'See what we've got' - Austin Golson eager for Sugar Bowl

'See what we've got' - Austin Golson eager for Sugar Bowl'See what we've got' - Austin Golson eager for Sugar Bowl

Dec. 24, 2016

By Jeff Shearer
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - Austin Golson figures a fully healthy Auburn backfield in the Allstate Sugar Bowl could result in a return to the offense's October output.

That's when the Tigers averaged nearly 50 points in four games before injuries to running back Kamryn Pettway and quarterback Sean White hindered production in November.

"It helps a lot because I think we were one of the top teams in the country when we had both of them," said Golson, a junior offensive lineman. "Having those guys back brings a lot of juice and energy to the offense. I think we're going to be ready to go come gameday."

When No. 14 Auburn kicks off against No. 7 Oklahoma on Jan. 2 in the Mercedez-Benz Superdome, the Tigers will have had 37 days between games.

"I think it's been good for our team because we've had a bunch of bumps and bruises this year," Golson said. "I think we've got everybody back healthy so that's going to mean a lot for the bowl game."

The long layoff also allowed a chance to mentally recharge, leading to spirited bowl practices on campus before the Tigers took a break for Christmas.

"I believe it's been really good," Golson said. "Probably the most energy we've had since I've been here for a bowl or anywhere. We've had a lot of energy at practice. We're very excited to play in a big bowl game, the Sugar Bowl. I think the team is taking it very seriously and getting better."

Before the Tigers turned their attention to preparing for the Sooners, underclassmen were the focus of practice, allowing Golson to study his understudies, freshmen Marquel Harrell, Prince Micheal Sammons, Prince Tega Wanogho and Mike Horton.

"It's amazing how much he's (Horton) grown since game one," Golson said. "You could throw him in there right now in the starting five and he'll be just fine. I believe that for sure he can do that. I think he's gotten so much better as the year has gone on. He's become more of a leader as well. I look forward to getting a chance to play with him in the future.

"When he (Harrell) gets a chance to bury somebody, that's what he's going to do. I think Coach Hand loves that, and he's very physical. He loves football and I think he takes it very seriously.

"Prince Sammons, he's only practiced twice. He went out there and did some good things. I look forward to seeing what his future holds. They're very, very talented. Probably two of the most talented guys we've got. It's all about keep learning the game and keep getting better. I think they're going to be really good by the time they leave.

"I think we have a really good group of young guys and every time they get to scrimmage like that, they gain more experience and I think that's going to help them in the long run and I think we're going to be just fine in the years to come."

First things first. A win over the Big 12 champs would generate momentum for 2017, Golson's senior season.

"Oklahoma has always been a well-known team," he said. "They're one of the top teams in the country. I think it's awesome that we get a chance to play against them and see what we've got."

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @jeff_shearer