Dawg Bones Offense: Georgia
After the Kentucky game, Georgia dropped a few spots in the rankings for total offense on the season through 11 games but still rank 7th in the country in total yards. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech is near the bottom of virtually every offensive category, including 9th worst in the country in points per game, scoring an average of only 17.5 per contest. In contrast, Georgia is putting up nearly 39 points per game, with an equally balanced rushing and passing attack. Georgia Tech is coming off an impressive win against North Carolina, where Tech produced 21 unanswered points. Despite this recent success, Tech should not be able to keep up with Georgia’s offensive production.
Dawg Bones Defense: Georgia
Georgia ranks 1st in the nation in points allowed per game (11.1) and 5th in total yards allowed on the season. Georgia Tech has not been terrible on defense, ranking near the middle of the pack in most defensive categories. Tech is allowing 27.6 points a game and will be hard pressed to keep Georgia from scoring less than that total on Saturday. Tech’s defense ranks 101st against the run, but is better against the pass, ranking 57th. It will be surprising if Georgia Tech can keep the Dawgs below their season average in points and yards.
Dawg Bones Special Teams: Georgia
The Dawgs’ kicking game has been fantastic this year. Jack Podlesny has hit 20/22 field goals this season and has also converted all 51 of his extra-point attempts. Brett Thorson is averaging a respectable 44 yards a punt and has proven to be a more-than-adequate replacement for current Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ punter, Jake Camarda. Georgia Tech also has a reliable field goal kicker in Gavin Stewart, who has converted 12/13 field goal efforts and 11/12 extra points. Stewart has not had that many attempts on the season and his long is only 40 yards.
Dawg Bones Coaching: Georgia
Kirby Smart has led Georgia to a No. 1 ranking and is only one of three coaches to complete two back-to-back undefeated seasons in SEC play. Smart is considered to be one of the top coaches in the country and is spearheading a program that is the envy of most teams. Brent Key has been serving as Tech’s interim coach after the firing of Geoff Collins. Key has led Tech to quality wins against Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Duke and UNC, but has also suffered some lopsided losses to FSU and Miami. Key has done a great job taking over a bad team, but Smart and his staff clearly have the edge in experience and results.
Dawg Bones Overall: Georgia
As we saw this past weekend against a Kentucky team coming off a loss to Vanderbilt, the Dawgs can be challenged by an inferior opponent. Coming off an unexpected win against a highly ranked UNC team, Tech will be motivated against No. 1 Georgia. Anything can happen in a rivalry game, but Georgia should cruise against Tech. The opening line has Georgia favored by 37. That seems quite high, but expect to see Carson Beck and a number of reserves before the final whistle.