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VOL.TTiger 108 NO. 320igerSATURDAY, TailgaterT NOVEMBERa 16, 2013ilgater75 CENTS www.oanow.com makes the most of his return RREDEMPTIONEDEMPTION to SEC football. Page 6

ALBERT CESARE/[email protected] East Lake MICHAEL ALLEN ESTATES HOMES

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AUBURN TIGERS GEORGIA BULLDOGS No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Year No. Name Pos. Year Ht. Wt. 1 Trovon Reed WR 6-0 190 JR 61 David Andrews C JR 6-2 295 1 Montravius Adams DT 6-4 305 FR 24 Tristan Askew CB JR 5-11 177 Roster 97 John Atkins DL FR 6-4 322 3 Dominic Walker WR 6-1 211 FR 58 Sterling Bailey DE RS SO 6-3 282 3 Jonathan Jones DB 5-10 180 SO 32 Collin Barber P SO 6-2 200 4 WR 5-10 186 JR 10 Faton Bauta QB RS FR 6-3 216 5 Jake Holland LB 6-1 240 SR 79 Mark Beard OG JR 6-5 300 5 WR 6-2 215 SO 93 Patrick Beless PK SO 5-9 162 6 Jonathan Mincy DB 5-10 200 JR 17 Davin Bellamy OLB FR 6-5 235 6 Jeremy Johnson QB 6-5 219 FR 82 Michael Bennett SE JR 6-3 205 8 Cassanova McKinzy LB 6-3 246 SO 7 Greg Bingham QB SR 6-4 219 8 Tony Stevens WR 6-4 190 FR 3 Paris Bostick ILB FR 6-1 217 Tale of the Tape 37 Devin Bowman CB RS SO 6-0 180 9 Jermaine Whitehead DB 5-11 201 JR 39 Dominic Bryan RB RS FR 6-0 236 10 LaDarius Owens DE 6-2 250 JR 68 Chris Burnette OG SR 6-2 314 11 CB 5-11 200 SR 41 Brandon Burrows OLB JR 6-3 235 11 Brandon Fulse TE 6-4 263 JR 70 Aulden Bynum OG FR 6-5 261 12 Jonathan Wallace QB 6-2 206 SO 46 Corey Campbell FB SR 5-10 217 13 Craig Sanders DE 6-4 245 SR 60 Josh Cardiello OG FR 6-3 299 14 Nick Marshall QB 6-1 210 JR 45 Reggie Carter ILB FR 6-1 229 15 Joshua Holsey DB 5-11 197 SO 41 Jared Chapple TE RS FR 6-4 227 31 Chris Conley FLK JR 6-3 206 16 JaViere Mitchell LB 6-2 205 R-FR 78 Watts Dantzler OG JR 6-7 307 16 Tucker Tuberville QB 6-0 185 R-FR 85 Jordan Davis TE FR 6-4 225 17 Kris Frost LB 6-2 238 SO vs. 81 Reggie Davis FLK FR 6-0 159 17 Ben Durand QB 6-3 200 SO 91 Josh Dawson DE SO 6-4 275 18 WR 6-2 201 SO 2 Sheldon Dawson CB SO 5-11 190 19 Ryan White DB 5-11 196 SR 23 Marc Deas SS SR 6-1 217 20 Corey Grant RB 5-11 205 JR 76 Zach DeBell OT RS SO 6-6 273 20 Mack VanGorder DB 6-1 195 SO 89 James DeLoach OLB SO 6-3 265 21 RB 5-10 205 JR PASSING LEADERS 22 Brendan Douglas TB FR 5-11 202 47 Ray Drew DE JR 6-5 276 21 Mackenro Alexander DB 5-11 192 FR Player Att. Comp. Pct. Yds. TD INT Eff. 6 Michael Erdman SE JR 5-10 191 22 Khari Harding DB 6-0 223 FR AUBURN 97 Adam Erickson P JR 5-10 171 23 Johnathan Ford RB 6-0 186 FR Nick Marshall 159 93 58.5 1301 8 5 137.54 23 James Eunice WR JR 6-0 175 24 Ryan Smith DB 6-2 194 SR Jeremy Johnson 40 28 70.0 408 6 2 195.18 44 Cameron Faulkner FB JR 5-11 240 25 Peyton Barber RB 5-11 217 FR GEORGIA 84 Leonard Floyd OLB FR 6-4 220 25 DB 6-2 224 JR 275 174 63.3 2477 20 7 157.84 19 Shaquille Fluker SS JR 6-1 192 26 Justin Garrett LB 6-1 218 JR 16 11 68.8 160 1 1 160.88 69 Trent Frix SN FR 6-0 218 27 Robenson Therezie DB 5-9 204 JR 72 Kenarious Gates OT SR 6-5 327 28 Jimmy Hutchinson P 6-2 190 FR RUSHING LEADERS 60 Wright Gazaway SN SR 6-0 240 36 Devin Gillespie SS RS FR 5-10 189 28 T.J. Davis DB 6-1 191 R-FR Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD 15 J.J. Green TB FR 5-9 183 29 Brandon King DB 6-1 212 JR AUBURN 3 Todd Gurley TB SO 6-1 232 29 Tyler Stovall P 6-1 205 FR Tre Mason 181 1038 5.7 16 43 Merritt Hall FB RS SO 5-11 226 30 Steven Clark P 6-5 230 SR Nick Marshall 104 734 7.1 7 20 Brandon Harton TB SR 5-6 180 30 DE 6-2 240 SR GEORGIA 25 Josh Harvey-Clemons SS SO 6-5 212 31 Trent Fisher DB 6-1 200 JR Todd Gurley 101 625 6.2 6 12 Austin Herod SS SR 5-10 195 31 Mark White WR 5-10 180 R-FR J.J. Green 53 328 6.2 2 52 Amarlo Herrera ILB JR 6-2 244 32 Blake Poole DB 5-11 192 SR 48 Quayvon Hicks FB SO 6-2 257 32 Wade Norberg TE 6-6 210 JR RECEIVING LEADERS 75 Kolton Houston OT JR 6-5 280 90 Ethan Jackson P SR 5-11 177 33 Kenny Flowers LB 6-1 240 SO Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 59 OLB SO 6-3 246 33 Austin Powell WR 6-0 185 JR AUBURN 38 Clay Johnson FLK RS FR 6-1 171 35 FB 6-0 258 SR Sammie Coates 26 648 24.9 5 57 De’Andre Johnson N FR 6-3 311 36 K 6-0 190 SR Marcus Davis 19 162 8.5 1 10 Kennar Johnson CB JR 6-2 185 37 Kamryn Melton DB 5-10 173 FR GEORGIA 88 Toby Johnson DE JR 6-4 305 38 Adam Dyas DB 5-9 212 JR Chris Conley 30 418 13.9 4 18 Jesse Jones CB RS SO 6-0 194 36 Kyle Karempelis TB JR 5-9 180 38 K 6-4 205 FR Michael Bennett 24 322 13.4 3 39 Alex Kviklys