Tag: auburn tigers football news

Stetson Bennett leads Georgia to 34-10 win over Auburn

Win delivered…Here’s how Stetson Bennett led the Bulldogs to a victory on Saturday.

Stetson ‘The Mailman’ Bennett delivered a Georgia win on The Plains Saturday afternoon. The No. 2 Bulldogs move to 6-0 after the 34-10 victory over No. 18 Auburn.

Oct 9, 2021; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) carries as Auburn Tigers safety Bydarrius Knighten (19) closes in during the second quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The heralded backup quarterback made his second start as J.T. Daniels recovers from a lat injury. The former walk-on was incredibly efficient in a hostile environment.

Bennett went 14 of 21 for 231 yards and two touchdowns passing, with six attempts for 41 yards on the ground.

Redshirt freshman Ladd McConkey had a breakout game, racking up five catches for 135 yards and this bomb of a touchdown.

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix was able to scramble and make plays downfield on the highly-ranked Georgia defense, but Tiger receivers accounted for seven drops, one of which was in the endzone.

Auburn finished with 272 yards through the air, by far the most UGA has given up this season (110 average), but only 46 on the ground on 29 carries.

The Tigers rush offense was ranked 13th nationally headed into the matchup (238 average).

In contrast, the Bulldogs were able to move the ball especially well on the ground, gaining 201 yards on 49 carries. That’s 4.1 yards per rush for UGA, compared to 1.6 for Auburn.

This pick by the Georgia defense was the first thrown by Nix all year and the only turnover of the game.

It wasn’t all peaches and cream for Georgia, though, Jack Podlesny missed a 43-yard field goal, and more importantly, the injury-riddled Dawgs left with more issues than they had to begin with.

Preseason All-American tackle Jamaree Salyer, safety Christopher Smith, receiver Jermaine Burton and cornerback Ameer Speed all left the game with injuries. Salyer (foot) and Smith (shoulder) looked to be in pain before being helped off the field.

We will have to wait till next week to find out how serious these injuries are, but Georgia does walk out of Jordan-Hare stadium with a decisive win in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.

UGA will face No. 16 Kentucky next Saturday in Athens.

How to watch, listen or stream Georgia vs. Auburn

No. 2 Georgia travels to Auburn Saturday for a top-20 matchup vs. the Tigers…

It’s No. 2 Georgia (5-0, 3-0) versus No. 18 Auburn (4-1, 3-0) on Saturday in the Deep South’s oldest rivalry.

The Bulldogs travel to The Plains coming off a huge 37-0 win over No. 8 Arkansas in Athens, while the Tigers return home after a 24-19 comeback win over LSU in Baton Rouge.

Here’s how to watch, listen or stream the game.

Georgia injury report ahead of UGA vs Auburn

No. 2 Georgia is still dealing with a multitude of injuries headed into Week 6. Here’s an updated injury report…

No. 2 Georgia has dealt with an onslaught of injuries so far this season.

After missing game-two versus UAB, star quarterback J.T. Daniels started against South Carolina and Vanderbilt before missing last week versus Arkansas with a lat injury.

Coach Kirby Smart spoke on UGA’s injuries and updated Daniels’ status along with receivers Dominick Blaylock (hamstring), Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (ankle) and Arian Smith (contusion) after practice on Tuesday.

“As long as it doesn’t bother him (Daniels) then we feel like we’re getting improvement, gradual improvement. And that’s the key because the last thing I want to do is push the envelope, re-injure, go back, then the constant cycle of that.”

“We have a chance on all three ( Blaylock, Smith, Rosemy-Jacksaint). They were both out there running the day hitting 18, 19 miles an hour so they weren’t going full speed but they were moving around. Rosemy’s probably got the best chance, and then each one of them has got a chance to make it back but they’re not taking a lot of reps, they’re hitting walkthrough reps, staying in the mental part of the game and then you’re going to see if they can clear, you know by Thursday or Friday.”

“…I don’t remember having this many guys injured at once since I’ve been here.”

Smart also said tight end Darnell Washington, who made his season debut last week, is almost at 100% but needs to get in game-shape.

Defensive back Tykee Smith has received more reps at practice this week and may have a shot at making his debut at Auburn.

Star wideout George Pickens is rehabbing an ACL tear suffered in the spring. The junior has been seen straight-line running and catching passes at practice the last three weeks, signaling his recovery is on pace.

LSU transfer Arik Gilbert is still not with the team due to personal reasons.

Here’s an updated injury report for Saturday’s matchup versus No. 18 Auburn.

‘UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton’: Dominant defense with former UGA DT Toby Johnson

Former UGA DT Toby Johnson stops by to talk Georgia’s defense…

J.C. is joined by former Georgia defensive tackle Toby Johnson to talk about the Bulldogs’ dominating defense, reminisce about his time in Athens and breakdown what to look for versus Auburn.

