The Opening Drive: Auburn vs. FloridaThe Opening Drive: Auburn vs. Florida

The Opening Drive: Auburn vs. Florida

by Jeff Shearer
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Auburn vs. Florida

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AUBURN, Ala. – For Auburn fans old enough to remember, the Tigers’ series with Florida brings back fond memories of instant classics against the Gators. 

Nix to Sanders in the Swamp. Slack to Wasden on fourth down with time running out.  Game-winning kicks from Etheridge, Duval and Byrum. Tre Smith’s flip into the end zone after a blocked punt 20 years ago.

Meeting for the first time since 2019, and only the second time in 15 years, the Tigers and Gators renew their rivalry Saturday night on the Plains. 

“To go play at home again in front of our fans, which we need them to certainly be a factor, and I’m sure they will be,” said Auburn coach Alex Golesh, who will be making his SEC coaching debut. “Open up SEC play here, which will be huge, and getting ready for a good Florida team, coming off back-to-back wins as well.”

Auburn is 21-5 when opening SEC play at Jordan-Hare Stadium, where the Tigers lead the series 26-8-1 over the Gators. Auburn and Florida met every season from 1945-2002 but only four times since then. 

“It’s going to be awesome,” Auburn center Cole Best said. “It’s going to be a great environment. We’re excited, we’re going to be ready, excited to see this fanbase again get after it and be loud. I know all the guys are turned up for it too.”

Florida comes to town with confidence, averaging 59 points per game in wins over Florida Atlantic and Campbell.

For the Tigers, Golesh’s conviction comes from what he’s observed away from the field. 

“It’s a contagious atmosphere on the sideline where dudes are legitimately playing for each other,” he said. “When things are going well, that’ s easy to do and it’s magnified in a positive way. My confidence comes from the fact that these dudes care about each other. Right now, these dudes are bought into each other which is really positive.”

Seeking its fourth straight home win over the Gators, Auburn (2-0) hosts Florida (2-0) Saturday at 6 p.m. CT in the 24th consecutive sellout at Jordan-Hare Stadium on ESPN and the Auburn Sports Network, where Andy Burcham, Jason Campbell and Bret Eddins will call the action for listeners.

An Auburn Tigers quarterback holds a football and prepares to throw during a game, with an opposing player in a white uniform nearby.AUBURN, AL - September 12, 2026 - Auburn Quarterback Byrum Brown (#17) during the game between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman

THREE QUESTIONS WITH QB BYRUM BROWN

Q: Where does catching a touchdown (like Brown did vs. Southern Miss on a reverse pass from Christian Neptune) pass rank for you among rushing and passing touchdowns? 

A: It’s rare so I guess it would be up there, but I definitely like throwing them in. That was a great back-shoulder pass (by Neptune). He helped guide me into the end zone. It was a phenomenal pass. 

Q: From your video study, what type of challenge does Florida’s defense present? 

A: They’re physical, they’re sound and they get after the quarterback. We’re focused on us and what we have to do.  

Q: How much does it help that you’re playing your first SEC game at Jordan-Hare?

A: That’ll be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see the fans pack it out. I can’t wait for that experience.  

INSIDE THE SERIES: FLORIDA

Auburn leads the all-time series against Florida, 43-39-2, including a 26-8-1 advantage in games played on the Plains. Saturday’s game will mark the first meeting between the two teams at Jordan-Hare Stadium since 2011 (AU, 17-6). The two programs played every year from 1945-2002 but have played only four times since then.

The Tigers have won four of the last six matchups in the series, including three straight at home. Auburn is 2-1 in SEC openers against Florda but hasn’t opened league play vs. the Gators in 71 years.

Last Five Meetings

  • Oct. 5, 2019 (Gainesville, FL): Florida 24, Auburn 13
  • Oct. 15, 2011 (Auburn, AL): Auburn 17, Florida 6
  • Sept. 29, 2007(Gainesville, FL): Auburn 20, Florida 17
  • Oct. 14, 2006 (Auburn, AL): Auburn 27, Florida 17
  • Oct. 19, 2002 (Gainesville, FL): Florida 30, Auburn 23
An athlete in a blue and white uniform leaps over a defender in a white and black uniform during a football game.AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 12 - Auburn Defensive Back Andre Jordan Jr. (22) during the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. Photo by Luke Allen/Auburn Tigers

BY THE NUMBERS

3: Three Auburn players in Omar Mabson III (108), Byrum Brown (88) and Jeremiah Cobb (85) rushed for 80 or more yards in the win vs. Southern Miss, marking the first time three runners eclipsed the mark in the same game since 2019.

20.3: In three seasons and 26 games under defensive coordinator DJ Durkin, Auburn’s defense is allowing 20.3 points per game. The mark is good for ninth in the country and third in the SEC during the span.

25: Andre Jordan Jr. intercepted a pass and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game vs. Southern Miss, extending Auburn’s streak of seasons with at least one defensive touchdowns to 25. The touchdown 10 seconds into the game was the fastest in Auburn history.

80.8: Auburn is 21-5 when opening league play at Jordan-Hare Stadium, good for an 80.8 winning percentage. The Tigers are 52-35-5 all-time in SEC openers, including 2-1 in SEC openers against Florida.