Tray Scott (DL) – Against Texas A&M, the Auburn O-line allowed seven sacks and 15 total tackles for loss. At this point, Georgia appears to be put less emphasis on sacks. Instead, they spend more time into planning and structuring pressures. However, it’s a good sign that a group with similar talent like the Aggies was able to get it done against Auburn. With that being said, Coach Scott should be instrumental in making it a tough day for the War Eagles offensive line. Scott is the ember responsible for the uncontrollable fire that is the Georgia defensive line, and they’re hoping to leave Auburn scorched on game day.
Arian Smith (WR #11) – It’s hard not to talk about Smith and his nationally acclaimed straight-line speed. In turn, that means it’s hard to cover Arian Smith. As the designated big play guy, Smith isn’t targeted as often as everyone else, but when he is, it’s something special to watch. Over the course of his career at UGA, he’s averaged about 30 yards a catch. And to be frank, Smith still has to cross T’s and I’s to dot as a receiver, so what better moment is there than in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry?
RaRa Thomas (WR #5) – Size-wise, RaRa Thomas should have the upper hand in this matchup against the Tigers. His height advantage isn’t too remarkable, averaging just an inch taller than Auburn’s starting outside corners, but coming in at 200 pounds, he has a great advantage being bigger. Auburn’s D.J. James and Nehimiah Pritchett weigh 164 and 184 pounds, respectively, so you can do the math there. Add to the fact that against South Carolina, Georgia’s most recent SEC tussle this season, Thomas was targeted twice for 42 yards, serving as a legitimate contributor in meaningful play for the Dawgs.
Xavier Truss (OL #73) – With Amarius Mims out recovering from ankle surgery, it looks like the Dawgs have found their next right tackle in Xavier Truss. He’s by no means new to the position having played there in high school before transitioning into a more interior role in college. Regardless of his history playing on the interior in college, Truss brings more than enough size to the tackle position for the Dawgs. At 6-7, 320-pound, he moves very well in space. Georgia fans can trust Truss heading into Auburn this weekend.
Warren Brinson (DL #97) – For a guy with a ton of personality, he’s had a quiet– but sneaky good– season thus far. A senior who is starting for the first time in his college career, Brinson has shown that he is quite an effective pass rusher. In the past Brinson has shown flashes here and there, but now with a legitimate role in the defense, you can really see him start to put it together. Last week against UAB, he got his first sack of the year, but Brinson’s been impacting quarterbacks all season. In Auburn’s loss against TAMU, the Tigers let up seven sacks. It wouldn’t surprising to see Brinson getting a few more sacks on game day.
Kamari Lassiter (CB #3) – Kamari Lassiter is arguably the most underrated cornerback in college football right now. Having spent his first year (last year) starting opposite of DGD Kelee Ringo, it’s understandable how he could be a bit overshadowed. But now, as the leading corner for the Dawgs, it just doesn’t make sense. Lassiter is a physical corner who isn’t afraid to get his jersey dirty. He hits like a safety and covers just as good as the next guy; Lassiter is just plain good at what he does. Do yourself a favor and watch out for No. 3 on the Dawg’s defense.
Xavian Sorey (LB #18) – Sorey, similar to fellow linebacker Smael Mondon, is taking on a defensive role similar to the likes of Quay Walker when he was playing for the Dawgs. Sorey can line up in the middle of the defense one play and then put his hands in the dirt to rush the passer on the next. The versatility of this young man is special. Sorey is finally getting to play with his roommates Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson and he isn’t taking it for granted.
In Georgia’s thrilling 19-14 victory at Auburn in 1982, Herschel Walker raced for a 59 yard touchdown and the Bulldogs defense “hunkered down one more time” to stymie the Tigers.
The Bulldogs upset Auburn 20-16 on the plains in 1986, with Wayne Johnson the “surprise” starter at quarterback and linebacker Steve Boswell sealing the victory with a late interception.
In 2012, the Bulldogs beat Auburn 38-0 at Jordan Hare Stadium en route to an 11-1 regular season, Georgia’s first shutout on the Plains since a 28-0 SEC title clinching win in 1976.