For the next couple years, expect a lot of the duo of Georgia freshman wide receivers George Pickens (1) and Dom Blaylock (8).
Pickens had a total of five catches for 84 yards, and Blaylock had 4 catches for 112 yards and a score.
To begin the second quarter, Jake Fromm (11) connected with Blaylock for a 60-yard touchdown. This was a career-long reception for Blaylock and the longest for the Bulldogs this year. He has now scored for the second game in a row. Blaylock also became the first freshman since Reggie Davis in 2013 to have 100 receiving yards in a game.
Pickens was Georgia’s leading receiver through the first half as he caught four passes for 72 yards. Earlier in the game, Fromm missed Pickens on several passes, but the two seemed to find a rhythm as the game progressed. Pickens also had some impressive grabs, including a snag that tip-toed the sideline as he reached behind him to make the catch.
“Pickens had some wow catches and that’s what y’all saw,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “He also had some missed assignments and didn’t get the ball because he wasn’t doing what he was supposed to be doing.”
Both Pickens and Blaylock are two of Georgia’s most productive wide receivers and have proven that can be the difference makers at their position.
Last week against Murray State, Blaylock had three catches for 48 yards and a TD. Also in that game, Pickens had four catches for 78 yards and a score. Neither receivers had snags against Vanderbilt, but Pickens did have a couple of targets late in the game.
Jake Fromm said he’s been blown away with how Blaylock has practiced, and praised his work ethic.
“Dom did a great job all week in practice,” Fromm said. “This guy is coming out making plays, he’s really taking his job seriously, and he’s not having a whole lot of mental errors, you don’t have to worry about him at all.”
Fromm also commented on how hard Pickens has worked as well, and that it was awesome for him to have another great game.
“It’s just a testament to what guys do in practice and the work they put in,” Fromm said. “When you get your opportunity to go out on the field, you really take advantage of it, and you could see that he did that, and he has been doing that, and now he’s out there making plays.”
Georgia senior wide receiver Tyler Simmons (87) suffered an injury at the end of the first quarter, and it is unknown if he will play next week versus Notre Dame. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs will need guys like Pickens and Blaylock to step up again if they expect to beat the Fighting Irish.
Georgia takes on Notre Dame next Saturday in Sanford Stadium at 8 pm on CBS.