Coach Alex Golesh hasn't acted like Auburn is a powerhouse just because the Tigers upset Georgia in Athens this past weekend. Neither have oddsmakers, after releasing an opening line that heavily favors LSU in Week 8.
Golesh asked for patience for his program while standing on Dooley Field after defeating the Dawgs. On Monday, he once again pumped the brakes while discussing how LSU's elite athleticism could be a problem this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
"I'm guarded that everything is now just covered up. Yesterday's staff meeting was: Here's fundamentally, everywhere we suck," Golesh said. "You turn on this Louisiana State University team, and you're gonna get humbled real quick by a dude running by you."
Golesh earned honors from the Dodd Trophy for being coach of the week for the Georgia win. The Dodd Trophy is awarded each year to the FBS football coach "that best embodies the three pillars of success: scholarship, leadership and integrity" and is handed out by Peach Bowl Inc.
While Golesh is celebrating the performance from his guys, he certainly isn't dwelling on it with a tough LSU coming to town as more than a touchdown favorite over Auburn.
"Give you flowers on the win. But man, we have a long, long way to go," Golesh said.
Alex Golesh still has offensive line issues that could be exposed by LSU
UGA had injuries on both sides of the ball, including to quarterback Gunner Stockton on the very first play. In many ways, AU got a few lucky breaks before and during the matchup.
LSU may have similarly poor injury luck. EDGE Princewill Umanmielen and receiver Jackson Harris left the game during a win over Mississippi State and don't have a firm update yet for Week 8. Tight end Trey'Dez Green, linebacker Whit Weeks, and nickelback Dashawn Spears will all be out.
The Dawgs had the depth to still nearly pull off the win, and the Bayou Bengals might have the same. Injuries to the opposing side don't fully make up for a weak Auburn offensive line effort through the first half of the regular season.
Golesh has been trying to find the right mix, and with the errors center Cole Best has been making and the lack of certainty at the guard spots, many still want to see changes across the interior offensive line.
When Golesh talked about LSU players running by you, it wouldn't be shocking to think he had his own offensive line in mind. He was an offensive lineman back in the day, after all.
We'll see if Auburn is prepared for Lane Kiffin's squad. If not, Golesh has been ready to take the blame instead of his players if his team isn't able to make it two major upsets in a row.
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