9.29.23 Football Articles

[aubiefifty 18,259]

auburnwire.usatoday.com

Tale of the Tape: Auburn vs Georgia

Brian Hauch

5–7 minutes

The top-ranked Georgia Bulldogs travel onto the Plains this week to take on the 3-1 Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

UGA comes in as the consensus #1 team in the nation, led by a tough-nosed defense and sparkling offensive attack. The Dawgs are coming off a 49-21 thumping over UAB last week, although they did give up their most points of the season (21) in the win.

Buy Tigers Tickets

Conversely, the Tigers played their worst game of the season last week, losing at Texas A&M 27-10.

Auburn’s offense is in a state of flux, and that is not good heading into a matchup with a UGA defense that produces NFL first-round talent on a yearly basis.

These two factors are probably why Auburn is a 14.5-point home underdog on Saturday according to BetMGM.

ESPN’s FPI doesn’t like the home team’s chances either, as the Football Power Index gives Auburn an 18.1% chance to upset the Bulldogs.

Will a deeper dive into the tale of the tape show Auburn has a higher chance of shocking the college football world than the experts believe? As always, we’ll start by looking at the quarterbacks.

Georgia came into the season with a major question mark at the quarterback position.

Kirby Smart and Co. were tasked with finding a replacement for Stetson Bennett, and they eventually landed on junior Carson Beck.

The Jacksonville, FL native has done well so far for the Dawgs, taking over the game manager role that helped his predecessor win two national championships.

Beck’s numbers through four games are actually eerily similar to Bennett’s numbers through four weeks in 2022.

At the week 5 mark last year, Stetson Bennett had thrown for 1,224 yards, rushed for 44 more, and scored 9 total touchdowns (5 passing, 4 rushing).

At the week 5 mark this year, Carson Beck has thrown for 1,184 yards, rushed for 38 yards, and scored 8 total touchdowns (6 passing, 2 rushing).

Perhaps most importantly, Beck has only turned the ball over one time.

On the other side, Auburn starter Payton Thorne has had a troubled start to the season.

The Michigan State transfer ended up with only 44 passing yards in last week’s losing effort in College Station, pushing his season total to a mediocre 561 yards in four games.

In two games against Power 5 opponents, Thorne has collected just 138 passing yards and two touchdowns.

The Michigan State transfer has been able to find the end zone this frequently this year (6 total touchdowns) but his 4 turnovers in 4 games are alarming.

The clear edge in quarterback play goes to Carson Beck and the UGA Bulldogs.

The skill position battle is almost as lopsided as the quarterback comparison.

Not only is UGA loaded at running back and receiver, but their best player on the offensive side of the ball is their tight end, Brock Bowers.

Standing at 6 4″ tall and 240 pounds, Bowers is coming off a dominant year in which he racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns in 15 games.

Bowers is picking up right where he left off so far this season, as the junior already has 260 yards and 3 touchdowns.

While Auburn wide receiver jay fair has had himself a decent year and Georgia’s wide receiving core is nothing to scoff at, Bowers is clearly the best pass catcher in this game.

Georgia gets the advantage in the running back room as well.

Auburn’s top option, Jarquez Hunter, has struggled this year due to minor injuries, a suspension, and inconsistent o-line play.

His backup, Damari Altson, was injured in the Texas A&M game and is unlikely to play this week.

Third-stringer Brian Battie was arguably the Tiger’s best offensive player after Alston went down last week, but his youth and inexperience make him too hard to judge just yet.

Georgia’s running backs are also dealing with some injuries, but they still get the edge because of their experience in big games. UGA’s top two rushers, Daijun Edwards and Kendall Milton, are both seniors who were on the team for both of the Bulldogs championship runs.

Georgia’s talent and experience give them the edge over Auburn in every facet of the offensive game.

That is the case on the other side of the ball as well, although Georgia’s advantage is smaller.

The Auburn defense was the only thing that kept the Tigers afloat on the road last week, as the unit scored the team’s lone touchdown and kept Auburn in the game for three and a half quarters despite the offense failing to do much of anything.

Auburn’s defense has held opponents to just 16 PPG and 298.5 YPG this year. The 16 PPG is tied for 22nd in the nation, and the 298.5 YPG is tied for 24th.

Auburn’s defensive unit is also ranked 6th in the nation in defensive efficiency by ESPN FPI.

These numbers are all great. The only issue is that UGA’s are better.

The Dawgs are giving up 11.25 PPG and 282 YPG, good for 10th and 17th in the nation, respectively.

Auburn may have the best player on the defensive side of the ball in Eugene Asante, but Georgia is just a little bit better as a whole.

This game is probably going to be about as close as the experts believe, with UGA possibly blowing out Auburn early in this game.

The fact is, Auburn’s just not on the same talent level as the Bulldogs right now.

With that being said, the Tigers could still win this game, but it would take an amazing effort by the defense and a monster bounce-back performance by Payton Thorne.

We’ll see if the Tigers can shock the world when things kick off at Jordan-Hare at 2:30 PM CST on Saturday.

[aubiefifty 18,259]

lindyssports.com

Auburn vs. Georgia: Preview, Prop Pick and Prediction | Lindy's Sports

4–6 minutes

On a Saturday lacking heavyweight matchups, count on the SEC to kick up some intrigue.

Two-time defending champion Georgia hits the road to meet the Auburn Tigers and the No. 1-ranked Bulldogs are leaving Athens for the first time all season.

Top-ranked and favored to three-peat, Georgia has been largely untested through four weeks.

First-year Tigers coach Hugh Freeze doesn’t have nearly the weapons held by his counterpart, Kirby Smart, but his team presents another measuring stick for the Bulldogs.

Georgia cruised to a 49-21 home win over UAB last week. But the Bulldogs were not particularly dominant in a 24-14 victory over SEC foe South Carolina the week prior.

Is there betting value on 14.5-point underdog Auburn, or is Georgia about to put together a complete effort and rout the Tigers?

We have news, trends and quotes — along with our spread pick and a prop pick for good measure.

–Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
–Television: CBS
–Location: Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Ala.
–Point Spread, Total: Georgia -14.5, Total 45.5

QUICK PICK

If Auburn wants to bring more than a scare on Saturday, the ground game must be efficient against a Georgia defense that has allowed opponents’ rushing attacks success.

Auburn will try desperately to create first downs with an early run game. Unfortunately, that is an open secret and, with the Tigers’ one-dimensional offense, the plan could be scuttled before halftime.

