The No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs grinded out a gritty 20-10 victory over rival Auburn on Saturday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium, extending their dominance in the series to nine straight wins and their streak against unranked opponents to 45 games.
Trailing 10-3 at halftime after a sluggish start, the Bulldogs flipped the script in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 17-0 while showcasing the resilience that’s become a hallmark of Kirby Smart’s program.
With the win, Georgia improves to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC, keeping their College Football Playoff hopes firmly in sight against a tough 2025 football schedule. Here are five key positives from the Bulldogs’ hard-fought road triumph.
1. 2nd-Half Defensive Shutdown Proves Grit
Georgia’s defense, which allowed 141 yards in the first quarter alone, transformed into a brick wall after halftime, blanking Auburn and limiting them to just 40 total yards on three first downs.
Standout plays like linebacker CJ Allen’s goal-line strip sack—forcing a fumble from Auburn QB Jackson Arnold on third-and-goal—prevented a back-breaking touchdown and sparked the comeback.
This second-half shutout, the Bulldogs’ second of the season, underscores their ability to adjust and dominate when it matters most, holding Auburn to zero third-down conversions in the final two quarters.
2. Gunner Stockton’s Dual-Threat Poise Steers the Ship
Quarterback Gunner Stockton bounced back from a rocky first half to deliver a masterful performance, completing 24 of 37 passes for 217 yards with zero interceptions while adding 26 rushing yards and a crucial 10-yard touchdown scamper to seal the game.
His leadership shone on the game-clinching 16-play, 78-yard drive that chewed up a school-record-tying 8:45 off the clock, including key conversions on third-and-8 and third-and-2.
Stockton’s efficiency and mobility not only tied the game but also iced it, proving he’s more than capable of guiding Georgia through adversity.
3. Special Teams Steps Up with Clutch Kicks and Coverage
Peyton Woodring was a hero under the lights, drilling a 29-yard field goal late in the first half to cut the deficit to 10-3 and a career-long 53-yarder in the third quarter to give Georgia its first lead at 13-10. The senior kicker, now 6-for-7 on field goals this season, also handled two PATs flawlessly, accounting for eight of the Bulldogs’ points.
Punter Brett Thorson complemented him with a 53-yard average, including a 60-yard boot, while returner Zachariah Branch’s 24-yard kickoff return added spark. In a game of inches, Georgia’s special teams provided the margin for victory.
4. Running Game and Balance Fuels Efficient Drives
Despite Auburn’s early rush defense stifling them for just 19 yards in the first half, Georgia’s ground attack came alive with Chauncey Bowens’ 2-yard tying touchdown run in the third quarter—his fourth score of the year—capping a swift 63-yard, five-play march.
The Bulldogs finished with balanced production, converting 5 of 11 third downs overall and excelling on critical short-yardage situations like fourth-and-1.
This offensive versatility, blending Stockton’s runs with timely passes to receivers like Noah Thomas (30-yard grab) and Branch (career-high nine catches for 57 yards), wore down the Tigers and controlled the tempo.
5. Resilience Amid Injuries Reinforces Depth and Heart
Even with key absences like right tackle Juan Gaston’s lower-leg injury (he returned by halftime) and cornerback Ellis Robinson sidelined, Georgia’s depth rose to the occasion without missing a beat.
Freshman Noah Thomas made his first start as a Bulldog with a pivotal 30-yard reception on the tying drive, while linebackers like Raylen Wilson (six tackles) and CJ Allen (10 tackles, one sack) filled gaps seamlessly.
This never-quit mentality—rallying from their own 1-yard line for an 88-yard scoring drive before halftime—highlights the Bulldogs’ toughness, a trait that’s carried them through nine wins in the last 10 meetings with Auburn.
Final Word
As Georgia turns its attention to a top-5 showdown with No. 4 Ole Miss next weekend, this victory serves as a timely reminder of their playoff pedigree.
The Bulldogs’ ability to overcome a fast start by the Tigers and impose their will bodes well for the stretch run. Go Dawgs!