Georgia bounces back from rare slow start to lead comfortably at Auburn

Not only did Georgia trail for the first time this season, the Bulldogs also saw their first 3 and out on an opening drive of a game. But after some rare white-knuckle moments for Georgia, it got back on track and built a comfortable halftime lead at Auburn, 17-3.

There was plenty of discussion about Stetson Bennett, who again got the start in place of JT Daniels, who is dealing with a lat injury. But Bennett helped the Bulldogs score 17 straight points after Auburn got an early lead with a field goal midway through the first quarter.

Auburn had a 17-play drive to convert that field goal, as Bo Nix was 5-for-8 passing on that opening drive. But he ended the half just 9-for-18 passing for 144 yards.

Georgia’s defense benefitted from Auburn receivers having repeated drops, and poor connections with Nix, as several passes appeared catchable, including one in the end zone at the end of the half on a possible missed call.

Here’s a sampling of some of the fan and media reaction:

That’s Georgia’s first 3 and out on the opening drive this season. Last four games it started with Tds.

— Jay Black (@jayblack2) October 9, 2021

Auburn had 68 yards on its first drive. 28 yards on the next three drives.

— Jay Black (@jayblack2) October 9, 2021

This Auburn team good enough to beat Georgia but…..Bo Nix

— Turnpike Ike (@Jetlife__863) October 9, 2021

If Kirby Smart ever gets a great QB (and actually starts him), it’s over

— Joe Morgan (@joe_morgan) October 9, 2021

Man. Good throw by Bo Nix, but it bounces off Shedrick Jackson’s hands.

Would have moved the chains, but instead the drive stalls out

— Jordan D. Hill (@JordanDavisHill) October 9, 2021

There’s your problem summed up.

The first two plays Auburn goes empty backfield and it ends awfully as expected.

But on third down, we see why, because their only receiver playing well is the tight end JSS who has to go out on routes.

There it is.

— Justin Lee (@ByJustinLee) October 9, 2021

Auburn’s Smoke Monday DQ’d for targeting hit on Georgia QB Stetson Bennett. Zamir White then scores from 1 and Bulldogs eke ahead 10-3 with 14:39 remaining in the second quarter.

— Chip Towers AJC (@ctowersajc) October 9, 2021

This is Auburn’s go-for-broke moment. Also it’s the-receivers-can’t-drop-every-pass moment.

— Seth Emerson (@SethWEmerson) October 9, 2021

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.