Auburn, AL (EETV)- The Georgia Bulldogs claimed the 124th meeting of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry by a final score of 21-14. The win clinched their 10th SEC East title in program history and their third straight since 2016.
Georgia's defense and special teams were the difference as they continued to make plays when they needed it the most. The Dawgs forced one turnover and held Auburn on fourth down three times.
Auburn's offense did not show up until the fourth quarter when they scored 14 straight points to get within a touchdown from tying the game. The Tigers had all the momentum, but that would change as Georgia held Auburn on the final two drives to escape with a win. Here are the takeaways from Saturday's game.
1. Bo Nix Quietly had one of the Best Games of His Career
Even in defeat, Bo Nix's prefomance should not go unnoticed as he threw for 245 yards with one passing and rushing touchdown. Nix was efficient in the pass game especially in short to medium passes.
Gus Malzhan commented on his play saying, " “Bo competed, he’s a winner and a great competitor. He battled and he fought."
Depite the offense's inability to score in the first half, the Tigers were able to move the ball down the field until Georgia's defense found a way to stall the drive.
Nix seemed more confident in the fourth quarter as he led two touchdown drives to get within one score. Even though they came up short, Nix deserves credit for how he dealt with adversity to give his team a chance in the fourth quarter.
2. Seth Williams Carried the Load for the Recievers
Seth Williams continues to be the go-to reciever as he hauled in 13 receptions for 121 yards. Late in the game, Williams was injured during Auburn's first touchdown drive but would return on the next series.
Williams was involved in a controversial call on Auburn's second to last drive as the officials overturned a first down catch that would have set up Auburn in the red zone.
"Seth is a fine receiver, he’s a go-to guy," Malzhan said," They know that. I thought he battled, I thought he competed, and he wasn’t 100% after the injury.”
3. Auburn's Defense may be the Greatest Unit Never Remembered
Once again the Auburn defense allowed under 24 points in a game which is something that not many defennses have accomplished this season.
The defense was on the field for much of the first half due to the offense's inability to have a long drive. The defense got fatigued and gave up 21 points before the offense had an answer.
After the final Georgia touchdown, Auburn's defense shut down the Bulldog offense which allowed the offense an oppurtunity to score.
Coach Malzhan commented on their preformance saying, "I think our defense played well all night. They stuffed them in the fourth quarter. We had the momentum and the crowd was in it."
4. Up Next
Auburn's record now sits at 7-3 (4-3 SEC) and they will be at home next Saturday to face Samford with Iron Bowl on the horizon. Kickoff will be at 11 AM with coverage on SEC Network.