Not good, given the limited resources from the Auburn air attack, which ranks among the worst in SEC passing metrics.

Auburn (3-1) tries to dominate on the ground, but Georgia likely will stifle the Tigers rushing attack and force a shift to the passing game.

Georgia’s defense is allowing only 87 rushing yards per game this season.

Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne managed only 44 passing yards in last week’s 27-10 loss at Texas A&M.

How are the Tigers expected to deal with a Georgia defense that is getting healthier?

Georgia has all the capability to bury poor passing teams, and should be able to turn this into a rout.

Add the fact that Smart motivates his team in hostile environments. When favored on the road, Georgia is 25-2 straight up and 19-8 against the spread.

Let’s eat.

The pick: Georgia 34, Auburn 14.

THE NEWS

Georgia (4-0) aims to push its winning streak to 22 games.

This matchup offers Georgia quarterback Carson Beck an opportunity to firmly announce his presence as a leader as he makes his first career road start.

The junior has completed 72.7 percent of his passes, throwing for six touchdowns and only one interception.

Beck had a career-high 338 yards and three touchdowns last week.

The Bulldogs have won five straight regular-season games over the Tigers since a 40-17 loss on Nov. 11, 2017. Just weeks later, Georgia beat Auburn 28-7 in the SEC title game.

Georgia scored touchdowns on all six visits to the red zone last week when it rolled up 582 yards of total offense despite three turnovers.

When Auburn faces similar talent (Power Five games, for example), it tends to struggle. The Tigers barely beat a middling Pac-12 team, Cal, 14-10, and then were dominated on the stat sheet and on the field by Texas A&M, gaining only half the Aggies’ yardage amount.

In those two games, Cal and Texas A&M, Auburn failed to reach 230 yards of total offense.

Thorne has thrown four touchdowns and three interceptions in four games and was replaced by Robby Ashford last Saturday.

Freeze was leaning toward giving Thorne another start.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, are far from one-dimensional — as one would expect when their recruiting classes are consistently filled with future NFL players.

Running back Daijuan Edwards averages almost six yards a carry and all-everything tight end Brock Bowers already has 22 receptions for more than 250 yards.

THEY SAID IT

“It’s not all Payton, but sometimes it is and he owns it. We had a good meeting (Sunday) night and we just got to try this week to get a plan in place that we can all execute and all understand. And that falls on (offensive coordinator) Philip (Montgomery) and his staff and ultimately on me.”

— Auburn coach Hugh Freeze on starting quarterback Payton Thorne.

PROP PICK

Let’s guard against a nasty back-door cover by teasing the margin to Georgia -9.5 and using that in a BetMGM same-game parlay with Georgia to score more than 27.5 points.

The prop: Georgia -9.5 with Georgia over 27.5 points score

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

247sports.com

 

Quick Quotes Hugh Freeze on Tiger Talk before hosting No 1 Georgia

Nathan King

11–14 minutes

---

The Tigers are set to take on two-time defending national champion Georgia

Auburn's SEC home opener carries plenty of notoriety, as the Tigers are set to take on two-time defending national champion Georgia, looking to spring a massive upset with the help of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

On this week's Tiger Talk, the program's live radio show, Hugh Freeze will break down Auburn's big test against the Bulldogs (2:30 p.m. CDT, CBS). Offensive guard Kam Stutts and safety Jaylin Simpson will also join the show.

Follow along here for live updates from Tiger Talk.

* Freeze says Auburn has had a good week of practice and had "very few" mistakes Thursday. Tigers "practiced faster and understood the plan better."

* "Obviously you have to protect better when it gets real."

* In terms of positive takeaways from the Texas A&M game, Freeze says the Tigers controlled the clock in the second quarters.

* Freeze reiterates that third-team safety Marquise Gilbert was out of position on both of Texas A&M's touchdown throws in the third quarter. Freeze said he doesn't blame him, of course, as the Tigers were thin in the secondary after Donovan Kaufman, J.D. Rhym and Zion Puckett all went down.

* Freeze says Auburn has "worked really hard" this week at practice on pocket presence for his quarterbacks."

* Freeze says the most influential coach on his early career was Steve Spurrier. That's why Freeze likes to wear visors.

* Freeze: "If we don't see some RPOs soon, I'm gonna have a heart attack."

* "I was more involved in the game plan this week. It cost me a little time in recruiting."

* Freeze: "We're a solid offensive line. Do I think Auburn should be better in the future? Yes."

* Freeze said he's booked up all through Saturday night with Auburn's massive recruiting visitor list.

* What would Freeze's five-year plan at Auburn look like? "I would hope by Year 3, we're competing with anybody that's considered elite." Says he's always believed a staff needs two full recruiting classes to start competing with the top of the conference.

* "We need three or four top-10 classes in the row, just like everyone else is having."

* Freeze said he gave his players examples this week of big upsets he's pulled in his career at Ole Miss and Liberty.

* Freeze: "The pressure's on them. Let's not have any pressure and just go have fun and play."

Fearless Forecasters: Our picks for Auburn vs. No. 1 Georgia, other Week 5 games

Can Auburn pull off a huge upset at home?

Hugh Freeze has a history of pulling big upsets at home with an overmatched team. Can he put one on the board for Auburn in tremendous fashion against the No. 1 team in the country?

The Tigers (3-1, 0-1 SEC) are licking offensive wounds after failing to find the end zone in a 27-10 loss at Texas A&M last weekend, but are hoping a raucous Jordan-Hare Stadium can lend them a hand. Georgia is, after all, going on the road for the first time this season, with a clean 4-0 mark, including a 24-14 win over South Carolina in SEC play. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CDT on CBS, as Auburn looks to snap a six-game losing streak — the second-longest for the Tigers in the series' history.

Our Fearless Forecasters dive into their picks — straight up, not against the spread — and predictions for Auburn's return home in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry, plus other SEC matchups and notable games across the country in Week 5.

 

WEEK 5 STANDINGS

 

Nathan: 65-12

Phillip: 63-14

Christian: 62-15

Matthew: 62-15

Jason: 60-17

Ronnie: 59-18

Dukes: 56-21

‌

 

AUBURN VS. NO. 1 GEORGIA (-14.5)

 

(Logan Riely, Getty)

Nathan King: "This isn't exactly a prime spot for Auburn to remedy its struggling passing game. I think with the injuries Georgia has right now, Texas A&M might be a better defensive line, but the Bulldogs are still going to be an extremely difficult out for the Tigers to manage on the front lines — and, in turn, I don't expect Payton Thorne to necessarily have it easy, after we saw him look uncomfortable in the pocket against the Aggies. That said, I'd be surprised if the Tigers aren't a bit better throwing the ball this week. Frankly, they can't be much worse.

