South Bound & Down
Fansided

3 Up’s, 3 Down’s from Georgia’s 27-20 win over Auburn

By Elliot Reeder

AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 30: Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs looks to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 30: Carson Beck #15 of the Georgia Bulldogs looks to pass against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) /

Up – Ladd McConkey

Welcome back Ladd McConkey! The defending champs finally got Ladd McConkey back as the receiver made his season debut against Auburn on Saturday. McConkey still was not 100% and was in-and-out throughout the game, but he made a huge difference when he was on the field.

Overall, McConkey had 4 catches for 38 yards. While those numbers don’t blow you away, McConkey’s biggest impact was on 3rd down. Three of his four catches were on 3rd down and went for 1st down conversions. You also have to remember that he was still limited from his back injury, and did not play as much as he normally would.

It genuinely felt like every time the Bulldogs had a big 3rd down that they had to have, the ball went to McConkey and he made the catch. He had an 11 yard reception on 3rd & 9 in the 1st quarter. He had a 17 yard catch on 3rd & 6 as well as a 12 yard catch on 3rd & 10. That 12 yard reception was a big one as well as it helped set Georgia up for Daijun Edwards’ TD a couple of plays later that tied the game up at 17. If McConkey is back for good and continues to get healthier and on the field more, that is a major boost to Carson Beck and the Georgia offense.

Down – Turnovers

The Bulldogs continue to struggle with turning the ball over. On Saturday it was two turnovers (an interception and a fumble) that both led to Auburn scores. In fact, both of Auburn’s touchdowns on the afternoon came directly from Georgia turnovers. Auburn used Beck’s 1st quarter INT to set up a 7 play, 48 yard TD drive. The Tigers then used Delp’s 3rd quarter fumble to set up a short 3 play, 32 yard drive to score.

Georgia now has five turnovers in their last two games, a number that’s too high for a team with championship expectations. While it is just a two game stretch, Georgia has to be more focused and can’t be so careless with the ball.

You saw the dangers of turnovers in this game as Georgia gave a talented Auburn team the ball in plus-territory twice and they made Georgia pay with 7 points each time. On Saturday, it wasn’t just the turnovers, but the fact of what they lead to and that they were big momentum swings.

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