Linebacker CJ Allen forced a fumble at the goal line in a momentum-turning play, and No. 10 Georgia rallied to beat Auburn 20-10 and win the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry for the ninth consecutive year.

The Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1 SEC) earned their ninth consecutive victory in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry by shutting down Hugh Freeze’s Tigers in the second half. But Georgia was also the beneficiary of some controversial officiating that had social media buzzing.

Late in the first half, Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold seemed to cross the plane of the goal line before he lost control of the ball. Southeastern Conference officials, however, ruled the play a fumble and led to Georgia scoring on a field goal to make it a one-score game going into halftime.

On the "College GameDay Podcast" on Wednesday, Rece Davis told Pete Thamel he believed Auburn was indeed clapping and that Smart was correct about the rule, but that Smart effectively called a timeout and should have been charged one.

The No. 10 Georgia Bulldogs, led by quarterback Gunner Stockton, face the Auburn Tigers, led by quarterback Jackson Arnold, on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala.

“Sad that replay officials cost Auburn the game against Georgia,” another added. “Coach Kirby needs to be suspended for blatantly calling a timeout and then claiming he didn’t. That is unethical and should be punished!”

Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold reached the ball over the pile on a quarterback sneak, but Georgia linebackers CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson swiped at the ball and forced a fumble. Georgia recovered the highly disputed fumble and avoided facing a 17-0 deficit.

Here we will look at and discuss the Auburn Tigers most to blame for frustrating their loss to the Georgia Bulldogs.

In the end, Auburn was outscored 20-0 after taking a 10-0 lead. Auburn is now 2-11 in games decided by 10 points or less under Freeze, indicating a more serious problem than just officiating for the Tigers.

Auburn's head coach returned to the podium Monday to share insight into Damari Alston's departure and to give his final thoughts on the Georgia loss.

Four-star linebacker Shadarius Toodle flipped his commitment from Georgia back to Auburn, saying, “Home is where the heart is.”