After Georgia’s offensive struggles in the first half last week at Arkansas, not many people expected an offensive outburst against a possible contender in the SEC West. But that’s exactly what happened with Auburn on Saturday as Georgia rang up a 24-0 lead in the first half.

A late field goal got Auburn on the board, only after the Georgia defense held on third down from the 3-yard line.

RB Zamir White had two touchdowns, and QB Stetson Bennett IV lofted a 21-yard touchdown pass to a diving WR George Pickens, and with a field goal, Georgia had a comfortable lead on the Tigers with more than six minutes remaining in the first half. For a game listed as about a 7-point favorite for Georgia among oddsmakers, it became more lopsided, and earlier, than almost anyone expected.

The one negative for Georgia was preseason All-American safety Richard LeCounte was ejected for targeting.

Auburn, meanwhile, started 0-for-4 on third down and had just four first downs by late in the first half, with just 27 rushing yards. At one point, Georgia outgained Auburn 268-43, but in the first quarter, it was 130-39.

Bennett got the start after there were more questions around the Georgia quarterback situation entering this week. Coach Kirby Smart said on Monday that JT Daniels was cleared and there was some mixed expectations about if Bennett or Daniels would start.

Georgia’s offensive line problems from last week largely went away, and Bennett routinely avoided much pressure from Auburn.