As the 2023 season continues to inch closer, many outlets are predicting Auburn to return to bowl season following their disappointing 5-7 campaign last season.
Sporting News has recently dropped their preseason bowl game predictions and has given Auburn an interesting draw.
According to this projection, Auburn will be the first team from the SEC to participate in bowl season by traveling to Tampa, Florida on Dec. 22 to compete in the Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl against longtime rival, Georgia Tech.
The Tigers and Yellow Jackets have played 90 times in history, with Auburn holding a 47-41-2 advantage. Despite the rivalry’s lengthy history, these two teams have not played since 2005, when Georgia Tech stunned Auburn fresh off of their undefeated season by earning a 23-14 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Outside of history, these teams playing in a bowl game would be refreshing for both fanbases. Both programs failed to receive a bowl invite last season and will be competing in 2023 under first-year head coaches. With the date of the bowl game scheduled before Christmas, it can be assumed that both teams would need six-seven wins in order to qualify for the Gasparilla Bowl.
Here’s a rundown of where each SEC program will be heading this postseason according to Sporting News’ projections.