Dawn of the Dawg
Fansided

2016 Georgia Football game-by-game previews and predictions

By Jay Hawkins

Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Georgia Bulldogs come out of the tunnel prior to the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; The Georgia Bulldogs come out of the tunnel prior to the 2016 TaxSlayer Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
11 of 13
Next
Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) celebrates an interception during the first half against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive tackle Montravius Adams (1) celebrates an interception during the first half against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Nov. 12     vs. Auburn

Players to Watch: DE Carl Lawson, CB Carlton Davis, QB John Franklin III

Preview: The only thing consistent about Auburn is that they’re inconsistent. Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn took his Tigers to the BCS National Championship in 2013 but has had mediocre seasons since. Last year, his team fell to a new low as they went 6-6 (2-6 in the SEC) in the regular season. Safe to say, Malzahn’s seat has gotten warmer, and pressure is on him and his team to produce this fall.

Quarterback was the single-biggest question facing Auburn last offseason and through the regular season, and it has still not been answered. JUCO transfer John Franklin III of Netflix’s Last Chance U fame is the favorite to get the job as he is a great athlete and shows the most upside. However, he can be very inconsistent as a passer, and Auburn still does not know what to fully expect out of him. Sean White looks to be the other primary contender with Jeremy Johnson behind him.

Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson has the potential to be an All-SEC selection this year. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson has the potential to be an All-SEC selection this year. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Combine the QB uncertainties with the sore lack of running back depth (with the dismissal of presumed starting running back Jovon Robinson, freshman Stephen Davis Jr. being out for the season with injury, Roc Thomas transferring in the offseason and leading rusher Peyton Barber leaving to the NFL early), to the graduation of both offensive tackles and a lack of proven commodities in the receiving corps, and the Tigers definitely have their fair share of question marks on the offensive side of the ball.

The defense should be a pretty decent unit although only five starters return on this side of the ball. Auburn should have a strong starting defensive line led by pass-rushing specialist Carl Lawson at defensive end and two stalwarts on the interior in tackles Montravius Adams and Dontavius Russell bookended by 2015’s top recruit in end Byron Cowart.

Also, Auburn’s secondary is poised to be a top unit with the return of 2015’s team-leading tacker in safety Rudy Ford (118), fellow safety Tray Matthews and 2015 Freshman All-SEC corner Carlton Davis.

Bottom Line: Georgia hasn’t lost to Auburn since 2013 in the flukiest of ways in the infamous “Prayer at Jordan-Hare.” Georgia has beaten the Tigers eight out of the last ten times in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, and I do not see that changing this year. Who knows though? Auburn always seems to surprise. But seriously I got Georgia winning a defensive game at home.

Prediction: Georgia 28-Auburn 17

Next: Nov. 19 vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Home/Georgia Football