Georgia vs Auburn key matchups

Good Friday afternoon, Dawg Fans! We’ve almost made it to another stacked weekend of college football, with big-time games all across the board. The 10th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are heading into hostile territory at Jordan-Hare Stadium for a prime-time matchup against the Auburn Tigers. Auburn enters this one coming off a much-needed bye week after dropping two close games to quality opponents in Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Meanwhile, the Dawgs are fresh off a bounce-back 35–14 win over the Kentucky Wildcats. The telecast for this game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start time, with kickoff expected around 7:45, and can be viewed on ABC.

One key thing to look out for in this game is Georgia’s ability to start fast on offense and sustain efficiency for all four quarters against a tough Auburn defense. The Georgia offense looked fairly sharp last week against Kentucky, but Auburn will be a much tougher test, especially in Jordan-Hare, where the Tigers are sure to play aggressively. Expect them to try to get after Gunner Stockton early and work to limit the Dawgs’ run game. Auburn’s defense ranks in the top 25 nationally in scoring defense, rush defense, sacks, and tackles for loss. It’ll be interesting to see whether offensive coordinator Mike Bobo can dial up the right plays to help Georgia settle in early.

Another thing to look at is how Auburn’s offense attacks Georgia’s defense. The Dawgs have played solid defense in recent weeks, particularly at linebacker, making it difficult for opponents to run the ball effectively. However, one lingering weakness has been Georgia’s lack of a pass rush. The Dawgs currently rank 110th nationally in sacks, with just seven through the season so far.

That said, Georgia’s front seven may finally have a breakout opportunity against an Auburn offensive line that has struggled mightily in pass protection. The Tigers rank dead last in sacks allowed, having given up 21 through just five games. So, what does that mean for Hugh Freeze as a play-caller? Does he trust his offensive line enough against a lackluster Georgia pass rush to give quarterback Jackson Arnold time to connect with playmakers like Cam Coleman and Eric Singleton Jr.? Or does he opt for a run-heavy approach, leaning on Arnold’s mobility and feeding running back Jeremiah Cobb, who’s been solid this season, averaging 6.9 yards per carry? Either way, the Dawgs will face a challenge and must be ready to respond and execute, no matter the approach Auburn takes.

Prediction

Georgia 28, Auburn 20

I expect this one to be a battle until the end. Auburn took the Dawgs down to the wire the last time they met at Jordan-Hare, and I believe this matchup will be no different.

I’d love to see some aggressive play-calling early from Georgia to set the tone, getting playmakers like Zachariah Branch, Colbie Young, and Dillon Bell involved right away. It would also be nice to see the tight ends more involved, particularly exciting freshman Elyiss Williams. Will that happen? We’ll see. But I trust that the Dawgs will be well-prepared on both sides of the ball and will find a way to get it done, extending their winning streak over the Tigers to nine straight.

Enjoy the rest of your Friday and have an incredible weekend.
As always, GO DAWGS!