University of Georgia Athletics
Bulldogs Preparing for a Four-Quarter Battle Against Auburn
November 09, 2014 | Football
ATHENS, Ga. --- After a 63-31 win over Kentucky on Saturday, the No. 16 Georgia Bulldogs are turning their focus to SEC rival and No. 9 Auburn.
The Tigers are 7-2 on the season with a 4-2 mark in Southeastern Conference play. They are coming off a 41-38 upset loss at home to Texas A&M on Saturday.
Georgia head coach Mark Richt said on Sunday evening that Auburn's loss is a perfect example of a well-known truth about the SEC: "On any given Saturday, anything can happen, especially in this league."
Auburn comes to Georgia with the No. 1 rushing offense in the SEC, averaging 286.4 yards per game. Georgia is No. 2 in the conference with an average of 256.3 yards per game.
Richt was pleased with Georgia's improvement on rush defense against Kentucky but said there is still room for progress, especially when preparing for an opponent like Auburn.
"We did a better job, but we didn't do a perfect job," Richt said. "(Auburn is) one of the very best running teams in America. Everybody is having trouble stopping them run the football. But when you add Nick (Marshall's) ability to throw it, it's pretty impressive."
Another threat the Tigers present is a fast-paced offense. However, Richt does not expect it to "be a shock to our system" because the Bulldogs often practice with a no-huddle offense. Richt specifically noted three keys to Auburn's offensive success:
"One thing is called execution, the other is talent, and I think the third thing is that when your quarterback is a runner, it's just very, very difficult to defend," he said. "It puts a lot of pressure on the defense."
Georgia's offense is looking forward to the return of one of its weapons for this week's game against Auburn—junior running back Todd Gurley. He has missed the past four games due to an NCAA rules violation.
"We're glad he's back and we're looking forward to seeing him play," Richt said.
Though he has not seen the field in five weeks, Richt is not concerned about Gurley's ability to return at full speed. He noted that the junior stayed in good condition during the time he was not playing.
"I don't think you forget how to play football in five weeks or forget how to run the ball the way he runs it," Richt said. "I think it will come back to him pretty quick."
Gurley's return will only continue to boost depth at the running back position, which saw the addition of Sony Michel, as well as another 100-yard game by Nick Chubb, against Kentucky. Michel was sidelined from a shoulder injury for the previous four games. Richt expects that all three running backs will see the field against Auburn.
"Earlier in the year, we did a good job of giving guys reps and hopefully we can continue to do that," he said. "Part of the goal will be making sure everybody is ready to play hard for those last 15 minutes of the game."
Richt also commended Isaiah McKenzie, Jonathon Rumph and Hutson Mason for their performances against Kentucky.
McKenzie, a freshman, returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown on Saturday, becoming only the 12th player in NCAA history to do so in the same game. Richt credited the return teams for their blocking and McKenzie for his ability to make the most of the blocks he was given.
"If you're going to be good at returning punts, especially, you've got to have a guy who can make people miss out there in space, and he did a good job of that. Hopefully he'll continue that trend. He's gaining confidence. He really has come a long, long way in his ability to field the ball," Richt said. "He's going to add a lot more electricity throughout the years."
Rumph finished the day as the team's top receiver with four catches for 81 yards. It was his first game of the season after spending weeks fighting a hamstring injury.
Mason finished the day 13-of-16 for 174 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions. Richt said there was "no doubt" it was Mason's best performance of the season.
"He dropped back in the pocket, he set his point, he hitched up and he let it rip. He was very accurate," Richt said.
Georgia will welcome Auburn to Sanford Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, for its first home game in 42 days. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