"I'll reserve some benefit of the doubt right now for Freeze's coaching ability to have his team ready to play and better prepared at home in a game they're extremely overmatched in. Auburn should continue to be solid defensively, and Carson Beck will have to be sharp to succeed against Ron Roberts' unit. Just a bit of success for Georgia offensively, though, is probably enough to secure its seventh straight win in the series."

Georgia 27, Auburn 10

‌

Phillip Marshall: "Fans are easily discouraged. Players, not so much. Playing at Jordan-Hare Stadium, I look for Auburn to play its best game of the season. Georgia is not - or at least has not been — the overwhelming force it was last season.

"No, I'm not going to pick Auburn to win the game. Georgia just has too much firepower on both sides of the ball, and Auburn's defense is  hampered by injuries."

Georgia 26, Auburn 17

‌

Christian Clemente: "This game feels like it will turn out somewhat similar to the 2019 game at Jordan-Hare when Auburn went down 21-0 but it felt like the Tigers were still in it. I think Auburn will stay competitive and be in this game whether down 14 or 17 or 21, but I do not see this team punching back at the end to make it 21-14.

"Georgia's offense hasn't necessarily been fantastic to start the year and now Carson Beck has his first road game as a starter in what should be a raucous environment. Auburn's defense and the crowd will keep the Tigers in it, but the offense will once again be the issue. There's probably no getting worse than the showing in College Station, so I'll say the Tigers get a couple of touchdowns and eventually the defense runs out of stops."

Georgia 24, Auburn 14

‌

Matthew Wallace: “I usually just do postgame social media reactions, so coming up with a smart and insightful comment about this game isn’t easy but I’ll try: Auburn probably won’t win if it only get 200 yards of offense like last week. This game will probably follow the pattern of the past two games between these teams. Auburn will hang around for a while and might even take an early lead in the game but the 'talent gap' that Hugh Freeze has talked about with some opponents will show in the second half as Georgia pulls away.

"Auburn is still two or three years away from being able to compete with Georgia, but can still be a competitive team by the end of the season. Next week’s off week, though slightly earlier than usual, comes at a good time for the Tigers." 

Georgia 34, Auburn 13

‌

Jason Caldwell: "Based on what I saw last weekend and what I have seen for the last two decades, it’s hard to have a whole lot of confidence about the Tigers heading into Saturday’s game at Jordan-Hare Stadium. 

"I do think this is a team that can keep this game relatively close for a while if they can find a few plays in the passing game. Georgia is still very talented, but I don’t think this is the same Georgia team we have seen the last few years. Unfortunately for Auburn, the Bulldogs are still good enough to win this one comfortably."

Georgia 27, Auburn 13

‌

Ronnie Sanders: "Georgia has better players than Auburn.  There’s no question about that. Is the point differential known as Jordan-Hare Stadium enough to overcome one it? The most important thing in this game may be the atmosphere for the massive recruiting weekend Auburn has planned. 

"The Tigers play better on offense, but it’s not enough."

Georgia 34, Auburn 24

‌

Phillip Dukes: "Georgia may not be playing as well offensively as we’ve seen in recent years but their defense is just as fast as we’ve been accustomed to. Auburn has also been struggling offensively and have a major question mark at the quarterback position. I’m not sure if this is the best week to answer that question with the two-time defending national champions coming to town.

"I think the spirit of Jordan-Hare allows Auburn to make the game closer than it probably should be."

Georgia 27, Auburn 13

[aubiefifty 18,259]

al.com

By the numbers: How Auburn football’s stats compare to No. 1 Georgia, the rest of the nation

Updated: Sep. 28, 2023, 2:00 p.m.|Published: Sep. 28, 2023, 1:37 p.m.

4–5 minutes

Head to Head: Auburn vs. Georgia

Through four games, we’ve learned a thing or two about the Auburn football team.

Perhaps the easiest conclusion to come to is that the Tigers aren’t half bad on defense, while the offensive side of the football is a different story. The raw numbers reflect this early-season narrative.

Auburn’s defense ranks 25th in the country for total defense, allowing an average of 298 yards per game. The Tigers’ defense also ties others in sixth place for red zone defense, allowing opponents to score just 55.6% of the time. And Auburn’s third-down defense still ranks near the top of the barrel as the Tigers hold the No. 14 spot, allowing opponents to convert just 28% of the time.

Offensively, however, the numbers are concerning.

As one might suspect, Auburn’s passing struggles are reflected by the numbers. The Tigers’ offense ranks 113th out of 133 FBS teams in passing offense, only averaging 173 passing yards per game. Meanwhile, after last week’s struggles moving the chains, Auburn’s third-down offense dropped to 83rd in the country as the Tigers have moved the sticks on third down just 39% of the time.

Now, as it relates to the top-ranked Bulldogs, if numbers are any indication, there are some weak spots.

In somewhat of a surprise, the Georgia offense ranks 65th in rushing offense, averaging just 159 yards per game — nearly 40 yards fewer than Auburn’s average. Though it is worth noting Georgia’s backfield has been a bit banged up early this season.

The red zone is another area the Tigers can look to capitalize is when Auburn’s offense gets into the red zone, where Georgia has allowed opponents to score more than 87% of the time. Granted, it’s worth noting the Bulldogs’ defense has been pinned on their heels inside the 20-yard line just eight times this season.

