Given just a 22% chance to win according to ESPN’s pregame analytics, the Dawgs pulled off an amazing win against the No. 1 Texas Longhorns. The Dawgs were doubted by the media the past few weeks, crowning Texas as the new “Sheriff of the SEC.” College Gameday’s crew, including former Longhorn Scottie Scheffler, each selected Texas as their winner in a clean sweep, yet the good guys did not disappoint. The offense was led by running back Trevor Etienne who had 87 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, linebacker Jalon Walker had a monster game with eight tackles and three sacks. While the Junkyard Dawgs were able to force four turnovers, quarterback Carson Beck still had his struggles with turnovers, throwing three interceptions. It is evident the Georgia receivers have been struggling to catch the ball this year. Coach Smart, after the Texas game, said, “… our inability to catch a ball is almost comical.” At the same time, Beck’s shaky play will need to get better if the Dawgs want to make it to Atlanta in January.
It only feels right to have an entire paragraph dedicated to the never-before-seen event in college football that took place in Austin, Texas on October 19th. Carson Beck attempted to connect with Arian Smith on a hitch route. Things got physical at the top of the route, which led the refs to throw down a flag for pass interference. After the flag was thrown, the defensive back, Jahdae Barron, was able to intercept the pass and take it far into Georgia territory. This was when all chaos broke loose. Fans lost their minds and began throwing anything they could onto the field. Coach Sarkisian walked over to the student section in an attempt to calm them down. After a solid few minutes, eventually everything was cleaned up. At the end of the trash debacle, the head referee announced that there was no pass interference on the play. Where this becomes an issue is when spectators realize there is no sort of review allowed on pass interference calls. As trash was being thrown, the big board constantly showed a replay. Was it defensive pass interference? Probably not. Should the referees have been allowed to overturn such a crucial call? Absolutely not.
After the traditional bye week, Bulldog Nation now follows the Dawgs down to Jacksonville for The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party against the Florida Gators. Both teams could be 7-0 or 0-7, but there is always excitement and anticipation for one of the most historic and nostalgic matchups in college football. Since 2017, the Dawgs have dominated, losing just once in 2020 by a score of 44-28. Two national titles later, Kirby Smart’s team sits atop the college football world and wants nothing more than to continue dominating this matchup. With that being said, Florida has been turning things in the right direction lately. Since losing to Texas A&M in week three, head coach Billy Napier’s squad has lost just once in a near upset of No. 8 Tennessee under the lights of Neyland Stadium. While Napier’s seat is still very warm, this fierce, ugly rivalry will be plenty of motivation for Florida to spoil Georgia’s season. While it’s evident these two programs are headed in different directions, and have been for a few years, don’t be surprised if this one stays interesting for four quarters.
Hot Take of the Week:
While last week’s take with Beck did not go as planned, our hot take of the week is that Trevor Etienne will continue his success and score three touchdowns against his former team. The ex-Gator will certainly be looking to show his old friends in Gainesville what they are missing. Florida’s defense gives up nearly 164 rushing yards per game. As each game goes on, Etienne proves himself further to be a true RB1 in the SEC. In addition, senior guard Tate Ratledge will make his return against the Gators and will be back out there to support the Dawgs’ run game. Look for “ETN” to get plenty of carries to accomplish this feat.