Georgia shuts down No. 8 Auburn in 2nd half for 13-7 win

Georgia wide receiver Riley Ridley (8) makes a catch as Auburn defensive back Javaris Davis (31) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) Georgia wide receiver Riley Ridley (8) makes a catch as Auburn defensive back Javaris Davis (31) defends in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

By Associated Press November 12, 2016 3 min read

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) – Rodrigo Blankenship kicked two fourth-quarter field goals and Georgia’s defense shut down No. 8 Auburn in the second half to beat the Tigers 13-7 on Saturday.

The loss ends Auburn’s Southeastern Conference championship hopes and knocks the Tigers out of consideration for a spot in the playoff.

Auburn (7-3, 5-2 SEC, No. 9 CFP) had been in control of its hopes to win the SEC’s Western Division, with one conference game remaining at No. 1 Alabama. Instead, Alabama clinched the division with Auburn’s loss.

The Tigers couldn’t overcome the loss of star running back Kamryn Pettway, the nation’s No. 4 rusher who hurt his left leg on a long run in last week’s win over Vanderbilt. Pettway was with the team but not in uniform.

Auburn was held to 32 yards in the second half and 164 overall.