For the first time since 2008, a team from the SEC East has won the SEC title game. Georgia runs by Auburn 28-7 in the rematch for their first SEC title since 2005. It was a rematch they hoped for as they were embarrassed not even a month ago, losing 40-17 at Auburn.
Keys to the game
Passing game
Coming into this game it seemed like who ever was going to have the better passing game was going to have the clear advantage. Georgia did that and then some. In the first half, Auburn was passing very well but then hit a wall mid way through the third quarter, as Stidham looked like he took a hit to the head and seemed off the rest of the game. Fromm played phenomenal football. He hasn’t been leaned on a lot this season and the one time he did Georgia got pounded. But he took some big boy steps since then. Fromm didn’t necessarily carve up Auburn, but he did find some holes and put it where it needed to be, as they had three passes that went 30 yards or more.
Missed opportunities
Georgia’s defense didn’t play fantastic ball but they also showed up in a timely manner to make some plays. On the flip side, if you’re Auburn, they know they had some chances to keep themselves in the game. The biggest one was their first missed chance. Inside the 15 yard line, Stidham was sacked and lost the ball ending in a turnover. Then Georgia later scored off the turnover to tie the game. So instead of it potentially being 14-0 early and putting Georgia in a big hole, it was 7-7.
Then, down at the 15 again, Auburn had to settle for a field goal, but Georgia blocked the kick. So instead of being at the very least tied, they ended up with nothing. Lastly, near midfield, a simple iso run for Kerryon Johnson, who seemed to lose his footing, saw Georgia took advantage and force their second turnover of the day. As for Georgia they took advantage of every opportunity. If they were in scoring position, they scored. And that was the biggest difference.
The impact?
Well Auburn is out. As for Georgia, they sured up their Playoff hopes by winning the SEC title.
As for Auburn, I am not 100% certain about it, but I believe they’re in play for several different bowls depending on where they land, such as the Peach Bowl, Cotton Bowl, or the Fiesta Bowl. However, if they don’t make the at-large bowls, they will be in the Sugar Bowl. Just so we are clear I am not saying this 100% facts, but I believe that is how it goes. Nevertheless, Auburn still has a chance to end the season on the right note and cap off a great season that had a very brutal schedule.