McKenzie's punt return lifts Georgia past Auburn, 20-13

JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - Isaiah McKenzie returned a fourth-quarter punt 53 yards for a touchdown Saturday to lift Georgia to a 20-13 win over Auburn.

The Bulldogs (7-3, 5-3 Southeastern Conference) forced two fumbles after that, including one on the goal line. The Tigers (5-5, 2-5) managed only two Daniel Carlson field goals after their opening drive, the second coming with 1:14 left to play.

Georgia's Malcolm Mitchell recovered the onside kick to settle a matchup of two teams that haven't lived up to preseason expectations. Auburn is last in the SEC West after getting picked to win the league.

McKenzie also scored the tying touchdown on a 4-yard run late in the third quarter. Greyson Lambert was held to 97 passing yards for Georgia, which stalled in Auburn territory on its first three drives. Sony Michel gained 77 yards on 26 carries.

The Bulldogs' defense, though, forced three turnovers and held the Tigers' two quarterbacks to 62 yards passing.

With both offenses sputtering, the game turned on big plays by Georgia's special teams and defense, including a pair of fumble recoveries by Aaron Davis

McKenzie fielded the ball, made a couple of cuts and darted to the end zone with 9:28 left for a 17-10 lead.

Two plays later, Jordan Jenkins jarred the ball loose from Auburn quarterback Sean White, who had come off the bench. Davis fell on it at Auburn's 17 and Marshall Morgan made it a two-score game with a 38-yard field goal after the offense went backward.

The Tigers then mounted their best drive since the opening possession behind starter Jeremy Johnson, moving all the way to the 5. Then receiver Ricardo Louis got the ball on an end around, reversed field and turned toward the end zone.

Lorenzo Carter forced a fumble and Davis won the goal-line scramble for the ball.

Johnson was 14-of-22 passing but produced just 61 yards. He also threw an interception in Georgia territory after throwing a short pass to Tony Stevens well above his reach.

Hobbled by a knee injury, White's only completion in five attempts went for 1 yard.

Jovon Robinson led Auburn with 93 rushing yards but had only four second-half carries. Peyton Barber gained 72 yards on 13 carries.

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