The Georgia Bulldogs, ranked #5 in both the AP and Coaches polls, are set to host the Auburn Tigers in a pivotal SEC showdown at Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium on October 5, 2024. Kickoff is slated for 3:45 PM ET on ABC, with Sean McDonough, Greg McElroy, and Molly McGrath providing the commentary. Georgia (3-1, 1-1 SEC) looks to bounce back from a tough 41-34 loss to Alabama, while Auburn (2-3, 0-2 SEC) is desperate for its first SEC win under head coach Hugh Freeze.
Bulldogs Look to Bounce Back
Kirby Smart's Bulldogs are no strangers to responding after a loss. Under Smart, Georgia is 13-3 following a defeat, and the Bulldogs haven't dropped back-to-back regular-season games since 2016. Last week’s defeat in Tuscaloosa ended several streaks for Georgia, including a school-record 42-game regular-season win streak and a 28-game SEC regular-season win streak. Despite the setback, Georgia remains one of the most formidable teams in the nation and will aim to start a new streak against a struggling Auburn team.
Elite Defense Faces Turnover Issues
Georgia's defense had been nearly impenetrable through the first three weeks of the season, holding opponents to just six field goals and no touchdowns. However, Alabama managed to break through, building a 28-0 lead and ultimately handing Georgia its first loss of the season. Turnovers were a major issue for the Bulldogs, as they committed four after going the first three games without any.
Auburn, meanwhile, has struggled with ball security all season, coming into this matchup with a -11 turnover margin. Georgia, now even in turnover margin for the year, will look to exploit Auburn's mistakes and get back to their early-season form.
Georgia’s Strength at Home
The Bulldogs boast a 26-game home winning streak, the longest in FBS, and will be eager to defend Dooley Field in front of a capacity crowd of 93,033. Georgia's senior class has been one of the most dominant in recent memory, going 45-3 since 2021, including two national titles and an SEC Championship. Auburn has not won in Athens since 2017, and with Georgia's elite home record, the odds are stacked against the Tigers.
The History
This rivalry dates back to 1892, making it one of the oldest in college football. Georgia leads the series 64-56-8 and has won the last seven meetings, including a narrow 27-20 victory in Auburn last season. Historically, this game has produced thrilling contests, and Auburn will look to play spoiler as Georgia tries to get back on track.
Streaks and Key Stats
Georgia’s defense ranks 18th nationally, allowing 14.8 points per game, while Auburn ranks 38th, giving up 18.8 points per contest.
Offensively, the Bulldogs average 32.3 points per game (52nd nationally), while Auburn's offense is scoring slightly more at 33.4 points per game (42nd nationally).
Georgia is also riding an impressive 27-season bowl streak and has been ranked in the AP top 10 for 55 consecutive polls.
What’s Next?
A win for Georgia would keep them firmly in the hunt for an SEC Championship and another College Football Playoff appearance. Auburn, on the other hand, is looking to salvage its season and avoid falling further behind in the SEC standings. Expect a physical, high-stakes matchup as two SEC powerhouses collide in Athens.
Comments