Andy Burcham, the Voice of the Auburn Tigers, is kind enough to once again contribute his outstanding insight into this classic college football rivalry. Andy is one of the finest broadcasters in the business, whether it’s football, basketball or baseball. He and his wife Jan are the Godparents to Shelby and Joshua Bramblett, children of their beloved late friends Rod and Paula Bramblett.

What does Auburn need to do to win?

 It must find a way to eliminate/minimize turnovers. In its losses to Cal and Arkansas, Auburn had four interceptions and a fumble in both losses. The defense played well enough to win both games. As a matter of fact, in spite of the turnovers, the offense had the ball in the fourth quarter trailing by a score.

What is your take on Georgia?

 Heading into the Alabama game, the best team in the country. It may be a different looking Georgia team, to a degree, but it still possesses a suffocating defense and a veteran quarterback.

This is the 20-year anniversary of the undefeated Tigers SEC Championship team of 2004, can you talk about how great they were?

Should have played in the national championship game. One of the favorite Auburn teams, in any sport, that I’ve covered. It still astonishes me that an unbeaten SEC champion didn’t play for the national title. A defense that would rival Auburn’s defenses from the 80s, and that says a lot. Four NFL first round draft picks, including Jim Thorpe Award winner, Carlos Rogers and the SEC Player of the Year in Jason Campbell. I believe that team is the reason there is a playoff today.

How would you like the SEC to set up the football schedule, when we reset in 2026?

 I would like to see a day where the Georgia and Alabama games are played at Jordan-Hare Stadium in alternating years. I do believe the SEC is doing a better job of evening the schedule in the league.

Can you talk about the success of Auburn basketball under Bruce Pearl’s watch?

The most important decade of Auburn Basketball. When he came to Auburn, very few gave him an opportunity to build a program where he could remain the head coach. Two SEC regular season championships, two SEC tournament championships, and a trip to the Final Four. His graduation rate is through the roof. I believe his hire ranks as one of the greatest in Auburn University history.

 What are the attributes you like best about Coach Hugh Freeze?

Patience. He has stated since he came to Auburn in November of 2022, that it would take three Top 10, Top-5 recruiting classes to build Auburn back up to contending for championships. He has signed one and is working on great classes for 2025 and 2026. I appreciate his candor… at times to a fault.

This is such a special rivalry, what do you like most about “The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry?”

 I love the history of the rivalry… Piedmont Park, Columbus, Georgia, the cigar box and literally doling out gate receipts to both schools, the unreal games, coaches, and players. This rivalry has it all. Vince Dooley, who starred at Auburn and became a legend at Georgia. Pat Dye, who starred at Georgia and became a legend at Auburn. Both men are immortalized, in great measure, by this rivalry.

You are one of the best in the business, can you talk about following in the footsteps of beloved Auburn announcers?

 I followed Rod Bramblett, who followed Jim Fyffe. Jim was part of a golden age of Auburn Athletics with Bo Jackson and Charles Barkley. Rod took on the mantle of baseball as well, so he called Tim Hudson, Cam Newton, Jason Campbell and Auburn’s run to the Final Four. I worked with both men, and both were my friends. At times, it’s daunting to follow them into the booth. It’s also what I worked my entire career for.