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- Connor Quincy
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Auburn's Alex Golesh Has No Update on Suspended Linebacker Xavier Atkins
ReAuburn's Alex Golesh Has No Update on Suspended Linebacker Xavier Atkins
Auburn coach Alex Golesh said Monday he has no new information on Xavier Atkins, the star linebacker who sat out the Tigers' upset of Georgia while serving a suspension.
Auburn coach Alex Golesh said Monday he has no new information on the status of star linebacker Xavier Atkins, who was suspended for the Tigers' upset victory over Georgia. «We're still working through it. I don't have an update right now,» Golesh told reporters.
The first-year Auburn coach had described Atkins' situation as an «in-house» matter before the game and declined to elaborate on the discipline or its severity. The suspension kept Atkins out of one of the program's most significant wins in years, a road victory at Georgia that stands as one of the defining results of Golesh's debut season.
Auburn beat Georgia in Athens with Georgia ranked No. 1, making Golesh only the second Tigers coach since 1942 to defeat the Bulldogs under those circumstances. The win came with Golesh matching wits against Kirby Smart without one of his most important defensive players.
Atkins' absence did not slow the Auburn defense. Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas combined for 17 tackles, and Melendez delivered a versatile performance that included an interception, a sack and a pass breakup. The linebackers helped Auburn limit a traditionally run-heavy Georgia offense to 113 rushing yards.
Quarterback Byrum Brown also powered the Auburn attack, rushing for 115 yards. Pro Football Focus counted only seven missed tackles for the Tigers on the day, a reflection of the improved fundamentals Golesh saw from his defense.
The uncertainty around Atkins now hangs over Auburn's next test. The Tigers remain unranked but have a major opportunity Saturday against No. 18 LSU, which has already lost twice, including a road upset at Kentucky. A second straight upset could push Auburn into the top 25 conversation.
Golesh has not indicated whether Atkins will be available for that game, leaving his status unsettled as the Tigers prepare for another high-profile matchup.
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