K 6-1 189 SO 42 Tim Kimbrough ILB FR 6-0 228 39 B.J. Trimble WR 5-10 161 SO TEAM STATISTICS 53 Clint Kirk DE SR 6-3 289 54 Brandon Kublanow OG FR 6-3 290 40 Gage Batten FB 6-0 235 R-FR OFFENSE AU UGA 4 Brendan Langley CB FR 6-1 181 41 Patrick Lymon RB 5-10 194 JR Points Scored 386 320 64 Dallas Lee OG SR 6-4 295 42 Gimel President DE 6-4 248 R-FR Total Offense 4933 4307 16 Christian LeMay QB RS SO 6-2 200 42 Chandler Shakespeare RB 5-10 203 SR Rushing Yards 3200 1628 29 Uriah LeMay SE FR 6-2 197 43 Anthony Swain LB 6-2 239 SO Passing Yards 1733 2679 66 Hunter Long C RS SO 6-4 312 43 Tommy Long ILB RS FR 6-2 220 44 Cameron Artis-Payne RB 5-11 210 JR DEFENSE AU UGA 45 Keymiya Harrell DE 6-4 247 SO 83 Jack Loonam TE RS SO 6-0 213 Points Allowed 204 259 88 Arthur Lynch TE SR 6-5 254 45 Andrew Williams RB 5-9 200 JR Yards Allowed 3944 3303 47 Spencer Smith TE 6-6 240 R-FR 4 Keith Marshall TB SO 5-11 219 First Downs 199 174 14 Hutson Mason QB JR 6-3 202 47 Cameron Toney LB 6-1 236 FR Rushing Yards 1556 1134 28 Tray Matthews FS FR 6-0 196 48 Forrest Hill DS 6-1 247 JR Passing Yards 2388 2169 20 Quincy Mauger FS FR 6-0 200 49 Patrick Young FB 6-2 228 JR 47 Taylor Maxey FB JR 5-10 220 50 Reese Dismukes C 6-3 297 JR 93 Chris Mayes N RS SO 6-4 321 50 Ben Bradley DT 6-1 295 JR 46 A.J. McDonald ILB JR 6-0 226 51 Patrick Miller OL 6-7 283 SO 8 Shaun McGee OLB FR 6-3 233 52 Justin Delaine DE 6-5 240 JR 27 Rhett McGowan SE SR 6-0 180 53 Devonte Danzey OL 6-4 282 SO 65 Eddie McQuillen OT RS SO 6-8 300 54 Jeff rey Whitaker DT 6-4 310 SR 26 FLK JR 6-1 190 39 Corey Moore SS JR 6-2 214 55 Carl Lawson DE 6-2 258 FR 13 Marshall Morgan PK SO 6-3 200 56 Avery Young OL 6-6 304 R-FR 80 Greg Mulkey TE SR 6-3 234 57 Grant Smith LB 6-0 233 FR 11 Aaron Murray QB SR 6-1 208 58 Luke Ebbesmeyer DB 6-6 206 FR 11 Connor Norman FS SR 5-10 201 59 Jake Lembke DS 6-2 240 SR 50 Johnny O’Neal ILB FR 6-2 225 60 Jackson Thomas DL 6-1 246 R-FR 23 Alex Parsons TB SR 5-10 188 61 Michael Sulka DS 6-3 241 R-FR 29 Jamal Payette FLK SR 6-3 190 62 Chad Slade OL 6-5 313 JR 48 Dillard Pinkston OLB RS FR 6-3 218 94 Thomas Pritchard PK RS FR 5-10 164 63 Alex Kozan OL 6-4 297 R-FR 73 Greg Pyke OG RS FR 6-6 326 64 Duncan McKinney K 5-11 181 SO 12 Brice Ramsey QB FR 6-3 205 65 Tunde Fariyike OL 6-2 305 JR 38 Ryne Rankin ILB FR 6-1 222 66 Kevin Austin OL 6-1 272 FR 24 Lucas Redd FS JR 6-1 207 68 Kyle Bolstad OL 6-4 262 R-FR 87 Jay Rome TE RS SO 6-6 254 70 Robert Leff OL 6-6 284 R-FR 18 Jonathon Rumph SE JR 6-5 208 72 OL 6-6 299 R-FR 7 Blake Sailors CB SR 5-11 179 73 Greg Robinson OL 6-5 320 SO 86 Justin Scott-Wesley SE RS SO 5-11 206 74 Will Adams OL 6-7 297 R-FR 67 Michael Scullin OL FR 6-2 285 55 Billy Seward OG FR 6-3 270 75 Deon Mix OL 6-4 310 FR 56 Garrison Smith DE SR 6-3 299 76 Jordan Diamond OL 6-6 315 R-FR 32 Matt Stagg OLB RS FR 6-3 225 77 Shane Callahan OL 6-6 275 R-FR 44 T.J. Stripling OLB SR 6-6 237 78 Colton Wingard OL 6-2 295 SO 5 Damian Swann CB JR 5-11 178 79 Eric Averett OL 6-3 254 R-FR 74 Thomas Swilley OL FR 6-3 320 80 Marcus Davis WR 5-9 176 FR 94 John Taylor DE RS FR 6-4 336 81 C.J. Uzomah TE 6-4 258 JR 1 Tramel Terry FLK FR 6-0 184 82 Melvin Ray WR 6-3 213 SO 71 John Theus OT SO 6-6 298 83 Michael Clifton TE 6-3 251 R-FR 49 Nathan Theus SN RS SO 6-3 241 96 Mike Thornton N JR 6-1 290 84 Cade Hoff man WR 5-11 191 FR 8 Blake Tibbs FLK RS FR 6-2 179 85 Wirth Campbell TE 6-3 208 SO 9 Kenneth Towns SE RS FR 6-3 201 86 Dimitri Reese WR 5-11 180 JR 35 A.J. Turman TB FR 6-0 198 87 Gray King WR 5-10 162 FR 33 Chase Vasser OLB SR 6-3 219 89 Jaylon Denson WR 6-3 219 JR 30 Kosta Vavlas ILB JR 6-0 214 90 Gabe Wright DL 6-3 296 JR 63 Xzavier Ward OT RS SO 6-7 278 91 Tyler Nero DL 6-2 271 R-FR 77 Glenn Welch OL FR 6-3 290 92 Kenneth Carter DT 6-4 280 SR 2 Parker Welch QB SR 6-3 203 93 JaBrian Niles DL 6-2 293 SO 6 Shaq Wiggins CB FR 5-10 165 9 Reggie Wilkerson CB FR 5-11 171 94 Nosa Eguae DE 6-3 269 SR THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 84 Hugh Williams TE SR 6-5 234 95 Reid Brooks DE 6-2 230 R-FR 44 Drew Wilson TE SR 6-2 207 96 Aaron Garrison OL 6-2 251 FR Sammie Coates runs in for a touchdown Oct. 26 51 Ramik Wilson ILB JR 6-2 232 97 Elijah Daniel DE 6-2 264 Fr against Atlantic. Coates is the top Auburn receiver with 17 Rantavious Wooten FLK SR 5-10 176 98 Angelo Blackson DL 6-4 310 JR 9 Curtis Wyatt SE SR 6-1 205 99 Brian Walsh DL 6-3 311 SO 26 receptions for 648 yards and five touchdowns. 35 Chris Young FB SR 6-1 235

