I've been watching a lot of Auburn games on tv. Not so much Georgia, but I am pretty familiar with them. Georgia has shown themselves to be a second level SEC team, on par with, say, Kentucky, Vandy. No question, Auburn is the superior squad. The problem with Auburn is that, week after week, they move the ball consistently between the 20's and then get overly conservative inside the red zone; which results in them, invariably, settling for field goals. They have, frustratingly, been a field goal team. I keep waiting for Gus Malzahn to change the strategy. If they will open up the offense inside the 20 yd line, they should cover the spread. Auburn is that much better. If we see much of the same; that is, bogging down and settling for field goals, it could be a long afternoon.
From an injury standpoint, Auburn should be good on the defensive side of the ball. Tre Williams (LB) missed the Vandy game with an injury but will be back this week. AU's other LB, Deshaun Davis was called for targeting last week on the 8th play. He will be back this week. Nick Ruffin (DB) only played 2 plays last week but should be healthy enough this week to play if needed. Tray Mathews (safety) played last week but appeared to have injured his shoulder. The injury shouldn't keep him out but could limit his effectiveness. Marlon Davidson (DE) played 43 snaps last week but didn't appear to be 100 percent. He would be a pretty big loss if not 100 percent although AU has solid depth at the end position if he is limited.
The offense side of the ball is a completely different animal. Pettway (RB) injured his quad in the Vandy game and did not practice yesterday. He is doubtful, at best, for Saturday. Pettway leads the SEC and is 4th nationally rushing. His back-up, Kerryon Johnson, will play but is still suffering from a high ankle sprain. How effective he will be if asked to shoulder the load is unknown. There is be a huge drop off if those two can't go the whole game. With AU being a run first team these injuries are significant.
Sean White (QB) is still recovering from a bruised shoulder. He came in last week in the second half against Vandy after not practicing during the week. He did decent but didn't have a lot of zip on his passes. He will start Saturday but is going to be limited this week in practice. It is imperative for AU he has a good game.
As for the game, I would tread lightly. AU is certainly a much better team this year than Ga. Don't expect a lot of points.
Other than being good against the run, Ga has not played well. If AU is able to run the ball with some success, then get their play action passing game going this could get ugly. If they can't run successfully (that is a real possibility considering the injuries and Ga's good rush D) this game could turn into a nail biter.
AU's D matches up great against the Ga O. Ga has 2 very good running backs but they should struggle with the AU front 7. I'm sure Ga will mimic what Ole Miss and Vandy did and attack AU's soft zone with quick passes. They could have some success with that strategy but I think AU will adjust quicker than they have the 2 previous games. Barring something completely unexpected, I don't expect Ga to be able to maintain drives.
Ga has had remarkable success against AU the last 10 years and will be ready to play, but I believe this AU team is just too good for Ga to handle this year. If Pettway was 100 percent I would lay the 10 and feel great about it. But with the injury situation being what it is, I'm not as comfortable. Still like AU minus the 10, but not betting the farm on it.
Updated Pos Player Injury Status
Att
Comp
Yds
TD
Int
Rating
11/06 QB Sean White none Probable
178
123
1617
9
2
159.8
6:43am is expected to start Saturday vs Georgia.
Updated Pos Player Injury Status
Att
Yds
TD
Fumb
Rec
11/06 RB Kamryn Pettway leg "?"
173
1106
7
3
2
6:44am left last game, is "?" Saturday vs Georgia.
If BSPN reported White wouldn't play on the ticker, they are either wrong or know more than Malzahn.
Gus said in his presser yesterday White would start but have limited reps this week in practice.
A direct quote - “He will practice this week but we're going to be smart with him,” Malzahn said. “He's a tough guy. He's a real tough guy. He showed a lot of guts and a lot of courage last week.”
