Georgia vs. Auburn game preview, prediction: Who wins, and why?

What to expect as Georgia and Auburn renew The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry in this Week 5 college football game, with our updated prediction

The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry is one of the closest series in college football. Or at least it was until the last 15 years or so, as Georgia has won 9 of the last 10 against Auburn and 15 of the last 18 dating back to the 2006 season. Now, the Bulldogs and Tigers meet again on The Plains in college football's Week 5 action on Saturday.

You know the story with Georgia. Defending back-to-back national champions, going 29-1 the last two seasons, playing historically dominant defense, favored to become the first team to three-peat since the 1930s.

But what about Auburn? First-year head coach Hugh Freeze is 3-1 coming into his first test against the Bulldogs, and these are the kinds of games that define your tenure. So far, the Tigers look like a broadly improved product from a year ago, playing solid defense on third down, but still have plenty of room to prove throwing the ball.

What can we expect from the matchup? Here's what you should watch for as Auburn and Georgia renew the hostilities, along with our Week 5 game predictions.

Georgia vs. Auburn preview, prediction

Georgia vs. Auburn picks, predictions / USA Today Images

How to watch

When: Sat., Sept. 30
Time: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
TV: CBS network
Stream live: fuboTV (Try for free)

Georgia vs. Auburn game odds

Courtesy of SI Sportsbook

Line: Georgia -14.5 (Live)
Total: 45.5 points
Moneyline: UGA -800 | AUB +450
FPI pick: Georgia 82% to win

What to watch for

Auburn tailback Jarquez Hunter carries against Georgia / USA Today Images

1. Georgia's slow starts. We're still waiting for the Bulldogs' attack to create those highlight plays early in the game, and so far they haven't come despite playing overmatched competition. To date, Georgia has scored just 17 combined points in the first quarter of its four games. Now it goes against a decent Auburn front that plays well on third down, ranking 6th nationally allowing 25.64 percent conversion, and has generated an SEC-best 8 turnovers, scoring twice on defense so far.

2. Beck vs. Auburn's secondary. Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will make his first road start and he'll have a test going against a Tiger back seven that could be called the most productive in the SEC, one that is allowing under 165 air yards per game and holding opposing passers to under 58 percent completion with 5 interceptions.

3. Battle at the line. Auburn's offense is very much a work in progress. The worst in the SEC at throwing the ball, it accounted for just 56 total yards, allowed 15 tackles for loss, and surrendered seven sacks last week. Lead back Jarquez Hunter is Auburn's top skill threat, though he has been limited this season. 

Three QBs have seen action, though none present a credible threat to escape Georgia's skilled and diverse array of pass rush techniques, the cornerstone of a defense allowing 11.3 points per game, is tops in the SEC with 7 interceptions, and that will radically disrupt their timing.

Georgia vs. Auburn prediction

Auburn is better than it was a year ago, and it will likely be better than it is now in a year's time, but this is the wrong week to play Georgia. Coming off such a poor offensive showing a week ago, the Tigers will struggle to get the ball out of the QB's hands, whoever it is, without pressure. 

The Bulldogs will play it careful on offense again to prevent Auburn's defense from making any statement plays, and to protect quarterback Carson Beck (a 73% passer so far) in his first road start, and then, after having worn them down, will come through with the extra points late to cover.

College Football HQ picks...

• Georgia 34-13
• Covers the spread
• And hits the over

Bet on Georgia vs. Auburn here

Join FanDuel here to claim $200 worth of bonus bets after wagering just $5 on any game, including Georgia vs. Auburn.

Claim $200 in Bonus Bets instantly when you Bet $5 with DraftKings as the Tigers and Bulldogs meet in this SEC rivalry.

Get $200 in Bonus Bets with Bet365 here when you Bet Just $1 on any college football game.

Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets with Points Bet right here.

Or get $1,500 paid back in bonus bets from BetMGM if you don’t win.

---

More college football from SI: Top 25 Rankings | Schedule | Teams

Follow College Football HQ: Bookmark | Rankings | Picks