Takeaways: Auburn falls in a nailbiter against the Georgia Bulldogs

The Auburn Tigers gave Georgia everything they could handle.

The Auburn Tigers went toe to toe with the standard of college football for the past three seasons. 

Auburn fell to Georgia 27-20.

Hugh Freeze's first home SEC game on the Auburn sideline was electric. A loud Jordan Hare Stadium gave Auburn a shot as the Tigers were tied with the number one team in the country at the half and entering the fourth quarter. 

No such thing as a moral victory but it's hard to not be impressed with what this Auburn team did on Saturday.

Here are some takeaways from the action.

Auburn's offense found an identity

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

The Auburn offense entered Saturday with more questions than answers. Against Georgia, the Auburn rushing game emerged. Despite missing Damari Alston, the rushing attack got production from several players. Payton Thorne proved to be a threat on the ground, Jarquez Hunter showed why he's considered a top-SEC back, Brian Battie excelled in space, and Robby Ashford continued to prove that he deserves reps in this system.

Georgia allowed 87 yards a game on the ground entering today. Auburn ran for 219 yards. 

This Auburn defense continues to show out

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Auburn's defense continues to be the bright spot of Hugh Freeze's team. They continue to force turnovers to give their offense a chance. 

The Auburn Tigers showed different things up front to keep Georgia's offense guessing and off-balance. 

Also, Jaylin Simpson is incredible. Four picks in four games. He leads the SEC.

Third downs matter

Eric Starling/Auburn Daily

Money downs are important, especially in close games. 

Auburn's offense struggled on third down. The Tigers didn't convert a third down conversion until the second half. They ultimately finished 2-12. Auburn was 1-3 on fourth down.

Georgia finished 8-13. 

Auburn showed that they can belong in the SEC

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Going into a bye week, Auburn has to feel better than where they were a week ago. Now cloaked with an identity on both sides of the ball, some confidence, and proof that you can keep up with anyone, as of right now, I like Auburn's chances for the rest of the season even more.

On to LSU.

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