Tag: Auburn Tigers football

SEC power rankings before the SEC Championship

ESPN released their SEC power rankings ahead of the Georgia Bulldogs versus LSU Tigers SEC Championship Game

The SEC had one of the most shocking rivalry weeks ever. Now, the SEC Championship is just days away: the LSU Tigers face the Georgia Bulldogs this Saturday at 4:00 eastern time in Atlanta.

ESPN released their week 15 SEC Power Rankings after last week’s action. Do you think these power rankings are based on the best body of work or who would win a head to head match-up?

If it is based on the best body of work, then Florida should be over Alabama. The Crimson Tide have two loses as do the Gators, but Florida beat Auburn. Alabama’s best win on the season is their victory over Texas A&M that doesn’t look as impressive anymore. Even without Tua, Alabama would be favored to beat Florida on a neutral field. Both schools are playing excellent football with their back-up quarterbacks, but haven’t done enough to make the SEC Championship.

The only way the SEC will get two teams in the College Football Playoff is if Georgia upsets a favored LSU team in the SEC Championship. To start the season nobody saw LSU dominating their way to the SEC Championship. Joe Burrow and the Tigers will face their biggest test yet against Georgia’s elite defense.

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Five-star defensive tackle Lee Hunter makes commitment

Five-star class of 2021 defensive tackle Lee Hunter committed to Auburn University today. Hunter played at Blount High School. He’s from Eight Mile, Alabama. Hunter announced his commitment earlier today via Twitter: So blessed to be committed to …

Five-star class of 2021 defensive tackle Lee Hunter committed to Auburn University today. Hunter played at Blount High School. He’s from Eight Mile, Alabama.

Hunter announced his commitment earlier today via Twitter:

Hunter committed to Auburn following the Tigers’ massive upset victory over their rival Alabama in the Iron Bowl. The Crimson Tide, Georgia, and a bunch of other SEC schools were among the top teams in the race for Hunter.

Georgia currently has a small class of 2021, but has a top-five ranked class of 2020. In Hunter, Auburn is getting another potential Derrick Brown or Marlon Davidson. Hunter is extremely talented and has excellent size.

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Twitter reacts to Auburn’s epic win over Alabama

In what was another memorable Iron Bowl, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 48-45. Auburn scored a pair of defensive touchdowns in the win. Alabama will miss the College Football Playoff for the first time. Georgia’s win over Auburn …

In what was another memorable Iron Bowl, the Auburn Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 48-45. Auburn scored a pair of defensive touchdowns in the win. Alabama will miss the College Football Playoff for the first time.

Georgia’s win over Auburn looks stronger now as well. Auburn lives for the Iron Bowl and won their biggest game on the season. The Tigers persevered after facing a brutal schedule.

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SEC Power Rankings Before Rivalry Week

The SEC played numerous cupcakes this past week. Now, the SEC Championship is officially set: the LSU Tigers will face the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta. SEC Mike released his week 14 SEC Power Rankings after last week’s action. Is the criteria of …

The SEC played numerous cupcakes this past week. Now, the SEC Championship is officially set: the LSU Tigers will face the Georgia Bulldogs in Atlanta.

SEC Mike released his week 14 SEC Power Rankings after last week’s action. Is the criteria of these rankings the best team now? Or the best bodies of work?

Florida over Alabama is an interesting choice, especially since the Crimson Tide only have one loss. Even without Tua, Alabama would beat Florida on a neutral field. Both schools are playing excellent football with their back-up quarterbacks, but haven’t done enough to make the SEC Championship.

If Georgia loses to LSU, then the Crimson Tide may make the playoff despite SEC Mike’s low power ranking. Alabama will need to defeat Auburn and look impressive to make the playoff. It’d be the Crimson Tide’s only ranked win of the season. If the favored teams win out, then Alabama’s resume would be compared with the Utah Utes and the Oklahoma Sooners, who would boast conference championships.

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UGA photographer provides positive update after scary collision

Georgia football photographer Chamberlain Smith gave an update after the injury from the UGA vs Auburn game.

An eerie silence fell across Jordan-Hare Stadium late in the second quarter of UGA’s 21-14 triumph over Auburn. It came after Georgia running back Brian Herrien was shoved out of bounds, where he collided with UGA photography intern Chamberlain Smith, knocking her unconscious for a few moments.

