'The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry': Georgia wins over Auburn
AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 30: Malaki Starks #24 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with teammates after an interception against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by K
AUBURN, Ala. - The Georgia Bulldogs (5-0) beat the Auburn Tigers (3-2) Saturday in ‘The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.'
Although the Dawgs went into the game with their No. 1 ranking, it was no secret they were at a disadvantage.
Star wide receiver Ladd McConkey has been waiting to make his season debut as he recovers from a back injury. He recently made a comeback and joined the team for practice this week.
Unfortunately, running backs Kendall Milton and Roderick Robinson also sat out the previous game against UAB due to an MCL and ankle injury, respectively. Starting defensive end Mykel Williams was also missing from the action due to an illness. Starting safety, Javon Bullard, is also on the road to recovery from an ankle sprain he suffered in Week 2.
Still, Coach Kirby Smart said he was feeling happy and confident going into the game after his 85th career win against UAB. FOX 5's D.J. Shockley sat down for a one-on-one with him.
The Bulldogs were neck and neck with the Tigers the entire game. Georgia fans were rooting for the boys from the edges of their seats.
This game also marked quarterback Carson Beck's first road test. Pressure was on to see how he would handle the away game excitement in the shadows of his predecessor, Stetson Bennett.
Beck and the Dawgs sent the Tigers home licking their wounds with a modest score of 27-20.
A win is a win.
What's next for Georgia Bulldogs Football?
The Dawgs are back home at Sanford Stadium in Athens facing the University of Kentucky Wildcats (5-0). Kick-off is 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Georgia Football by the numbers
- With Saturday's win, UGA is still ranked No. 1 (5-0, 2-0 SEC)
- The Bulldogs extended their school record for consecutive regular season wins to 32, leading the Football Bowl Subdivision
- Through two SEC games this year, Georgia’s average margin of victory is 8.5 points.
- Junior tight end Brock Bowers had a team-best nine catches for a career-high 157 yards with 1 touchdown. He has nine career games under his belt with over 100 receiving yards. Bowers has 23 career touch down catches, making him only the third in UGA's history. His 2,237 receiving yards also rank eighth in school history.