Sep 27, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Nathan Peterman (12) is hit by Georgia Bulldogs defensive tackle Toby Johnson (88) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Tennessee 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Your friends at UGA Football Live and UGA Wire present your one-stop-shop podcast for all things Georgia football: “UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton.”

This season we will release episodes each week, including interviews from some of the best Georgia Bulldogs of all-time with news, breakdowns, rumors and more!

On a new episode, special guest, former Georgia defensive tackle and NFL pro, Toby Johnson, stops by to talk all-things UGA football, including his time in Athens, football experience as a defensive tackle, the 2021 Georgia defense and how to stop a Mike Bobo Auburn offense.

Listen here on Spotify:

Listen here, on Apple Podcasts:

Also on the show:

  • Auburn preview – We get you set for gametime versus the No. 18 Tigers.
  • Dawgs in the NFL – Our top performing Bulldogs from week-four NFL action.
  • Spread vs. J.C. – This year’s picks have an 18-7 record and J.C. makes five more picks for this weekend’s action.

 

Make sure to subscribe, rate and review! And check out our last episode, featuring Georgia football greats Arthur Lynch and Orson Charles! Listen here, or anywhere you get podcasts:

 

Georgia vs Auburn: 5 reasons why Tigers keep it close

No. 18 Auburn boasts a top-4 SEC defense and is coming off a comeback win in Baton Rouge…

It’s No. 2 Georgia (5-0) versus No. 18 Auburn (4-1) this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Al.

The Bulldogs, a two-touchdown favorite, roll into the Plains coming off a 37-0 win over No. 8 Arkansas and Auburn, off a 24-19 win over LSU in Baton Rouge.

Former Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo is in his first season as the Tigers’ play-caller, and former Vanderbilt head coach Derek Mason runs the defense as a part of a new coaching staff, which is led by first-year head coach Brian Harsin.

Last year, the Dawgs won the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry 27-6, led by quarterback Stetson Bennett, who may get another shot at the Tigers if starter J.T. Daniels is, once again, unable to go.

Here’s five reasons why Auburn could keep this one close:

UCF AD spurns Dan Mullen after hiring Gus Malzahn

UCF hired former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. The Knights’ AD immediately took a jab at Florida coach Dan Mullen and in-state competitors

UCF hired former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn to the same role with the Knights. It didn’t take UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir long to take a jab at Dan Mullen and all of the college football coaches in Florida.

According to Yahoo’s Pete Thamel, Mohajir called Gus Malzahn:

The best college football coach in the state of Florida.

UCF’s athletic director is right to have confidence in Gus Malzahn. Malzahn played the underdog role better than perhaps any other coach in recent memory. At Auburn, Malzahn helped the Tigers upset more talented opponents like Alabama with surprising frequency.

Terry Mohajir definitely ruffled some feathers among in-state competition like Florida, Florida State, and Miami. Mohajir’s smack talk probably angers Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen the most as he’s widely considered the best coach in Florida.

Mullen has helped the Gators regain some national respect in recent seasons. Evidently he’s not been as impressive as UCF coach Gus Malzahn. Unfortunately, UCF and Florida (or any out-of-conference team in the state of Florida) don’t have any future scheduled contests.

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Oct 3, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart (right) and Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn bump fists at mid field after the game at Sanford Stadium.  Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia cruises past Auburn in a top-ten matchup

Georgia football had no issues with the AU Tigers as the UGA vs Auburn gamer resulted in a blow out.

#7 Auburn (1-1) gave #4 Georgia (2-0) no problems on Saturday night in Athens.

It was pure domination from the opening kick until the final whistle and Georgia walked off with a 27-6 win.

For quarterback Stetson Bennett, you’d never suspect there was ever a quarterback battle up until the last minute. In his first career start for UGA, Bennett completed 17/28 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

His favorite target of the night was Kearis Jackson, who had a massive ballgame, reeling in nine catches for 147 yards. If Georgia can get consistent production out of Jackson, a former 4-star Peach County product, then the Dawgs are in great shape at wide receiver with George Pickens on the outside. Speaking of Pickens, it was a relatively quiet night for the standout receiver, however, he did record a touchdown in the first half. He finished with two catches for 26 yards and a score.

The running game was clicking tonight as well and Georgia continued to show why it claims the title of RBU. Five backs touched the rock and Georgia put up 202 yards rushing. What I liked most about what I saw from the ball carriers is the physicality they ran with – they ran angry and hard, refusing to go down on first contact. Zamir White led all rushers with 88 yards and two touchdowns while we got a good dose of James Cook early on as well. Cook was looking great in the first quarter and was probably on pace to have a breakout performance before he exited the game with what looked to be a hand/wrist injury. Freshman Kendall Milton looked massive and ran the ball strong. At one point I looked up and saw him run over an Auburn defender and for a split second I thought I was watching Nick Chubb before it hit me. Additionally, Kenny McIntosh was fun to watch. He plays scrappy.

