DAWG BONE OFFENSE – LSU

The SEC Championship is a fascinating matchup between the best offense and best defense in the nation. The best offense in the country belongs to LSU and for that reason, the Bayou Bengals win the Dawg Bone on offense. Joe Burrow is in the midst of the best statistical season by a quarterback in SEC history. He has been in complete control, extremely accurate and receivers Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall, Jr. have caught everything thrown their way. The X-factor for the LSU offense is running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire. If the Tigers are able to run the football effectively their offense is unstoppable and a 50+ point performance is inevitable.

Meanwhile, the Georgia offense continues to misfire. Yes, Georgia scored 52 points against the Yellow Jackets but Jake Fromm still completed less than 50% of his passes and the Dawgs turned the ball over twice. Also, D’Andre Swift suffered a shoulder contusion while George Pickens was ejected for fighting and will miss the first half of the SEC Championship game. For the Dawgs to be effective on offense, Sam Pittman’s offensive line will need to play their best game of the season to allow the Dawgs to sustain drives and limit LSU’s possessions on offense.

DAWG BONE DEFENSE – GEORGIA

The best defense in the nation belongs to the Georgia Bulldogs, therefore, the Dawgs take home the Dawg Bone on defense. The Georgia run defense has been elite allowing 856 yards and 1 touchdown (2.6 YPC) this season. The combination of strength and size on the defensive front with the speed and sure tackling at linebacker has stifled opposing rushing attacks. Additionally, the Georgia secondary has benefited from outstanding play at safety and elite speed at cornerback that has been tight in coverage and outstanding in run support. Against the Tigers, it will be important for the Dawgs to pressure Joe Burrow and keep the explosive plays to a minimum. Jordan Davis, Tyler Clark, Azeez Ojulari, Nolan Smith, Jermaine Johnson, J.R. Reed, and Richard LeCounte must play their best games of the season.

The LSU defense is coming off their best performance of the season against a Texas A&M team that was as ready to play the Tigers as the Dawgs were to play the Gamecocks in Week 6. Nevertheless, LSU played with intensity and executed very well against the Aggies. The weakness for the Tigers this season has been their inconsistency against the run, tendency to allow explosive plays and inability to rush the passer without blitzing. If the LSU defense is not ready, the Dawgs have enough talent to expose them.

DAWG BONE SPECIAL TEAMS – PUSH

Georgia and LSU have both been very solid on special teams this season and for that reason, they share the Dawg Bone for special teams. A key matchup on special teams will be between true freshmen punt returners Dominick Blaylock and Derek Stingley, Jr., both who are capable of flipping the field on an explosive return.

DAWG BONE COACHING – LSU

LSU wins the coaching Dawg Bone because Ed Orgeron has pushed all the right buttons this season and has the Bayou Bengals playing elite football. Joe Brady has been a revelation on the offensive side of the ball and is rumored to be a top target for numerous NFL teams for offensive coordinator and even potentially as a head coach. Meanwhile, Kirby Smart and Dan Lanning have the Georgia defense rolling, but James Coley hasn’t been able to find a rhythm with Fromm outside of the Florida game.

DAWG BONE OVERALL – LSU

LSU wins the overall Dawg Bone because they are simply the better team this year. Their offense has been incredibly explosive and they are playing with an incredible amount of confidence on both sides of the football. Georgia can beat the Tigers in Atlanta, but the Dawgs will have to play their most complete football game of the season.