Auburn Football: Why the Game Against Samford is Important

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) breaks a tackle by Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Stop the Losing Streak

A win is a win. And following a 41-38 heartbreaking loss to Texas A&M and a 34-7 beatdown at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs, getting a win over anyone will be nice.

The last two Saturdays the Tigers have not looked like the team we thought would compete for back-to-back SEC titles and make it to the College Football Playoff. Far from it. Auburn has struggled on offense, defense, and on special teams in recent weeks – and the defensive problems extend all the way back to the team’s first loss of the season to Mississippi State in mid-October.

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A win over the Bulldogs Saturday can reverse the troubling recent trend.

Sure, it’s not exactly right to say a win over Samford is the same as a win over Alabama. It doesn’t even count the same in the standings because the Bulldogs are a non-conference opponent. But, a win over Samford does count exactly as much as the win over Kansas State did earlier this season.

No, the College Football Playoff committee wouldn’t count them the same, but with three losses, the Tigers don’t need to worry about the committee anymore. They need to get a win, and Samford should provide that.

Next: Why the Game Against Samford is Important, Continued