Mason, who’s rushed for 700 of his 10 sacks this season. Meanwhile, the SEC. Even true freshman Leon- Coaching career-best 1,038 yards during the Georgia’s experienced front featur- ard Floyd has produced 34 tackles Livin’ on the While not necessarily Tigers’six-game win streak, while ing three seniors and a junior, have so far to go along with 5.5 sacks to the most experienced averaging 6 yards per carry for the made steady improvement this year lead all SEC freshmen. or successful as far SEC’s No. 1 rushing team. Mason’s in that category, allowing just five » Edge: Georgia as championships, impact is even measurable, leading sacks over the last seven games Georgia’s is Edge the SEC with 58 plays that have gone after giving up six in the first two the dean of SEC head coaches, hav- for either a first down or a touchdown contests. Secondary ing coached the Bulldogs for the last this season, as he leads the confer- » Edge: Auburn Georgia’s defense has suffered after losing 13 years. Richt ranks third among ac- Georgia senior Aaron ence in scoring with 17 on the year. 9-of-11 starters to the tive Division-I coaches with 124 wins, Murray has everything » Edge: Auburn Defensive line NFL from last season’s ranking behind only Ohio State’s you want in a big-time Auburn’s defensive team, but nowhere Urban Meyer and Oklahoma’s Bob college quarterback. Receivers front has been up and Stoops in that category.Although He’s got the experience, was it more evident in the second- While the ground down this season, ary, which features a relatively he’s fairly new to the collegiate leading all active NCAA head coaching profession, first-year game has taken off dur- providing an early boost new cast, including true freshmen with 50-career starts and counting. Auburn skipper isn’t ing Auburn’s streak, the while racking up 17 of starters in safety Quincy Mauger He’s a winner, as evidenced by his 34 new to winning after a highly suc- passing game has sput- the Tigers’ 19 sacks through the first and Shaq Wiggins, while career victories. And he can produce, cessful 13-year high school career in tered, with Marshall seven games. But in the last three fellow freshmen Tray Matthews and becoming the SEC’s all-time leader Arkansas. In just 11 months on the managing just 492 yards on 33-of- games, only senior end Dee Ford Brendan Langley have played plenty in passing yards, passing touch- job, Malzahn has completely turned 56 passing in that stretch com- (seven sacks) has more than one, this season. After managing just one downs and total offense this season. the tide in the Plains, sparking the pared with 809 yards on 60-of-103 and Auburn only has four during that last season, Auburn’s But it’s what Auburn junior Nick nation’s biggest turnaround, having attempts in the four previous games. span. After providing early-season secondary has 10 of the team’s 11 Marshall, who signed with Georgia The lack of passing has limited the energy, Tigers true freshmen Carl already secured a nine-win season as a cornerback out of high school, picks this year, ranking fourth in after a nine-loss campaign a year ago. attempts for Tigers receivers, as no Lawson, Montravius Adams and the SEC in that category. Four of can do away from the stat sheet that one beyond sophomore Sammie Elijah Daniel have seemingly faded. » Edge: Georgia makes him so dangerous, recently those are credited to Coates (648) has more than 175 Senior nose tackle Garrison Smith junior star safety-hybrid Robenson rushing for an SEC season-high receiving yards 10 games into the has shouldered much of the load Therezie. Overall 214 yards against Tennessee last season. On the other hand, despite this season for the Bulldogs, leading » Edge: Auburn Early-season injuries to key play- Saturday. Both present great poise injuries to key receivers Malcolm the unit with 47 tackles to go along makers on both sides of under pressure and have shown Mitchell, Michael Bennett and Justin with four sacks, while junior end Ray the ball seemed to de- an ability to make plays when their Scott-Wesley, Georgia has six receiv- Drew is sixth in the SEC with a team- Special teams rail what at first looked team needs them to, the ultimate ers with more than 200 yards and high six sacks. Usually an overlooked like a promising season sign of a great quarterback. at least two touchdowns through » Edge: Auburn unit, Auburn’s special for the Bulldogs, who » Edge: Georgia the air as Murray has managed to teams have played a were ranked in the top five at the spread the ball around effectively. Linebackers considerable role in its start of the year after returning the Running back » Edge: Georgia turnaround, especially The Tigers’ most criti- SEC’s top tailback and quarterback with regard to its return game. Last Last season, only cized singular defensive following back-to-back SEC Eastern eventual Heisman Offensive line unit this season, from week against Tennessee, Auburn Division championships. Auburn, Trophy winner Johnny Auburn doesn’t have coaches and fans alike, became only the fourth team this meanwhile, had long since fallen Manziel ran for more the SEC’s premier rush- has struggled recently, season to return both a punt and a off the national radar but has since yards in the SEC than ing attack, averaging with Auburn defensive coordinator kickoff for a touchdown in the same skyrocketed back into contention Todd Gurley’s 1,385 rushing yards. 320 yards per game on Ellis Johnson describing the play game as the Tigers moved into with solid SEC road wins at Texas Gurley also set a school record for the ground this season, as “up and down and inconsis- first and third in the SEC in kickoff A&M, Arkansas and Tennessee in the touchdowns with 17.An ankle injury for no reason. The Tigers front five tent” against Tennessee despite a (averaging 26.7 yards) and punt (12 midst of a six-game winning streak. has slowed the sophomore some have paved the way to 2,271 of the team-high 10 tackles from weakside yards) returns, respectively. Georgia, The Tigers enter the final two games this season, keeping him out of team’s 3,200 rushing yards during linebacker Cassanova McKinzy. But, on the other hand, ranks last in the of the regular season controlling three games, but it hasn’t limited his the six-game win streak, as Auburn while McKinzy leads with 49 tackles SEC, averaging just 16.2 yards per their own destiny with a chance at impact, with Gurley still third in the has produced at least four rushing this season, Georgia inside lineback- kickoff and 12th with an average bigger things with wins over ranked SEC averaging 104 rushing yards per touchdowns in each of the last five ers Ramik Wilson (SEC-leading 92 punt return of 3.5 yards, while rank- foes in No. 25 Georgia and No. 1 game. Right behind him in average games. The Tigers are also third in tackles) and Amarlo Herrera (79) ing 13th in kickoff coverage. Alabama in two weeks. rushing yards is Auburn junior Tre the conference having allowed just rank among the top-four tacklers in » Edge: Auburn » Edge: Auburn OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS N www.oanow.com TIGER TAILGATER SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2013 N 3

Auburn running back Tre Mason leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns with 16 and is second in the conference with 1,038 rushing yards through 10 games this season.

