11/15/19
#4 Georgia vs #12 Auburn Week #12 Prediction
By. Andrew Rodberg (twitter.com/AndrewRod2019, instagram: 404thebeat)
TV/Radio: CBS 3:30pm
ATHENS, GA— Coming off a Top 10 win vs Florida two weeks ago, the Dawgs avoided another “stumble” on their schedule after a huge win as they did what they’ve done two other times in 2019…pitch a shutout. Following the 2nd CFP Rankings being released, the Dawgs propelled into the top 4 sitting pretty at #4 behind the LSU Tigers, Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Clemson Tigers. Now with a stiff test ahead on Saturday, they must go into Jordan Hare Stadium and take down the #12 ranked Auburn Tigers. With the Dawgs looking stay in the CFP conversation, they must win this game… here are a few keys to victory:
Start Fast/Take the Crowd out of the Game:
The last time Georgia went into Jordan Hare Stadium (2017), they were ranked #1 and looked unstoppable but that quickly changed as the Tigers jumped out to a 16-7 at halftime and punched the Dawgs in the mouth. After scoring a TD on their first possession of the game, the Dawgs went stagnant and punted the ball five consecutive times leading up to halftime. With that loss (40-17) still fresh in their mind, UGA will look for a different outcome behind their nation leading defense. The Dawgs must score early and often as the Auburn offense led by freshman QB Bo Nix looks for a big time upset.
Run the Ball:
Unlike 2017, (Chubb had 27 rushing yards and 1 TD), 2018 (Swift had 186 yards and 1 TD), will look to follow that up with yet another big game. With Auburn’s defense focused on stopping the run, the Dawgs must plan on the Tigers loading the box with an extra defender. With Swift one of the Nation’s premiere running backs, his cutting ability will prove to be a huge factor if the Dawgs are going to win this game. Although the Dawgs running game will be stopped early, they must continue to pound the rock and wait for their opportunity for a big play.
Defense:
What more can we say about this unit? They are fast, physical, play for each other and are very effective in stopping the run. With that being said, the Dawgs have yet to give up a rushing touchdown now 9 games into 2019. In doing so, the Dawgs make teams one-dimensional and cause the passing game to beat them, With veteran defensive players in Mark Webb, Tae Crowder, and Richard Lecounte at the helm, they have done a good job in limiting the explosive plays they give up which has held teams to a whopping 10.11 points a game. This rivalry game is always a toss-up, but if this defense continues to play lights out like they have all year, the Tigers are going to have some difficulty scoring enough points to beat the Dawgs.
Prediction:
Georgia 27 Auburn 13
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