– UGA vs. Samford –
Athens, GA, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017
Kevin Butler, former University of Georgia legendary kicker and a member of the Georgia radio broadcast team, will each week during the 2017 football season select his offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week for Bulldawg Illustrated. Here are Butler’s selections and reasons why for the Bulldogs’ 42-14 win over Samford Saturday.
COMPILED BY MURRAY POOLE
OFFENSE
Senior tailback Nick Chubb, who rushed for a season-high 131 yards on 16 carries, including touchdown runs of 32 and 14 yards.
“The senior running back put his name a little closer to the great one, #34, as Nick produced his 19th 100-plus rushing game against Samford, going for 131 yards on 16 carries,” said Butler. “An incredible 8.2 yards-per-carry average delivered Chubb to the end zone twice on a beautiful evening between the hedges. Chubb gets stronger as the game gets longer. He is one of our best ever backs and we need the legend to grow, starting with Mississippi State this coming weekend”
DEFENSE
Senior outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, who again sparked the Bulldogs’ defensive performance with two more quarterback sacks and four total tackles.
“The Dawg Nation is thankful that LC chose to return for his senior year, like Chubb, and he has made his presence felt not only at UGA but also in the SEC,” said Butler. “Two sacks and consistent play shows the fruit of his commitment to working hard and getting better. This week will be the biggest challenge in Lorenzo’s career and I expect him to ‘Call The Dawgs!'”
SPECIAL TEAMS
Sophomore placekicker Rodrigo Blankenship, who continued to be a weapon for the Bulldogs by booting all seven of his kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks. He also drilled all five of his extra-point kicks with David Marvin handling the final PAT kick.
“Rod continues to prove that hard work does pay off,” said Butler. “This award goes to Rod for his performance on kickoffs alone. Kicking can be a weapon and Rod is a rocket on kickoffs. To eliminate an opponents’ return on KO’s provides the first big play for the defense. Rod is a true team player and the Dawgs are better with his performance.”
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