Run the ball: It’s so simpleALBERT CESARE/[email protected]

t’s a simple game. first among quarterbacks. in the air. And something 3. The Bulldogs limited the The passing game Making it more Yes, even better than John- tells me, they’ll be able to Tigers to just 120 rushing worked when they needed Ithan that only causes ny Manziel (611 rushing do a better job than most yards on 36 carries (3.3 it. Go figure. Since then, problems. yards). teams because of their tal- yards per carry). however, Auburn hasn’t Running, throwing, block- Oh, and by the way, ent. Especially Alabama. But guess what hap- needed it. ing, tackling. Football, at Auburn is 9-1 and in the But just because that’s pened? “Our passing game is its core, is very simple. And midst of a six-game win- the gameplan, doesn’t Auburn threw the ball. still there,” junior running if you can do those things MikeSzvetitz ning streak. mean it’ll work. And had success. (Gasp.) back Corey Grant said. “It’s better than your opponent, View From The Lazy Boy Why, again, do the Tigers Arkansas, Tennessee … Marshall threw for a just that running the ball, well, then, you win. need to throw more? LSU, Texas A&M, Ole Miss career-high 339 yards we’ve been great at that. Simply. “The main thing is Shoot, why throw at all? … heck, all of the teams that game and two And if somebody can’t That notion is not lost whether you run it every “Whatever your the Tigers have played this touchdowns, including stop it, why stop doing it?” on Gus Malzahn, nor has time, or throw it every strengths are, that is what year tried to ground the the game-winning drive, Great question. And the it ever been. Auburn’s time, if you are playing you play to and if you are ground game. Problem is, which went 82 yards in answer is so simple: You head coach is not into good football and you are able to be successful, you it didn’t work. less than 2 minutes. He don’t. reinventing the wheel or successful and you are keep doing it,” Malzahn The only team that has completed passes to nine MIKE SZVETITZ is sports editor of revolutionizing the game. winning, that is really the said. “Football is not a been able to stop Auburn different receivers, averag- the Opelika-Auburn News. He may He’s all about doing bottom line,” Malzahn complicated game. A lot running the football was ing 14.7 yards per comple- be reached at mszvetitz@oanow. what works and sticking said. “So it kind of goes of people make it com- Mississippi State in Week tion. comor737-2513. to it. And as much as he’d back to building around plicated, but you do what like to have a balanced of- your strengths.” you are good at. fense, it’s just not smart to And Auburn’s strength “And right now, we stop what’s working. is running the ball. Down are good at running the If it ain’t broke, don’t defenses’ throats. football.” CATERING CHOICES mess with it. Period. Preach it. That’s why it doesn’t The Tigers lead the SEC “With that being said,” We make any Tailgate Party delicious! bother Malzahn that his in rushing, averaging 320 Malzahn continued, “and ® offense has only attempt- yards per game, which is like I have said, the last Ask your Sandwich Artist for details! ed 16 passes in the last good enough for third in few weeks we are going to two games. Why throw the the nation. Tre Mason’s have to be able to throw it ball when his Tigers have 1,038 yards on the ground at times — we know that. rushed for a combined puts him second in the We will keep working and 677 yards on 99 carries in conference, while his 16 I think we can do it.” Cookie Platters that same span? rushing touchdowns are Yes, the time will come When gaining 6.8 yards first in the league and where Auburn will have every time they run the third in the country. Nick to throw it. Georgia and ball, why oh why throw it? Marshall’s 734 rushing Alabama will stack the box Talk about not making yards (7.1 yards per carry) to try to stop the run and sense. is eighth in the SEC and make Auburn put the ball ADVERTISEMENT Sandwich Your case matters to us… Platters

