No. 18 Auburn hosts No. 2 Georgia, looking to pull of the upset and defeat the Bulldogs for the first time since 2017. Here's what some of The Plainsman's sports staff said about the matchup.
Caleb Jones, Sports Editor (21-13): Georgia 24-16
"Auburn got a big road win against LSU last week. Unfortunately for Auburn, this week's opponent is a much tougher opponent on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 99-0 in the the previous two games. I think Auburn will have more success slowing down Georgia's defense than Arkansas did, but the Bulldogs still score more than the Tigers."
Mattison Allen, Assistant Sports Editor (19-15):
"Georgia takes this win, but it'll be the hardest it has fought all season. However, when it comes to a dominating Bulldog defense versus Bo Nix's luck, I'm taking the Bulldogs."
"I would be willing to say Georgia's defense is the best in the nation and that the Bulldogs deserve No. 1 overall. Auburn's confidence grew with a huge shake up in Baton Rouge, but it's going to take better play calling, a stronger offensive line and another 'Miracle in Jordan-Hare' for the Tigers to add this to their record.".
Henry Zimmer, Sports Reporter (17-17): Auburn 22-20
"You never know what happens in Jordan-Hare. Auburn has overcome crazier odds. This one comes down to Carlson at the clock or a two-point conversion from Nix. Georgia’s quarterbacks don’t play up to the standard in the loud atmosphere."
Henry Patton, Sports Writer (21-13): Georgia 27-10
"The biggest key to this game will be how Auburn is able to block against Georgia’s front seven, which is one of the best this sport has ever seen. It all starts with 6-foot-6, 350-pound defensive tackle Jordan Davis. Davis is a monstrous tackle that can move like a linebacker, and him along with UGA’s elite linebacker core of Nakobe Dean, Nolan Smith and Adam Anderson will make life extremely difficult for Auburn’s run game and they will also live in the backfield not allowing Bo time to throw down the field. Offensively, Georgia will do just to enough to put this game out of hand. Auburn’s defense will make Georgia’s offense work hard for their points, and the score could reflect for a bulk of the game, but the Bulldogs offense will do enough to secure a victory."
Jacob Waters, Sports Writer (19-15): Georgia 20-7
"Though Auburn is riding high after a historic win at LSU I do not think that Auburn will keep it up against Georgia. Georgia has the best defense in the country, and I struggle to see how Auburn will be able to score on it. However, if Auburn can force a defensive or special teams touchdown early then maybe it can pull off the upset."
"Expect this game to be low-scoring with lots of rushing attempts for Georgia. As for Auburn, expect the Tigers to air it out some. With Jordan Davis stuffing the interior line of scrimmage for the Bulldogs, I do not see Auburn running the ball much. Auburn’s defense and the Auburn crowd keeps it in the game for three quarters, but the Tigers will not be able to score enough points in the fourth quarter to win."
Jake Gonzalez, Sports Writer (12-22): Georgia 35-3
"Georgia coming into this game has only allowed one touchdown all season. I expect that trend to continue when they face a struggling Auburn offense. This game is going to be won in the trenches. Georgia’s Jordan Davis is going to be too much for the Auburn O-Line. If Auburn is going to have a chance they need a perfect game from Bo Nix and the defense is going to have to stop the run. With that’s being said, Georgia should cruise to their 5th straight win over Auburn."
Kristen Carr, Sports Writer (11-23): Auburn 31-28
"If Auburn can run the ball well and Bo Nix comes in with the same grit he showed up with last week, they have a chance to win. Georgia is one of Auburn’s toughest matchups of the season, but it’s rivalry week so anything can happen. Auburn’s home field advantage will also definitely come into play and could make the difference for the Tigers."
Larry Robinson, Sports Writer (19-15): Georgia 24-21
"The Tigers want revenge for 2019. I see it in their eyes. Sadly, this Georgia team isn’t one that you can just will yourself past."
"Auburn keeps this one close heading into the third quarter and gets the crowd involved into the game before letting a Georgia receiver break free for a game-deciding touchdown. Auburn’s offense can’t generate consistent success on the ground against Georgia’s nasty front seven while the receivers continue their usual struggles. Defense and special teams keep the Tigers in this one but unless Auburn Jesus makes an appearance, I don’t see Auburn pulling this off."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
