1

Contain Gibbs  –  One of the most electrifying all-purpose players in the game is the Yellow Jackets stellar sophomore running back/kickoff return ace Jahmyr Gibbs. A big time recruit in 2020, Gibbs has lived up to the billing. He’s a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Georgia’s run defense will have to be at its best, and Tech figures to throw it to him too. On kickoffs, boot it deep, take no chances. As my legendary broadcast Kevin Butler says, kick it out of the end zone and you know they can’t run it back. Gibbs took one 100 yards for a touchdown two weeks ago against Boston College.

2

Dictate Offensively–  Whether it is finding creative ways to run the ball, using the pass to set up the run, grinding out a rushing attack, or doing so to set up play-action deep balls, Georgia’s offense must take the lead Saturday at Grant Field. Tech’s defense can run, and they’ll be on the loose in search of turnovers. Georgia’s defense has been the centerpiece and identity of this team. When the Bulldogs offense has jumped out early, the defense has been able to feast. This is a day for Georgia to set the tone offensively, and for the Bulldogs to play great complimentary football.

3

Special Teams – That includes the kicking game. For the underdog Yellow Jackets, making big plays on special teams and winning the turnover battle are the recipes to pull off the upset. Let’s go back to Georgia’s last two victories over the Yellow Jackets. In 2018, Tech ran a kickoff back for a touchdown to cut Georgia’s lead to 14-7 in a 45-21 Bulldogs victory. In 2019, the Dogs won 52-7, but Tech’s lone score was set up by a fumbled Georgia punt. The Yellow Jackets also recovered the ensuing onsides kick. They’ll try to steal a possession somewhere. Can Georgia not just get a push in the kicking game, can the Bulldogs win the special teams?

4

Capitalize and Strike –Whether it’s in the red zone or making the connection to open receivers, Georgia needs touchdowns. And if that doesn’t happen, the Bulldogs need to get at least three. But, big picture, as great as Georgia has played, the Dogs have left some points on the table. Georgia doesn’t need to open the door and give the motivated Jackets any more room. The Bulldogs must create opportunities, make the plays and cash in.

5

Want it More  –  Handling adversity has been preached all season by Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart. Funny things happen at Grant Field. Remember the opening kickoff in 2017? Tech will have the fire, aiming to spoil Georgia’s dreams. The Bulldogs must be the hunter, playing not to protect a sparkling 2021 win-loss record, but to capture the State Championship and Governor’s Cup, playing to a standard, and continuing to become more of a finished product. The Dogs have the target on their chests. To win, Georgia must be the aggressor and bring the hunger.