Mike Bobo (OC) – After leaving many fans questioning what the Georgia offense is made of through the first three weeks, Bobo called a solid game offensively against Alabama, coaching his unit for over 500 yards and 34 points in a near comeback for the ages. In order for the Bulldogs to bounce back from the heartbreaking loss that the Alabama game was, another great offensive outing led by the Bulldogs offensive coordinator is just what this team needs to keep fighting for their life.
Oscar Delp (TE #4) – Going into the season, it seemed as though Delp would be given the task of trying to replace tight end superstar Brock Bowers as best he could. However, the junior tight end has been one of the quietest players on offense for the Bulldogs so far. With just three receptions and 25 yards on the year, many members of Bulldog Nation are wondering if he will ever get things going. Against an Auburn defense that has proven to be the stronghold of their team, look for Delp to find quality targets while the Tigers keep their main focus on Georgia’s wideouts and backs.
Dillon Bell (WR #86) – Going into the Alabama game, it was clear that one of Georgia’s playmakers was going to have to step up in order to keep pace with the Tide. With 100 yards receiving, a 67-yard touchdown reception, and a rushing touchdown, Bell was arguably the offensive player of the game for Georgia. His performance was the breakout game that he desperately needed. If he can build off the success he had last week in front of the Sanford crowd, he could emerge as one of the key weapons for Bobo’s scheme as the season progresses.
Trevor Etienne (RB #1) – In SEC matchups against rival teams, winning the battle in the trenches is key in establishing the tempo for the game. The former Florida Gator recorded his first touchdown in the Red and Black during the first half of last week’s game, along with 55 yards rushing. In what will be his first Georgia-Auburn game, keep an eye on ETN to help settle quarterback Carson Beck into the game with a few break away runs throughout the game.
Smael Mondon Jr. (LB #2) – The senior linebacker leads his defense into a matchup with a reeling Auburn offensive attack who averaged under 20 points in their first two SEC games with Arkansas and Oklahoma. If Mondon Jr. can create headaches for Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne by leading the younger players on defense, it could be a long afternoon for Hugh Freeze and the Tigers.
Malaki Starks (DB #24) – Starks, alongside Mondon Jr., is a key veteran-piece of this Georgia defense that will be looking to rebound after his unit gave up 547 yards of offense and 41 points to Alabama. While the Tigers do not have as much fire power offensively as the Tide, anything can happen in a rivalry game, so it will be important for Starks to continue his great success on the field to limit Auburn’s chances of pulling off the upset.
KJ Bolden (DB #4) – Going back to Payton Thorne, he has thrown an interception in every game this season except for their season-opening win against Alabama A&M. Bolden, who has 16 tackles on the year, is still waiting for his first collegiate takeaway. Facing a quarterback that turns the ball over as much as Thorne does, this would be a game where the former five-star could accomplish that goal in his first big game in Sanford Stadium.
Vince Dooley was the head coach for six Southeastern Conference championship teams at Georgia. The Bulldogs clinched five of those titles on the Plains, and in Athens in 1981.
Mark Richt’s most significant triumph over the Tigers came in 2002 as David Greene hit Michael Johnson for the go-ahead touchdown, vaulting the Dogs to the SEC Championship Game.
One of the biggest wins in Georgia history came in Kirby Smart’s second season at the helm, as the Bulldogs beat Auburn in the 2017 SEC Championship Game to earn a CFP berth.