TIGERS, DAWGS TANGLE
GEORGIA, AUBURN FACE OFFWITH CONFERENCE, CFP IMPLICATIONS
KEYS FOR GEORGIA
Red zone efficiency. No one in the country makes the most of their opportunities in the red zone better than the Bulldogs, whohave scored on 97.2 percent of their trips inside an opponent’s 20. It won’t be nearly as easy to generate scoring chances against Auburn’s capable defense (No. 14 in total yards allowed, No. 9 in points allowed) as it’s been against much of the SEC East, so Georgia has less margin for error this week. Usual defensive standards. Georgia figured to have one of the best defenses in the country this year, and in every statistical measure that’s played out over the last 10 weeks. The Bulldogs rank third in scoring defense, fourth in total defense, fifth in rushing defense and seventh in pass defense.
KEYS FORAUBURN
Carries with Kerryon. Georgia is surrendering only 89 rushing yards per game, and the path to a quality day is not a wide one for any tailback. But Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson has scored in six consecutive games, hit the 100-yard plateau in four of his last five outings and is averaging a healthy 5.23 yards per carry. The Tigers’ identity, though more balanced than some years, still leans toward the run. Johnson needs a productive day. Get the defense off the field. Georgia is built to force plenty of three-andouts, and then wear down opponents with a powerful rushing attack that churns through defenses while burning off the clock. Auburn would much rather have the game go at a faster pace, and to do so it needs to force the Bulldogs into short possessions of their own.
PREDICTION
Georgia 20-13. Kirby Smart’s team is in excellent shape to earn a playoff berth, and the Bulldogs’ chances of reaching the semifinals skyrocket even more if they can handle Auburn. The Tigers have two respectable losses (Clemson and Louisiana State) and are well-equipped to match Georgia’s strengths. Nonetheless, the Bulldogs have yielded more than 20 points just once and should be able to hold Auburn in check.