The Georgia Bulldogs (6-0) handled business last week by defeating the Alabama Crimson Tide (5-1) by a final score of 20-17. This week, the Bulldogs will be back at home in Athens to host the Auburn Tigers (3-2). This rivalry runs very deep and it's considered the South's oldest rivalry which is why the name of this historic rivalry is called, "The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry."
Auburn knows the magnitude of this contest and so does the Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia and Auburn both possess talented rosters and those two rosters will line it up this Saturday to see which team comes out on top. Even though the Bulldogs are the heavy favorite, the Auburn Tigers still have a very good roster with something to prove.
Linebacker Xavier Atkins is one of the
best players on the entire Auburn Tigers team and arguably their best defensive player. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Atkins will be out due to suspension. The reasoning is not reported. However, the roster has some key players on it that could make an impact in Athens this weekend. Let's take a look at four key players that could be impactful.
Auburn players to watch against Georgia
Byrum Brown, QB
Byrum Brown was a star at USF before coming over to Auburn alongside his head coach Alex Golesh. Brown is a premier dual-threat quarterback with size and ability to hurt a defense. Brown leads the Auburn Tigers in both passing (1,055 yards) and rushing (344 yards) just in the first half of the season. Brown will be a key factor in this game for any of Auburn's offensive success.
Brown has seven interceptions this season and has to avoid turnovers to beat Georgia.
Jeremiah Cobb, RB
Jeremiah Cobb is a great duo with Auburn quarterback, Byrum Brown. Both Brown and Cobb pose a lot of issues for defenses. Cobb is a very athletic and explosive back who hits the hole quickly and can gain the tough yards when needed. He is a big-play running back and it will be interesting to see what he can do to challenge this amazing Georgia Bulldogs defense.
Elijah Melendez, LB
Elijah Melendez is a spectacular linebacker for the Auburn Tigers and he brings a high level of physicality and toughness to the defensive side of the ball. He is a linebacker who can get sideline to sideline and flies all over the field in a hurry. He currently leads the Tigers team with 43 total tackles.
Demarcus Riddick, LB
Demarcus Riddick is another key linebacker for the Auburn Tigers who brings a ton of athletic ability and elite lateral quickness and speed. He has been huge for the Tigers defense since stepping into a full-time role and putting himself on notice is one of Auburn's best defensive players and potentially one of the best around the SEC.
The Auburn Tigers have playmakers all over the field but can these four key Tigers create enough impact to slow down this Georgia Bulldogs team? Stay tuned to find out. Kickoff will be on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET.
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Four Auburn players to watch vs. Georgia football
