Auburn vs. Georgia: Last-Minute Spread Info, Line BCS Impact and Predictions

The Auburn Tigers hit the road this weekend, looking to start a win streak over one of their most hated rivals, the Georgia Bulldogs. 

Known as "The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry," the Bulldogs had won four straight against the Tigers, but Auburn snapped the streak last year with a little help from Cam Newton. 

Georgia is feeling very confident after winning seven straight games, but Auburn will be fresh off a bye and fully prepared to pull the upset. 

With that said, let's take a look at some specifics of this SEC showdown. 

When: Saturday, Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m. ET 

Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens, GA

Watch: CBS 

Spread 

The Bulldogs are favored at -12.5, which is entirely too high. Yes, they've been playing better than Auburn, and the defense is their strong point, but this rivalry is always an intense close matchup. Take Auburn and the points because this game will come down to the wire. 

Key Injuries 

For Auburn, offensive lineman Ed Christian (back) remains questionable, but having missed the last six games it's unlikely that he plays. 

For Georgia, wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (hamstring) is listed as probable, but the Atlanta Journal Constitution tweeted that head coach Mark Richt says he'll play, which is great news for the Bulldogs. 

BCS/Top 25 Implications 

The Tigers are ranked No. 20 right now, and a win on Saturday gives them more credibility to stay in the rankings. However, should they lose, it will be the Tigers' fourth loss of the season, and they will likely be out of the Top 25. 

Georgia has a chance to win the SEC East, but it has to beat Auburn this Saturday. With a win and some help, the No. 15 Bulldogs could jump into the Top 10. That would be difficult, but still a possibility. 

The Bulldogs have a chance to crash the BCS, but they must first reach the SEC Championship game. It's in their hands now, as South Carolina lost to Arkansas last weekend. Win and you're in. It's as simple as that. 

The question is, will Georgia choke against Auburn? 

Keys to Auburn Win 

The Tigers must create turnovers, but their main focus needs to be on stopping the run. Georgia isn't outstanding at running the ball, but they will be using the ground and pound frequently as it's the Tigers' weak spot. 

Georgia uses the run to open the pass, but if the Tigers shut the Bulldogs' run game down, it will put a great deal of pressure on Aaron Murray and the passing game, which could result in sloppy play for Auburn to capitalize on. 

Auburn must avoid getting too heated and making dumb penalties on Saturday. Last year there were some big hits and questionable plays, which outraged some fans. If the Tigers get too emotional, it will hurt them in the end. 

Keys to Georgia Win

The Bulldogs have to find a way to stop Michael Dyer from running all over them. Dyer has rushed for over 100 yards five times this season, and if the Bulldogs defense isn't prepared to shut him down it will be a long day. 

Georgia has done a great job against the run this season, ranking No. 8 in the country allowing 91 yards per game, but Dyer is exceptionally good at running the ball, which is one of the reasons this will be a great game. 

Isaiah Crowell will get the start for Georgia, and he has to deliver on the big stage. The Tigers rank No. 84 in the country against the run, and Crowell must make clutch plays, especially after he was suspended a week ago for violating team rules. 

Prediction

Don't buy into the spread for this game, as this intense rivalry will be close for all four quarters. In the end, Georgia's defense will be the difference maker, and Murray and company will pull out the victory late in the game. 

Bulldogs 31, Tigers 26