Auburn at georgia game preview

After a hard-fought and tone setting 20-17 win at Alabama, the Georgia Bulldogs return home as the No. 1 team in the country to face the Auburn Tigers. Auburn enters 3-2 following a loss at Tennessee and a bye week to regroup. The Tigers have lost nine straight against Georgia, and Alex Golesh will need his team’s best performance to end that streak in Athens.

Georgia’s offense will be led by Gunner Stockton, who has thrown for 1,298 yards and 14 touchdowns. Stockton has been efficient and showed against Alabama that he can lead a scoring drive when Georgia needs one late.

Talyn Taylor and Craig Dandridge Jr. give him threats outside, while tight ends Jaden Reddell and Elyiss Williams can attack the middle. Auburn cannot focus on taking away one receiver and expect this passing game to fall apart.

The Bulldogs should also get Nate Frazier back, although his workload remains a question after dealing with a rib injury.

Chauncey Bowens is out, but Dwight Phillips Jr. showed Georgia’s depth with 120 rushing yards against Alabama.

Auburn needs to limit that group on early downs and make Stockton throw in predictable situations.

The Tigers have intercepted a pass in all five games this season, and stealing a possession could give them a chance to stay around.

Auburn will rely on Byrum Brown to create plays with both his arm and legs.

Brown has accounted for 11 touchdowns, but he needs to protect the ball and avoid putting the offense behind the chains. Keshaun Singleton and Chas Nimrod have been his main receiving options, combining for 54 catches through five games. Running back Omar Mabson II gave Auburn a spark against Tennessee, and the Tigers will need production from him to keep Brown from having to do everything himself. Georgia’s defense makes that difficult.

Jordan Hall and Elijah Griffin give the Bulldogs size up front, while linebackers Raylen Wilson and Chris Cole will be important in containing Brown. Auburn needs to use Brown’s mobility without letting every passing play turn into him trying to escape pressure. Safety KJ Bolden is doubtful, which could give the Tigers opportunities downfield, but they still need enough protection for Singleton and Nimrod to get open.

Although Auburn has had an extra week to prepare, I expect Georgia to control this game. Brown’s legs could help the Tigers extend some drives, but consistently moving the ball against this front is a much tougher task.

Stockton has enough options to keep Auburn from loading up against the run, and Georgia should be able to wear the Tigers down as the game goes on. I got the Bulldogs winning 31-17, keeping them unbeaten and extending their control of this rivalry.