Georgia running backs vs Auburn:

  • Zamir White: 19 carries, 88 yards, 2 TDs
  • James Cook: 5 carries, 41 yards
  • Kendall Milton: 6 carries, 30 yards
  • Kenny McIntosh; 6 carries, 29 yards
  • Daijun Edwards: 7 carries, 27 yards

As a whole, the offensive line was moving a big Auburn defensive front with ease, provided holes for the backs and protected Bennett well all night. It all starts up front and the o-line had a stellar performance.

Defensively, Georgia was lights out. Six points allowed to the No. 7 team in the nation. 216 total yards. Only 39 rushing yards. This defense is yet again the nation’s best.

Up front, Bo Nix was under pressure all night. Azeez Ojulari had a couple big plays and Nolan Smith was in the backfield often chasing down Nix with his serious speed.

The rest of the linebackers were hitting harder than I can ever remember. Georgia was not content with just tackling Auburn, they wanted to make a statement. And they did.

At one point, though, too much of a statement was made and Richard LeCounte ended up paying for it. Late in the second quarter, the superstar Georgia safety delivered a big blow to an Auburn receiver and was ejected for targeting. LeCounte, thankfully, will not miss time next week against Tennessee since the penalty took place in the first half.

Sticking in the secondary, cornerback Tyson Campbell is my defensive MVP of the night. Campbell had a heck of a game and limited Auburn star receiver Seth Williams to just three catches for 34 yards.

Look how pretty this coverage is.

Georgia punter Jake Camarda’s number was only called twice. He hit a 63 yard bomb that went in the end zone and he dropped another one inside the 20. Kicker Jack Podlesny played well and hit two of three attempts.

Georgia moves on to Tennessee and looks to advance to 3-0 next week in Athens.

Georgia receiver Kearis Jackson breaks out for huge game vs Auburn

Georgia sophomore receiver Kearis Jackson had a huge game in Georgia’s 27-6 win over No. 7 Auburn. Details here

Ever since sophomore receiver Domonick Blaylock went down with another ACL injury this offseason, Georgia has been looking to fill the spot behind phenom George Pickens. 

It looks like that will be sophomore receiver Kearis Jackson, who has formed a connection with junior quarterback Stetson Bennett in just their second game together.

Jackson caught nine passes for 147 yards versus No. 4 Auburn, just a week after leading the team in receptions and receiving yards versus Arkansas.

Jackson was a 4-star recruit from Fort Valley, Georgia in the Bulldogs No. 1 ranked recruiting class of 2018.

He was named a starter in the offseason of 2019, but a hand injury kept him out for some time, allowing Blaylock to settle into the No. 2 spot behind Pickens.

Jackson looks exsplosive, whether on punt returns or as a route-runner, which is huge for a Georgia offense that has been looking for playmakers.

Here are a few highlights of Jackson’s big night versus the Tigers:

 

UGA vs Auburn: Podlesny’s field goal is good after long drive by Georgia offense

Georgia increased its lead to 27-6 over Auburn with a 25 yard field goal by Jack Podlesny. Details here

Georgia needed to give their defense some rest after another scoring drive by the Auburn offense made the score 24-6, Georgia.

The Bulldogs took the ball from their own 25 and capped off the drive with a 25 yard field goal by sophomore kicker Jack Podlesny.

Here’s a 21 yard pass from Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett to receiver Kearis Jackson that helped set up the score:

The Bulldogs currently lead Auburn 27-6, with three minutes remaining in the third quarter.

 

 

Georgia vs Auburn: Halftime stats and thoughts

Georgia leads Auburn 24-3 at halftime. Here are the key players and team stats so far.

No. 4 Georgia leads No. 7 Auburn 24-3 at halftime after dominant first half by the Bulldogs.

Georgia’s most valuable players of the first half were junior quarterback Stetson Bennet, who is making his first career start for the Bulldogs, and redshirt sophomore running back Zamir White and sophomore receiver Kearis Jackson.

Player stats:

  • Bennett – 12/22, 155 yards with one touchdown
  • White – 17 carries for 76 yards and two touchdowns
  • Jackson – 7 receptions for 104 yards

Team Stats:

  • 1st downs: UGA 15, Auburn 5
  • Total yards: UGA 288, Auburn 81
  • Passing yards : UGA 158, Auburn 54
  • Rushing yards : UGA 130, Auburn 27
  • Time of possession: UGA 18:04, Auburn 11:56
  • Penalties : UGA 6 for 49 yards, Auburn 4 for 30 yards

Georgia’s offensive line is doing whatever they want with Auburn right now, and the Bulldogs running backs are taking advantage.

Bennett has been sharp and decisive with the football, especially on third downs.

All good news for Georgia so far, tune-in for the second half coming up on ESPN.