Week 11: Auburn at Georgia

Can you write an Auburn-Georgia preview without making reference to the Oldest Rivalry in the South? I didn’t think so. These two rivals get together for the 111th time this Saturday in Athens. And Sanford Stadium has been kind to the Tigers, who have won six of their last seven between the hedges.

“Auburn has had a lot of success here in Athens,” said Georgia coach Mark Richt. “They’ve also had tons of success in ruining Georgia’s hopes for SEC titles in years past, as we have returned the favor in years past too. With this game always coming so late in the year, there were many times where we’ve spoiled their party and they’ve spoiled ours. I’m sure that will come into play too.”

Both teams are 4–2 in the SEC, but the game really only has title implications for Georgia. Auburn only trails LSU by one game in the West, but LSU has already defeated Auburn, and with Arkansas at home and Ole Miss on the road on the schedule, the Bayou Bengals aren’t likely to lose. Georgia currently sits alone in first place in the East, one-half game ahead of Tennessee. The Vols control their own destiny, but if UT loses once (Arkansas and Vanderbilt at home, at Kentucky) and Georgia beats Auburn and Kentucky, then the Dawgs will be the team making the short trip to Atlanta for the SEC title game.

Georgia has seemingly righted the ship after a midseason slump saw them lose convincingly at Tennessee and escape with 20–17 last-second victory at Vanderbilt. Still, there are concerns about the defense. Georgia has given up 30 points or more in three of its past four games, including 34 in a 10-point win over Troy last week.

Offensively, Georgia figures to keep tailback Knowshon Moreno heavily involved in the attack. Over the last three games, the redshirt freshman has averaged 29 carries and 180 yards. There is a good chance that senior Thomas Brown will return to action this week, but Moreno still figures to get the bulk of the carries.

Auburn, too, will lean on its ground game. Statistically, the Tigers aren’t doing as well as you might think — sixth in the SEC and 54 in the nation in rushing — but this offense is still built around the running game. Auburn has rushed for 189 yards or more in three of its past four SEC games and managed a respectable 97 against LSU in the other game. 

After a shaky start, quarterback Brandon Cox has been sharp. He has completed over 55 percent of his passes in each of the past seven games and has only thrown one interception during that span.

“He’s playing well right now. He’s always been a very efficient passer his whole career,” Richt said. “He had a game that he’s not used to having against us last year. I don’t know why it happened, but I’m sure he’ll be wanting to play well considering what happened a year ago.”

That game Richt refers to was the low point of Cox’s junior season. In a 37–15 loss at home to Georgia, Cox completed only 4-of-12 for 35 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions.

Obviously, he will have to play better to beat Georgia this year.

Auburn by 6