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Auburn 27, Georgia 24: Bulldogs Let Control Slip Away in First Loss

Georgia’s first loss of the season involved more than only the final score. For much of the afternoon, the Bulldogs looked less like the steady, organized team that had established itself in its first six weeks and more like a group searching for answers.

Auburn managed to erase a 14-point first-quarter deficit, forced three turnovers, and left Sanford Stadium with a 27-24 win, sealed by Alex McPherson’s 34-yard field goal with just three seconds left. It was the kind of finish that leaves plenty to analyze, especially when the home team had so many chances to put the game away.

Still, the play that may stick with most fans happened much earlier in the game.

On Georgia’s first offensive snap, Gunner Stockton absorbed a heavy hit and left for a sideline check. Ryan Puglisi replaced him and completed all three of his passes for 55 yards, including a 41-yarder to Craig Dandridge Jr., before Stockton returned. Dwight Phillips Jr. finished the drive with a 15-yard touchdown run, and Georgia soon led 14-0.

It’s fair to wonder if that opening hit had any lingering effect on Stockton’s decision-making the rest of the way.

Given what followed, the question is understandable, though impossible to answer with certainty. Stockton did return quickly and finished with 272 passing yards and two touchdowns, numbers that would usually be enough to win.

His afternoon, though, was noted for more inconsistency than we’ve seen from him this season.

Stockton’s two interceptions and the late fumble proved costly. Georgia did manage to rally from a 24-14 deficit, with a Peyton Woodring field goal and a 4-yard touchdown pass from Stockton to London Humphreys tying the game with just over three minutes left.

With the game tied, Georgia had the ball and a chance to finish the comeback.

Instead, Stockton’s fumble at the Auburn 44 with just over a minute left gave the Tigers a short field. Auburn moved into Georgia territory, got some help from a roughing-the-passer penalty, and set up McPherson’s game-winner.

Of course, Georgia had chances to take control well before the final minutes.

The Bulldogs outgained Auburn 436 to 366 and averaged 6.7 yards per play, numbers that usually point to a win. But three turnovers erased those advantages, especially since Auburn didn’t give the ball away once.

Auburn also managed something most Georgia opponents have not: a consistent ground game. Byrum Brown carried 26 times for 115 yards and a touchdown, and Auburn stuck with the run for 46 carries overall. Georgia’s defense never quite took that option away.

Some bright spots were buried in the loss. Dwight Phillips Jr. ran for 68 yards on 10 carries, and Craig Dandridge Jr. finished with 88 receiving yards. Georgia’s offense did enough late to erase a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, which is not nothing.

Still, there is not much reason to dress this one up.

Georgia had a two-touchdown lead, home field advantage, and more total offense. Auburn simply protected the football better and played with more composure when things got tense.

People will keep asking about the impact of Stockton’s early hit, but the simple explanation for Georgia’s first loss is right there in the numbers.

Three turnovers to none rarely leave much mystery about the outcome.

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