Smith was ultimately taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital after the scary collision.

However, it appears that things are looking hopeful for Smith, as she posted an encouraging update about her health on Twitter.

Smith revealed that she is doing okay and left the hospital with nothing more than a concussion and some bruises.

It’s a hopeful update after an incident that appeared that it could have been much, much worse than it was. Dawg Nation wishes Chamberlain Smith a speedy and healthful recovery from her injuries.

Three overlooked Georgia at Auburn plays; what they mean moving forward

Georgia Bulldogs football won 21-14 over the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium last night. D.J. Daniel made an awesome first half play.

The Georgia Bulldogs got a massive 21-14 road win over the Auburn Tigers in Jordan-Hare Stadium last night. The Bulldogs played excellent, but let Auburn creep back into the game, much like LSU did when they defeated Auburn 23-20 in Baton Rouge.

Auburn’s defense has had similar stifling effects on Oregon, LSU, Florida, and Georgia. Auburn may have the best defensive line in the country.

In order for Georgia to win, it took numerous clutch plays down the stretch. Lots of these plays standout, but I’ve picked three that have significance moving forward.

At first glance, the D.J. Daniel pass break up isn’t too special, but you must factor in several things. Daniel is lines up against Auburn’s fastest player in Anthony Schwartz, who gains separation with his speed. Daniel keeps sound technique and a never-out-of-position mindset. He doesn’t panic and get interference. Instead, he makes an excellent well-timed play on the football:

That’s not all. What’s impressive is Daniel’s pre-snap focus. Daniel is not fooled by the look to the sideline and quick-snap that Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama used to trick LSU’s touted freshman Derek Stingley for a touchdown last week:

It’s a copy-cat sport, so don’t be surprised if this isn’t the last Georgia sees of this play. UGA defensive backs must be prepared for this, so they don’t give up a cheap touchdown moving forward.

Another play I’d like to highlight was perhaps Auburn’s last true chance to remain in the game:

Gus Malzahn called an excellent play, but Auburn quarterback Bo Nix couldn’t connect with his open receiver. This is a play that LSU’s Joe Burrow hits with ease. Georgia’s pass defense must tighten up moving forward. One way UGA can limit an elite passer like Joe Burrow is with pressure. The Dawgs must be more disruptive in a potential SEC Championship against LSU. The now healthier Tyson Campbell will continue to battle with D.J. Daniel for the second corner spot.

Punter Jake Camarda played his best game of the season yesterday. Camarda launched eleven punts(!!!) for 558 yards at Auburn. He consistently pinned Auburn’s offense against their goal-line in the first half with punts like this one:

If Camarda can continue to play at a high-level, then it will put UGA’s defense in much more favorable positions and give Georgia elite specials teams play, if the Dawgs can get down the field and cover kicks. Georgia has to limit special teams penalties moving forward to dominate the field-position battle. Georgia’s defense will need all the help it can get against LSU’s high-flying offense.

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Brian Herrien following photographer injury: ‘I prayed for her well being’

Georgia football RB Brian Herrien discussed the injury to the UGA photographer during the Auburn game and how he prayed for her.

It was a scary moment on Saturday as UGA running back Brian Herrien collided with photographer Chamberlain Smith, an intern with the Georgia Athletic Department.

Georgia was deep in Auburn territory as Herrien caught a short pass and was pushed out of bounds, where he was unable to avoid a collision with Smith.

She was knocked unconscious and the game came to a halt as medical personnel attended to her on the sideline. A few minutes later, Smith regained consciousness and was taken off the field in a stretcher.

Herrien, who is known among the Dawg Nation as one of the hardest workers on the team and a guy who’s always willing to engage with fans, was visibly shaken up after the incident. He did not want to leave the area until he knew Smith was ok.

With a bruise by her eye, Smith was later transported to East Alabama Medical Center. A few hours later, she was released by the doctors.

“[Herrien] was pretty upset in the locker room,” CBS sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl reported at halftime.

Following the game, Kirby Smart discussed Herrien’s emotions as well.

“It was really a scary moment,” Smart said. “Brian felt very sick about it. It was a tough deal, but hopefully she’s going to be OK. I think she is.”

When Herrien found out that Smith had been released from the hospital, it’s a safe bet to say that he was relieved.

