Auburn head coach Gene Chizik addressed the media Tuesday morning about the SEC Championship game Saturday.

“Exciting times here at Auburn for our players, coaches and fans,” Chizik said. “Our football team is really looking forward to being able to play in the championship game, and it’s been a fun 12-game road so far.”

The Tigers face No. 18 South Carolina, a team they beat 35-27 at home Sept. 25.

Chizik said the Gamecocks have improved in several areas since the last meeting.

“They’ve got a running back who’s rushing for well over 100 yards a game,” Chizik said. “They’re great in the time of possession category; they’re controlling the football. We’ve got our work cut out for us, and there are challenges all over the field for us.”

Chizik served as defensive coordinator for Auburn during the 2002-04 seasons, and helped lead the 2004 team to a SEC Championship victory.

Chizik said he noticed similarities in the team from 2004 and this season, but added each team was unique.

“Every team has a different personality I guess you would say,” Chizik said. “I know that probably sounds weird when you are talking about 100 guys. This team is different in it’s own way, with so many true freshman being a part of what we’re doing. 2004 was a bit different because there weren’t too many times we had to come back to win games.”

The Tigers have come from behind in eight of their 12 games this season.

Chizik said his team’s attitude and chemistry help in negative situations.

“They’ve got that assurance that the person next to me is the guy I want to be with, and I think that all comes with the word ‘trust,'” Chizik said. “Two years ago when we came here, we thought that was a huge part of the puzzle, and we’ve made huge strides in that direction.”

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