Auburn football: Robby Ashford key to competing with Georgia

It’s the first of two rivalry weeks that Auburn football experiences every year, and hope is at an all time low as the Tigers prepare for their first road test against the powerful #2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs in their house.

While the biggest storyline heading into the 2022 season revolved around the quarterback situation, all eyes are now on Bryan Harsin and how many more days he will spend as the head coach of Auburn football. Many expect a loss from the Tigers this weekend, and a firing of Harsin the following Sunday.

Now, we finally have a substantial answer about the quarterback. With TJ Finley’s shoulder injury and Zach Calzada’s medical redshirt keeping the pair sidelined, Robby is the guy. And even better, Ashford showed clear improvement in last weekend’s heartbreaking LSU. In fact, if the Tigers hope to have any success at all versus the reigning national champs, Ashford is the key, per Cole Pinkston of Auburn Live:

"A lot of Missouri’s passing success came from the quarterback buying time and finding a receiver late. Ashford showed the ability to do that a week ago. He is the key to big plays. Georgia’s pass rush is its weakness. If he can buy time and extend plays, Auburn’s receivers are good enough to help spring a big play."

The Dawgs have a strong rushing defense, but if they have any weakness it lies in their pass rushing. If the receivers can get open and Ashford can put the ball in their hands, the Tigers may reach the endzone during the game.

Robby Ashford will need to remain calm under pressure and create those big plays for Auburn football, whether it’s a late pass to a receiver or a downfield scramble. Maintaining possession of the ball and avoiding turnovers will be huge for the Tigers.

Although not many people are expected the Auburn football team to be competitive with the Dawgs this weekend, if the team can actually execute well, there could be some bright spots in the disaster.