Georgia vs. Auburn: Familiar faces on Tigers coaching staff

Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will face two of his predecessors this Saturday, when the Bulldogs travel to Auburn to take on the Tigers. Willie Martinez, who served as the defensive coordinator at Georgia from 2005-2009, is in his first season as Auburn's defensive backs coach. Brian VanGorder, who was the defensive coordinator at Georgia from 2001-2004, now holds that same position with the Tigers. Both men worked under Bulldog head coach Mark Richt.

"I love both of them. I love their families," Richt told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I’ve always had a lot of respect for their ability, especially as a tandem, to figure out what you like to do best (offensively) and make you do something that you’re a little uncomfortable doing."

Two Bulldogs took questions about playing against their former coaches. Starting quarterback Aaron Murray noted that the Georgia offense has evolved since Martinez's departure, so he doesn't think there will be much of a familiarity advantage.

"He wasn’t here when we were doing the no-huddle," Murray said.

Fifth-year cornerback Sanders Commings told reporters he was excited about the opportunity to play against his old coach.

"It’ll be a fun game to showcase my talents to him," Commings said.

It might not be that fun of a game for Auburn's defense. The Tigers have already given up 41 points to Ole Miss and 63 points to Texas A&M this season.