Auburn vs. Georgia Prediction: Can the Tigers Cover on the Road?

Auburn Tigers (16-1 SU, 11-6 ATS) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (14-3 SU, 9-8 ATS)

When: Saturday, January 18th, 1:00 PM (ET)

Where: Stegeman Coliseum, GA, Athens

TV: SECN

Point Spread: AUBRN -6.5/GA +6.5

Total: 145.5

Money Line: Auburn Tigers -282/+223

Notable Injuries

Tigers

• Johni Broome (Out) Ankle

Bulldogs

Recent Form

Auburn Tigers Recent Game/Games

Auburn moved to 16-1 on the season with an 88-66 win over Mississippi State on Tuesday. The Tigers, who were -7.5 point favorites, covered the spread at home. The total points for the game reached 154, surpassing the O/U line of 150.5.

Auburn took control early, leading 46-27 at halftime. They scored 42 points in the 2nd half while allowing 39 to the Bulldogs.

Georgia Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Georgia fell to 14-3 on the season after a 74-56 road loss to Tennessee on Wednesday. Entering the game as +12 underdogs, the Bulldogs not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

Georgia led 26-25 at halftime but struggled in the second half, allowing 49 points while scoring just 30. The game’s total points of 130 fell short of the 134.5 O/U line.

Analysis

Auburn’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 88 points with a 55% shooting performance from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 63.3%, thanks in part to hitting 41.7% from three-point range (10/24) and 63.9% on two-point attempts (23/36). The Tigers also connected on 80% of their free throws, going 12/15 from the line.

Chad Baker-Mazara led the way with 20 points, shooting 72.7% overall and 60% from deep (3/5). Chaney Johnson and Josh Hubbard each added 17 points, with Johnson hitting 7 of 10 shots and making his only three-point attempt. Miles Kelly and RJ Melendez both grabbed 10 rebounds, with Kelly also contributing 13 points and hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc.

Despite Auburn’s defensive struggles, allowing 66 points, they couldn’t capitalize on their offensive chances. The Tigers shot 55% from the field, including 63% on two-point attempts, but still fell short.

From beyond the arc, Auburn hit 10 of 24 threes, shooting 41%. They also made 12 of 15 free throws, shooting 80%. The Tigers gave up seven offensive rebounds in the game.

Georgia’s offense struggled in their last game, scoring just 56 points on 37.7% shooting from the field. They hit 28.6% from beyond the arc, connecting on 6 of 21 attempts, and their effective field goal percentage was 43.4%.

Jordan Gainey led the way with 19 points, while Zakai Zeigler added 16 points and seven assists, hitting 4 of 8 threes. Silas Demary Jr. also contributed four threes, shooting 57.1% from deep.

Georgia’s defense gave up 74 points in their last game, allowing the opposing team to shoot 42% from the field. They struggled to contain two-point shots, with the opponent hitting 51% of their attempts (20/39).

From beyond the arc, Georgia held the other team to 29% shooting, as they made 8 of 27 three-point attempts. The opponent also went a perfect 10/10 from the free-throw line and grabbed 18 offensive rebounds.

Betting Trends

• Through their last three road games, Auburn has an ATS record of just 1-2. However, their overall record was 3-0 while averaging 80 points per game.
• Although Georgia has a straight-up record of 2-3 in their last five home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 2-3. The team averaged 66 points per game in these games.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Bulldogs have gone 6-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 5-5.
• Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Tigers have gone 6-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 10-0.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Auburn puts their perfect record in the SEC to the test on Saturday, as they are on the road to take on Georgia. Right now, the odds have Auburn favored by -6.5. As for the Bulldogs, they are a tough team to read, as they were blown out by Ole Miss to start the month, but then they took down Kentucky by 13 points. Georgia has been much better at home, but I think Auburn is too much for this Bulldogs team. Look for the Tigers to win and cover.