Auburn, Pat Sullivan set for homecoming Saturday (Gameday Fact Sheet) Published: Nov. 18, 2011, 4:18 p.m. AUBURN, Alabama — While the Auburn Tigers are celebrating homecoming for the 2011 season, the opposing coach will enjoy his own kind of homecoming.

AUBURN, Alabama – This Saturday, Auburn University will celebrate its annual homecoming game, a tradition that has brought generations of Tigers together for an afternoon of pride, pageantry, and of course, football. The 2011 homecoming contest will not only be a celebration of Auburn’s storied history and fan base but also a highly anticipated matchup that features a unique twist—one that will add a layer of emotion and nostalgia to the game.

While the Auburn Tigers are preparing to face off against the Georgia Bulldogs in one of the biggest SEC matchups of the season, the opposing head coach, Georgia’s Mark Richt, will enjoy a very special homecoming of his own. Richt, a former Auburn quarterback and one of the program’s most beloved players, will return to Jordan-Hare Stadium for the first time as an opposing head coach. For Richt, this Saturday’s game will be more than just a football contest—it will be an emotional journey back to his roots.

The game is not only a battle for SEC standings but also a celebration of the lasting impact that Pat Sullivan, the former Auburn legend and current associate athletic director for the Tigers, had on the program. For Auburn, homecoming is a time to honor the past while looking toward the future, and with Richt returning to the Plains, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the history and tradition that has defined the Auburn football program.

Pat Sullivan’s connection to Auburn football is synonymous with success, pride, and excellence. From his days as a star quarterback leading the Tigers to victory, to his coaching career that left an indelible mark on the program, Sullivan’s legacy is entrenched in the history of Auburn football.

Sullivan played for Auburn in the early 1970s, a time when the team was beginning to emerge as a force in college football. Under head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan, Sullivan helped guide the Tigers to several successful seasons. But it was his 1971 season that would truly cement his place in Auburn lore. In that season, Sullivan led Auburn to an SEC championship and earned the prestigious Heisman Trophy, the first Auburn player ever to do so.

After his playing career, Sullivan transitioned into coaching, taking on a variety of roles at Auburn and around the country. His coaching acumen and leadership skills helped guide the program through the changing landscape of college football. Sullivan’s impact on Auburn extended far beyond the X’s and O’s of the game; his character and dedication to the school made him a true ambassador for Auburn football.

As a special associate athletic director, Sullivan continues to serve Auburn in a leadership capacity, helping shape the future of the program while honoring its past. Homecoming is the perfect time to celebrate the contributions of a man who embodies the spirit of Auburn football—an individual whose legacy continues to inspire current players, coaches, and fans alike.

This Saturday’s game also marks the 40th anniversary of Sullivan’s Heisman Trophy win—a milestone that further elevates his place in Auburn’s history. The university and the football program will take a moment to honor Sullivan’s achievements, reminding everyone that his journey as both a player and a coach remains an integral part of Auburn’s identity.

While the Tigers will be celebrating their own past and present, one of the most intriguing aspects of this Saturday’s game is the return of Mark Richt. A former quarterback at Auburn during the 1970s, Richt’s return to Jordan-Hare Stadium brings a sense of nostalgia, as well as an emotional connection to the Auburn faithful.

Richt’s playing days at Auburn were not without drama. He had a decorated career, playing under head coach Doug Barfield and starting for the Tigers in the late 1970s. He displayed poise and leadership on the field, gaining recognition for his intelligence, accuracy, and toughness—traits that would define his coaching career in later years.

Richt’s transition from player to coach came in the early 1990s, and it was not long before he became one of the most respected figures in college football coaching circles. After stints as an assistant coach at Florida State, Richt eventually landed the head coaching job at the University of Georgia, where he has spent the majority of his career.

Now, Richt returns to Auburn not as a player, but as an opponent. His Georgia Bulldogs will face off against the Tigers in what promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest. For Richt, this game holds special meaning, as it represents not just the competition between two SEC powerhouses, but a return to the place where his own football career began.

Auburn fans have always had a soft spot for Richt, given his history with the program. Many remember his leadership in the late 1970s as a quarterback who led his team with great poise and skill. However, as a head coach at Georgia, Richt’s tenure has been defined by both highs and lows. He has earned a reputation for developing strong teams, though his Bulldogs have occasionally faltered in the most critical moments.

