SEC Power Rankings: Alabama in class by themselves, LSU sliding fast

Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs receiver Isaiah McKenzie (16) celebrates with safety Jarvis Wilson (19) after returning a punt for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 20-13. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

If preseason predictions were to be believed, Saturday’s game between Georgia and Auburn on the Plains was supposed to be a preview of the SEC Championship Game. Instead, two unranked teams faced off at 11AM local time – far away from the bright lights of primetime – both with hopes of salvaging an otherwise disappointing season. With a 20-13 victory, the Georgia Bulldogs may have done just that.

Georgia head coach Mark Richt has been under fire because of a pitiful October when the Bulldogs lost three of four games with the only victory a 9-6 decision against Missouri. However, with a 27-3 win over Kentucky and Saturday’s victory over the rival Tigers to close out the SEC schedule, a ten-win season is still a possibility.

Since running back Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending knee injury Oct. 10 against Tennessee, the Bulldogs have had to rely on defense to win. The same was true Saturday as Georgia held Auburn to 275 total yards and forced three turnovers.

A big special teams play was the difference, however, as Isaiah McKenzie scored on a 53-yard punt return in the fourth quarter that gave the Dawgs their first lead of the game, 17-10. McKenzie also scored on a four-yard run in the third quarter for the Bulldogs’ only offensive TD.

Defense and special teams helped to mask another lackluster offensive performance for Georgia under new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The Bulldogs did not turn the football over, but gained just 243 total yards, including only 97 passing yards from quarterback Greyson Lambert.

It’s no wonder that Richt spent much of his Saturday night and Sunday traveling to and from Washington State to spend quality time with five-star QB recruit Jacob Eason and his family.

Next Game: Saturday November 21 vs. Georgia Southern

Next: LSU