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Georgia travels to Auburn in Week 11 to take on the Tigers for the third time in four years at Jordan-Hare Stadium, and for the first time since this happened…
The Bulldogs and Tigers meet for the 119th time in their rivalry, but, unlike that fateful game in 2013, the two programs have much different look than the teams that combined for 81 points during the (in)famous “Prayer at Jordan-Hare.” About a 20-point difference, that is.
Despite early-season struggles, both Georgia (6-3, 4-3 in the SEC) and Auburn (5-4, 2-4 in the SEC) have seen a recent resurgence that could possibly salvage their once-promising seasons. But it likely won’t come via the air attack as both squads sink and swim with their run games.
Richt started off today by reiterating the fact that the all-time UGA/AUB series is tied. Saturday is a tiebreaker. #UGAvsAUB
— The Red & Black (@redandblack) November 10, 2015
We finally got a look in Week 10 at the Auburn Tigers that we thought we were getting in the season-opener with Jeremy Johnson under center and Jovon Robinson leading the rushing attack. Robinson, who disappointed out of the gate with 20 rushing yards in his first two games, has rebounded while spelling the injured Peyton Barber. Barber’s been really good this year, rolling up 828 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. Auburn played its finest game of the year in beating Texas A&M 26-10.
Johnson made his first start since being benched for Sean White in Week 4. Johnson threw for only 132 yards, but his strong legs give an already strong Auburn rushing game even more weapons. He rushed for 75 yards last week.
With six 100-yard rushing games this season, the Auburn ground attack is subtly one of the better units in the nation, especially when it comes to generating first downs. The Tigers are one of 20 teams in the country with at least 100 rushing first downs. Their 100 rushing first downs ties LSU for runner-up in the SEC and leaves them one behind conference-leader Ole Miss’ 101.
The Bulldog running game is keeping its season afloat, despite a rash of injuries. With Nick Chubb out with a season-ending injury, Sony Michel has stepped up with 718 yards and five touchdowns. Despite being about 10 pounds less than Chubb and an inch taller, Michel gives the Bulldog running game a bit more physicality.
“Obviously we got our outside plays as well, and he’ll run routes and catch the ball in space and all that,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said about Michel. “So his role has changed to be – he’s running a lot more reps, but he’s probably hammering it inside a little bit more than he would have been if Chubb was around. And I think he’s taken to it pretty darn good.”
The Tigers got a boost on defense with the return of Carl Lawson two weeks ago. The defensive lineman is a run-stopper, registering 10 tackles, two of them for loss, in just three games this season.
Of those tackles, half of them came last week against the Aggies. Lawson and the defense also force turnovers. Auburn, in fact, holds the upper hand over most teams in the country, having lost an NCAA-low two fumbles all season long. As a team, Auburn ranks third in the SEC in turnover margin, taking away five more than they give up. Georgia has lost two more possessions than they’ve generated.
Which means protecting the ball will be paramount for the Georgia quarterbacks — whether it be Greyson Lambert, Brice Ramsey or Faton Bauta barking out signals — who throw an interception about once every 30 passes, which sounds good, but only ranks the Bulldogs tied for No. 60 in country with 14 other schools. Both teams are on somewhat of an uptick and are looking to finish strong, despite the fact that respective division titles are out of the picture for both program who figured to contend this season.
Mark Richt recalls his reaction to the Prayer in Jordan-Hare: “I hit my knees. My chest hit the ground. What in the world is going on?” — Seth Emerson (@SethEmersonAJC) November 10, 2015
AUBURN TIGERS A CLOSER LOOK
Top returning player, offense: Ricardo Louis, Sr., WR – The Tigers have a new look offense with first-year starters at quarterback, running back and wide receiver, making Ricardo Louis, the man who caught the infamous “Prayer at Jordan-Hare” touchdown the team’s best returning player. Louis had only 261 yards and three touchdowns last year, but already has accrued a team-high 563-yards and two touchdowns so far this season.
Top returning player, defense: Johnathan Ford, Jr., DB – Johnathan Ford is back to lead Auburn in tackles once again. That feat is remarkable considering that the junior already has three more tackles (96) this year than last.
Top returning player, special teams: Daniel Carlson, So., PK – Daniel Carlson is once again the Tigers’ leading scorer (80 points), knocking through 18 of his 21 field goal attempts and all 26 PAT tries this season.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
