From the Other Sideline – Georgia

UGASwoosh was born in Auburn, but turned to the “Dark Side” (UGA) and hasn’t looked back since 2007. Triple-degree Dawg who has worked in the Sport Media Industry (TNT Sports) and isn’t afraid to be objective about UGA. He still hasn’t fully acquired the ability to bark at others, but love Athens and his Dawgs. You can find him on Instagram at @UGASwoosh. This is his second time on the ‘Blogle. Still don’t like the Auburn to UGA move, but we’ll see.

1. What is a Georgia fan’s first thought of Auburn football at this exact moment?

I probably don’t represent all UGA fans’ sentiment on answering this one, but Auburn football right now is kind of sad, especially for a program that invests and cares so much. I know that sounds like pity, but here’s what I really mean by it, using Ole Miss as a punching bag: both UGA and Auburn have each played Ole Miss ~50 times historically. How much have you heard about the UGA-Ole Miss or AU-Ole Miss rivalries? Probably not much because these rivalries don’t really exist (each series is lopsided). Despite Ole Miss having recent success, they rank in the Top 50 all-time for wins, which is nothing to brag about.

There’s a reason UGA and Auburn share a rivalry: two historical powerhouse programs that were razor thin in series margin through about 2005. Since 2005, UGA has owned the rivalry and is looking to notch its 10th straight vs. Auburn (but even in the 2005-2017 stretch, AU had some historical wins against UGA). While this has been wonderful beating Auburn this many times in a row, it has diminished the rivalry from our side.

2. Does the win over Alabama make you feel better or worse about playing Auburn this weekend?

Surprisingly, beating Bama still makes me feel better. Even though our back isn’t against the wall as it was the last 2 times we played AU following a Bama loss, the Bama win provided credibility to this team and what they’ve been doing all year. Both lines have been dominant. I think it’s easier to overlook Auburn with the win, but I also think Kirby has proven over the years he can keep our team emotionally stable through wins and losses.

3. Do you agree that Auburn and Georgia should play at the end of the season and that Greg Sankey should make Georgia and Alabama home/away each season for Auburn?

I preferred the game at the end of the year as it was previously. I think it provided an “anchor” match up each year for both programs since UF is neutral for us, and Bama / UGA used to be staggered (home / away). When AU returns to glory, which it will eventually, having that “anchor” game late just makes the rivalry and CFB more meaningful. Bama / UGA should absolutely be staggered for AU home / away. Let’s play one at M-B Stadium in the coming years to get it back on track (I think both programs like playing in ATL and can easily fill with fan bases).

4. Name two Dawgs that Auburn fans should look out for and why?

Chris Cole, LB (#9). The dude is all over the place. On a fumble recovery against OU, he hit 22 mph on a scoop and score. He racked up 8 tackles against Bama and is nicknamed “tarantula” for his incredibly long arms and tackling ability.

Dwight Phillips, RB (#20). Most folks may not realize he’s our 3rd string RB and started against Bama because our starters (Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens) are out. What did Phillips do against Bama? Averaged 7 ypc and gained 120 with several explosive runs behind a dominant OL. I expect Frazier and Bowens to be out again; we’ll see if Phillips can replicate his explosive performance?

5. Which two Tigers scare you the most and why?

I have said this to many AU friends of mine: in the past, AU has always had “dudes” whether the team was collectively great or not. Cam Coleman was one of those dudes last year that could take over games with his talent (whether the QB could get it to him was another question). I really struggle to see those “dudes” on AU roster this year. I guess if I had to say one, I’d mention Brown? He can be creative with his legs and make plays. But, his throwing motion is unusual and seems to limit him from being even better.

6. Where will each team have an advantage over the other?

The only advantage I see Auburn having is that we played an extremely physical and emotional Bama game last week. The fact we won it also may be beneficial for Auburn since our back isn’t against the wall as much compared to when we’ve played Auburn following Bama losses. So, the question becomes: Can Kirby ensure we don’t overlook Auburn and maintain the same level of intensity. He’s certainly proven in the past UGA doesn’t ride the wave as much as other programs but I expect it to be a factor.

7. Which matchup will decide the game?

While this may not be the best AU D of the last several years, this is still the stronger side of the ball. Our offense is banged up, as previously mentioned (one of our top WRs may still be out). If you watched the Bama game, Gunner Stockton had a clean pocket for most of the entire game. If AU pass rush can get to and contain him – forcing him in uncomfortable situations, this could be a game. However, if the UGA OL pass protection and run blocking holds up again, it’s gonna be a long day for AU because I fully expect our defense to shut down AU O.

8. What is your analysis/score prediction for the game?

I predict a UGA win but ugly and potentially even 1 score at half. Give me UGA 28-10 for the reasons I’ve discussed previously (UGA being “down” following Bama win) + AU maybe course correcting to some degree following the bye.

9. Where will Auburn and Georgia end up this season?

UGA: 11-1… I think this team is playing at a level higher than the previous 2, and I’m struggling to see outside of Ole Miss who can exploit us for 4 quarters. I’d adding a loss somewhere due to the new, expanded SEC schedule and its impact on health.

AU: 6-6… AU will beat Arkansas and Samford. I could see a Miss St “upset” depending on the health of Kamario Taylor.

10. What do you think about Alex Golesh?

Like Hugh Freeze, he’s great! Keep him for years haha. More seriously though, he has to be given time to prove his worth. I’m not seeing a ton to this point that scares me (look what Stein has done already at UK), but we shall see.