Georgia at Auburn – College Football Predictions
The Game
BOOM !
What a game we have set up for Saturday afternoon as the Bulldogs take on Auburn. Georgia is on SUPAH HOT FIRE outscoring their opponents 236-62 en route to a 9-0 record. The Tigers have a pair of losses but can still get into the SEC Championship game with wins over the Bulldogs and ROLL TIDE. Tough assignment, yo. But it’s possible. Let’s goooooo !
The Details
Georgia -2.5 Auburn (47.5)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Georgia -3
Sagarin Ratings – Georgia -2.5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Georgia 25 Auburn 22.5
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Georgia 24 Auburn 20
The Match-Up
Georgia offense vs Auburn defense
It’s so secret. The Bulldogs are going to mercilessly pound the football with their awesome 1-2 punch at RB (N Chubb, S Michel) that have combined for over 1,500 yards and 18 (!) TDs rushing. They have the #8 ground attack in the FBS but will be going up against a solid Auburn defense that is ranked 4th in the SEC vs the run and 3rd in yards per carry allowed. We feel that Georgia will have success because – well, they are Georgia – and given the fact that Auburn has allowed 140+ yards on the ground in four of their last five games. Auburn will have to rise up on 3rd downs but that will not be easy (Georgia #3 FBS on 3rd downs). The Bulldogs will have to hit some big plays in the passing game to win this one and we see no reason why they won’t be able to do just that. The “freshman QB” narrative from talking heads gets comical after a while. Gee, there have been NO good freshman QBs the past few years ? Fromm has been deadly efficient due to the support from the rushing attack (15-4 TD to INT; over 9 yards an attempt).
Auburn offense vs Georgia defense
Another lazy narrative. QB Jarrett Stidham has been a disappointment. Well, I’m not sure what people expected, but he has been one of the most efficient passers in the country (67%, 11-3 TD to INT, 9 yards per attempt) and cannot be blamed for getting sacked 40 times vs Clemson. Stidham will have to make quick decisions and get the ball out fast to the stable of players able to make plays in the passing game (6 guys 180+ yards receiving). He should have time because the Bulldogs are not an elite pass-rushing team (#11 SEC sacks per game) and must respect the Auburn rushing attack led by K Johnson (868, 15 TDs). The Bulldogs defense is ranked #4 in the FBS in total defense, #5 in rushing defense and #8 in pass efficiency defense. The Tigers are going to have a tough time but Georgia has not faced many decent QBs this season. The plays will be there. Auburn just has to make them.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
As many of you know this is the deep south’s oldest rivalry ! This is game number 121. That is pretty cool……The two PKs are a combined 26/33 on FG attempts so don’t expect many points to be left on the board.
Summary
These teams seem really comparable in talent level and it has the makings of a classic. It sounds nuts – but the motivation edge (slightly) may be with Auburn since Georgia knows that everything (most likely) will come down to winning the SEC Championship game. We foresee a close game heading into the fourth quarter and trust the Georgia defense a bit more.
Conclusion
Side – lean Georgia -2; Total – strong lean to the under 47.5