The a hundred and thirtieth version within the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is right here, and Auburn is an underdog as soon as once more.
Georgia isn’t the identical group it was from 2021-2023, however the Bulldogs are nonetheless ranked No. 10 within the nation, maintain a 4-1 document and haven’t misplaced to the Tigers since 2017. Despite these elements, they’re not a heavy favourite, with the road at the moment favoring Georgia by 3.5 factors, in accordance to BetMGM.
Our EA Sports College Football 26 simulation wasn’t far off from that, and the sport that befell within the simulation was entertaining.
With that mentioned, right here’s how the sport performed out in that simulation compared to predictions from AL.com Auburn beat writers Peter Rauterkus and Jerry Humphrey III.
EA Sports College Football 26 simulation
Score: Georgia 34, Auburn 31
The remaining rating in our simulation almost mirrored what the unfold goes into this weekend’s recreation. How it occurred lived up to the hype of what Auburn-Georgia video games could be.
Auburn held a 14-6 in halftime of the simulation, however Georgia raced again within the second half, at one level main 31-17 within the fourth quarter. The Tigers didn’t go away, tying the sport at 31 with 35 seconds to go, however Georgia received on a walk-off, 37-yard subject objective.
Jackson Arnold led the offensive cost for Auburn within the simulation, throwing for 315 yards and three touchdowns on 27-for-35 passing. Malcolm Simmons was his prime goal with eight catches for 169 yards and a landing.
The Tigers had points stopping Georgia’s passing assault within the simulation, although, as Gunner Stockton threw for 400 yards and a landing. Running again Nate Frazier was his finest goal with 148 receiving yards and a landing, with 86 of these yards approaching a display cross that went for a landing.
Peter Rauterkus
Score: Georgia 24, Auburn 20
Analysis: Auburn hasn’t been good in SEC play, at the very least not on offense. Georgia isn’t the Georgia of a number of years in the past, however the Bulldogs nonetheless have a expertise benefit over the Tigers.
However, that is most likely the closest the expertise hole has been between the 2 groups in a very long time. Auburn was a landing away from flipping every of its first two ends in SEC play, and there’s no cause to consider they received’t put up the identical form of struggle towards Georgia.
But with these two outcomes, and lots of different prior close to misses below Freeze in thoughts, it’s arduous for me to consider Auburn will flip one of these shut video games into win, not towards a group like Georgia.
Auburn’s protection ought to maintain the sport shut, however I’m not assured within the offense making sufficient performs to win.
Jerry Humphrey III
Score: Georgia 31, Auburn 21
Analysis: Auburn’s offense has not proved sufficient in SEC play for me to consider they will outscore Georgia.
With Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze promising a greater product on the sector this week in follow, a strong efficiency from that facet of the ball might be the distinction on this yr’s installment of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.
Returning again to Jordan-Hare Stadium after two back-to-back video games on the highway must also give Auburn the sting to maintain issues shut Saturday.
Four of the final six conferences in Jordan-Hare Stadium have been determined by one rating. However, that received’t occur Saturday if Auburn’s offense performs prefer it did within the final two weeks.
Standings
Jerry Humphrey III: 5-0
The machine: 5-0
Peter Rauterkus: 3-2
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