Ahead of the 128th edition of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry, here's what some of our staff has to say about the matchup between Auburn and No. 5 Georgia, complete with score predictions and analysis.
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: Georgia 35-15
"I don't think this is slated to be as out of hand as some might expect with Georgia looking to reassert itself following a loss to Alabama and Auburn starting the 2-3. If Auburn can remain turnover free, like the offense did for the majority of the Oklahoma game, I expect the Tigers to stay in the fight longer than expected — especially with Georgia's trend of starting slow on offense.
"However, sooner rather than later Georgia will take control of the game and win by two or more touchdowns because they are simply a far better team."
Grace Heim, Assistant Sports Editor: Georgia 34-13
“Georgia has gotten off to a slow start in pretty much all of their FBS games this season, so Auburn has a chance to get off to a good start in the first half. Expect Auburn to give Georgia trouble on the ground early and for Jarquez Hunter to get a lot of touches. Ultimately, I think Georgia will pull away in the second half. The Bulldogs are looking to prove themselves after a close loss to Alabama on the road and will lean on the depth they posses on both sides of the ball.”
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: Georgia 42-17
"Both teams are coming off off emotional losses as week ago, and this game is a winnable for Auburn. Georgia has shown its invincibility this season, and has struggled in its two conference games thus far. But they did find a wave of momentum in last weeks game against Alabama.
"Auburn looked a lot better in its loss last week to No. 21 Oklahoma, but it still found a way to lose in the end. The Tigers will have to bear near-perfect on Saturday for a chance at an upset. But, Auburn hasn't won in Athens since 2005, and I believe that trend will continue on Saturday."
Craig Noyes, Sports Writer: Georgia 34-20
"The Deep South's Oldest rivalry has been so one-sided that Georgia scheduled Auburn as their homecoming game this season. The Dawgs almost pulled off a miraculous comeback on the road at Alabama, while Auburn suffered another crushing defeat at home.
"While I do think Auburn has a chance to keep this game interesting for at least two quarters, the Dawgs' talent profile makes the Tigers' first road test of the season too much for them to handle."
Tyler Cox, Sports Writer: Georgia 45-10
"Coming off an extremely close loss to the country’s now ranked No. 1 team, Georgia will be ready to play in a rivalry they have dominated over the past two decades. Head coach Kirby Smart will have his team firing on all cylinders against a struggling offense in Auburn that has not truly found its identity.
"The Tigers too are coming off a heartbreaking defeat to now ranked No. 19 Oklahoma, where Auburn allowed 17 points in the fourth quarter losing its lead. Auburn’s offense can keep this game close if quarterback Payton Thorne has a similar game to the one he played last week against the Sooners. The issue is that it is hard to predict what kind of performance Thorne will have and the offense will have week-to-week, so against a great Bulldogs defense, points will be hard to come by."
Tyler Raley, Sports Writer: Georgia 37-17
"It is no secret that Georgia has completely dominated this rivalry as of late. Auburn has not beaten the Bulldogs since 2017, and has not beaten them in Athens since 2005. Just adding on to that, Georgia is going to be emotionally driven following a devastating road loss at Alabama, and head coach Kirby Smart will have his team striving for excellence in this week's contest.
"While the Tigers' offense showed signs of improvement in their loss to Oklahoma, quarterback Payton Thorne will have to make smart and efficient decisions to get by a talented Bulldogs pass rush and move the ball down the field. While Thorne did play well last week, it is going to take a lot more than that to win in Sanford Stadium, which I believe Georgia will limit from happening."
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