The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry has arrived sooner than most seasons as Auburn faces Georgia on Saturday in Athens.
The Bulldogs, ranked No. 4, are seven-point favorites over the No. 7 Tigers, but who do, the staff of the Auburn Wire, think will win?
Off we go.
Shea Brennaman
I’m really tempted to pick Auburn here, but I like it better when the Tigers are the underdogs. Here’s why I’m tempted. Georgia quarterback JT Daniels returns, but I’m not buying that he’s 100% healthy yet. Waiting for him on defense is KJ Britt, Smoke Monday, Owen Pappoe, and Zakoby McClain and I love our chances with those guys, I love them even more now that Big Kat Bryant is returning. I’m also not convinced that Georgia knows what they’re doing offensively even with Daniels’ return. The Bulldogs only put up 5 points against ARKANSAS in the first two quarters last week while Bo Nix just grooved with Seth Williams, Eli Stove, and Anthony Schwartz. I give Georgia the home field advantage and the “hype” here but they definitely don’t win by more than a field goal on Saturday.
Final score: Georgia 24, Auburn 21
J.D. McCarthy
This will be a defensive battle with both teams struggling to score. Bo Nix will have the first passing touchdown in Athens from an Auburn quarterback since 2009 but it won’t be enough as Georgia will do just enough to edge out the victory.
Final score: Georgia 23 Auburn 17
Brian Stultz
Sanford Stadium has been a house of nightmares for the Tigers ever since 2005, the last time an Auburn team was able to go in and walk out with a victory. That changes this season. J.T. McDaniels might have been a 5-star recruit, but his record at USC and production hasn’t shown his ability yet. Expect Kevin Steele to make life difficult for the transfer quarterback who hasn’t played in a game in more than a year and Bo Nix and the offense to do just enough for Gus Malzahn to get a big victory.
Final score: Auburn 23, Georgia 20