My good friend Andy Burcham is a highly popular, extremely talented veteran announcer for Auburn. The longtime voice of Tigers women’s basketball and baseball, Andy wears numerous hats with the football broadcasts and is seen and heard calling a variety of sports for the SEC Network, including soccer. Andy is one of the best announcers and greatest guys in the business. He is kind enough to once again lend us his insight into the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.
 
 
How big was the win at Ole Miss for this team?
 
Auburn needed some good news and momentum heading into the off weekend. The Tigers scored touchdowns on the first three drives of the third quarter to put the game away. They did it with a strong running game, which hasn’t been consistently there this season.
 
 
Last season, to make the SEC Football Championship with wins over Auburn’s two biggest rivals when both were ranked #1, winning the SEC and hoops and making a Super Regional, where does that rank amongst your favorites?
 
Last season was special to be sure. The month of November also included a win at Texas A&M, then the big wins over Georgia and Alabama. Bruce Pearl’s team was picked by CBS to win four SEC games. Despite tall odds the Tigers shared a piece of the SEC regular season championship. Auburn baseball returned to the days when we went into every season with legitimate hopes of going to Omaha. They were one inning away from that at No. 1 Florida in the Super Regional. I’m not sure where it ranks in my 30 years of calling games for Auburn, but it’s near the top.
 
 
What does Auburn need to do to beat Georgia?
 
What occurred at Jordan-Hare Stadium last season and what didn’t occur at Mercedes Benz Stadium … a running game. Redshirt freshman Boobee Whitlow has shown flashes, but has also worked through a couple of injuries. Auburn’s running game allows Jarrett Stidham time to throw. That must occur in Athens.
What is your take on Georgia?
 
 
Excellent in all facets. Some folks are sleeping on the Bulldogs and that’s a mistake. Auburn isn’t one of those teams sleeping on Georgia, however.
What are some memories that stand out in this incredible rivalry?
 
Some are good, some are heartbreaking that should come as no surprise. The first overtime game in Auburn history in 1996 and the subsequent win for Georgia ranks up there with the heartbreaks. So does the last minute touchdown pass at Jordan-Hare Stadium for Georgia in 2002. Auburn’s win at Georgia in 1999 in an upset is a favorite. The last second, game winning field goal in 2005 in Athens the same season the Tigers lost at LSU in overtime missing multiple field goal attempts, was another thrilling win. I’ll also never forget the atmosphere leading up to the 2004 game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn’s undefeated, SEC Championship season.
 
 
Would you like to see the SEC go to a nine game schedule?
 
I’m for it, but not many seem to share that sentiment. It would even out the conference schedule for most of the teams.
 
 
What do you love most about your job and all that goes with it?
 
At one time I would tell you the travel was near the top of my list. This job, and you know this as well, Jeff, has allowed me to travel this country from coast to coast. The opportunity to be a part of some of the greatest games in Auburn Athletics for the past 30 years would be another benefit. As I get older, though, it’s the relationship with coaches, athletes, fellow broadcasters and others within the fraternity that are the best part of the job. Don’t get me wrong, I love the games. It’s the reason I decided at age 7, listening to a 1967 St. Louis Cardinal highlight album with the legendary Jack Buck and Harry Caray, that this is what I wanted to do for a living. However, I look forward to the long rides in the car with Rod Bramblett, Paul Ellen, Brad Law and others the most and crew meals on Fridays before a road football game. I enjoy sitting in a ballpark prior to games or during a rain delay talking and reminiscing with you, David Kellum, Chris Stewart, Jim Ellis and others solving the world problems. When it’s over for me, and that doesn’t seem likely for a while, that’s what I’ll remember the most.