The #1 Georgia Bulldogs have been defeated inside Sanford Stadium by the unranked Auburn Tigers. Alex McPherson kicked a 34 yard field goal in glorious fashion as time expired to end all hope of an undefeated season for UGA. Early reports out of Athens suggest not one person was barked at since Alex McPherson's first field goal late in the 2nd quarter which put Auburn ahead 17-14 after a quick start by the Dawgs had some of the weaker Auburn fans thinking about turning the game over to hate watch Bama (How bout those Volunteers).
In my recent preview article I listed several keys to the game for Auburn. I'm all too excited to revisit those:
Has the defense improved? Georgia ran the ball 28 times and managed 113 yards. They had their star RB back from injury, and he wasn't able to run the ball the way UGA has run the ball on teams this season. Gunner Stockton caught fire on a few drives and threw some perfect passes that were not defendable.
Is the offense balanced? Can they protect Byrum Brown? Auburn finished the game with 192 rushing yards and 174 passing yards. That's balanced. Byrum Brown played his best game since his arrival on the Plains.
Are the penalties reduced? Does Auburn protect the football? We'll talk about the penalties in the next preview article. This one is celebration fueled. Auburn did not turn the ball over.
Can Auburn stay in the game long enough to have a chance in the 4th quarter? Oh they stayed in the game. After spotting Georgia 14 points Auburn took the lead just before half time and never trailed again. Auburn forced turnovers, blocked a field goal, and finally ended a streak that went back to 2005.
I'm listening to Zac Blackerby on Locked on Auburn as I write this, and he just said "Auburn can beat any team in the country, anywhere because it doesn't get any tougher than what you just did."