“My heart goes out to her and her family I prayed for her well being as we took a knee,” tweeted Herrien, who prayed for Smith alongside Jake Fromm at halftime, reported Erdahl.

Herrien went on to score on the first play after the game resumed. On 7 carries, the senior from Douglasville tallied 24 yards and found the end zone on a reception. Georgia won the game 21-14 and clinched its spot in the the SEC Championship Game for the third year in a row.

Rodrigo Blankenship shows love to Georgia football punter Jake Camarda

Georgia football kicker Rodrigo Blankenship showed some love to UGA punter Jake Camarda after his massive night vs Auburn.

Georgia kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is probably the most well-known special teams player in college football.

But tonight vs Auburn, it was a different Georgia special teamer who stole the show in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.

Georgia punter Jake Camarda’s number was called on over 10 times against Auburn. And each time, he answered the call.

Following a performance where Camarda punted the ball 11 times, racked up 558 total yards of punts, averaged 50.7 yards per, downed four inside the 20 and hit a long of 67 down to the two yard line, Blankenship showed his teammate some love on Twitter.

Camarda really was a huge factor in Georgia winning that ball game. He was absolutely bombing them all night long, completely flipping field position and putting Auburn in tough situations.

After the game, Kirby Smart commented on his punter’s performance.

“Jake Camarda was hitting bombs. I hope he never has to punt 11 times in a game again.”

 

Stats from Georgia football’s win over Auburn

Here are some stats from Georgia football’s big win over Auburn.

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On Saturday night, Georgia booked its ticket to the SEC Championship for the third year in a row after the Bulldogs took down Auburn 21-14 on the road.

It was not always pretty, but the Georgia football team did just enough to hold off the Tigers and hang on for a win.

The first three quarters of this game it was pure domination on Georgia’s end. On offense, Georgia was doing ok. Nothing special, but it did put up 21 points against one of the nation’s best defenses. But when Auburn had the ball the Georgia defense was fantastic, allowing nothing for the first three quarters.

But then came the fourth quarter. Georgia was gassed on defense and it allowed Auburn to move the ball with ease. But it was when Auburn needed yards the most where Georgia finally got it together and stopped the Tigers on 4th down to win the game.

Here are some stats from the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry;

Georgia:

QB Jake Fromm: 13/28, 110 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

RB D’Andre Swift: 17 carries, 106 yards

WR Dominick Blaylock: 2 catches, 50 yards, 1 touchdown

P Jake Camarda: 11 punts for 558 yards (50.7 yards per), 4 inside the 20, long of 67

Auburn:

QB Bo Nix: 30/50, 245 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 fumble

RB D.J. Williams: 8 carries, 26 yards

WR Seth Williams: 13 catches, 121 yards

WR Anthony Schwartz: 7 catches, 48 yards

Team stats:

Third down:

Georgia: 3-15

Auburn: 5-18

Fourth down:

Georgia: 0-0

Auburn: 1-4

Total yards:

Georgia: 251

Auburn: 329

Penalties:

Georgia: 7 for 56 yards

Auburn: 4 for 35 yards

Takeaways:

Georgia: 1

Auburn: 0

UGA photographer knocked out during Georgia vs Auburn game

A UGA photographer was knocked out during the Georgia football vs Auburn game

A Georgia Bulldogs photographer was knocked out during the first half today against Auburn. On a short pass play, UGA running back Brian Herrien caught the ball and was pushed out of bounds where he was unable to dodge the photographer who was kneeling and trying to take pictures.

The lady, identified by Jamie Erdahl of CBS as Chamberlain Smith, is an intern with the Georgia athletic department.

She was able to open her eyes as she was being carted off the field.

“She was taken to East Alabama Medical Center just up the road in Opelika, Alabama,” CBS sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl said prior to the second-half kickoff. “As you saw she was awake. She had a bruise on that right eye as she was taken immediately to the hospital. One of her colleagues went with her. She is an intern for the Georgia athletic department working with sports communications.

Here’s the play where the accident occurred:

Kirby Smart told CBS that Jake Fromm and Herrien said a prayer for the young lady at halftime.

Georgia scored a touchdown on the next play to make the score 14-0.

Hopefully we’ll get a good update on her condition. Injuries are bigger than football and nobody likes to see them, but unfortunately they’re part of the game.

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