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BY ALEX BYINGTON [email protected] means.” Auburn’s road is a little C.J. Uzomah’s phone easier, though, needing hasn’t stopped buzzing only to win Saturday to this week as friends and transform the family from his home state on Nov. 30 into a de facto continually provide fuel to Western Division champi- an already stoked flame onship against top-ranked with some good-natured Alabama. ribbing. Georgia, on the other “I have friends … (and) hand, must win Saturday they’ve been blowing up andbeatKentuckyathome, my phone talking about and then receive plenty of — they’ve grown up Geor- help in the meantime to gia fans — ‘Georgia this, secure a third straight tick- Georgia that, and (so) we’ll et to the SEC Champion- see,’” the Auburn junior ship game as the Eastern tight end said this week. Division representative. “I don’t really respond to UGA would need one-loss it right now, I’m just go- Missouri to lose two of its ing to text them back after final three SEC games, in- the game and see how that cluding a road game at Ole goes. Miss and a home game “Growing up, all I heard against former Big 12 foe (about) is Georgia, so I’m Texas A&M on Nov. 30. definitely amped up about Any major stumble by Mis- this game for sure.” souri could open the door The 25th-ranked Bull- for either Georgia or South dogs return to Jordan- Carolina. Hare Stadium on Saturday “We know it’s possible to play the 117th edition of ALBERT CESARE/[email protected] and because it’s possible the Deep South’s Oldest Ri- Auburn tight end C.J. Uzomah (81) celebrates with wide receiver Ricardo Louis (5) after scoring a touchdown during the Tigers’ we’ve got to keep believing valry against No. 7 Auburn, win over Tennessee last week in Knoxville. If the Tigers beat Georgia on Saturday in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, it will set that every game is for the at 2:30 p.m. on CBS. up an SEC West showdown with No. 1 Alabama for a berth in the SEC Championship game. Eastern Division cham- Prior to the season, opening or shocking I forced him to miss three ing about right now.” combined on 299 total pionship,” Georgia head Auburn’s junior tight end guess to some,” Uzomah weeks. During that time, The Bulldogs, though, yards and four touch- coach Mark Richt said. might not have felt confi- said. “We knew that we the Bulldogs went 1-2 with have dominated rivalry downs en route to secur- “It helps to motivate (the dent enough to reply, not were going to have a suc- divisional losses to Mis- as of late, winning six of ing the 2010 BCS National players) right now.” after coming off a 3-9 sea- cessful season — maybe souri andVanderbilt.While the last seven matchups Championship. Of course, the Bulldogs son that included a winless not as successful as this — Gurley and senior receiver including outscoring the The recent Georgia suc- won’t be the only ones mo- run through the SEC. Also, but we knew we were going Michael Bennett (knee) Tigers 83-7 in the last two cess has brought the series tivated Saturday, with the Georgia was coming off an to have a great season. And have since returned to ac- games. to an even 54-54-8 split. Tigers trying to finish off SEC Championship game coming into this game, we tion, fellow receivers Justin “As a team, we are disap- “It’s a huge game, and the biggest turnaround in appearance when it came knew that there were going Scott-Wesley (knee) and pointed in those last two I’m sure emotions are go- the NCAA this season. within 5 yards of upsetting to be a lot of implications Chris Conley have missed seasons. We’re going to use ing to be high, but that’s “The confidence level is eventual national champi- but I guess the tables have time, with Scott-Wesley that as fuel for this game,” part of being disciplined through the roof on this on Alabama and returned somewhat turned.” out for the season. Uzomah said. and we’ve done a solid job team,” said Auburn ju- most of a record-setting Offensively, a strength “I don’t think there’s any Last season Georgia reg- of that for the most part,” nior defensive tackle Gabe offense. entering the season with question at the beginning istered a 38-0 win on the Auburn head coach Gus Wright, a native of Colum- But 11 weeks into the nine starters returning, of the year they were one of Plains, marking the first Malzahn said. bus, Ga. season, the tables have including senior quar- the best teams in the coun- time either team posted a This year, though, the Which is what makes turned. It’s Auburn (9-1, terback Aaron Murray try. They had an injury bug shutout since 1976 when intensity is only height- Saturday’s Deep South’s 5-1 SEC) with the top-10 and sophomore tailback and suffered some defeats the Bulldogs won 28-0, ened by the stakes, as both Oldest Rivalry even more ranking in the midst of a Todd Gurley, Georgia lost there during that period of also in Auburn. teams are still mathemati- important for both teams. six-game win streak and starting receiver Malcolm time,” Auburn defensive “Definitely. They put the cally in the running for a “We’re walking into a the Bulldogs (6-3, 4-2 SEC) Mitchell to an ACL in- coordinator Ellis Johnson games away and we’ve divisional championship. situation with a team that reeling from several devas- jury in the season opener said. “We’re getting ready definitely had that in our “We know the implica- is very confident and has tating injuries to key offen- against Clemson and Gur- to get at least a partially mindset,” Auburn corner- tions. We know what’s at a lot of momentum and is sive players. ley suffered a serious ankle revitalized Georgia team, back Jonathon Mincy said. stake and how important already used to winning,” “I think it is kind of eye- injury against LSU that and that’s all we’re think- “We’re going to go out there this game is,” Uzomah Richt said. “Going into the and hop on them early.” said. “That’s another part season you wouldn’t have The Tigers’ lone win re- of the reason we’re focus- said that, but by Game 10 cently was a 49-31 shoot- ing on this game as hard they are used to winning. out in 2010 when former as we are. This isn’t going Teams like that are very relax. quarterback to be a cake walk by any difficult to beat.” The hardest part is choosing a color. pedicures starting at Lee Spa Nails $ No. 25 Georgia (6-3, 4-2) 334-749-0072 20 at No. 7 Auburn (9-1, 5-1) Jordan-Hare Stadium; 2:30 p.m. 2195 Tiger Town Pkwy, Suite #970, Opelika Walk-ins Welcome! Call for Open 7 days a week: Mon--Sat: 9am--8pm, Sun: 11am--6pm more info about our services. COACHES leads, 18-12 » Chris Davis leads the » Gus Malzahn » at neutral sites: nation in punt return aver- (Henderson State, 1990) Georiga leads, 21-16-2 age, gaining 24.1 yards on 10 Auburn record: 9-1 » Last meeting: Georgia returns. Wide receiver Sam- (1st year) 38, Auburn 0 (Nov. 10, 2012 mie Coates is second in the Earn $100 this week Overall record: 18-4 at Jordan-Hare Stadium) nation in yards per reception, (2nd year) BROADCAST averaging 24.92 every catch. » Mark Richt »TV:CBS (3) (Miami, 1982) » RADIO: WGZZ (94.3 FM) » Auburn has scored at Donate your plasma to help save lives Georgia record: 124-40 » SATELLITE RADIO: least 30 points in six con- (13th year) Sirius 91/XM 91 secutive games for the first Overall record: 124-40 time since 2004. worldwide. If you qualify as a new donor, (13th year) GAMEDAY GOODS SERIES » Auburn has posted the » Auburn leads the SEC you can earn up to $100 this week. » Tied, 54-54-8 biggest turnaround in the in rushing at 320 yards per » at Auburn: Georgia nation through 10 games, game, which is 84 yards leads, 15-10-2 after going 2-8 at this point better than second-place » at Georgia: Auburn last season. Missouri.

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1. Gurley man: Todd Gurley missed the better part of four games in the middle of the SEC slate with a severe ankle injury, yet he’s still third in the confer- ence averaging 104.2 rushing yards per game.After being the SEC’s leading Things rusher from the tailback position last season as a true freshman, Gurley has continued to produce and carry the load at Georgia.As close to 100 percent as 2 Watch 4 he’s been since the injury, Gurley will be the Bulldogs’X-factor on Saturday as his ability to break into the second and third levels of Auburn’s defense will be key. Auburn vs. Georgia Compiled by 5 Alex Byington

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 2. Pass or play? Auburn’s ground game has been elec- 3. Masonry: Tigers junior running back Tre Mason has made a name for himself gutting tric most of the season, but out every single inch he can on a football field, be it rolling over a teammate to reach in has really prospered during its for the game-winning 5-yard touchdown against Texas A&M or simply churning his legs six-game win streak thanks in for an extra yard here or there. All of it has helped establish Mason as one of the SEC’s large part to the emergence top tailbacks this season. When faced with the premier talent Georgia has in its defense, of quarterback Nick Marshall including tackling machines Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera, who have combined for as a run threat out of the zone 171 tackles and rank among the top four in the SEC individually, Mason is sure to need read. Meanwhile the passing every yard he can get Saturday. game seems to have gone the way of disco music, with the Tigers managing just 16 combined passes the last two games. Against Georgia’s stout run defense, which ranks fourth in the SEC and 20th in the nation allowing just 126 rushing yards per game, it’s clear Marshall will have to pass on Saturday, but how much exactly is yet to be seen. ALBERT CESARE/[email protected]

4. Pressure pack: Auburn’s

defensive line was a force to be ALBERT CESARE/[email protected] reckoned with early in the season, at times nearly single-handedly taking over games by providing supreme pressure on opposing quarterbacks.Through the Tigers’ first seven games, it registered 17 sacks. But in the last three con- Jack Ingram Motors tests,Auburn has only managed four total sacks, two coming from senior defensive end Dee Ford. If the Tigers’ defense hopes to keep Aaron Murray from picking it apart, it’s going to need to make him uncomfortable in the pocket with pressure.

