“Response.”
That was the word most used around the Woltosz Football Performance Center Monday morning, as Auburn’s coaches appeared before the media for their weekly press conferences.
The Tigers could have mailed it in and dutifully accepted defeat to the nation’s top-ranked team after Georgia scored with relative ease on their first two drives to take a 14-0 lead last Saturday.
Auburn did not do either. Instead, it bowed their neck and bounced back to hold the Bulldogs scoreless until the fourth quarter.
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Responding to adversity was the part of the game Auburn Head Coach Alex Golesh was most impressed with. He was also anxious for his team to move beyond the huge victory as LSU week has begun.
“A lot of credit to our kids for being able to respond,” Golesh said. “I’m more focused on there’s a ton a ton a ton to clean up. None bigger than the penalties.”
The Tigers defense turned in one of its best performances of the year.
Georgia only rushed for 113 yards. That is less than half of the total Auburn surrendered to Florida and Tennessee. Defensive Coordinator DJ Durkin talked about how his group was able to shutdown the high powered Bulldog offense.
“Our guys answered the bell on that one,” Durkin said. “That’s a personal challenge. You got to be physical. You got to be assignment sound. You got to tackle well. I think our guys made improvements in all those areas.”
The Tigers were able to have success despite being without junior All-American linebacker Xavier Atkins. Golesh did not provide on update on the possible return of Atkins Monday. That situation remains unresolved.
Durkin attributed Saturday’s success to players like Elijah Melendez, Bryce Deas and De’Marcus Riddick stepping up in Atkins’ absence.
“The communication out on the field and getting guys lined up,” Durkin said. “He’s (Melendez) done a really really good job of that. He (Deas) was productive in the game. Was in on several tackles and really played assignment sound. De’Marcus has played well for us in the past. We are expecting that to keep going on the right direction.”
Looking ahead to LSU, Golesh said the defense will face another solid quarterback in redshirt junior Sam Levitt. He also feels the LSU wide receivers and tight ends could present a challenge.
Durkin has familiarity with Lane Kiffin, having coached with him and against him on numerous occasions.
Durkin talked about what Kiffin does well year in and year out to put up the gaudy offensive numbers that have become a trademark of his teams.
“They have a unique style in terms of their tempo,” Durkin said. “They put stress on you. They do a really good job within their tempo of giving multiple formations, motions. Lane, Charlie and his guys they understand defense. They can identify what you are doing and have ways to attack it.”
Golesh said it has been all business for his team since returning to practice on Sunday. He said while beating Georgia was fun and the players should enjoy it, he knows the task at hand requires them to move on and put all their focus into the preparation for LSU.
“If I’ve learned anything in this conference, you are just good enough to get you’re a** beat every Saturday if it ain’t right,” Golesh said. “There’s an intent to want to be good. I’m trying to drive it to an intent to be elite in every aspect of their life so on Saturdays you see the best version of them.”
Auburn Undercover is an independent Auburn sports media company covering Auburn athletics, recruiting and insider news.
