Trevor Etienne and Nazir Stackhouse lead the Bulldogs on the rise

ATHENS – Georgia football is on the rise again, and as steadily as Kirby Smart would have liked.

The No. 5 Bulldogs took on Auburn on Saturday in a warm but relatively flat environment at Sanford Stadium.

Georgia prevailed 31-13 in a hard-fought game in which execution and clutch play appeared to make more of a difference than talent and/or plan.

Carson Beck was slightly more efficient than Auburn’s QB Payton Thorne – Beck had 23 of 29 passes for 240 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Thorne was 16 of 27 for 200 yards.

The Bulldogs made an important fourth down, but Auburn did not. Georgia had 3 sacks and 5 tackles for loss, the Tigers had 2 sacks and 3 tackles for loss. UGA generated 381 total yards to Auburn’s 337.

Kirby Smart’s team was just a little bit better than the desperate Tigers in every area, and that was enough

Here’s a take on how things changed in Saturday’s 31-13 win over Auburn:

Share price soaring

Kirby Smart He wrapped his arms around his team after a shocking 41-34 loss at Alabama created a potentially fragile environment and plenty of doubt among the coaching staff. Smart knows his team better than other coaches know their team and he understands how to overcome the difficulties and challenges of a long season. Make no mistake, UGA’s talented players are necessary to win games, but smart is the secret that makes Georgia the most consistent winner in college football in this current era.

Stock up

Quarterback Carson Beck Calmed down and established himself, an efficient 23-of-29 passing with 2 touchdowns and no interceptions, looking very much like the team leader role.

Tailback Trevor Etienne was added to Georgia’s schedule, albeit perhaps a week late, and the Florida transfer led the Bulldogs in rushing (16 carries, 88 yards, 2 TDs) and receiving (6 catches on 6 targets, 36 yards).

Defensive tackle Nazir Stackhouse will be equipped with the type of strong, consistent play needed and will lead a D-line room that is struggling to stay healthy and effective.

Receiver London Humphreys brings an explosive element to the WR ranks and is a player UGA fans will be targeting more often.

Defensive back KJ Bolden was the top-rated Georgia DB against Auburn and proved he was the quick learner Smart hinted he was back in spring practice.

Cornerback Daniel Harris looks like a corner that teams don’t want to throw and he plays physically against the run.

Offensive coordinator Mike Bobo doesn’t get nearly enough credit for the work he did keeping Beck ready and the balanced offensive game plan he devised. The Dawgs were 7 of 14 on third down and converted six straight times on fourth down.

Camp even

Running back Cash Jones made the most of his five snaps, providing quality spot work that Georgia will need in crucial moments all season.

Receiver Dominic Lovett remains the most consistent and reliable target on the team and brings excellent leadership qualities and a special team game.

Tight end Lawson Luckie is the most dangerous pass catcher among his teammates, a young player who will continue to improve with every snap and every opportunity.

Defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann is always solid – outside of the Alabama game – but he’s still in the process of putting together his best defensive personnel package as there are still too many missed tackles and plays.

Tailback Nate Frazier has provided a spark of what UGA should expect from an elite freshman who develops into a star.

Inventory reduced

Defender Joenel Aguero doesn’t take advantage of the golden opportunity he was given, misses tackles, and performs worst among DBs per PFF.

Defensive tackle Warren Brinson is not back to where he was before the injury, and that was reflected in him being the lowest-grading defensive lineman on the team.

Tight end Benjamin Yurosek He’s probably not used to being under the curve—Stanford students are elite students—but he still has to meet the Georgia standard since joining the program.

Safety Dan Jackson continues to make tackles but is still a step behind in coverage, which may not change compared to SEC competition.

Georgia fans and game management staff, You won’t want to see yourself on this list, but when the head coach calls out the group in attendance collectively, it’s real. One audience member felt the band wasn’t playing enough, and Auburn had no trouble dealing with the crowd noise.