Auburn did everything but cover Brock Bowers. And it cost the Tigers an opportunity for the biggest upset of the 2023 season. A 60-minute dogfight came down to Georgia’s tight end playing the hero, overcoming an Auburn effort that was good enough to beat most teams.

But it wasn’t quite enough to top the No. 1 team in the country. The 2-time defending national champions prevailed — no, escaped with a 27-20 victory at Jordan-Hare. Auburn played on even terms with the champs until it failed to cover their All-American tight end, who caught 5 passes for 111 yards in the 4th quarter alone, including the game-winning touchdown.

For the game, Bowers hauled in 8 passes for 157 yards.

Player of the Week: Marcus Harris

The senior DL had his name called throughout for making tackles and being around opposing ball carriers. He played an instrumental role in Auburn holding the Bulldogs to just 107 rushing yards.

Harris finished with 7 tackles, including 5 solo. He recorded a team-leading 2 tackles for loss as well as adding a pass breakup.

Freshman of the Week: Kayin Lee

The speedy DB from Ellenwood, Ga., can also be a hitter. Lee recorded 3 tackles, all solo, in helping the Tigers play solid defense against the nation’s top-ranked team.

Biggest surprise: Auburn hangs in the 2nd half

Georgia is known as a 2nd-half team. The Bulldogs have roared back in the final 2 quarters in more than 1 game this season.

But Auburn hung with them, playing on even terms with the defending champs after a 10-10 1st half until the final minutes, when Bowers and the Bulldogs made the difference with a late score. The Tigers made up with heart and desire the gap in Georgia’s extreme depth advantage.

Biggest concern: Why was Bowers running free in crunch time?

How did Auburn allow an All-American to run free in coverage during the most crucial time of the game? During one stretch late in the game, Bowers was targeted 5 straight times, making 4 catches for 94 yards. Then on the game-winning drive, he caught consecutive passes of 16 yards and the 40-yard TD.

Developing trend: 60 minutes of football

Regardless of the situation, regardless of the opponent, the Auburn Tigers are fighting for 60 minutes. They scored the first 10 points of the game Saturday and were tied 20-20 with Georgia as late as 3 minutes to play in the 4th quarter.

How many victories that translates to remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: The Tigers will give opposing teams a fight from beginning to end.

Key stat: 313 passing yards

While Auburn stopped Georgia’s run game, the Bulldogs moved the football through the air, and that made the difference in the game. Georgia QB Carson Beck completed 23 of 33 passes, and that helped the Bulldogs convert on 8 of 13 3rd-down plays — another key stat.

First impression about Week 6: Open week

The Tigers (3-2, 0-2) have an open date next Saturday to heal some bumps and bruises. The physical game with Georgia left Auburn somewhat nicked up, and the Tigers will take the week to help heal some of those.

It’s also a chance to take an early look at Auburn’s next opponent, LSU. Auburn will be traveling to Baton Rouge for an Oct. 14 game at Tiger Stadium. LSU (3-2, 2-1) lost on the road to Ole Miss on Saturday, 55-49.