Richt’s return to Jordan-Hare will be an emotional homecoming, and it will be interesting to see how the Auburn crowd reacts to him. Despite his success at Georgia, Richt’s roots will always remain in Auburn. For the fans who watched him play, and for those who have followed his career closely, Richt’s return will no doubt bring up memories of his days under center for the Tigers. This game is more than just a rivalry—it is a full-circle moment for Richt and for Auburn.

The rivalry between Auburn and Georgia is one of the oldest and most heated in the SEC, and this homecoming game is sure to add another thrilling chapter to the history of this long-standing tradition. Known as the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry,” the Auburn-Georgia series has seen its share of dramatic moments and unforgettable games. Both schools have a rich football history, and every time they meet on the field, fans can expect a fierce and competitive contest.

In recent years, the rivalry has only intensified. With both teams consistently vying for SEC supremacy, Auburn and Georgia are no strangers to high-stakes games. The rivalry is made even more interesting by the fact that both schools share close ties to the state of Alabama, with Auburn serving as the flagship institution for the state’s football culture, and Georgia providing a direct challenge for that claim.

Over the years, the series has been filled with exciting games, last-minute victories, and defining plays. Auburn fans remember the dramatic 2010 season, when Cam Newton and the Tigers defeated Georgia en route to a national championship. Likewise, Georgia fans recall their own triumphs over Auburn, especially in games that have determined the SEC East standings and national rankings.

This year’s contest promises to be no different. Both teams come into the game with high expectations, and with Auburn playing in front of a homecoming crowd, the energy in Jordan-Hare Stadium will be palpable. The rivalry will add another layer of intensity to an already important game in the SEC race, and the outcome could have major implications for both teams as they look toward the postseason.

As with any SEC matchup, this game will feature a number of talented players on both sides of the ball. For Auburn, quarterback Clint Moseley will look to lead the offense against a tough Georgia defense. Moseley has been a steady presence under center for the Tigers this season, and his performance will be key to Auburn’s success. The Tigers’ running game will also be an area to watch, as running backs Onterio McCalebb and Michael Dyer continue to provide explosive plays.

Defensively, Auburn’s linebackers, led by Daren Bates and Jake Holland, will have their hands full with Georgia’s potent offense. The Bulldogs’ offense, led by quarterback Aaron Murray, is dynamic and capable of scoring at will. Murray’s ability to stretch the field with his arm and find receivers in the open will be crucial for Georgia’s success.

For Georgia, defensive end Jarvis Jones will be a player to watch. One of the best pass rushers in the SEC, Jones has the ability to disrupt Auburn’s offense and put pressure on Moseley. The Bulldogs’ secondary, led by safety Bacarri Rambo, will also need to be sharp, as Auburn has the ability to take shots downfield.

Auburn’s homecoming weekend will be filled with various events and activities to celebrate the university’s history and spirit. The annual homecoming parade will take place on Friday, Nov. 18, with floats, bands, and alumni gathering to honor Auburn’s legacy. Fans will also enjoy a variety of tailgating events throughout the day on Saturday before the big game.

Throughout the game, Auburn will honor its homecoming queen, as well as other alumni and former players who have contributed to the university’s success. This year’s homecoming will be particularly special, as the university takes a moment to recognize Pat Sullivan’s incredible career and his ongoing contributions to Auburn football.

Auburn fans can expect a loud, passionate crowd on Saturday as they cheer on their Tigers and celebrate their tradition. The atmosphere at Jordan-Hare Stadium during homecoming is unlike any other, and the fans will be sure to bring their A-game to support their team in what promises to be a memorable SEC showdown.

As Auburn prepares for its homecoming game against Georgia, it’s not just about football—it’s about honoring the history, traditions, and people that have helped shape the Auburn Tigers. This Saturday, fans will celebrate the legacy of Pat Sullivan and his contributions to Auburn’s football program, while also enjoying a thrilling SEC contest against the Georgia Bulldogs.

For Mark Richt, this homecoming will be an emotional return to a place where his football journey began. The game will be filled with passion, pride, and plenty of excitement, as both teams look to secure a crucial victory in the SEC race. Whether you’re an Auburn alum, a student, or a lifelong fan, this homecoming game promises to be a memorable event in the history of Auburn football.