To say there’s a lot on the line today when top-ranked Auburn takes on No. 19 South Carolina is like saying Brittany Spears is a little tore up after 29 years. By the way Happy Belated Birthday Brit Brit!!
For Auburn it’s simple, win today and you’re on the way to Tempe, AZ to play for the BCS championship; lose and you’ll be playing football with a hangover on New Year’s Day. A win today and Auburn will be playing for its first championship since some dude named Eisenhower was President (1957). If Auburn loses today about 20 TCU fans will meander into the streets of Sundance Square and no one will notice.
OK, that might be a little harsh.
A win today for South Carolina avenges the 35-27 loss at Auburn in September, one in which the Gamecocks held a 20-7 lead before coach Spurrier pulled starter Stephen Garcia for equally-as-ineffective Conner Shaw. A win today for South Carolina means a trip to the Sugar Bowl against Ohio State. A loss for the Gamecocks relegates them to the Outback Bowl versus reeling Iowa.
It’s likely, but not certain, this is the last SEC game for Cam Newton and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn at Auburn.
Aubrun Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn
It’s the second time this season the No. 1 and No. 2 running back recruits of 2009, Michael Dyer of Auburn and Marcus Lattimore of South Carolina, will face each other. Dyer ran the ball 23 times for 100 yards in the first meeting while Lattimore wasn’t much of a factor. Since that first meeting Lattimore has exploded and helped to balance the Gamecocks offense.
Predictably Predictable Prediction
South Carolina will stack the box against Cam Newton and force him to win the game throwing the ball. South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jefferey, who had nine catches for 192 yards in the first game, will come close to repeating that performance against a weak-ass Auburn secondary.
Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s halftime adjustments this season have been absolutely brilliant and that’s why I think Auburn will, like they have eight times this season, win this one late.
Auburn 38 – South Carolina 30
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