Keldric Faulk on possibly losing rivalry with Georgia: 'We have to keep Georgia on our schedule'

The Georgia–Auburn series has established itself as one of the best rivalries in all of college football since the first meeting in 1892.

The “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry” has provided countless all-time moments over the years, including “The Prayer at Jordan-Hare” in 2013, Auburn‘s game-winning field goal in 2005 and 1986’s “Game Between the Hoses.”

With the possibility of a nine-game conference schedule making its way to the SEC however, there is certainly a chance that teams could potentially lose rivalry games. Auburn EDGE rusher Keldric Faulk was asked about the possibility of losing Georgia on their schedule in the future, and it’s safe to say he was NOT a fan.

“We can’t do that,” Faulk responded at SEC Media Days. “Georgia is one of the games that we look forward to playing. We have to keep Georgia on our schedule.”

Although the rivalry has provided some all-time classic games, the Bulldogs have dominated the series dating back to 2006. Since then, Georgia is 17-3 with a win over the Tigers in the 2017 SEC Championship Game. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 65-56-8, as they have won all eight meetings dating back to the 2017 SEC Championship Game. Just two of these games were within one-possession.

Kirby Smart gives his thoughts on Georgia-Alabama rivalry

Kirby Smart was also asked about the possibility of losing the Auburn game due to the change to scheduling.

“That’s a tradition I love,” Smart said. “I grew up in southwest Georgia where it was easier to get to Auburn than it was Georgia from where I lived. So, I respect that rivalry, but they’re all big games.

“I would hate to lose that one, if that happened.”

Smart was also asked about the possibility of playing at Auburn in a night game this season. The game is scheduled for Oct. 11 at Jordan-Hare, but a time has yet to be revealed.

“It’s already one of the iconic places to play college football,” said Smart. “Some of the greatest games in SEC history have come out of that stadium. It’s one of the toughest places to play in college football because of the passion and environment that they create.”

Since taking over as the head coach at Georgia prior to the 2016 season, Smart is 9-1 against Auburn with an average margin of victory of 17 points per game. He is 3-1 on the road at Jordan-Hare.