The South's Longest Running Football Rivalry

If there's one game that matches the Auburn-Alabama contest for intensity, it has to be Auburn-Georgia. This year the Dogs make the trek down I-85 for the 106th meeting between the schools, and it promises to be a real whimdoozie (to use a Keith Jacksonism). Possumblog Sports Central's vivacious and voluptuous Chief Statistician Ipsa Dixie tells me that in the 106 outings since 1892, a total of 3,120 points have been scored by both teams, yet Auburn leads by a mere touchdown--1,563-1,557. She also notes that the 1996 game was the first in SEC history to use overtime play, after four of which Georgia prevailed 56-49. (She has also asked for a raise and for me to stop creating a hostile work environment by mentioning how much she looks like Gail Gardner. Sheeyeah, right.)

Obviously, AP 7th ranked Georgia is favored this year due to a great season (9-1, 6-1 SEC), and are out for blood having LOST the past three years in a row, but this game is always close and hard-fought, and Georgia has the advantage down on the Plains--11 games to 8, with 2 ties. Suzanne Tuberville's husband says the team is ready to go, but we'll just have to tune in Saturday and find out for sure. It's supposed to be chilly, in the mid-40s, and a bit wet, which is bad news for the Tigers who have had a terrible time holding on to the ball, at least during the first part of the season. Any turnovers in this game will decide the outcome.

But more importantly than simple statistics and strategy, there is the issue of the cheerleading squad, and I have to say UGA's bringing a lot to the table! As opposed to some opponents this year who couldn't even manage a simple snapshot, The Silver Britches have a nice selection of peppy sorts of folks with a nice webpage, including a link to their coach, Marilou Braswell, who is just real hot.

Given the outstanding talent, this is going to be a tough one to call--I can't go against my team, but the margin of victory will be close--Possumblogger's Pick: Auburn 2, Georgia 1-1/2.

(Should Georgia manage to win this year and decide to make a move toward the shrubbery, we would like to remind you all that the sprinkler system has been thoroughly checked and is ready to go, just like in 1989.)
posted by Terry at 9:53:00 AM