1. Pressure Dart – Ole MIss senior Jaxson Dart is one of the top quarterbacks in college football. He’s got a great arm. Dart is accurate, and he is a threat to run. Georgia must make him uncomfortable. Pressure yes. Sacks would be great. But make him uncomfortable. Over-rushing and over pursuit will get a defense in big trouble against Dart and the Rebels. Remember the first series Texas had with the ball against Georgia? Jalon Walker spied Quinn Ewers. That’s the kind of defense Georgia must play against Ole Miss. If the ends don’t contain on the edge, it’s trouble. Dart is great at throwing on the run and has excellent chemistry with a fleet of big play receivers.
2. Run that ball Dawgs – Georgia’s passing game has been inconsistent and turnovers have plagued Georgia. When the Dogs have been at their best, the run game has been cooking. Two examples that stand out are the second half against Clemson and the Texas game, when Trevor Ettienne ran for three touchdowns. Kirby Smart wants to run the football. He’d surely like to see the Bulldogs rank much higher in the SEC’s rushing stats. That is going to be a huge challenge with Ole Miss’s defensive front. It is one of the very best in all of college football. They are big, fast and strong. Ole Miss’s defensive line can pressure the passer and beat blocks to shut down the run game without linebacker help. When those ‘backers get involved, look out.
3. Kicking Game Conquest – This is a must. Coming off windy Jacksonville, the Bulldogs kickers need to shine against the Rebels. Ole Miss also has a good kicking game. Not shocking. If you want to be good in this league, you had better be good in all phases of special teams. Georgia’s offense has had its ups and downs, and you can bet that the Rebels will do all they can to disrupt the Dogs. Meanwhile the Rebels high octane offense will give Georgia’s defense one of its most daunting challenges of the season. Good rule of thumb, teams need to win two/thirds of offense, defense and special teams to win a game. Special Teams is a must for Georgia Saturday afternoon.
4. Ajax, Old Venice, The Library, City Grocery, Neilson’s – The Square in Oxford, Mississippi is simply awesome. The restaurants, taverns and shops are tremendous. Of course I’m biased towards Athens, but Oxford is my second favorite college town. A lot of great memories through the years. Most on baseball and basketball trips. Ajax is my lunch spot. A classic one and three. Old Venice Italian and City Grocery have delicious food, and if you search hard enough, you might be able to find something to go along with your sweet tea. Neilson’s Department Store is tops for men’s and women’s clothing. Eat up and enjoy, but be careful, those who have dueled with The Square and tried to burn the candle at both ends have gotten “Squared” before.
5. The Grove – Yogi Berra once famously said, with tremendous wisdom, “it’s too crowded, nobody goes there anymore.” This was essentially a reference to the “in crowd,” or regulars. Well that does not apply to The Grove, where over 100,000 fans will assemble prior to kickoff. It is one of the most epic tailgating scenes imaginable. From fried chicken, catfish and gumbo to champagne, with chandeliers hanging from tents and quite the fashion show. It is a scene. And you can bet that with two schools so famous for the total tailgating atmosphere, The Grove will not disappoint Saturday afternoon.