ALBERT CESARE/[email protected] 5. Turnover trouble: The Tigers haven’t done particularly poorly in the turnover depart- ment, sitting tied for 60th in the nation with a plus-1 margin. And during its six-game win streak, Auburn has a plus-3 turnover margin, mostly gained in the turnover-free win over Arkansas. Nev- ertheless, the Tigers have shown a propensity to put the ball on the ground, especially Marshall, who has committed nine turnovers (four lost fumbles, five interceptions) in nine games, which is three more than the rest of the team combined. If Auburn is going to continue its string of suc- cess, ball security will be important. VOLVO XC90 VOLVO S60

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BY ALEX BYINGTON [email protected] As far as his high school coach is concerned, Nick Marshall is just following through on a dream put off by one youthful indiscre- tion. Mark Ledford, the head football coach at Wilcox County (Ga.) where he first met Auburn’s starting ju- nior quarterback, remem- bers the somber conversa- tion he had with his former pupil on Feb. 4, 2012. The day before, Ledford’s phonepracticallyexploded from all the calls and texts he was receiving, and not just from those wishing him a happy birthday. Marshall, following a true freshman season in which he’d appeared in 13 games as a backup cornerback for the Bulldogs, had been dis- missed from the for a “violation of team rules” stemming from an incident where he was implicated in stealing from a teammate’s dorm room, according to the Macon Telegraph. PHOTOS BY ALBERT CESARE/[email protected] Driving around the next Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall has reinvented himself after starting his college career as a cornerback at Georgia in 2011. After spending last year in junior day for what seemed like college, Marshall has led the Tigers to the biggest turnaround in this season. hours, Ledford listened as a remorseful Marshall owned up to everything he “I just worry about my team, was accused of. Then came the question: and we just keep capitalizing “So what do you want to do now?” and keep moving forward.” Marshall didn’t hesitate Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall with his response. “Coach, I want to go to “He’s really the same guy well is stay even. When junior college and play the he would be if we were things are really good, he’s position I love playing the playing anybody else. I level-headed. When things best, and I want to come know in his heart, he’s are bad — like the other back in the SEC as a quar- probably going to come a day when we had the pick- terback,” Marshall said, little bit harder.” 6, two plays later he’s run- according to Ledford. Marshall’s own personal ning a 40-yard touchdown “And that’s what he’s resurgence — combining run — he does a good job done,” Ledford said this for 2,035 total yards and of moving on and not let- week. 15 touchdowns, includ- ting things bother him.” Two days later, on Mon- ing 734 rushing yards for The decision came down day, Feb. 6, Ledford and fourth most nationally between Auburn, where Marshall were in his truck amongquarterbacks—has Malzahn had made it a pri- once again making the worked hand-and-hand ority to get an experienced five-hour drive to the other with Auburn’s revival fol- quarterback to run his hur- Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn high-fives quarterback Nick Marshall (14) after a touchdown side of Birmingham. It was lowing a miserable 3-9 sea- ry-up, no-huddle offense, during last Saturday’s win over Tennessee in Knoxville. there Garden City (Kan.) son a year ago, prompting and Kansas State, where Community College coach the administration to fire longtime head coach Bill Garden City was simple game will be the fourth brighter future. Jeff Tatum was waiting to former coach Gene Chizik Synder was looking for a for Marshall. He’d already time this season Ledford “To have to do all he take Marshall the other and hire Gus Malzahn. dual-threat option to re- made up his mind in Led- will see Marshall play in had to do to overcome his 15 hours to start the next During Auburn’s six- place graduating Collin ford’s truck 11 months ear- person, each one more mistake, and to take a leap chapter in his life. game win streak, Marshall Klein. lier. He was coming back gut-wrenching than the of faith and (play) in the “I’ve said on plenty of has been a big contributor, “One thing I told them to the SEC. last. middle of Kansas — he occasions, if a guy has a rushing for 586 and seven was, ‘Nick’s a good kid, and “I really wasn’t sure what “It’s been one of the most had no idea what he was situation where he doesn’t touchdowns, averaging 9.3 he made a mistake,’ just he was going to do, and nerve-wracking experi- getting into when he got finish here at Georgia, a yards per carry. like lots of people have,” then one morning he sent ences that I’ve ever had,” in that van — and then to guy that signed with us, “He’s been a kid capable Ledford said. “He did, he me a text that said, ‘I’m go- Ledford said. “I probably come back and only be on my goal for him is to find of putting a team on his messed up, but he was ing to be an Auburn Tiger,’” get more nervous with him campus (at Auburn) a few a new home and have suc- shoulders and he doesn’t remorseful of it and I told Ledford recalled. playing there at Auburn weeks and be named the cess at it,” Georgia head run from that responsibil- them that I thought … ‘if Within his third week on than when he was here starting quarterback,” Led- coach Mark Richt said. “So ity, and I think the team I was a college football campus after displaying with me.” ford said. “It’s really a tes- I’m happy for Nick.” feeds off of that,” Ledford coach, I would want Nick his dynamic running abil- Since some early-sea- tament to Nick, and I think said. “Every team he’s had, Marshall on my football ity during Auburn’s first son struggles adjusting you’ve got to be a big fan of OOO ever been on … at quarter- team.’ And that was the fall scrimmage, Marshall on the fly, Marshall’s been what he’s done. He had to Marshall’s road to re- back, from middle school best I could say.” was named the starting electric, including fueling walk a line to get there.” demption comes full all the way up, he’s been Malzahn had a slight ad- quarterback, signaling the game-winning touchdown So, in spite of Marshall’s circle on Saturday when the guy everybody looked vantage given some prior beginning of his and the drives at home against renaissance, at least for he leads No. 7 Auburn (9- to to make the plays.” experience with recruiting Tigers’ revival. Mississippi State and on all from tiny 1,100-person 1, 5-1 SEC) into a pivotal After Marshall ran for Marshall in the fall when “One thing it did was give the road at Texas A&M. Rochelle, Ga., who still talk showdown against his for- an SEC-season best 214 he was at Arkansas State. It him a chance to come back Richt said this week about his nine-touchdown mer team, No. 25 Georgia, rushing yards against Ten- also helped Marshall had closer to home,” Ledford he had no doubt that if game in the second round in the 117th rendition of nessee, Ledford texted his prior relationships with re- said. “He’d been out in the Marshall hadn’t been dis- of the 2010 playoffs against the Deep South’s Oldest former pupil some brief ceivers coach Dameyune Midwest, and it gave him missed, he’d be an “all- Johnson County, this is Rivalry with a nationally encouragement. Craig, who tried to recruit a chance to come back conference type guy.” how it was always meant televised 2:30 p.m. kickoff “That was a pretty good Marshall to FSU out of high home. And it gave him a “He’s a dynamic guy with to be. on CBS. game,” Ledford joked. school, and new defensive chance to do what he said a lot of multi-skills, and “What he has done has “It’s just another oppo- Marshall’s reply was as line coach Rodney Gar- he wanted to do initially, he’s using a lot of them as not surprised me,” Led- nent we got that’s in our understated as he is: “LOL. ner, who knew Marshall as which was: go to a JUCO, a quarterback right now,” ford said. “Still, him going way,” Marshall said after Thanks Coach.” the former defensive line play quarterback and Richt said. out and doing it on the big Saturday’s 55-23 win at “Everything’s matter-of- coach at Georgia. come back to the SEC.” But for Ledford, Mar- stage that he’s on, it’s kind Tennessee. “I just worry fact, and nothing’s a big “I got to know Nick when shall’s best skill has been of surreal. You still have to about my team, and we deal,” Ledford said laugh- I was recruiting him at Ar- OOO his improved maturity, pinch yourself that that’s just keep capitalizing and ing. “With Nick, it’s just like kansas State as a person. This Saturday’s Deep and his ability to turn a Nick Marshall from little keep moving forward.” any other game.” We did our homework on South’s Oldest Rivalry bad decision into a much Pineview, Ga.” Marshall was not made It’s that same approach him there,” Malzahn said. available by Auburn dur- that the Auburn coaches “The fact that we got here ing the week, not that the are expecting from Mar- with Coach Garner, he generally reserved quar- shall on Saturday, as he un- knew him well, knew the Need a game day condo? terback would have said doubtedly will be dealing family well. All of the above much more anyway. with a little extra emotion had to do with that. “Yeah, you know, he re- playing his former team. “We’re very proud of We offer short-term leases! ally hasn’t talked much “He has to keep the emo- Nick on the field, off the about it,” said Auburn tail- tions as in check as he can. field. He’s got a lot of re- back Corey Grant, who also I’m sure it will be a little spect from his teammates transferred to Auburn after different for him,” Auburn as well as his coaches. He’s originally signing with an- offensive coordinator a good person.” other SEC rival in Alabama Rhett Lashlee said. “One Of course, the decision out of Opelika High. thing Nick has done very where to transfer to from OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS N www.oanow.com TIGER TAILGATER SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2013 N 7 ALABAMA FOOTBALL HAVEN’T YOU HEARD?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The cowbells will be clanging when quarterback AJ McCarron and undefeated Alabama visit Mississippi State on Saturday for the Tide’s last SEC game before the Iron Bowl.

