Georgia has started 4-0 in six of the nine seasons under Kirby Smart and 3-1 in the other three (2016, 2020, 2024). Six of Smart’s 17 losses (35.3 percent) have come against the Crimson Tide. The 41 points allowed last Saturday was tied for the fourth most allowed under Smart. However, Smart has experienced much better results versus Auburn.
The Georgia/Auburn rivalry dates back to 1892. The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry has been played 128 times overall which is tied for second for the most common series with North Carolina and VIrginia. Only Wisconsin vs. Minnesota (132) has been played more by FBS teams. The Bulldogs have taken over in the series this century and they now lead it 64-56-8 overall, including wins in seven straight meetings.
Auburn is Georgia's most frequent opponent by far. Georgia's 64 victories against them is tied for second for the most wins against any foe. The tie is with Kentucky who Georgia already defeated this season.
This rivalry also has so many historic names: Vince Dooley, Erk Russell, Pat Dye, Shug Jordan, Hugh Nall, Sterling Dupree, Tracy Rocker and Rodney Garner. There are many more on this list and two of Georgia's current assistants played at Auburn as well (Stacy Searles and Travaris Robinson). Mike Bobo has coached on both sides and had one of his greatest moments as a Bulldog player against Auburn in 1996 when he led a comeback win by connecting with Corey Allen on a hail mary to tie the game (with the extra point) on the final play of regulation. This then became the first SEC game ever to go into overtime. In fact, it went into four overtimes and Georgia won 56 to 49. Kirby Smart also played in that game. UGA V had a nice appearance in that game as well.
Carson Beck threw for a career-high three interceptions against Alabama. His 54 completion percentage was his lowest in game in which he had more than ten attempts. His 50 pass attempts were just the tenth time in school history that a Bulldog quarterback reached that number.
He did throw three touchdown passes in the game. His second touchdown moved him past Mike Bobo and now Beck stands in seventh place all-time in school history. He also threw for an incredible 439 yards with 259 coming in the fourth quarter. The 439 is the fourth most by a Bulldog ever and the most by someone not named Eric Zeier.
In Saturday's game, both Arian Smith and Dillon Bell had career-high in yards receiving as both went over the 100-yard mark. It was the first time in over a decade that two Bulldogs had over 100 in the same game. Here are all the time this has happened in the 2000s.
Bell had both a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown in the game. He has seven career touchdown receptions and now has three scores on the ground as well. Officially he is still listed as a wide receiver on the roster. He has the third most career rushing touchdowns by a Bulldog under Coach Smart by a player that is not listed as a running back nor a quarterback.
Georgia's defense struggled against Alabama. They did hold the Crimson Tide to just 192 yards of offense in the second half, but 75 came on that one play. Against Auburn, they generally play well on defense especially against the run (last season was a different story). Check out the last five seasons on how Georgia has stopped the run game by the Tigers.
Auburn has one of the most experienced runners in the SEC. Jarquez Hunter has 2,614 yards rushing in his career with 97 coming against the Dawgs in three games.
