AUBURN, AL. (EETV)- The Auburn football team faced 5th-ranked Georgia on Saturday in the 127th iteration of the “Oldest Rivalry in the South,” in which Auburn held their own for three quarters, but eventually lost their grip on the Bulldogs.
Before the game, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart made clear his desire to “start fast” and be “consistent” on offense after the Alabama loss. True to his word, Georgia marched down the field on their very first offensive drive, scoring their first touchdown with 6:24 remaining in the first quarter.
Auburn did fire back with a drive highlighted by a pair of perfectly placed 23 and 17-yard passes from Payton Thorne to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, resulting in a 27-yard Towns McGough field goal. As the first quarter drew to a close, the score stood at Georgia 7, Auburn 3.
The Auburn defense didn’t let up as the game rolled on– in fact, the Auburn defense, led by DE Kelcric Faulk, dominated the majority of the second quarter. The sophomore recorded two crucial third-down sacks to force Georgia to punt on crucial offensive drives, bringing his season sack total to six.
Despite a slow quarter for the Georgia offense, their defense was able to force a three-and-out with 1:02 left in the half, ushering Georgia deep into Auburn territory, which naturally led to an 11-yard Dominic Lovett touchdown.
Auburn tried their best to respond, with a 15-yard Payton Thorne rush and a quick slant to KeAndre Lambert-Smith setting up a 54-yard field goal for true freshman Towns McGough, but his kick was blocked by the Georgia defense; the score at the half: Georgia 14, Auburn 3.
Until the two-minute warning, long drives and little results were the common theme of the first half, with a total of only eight drives taking place despite some drives taking as long as six minutes.
Auburn’s defense continued its powerful run as the second half began, forcing Georgia to punt on their first three-and-out of the day. QB Payton Thorne and RB Jarquez Hunter took this forward momentum and ran with it, and, six rush plays later, Jarquez Hunter broke away for a 38-yard touchdown; this brought the score to Georgia 14, Auburn 10 with 9:45 to go in the third quarter.
Georgia was quick to respond, though, as an incredible 27-yard catch by Colbie Young set up a pair of Trevor Etienne rushes, one of which scored Georgia’s third touchdown of the day. That was all the offense of the quarter, though, as the quarter came to an end just before an Auburn fourth and two attempt, with the score of Georgia 21, Auburn 10.
Auburn did not convert the fourth down, turning the ball over to Georgia on the Auburn 40. The Dawgs took full advantage of this, scoring on a three-yard Dillon Bell touchdown reception, making the score 28-10 with 12:34 left in the game.
Auburn’s offense did spark after this, as a KeAndre Lambert-Smith reception accompanied by a hands-to-the-face foul commuted by the Georgia defense set up a quick Towns McGough 26-yard field goal, which he knocked down easily to set the score at Georgia 28, Auburn 13. Georgia responded in kind, knocking down a 47 yarder with 1:50 left in the game.
Eventually, despite some futile struggle from Auburn the clock eventually wore down to zeroes; the final score: Georgia 31, Auburn 13.
Overall, the Auburn offense had a good game– not exceptional, not poor, just good. Perhaps the two most standout aspects of their offensive performance are Jarquez Hunter’s 91 yards and the complete lack of turnovers. Without a doubt, the ability to not turn the ball over against such a powerful team is a powerful statement as to the condition of this offense.
Payton Thorne played decently well, completing 16 of his 27 passes for 200 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. His favorite target was KeAndre Lambert-Smith, who hauled in 7 receptions for 95 yards.
Thorne was seen taking an earful from Coach Freeze after what looked to be a questionable play call or read on the aforementioned fourth and one; it will be interesting to see what both have to say to the media on this matter.
Despite the look of the final score, the Auburn defense played very well, limiting Georgia whenever possible. In fact, two of Georgia’s four touchdowns came from drives that began in Auburn territory.
The Tigers will take the week off this coming Saturday, and they’ll head to Missouri on October 19th in hopes of beginning a new chapter for this season.