said the Bulldogs are solid of the toughest teams that did last week, and get bet- No. 1 Crimson Tide not taking offensively. “They’re big I’m looking forward to ter, improve so something up front. They have a great play. Good team. Should like the Texas A&M game Mississippi State game lightly O-line, nice backs. They do be fun.” last year doesn’t happen well at what they do.” NO. 1 ALABAMA (9-0, 6-0) AT Kouandjio is more intent again. BY KEN ROGERS nothing. I just tune it out Senior running back on avoiding a letdown af- “It shouldn’t happen Dothan Eagle MISSISSIPPI STATE (4-5, 1-4) when I’m on the field. I LaDarius Perkins has 6:45 p.m. Saturday; TV: ESPN ter the LSU victory. again. There is no reason Somebody talk to Denzel don’t care what anyone rushed for 2,445 career “After a big game like we should not be able to Devall. says, does, anything of yards, seventh most in said. “They move a lot. LSU, you have to think, get better than we were Alabama’s sophomore that nature.” MSU history.The offensive They try to confuse you a ‘OK, let’s take a break.’ last week; no reason at all. linebackerisabouttomake More than noise will be line isn’t just big, it has a lot. That’s being human,” That’s why I’m pushing for his first trip to Starkville, waiting for Alabama (9- combined 133 career starts “Fundamentally good Kouandjio said. “But we’re my offensive line and the Miss., when the Crimson 0, 6-0 SEC). Mississippi from tackle to tackle. players. They’ve all got going to emphasize this offense, the whole team, Tide makes the 85-mile State (4-5, 1-4 SEC) boasts “They have five losses good motors. This is one week to go harder than we we’ve got to get better.” journey west for Saturday an offense that averages to teams that are all rated night’s game against Mis- 210 yards rushing and 249 in the top 20, playing very sissippi State. yards passing per game competitively in every one TreesTrees willw He gave a blank stare — output that is slightly of those games,” Alabama when reporters asked higher than the Crimson coach Nick Saban said. bbee he here about the cowbells. Tide (209 rushing, 244 “You’ve got to look past Nov. 24! “No. I mean, I haven’t passing). the record, because this is heard anything,” Devall Mississippi State sopho- a very good team offen- FRESH CUT FRASIER FIRS said, with a “what-am-I- more quarterback Dak sively. They can run the FOR CHRISTMAS missing?” look on his face. Prescott leads the Bulldogs ball. They keep the ball, Crimson Tide players in rushing (722 yards, 10 the time of possession is Plus...All the fresh fruits and veggies you needeed who have made this trip touchdowns) and passing good. for your holiday feasts! identify the Bulldogs with (1,542 yards, seven touch- “Defensively, they’re one 3829 Pepperell Parkway • 334-737-208080 their trademark noise- downs, seven intercep- of the top tier of the SEC makers. tions). Reigning Heisman defensive teams. They’re “I know we’ll hear a lot of winner very well coached. Dan bells,” quarterback AJ Mc- is the only other quarter- (Mullen) has done a great Carron said. “I know the back in the SEC to lead his job there. They play hard, locker room is small. It’s teams in both categories. they’re very physical, they on top of theirs in a build- Prescott, however, suf- play with a lot of tough- ing. They play music the fered a stinger (pinched ness.” whole time. That’s all I re- nerve) last week while Mississippi State is sec- member.” rushing for a career-high ond in the SEC, behind “Cowbells,” right tackle 154 yards at Texas A&M. only Alabama, in forcing Austin Shepherd con- He likely will play, but the three-and-outs. In 114 firmed. “That’s about all I Bulldogs have a veteran drivesthisseason,theBull- remember is the ringing.” backup in Tyler Russell, dogs have held opponents Asked if it was annoying, who has 20 career starts, to three plays or fewer 39 Shepherd shook his head. including three this sea- times (34.2 percent). “It’s what their fans do,” son. “Powerful defensive he said of the tradition. “We’re going to be pre- ends, powerful interior “I’m sure people get tired paring for Russell or guys,” Crimson Tide left of Rammer Jammer. It’s Prescott,” said Devall, who tackle WINNING TEAM BANKING DESIGNED TO FIT Voted Best YOUR LIFESTYLE & YOUR BUSINESS When you win, we win. That’s why, at HeritageBank of the South, we are committed to helping you reach your financial goals. Our personal bankers Cheesesteak understand your needs and can coach you through every stage of your financial life. Our innovative products and services make it easy to practice good account management. And, our commitment to success means you 4 Years in a row. can be assured you’re banking with the winning team.

