GAME NOTES: A pair of strong SEC clubs will add another chapter to an old deep south rivalry as the 10th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs host the 18th-ranked Auburn Tigers. Auburn lost two of its first three games this season and appeared to be headed for a disappointing campaign. Fortunately, the Tigers have turned things around with victories in six of the last seven outings to move to 7-3 overall. Last weekend, they took a break from league play to post a 35-3 victory over Tennessee Tech, the second consecutive game in which they allowed only three points. Georgia is riding a three-game winning streak, including last week's 44-34 triumph over Troy. Prior to that win, the Bulldogs knocked off Florida in the annual rivalry game. With an SEC title still very much in reach, the Dawgs need to finish strong against the likes of Auburn and Kentucky next week. Auburn holds a 53-49-8 series lead over Georgia, but the Bulldogs posted a 37-15 triumph over the Tigers last season.

Offensively, Auburn has been mediocre for much of this season. The Tigers are averaging 25.5 ppg and 343.6 total ypg, and the offense has been aided tremendously by a defense that causes a high number of turnovers. As a result, quarterback Brandon Cox and company have started many drives with good field position. Cox has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 1,619 yards and eight touchdowns with seven interceptions, not exactly the numbers that fans of the program expected of the senior entering this campaign. Rod Smith leads the team with 43 catches for 593 yards and five touchdowns, as he has big-play ability. As for the ground attack, Ben Tate leads the charge with 721 yards, but Mario Fannin and Brad Lester contribute to the effort was well. Auburn is at its best when it is running the ball successfully. Against Tennessee Tech last weekend, the offense posted 374 yards, far from impressive considering the quality of the opposition. The Tigers struggled to run the ball and looked stale at times.

Only twice in 10 outings this season has Auburn surrendered more than 20 points in a game, a tribute to the team's tremendous defense. The Tigers have limited four of the last five opponents to fewer than 10 points, remarkable to say the least. Foes are averaging 14.5 ppg and 293.8 total ypg against Auburn, which has been tough against both the run and the pass. With 12 interceptions and nine fumble recoveries, there have been a high number of takeaways recorded. Chris Evans continues to lead the defense with 58 total tackles, and Patrick Lee is tops with four interceptions. Keep an eye on Antonio Coleman, has he has posted 12.5 TFLs, including six sacks. Walter McFadden made a big play against Tennessee Tech last weekend, as he returned an interception 93 yards for a touchdown. The Tigers allowed only seven points and came up with a pair of interceptions.

Georgia's offense needed to be potent to hold off Troy last weekend, and that was indeed the case. The Bulldogs featured a balanced attack that posted 240 rushing yards and 225 passing yards. Matthew Stafford completed 17-of-29 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Sean Bailey had a touchdown reception, as did Tripp Chandler. As for the tailbacks, Knowshon Moreno stole the show. Arguably the best freshman in the SEC, Moreno ran for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Georgia is averaging 31.4 ppg, and the rookie runner has been key to the success of the offense. He has 1,003 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through nine outings, as Moreno is averaging a gaudy 5.6 ypc. Stafford has been solid under center, as he has completed 56.1 percent of his passes for 1,798 yards and 15 touchdowns with only six interceptions. Bailey leads the club with 27 catches for 391 yards and three touchdowns.

Considering that Georgia allowed 488 total yards and 34 points to Troy last weekend, there is plenty of room for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. Troy was able to rack up 373 yards through the air with three touchdowns. On a positive note, Georgia did intercept two passes and recovered a pair of fumbles, an obvious key to victory. Opponents are posting 22.4 ppg against the Bulldogs, who are giving up 340.9 total ypg. Of the 22 touchdowns that the defense has yielded, 14 have come on the ground. Georgia is limiting foes to 33 percent success on third down conversion attempts. On a down note, the defense has only managed four interceptions all season. Dannell Ellerbe is tops on the roster with 65 total tackles, 19 more than his closest teammate.

Go with the home team in this matchup, as Georgia is playing with a wealth of confidence. This game will likely be a low-scoring affair, and the Bulldogs' push for an SEC title will continue.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Georgia 17, Auburn 13