Remember the last time the Auburn Tigers defeated the Georgia Bulldogs? Seven years have passed since the Dawgs suffered a defeat by the Tigers, on November 11, 2017. Now, that the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is scheduled for the coming weekend, October 6, the time has come for some deconstruction of the game plan. However, the Hugh Freeze program does not seem to get the fit check. Well, an “illness” has been plaguing the whole program. Even though Kirby Smart’s squad is stuck in a low momentum, the Tigers’ illness might act as a boon. Meanwhile, Smart has learned from his Alabama mistakes and it’s all about shifting into high gear.

Since 1944, there have been 128 games played between the Bulldogs and the Tigers. And what does the score say? Smart’s program maintains a 64-56-8 record right after their 2023 matchup. On the Ruffino & Joe Show podcast, analyst Jake Crain gave a glimpse into the current situation in the Tigers squad. After Freeze and Co.’s disappointing 27-21 loss to Oklahoma, HC Freeze took full responsibility for the program’s failure. But according to the analyst Crain, Freeze is not the problem. “There seems to be a chronic illness in the Auburn football program,” he claimed.

He did not just let his comment hang in the air but mentioned what the illness was all about. It’s “the fear of choking it’s called pseudo dysphasia.” To simplify things, Crain explained it to be something like “the fear of choking anybody.” And what are the symptoms of this illness? The fear of doubts; Crain pinpointed, “If you fear that you’re going to screw up and you’re so worried about screwing up you are going to screw up.”  So, the only problem with Auburn players is they always come with little prayers of not having to make any moves and side-step responsibilities. What they only think about is, “Don’t let me be the guy with the ball…let me have to make a kick.” All these are going to work in Smart’s favor who has already taken the notes from his last mishap. 

Kirby Smart’s smart approach after the big Alabama loss

Things are different for the Bulldogs. First of all, their players like Carson Beck do not second doubt themselves before mankind a move, even if it goes wrong. Secondly, their HC Smart is always there to boost them up. For instance, their QB Beck went with two interceptions and was even called for an intentional grounding in the end zone. Then too, Smart did not let a single hate word leave his mouth for the QB.

Even though they had an ugly end against Alabama, it did not allow the Georgia HC to show his frustration at the HC Freeze whose squad they are going to face next. “Got a really good football team. Got a lot of respect for Hugh,” stated Smart. Maybe that’s because, he is too busy taking into account the points mentioned by ex-Minnesota Vikings WR Tavarres King, “You gotta start fast. You can’t start slow.”  

After all, starting slow is not something the NFL legend could relate with Georgia. “I’ve never seen a Georgia team where balls are being caught underneath and there was nobody two to three yards”. Kirby Smart has identified the Tigers’ weaknesses. He’s also mapped out the areas he needs to address, his blueprint is ready. Now, let’s see what the future holds.