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1) How many total offensive yards will Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Tre Mason combine for? 300 — Perhaps the most productive quarterback-running back duo in the SEC will get close to their 307.3 combined-yardage average on Saturday against Georgia. For the Tigersto win and get to 10-1, they’ll need to. 2) How many yards will Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray throw for? 250 — One of the best career quarterbacks the SEC has ever seen — in terms of stats — will be held below his 275-yards-per game average, but will have some success throwing against Auburn’s defense. Murray has torched the Tigers in years past, so expect AU’s defense to be up for the challenge this weekend. But will they be able to stop Murray? That’s the question. 3) Who has more carries, Auburn’s Tre Mason or Georgia’s Todd Gurley? Mason — There’s no question that two of the best running backs in not Mike only the SEC, but the country will face off in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. However, with Gurley being banged up for most of the middle portion of the Szvetitz season, and Mason continuing to get stronger as the year progresses, expect Auburn’s tailback to carry the load and be the difference in the game. Sports Editor 4) How many passes does Auburn attempt? 15 — The Tigers will have to throw Saturday. Georgia will try its best to make Auburn one-dimensional and take away the run. So far, however, no team has been able to do that successfully and consistently all season. But if Georgia does take away the ground game, Nick Marshall will have to show off his arm, just like he did in the last-drive win against Mississippi State in Week 3. 5) Final score? Auburn 39, Georgia 30 — With what’s riding on Saturday’s game, the Tigers will rise to the occasion and beat the Bulldogs for just the second time in eight games. It won’t be easy, though. Expect one of the most physical games of the season. In the end, Auburn takes care of business to set up the SEC West championship showdown against Alabama in two weeks.

1) How many total offensive yards will Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Tre Mason combine for? 350 — The pair has been on a tear as of late combining for 1,225 yards of offense in Auburn’s last three SEC games. That’s an average of 408.3 per game from just two players. If Auburn is going to knock off the rival Bulldogs, it’ll take the two workhorses continuing to carry the load offensively. Like coaches said this week, if it ain’t broke ... 2) How many yards will Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray throw for? 280 — Murray is the SEC’s all-time leader in several passing categories, in- cluding passing yards, touchdowns and total offense. He’s made it a habit of gashing the Tigers’ secondary with 432 yards passing and seven touchdowns in the last two games in the series. And with his experience, Murray is sure to take advantage of Auburn’s propensity to allow big plays between the 20s. Alex 3) Who has more carries, Auburn’s Tre Mason or Georgia’s Todd Gurley? Gurley — While Gurley has been banged up, he’s combined on 15 carries Byington for 175 yards and 274 yards of total offense and three touchdowns the last two games back from an ankle injury. But unlike Mason, who also has Marshall Auburn University Beat Writer and fellow running backs Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant taking snaps, Gurley is really the lone option for carries after a midseason injury to fellow sophomore Keith Marshall. 4) How many passes does Auburn attempt? 12 — While Auburn’s ground game has taken off, averaging 378.5 rushing yards per game during its six-game win streak, the passing attack has averaged 16 passes during the same time span, including combining for 16 in the last two games. To beat Georgia, the Tigers will need to pass Saturday, but given its success on the ground, don’t expect a massive change in play-calling. 5) Final score? Auburn 31, Georgia 28 — Auburn’s streak of winning when scoring at least 30 points continues another week, reaching 85 straight games on Saturday. The Tigers will give up plays to Georgia’s offense, and it will remain close throughout with Auburn potentially even forced to play from behind in the second half. But once again, Auburn will rise to the challenge and move on to play rival Alabama with a shot at the SEC Championship Game.

1) How many total offensive yards will Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Tre Mason combine for? 320 — Georgia’s rush defense isn’t too shabby, but the Bulldogs’ passing D is 85th in the nation in yards per game. Mason and Marshall will do some damage with their legs, but expect Marshall to have a breakout passing performance when the Tigers finally need it. 2) How many yards will Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray throw for? 292 — Murray is averaging 275 passing yards per game this season, and Auburn’s pass defense isn’t the best. It’s an easy recipe for a big day for Murray through the air. 3) Who has more carries, Auburn’s Tre Mason or Georgia’s Todd Gurley? Mason — These are two of the best running backs in the SEC, and while Gurley has been banged up for a good chunk of the season and still isn’t quite 100 percent, Mason has solidified himself as Auburn’s premiere back. He’ll Tom get the bulk of the Tigers’ carries, and they’ll need it. Green 4) How many passes does Auburn attempt? 21 — It’s no secret the Tigers will have to take to the air Saturday if they want to win in the Deep South’s Prep Beat Writer Oldest Rivalry. I fully expect Marshall to attempt more than the 17.7 passes he has averaged so far this season. 5) Final score? Auburn 42, Georgia 33 — Auburn has proven many wrong with its incredible turnaround this season, and the Tigers will continue to prove just how much better they are this year with a big win Saturday.

1) How many total offensive yards will Auburn quarterback Nick Marshall and running back Tre Mason combine for? 223 — No one has been able to stop Auburn’s dangerous read-option combo since it started rolling at midseason, and Georgia will be hard pressed to slow the Tigers’ run game down. Auburn will have to play more balanced to beat the Bulldogs on Saturday, but Marshall and Mason will still get their fair share of yards. 2) How many yards will Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray throw for? 291 — The Auburn secondary is going to be tested Saturday by one of the SEC’s elite quarterbacks. Murray should be able to pick apart the Tigers’ secondary, as Ellis Johnson and his bunch just focus on doing what they do best — and that’s prevent back-breaking big plays, and bow up in the red zone and in clutch situations. 3) Who has more carries, Auburn’s Tre Mason or Georgia’s Todd Gurley? Mason — Tre has been the hot hand for Auburn over the last few weeks, Justin and if Gus Malzahn and the Tigers coaching staff are smart, they’ll lean on him even more against the Bulldogs. The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is always a Lee tough, physical contest, and running the football will be key once again Saturday. Sports Intern 4) How many passes does Auburn attempt? 19 — Unlike the last two weeks, quarterback Nick Marshall is going to be forced to put the ball in the air against the Bulldogs. The Georgia defense has seen what he and the Tigers’ ground game has been doing, against Arkansas and Tennessee in particular, and it’ll find ways to make Auburn go to the air. Fortunately for Auburn fans, the Tigers shouldn’t have any problem with that with Marshall being as comfortable as he is in Malzahn’s system this late in the season. 5) Final score? Auburn 35, Georgia 27 — So much is on the line for Auburn Saturday as the Tigers are just a win away from what could potentially be a top-10 Iron Bowl and a de facto SEC West championship game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. First, Auburn will have to get past the Bulldogs, however, and it’s going to be one of the toughest challenges of the season. Still, the Tigers have all the tools to make it happen, and playing at home, they should be able to get it done.

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