The Auburn Tigers should be worried. Todd Gurley will return to the playing field just in time for their annual game against SEC rival Georgia, and expect the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry to be a bloodbath. With news of his reinstatement terms released, there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel for Gurley and the Bulldogs, and it happens to be on Nov. 15.

Gurley has a lot to prove to himself, his team and the NCAA as he returns to Sanford Stadium. At that point, he will not have played for more than a month and will be itching to get his college career back to normal by resuming his tailback post. All of that pent-up energy will be used against Auburn, which is Georgia’s most formidable foe remaining this season.

Even after missing two games, Gurley still has 773 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the season. He has been at practice while suspended, so he won’t be rusty when he returns. With a game plan in mind, quarterback Hutson Mason can practice specifics with both Gurley and Nick Chubb and hammer out the details of the best way to thwart Auburn’s defense.

Frankly, the Tigers were very lucky when they won against Georgia last season with a tipped catch. This year, the Bulldogs’ defense is tougher and more consistent, which was an issue in 2013. Georgia also has an advantage in facing Auburn at home in Athens. Even if it takes a few plays for Gurley to get back into the groove of things, it’s a relief for Mark Richt and the rest of the team to know that Chubb can handle the pressure.

Georgia plans to immediately appeal the NCAA’s decision in hopes of getting Gurley’s punishment reduced. Even if he is allowed to return for the games against Florida and/or Kentucky, an explosive performance against Auburn will be the best way for him to stick it to the NCAA and its controversial call.

Gabrielle McMillen is an SEC College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @GabbyMcMillen, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google