost evenly matched with Auburn having a slight lead at 55–54–8. Their last meeting in 2013 ended with Auburn edging Georgia out for the win, 43-38.
This year, Auburn is 7-2 after a devastating loss last week to the unranked Texas A&M Aggies and currently ranked #9 in the nation. The Georgia Bulldogs are also 7-2, and took a tumbling fall in the rankings due to their Week 9 loss against the unranked Florida Gators. The Georgia Bulldogs are now ranked #16 in the nation.
While the Bulldogs did make quite a recovery this past week with their 63-31 win over Kentucky, their playoff probability is meager. The Dawgs have already lost two conference games. Consequently, the Bulldogs must win this game if they have any hope of being conference champions The Bulldogs are ranked second in the SEC East, behind Missouri.
The Return of Todd Gurley
The story that is on everyone’s mind is that Todd Gurley will be returning for the game against Auburn. Gurley was suspended for four games in Week 6 after evidence arose that he had been receiving money for his autograph.
It’s a controversial rule, as college sell players’ jerseys and likenesses. But the students are not allowed to capitalize upon their own image. College players do not get paid any money and are not allowed to accept any gifts from boosters while on the team. Gurley allegedly received around $3,000 for his autographs, and was suspended for four games due to his prior knowledge that this was an NCAA violation.
But, Gurley is back. In the five games he played this season, Gurley has 773 yards and five touchdowns. He’s listed as the #1 running back on Georgia’s depth chart for Saturday’s game, with Nick Chubb and Sony Michel behind him as #2 and #3.
Some fans are unhappy with the move, as Nick Chubb helped carry the team during Gurley’s absence, and put up some great numbers in the process. With an opponent such as Auburn, the Bulldogs will need the talent of both running backs to win the game.
Saturday, Between the Hedges
On Saturday afternoon the red tents will go up, red and black will be donned. Beers will be cracked open as Georgia fans tailgate and celebrate in hopes of a win against the Auburn Tigers. It’s a homecoming for the Bulldogs as they have been away from Sanford Stadium for over a month, and Georgia fans are sure to make up for the absence. Kick-off is set for 7:15 on November 15th, and the game will air on ESPN. Don’t miss the Georgia Bulldogs and Auburn Tigers battle it out between the hedges!
