What Alex Golesh Said After Auburn’s Wednesday Practice Ahead of LSU

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The Auburn Tigers are coming off one of their biggest wins in recent memory after knocking off No. 1 Georgia, but Alex Golesh is already focused on what's next.

Golesh met with reporters following Wednesday's practice to discuss how his team has responded to the victory, Auburn's linebacker situation, and Saturday's matchup against LSU.

Here are the biggest takeaways from his comments.

Auburn has turned the page from Georgia.

One of the biggest questions heading into this week was how Auburn would respond after such an emotional victory.

And according to Golesh, the response has been encouraging.

"It's been really, really positive," Golesh said. "I think there's like a really cool energy and they've been really intentional."

Golesh explained that Auburn's first 11 a.m. kickoff also creates some urgency because the Tigers won't have their usual Saturday morning preparation time.

Everything needs to be ready by Friday night.

I think that's important because Auburn can't afford to spend another week celebrating Georgia.

The Tigers have another opportunity to make a statement against LSU.

Golesh isn't concerned about Auburn's linebacker depth.

Golesh also briefly addressed Xavier Atkins' departure from the program for the first time since the linebacker was dismissed Monday night.

"I wish X nothing but the best as we move forward," Golesh said.

He didn't provide additional details about the decision, but he made it clear that Auburn has confidence in its remaining linebackers.

Bryce Deas and De'Marcus Riddick will continue receiving opportunities, while Golesh also mentioned several younger players competing for playing time.

And he had particularly strong praise for Elijah Melendez.

"You obviously see what Elijah continues to do, like pretty special, like beyond special," Golesh said.

Losing Atkins is certainly significant, but Auburn's defense showed against Georgia that it has other players capable of stepping up.

Now those players have to continue producing.

LSU presents another difficult challenge

Auburn's offensive line took a significant step forward against Georgia, but Golesh made it clear that LSU's defensive front will present another challenge.

"Those edges are real, like real real," Golesh said.

He also praised LSU's linebackers, cornerbacks and the continuity within defensive coordinator Blake Baker's system.

And on the other side of the ball, LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt presents his own problems.

Golesh pointed to Leavitt's experience, pocket awareness, and ability to make plays with his legs.

Auburn proved against Georgia that it can compete with one of the country's best teams.

But I think Saturday will tell us even more about whether the Tigers can consistently play at that level.

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