Bulldogs Bounce Back in Win against the Tigers on Homecoming

University of Georgia students fill the student section prior to the football game against the Auburn Tigers on October 5, 2024, in Athens, Georgia. (Photo/Brett Stephens)

After losing their 42-game regular season win streak, the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 31-13 yesterday to return to the win column. This victory elevated Georgia’s record to 4-1 on the year, with their first defeat coming on the road against Alabama.

The Bulldogs came out in their first drive with a quick touchdown, as Georgia running back, Trevor Etienne, rushed for six points in a drive that lasted just under five minutes. Etienne was a major addition to the Bulldogs from the transfer portal, quickly becoming one of their top choices to run the rock. According to On3, Etienne was ranked as the 19th best player in the transfer portal as he left the Florida Gators last year to play under the direction of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, senior defensive lineman for Georgia, pressured Auburn early, earning two sacks in the opening 15 minutes of play. The Tigers ended the first quarter with a field goal from kicker Tyler McGough, as he nailed a 27-yarder through the uprights.

Both offenses started to slow down in the second quarter, until Georgia quarterback Carson Beck found former Missouri wideout, Dominic Lovett, on an 11-yard touchdown pass. The score gave the Tigers 17 seconds left to work with, and Auburn quickly got within field goal range with five seconds remaining in the half. However, McGough’s 54-yard attempt was blocked by senior safety Dan Jackson, leaving the Bulldogs up two scores to end the half.

Beck went 14/16 with 124 passing yards and a passing touchdown. Etienne showcased his wheels on the ground early, rushing for one touchdown with 54 yards total on nine attempts, averaging six yards per carry. Senior quarterback Payton Thorne ended the half for the Tigers going 7/10 with 80 yards in the air.

Under the direction of Georgia’s offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, the Bulldogs have had an inconsistent offense this year. In first half play, Georgia ranks last in the SEC, as they average about 10 points in the first two quarters. The second half tells a different story, with UGA ranking as the best team in the SEC in scoring in the third and fourth quarter, averaging more than three touchdowns.

With less than ten minutes left in the third quarter, Auburn struck first and marched the ball down 68 yards to score their first touchdown of the game, capping it off with a 38-yard catch by Auburn halfback Jarquez Hunter. It didn’t take long for the Bulldogs to respond with seven points on the very next drive. Etienne earned his second rushing touchdown of the game from the one yard line, extending Georgia’s lead to 11.

Auburn failed to convert a fourth-and-2 scenario to begin the fourth quarter after a stop by Georgia linebacker Raylen Wilson in the backfield. Beck and the Bulldogs continued to stay composed against Auburn, as Beck found junior receiver Dillion Bell in the endzone for Georgia’s fourth touchdown of the day. The Bulldogs held the Tigers in the red zone once again to a field goal, with 7:38 left in the game. McGough made his second field goal of the afternoon, scoring on a 26-yard try. Georgia’s sophomore kicker Peyton Woodring joined in on the offensive attack late in the game, scoring on a 47-yard field goal.

Beck ended his performance on Saturday with 240 passing yards, converting 23 passes on 29 attempts, while Thorne had 200 passing yards, making 16 passes on his 27 attempts.

Hunter led the Tigers on the ground, earning 91 rushing yards and one touchdown, averaging seven yards per carry, while Etienne ran for 89 yards with a pair of touchdowns to his name.

Georgia will face another SEC opponent at home next week against Mississippi State as the Bulldogs look to earn their fifth win on the season. Kickoff is set at approximately 4:15 p.m.