Auburn football faces No. 1 Georgia without Xavier Atkins, but could Alex Golesh's biggest disciplinary decision actually help establish the standard the Tigers need moving forward? On today's Auburn Daily First Call, we discuss the fallout from Atkins being ruled out against Georgia, what his absence means for DJ Durkin's defense and whether Auburn can show meaningful improvement following its bye week. Alex Golesh addressed the Xavier Atkins situation during his Monday press conference but declined to provide further details, saying the matter would remain internal. Could his decision send a message to the entire Auburn roster that no player is above the team's standards? We examine the opportunities now facing Elijah Melendez, Bryce Deas and DeMarcus Riddick, along with other linebackers who could see additional snaps against Georgia. But what would a successful bye week actually look like for Auburn? Fewer penalties, improved tackling, better execution and a more consistent offensive identity would all represent meaningful progress, regardless of the final score. Then we take a completely different approach. What happens if Auburn actually beats Georgia? Could an upset of the nation's No. 1 team put the Tigers back into the College Football Playoff conversation? We explore the possibilities, including defensive touchdowns, special teams game-changers, a breakout performance from Rayshawn Pleasant and the importance of limiting Georgia's rushing attack. Could Auburn hold the Bulldogs under 130 rushing yards? Could Gunner Stockton make a critical mistake? And could one explosive play completely change the momentum in Athens? Plus, we discuss what an upset would mean for Golesh's first season and whether the Tigers could turn their entire year around with one victory. Auburn is a massive underdog. But what if the impossible actually happens? #AuburnFootball #AuburnTigers #WarEagle
Auburn football faces No. 1 Georgia without Xavier Atkins, but could Alex Golesh's biggest disciplinary decision actually help establish the standard the Tigers need moving forward? On today's Auburn Daily First Call, we discuss the fallout from Atkins being ruled out against Georgia, what his absence means for DJ Durkin's defense and whether Auburn can show meaningful improvement following its bye week. Alex Golesh addressed the Xavier Atkins situation during his Monday press conference but declined to provide further details, saying the matter would remain internal. Could his decision send a message to the entire Auburn roster that no player is above the team's standards? We examine the opportunities now facing Elijah Melendez, Bryce Deas and DeMarcus Riddick, along with other linebackers who could see additional snaps against Georgia. But what would a successful bye week actually look like for Auburn? Fewer penalties, improved tackling, better execution and a more consistent offensive identity would all represent meaningful progress, regardless of the final score. Then we take a completely different approach. What happens if Auburn actually beats Georgia? Could an upset of the nation's No. 1 team put the Tigers back into the College Football Playoff conversation? We explore the possibilities, including defensive touchdowns, special teams game-changers, a breakout performance from Rayshawn Pleasant and the importance of limiting Georgia's rushing attack. Could Auburn hold the Bulldogs under 130 rushing yards? Could Gunner Stockton make a critical mistake? And could one explosive play completely change the momentum in Athens? Plus, we discuss what an upset would mean for Golesh's first season and whether the Tigers could turn their entire year around with one victory. Auburn is a massive underdog. But what if the impossible actually happens? #AuburnFootball #AuburnTigers #WarEagle