Tigers To Watch – Georgia vs. Auburn 2024

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Tigers To Watch – Georgia vs. Auburn 2024

Tigers To Watch – Georgia vs. Auburn 2024
Auburn Head Coach Hugh Freeze
Photo By Austin Perryman

Hugh Freeze (HC) – Hugh Freeze starts off the season 2-3, with two SEC losses at home. This weekend, Auburn heads to Athens for their first conference road game of the season. Freeze may be working his way into the hot seat in his second year with the Tigers. Freeze helped bring in the No. 10 ranked ‘24 recruiting class, but fans of such a historic program hope to compete for more than just a bowl game. He has the chance to take advantage of a Georgia team returning from their first regular season loss in years.

Payton Thorne (QB #1) – The former Michigan State transfer took his job back as Auburn’s starting quarterback once redshirt freshman Hank Brown threw three interceptions against Arkansas. Thorne is in his fifth year of collegiate ball. He has yet to have an excellent game once becoming the leader of the Tiger’s offense. At this point in the season, Thorne has 700 passing yards, seven TDs, and five interceptions. These stats were recorded in four games, since he did not see the field against New Mexico.

 

 

 

 

‌KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR #5) – Lambert-Smith is the favorite target across the board for Auburn’s quarterback room. He spent his first four years under James Franklin at Penn State. With 338 receiving yards and five touchdowns, he’s already on track for the best season of his career. Georgia is coming off of one of if not their toughest receiver matchup of the season against Alabama. The Dawgs are primed to bounce back from Bama’s dynamic offensive scheme. Shutting down the Tiger’s 4.3 forty receiver will be at the top of the list for a defense with a chip on their shoulder.

‌Jarquez Hunter (RB #27) – A familiar face is back for his senior season. Running back Jarquez Hunter stands at 5-10, 209-pound and possesses elite speed for his size. Georgia’s run defense had been solid to say the least until facing the anomaly that is Jalen Milroe. Auburn’s offense does not have nearly as much of an ability as Alabama to split the run game between their quarterback and running backs. This leaves for a less-complicated scheme for the defensive line to show off their run-stopping capability against a skilled SEC back.

‌Jerrin Thompson (Safety #1) – The most impactful defender for Auburn has been safety Jerrin Thompson. Thompson makes plays across the field. Thus far, he leads the team in tackles in addition to a sack and an interception. Currently projected a fourth-rounder, Thompson looks to raise his stock against a highly-ranked road opponent in Georgia.

 

 

 

 

‌Dorian Mausi Jr. (LB #12) – Another player to watch in his first year with the Tigers. Dorian Mausi Jr. was a two-year starter for Duke before transferring to Auburn for his fifth year of college ball. He was the 38th ranked linebacker in the transfer portal this past offseason. Just behind Jerrin Thompson, Mauri Jr. has 20 total tackles on the season. Now, he has to face the Dawgs for the first time in his career.

‌Keldric Faulk (DL #15) – As just a sophomore, Keldric Faulk is already a seasoned player among the Tiger’s defense. He saw time in each game during his first year. Showing no signs of slowing down, Faulk has five tackles for losses this season, including three sacks. The lineman is yet another test for a slightly injured Georgia offensive line.

Joe Cribbs was an All-Southeastern Conference running back at Auburn, who then went on to a fine career in professional football, including three Pro Bowl trips with the Buffalo Bills.

One of Auburn’s greatest teams ever was the 1983 SEC Championship squad. Featuring Bo Jackson and a dominating defense. The Tigers went 11-1 and finished No. 3 nationally.

All-American Tiger legend Charles Barkley is one of the greatest basketball players ever. An 11-time All-Star, Barkley’s No. 34 is retired by Auburn, the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.

 

 

 

 

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