Georgia cruised to a 35-14 victory over the Wildcats on Saturday afternoon, marking the 16th straight time the Bulldogs have beaten Kentucky. Gunner Stockton had another effective game under center with three total touchdowns and nearly 250 yards of total offense. With all the preseason favorite quarterbacks struggling to win games for their team, Stockton has emerged in numerous Heisman conversations.
Though the depth chart may not show it, Chauncey Bowens is definitely the RB1 going forward. With another great showing of 15 carries and 70 yards, Bowens could be in store for a very successful season as the Bulldogs’ leading rusher. The Georgia defense had their struggles in the passing game, but as long as points are not being put on the board, which they weren’t, then I think Georgia will be fine for the time being.
After last weekend, Kirby Smart’s team had a choice. They could’ve hung their heads and let an inferior Kentucky team force an upset scare, or come out hot and take care of business. Noon kicks after a tough loss can be difficult for a team to get up and alive for. Give Smart and his staff a lot of credit for getting the Bulldogs ready and having a no-sweat afternoon Between the Hedges. In today’s world of college football, you have to keep your nose down and keep playing through the losses, and that’s exactly what Georgia did. It should be clear to everyone that the loss to Alabama will not define this team.
Now Bulldog Nation shifts their focus towards Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers. It doesn’t matter what Auburn’s record is on paper, Jordan-Hare is arguably the most difficult place to play in the country. Coach Freeze is coaching for his life down on the Plains, and an upset win over the Bulldogs could save his job, at least for now. Say what you want about the way Freeze runs his program, but Auburn is a lot better than their record shows. Their only losses of the season have been one-score games to top ten teams in the country, both on the road.
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry never leaves fans with a bad experience, and I expect this one to be a one possession game into the fourth quarter. Georgia is definitely the better team, but on the road in the SEC is anything but a guarantee, just ask Steve Sarkisian. I can think of so many times where these two teams have faced and no matter the record, it is a slugfest until the clock hits zero.
Hot Take of the Week:
The last time Georgia travelled to Jordan-Hare, Brock Bowers had a field day against the Tigers with 157 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown to help the Bulldogs survive with a 27-20 win. While Georgia unfortunately does not have Bowers to single-handedly win ball games anymore, they do have one of the most slept on players in college football: Zachariah Branch. When this game comes down to the wire, Bobo will likely rely on his playmakers to win the game like we saw two years ago. I’m predicting Branch to have over 150 yards and at least one touchdown to help Georgia escape Auburn with a win. Though Branch is yet to have over 100 receiving yards this season, he’s well overdue for a breakout game, and I think it comes this weekend against the Tigers.