Here’s a complete look at the numbers, courtesy of cfbstats.com:

Rushing offense

1. Air Force – 340 yards/game

32. Auburn –197 yards/game

65. Georgia – 159 yards/game

Passing offense

1. Washington – 467 yards/game

11. Georgia – 337 yards/game

113. Auburn – 173 yards/game

Total offense

1. Washington – 593 yards/game

13. Georgia – 496 yards/game

84. Auburn – 371 yards/game

Scoring offense

1. USC – 55 points/game

14. Georgia – 41.5 points/game

52. Auburn – 32 points/game

Rushing defense

1. James Madison – 41 yards/game

18. Georgia – 87 yards/game

74. Auburn – 134 yards/game

Passing defense

1. Penn State – 138 yards/game

17. Auburn – 164 yards/game

41. Georgia – 195 yards/game

Total defense

1. Penn State – 219 yards/game

18. Georgia – 282 yards/game

25. Auburn – 298 yards/game

Scoring defense

1. Michigan – 5.8 points/game

10. Georgia – 11.3 points/game

23. Auburn – 16 points/game

Turnover margin

1. Penn State – +11

23. Georgia – +3

52. Auburn – +1

Interceptions

1. Liberty – 10

T-5. Georgia – 7

T-27. Auburn – 5

Fumbles recovered

1. East Carolina – 7

T-28. Auburn – 3

T-120. Georgia – 0

Penalties

1. Iowa – 20 yards/game

36. Georgia – 41 yards/game

T-66. Auburn – 51 yards/game

3rd down offense

1. Kansas – 60.4%

12. Georgia – 53.9%

T-83. Auburn – 39.2%

3rd down defense

1. Utah – 19.6%

10. Georgia – 26.3%

14. Auburn – 28.3%

Red zone scoring

1. Wisconsin – 100%

T-58. Georgia – 86.3%

T-85. Auburn – 80%

Red zone touchdowns

1. Toledo – 20

T-8. Georgia – 15

T-51. Auburn – 10

Opponents red zone scoring

1. Syracuse – 44.4%

T-6. Auburn – 55.6%

T-93. Georgia – 87.5%

Sacks

1. James Madison – 18

T-46. Auburn – 10

T-114. Georgia – 5

Sacks allowed

1. Iowa State – 1

T-19. Georgia – 4

T-111. Auburn – 12

Tackles for loss

1. USC – 41

T-75. Auburn – 22

T-75. Georgia – 22

Tackles for loss allowed

1. Michigan – 9

T-6. Georgia – 13

T-110. Auburn – 29

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

[aubiefifty 18,259]

wsfa.com

No. 1 Georgia finally hits the road, visiting Auburn in the Deep South’s oldest rivalry

JOHN ENOR

5–6 minutes

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — The Georgia Bulldogs are taking their star-studded show on the road for the first time.

Challenged only once this season, the top-ranked Bulldogs (4-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) visit an Auburn team Saturday that flopped in its first SEC game under Hugh Freeze.

The Deep South’s oldest rivalry has been increasingly one-sided in recent years with Auburn (3-1, 0-1) languishing in mediocrity and Georgia winning two straight national titles and emerging as what Freeze calls “one of the gold standards in college football right now.”

The Bulldogs are 14 1/2-point favorites heading into Jordan-Hare Stadium, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. But hitting the road does give coach Kirby Smart a new challenge to highlight after four straight home games.

“Road SEC tests are always difficult,” Smart said. “There is no way around it. I think any conference when you go on the road in it, it’s always a test, a test of focus, patience, endurance, composure, all the qualities you need to be a good team.”

Auburn didn’t look ready to face the nation’s top team in a 27-10 loss to Texas A&M..

Georgia did have a sputtering start in its SEC opener against South Carolina and won just 24-14.

It's Freeze's first direct experience with the venerable border rivalry, and he doesn't get the impression it's one born of hate.

“I’m not big on hate. I'm really not.” he said. "I’m big on just, man, this means something to so many people. So we should compete in a way out of love for our people, not necessarily for hate for other people. :

Smart, a former Alabama defensive coordinator, agrees. “I look at it as a hell of a fierce rivalry and that’s really why you do this business,” the Georgia coach said.

ONE-SIDED RIVALRY

Georgia has dominated the rivalry in recent year with six straight victories, outscoring the Tigers 179-57. Auburn has failed to score more than 14 points in a game since its last victory over Georgia, a 40-17 triumph late in the 2017 regular season. This is the first time the teams have played in September.

THIRD QUARTER BLUES

The Tigers offense hasn’t scored in the third quarter of the last two games against FBS opponents. Georgia has outscored opponents 56-0 in the third quarter this season.

QB CHALLENGES

Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will be making his first road start of his career. Auburn's Payton Thorne is just trying to hold onto the starting job after Robby Ashford played most of the second half against Texas A&M.

Beck has been solid so far as Stetson Bennett’s successor, completing nearly 73% of his passes for 1,184 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. But it will be intriguing to see how he fares in a hostile environment.

“That’s something we’re going to find out,” coach Kirby Smart said. “I don’t think you know."

As for Auburn, is Thorne still the No. 1 guy?

“Yeah, we’re still kind of wading through that but that’s probably where it will land this week also,” Freeze said Monday. Thorne, Ashford and Holden Geriner combined for 56 passing yards against Texas A&M.

AILING DOGS

Georgia has dealt with a rash of injuries and health issues in the first month of the season, but several players appear close to returning.

Defensive end Mykel Williams, who didn’t play against UAB because of an illness, should be able to go Saturday. And Smart sounded more hopeful about star safety Javon Bullard, who has missed most of the past two games with an ankle injury.

Receiver Ladd McConkey has yet to play this season because of a back issue, but he appears to be getting closer.

Defensive end Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (ankle) isn’t expected to play, while running backs Kendall Milton (knee) and Roderick Robinson (ankle) continue to recover from their injuries. Auburn running back Damari Alston is expected to miss the game with a shoulder injury and the team has been dealing with injury problems in the secondary, too.

TURNOVER BATTLE

Auburn has forced a league-high eight turnovers through four games with a pair of defensive scores. The Tigers might need to get more to keep this game competitive.

“You can tell they are coaching it, and they are violent, stripping at balls, going after it," Smart said. "That’s the growing rate in the country. You got to protect the ball at a higher rate now than ever I can remember.”

___ AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry contributed to this report.

___

AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll

[aubiefifty 18,259]

Auburn football: Can Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Tigers’ defense rattle Georgia’s Carson Beck?

Published: Sep. 28, 2023, 9:50 a.m.

6–7 minutes

Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze didn’t beat around the bush heading into last week’s visit to Texas A&M.

“It’s a great challenge,” Freeze said. “We’ve got to get some young guys ready. They’re going to get baptized into the SEC pretty good in front of A&M’s crowd and the talent on that team.”

Freeze knew he had a lot of guys on his roster that had never played in a hostile environment full of crazed SEC football fans like they’d see at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field – his starting quarterback being one of them.

Now, to say all of Payton Thorne’s struggles were the result of the Aggies’ crowd would be a stretch. There was a lot going wrong for Thorne and the Auburn offense Saturday.

