The anticipation surrounding the 130th chapter of The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry between No. 10 Georgia and Auburn looms large as both teams gear up for their matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday. Historically, this rivalry has been characterized by fierce competition, yet recent encounters have heavily favored the Bulldogs, who have won nearly all meetings since 2014 except for one. The Tigers, currently with a 3-2 record, are desperate to reignite their season and pull off a much-needed victory to avoid an 0-3 SEC start for the third consecutive year.
Key Storylines
Georgia, now 4-1, finds itself embarking on what could arguably be the most challenging stretch of their season, facing the likes of No. 4 Ole Miss and a dangerous Florida team in the coming weeks. Auburn’s head coach, Hugh Freeze, emphasized the magnitude of this rivalry game in his comments to the press, stating the significance it holds for the teams and their supporters. For the Tigers, a victory against Georgia may serve as the momentum shift they need heading into the rest of their SEC schedule.
Current Team Performance
One notable aspect of Georgia’s performance this season is their pass rush. With only 28.2% of opposing quarterbacks pressured during plays, they rank tied for 112th in the FBS and 14th in the SEC. The Bulldogs have accumulated just seven sacks so far, a concern particularly in light of Auburn’s offensive struggles—ranking dead last in the nation for sacks allowed per game at an alarming rate of 4.20. This matchup presents an interesting dynamic where both teams must confront their defensive and offensive inconsistencies to clinch a victory.
Auburn’s own SEC woes have been prevalent since Hugh Freeze took the helm in 2023, earning a dismal .278 win percentage within the conference. Slow starts have plagued them, as evidenced by dropping their first four conference games over the previous two seasons. With an 0-2 SEC record this season, the Tigers must reach deep into their reserves for a pivotal win against one of the conference’s powerhouses.
Key Matchup Dynamics
The success of Saturday’s game will likely revolve around which team can establish a robust running game early on. Both Georgia and Auburn have excelled at limiting rushing yards, with Georgia holding opponents to under 90 rushing yards per game and boasting a 53.7% success rate on designed run plays. In comparison, Auburn’s offense holds a success rate of 47.6%. The battle in the trenches will certainly play a decisive role in determining the game’s outcome.
Where to Watch Live
For fans eager to catch the action:
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 11
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
- TV: ABC
- Live Streaming: Fubo (New users can start watching while saving $20!)
Predictions and Betting Odds
As college football continues to defy expectations this season, especially with both Georgia and Auburn’s offenses—led by Jackson Arnold and Gunner Stockton, respectively—facing challenges, a cautious approach might be prudent for bettors. The two teams are combined at 3-7 against the spread (ATS) this year, suggesting unpredictability in their performances.
A notable trend in their recent history supports a bet on the under, as nine of the last 12 meetings have finished below the total. Current betting lines suggest an under of 45.5 points, with many analysts leaning toward this outcome, considering both teams’ recent offensive struggles and an overall season characterized by defensive strength.
Conclusion
With high stakes, deep-rooted rivalries, and crucial playoff implications, the upcoming Georgia vs. Auburn clash promises to deliver excitement and drama. For fans, players, and analysts alike, this match will not only be another page in the historic rivalry but could also set the tone for the remainder of the season for both teams. Will Georgia solidify its dominance in the series, or will Auburn finally turn the tide in its favor? As we approach kickoff, the anticipation builds, making this match a must-watch event in college football this season.
