In a ranked showdown, the Georgia Bulldogs and its top ranked defense will visit Auburn this Saturday. The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry has seen 125 meetings in its history, this will be only the 24th one where both teams are ranked in the Top 25.
As the teams get set, here are a few players to watch and some keys to victory for both teams to remember on Saturday.
Auburn
John Samuel Shenker (TE)
Compared to the Gus Malzahn offense, Bryan Harsin is much more willing to incorporate tight ends, especially in passing scenarios. As it stands now, the dual-sport Shenker is the Tiger’s leading receiver in both receptions and yards. While he did have some drop issues against LSU, his role in the passing game cannot be understated.
Zakoby McClain (LB)
In the absence of Owen Pappoe, the “energizer bunny” shined at LSU. He finished with 12 tackles, now passing the 200 career tackle mark. With Georgia possibly using its backup quarterback this weekend, there could be a major focus on its run game. His instincts and quickness to the line will be the key for Auburn to halt the Bulldog offense.
Keiondre Jones (OG)
Georgia comes into the game with the top defense in the country, and their front is the main reason for that. Devonte Wyatt, Jordan Davis, and Jalen Carter make up the most feared defensive line in all of college football. Keiondre Jones just won Harsin’s Lineman of the Week after his performance against LSU. He will be responsible for dealing with the 340 pound Davis this weekend.
Georgia
Nolan Smith (LB)
The IMG Academy product was named Co-Defensive Player of the Week after an eight tackle and 1.5 sack performance against South Carolina. His skill in rushing the passer is crucial to Georgia’s pass defense being successful. While Bo Nix showed his scrambling ability against LSU, it will be up to Smith to keep him contained.
Jordan Davis (DT)
Auburn has made it a point to be a hard-nosed, downhill running team this season. Tank Bigsby, Jarquez Hunter, and Shaun Shivers have all shown an ability to run between the tackles. However, none of them have faced a force like Davis this season. The 340-pound nose tackle is an early favorite for the Bronco Nagurski Award and he will probably command two or three Auburn lineman this weekend on run plays.
Brock Bowers (TE)
The Napa Valley, California, native earned SEC Freshman of the Week after totaling 69 yards and two touchdowns against Vanderbilt in Week 4. Auburn features a smaller linebacker and defensive back core. Bowers is consistently targeted deep down the field, even earning an 89-yard reception against UAB. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall, he could create plenty of issues for the Auburn secondary if he gets loose.
Keys to Victory
Auburn
Don’t get frustrated on the blitz. Georgia will bring the force on third down. Call short screens or quick slants to keep the drive going.
Shivers is a great target out of the backfield. While he didn’t get a single carry, Shivers pulled in five catches for 38 yards against LSU, including a couple on crucial third downs in the fourth quarter. His quickness is a great counter to the big physical Georgia secondary.
No special teams mistakes. Two missed field goals against LSU made the path to victory much harder for the Tigers. Against a defense like Georgia, they need all the points they can get.
Georgia
Run outside the tackles. If Pappoe is out, or not 100%, stretching the defense from sideline-to-sideline may be the Bulldog’s best chance to gain yards.
Bo Nix was at his best last week when he was able to scramble and extend the play. Get around the tackles and don’t let him find a hole in the secondary.
Trust your backs in one-on-one matchups. The secondary for Georgia is big and physical, and Auburn receivers have struggled on the 50-50 ball all season. Auburn won’t be productive offensively trying to abuse those matchups.
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Dylan Fox, Junior in Civil Site Design Engineering, joined The Plainsman as a sports writer in Spring 2020. From Geneva, IL.