But the crowd and atmosphere at Texas A&M — where Thorne made his first start in the SEC — was likely still a factor.

And that’s worth noting as a fellow unproven SEC quarterback comes to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.

Like Thorne, Georgia’s Carson Beck might be a junior, but he’s only in his first season as a starting quarterback in the SEC.

Beck has four starts under his belt this year and has had the luxury of playing each of them within the confines of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium. And that begs the question: Will Beck be ready for the stage that is Pat Dye Field on Saturday?

“I think that’s something we’re going to find out. I don’t think you know,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said during his press conference Monday. “I’m very confident in Carson’s ability to communicate, to understand things… he’s been in our system. You only get good at these situational football things by playing football for a long time. And he’s been with us for a while doing it and this is his first chance to do it on the road.”

Unlike Thorne, Beck isn’t new to this league. In his first three seasons in Athens, Beck watched from the sidelines as Stetson Bennett piloted the Bulldogs to a pair of national championships.

That means Beck experienced his first game at Jordan-Hare during in front of a capacity crowd during the 2021 season. The second-ranked Bulldogs walked over the 18th-ranked Tigers 34-10 that day as Bennett passed for more than 230 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s been on these road trips,” Smart said of Beck during the SEC coaches’ teleconference Wednesday. “Obviously he hasn’t played, hasn’t been out there. But he’s been on them. He’s seen the environment.”

But Beck’s experience from the sideline in 2021 is far different than what he’ll experience come Saturday when he trots onto the field for the first time.

It’s pretty standard for coaches to request the help of a program’s fans leading into a home game. But in the case of this weekend Freeze’s plea to Tigers’ fans is likely as genuine as ever.

“Thank God we’re in Jordan-Hare,” Freeze said Monday.

Georgia having a young, inexperienced quarterback and playing in a rambunctious place like Jordan-Hare Stadium could be the top-ranked Bulldogs’ Achilles Heel – especially considering Georgia is dealing with a pretty banged up crew of running backs, meaning it might lean on the passing game a bit more.

Georgia running backs Kendall Milton and Roderick Robinson both missed last week’s game against UAB as Milton is still working through a MCL sprain and Robinson is working through an ankle sprain. Smart said this week that Milton has been able to practice some, while Robinson has remained pretty limited.

In the absence of Milton and Robinson, the Bulldogs have looked to Daijun Edwards, Dillon Bell and Cash Jones.

Edwards is Georgia’s leading rusher to this point with 32 carries for 184 yards and three touchdowns – including a career-high 118 yards against South Carolina earlier this season.

And until last week when Auburn’s defense was gassed in the second half against Texas A&M, the Tigers’ defense has been able to limit the damage of their opponents’ ground game. Prior to last week’s loss in College Station, the Tigers’ defense averaged giving up just 109 rushing yards per game.

Granted, the caliber of opponents was much different than the challenge the Aggies presented and surely what the Bulldogs will present on Saturday.

Nonetheless, should the Auburn defense stifle Georgia’s run game and force a young Carson Beck to throw the ball around the yard, the Bulldogs’ offense might find that it’s having some trouble moving the chains.

The Tigers’ defensive backfield — though thin right now — ranks as one of the best in the league.

Auburn’s defense has allowed just 658 yards through the air, which ranks them 17th in the country and third in the SEC.

The Tigers have also been able to force eight turnovers on the season, which ties Arkansas for first in the SEC. Six of those turnovers have come by way of interceptions with veteran safety Jaylin Simpson leading the charge with three picks on the year.

Last week in College Station was the first game this season in which Simpson didn’t record an interception, so some might say he’s due for another on Saturday.

The guys on Auburn’s defense certainly have the potential to create issues for top-ranked Georgia on Saturday.

And a rambunctious crowd at Jordan-Hare would only help their efforts.

Georgia’s Smart said that every stadium in the SEC is “loud as hell”. But through countless visits to Auburn as a player and coach, he knows Jordan-Hare can be a different beast when brimming over.

“Auburn does an incredible job, the fanbase and the atmosphere they create,” Smart said. “Every game I’ve ever played there has never disappointed.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

auburnwire.usatoday.com

 

Why Auburn won't upset Georgia

JD McCarthy

3–4 minutes

---

It is nearly time for the latest edition of the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry as the Auburn Tigers (3-1) are set to host the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs (4-0) on Saturday.

The programs enter the game in two different stages as Hugh Freeze is just starting his tenure and is attempting to build Auburn back up.

Buy Tigers Tickets

Kirby Smart has turned the Bulldogs into the top program in the country and has them looking to win their third straight national championship, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished since the Minnesota Golden Gophers won the 1934-36 championships.

Auburn enters the game as the heavy underdog and here are five reasons why they won’t be able to keep up with the Bulldogs.

Mickey Welsh / Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK

Auburn’s quarterbacks have struggled in both of their Power Five matchups so far and neither Texas A&M or Cal had a defense as good as Georgia’s. Auburn is trying to pull off a massive upset and to do that you need good to great quarterback play and that is not something Payton Thorne or Robby Ashford have consistently done this season

[Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Syndication Florida Times Union

Brock Bowers is Georgia’s best offensive player and is one of the toughest matchups in football. He has the ability to line up as a tight end, in the slot or out wide and is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Auburn’s defense will have to focus on covering him and that can free up other receivers.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn’s coaching staff did a great job adding experienced offensive linemen through the transfer portal to try and fix an issue that has plagued the program for years,  but the early returns have not been as good as many hoped for. Georgia’s defensive line is capable of taking over the game and preventing Auburn’s running backs from having room to work. If that happens then the pressure will only increase on Auburn’s passing attack and that is not a recipe for succes.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn has been one of the worst 3rd down offenses in the country converting on just 39.22% of their attempts. Georgia on the other hand is allowing opponents to convert on just 26.32% of their third down plays, the 10th-best rate in the country. When trying to move the ball against a defense like Georgia you have to be good in key situations and Auburn’s offense has not done that to start the season.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn’s defense has clearly been the strength of the team so far but you can only ask them to do so much. With Auburn’s offense struggling to move the ball they are forced to spend too much time on the field and cracks can start to appear as the game goes on. I’m expecting them to play great to start the game but get worn down during the second half as Georgia starts to pull away in the third quarter.

Follow all your favorite Alabama teams at Auburn Wire and Roll Tide Wire!

