The No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (4-0) will take on the Auburn Tigers (3-1) on Saturday in ‘The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry’.
This will be Georgia’s first road test of the season and the second conference game of the year. The Bulldogs didn’t play well in their first SEC matchup of the year against South Carolina in Week 3. Georgia was down 14-3 at the half before storming back for a 24-14 win in Athens.
Jordan-Hare Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the conference and a win over the Bulldogs would be huge for the Tigers and first-year head coach Hugh Freeze.
We expect UGA to win this game, but how close will the final score be?
Georgia is currently a 14.5 point favorite, per BetMGM odds.
Here are five reasons why the Tigers could cover on Saturday:
1
Georgia’s health
Syndication: Online Athens
Starting wide receiver Ladd McConkey (back) has yet to take a snap this season. According to head coach Kirby Smart, McConkey is trying to practice this week after being shut down from activities the last two weeks.
Starting safety Javon Bullard (ankle) missed the last two games, and he is also listed as questionable for Saturday. Georgia will be without starting right tackle Amarius Mims (ankle), who is recovering from tight-rope surgery.
That’s just start of the Bulldogs’ extensive injury list. While Georgia has overcome missing key players thus far, it’s certainly not at full strength headed into this matchup.
2
Slow starts
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Slow starts continue to be a theme for Georgia this season, especially on offense. The Bulldogs have scored only 17 total points in first quarters this year.
Making things work early is an important part of setting the tone on the road in the SEC, and a rowdy crowd won’t make things easier.
3
Tough Auburn defense
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The Tigers have struggled on offense this season, but their defense is the reason they enter this game 3-1 on the year.
Auburn is currently fourth in the SEC in interceptions (4) and second in fumbles recovered (3). The Tigers are fourth in the conference in total defense, allowing 298.5 yards per game.
Considering Georgia’s offensive struggles against the Gamecocks, who rank dead-last in the SEC in total defense, the Tigers’ defense will be the toughest test UGA has faced so far this season.
4
Georgia hasn’t covered yet
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Georgia is 0-3 against the spread so far this season. Oddsmakers didn’t give the Bulldogs’ season opener versus UT Martin a line due to the competition gap.
When you’re at the top like Georgia, every team will give you its best shot, especially SEC programs.
5
No home advantage
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It’s Week 5 and the Bulldogs have yet to play a game outside of Sanford Stadium. That’s not to say Georgia doesn’t have a coaching staff and players that haven’t dominated teams on the road in the past.
In the Bulldogs’ last trip to Jordan-Hare in 2021, the future national champions dominated in a 34-10 win. The blue-print is there, but which Georgia will we see take the field on Saturday?
The Auburn game will be quarterback Carson Beck’s first road start.
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