Kirby Smart (HC) – Coach Smart, in his seventh season as head coach of the Bulldogs, has built a program which is the envy of every program in the country. Off to a 5-0 start, the Dawgs are looking to use the next few games against seemingly inferior opponents to gear up for a difficult late season slate of games against Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi State, and Kentucky. Smart never overlooks an opponent and knows that anything can happen in a rivalry game. Smart’s teams are never unprepared and will have the Dawgs highly motivated for a late afternoon kick against the Tigers.
Stetson Bennett (QB #13) – Stetson, for the second straight week, did not pass for a touchdown. However, against Missouri, he completed 24 out of 43 passes for 312 yards. When it counted, Stetson led Georgia’s offense on a game winning driving while spreading the ball around to different receivers, tight ends, and backs. Stetson will be looking for a more consistent performance against Auburn. Getting back a healthy AD Mitchell will certainly help.
Brock Bowers (TE #19) – What else can be said about Bowers? He is the Bulldogs most consistent running and receiving threat, as well as a selfless blocker. Bowers led Georgia in receiving against Missouri with five catches for 66 yards. While Bowers did not find the endzone against Missouri, he did have a key reception on Georgia’s game-winning drive that set the Dawgs up with a first and goal from the one-yard line. Bowers will again be used in all manner of ways against Auburn.
Kendall Milton (RB #2) – After a long run, Milton had an uncharacteristic fumble against Missouri. He ended the game with a respectable seven carries for 63 yards, which equates to nine yards a carry. Milton is Georgia’s most physical running back. The Dawgs are eager to find a more consistent running game, and Milton will get his share of carries against the Tigers.
AD Mitchell (WR #5) – AD, like Jalen Carter, has missed significant time the last few games. AD is a do-everything wide receiver that keeps defenses honest with his play-making prowess. A return to full-time duty is expected against Auburn. The Dawgs could use a few more playmakers on offense to take some of the pressure off Bennett and Bowers. The Dawgs’ running game has been a bit pedestrian and adding a dynamic receiver to Georgia’s potent offense may be the recipe for success against Auburn.
Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB #10) – Jamon “Pop” Dumas-Johnson is a tackling machine and the leader of the Dawgs’ defense. The Dawgs’ defensive line is not quite as stout as last year’s line, and Dumas-Johnson is relied upon to clean things up on the second level. A team leader in sacks and tackles, look for Dumas-Johnson to track Auburn running bank Tank Bigsby all game long.
Chris Smith (S #29 ) – NFL scouts love Chris Smith’s intelligence, toughness, and ball-hawking ability. With the departure of Lewis Cine to the NFL, Smith is considered one of the Dawgs’ most valuable players and the quarterback of the defense. Smith will be roaming all over the field against Auburn and looking to add to his interception total.
Jalen Carter (DL #88) – The pre-season All-American has seen limited snaps over the last few games due to an ankle injury. Carter suffered another lower leg injury against Missouri on what should have been an illegal chop block. Carter brings both running-stopping and pass-rushing ability to the interior line. If Carter can recover in time for the game against Auburn, Georgia’s defensive line should dominate a somewhat shaky offensive line for Auburn.