NCAAF Week 5: Georgia Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers betting picks, preview

Georgia is still at the top of the polls and as long as that is the case we have to talk about them a little, right? This week they are on the road against a program somewhat capable of hanging with them for a few rounds and I guess you never know. I liked the Hugh Freeze hire by Auburn this offseason. There are no fireworks just yet though and he has been oddly downplaying this game which is unlikely to spur a major effort. 

Georgia Bulldogs vs. Auburn Tigers Betting Trends and Odds  

Saturday, September 30, 2023 — 3:30 pm, ET

Odds: Georgia -14.5, Over/under 45.5, Georgia -650 | Auburn +450

The sportbooks are trying to lure you in with that hook as the favored Dawgs are really going to have to win by 17 points to cash. Given that they often do, that is not a reason to stay away from Georgia this week. The number is probably going to rise as it is hard to see any compelling reason for any money to come in on Auburn until we get to the next key number. 

Pick for Georgia vs. Auburn

Georgia -14.5

The defending champs are just 1-3 ATS so far this season. That always gets folks' attention, quite simply they are not dominating the competition as expected, even though they are winning by an average margin of 30 ppg. The real eye-opener was against South Carolina, who they only beat by 10 at home. However, the Gamecocks are much more competent at quarterback than Auburn this season and that is going to be the difference maker on Saturday. To stay with Georgia you need your quarterback to be able to make plays and avoid mistakes and I am not seeing that from the likes of Payton Thorne. He has experience but once we get past the early game script I am not expecting much from the Tigers offense. They have enough big bodies to make Georgia work out there but not the talent to hold up for a whole game. 

This is not a high-profile contest even though it is in that 3:30 window. I think we might see this number creep up a little as all of the money and bets have been on Georgia so far.