Auburn plays host to the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday in what is known as the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. With a name so well known by all college football fans, the game is always high on everyone's watch list every season. However, not many know much about just how much this rivalry means to both sides.
When a rivalry dates back well over 100 years, there is plenty to be discuss.
History: A Rivalry Dating Back to 1892
The oldest rivalry in the SEC, Auburn versus Georgia, dates all the way back to 1892. The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry is also the 7th most played rivalry game in college football history.
The two teams have also done something not many other rivalries have done when they faced off in a conference championship game. In 2017, Auburn beat Georgia in the regular season in dominant fashion. However, when they met again in the championship game later that season, Georgia found their revenge and won the championship on the way to an eventual National Championship game appearance.
The game has also been home to many unforgettable moments, including the time Auburn had their "Prayer at Jordan-Hare" in 2013 on their way to their own National Championship appearance.
Stats: A Battle of College Football Legends
Two blue-blood programs, Auburn and Georgia have had some of the most prolific names in college football history. Specifically, both teams have had two of the greatest athletes in sports history in Bo Jackson and Herschel Walker. In the series, both running backs ran for over 400 yards total and averaged over six yards a carry. Walker went a perfect 3-0 against Auburn, while Jackson was 2-2.
All-time, Georgia currently holds the lead over Auburn with a record of 62-56-8. Georgia also holds an 8-game winning streak against the Tigers and has won nine of the last 10 matchups as well. The longest winning streak by either team was Georgia at nine games from 1942 to 1950.
Future: Team Outlooks
Since their meeting in the SEC Championship in 2017, these two programs have seemingly taken two very different paths. Georgia has since gone on to win two National Championships and an SEC Championship last season. Auburn however has not had the same luck. Since 2017, Auburn has had an overall record of 43-42 while Georgia has gone 74-7.
Despite how both teams have performed, the rivalry still remains fierce and has no signs of slowing down. Auburn is looking to turn things around under the leadership of Hugh Freeze and have one of their best offenses in recent memory with the addition of Jackson Arnold along with receivers Eric Singleton and Cam Coleman. The rivalry is always going to be tense. Expect nothing different on Saturday in a night game in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Georgia and Auburn are scheduled to do battle on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 pm EST on ABC.