What just happened: Georgia survives test from Auburn
It may not have been pretty but Georgia survived a tough test from a battle-tested Auburn squad.
The Bulldogs held on to win 20-10 after struggling to score throughout the game. However, a 10-yard rushing touchdown from Gunner Stockton put the game away for the Bulldogs in the fourth quarter. Although Auburn jumped out early, the Bulldogs possessed the traditional strength and fortitude to take this year’s rivalry battle throughout the course of the game.
The Tigers scored the game’s first 10 points and then were stymied thereafter.
What it means
This was always seen as a trap game, and Georgia certainly survived it. The Bulldogs remain in good position for a College Football Playoff berth now that this game is over.
A question that needs answering
Will Georgia’s defensive pick up the intensity early in games?
If Georgia is to be taken seriously, it must figure a way to start games better on the defensive side of the ball. The fact that the defense spent more than half of the first quarter trying to slow down Auburn’s offense is preposterous.
The good news is that Auburn did next to nothing offensively in the second half of the game.
A huge positive, however, is that CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson forced and recovered a fumble at the goal line in what could’ve otherwise been a devastating touchdown. If not for the turnover, the Tigers would’ve gone up 17-0 in the first half.
Three important plays
Fourth-down drop: Glenn Schumann celebrated but his defense got lucky as Preston Howard dropped what would be a fourth-down conversion early in the third quarter.
Fourth-down stop: In the fourth quarter with less than 11 minutes to go, Georgia stopped Auburn on a broken play that led to a punt.
Game-clinching touchdown: To put the game away, Stockton capped off a 78-yard drive in the fourth quarter with a 10-yard rushing touchdown.
Other important games of note
Texas 23, No 6 Oklahoma 6: This is the new college football. Just when you think you have something figured out, this happens.
No. 8 Alabama 27, No. 14 Missouri 24: For the third consecutive week Alabama has skated past an SEC opponent. The Crimson Tide have come a long way since losing Week 1 to Florida State.
No. 4 Ole Miss 24, Washington State 21: As one of the best SEC team at this point of the season, it is quite striking to have this kind of a game against the Cougars
Grading Georgia
Offense: C
Georgia’s offense did what it could, but it was definitely not a spectacular showing by any means.
Defense: D
It is insane that Georgia’s offense had the ball for only 8:05 in the first half. The fact a college football program’s defense could allow this to happen is criminal.
Special teams: C
Peyton Woodring had a chance to put Georgia in a much better position but missed his field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.
Season grades to date
Offense: C
Defense: C
Special teams: A-