Alabama Sweep? Week 7: Auburn Preview

by Chito Chibuye

Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus

Georgia Looks to Extend Nine-Game Winning Streak Against Auburn

The University of Georgia is coming off of a high after beating the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, but humility is only a week away and the SEC doesn’t relent. The Tigers, or War Eagles from the Plains head over to Athens for the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.” Some fans hate Tech, some fans loathe Florida, but there’s a special disdain that the University of Auburn pulls out of the Georgia faithful. UGA leads the all-time series 66-56-8, and is currently on a 9-game win streak that is tied for the longest in its’ history!

Auburn Tigers Enter Athens With New Head Coach Alex Golesh and an Extra Week to Prepare

Tennessee and Georgia will swap opponents this week as the Volunteers beat Auburn (in Week 5) 24-14 at home and now host Alabama with a fresh blueprint. Auburn also comes into 2026 having “swapped” out its last failed HC for a new one in Alex Golesh, who comes over from South Florida. Georgia looks to keep its momentum going against a hated rival with plenty of tape to watch, mistakes to fix and a chance to lock back in after an emotional win. Although UGA will be at home, Auburn is coming off a bye and will be rested and ready for the Dawgs. Auburn actually led Tennessee at halftime but UT continued to run the ball through massive holes while, AU continued to turned the ball over. If Auburn can limit their mistakes they’ll look to keep the game close between the hedges.

Auburn Players to Watch Against Georgia

LB Elijah Melendez:

Taking a loss during a bye week is like getting fired on your day off work. It’s tough to do, but Auburn somehow found a way. Golesh has suspended one of his top defensive players in Xavier Atkins for issues they’re keeping “in house”, so look for Sophomore LB Elijah Melendez to lead the defense.

QB Byrum Brown: Dual-Threat Quarterback

After a prolific career at USF where he threw for 3,000 yards and rushed for over 1,000 in 2025, the dual-threat QB decided to follow Alex Golesh to Auburn. He will look to give his best Keelon Russell impersonation this weekend and has the tools to make a similar impact. However, Brown has been less productive and more turnover prone since he arrived at Auburn. He’s only thrown for 1,000 yards so far, but is the team's leading rusher. He has also accounted for 8 total turnovers on the szn (7 interceptions) with 3 turnovers coming in Neyland. That is not conducive to success against this swarming defense.

WR Keeshaun Singleton

The junior WR also followed Alex Golesh from South Florida, and the 6-foot-3, 220-pound wideout has quickly cemented himself as the centerpiece and primary weapon of the Tigers' passing game. This year he has 29 rec for 322 yards and 1 TD.

Georgia vs. Auburn 2026: Three Keys to the Game

Avoid Rivalry Trap:

Auburn was on a bye last week and got to sit back and dissect Georgia’s win over the Tide while also getting the opportunity to correct their own mistakes. I expect them to be at their best on Saturday and it will be on Georgia to match or even surpass the intensity our rival will play with.

Adjust to New Playmakers:

Georgia is still a very banged up team and Chauncey Bowens has officially been ruled out for Saturday. It will be vital to establish a game plan that’s tailored towards our new weapons on offense. Freshman WR Craig Dandridge and RB Dwight Phillips Jr. have shown they are both explosive and reliable in BIG moments, let’s allow our offense to follow suit.

Run the Ball Like UT Did

Tennessee put up big numbers on the ground against Auburn, 237 yards to be exact. DeSean Bishop ERUPTED for 220 yards and 3 TDs on 34 Carries! Peanut can’t carry that big of a load but UGA will have more RBs available at home. Expect this offensive line to continue dominating and play-action to become a threat.

Georgia vs. Auburn Game Prediction: Can the Bulldogs Make It 10 Straight?

Auburn has lost to every quality team they’ve played this year and have honestly been sloppy in doing so. It’s important to remember however, that this is a rivalry game. Georgia is not at full strength, and the Tigers have the added bonus of the bye week so anything can happen. Kirby & Co. can’t get caught playing down to the competition or looking ahead to their much-needed bye week. Look for a close game early, but for UGA to pull away for its 10th straight win against the War Eagles. Go Damn Dawgs!

Game Prediction: Dawgs win 33-13