GAMEDAY THREAD – SCROLL TO COMMENTS BELOW
Georgia finally has the opportunity to cleanse their pallet of the taste of defeat in Lexington, Kentucky today at noon. As is customary, the doom, gloom, and despair of a Georgia loss engulfed many supporters and members of the media. A fictitious QB “controversy” was created and subsequently debunked, Todd Monken’s play calling was called into question, and people suggested that Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes, Lewis Cine, and Tyrique Stevenson should all be benched. In the word of Green Bay Packer’s QB Aaron Rodgers, “R-E-L-A-X!” Today’s contest against Kentucky is one that sets up nicely for Georgia in the totality of a 60 minute football game. Now, let’s examine the matchup and discuss some keys.
This game will have two defensive units in both Georgia and Kentucky that are physical, play with pride, and fly to the football. Mark Stoops and Kentucky, much like Kirby Smart and Georgia, pride themselves on stonewalling the run game and forcing teams to methodically drive down the field with the short to intermediate passing game. Offensively, it’s similar as well, because both teams have relatively inexperienced quarterbacks that are talented, but each know the run game must be consistent and productive for ultimate success.
The mirroring styles could cause there to be a series of blows exchanged between the Dawgs and Cats in the first quarter, or maybe even the first half. However, I foresee a gelling Georgia offensive front ultimately wearing down a big, yet not extremely deep, Kentucky defensive front and providing ample room for Kendall Milton, Zamir White, James Cook, and Kenny McIntosh (if he’s healthy and needed). Obviously doing so will open things up for Stetson Bennett IV in the playaction passing game over the top and can help manipulate linebackers and safeties to create success in RPO concepts.
A key indicator for what type of day it will be for Georgia is their 1st down success on both offense and defense. If Kentucky can keep their offense on schedule, and ahead of the chains, for manageable 2nd and 3rd downs, Joey Gatewood’s 1st start gets a lot easier. Georgia’s defense has been great all year at limiting yards on 1st down, and I’d look for this trend to continue. On the other side of the ball, Georgia hasn’t had a great success rate on 1st down. While Stetson Bennett IV has been tremendous on 3rd down, Todd Monken and Georgia need to continue the mix the used against Alabama, but the execution must be higher. Receivers can’t misalign, bust routes, and drop balls. Also, Stetson Bennett IV must trust his ability to read defenses and go through progressions while also being more willing to utilize his mobility at times when the 1st or 2nd read isn’t there.
I believe Georgia is the deeper and more talented team and that will propel Georgia to a 38 to 17 win in the end.
2021 RECRUITING DEVELOPMENT
Yesterday was a big day for the 2021 class with Gaffney, South Carolina, native and 4-Star defensive tackle Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins having committed to the Georgia Bulldogs. More of the class also seems to be coming into focus. From what I’m hearing, I believe that Terrion Arnold is likely headed to Florida at this time. This buzz on the safety from the Sunshine State makes it more clear as to why Elijah Sabbatini received an offer from Georgia back in early October and then subsequently decommitted from Ole Miss on October 26th. If I had a crystal ball, forecast, or otherwise cleverly named agent of predicting the destination of a coveted high school prospect, mine for Sabbatini would go to the Georgia Bulldogs.
mid season highlights
mid season highlights