Auburn vs Georgia: Five keys to victory for Tigers

What are the five keys to victory for Auburn football this weekend?

Author:
Steve Simpson
Publish date:
Sep 28, 2023 4:15 PM EDT

In this story:

Legendary Auburn coach Pat Dye played at Georgia while legendary Georgia coach Vince Dooley played at Auburn. The field at Jordan-Hare Stadium is named for Pat Dye, the field at Sanford Stadium is named for Vince Dooley. Those are just two of the many ties that make the Auburn-Georgia a rivalry that means so much to both schools. The Bulldogs have bested the Tigers more often than not the last 15 years, but Auburn may have a chance at a major upset Saturday. Here are our five keys to an Auburn win.

1. First Road Test for Carson Beck

Carson Beck has had a chance to get comfortable as the Bulldogs starter in four consecutive home games, with only one of those against a Power Five team. He has looked good for the most part, but he has not had to operate that offense in a hostile environment like the one that awaits Saturday. Can he deliver when the pressure is on? The Tigers defense will make it significantly more difficult for him.

2. Defense

Speaking of the defense, they have been playing consistently well this season. The proof is in the numbers as the Tigers are only allowing 16 points per game, 134 rushing yards per game, 164.5 passing yards per game and forced an average of two turnovers per game. The secondary is arguably the best in the SEC, only allowing a completion percentage of 57.5% with five interceptions. Look for the defense to get at least one interception and another turnover Saturday.

3. Running Game

The absence of Damari Alston will be felt Saturday, but this room is deep enough and talented enough to be effective against the Bulldogs. The biggest factor in the run game will be for Jarquez Hunter, Brian Battie and Jeremiah Cobb to be able to pick up first downs in short yardage situations.

4. QB Play

Payton Thorne must compose himself if the Tigers are to pull the upset. Last week he appeared to be spooked in the pocket and seemed unable to make the quick decisions necessary to move the offense. He has played better at home, though this time it won't be against a weaker opponent. He must be able to complete some short quick passes early and then complete a few longer passes as the game goes on. He also needs to be able to pick up a couple of first downs with his legs. If he can do all that the Tigers will have a good chance to win.

5. Jordan-Hare Stadium

They say the home field advantage is usually worth an extra touchdown. In Auburn's case, home field is not only worth an extra 6-7, it may be worth an unexplained event or two. Who can forget the Prayer in Jordan-Hare or the rash of turnovers Georgia experience in 2017 that led to Auburn's 40-17 win over the number one Bulldogs? If the Tiger's can hang around into the fourth quarter, maybe, just maybe that Jordan-Hare magic will happen again.