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Kirby Smart calls scrambling ability of Auburn quarterback Bo Nix 'elite'

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•10/04/21•

ChandlerVessels

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Georgia coach Kirby Smart is well-aware of Bo Nix. The Bulldogs have played against the Auburn quarterback twice under Smart, and will make it a third time this Saturday.

Although Auburn lost both games, Nix has made improvements to his game that could present a challenge for the nation’s top defense. This past week against LSU, Nix evaded pressure from several defenders for a miraculous touchdown pass on 4th-and-2.

“His ability to extend plays is elite,” Smart said. “The play he had last week is basically all you need to show for the scouting report. To do what he did against a really good SEC defense with a lot of tremendous athletes, to avoid and escape and keep your eyes downfield, it puts a lot of pressure on the defense.”

In 2019, Nix became the first true freshman to start for Auburn since 1946. He won SEC Freshman of the Year after setting school records in passing yards (2,542) and touchdowns (16) for a frosh.

Nix’s father, Patrick, is a former Tiger quarterback who played from 1992-95.

“It seems like forever that he’s been there and we’ve gone against him twice,” Smart said. “He’s a really good athlete who comes from a coaching family background. I’ve known his dad for a long time. I’ve got a lot of respect for him as a competitor, leader and I think he’s gotten a lot better. He’s doing a much better job keeping his eyes downfield and making decisions.”

Although Kirby Smart seems to think highly of the junior, it hasn’t been all highlight reels for Bo Nix this year. In a comeback victory against Georgia State, Nix was benched for TJ Finley, who came in to throw the go-ahead touchdown.

Nix and Finley, an LSU transfer, were stuck in a tight quarterback competition during fall camp. Experience ultimately won out, but it’s clear Nix is on a fairly short leash with first-year coach Bryan Harsin.

The Bulldogs and Tigers are set to kick off at at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Auburn. If things go south early, don’t be surprised to see Finley enter the game once again.