Georgia Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Complete Game Preview
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry will take place in Auburn, Alabama on Saturday as the Georgia Bulldogs face the Auburn Tigers.
Before the season began, this game was thought to be a preview of the SEC Championship Game. Georgia was picked to win the SEC East, and Auburn was picked to win the conference during SEC media days. However, due to inconsistent quarterback play for both teams, this game is just another SEC contest where both Georgia and Auburn are trying to either qualify for a bowl game or better their chances of making a bowl game on New Year’s Day.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
As frustrating as it has been for both teams, this will still be a compelling game because of the history of this series. In fact, this series is tied, with both teams winning 55 games each.
So it might not be a preview of the SEC Championship Game, but a lot is at stake for Georgia and Auburn in this nationally televised contest.
Date: Nov. 14, 2015
Time: Noon ET
Place: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.
TV: CBS
Radio: Georgia Bulldog Sports Network, Auburn IMG Sports Network, Sirius/XM 81
Odds: Auburn is favored by 1.5 points according to Odds Shark.
When Georgia Has the Ball
The quarterback battle continues at Georgia, as both Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey got significant snaps last week against Kentucky. Lambert was 6-of-13 for 64 yards and one touchdown, while Ramsey was 4-of-6 for 24 yards.
But the Bulldogs had another quarterback in the mix, as Terry Godwin ran the position when the Bulldogs were in their Wild Dog formation. And it worked, as Godwin recorded four carries for 36 yards and one touchdown. The touchdown came in the first quarter, and it was the first time in nine quarters the Bulldogs scored a touchdown; they did not score one in the last two games.
"The first career touchdown for @TerryGodwin_4 at @FootballUGA, @CallawayHoops alum @libby141 #Dawgs pic.twitter.com/0fcGGmAUGh
— Dayne Young (@dayneyoung) November 7, 2015"
The Wild Dog formation also led to a big day for Sony Michel, as he ran for 165 yards and one score.
The Bulldogs are facing an Auburn defense that is coming off one of its best performances of the season. They allowed Texas A&M to score 10 points and garner 303 total yards. The Tigers also forced three interceptions.
Cassanova McKinzy has been the leader of the defense, recording six tackles and one tackle for loss against the Aggies. He now has 59 tackles and four sacks on the year. But Jonathan Ford has been all over the field for the Tigers this season. He is second in the SEC with 96 tackles, and he was the only player on the roster last week to record at least 10 tackles.
When Auburn Has the Ball
Like Georgia, the quarterback situation in Auburn has been up in the air since the start of the season. Jeremy Johnson was the starter to begin the year, then he was replaced by Sean White, who has been solid.
However, Johnson played in the game against the Aggies last week due to an injury to White, and Johnson completed 13 of his 17 passes for 132 yards and one score in the win.
According to Matthew Stevens of the Montgomery Advisor (via the Anniston Star), Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn is not sure which quarterback will play on Saturday, but he’s confident that both guys can get the job done.
The Tigers are facing a Bulldogs defense that allowed only three points against Kentucky last week. The Georgia defense has had their issues, but overall they have been solid, as they rank fourth in the conference in total defense and first in the SEC in passing defense.
Jake Ganus has been the steady hand for the Bulldogs, tallying nine tackles last week. Leonard Floyd and Jordan Jenkins have not lived up to expectations, as they have only a combined 6.5 sacks, but they are still fundamentally sound linebackers who can make plays.
Player to Watch for Georgia: Dominick Sanders
The Georgia pass defense ranks first in the SEC, and Dominick Sanders is a big reason why.
The sophomore defensive back has four interceptions, which ties him for third in the SEC. He also has nine passes defensed, which puts him at fourth in the conference.
Sanders’ first interception of the season was against Vanderbilt, and he was able to return that for an 88-yard touchdown to help the Bulldogs pull away from the Commodores. And last week, Sanders notched two interceptions to help the Bulldogs have their best defensive performance of the year.
Since 2014, Sanders has notched seven interceptions. He also has 17 passes defensed during that span. So whoever is at quarterback for Auburn needs to keep an eye out for Sanders every time when they decide to throw the football.
Player to Watch for Auburn: Peyton Barber
The Auburn offense has struggled this season, averaging 27 points per game, which ranks 10th in the SEC. But if there is one player to watch on Saturday, it's Peyton Barber.
The sophomore running back is having a very productive season, rushing for 828 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is fourth in the SEC in both categories.
"I liked a @YouTube video http://t.co/vv4vQktEha Auburn - Peyton Barber - TD
— Garrett (@AnimatedGamers1) October 4, 2015"
However, the punishment his body has taken over the season is starting to get to him. Barber averages 21 carries per game but has carried the ball only 21 times the last two games.
It would not be a surprise if Barber got at least 20 carries on Saturday against the Georgia run defense that ranks eighth in the SEC. If he gets to 20 carries or more, the Tigers will have a very good chance of winning their sixth game of the year.
Final Prediction: Georgia 27, Auburn 24
This is really a coin-flip game, as both teams have inconsistencies at quarterback. However, the Bulldogs do have the edge, because their defense is better than the Tigers defense, which ranks last in the conference in total defense.
With the Bulldogs adding the Wild Dog to their offense, it should give the Tigers fits because they have to watch for Sony Michel and Godwin in terms of who will get the football.
That said, either Lambert or Ramsey will have to make plays in the passing game if Georgia wants to beat Auburn. They don’t have to light up the stat sheet, but they need to be efficient.
And Auburn will need to run at Georgia in order to wear the defense down and keep the Bulldogs offense off the field. This game will come down to who has the ball last, and I think the Bulldogs will make one more play than the Tigers and come away with their fifth conference win of the season.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
