A view from Auburn
by Jeff Dantzler
Andy Burcham, longtime Auburn broadcaster, has covered numerous games in this great series between the Bulldogs and Tigers. He’s an excellent broadcaster and one of the great guys in the league.
Where has Auburn struggled the most offensively this year?
The biggest struggle for Auburn offensively has been at quarterback. By the time Auburn plays host to Georgia, the Tigers will have started three different players at QB. Most recently, Auburn is going with a true freshman, who was an 11th hour signee, Jonathon Wallace. In addition, the 4th quarter has been a wasteland offensively. In games that Auburn was competitive heading into the 4th quarter,
the Tigers hadn’t scored a touchdown in the final frame.
McCalebb and Mason are excellent backs, do you feel they give
Auburn a chance to win every time out?
McCalebb and Mason are different style backs. Onterio is best when he
uses his speed, but he has been nullified on the speed sweep. Mason
has been Auburn’s best threat from the backfield. He’s surprisingly good
between the tackles.
I hated to see Lutzy out for the year, talk about what a popular
player he is for the Auburn people.
Lutzenkirchen is as popular off the field and he was on the field. He has
done great work in the community, for example, working with East Alabama
Youth for Christ during the summer. His touchdown in the comeback
against Alabama in 2010 gas become a legendary play. It’s a
shame that he suffered this injury in his final year at Auburn.
What is your take on Georgia?
Georgia produced one of the most impressive SEC victories this season,
in my opinion. Shouldn’t come as a surprise, though. The Bulldogs shutdown
Florida and put itself back in the driver’s seat for the SEC Championship
Game.
What does Auburn have to do to win?
Auburn must have a good start to the game. The offense hasn’t shown
the ability to make a big comeback. If the Tigers can’t establish a good
running game, which will be tough against Georgia, Auburn will be in
trouble.
What are some of your most memorable games in the series?
Take your pick. The game at 2004 in Auburn is one of the best atmospheres
I’ve seen at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The first overtime game in
Auburn history-1996, the 4th down pass for Auburn at Sanford Stadium-
2005, and the Georgia comeback in Auburn in 2002.
Auburn just won the national and SEC titles two years ago.
The fact that Alabama won the last one, does that make it
tougher to enjoy the afterglow?
What Alabama is doing is always a factor at Auburn. I don’t think, however
that Alabama’s championship last year or this year, if that occurs,
diminishes Auburn’s title in 2010.
What do you think of this rampant and rapid conference expansion?
I don’t think the SEC could stand back and watch other leagues continue
to grow. The addition of Texas A&M and Missouri adds quality teams in
every sport, not just football. You and I will see great teams in women’s
basketball and baseball. Whether it’s tennis, equestrian and golf, the Aggies
& Mizzou Tigers are terrific. One of the big immediate changes for
all schools is an added travel budget. I do believe, at some point, the
league will have address the divisions and make changes.
Tagged: jeff dantzler, andy burcham, georgia sports news, georgia football, uga football, auburn
