Auburn head coach Bryan Harsin entered the season preaching about taking it old school by building the offense on a foundation of running backs Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter getting yards on the ground to set up the play-action pass.

Auburn got off to a good start on the ground in wins against FCS foe Mercer and non-Power 5 San Jose State. However, the Tigers languished in last week’s 21-17 loss against LSU. Auburn had 101 rushing yards, with Bigsby as the leading rusher with 45 yards on 12 carries.

Hunter was the second-leading runner with 35 yards on six carries. Robby Ashford had 337 yards passing on 38 attempts, including the fourth-quarter Koy Moore interception the Tigers attempted 39 passes to 31 rushes despite taking a 17-0 lead.

Read More Auburn Football: What ESPN’s College Football Power Index says about Auburn after LSU loss

Is Robby Ashford ready to elevate as Auburn’s QB1?

Instant Analysis: Auburn drops a 17-point lead in 21-17 loss against LSU

“I think No. 1 it starts inside,” Harsin said. “That’s No. 1. We can make improvements in a lot of areas there but you’ve got to start with your interior guys, right, not giving up penetration. Like we talked about before, I thought they did a good job of that, and we’ve improved in that area. But that’s always where it starts.”

Georgia allows a scant 89.20 yards per game in rushing yards, led by an aggressive defensive line and linebacker group.

“You’re going to play a really good D-line,” Harsin said. “You’re going to play a good front seven. They’re going to bring pressure and eliminate that. And then protecting our edges and finding ways to get on the perimeter as well. That’s part of it too. So your tackles, your tight ends. That includes your wide receivers just getting out there on the perimeter. That’s a part of it that will help improve the run game.”

Brandon Council did well in his first start at center for Auburn last week. Council is a versatile lineman who was thrust into center duty after Tate Johnson got injured and Nick Brahms had to retire before the season. Harsin said the run game starts with the interior, and Council will play a significant role.

“I think we did great, and the last game could speak for itself, as you could see the push and the line playing past the line of scrimmage instead of being pushed back,” Council said. “That was just a big piece. It also goes back to communication and everybody knowing what they’re doing on the line, so you don’t have to overcome anything. You can just fire straight off the ball.”

Georgia comes into the game as 29.5-point favorite on several sportsbooks. ESPN’s College Football Power Index gives Auburn less than a four percent chance of winning. Believing Auburn can win might seem irrational unless you’re Council.

“It’s very important. We have the chance to go out there and do something that hasn’t been done in a long time, that’s beat Georgia at Georgia,” Council said. “I believe the last time was in 2005. That would be a big thing. Our goal is to go in there like a SWAT team, in and out and quiet the noise and beat their behinds and get out.”

Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.