The Auburn Tigers are in an interesting position at the halfway point of Alex Golesh’s first campaign on the Plains.

Just a couple of days after its monumental 27-24 upset over No. 1 Georgia between the hedges, its first win in Athens, Ga., since 2005, Auburn dismissed All-American and preseason All-SEC linebacker Xavier Atkins on Monday evening.

Atkins was suspended last Monday ahead of the Georgia game, and Golesh revealed later in the week that he wasn’t with the team nor practicing. Then, following the win over the Bulldogs, the first-year head coach didn’t provide an update on Aktins’ status, but reports emerged just several hours later that he’s no longer with the program.

Golesh was asked specifically what went into the decision to part ways with Atkins during his Wednesday media availability, and his answer was simple.

“Man, I wish (Xavier) the best as we move forward,” Golesh said.…