"The problem for the Bulldogs' offense, however, is the line. Four starters have gone down with injuries since fall camp, and all five members of the line are freshmen or sophomores. Right tackle Justin Anderson suffered a foot injury last week against Kentucky and will be out this week, meaning Auburn could find picking on fill-ins Josh Davis and Kiante Tripp a pretty easy task."

WEE: In their last three games, the Bulldogs have allowed 38, 49 and 38 points. Plus, they allowed 41 to Alabama at home in a loss earlier this year. What are some of the reasons the defense has struggled to keep other teams off the scoreboard?

Hale: "If I had the answer to that, I might be hired as the new D coordinator. Honestly, there's been a ton of explanations thrown out there -- everything from poor coaching to poor preparation to bad leadership and bad execution. The Bulldogs defense held a players-only meeting this week, however, to discuss the issues, and they insist things will be different this week.

"The key, I think, is stopping the run. Georgia had been the No. 3 rush defense in the nation prior to the LSU game, but have given up at least 170 yards on the ground in three straight weeks. They had a particularly tough time against UK's mobile QB Randall Cobb last week, and Kodi Burns could prove to be another big weapon. If Auburn can run the ball effectively, its offense may actually do some damage."

WEE: Georgia had plenty of hype surrounding it coming in as the preseason No. 1, but losses to Alabama and Florida ended any thoughts of a national championship. What is the team's attitude like considering it won't even be playing in the SEC Championship game?

Hale: "They're bummed, but upbeat, from what I can tell. I actually think the close game against UK was a good thing for them because it was a reminder they can't sleepwalk through their final three games and still win. There was definitely a hangover effect -- at least with the defense and special teams -- last week, but I think the fact that they nearly lost to Kentucky was an eye-opener. It also helps that they get Auburn and Tech -- two of their biggest rivals -- in the final two regular-season games. It's hard to overlook them."

WEE: What do you think are a few keys to a Georgia victory?

Hale: "Three big things: 1.) Stop the run, particularly Burns. Georgia's defense is angry about how Cobb gashed them last week, and I think they'll be more prepared to stop Burns than they were Cobb.

"2.) Avoid turnovers. Auburn's offense hasn't shown the ability to consistently put drives together, but Georgia's D has faced some short fields lately thanks to turnovers. The Bulldogs can't go doing Auburn any favors.

"3.) This is a biggy -- play sound special teams. Last week, the Bulldogs had a punt blocked, shanked another one, allowed a kick return to the 3, made some terrible decisions on returns of their own, and they have a kicker who has missed five of his last eight field goals. Compare that to Auburn, which is among the best in the league in return yards and punting, and it's a recipe for disaster for Georgia."