For the first time since 2012, Auburn will host No. 10 Georgia under the lights in Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday in hopes of its first conference win of the season.
The Tigers are looking to upset the Bulldogs for the first time since 2017. It is their third in a stretch of four consecutive games against teams currently ranked in the top 15 of the AP poll, and presents an opportunity to tally their first win against a top-10 team since 2021.
Led by veteran 10th-year head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia possesses a 4-1 overall record and is looking to match the program’s longest winning streak in the series since 1923-31 with a win on Saturday.
Here are the biggest things to look for in Saturday’s matchup:
Will Auburn get back to its ground attack against a feisty Georgia run defense?
It’s been harped on for much of the last three weeks, but Auburn’s offense must find its identity on the ground if it wants to see any success moving forward.
The Tigers' talented duo of Damari Alston and Jeremiah Cobb received just 21 carries for 124 yards over the last two games. Meanwhile, quarterback Jackson Arnold has dropped back to pass 91 times.
And Auburn’s offense simply hasn’t seen much success while doing so.
While head coach Hugh Freeze and the Tigers’ offense surely want to get back to its ground-and-pound style of play, Georgia’s run defense may keep them from doing so.
Per Pro Football Focus, Georgia’s run defense boasts the third-best grade in the nation (93.6). The Bulldogs are 13th nationally, giving up just 82 yards per game, and are allowing just 2.7 yards per attempt.
If Auburn can find a way to exploit Georgia’s front seven and live on the ground, much of its recent offensive woes could be put to rest on Saturday.
On the flip side, Auburn must contain Georgia’s potent rushing attack
Auburn’s rush defense has certainly been a bright spot through the first five games this season, giving up less than 100 yards in three games. As a result, the unit ranks sixth in FBS in yards per carry allowed (2.56) and 17th in rush defense, giving up 88 yards per game.
But just like Georgia teams of the past, the Bulldogs make their money on the ground with a slew of options out of the backfield. The least productive outing for Georgia on the ground this season came last week, with 183 yards against Kentucky. It has surpassed the 200-yard mark twice this season.
Running back Chauncey Bowens paves the way with 310 yards and three scores, and is complemented by Nate Frazier with 253 yards and two touchdowns.
Auburn has done a nice job of containing the running threat of opposing quarterbacks this season, and Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton possesses big-play ability on the ground as well. He leads the team with five rushing touchdowns while tallying 194 yards.
Simply put, whichever squad has the most success rushing holds a significant advantage on Saturday night.
Stay ahead of the chains
Auburn’s staff had a nice, long week during the bye to re-evaluate its offense after two woeful performances to start SEC play.
The one constant that keeps popping up is the self-inflicted wounds.
Due to penalties with a fresh set of downs, Auburn has converted on just 3-of-28 third-down attempts in its last two games. It was held without a single conversion on 13 third-down attempts against Texas A&M, marking the first time since 2006 that the Tigers’ offense failed to convert a single third down.
As a result, mixed with not committing to the run, Auburn has been in obvious passing situations on second and third downs and has allowed 14 sacks over its last two games.
Auburn must find a way to create some positive plays on first down and control the clock – keeping its defense off the field for extended stretches.
Will Jordan-Hare make a difference?
As previously mentioned, Saturday will mark the first time since 2012 that Auburn and Georgia will play under the lights in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Sure, the Bulldogs are already battle-tested on the road in a hostile environment at Neyland Stadium, in which they waltzed away with a 44-41 win in overtime. But the Auburn faithful, hungry and desperate for a monumental victory in Year 3 of the Freeze era, will greet its bitter rival with a rowdy environment – one that hasn’t seen a win against the Bulldogs in eight seasons.
Saturday will mark the 18th consecutive sellout at Jordan-Hare Stadium, dating back to the beginning of the 2023 season.
All in front of a special guest in Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton, who will have his jersey retired during a halftime ceremony, becoming the fourth player in program history to achieve that feat.
Auburn will have a chance to right the ship for the 2025 season on Saturday. And you can bet your bottom dollar that 88,043 raucous fans in orange and blue will show up in full force, determined to revive their beloved Tigers.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. on ABC.
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