Here’s why I’m NOT worried about Saturday night when Georgia and Auburn meet on the gridiron for the 130th time:
1. Can we kick it? Yes we can. Peyton Woodring is perfect on the season, making all four field goals tries and all 21 extra points. In fact, Georgia kickers have only missed 2 PATs in Kirby Smart’s tenure (Hot Rod was perfect in his tenure, Woodring is so far, and Hot Pod only missed 2).
Our superpower is that opposing teams can’t make field goals against us. Kentucky, Alabama, Tennessee,
and let’s not forget a certain New Year’s Eve duckhook. For years Auburn had a run of some of the best college kickers in the nation. Now Georgia has both the mojo and the leg to have the edge here.
2. Can we sack him? Yes we can. Auburn has given up 21 sacks on Jackson Arnold this season. Their offensive line is pass protecting in reality about as well as fans think the Georgia OL is. I don’t know how good Ball State’s blitz package is, but they got home 5 times, the same as Texas A&M did 2 weeks ago, but still shy of the 9 sack performance by the SEC’s #1 defense from Oklahoma.
And while Auburn’s front 7 is stout and they’ve racked up 16 QB sacks themselves this season, they struggled containing the sneaky John Mateer. I think this bodes well for Gunner Stockton and his tendency to bail and run if the first couple of reads aren’t there or the pocket collapses even a little. I’d much rather gain a yard or throw it away than to get behind the sticks in a raucous enemy stadium.
3. Tight End utilization in the receiving game might be down, but I’ve seen quite a bit of 12 personnel so Mike Bobo is definitely using the position. We don’t have a Brock Bowers to take over an Auburn game like he did a few years ago, with Darnell Washington able to stay home and seal off the edge. Unfortunately we’re having to supplement the banged up OL to ensure we can run and pass.
But they are there, as Elyiss Williams and Oscar Delp flashed last Saturday. And they’re good when they get it, averaging almost 16 yards a reception amongst the 3 (Delp, Williams, Luckie). Hopefully we can get a good OL combination, and start to push those slightly smaller uglies in the seams and digs to get some more matchup problems.
Now forgive me, as I was weaned at the nipple of Larry Munson’s scratch so here’s what does worry me about facing West Opelika Fallback University:
1. Free possessions. Auburn’s offense might not be that much, but there is no need to give them an opportunity to practice. Georgia has been a little loose with ball control, having fumbled or thrown an interception in the last 4 games. And after several close calls, Stockton finally threw an ill-advised pick against Kentucky.
Auburn’s defense, meanwhile, is legit. And the offense doesn’t turn the ball over. No interceptions thrown on the year, and only a single fumble. I don’t envy Auburn much, but when I do it is around their turnover margin.
2. If the Auburn offense breaks out, it could be disastrous. While no one is wowed by any offensive stats from the WarPlainsTiglesmen, the talent lining up is undeniable.
Wideout Cam Coleman is the real deal. Tall and rangy, Coleman broke out at the end of 2024 in the final 3 games with 22 catches, 206 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He’s been mostly held in check in 2025 as defenses have given him their full attention, but he’s a nightmare for cornerbacks and let’s just go ahead and admit that isn’t exactly a strength for us right now.
But that leaves Eric Singleton. You may remember him from 2 years ago when he was at Tech and racked up 96 yards receiving. Or last season where his 8 catches and a crucial score led to much angst in Athens. This year he is their Dillon Bell, lining up in the slot, out wide, even in the backfield. He motions a lot to both distract and to get better matchups.
Tiger QB Jackson Arnold might not be climbing up draft boards, but the former 5 star has the arm and leg talent to exploit mistakes or busted coverages and containment. I’m worried they could collectively have their best day with a rowdy home crowd hyping them up.
3. This might be a trap. Auburn had the week off, gets to stay at home, and is home again next week. Georgia is traveling, just came off a conference game, and has potentially one of the most high profile games October 18 when Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin come calling.
UGA has won the last 8 in the series, and while Auburn is unranked and not impressing anyone, they are due. Never forget the ability of Georgia football to provide signature wins to opposing teams. Kirby Smart usually knows the right buttons to push to get his teams ready for the big rivalry games and to handle hostile environments. But he’s not perfect, the team in question is mostly 18-22 year old males, the ball is oblong and bounces funny, and Auburn Jesus is a real thing.
Call me crazy, just don’t call me late for dinner. Let us know in the comments what you’re feeling about visiting the loveliest little village on the plains, then driving the 20 minutes over to Auburn. And as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!