[aubiefifty 18,259]

247sports.com

PMARSHONAU Quarterback questions continue to plague Auburn

Phillip Marshall

8–10 minutes

A look at Auburn quarterbacks in recent seasons

Auburn is dealing again with quarterback questions. Since 2018, Jarrett Stidham’s second season, Auburn quarterbacks have faced varying issues – some of their own doing and some not.

Michigan State transfer Payton Thorne will apparently get his fifth consecutive start Saturday when the Tigers play No. 1 Georgia at Jordan-Hare Stadium. After a woeful game in last Saturday’s 27-10 loss at Texas A&M, Thorne’s hold on the starting job might be tenuous.

Should Auburn coaches decide to make a move, Robby Ashford will likely get the call.

A look at the quarterbacks since 2018:

JARRETT STIDHAM

Stidham and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey arrived at the same time, and they hit it off. After Auburn blew a 20-0 lead at LSU, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn told Lindsey he would get out of his way, and he did.

The result was that Auburn scored 40-plus points in six of eight SEC games, beat Georgia and Alabama when they were ranked No. 1 and won the West. Stidham completed 246 of 370 passes, 66.49 percent, for 18 touchdowns.

Early in the 2018 season, Malzahn involved himself with the offense again. Stidham believed that promises that he would have control of the offense and the ability to change plays were broken. Lindsey felt betrayed. Stidham was unhappy and not as effective. He completed 224 of 369 passes, 60.7 percent, for 2,704 yards and 18 touchdowns.2,541 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Auburn finished 8-5 and Lindsey left. Stidham had another year of eligibility but declared for the NFL draft.

Stidham is the backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

BO NIX

In 2019, Kenny Dillingham was named offensive coordinator, but Malzahn returned to calling plays. A 5-star signee, Nix established a close relationship with Dillingham and had a long-standing relationship with Malzahn. Nix was named SEC Freshman of the Year. He completed 217 of 377 passes, 57.56 percent, for 16 touchdowns.

In 2020, Malzahn hired old friend Chad Morris, who had been fired as Arkansas head coach, to run the offense. Nix and Morris were not a good match. Malzahn got involved again. Auburn went 6-4 in 10 SEC games and was fired at the end of the season. Nix completed 214 of 357 passes for 2,415 yards and five touchdowns.

In 2021, Nix was caught again in a dysfunctional situation. Bryan Harsin was named head coach and hired Mike Bobo to be offensive coordinator. Nix and Bobo developed a close relationship. He and Harsin did not.

Like Malzahn before him, Harsin would not keep his hands off the offense. Saying he and Bobo did not see eye-to-eye would be an understatement. Bobo was fired. Nix was taking heat on social media. He was rarely allowed to run, a vital part of his game, other than on scrambles. He was miserable. In 10 games, Nix completed 197 of 323 passes, 60.99 percent, for 2,294 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Nix suffered a broken ankle against Mississippi State and did not play again. He transferred to Oregon, where he is a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy.

T.J. FINLEY

Finley took over as the starter when Nix was hurt and won the starting job over Robby Ashford in 2022. He struggled before losing the job to Ashford. He left after spring practice and is now the starting quarterback at Texas State.

ROBBY ASHFORD

Ashford took over as the starter in the fourth game of last season. He completed 123 of 250 passes for 1,613 yards and seven touchdowns. He used his electric athleticism to rush for 710 yards and seven touchdowns.

That bring us to today.

Thorne will probably start his fifth consecutive game Saturday against Georgia, but Ashford is close behind. The search for quarterback stability goes on.

Several Tigers bulk up after 'another level' of offseason conditioning

Several members of Auburn's 2023-24 rotation have bulked up this offseason

Jaylin Williams emerged from the tunnels under Neville Arena onto the hardwood, looking winded.

It’s finally time for preseason practice, as Auburn looks to make it three straight NCAA tournament appearances, But the Tigers

“Offseason has been really tough for us, but it's great work for us at the same time,” Williams said. “We're trying to win championships. I just got done lifting, I can barely talk right now."

One of the main talking points when Auburn opened preseason work Tuesday, both from Bruce Pearl and players, was the effectiveness of the program’s offseason regimen with longtime strength coach Damon Davis. Relative to each player’s needs, the Tigers feel they’ve bulked up or slimmed down effectively over the past few months, and are excited to show off the returns from their conditioning in just over a month when the 2023-24 season begins.

Williams, a fifth-year senior at power forward, said Davis has been “pushing us to another level” since the summer. And even a veteran like Williams, who’s played in 107 games on the Plains, wanted to tune up his body this offseason to become a more complete player in the frontcourt.

He’s up to 245 pounds, the heaviest weight of his Auburn career, but still feels just as athletic. Williams thinks that’s the case for a lot of players on the roster right now.

“I told (Davis) I want to get bigger, stronger, and be just as quick,” Williams said. “That's what happened for a lot of guys — so that we're physical enough to compete in the SEC and whoever we play against."

FIU transfer Denver Jones, Auburn’s likely starter at the 2-guard spot after scoring 20.1 points per game on 37.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc, also added 15 pounds since his listing at his previous program last season. Jones is a proven outside scorer, whom Auburn’s staff made a big push for right after the season to help improve the Tigers’ offense in that regard. But his improved physicality within Auburn’s strength program can help Jones add more weapons to his offensive game, Bruce Pearl hopes.

“You wouldn't recognize Denver Jones if you saw him in the spring, compared to where he is right now,” Pearl said. “He's put on 15, all muscle, and now he's able to get downhill and get to the rim — which is an element of his game he didn't have before.”

UAH transfer Chaney Johnson, who’s been competing with Williams at the 4 spot all offseason, immediately became one of the Tigers’ most athletic players when he was added in April. The Gulf South Conference player of the year last season, Johnson does a lot of damage running the floor and catching lobs in transition, and now he’s bulked up in preparation for a jump in talent level from Division-II ball to the SEC.

“In addition to the fact just got a haircut, I walked into the gym and couldn't recognize him,” Pearl said of UAH transfer Chaney Johnson. “He's put on 15 (pounds). He's a tremendously powerful athlete.”

One of the most intriguing pieces of Auburn’s lineup is Chad Baker-Mazara, a JUCO transfer now on his fourth college program, after also playing at Duquesne and San Diego State early in his career. A 6-foot-7 wing, Baker-Mazara is hoped to bring a significant infusion of outside shooting, as he’s a 44 percent career shooter from 3-point range.

