SEC Media Days have come and gone and talking season is almost over. After diving into the schedule, below is Part 2 of UGA’s toughest games of 2019.
#6 – @ Tennessee
There is no question that Jeremy Pruitt is slowly but surely making Tennessee a better football team. Guarantano made strides in 2018 and he is surround by tremendous talent at the skill positions but the offensive line is a huge question mark. On the defensive side of the ball the first string is solid but the depth is minimal. This game would normally rank as much more difficult but the Dawgs travel to Knoxville after a bye week fired up and ready to go.
#5 – Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish arrive in Athens for a national showcase game where both programs will be looking to make a statement to the nation. If you are not careful this is the type of game a player can get too hyped for and it will take you out of your game. Ian Book has proven to be a solid quarterback, Julian Okwara is an elite pass rusher and Alohi Gilman is one of the most fun football players to watch in the country. That being said, UGA is simply too fast for the Irish and the Dawgs depth and the Georgia heat could prove to be too much for the Irish.
#4 – Missouri
With the arrival of Kelly Bryant to take the place of Drew Lock, Missouri is poised to be a very dangerous team in the SEC East. Bryant brings a championship mentality and he is surrounded by an experienced offensive line, excellent tailback and the best tight end in the country. On the defensive side of the ball Barry Odom returns an experienced group that only got better as the season went on. With this game falling the week after an emotional game against Florida will only make it more difficult.
#3 – @ Auburn
Auburn is the most mercurial team in the country led by Gus Malzahn. If they have the right mix and the Gus Bus gets rolling they are one of the toughest teams in the country, especially at home. However, if things turn bad the bus breaks down quickly. The 2019 Auburn Tigers have an intriguing blend of explosiveness and experience but they will be relying on a first year starter in a quarterback dependent scheme. If Auburn only has one loss this game may be the toughest game on the schedule but if they have 2-3 losses (which is more likely) it proves to be much more manageable for the Dawgs.
#2 – Florida
The annual tilt with the Gators is still one of the toughest games on the schedule for the Dawgs. As always both teams arrive in Jacksonville coming off a bye week and Dan Mullen is putting all his chips down on this game with his offseason trash talk. It will be a slugfest from the opening snap regardless of Florida’s record because the last thing they want is a third consecutive loss at the hands of the Dawgs. Similary, Georgia will be looking to reassert it’s dominance in this matchup.
#1 – Texas A&M
This game comes after a brutal SEC gauntlet that includes games against Florida, Missouri and Auburn preceding the Aggies first ever trip to Athens. At this point the Dawgs could be a beat up, tired football team when Jimbo & Co. arrive led by a dynamic quarterback in Kellen Mond and an electric group of wide receivers. It may be the most explosive offense the Dawgs see all season. However, A&M has questions on the offensive line and defensively which gives the Dawgs a great chance to come out with a victory.