THREE STORYLINES
Nick Marshall factor. Marshall, a former Georgia defensive back, has proved to be a cool customer when it comes to running coach Gus Malzahn's zone-read offense, which averages 320 yards rushing per game and 493 total. But his demeanor when playing the team that ousted him is the biggest unknown entering Saturday. Meanwhile, stopping the run is the one thing the Bulldogs do pretty well on defense (fourth in the SEC, 20th nationally). They'll have to be better than ever.
Getting healthy. Georgia won't get back to full strength on offense, with Malcolm Mitchell, Justin Scott-Wesley and Keith Marshall all sidelined for the season. But the Bulldogs will be as healthy as they have been since Week 5. Receiver Chris Conley (ankle) and tight end Arthur Lynch (ribs) are back, and tailback Todd Gurley is returning to form. QB Aaron Murray should have plenty of options.
SEC implications. Both teams still have a shot to get to the SEC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Auburn needs to defeat Georgia on Saturday and No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 30. In addition to beating the Tigers on Saturday and Kentucky the following week, the Bulldogs need Missouri to lose its final two SEC games, at Ole Miss on Nov. 23 and at home versus Texas A&M.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Georgia DEs vs. Auburn QB Marshall: The Tigers operate the zone-read option offense as well as any team in the country. That puts enormous pressure on ends and outside linebackers, or whoever happens to be on the outside edge of the interior line. Georgia has quickness, but is somewhat undersized at those positions, with the likes of outside linebackers Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd (each listed at less than 250 pounds) and ends Sterling Bailey and Ray Drew (each listed at less than 285 pounds). They'll have to handle the blocks of Auburn's mammoth tackles while reading the handoff/play-fake between Marshall and running back Tre Mason.
POST OF THE WEEK
“Lace up my cleats! Put me in Coach!” — Junior WR Chris Conley on Facebook. Conley expects to play after missing the past two games with an ankle injury.
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