His length is a nice boost for Auburn defensively, but Pearl knew Baker-Mazara would have to get stronger in order to compete physically in the SEC. Strides were made in that department this offseason.

“The bad news is he weighs 180 pounds,” Pearl said. “The good news is he weighed 170 when he got here. Literally has picked up 10 pounds. And that's going to really, really help him.”

Returning All-SEC center Johni Broome also added five pounds, as did shooting guard K.D. Johnson. Sophomore point guard Tre Donaldson is up 10 pounds since last season. Senior Chris Moore, who’s been a bit of tweener between the 3 and 4 spots over the past couple seasons, has slimmed down 10 pounds from last season and is now expected to play primarily on the wing. Freshman point guard Aden Holloway, the No. 2-rated recruit in program history, was listed at 155 pounds his senior year of high school by 247Sports, and is now at 178 pounds this preseason for Auburn.

“We've always been a program that's all about development,” Pearl said. “It's been a huge part of who we are, what we sell and guys getting better.”

AUBURN 2023-24 NOTABLE WEIGHTS (from last season)

* SF Chris Moore: 230 -> 220

* SG K.D. Johnson: 185 -> 190

* PG Tre Donaldson: 190 -> 200

* SG Denver Jones: 190 -> 205

* PF Jaylin Williams: 230 -> 245

*** Subscribe to Auburn Undercover for the latest news and intel, podcasts, recruiting coverage and more ***

*** Get Auburn news straight to your inbox with the Auburn Undercover newsletter ***

[aubiefifty 18,259]

247sports.com

Auburn Opponent Preview Looking at the Georgia offense

Jason Caldwell

5–6 minutes

Auburn takes on Georgia this Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Despite the losses of quarterback Stetson Bennett, offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Warren McClendon, and tight end Darnell Washington to the NFL off last year’s team, the Georgia Bulldogs enter Saturday’s game with another strong offense with former Auburn offensive coordinator Mike Bobo running the show in Athens.

Currently 14th nationally in scoring offense (41.5 points per game) and 13th in total offense 496.5 yards per game), the Bulldogs are led by first-year starter Carson Beck at quarterback. A 4-star coming out of Mandarin High in Jacksonville, Florida, Beck has been strong out of the gates. In four games, Beck is completing 72.7 percent of his passes for 1,184 yards and six touchdowns with one interception. 

His top target is tight end Brock Bowers, one of the best players in college football. Already with 22 catches for 256 yards and two touchdowns this season and another rushing touchdown, Bowers is quickly moving up the receiving charts in Georgia history. Following his nine-catch, 121-yard, two TD game against UAB last week, Bowers is third in touchdown catches with 22 and ninth in total yardage with 2,079. 

At wide receiver, Missouri transfer Dominic Lovett has picked up where he left off with the Tigers. Second on the team with 17 catches for 169 yards, Lovett had 82 catches for over 1,000 yards in two seasons in Columbia. Back from injury, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint has nine catches for 165 yards in the last two games for the Bulldogs. Mississippi State transfer RaRa Thomas has seven receptions for 143 yards on the season.

The biggest story for Georgia could be the return of speedster Ladd McConkey. Out the first four games because of a back injury, McConkey is practicing and could be back this weekend for the Bulldogs. Last season he had 58 catches for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. In the last two meetings between Auburn and Georgia, McConkey has 10 catches for 182 yards and a touchdown.

With injuries at the running back position this season, Georgia has used a number of different players at the position, but got Daijun Edwards back two games ago and he has provided a lift with Kendall Milton still out of action. Against South Carolina and UAB, Edwards combined for 184 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Dillon Bell has added 13 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns this season while getting some work in the backfield. If Milton can’t go this Saturday, redshirt sophomore Cash Jones could get more work.

Up front, Georgia is led by center Sedrick Van Pran. Starting all 15 games each of the last two seasons and the first four this season, the Louisiana native is one of the top players in the country at his position. On the right side, guard Tate Ratledge and tackle Xavier Truss join Van Pran as the most experienced of the guys up front. With starting left tackle Amarius Mims out, redshirt freshman Earnest Green will get the start with sophomore Dylan Fairchild at guard.

WR 

1 Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint (6-2, 195, Sr.) OR

5 Rara Thomas (6-2, 200, Jr.) OR

9 Jackson Meeks (6-2, 205, Jr.)

23 De’Nylon Morrissette (6-1, 200, So.)

10 Tyler Williams (6-3, 205, Fr.)

WR 

6 Dominic Lovett (5-10, 187, Jr.)

86 Dillon Bell (6-1, 210, So.)

87 Mekhi Mews (5-8, 185, RSo.) 

17 Anthony Evans III (5-11, 165, Fr.) OR

83 Cole Speer (5-11, 185, So.)

WR 

84 Ladd McConkey (6-0, 185, Jr.) OR 

11 Arian Smith (6-0, 185, Jr.)

18 C.J. Smith (6-3, 190, RFr.) OR

13 Zeed Haynes (6-1, 170, Fr.)

LT 

71 Earnest Greene III (6-4, 320, RFr.)

58 Austin Blaske (6-5, 310, RJr.)

57 Monroe Freeling (6-7, 310, Fr.)

LG 

53 Dylan Fairchild (6-5, 315, RSo.) OR 

56 Micah Morris (6-6, 330, RSo.) 

70 Joshua Miller (6-4, 300, Fr.)

C 

63 Sedrick Van Pran (6-4, 310, Jr.)

55 Jared Wilson (6-3, 310, RSo.)

58 Austin Blaske (6-5, 310, RJr.)

74 Drew Bobo (6-5, 305, RFr.)

RG 

69 Tate Ratledge (6-6, 310, RSo.) 

53 Dylan Fairchild (6-5, 315, RSo.) OR

66 Aliou Bah (6-5, 320, RFr.)

RT 

73 Xavier Truss (6-7, 320, Sr.) 

78 Chad Lindberg (6-6, 325, Jr.)

59 Bo Hughley (6-7, 280, Fr.) OR

72 Jamal Meriweather (6-6, 287, Fr.) OR

54 Kelton Smith Jr. (6-4, 330, Fr.)

TE 

19 Brock Bowers (6-4, 240, Jr.)

4 Oscar Delp (6-5, 245, So.)

7 Lawson Luckie (6-3, 240, Fr.)

88 Pearce Spurlin III (6-7, 230, Fr.)

QB 

15 Carson Beck (6-4, 220, Jr.)

12 Brock Vandagriff (6-3, 210, RSo.) OR

14 Gunner Stockton (6-1, 215, RFr.)

TB 

30 Daijun Edwards (5-10, 201, Sr.) OR 

2 Kendall Milton (6-1, 220, Sr.) 

32 Cash Jones (6-0, 182, RSo.)

3 Andrew Paul (5-11, 218, RFr.) OR

0 Roderick Robinson II (6-0, 240, Fr.)

20 SeVaughn Clark (6-1, 215, Sr.)

41 Len’Neth Whitehead (6-2, 220, Jr.

[aubiefifty 18,259]

si.com

Recruiting expert believes Ny Carr's decision will come down to Auburn and Miami

Andrew Stefaniak

~3 minutes

Auburn is in the mix for recent Georgia decommit Ny Carr.

