ATHENS----The Georgia Bulldogs return to Southeastern Conference action this Saturday when they play host to No. 25 Auburn at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.

Following a 38-0 Homecoming shutout of Tennessee Tech this past Saturday, Georgia (5-4, 3-3 SEC) began preparations for the Tigers (7-3, 3-3 SEC) Sunday.

Speaking on his weekly conference call with the media, Georgia coach Mark Richt said that the Bulldogs know it will be a great challenge going up against the Tigers.

“They are a top 25 team and everybody tracks those, so there will be a lot of attention on this game,” said Richt. “This is an opportunity for us to play well in front of the country and against the number one offense in the league. Their quarterback is doing a great job with 17 touchdowns and only three picks.”

The Tigers, under the direction of senior quarterback Chris Todd, lead the SEC in total offense at 450.3 yards per game and rank second in scoring offense at 35 points per game. Also, senior tailback Ben Tate ranks third in the SEC in rushing at 114.2 yards per game.

Richt provided an injury update on the Bulldogs and said he expects sophomore flanker A.J. Green and sophomore defensive end Justin Houston to return to the starting lineup Saturday. Both missed this past Saturday’s game with injuries.

Redshirt freshman Cornelius Washington got the start in place of Houston and had two tackles including a sack. Also, freshman defensive end Montez Robinson had his best game as a Bulldog, tallying five tackles including a pair of sacks.

“We did have some very nice play from our freshman defensive ends as well as the young guys on the interior line,” said Richt. “We did a good job of rotating players in and we’ll continue to do that.”

Richt said he has not decided on his latest course of action regarding Georgia’s penalty woes. The Bulldogs lead the SEC with an average of 77.3 penalty yards a game although Georgia’s opponents have an SEC-high of 64.2 penalty yards a game. Against Tennessee Tech, Richt made an immediate substitution for any Bulldog that was flagged for a penalty. Georgia had 11 penalties for 86 yards in the shutout of the Golden Eagles.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do in that regard, everybody is on a rampage about it,” said Richt. “I took them out for the rest of the series (on Saturday). I’m not sure if that’s wise. We may pull them for a play and then get them back. However, I’m not 100 percent sure I’ll do that either.”

Saturday’s kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and it will be televised by ESPN2.