The Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers have a long-standing rivalry that spans over a century, with their first meeting taking place in 1892. This rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), with both teams vying for dominance in the Eastern and Western divisions, respectively. The two schools have a combined 19 national championships, 37 conference titles, and 74 bowl game appearances, making their annual matchup a highly anticipated event in the world of college football.
History of the Rivalry
The Georgia-Auburn rivalry is rooted in the two schools’ geographic proximity, with Auburn University located in Auburn, Alabama, and the University of Georgia located in Athens, Georgia, just a short drive apart. The two teams have been competing against each other for over 125 years, with the series currently standing at 59-56-8 in favor of Georgia. The rivalry has been marked by several notable games, including the 1983 matchup, which saw Georgia defeat Auburn 13-7, and the 2013 matchup, which saw Auburn defeat Georgia 43-38 in a thrilling comeback victory.
Notable Games and Moments
One of the most memorable games in the series took place in 2013, when Auburn’s Nick Marshall threw a 73-yard touchdown pass to Ricardo Louis with 25 seconds remaining, giving the Tigers a stunning 43-38 victory. This play, which has become known as the “Prayer at Jordan-Hare,” is widely regarded as one of the greatest moments in college football history. Another notable game in the series took place in 1982, when Georgia’s Herschel Walker rushed for 177 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to a 19-14 victory over the Tigers.
| Year | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Georgia | 13-7 |
| 2013 | Auburn | 43-38 |
| 1982 | Georgia | 19-14 |
| 2017 | Auburn | 40-17 |
Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, the Georgia-Auburn rivalry has been marked by a series of intense and closely contested games. The 2017 matchup saw Auburn dominate Georgia 40-17, while the 2019 matchup saw Georgia defeat Auburn 21-14 in a defensive battle. The 2020 matchup was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the two teams are scheduled to meet again in 2021. The rivalry is expected to continue to be one of the most intense and closely watched in the SEC, with both teams vying for dominance in their respective divisions.
Coaching and Player Analysis
Both Georgia and Auburn have a strong coaching tradition, with Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Auburn’s Bryan Harsin being two of the most respected coaches in the SEC. The two teams also have a wealth of talented players, including Georgia’s quarterback JT Daniels and Auburn’s running back Tank Bigsby. The matchup between these two teams is always a highly anticipated event, with both teams looking to prove themselves as the best in the conference.
The Georgia-Auburn rivalry is a complex and multifaceted one, with a rich history and a deep-seated passion that drives both teams to compete at the highest level. Whether you're a fan of the Bulldogs or the Tigers, this rivalry is sure to deliver exciting and intense football, with both teams giving it their all in pursuit of victory.
What is the current record between Georgia and Auburn?
+The current record between Georgia and Auburn is 59-56-8 in favor of Georgia.
What is the most notable game in the Georgia-Auburn rivalry?
+The 2013 matchup, which saw Auburn defeat Georgia 43-38, is widely regarded as one of the most notable games in the series. The game featured a stunning comeback victory by Auburn, capped off by a 73-yard touchdown pass with 25 seconds remaining.
Who are the current coaches of Georgia and Auburn?
+The current coaches of Georgia and Auburn are Kirby Smart and Bryan Harsin, respectively.
