No. 2 Georgia (5-0) returns home to face Auburn (3-2) in another addition of ‘The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.’
The Bulldogs are coming off a 26-22 road win over Missouri, and the Tigers head to Athens after a 21-17 loss to LSU at home.
UGA is a minus 29.5 point favorite over Auburn.
Here’s why the Tigers could keep this matchup close.
Starting fast
In both of Auburn’s losses, the Tigers got off to a fast start and led LSU and Missouri at halftime.
While they haven’t found out a way to take advantage of this yet, Auburn will have to find a way to get ahead early and hold on at Georgia to have a chance.
Missouri found success versus Georgia last week before giving up the lead late in the fourth quarter. That was UGA’s closest regular season game in two years.
Robbie Alford
Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford has thrown for 464 yards and two touchdowns in the last two games with a 1-1 record. The Freshman has also rushed for 293 yards and one touchdown in that span.
Ashford completed 19 of 38 passes for 337 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, while adding 19 yards on the ground last week versus LSU.
Ashford’s dual-threat ability will force Georgia to respect the quarterback run on Saturday, which takes a defender from coverage. The Tigers could find space in the passing game if Georgia’s coverage isn’t sound in the secondary.
Front 7
Auburn’s offensive line hasn’t been very impressive thus far as the Tigers are 10th in the SEC in rushing yards per game and 11th in the SEC in sacks allowed.
Where the Tigers could cause problems for Georgia is their defensive front.
Auburn is sixth in the SEC in sacks, led by experienced EDGE defenders Derrick Hall and Eku Leota, along with senior linebacker Owen Pappoe.
Missouri caused problems for the Bulldogs offensive front last week and the Tigers could cause similar issues if Georgia doesn’t make changes.
Slump?
Is Georgia in a slump?
After complete domination through three weeks, only allowing 10 total points in that span, the Bulldogs almost lost to a struggling Missouri team and allowed 44 points combined to the Tigers and Kent State.
Let’s keep in mind that this Auburn team barley beat Missouri in double overtime in Week-5.
Is Auburn due for a win?
Georgia has dominated Auburn in the last decade winning 14 of the last 17 matchups versus the Tigers, including a 31-10 win On the Plains a year ago.
I can’t help but think back to the matchup in 2017, a 41-17 win by Auburn that shocked the eventual SEC Champions.
With the Bulldogs recent struggles, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Tigers give UGA a much bigger fight than oddsmakers predict on Saturday afternoon.
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Check out where Georgia has the advantage here.
