Across the Ball: Three key matchups for Georgia-Auburn

Here are three matchups to watch for Georgia as it enters Saturday’s game against Auburn.

Georgia’s defensive front vs. Auburn’s offensive line

It’s a broken record at this point, but obviously Georgia has to figure a way to generate pressure on the quarterback. Perhaps this is the week the Bulldogs finally figure it out. In meaningful minutes, Georgia still doesn’t have a sack from a defensive lineman. Last Saturday against Kentucky, Nnamdi Ogboko became the first Georgia defensive lineman to record a sack this season, but it occurred in the fourth quarter with the game already decided.

What Georgia needs to avoid is allowing Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold to get comfortable throwing the ball in Hugh Freeze’s offense. If this occurs, you’re likely looking at a repeat of the Alabama game in terms of passing efficiency, even if Arnold is averaging only 169.2 passing yards per game.

The good news is that Auburn is pretty lousy at protecting Arnold. The Tigers have allowed an SEC-worst 21 sacks already, which includes nine against Oklahoma. Ball State and Texas A&M each recorded five sacks against Auburn, with Baylor and South Alabama notching one apiece.

If there was ever an opportunity for the defensive line to wake up from start to finish, it’s against Auburn. The only problem is that Georgia and its combined seven sacks haven’t shown much of a pulse against any team.

Chauncey Bowens vs. Auburn’s defensive line

Yes, Nate Frazier, Josh McCray and Dwight Phillips will get their opportunities. But if anything has been established thus far it’s that Georgia’s best running back is Bowens. And Bowens will be relied upon in a major way against a stout Auburn defensive front.

The Tigers are holding opponents to only 88 rushing yards per game, which is good for sixth in the SEC and 17th in the country. However, while they have had a solid season against the run, Auburn’s last game against Texas A&M wasn’t a good showing. Texas A&M running back Le’Veon Moss carried the ball 21 times for 139 yards and a touchdown, with the Aggies totaling 207 rushing yards.

With Georgia’s improving offensive line, Bowens has a chance to make a big statement against an Auburn defensive front that showed its first sign that it can be run against.

Georgia’s offensive line vs. Auburn’s pass rush

Conversely, Auburn’s defensive front has recorded 16 total sacks. Against the Aggies, Auburn sacked quarterback Marcel Reed four times, which helped keep the score low and the game close. This will be the best defensive line Georgia has faced since Tennessee.

As mentioned, the Bulldogs are improving up front, even while dealing with numerous injuries. Georgia has only surrendered six sacks this year, which is tied for fourth in the SEC. Gunner Stockton has done a good job of evading pressure as well.

Keeping Stockton upright will be a huge focus for Georgia throughout Saturday’s game.

ICYMI

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Some potential good news on Georgia’s injury front.

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