BULLDOGS TO WATCH: UGA vs. Samford

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BULLDOGS TO WATCH: UGA vs. Samford

Davin Bellamy  - UGA vs. Notre Dame -  (Photo by Rob Saye)
Davin Bellamy
– UGA vs. Notre Dame –
(Photo by Rob Saye)

 
 
This Saturday, who are the Georgia Bulldogs to watch as UGA returns home to Sanford to take on Samford on Saturday?

 

DAVIN BELLAMY (OLB, #17)

 
Off to a strong start in the Bulldogs’ young season, this 6-5, 245-pound senior will need to get good pressure on Samford’s prolific passing quarterback, Devlin Hodges, come Saturday night between the Sanford Stadium hedges. Bellamy also must help set the edge against the opposing Bulldogs’ running game, not allowing Samford’s backs to inflict damage on outside runs. Expect Bellamy to be ready to answer both of those challenges.
 

SONY MICHEL (TB, #1)

 
Along with fellow tailback Nick Chubb, this guy rates as one of the most elusive running backs in the SEC. The 5-11,215-pound Michel can not only make defenders miss but also, has the strength to run over linebackers and defensive backs, as evidenced by his tackle-breaking 6-yard scoring run in the season-opening win over Appalachian State, as well as his earlier 44-yard run from scrimmage in that game. Michel and Chubb must keep pounding the rock against Samford on Saturday night.
 

JAVON WIMS (WR, #6)

 
This junior college transfer is really starting to blossom in his senior season, using his 6-4 height and long reach to go up over defensive backs and make the catch. That was never more evident than in the Bulldogs’ 20-19 victory at Notre Dame this past Saturday night when Wims’ 31-yard reception from quarterback Jake Fromm was the key to the Bulldogs’ final drive that led to Rodrigo Blankenship’s winning 30-yard field goal with just over three minutes to play. Wims will need another big game Saturday against a Samford team that can score quickly with its potent passing attack
 

Deandre Baker - UGA 20 - Notre Dame 19 (Photo: Greg Poole / Bulldawg Illustrated)
Deandre Baker
– UGA 20 – Notre Dame 19
(Photo: Greg Poole / Bulldawg Illustrated)

 

DEANDRE BAKER (CB, #18)

 
While the Bulldogs’ outside ‘backers, Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter, need to apply the pressure to Hodges, Baker and his fellow defensive backs have to be ready for the air raid that is sure to come from Hodges and his quality pass receivers, who are led by junior wideout Kelvin McKnight. Baker, along with Dominick Sanders, Aaron Davis, J.R. Reed and Richard LeCounte need to pick off Hodges at least a couple of times to help frustrate Samford’s explosive passing attack.
 

LAMONT GAILLARD (C, #53)

 
The best way to stymie the potent Samford offense is to keep Hodges and his teammates on the sidelines Saturday evening. And Georgia can do that by simply controlling the ball throughout with the Bulldogs’ powerful run game. And Gaillard is the key here, not only making the right calls for his fellow offensive linemen but also helping clear the middle for Chubb and Michel to have huge success.
 

KENDALL BAKER (OG, #65)

 
Baker, a 6-5, 287-pound junior, moved into the starting lineup at left guard against Notre Dame and acquitted himself well as he was one of the handful of players brought to the post­game interviews by head coach Kirby Smart. No question, Georgia’s offensive line is still very much a work in progress as it continues to strive to create more running space for Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and D’Andre Swift. Against the Samford Bulldogs this coming Saturday, good play from Baker and his O-line buddies will be paramount in Georgia controlling the ball and keeping Samford’s explosive offense on the sidelines.
 
 


 
 

Recent Articles by Murray Poole

 
 
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Murray Poole is a 1965 graduate of the University of Georgia Journalism School. He served as sports editor of The Brunswick News for 40 years and has written for Bulldawg Illustrated the past 16 years. He has covered the Georgia Bulldogs for 53 years.