After complete domination over the Sooners, the Bulldogs now look ahead to a Vanderbilt program that has trended up under head coach Clark Lea. Georgia moves to 4-0 and remains ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll. Football weather is finally making its way down South.
The defense had four takeaways on top of three sacks and multiple quarterback pressures against Oklahoma. John Mateer struggled to find any form of rhythm for the Oklahoma offense. Chris Cole recovered Mateer’s fumble deep in Georgia’s territory for a touchdown, sucking the life out of the Sooner sidelines. Kirby Smart referred to it as a 14-point play.
The offense wasn’t asked to do much, but sophomore Talyn Taylor brought in multiple big catches. He had 110 yards and a touchdown on the day. The offense slowed down in the second half. In his post-game press conference, Smart was asked what area the team needs to focus on going forward.
“All areas. We gotta get better at everything,” coach Smart said.
They’ll have the opportunity to show improvements in all categories back in Athens this weekend against the Commodores. This one might be personal for the Bulldogs. Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Jared Curtis, was a long-time commit to Georgia before flipping right before signing day.
In the Commodores’ third game of the season, Curtis made his first start against NC State. He finished the game with 277 yards and three TDs but also had two interceptions, one of which nearly lost them the game. NC State picked off Curtis at the one-yard line. The Wolfpack fumbled in the end zone, and Vanderbilt ended up winning 35-31.
Last week, Curtis had his first career start against an SEC opponent, facing Auburn at Jordan-Hare. They only mustered up 15 points against the Tigers, including one offensive touchdown. Curtis finished the game with 199 yards and an interception.
The Bulldogs, in a way, have to seek opportunities to garner energy from the crowd for home games on the schedule this season, since Oklahoma’s hype died down with its lackluster start to the season. Seeking their seventh straight win over Vanderbilt, it’s time to make another quarterback see ghosts at the hands of Georgia’s defensive performance.