Ny Carr is a four-star wide receiver from Moultrie, Georgia, who recently backed off his Georgia pledge. 

Now that Carr is looking for a new school, the Auburn Tigers will push hard to land this talented speedster. 

Carr will be in Auburn this weekend for a visit to see the Tigers take on the team he was previously committed to in Georgia. 

Locked On recruiting expert Brian Smith joined Locked On Auburn to discuss Auburn's chances of landing the talented four-star receiver and if it's a good sign that he will be on the Plains for a visit. 

This is what Smith had to say, " I would think so. I would hope so. Look, Auburn has always made a living off south and central Georgia, and that won't change now under Hugh Freeze. This kid is also at Colquitt County, one of the best programs in the state of Georgia. I've seen him play live. I believe he's sub-10.5, 100 meter like, for real. Like this is not a normal kind of deal, he can fly. With all the things Hugh Freeze likes to do with RPOs and all that, he needs players like this to maximize his scheme. I have a feeling Hugh's already looking at his cheat sheet, like, how am I going to use this kid? Like all of the fun things coaches do with their offense in their man cave, Hugh Freeze is having fun right now. Because you can't do some of the stuff, you really want to unless you have a gadget guy like this. He's not the biggest kid; he's a buck fifty a buck sixty, but he can fly. Auburn getting him on campus ironically for this particular game is rather noteworthy, and it looks like it's going to be Auburn or Miami."

It sounds like Auburn really is in the hunt for the talented receiver, and it would be a lot of fun to see all the creative ways Coach Freeze can use him. 

Hopefully, the visit goes well, and Carr decides to play his college football on the Plains. 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

l.com

Baker WR Bryce Cain on Auburn: 'The vibe is just different'

Published: Sep. 27, 2023, 1:13 p.m.

4–5 minutes

Sports

Baker coach Steve Normand ‘had no clue’ how good Auburn commit Bryce Cain could be

Baker’s Bryce Cain dives for extra yardage during a preps football game, Friday, September 22, 2023, in Mobile, Ala. Cain and the Hornets host 4-1 Dothan on Friday. (Scott Donaldson/al.com)Scott Donaldson/al.com

Baker head coach Steve Normand was thrilled when baseball standout Bryce Cain decided to try football for the first time the spring before his junior year.

But even Normand didn’t know the potential Cain possessed.

“I had no clue he would be an SEC kid,” Normand said this week. “But you can’t coach speed. He’s that fast, and that’s what separates him from other guys.”

Normand has said Cain runs a legit 4.3 or 4.4.

Cain committed to Auburn in June and his continued improvement this season has helped Baker rise to No. 9 in the state in Class 7A and remain undefeated at 5-0. The Hornets host No. 7 Dothan on Friday in Mobile.

RELATED: 5 Coastal games to watch in Week 6

RELATED: AL.com Power 25 rankings

“It’s a testament to him,” Normand said. “Bryce had to work hard to get to the point where he knew the offense and could play in the offense.”

Normand has joked repeatedly that Cain’s first days on the Baker football team weren’t pretty. Cain admits as much.

“I was pretty much catching balls with my head, dropping most passes, but I kept working and working to try to get to where I am now,” he said.

Baker dual-threat quarterback and Mississippi State commit Josh Flowers said Cain’s progress has been impressive.

“He’s way better,” Flowers said. “I don’t know if any second-year player has had the type of growth he has had from one year to the next. It’s been amazing.”

The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Cain caught 26 passes for 497 yards and 5 TDs a year ago in his first year of football. Through five games in his senior year, he already has 21 receptions for 554 yards and 9 TDs.

“Coming in my junior year, I really never thought I would get to this point,” Cain said. “I worked my butt off to get here.”

Cain has worked himself into a 4-star receiver with college offers from around the nation. He’s ranked the 25th best senior prospect in the state according to 247 Sports. On3 has him ranked No. 11. Not bad for a “baseball player” who had never played football at any age two years ago.

“Coach Cal (Chase Calcagni), our offensive coordinator, called me off the basketball field and asked me if I wanted to play football,” Cain said. “I did, but the only thing was we had to bribe my mom into it. She didn’t want me to play football, but she finally let me.”

Seventeen months later, Cain now considers himself more of a football guy, than a baseball guy.

“I didn’t ever think that would happen,” he said.

Cain does plan to play his final year of baseball for the Hornets this spring before heading to Auburn.

“I feel really good about Auburn,” he said. “I think I’m 100 percent committed. The vibe there is just different. Everyone feels like family over there. I feel like the coaches can get me to the next level.”

Cain said he’ll play slot receiver for the Tigers.

“I think I’ll fit in really great with (Foley WR) Perry Thompson on one side, and we will have (Benjamin Russell ATH) Malcolm Simmons on the other side,” he said of two other in-state Auburn commits. “I think we’ll be pretty good.”

For now, all focus is on Baker football, however.

“I think we have the talent to win a state championship,” he said. “We have to keep working.”

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

 

[SaltyTiger 8,579]

Thanx again Fiddy. Another beautiful day on the way in Auburn. Some running around this morning then listen to Tiger Talk. You make it easy to pull up. 

[aubiefifty 18,259]

27 minutes ago, SaltyTiger said:

Thanx again Fiddy. Another beautiful day on the way in Auburn. Some running around this morning then listen to Tiger Talk. You make it easy to pull up. 

glad to help salty!

[SuperAUsome09 753]

* Freeze says Auburn has had a good week of practice and had "very few" mistakes Thursday.

Auburn fans hearing that: