Trap the Jaguars – ET’s Southern Preview

Home >

Trap the Jaguars – ET’s Southern Preview

[su_spacer size=”20″]
Sony Michel 21yd TD Q2
Sony Michel 21yd TD Q2
Photo: Rob Saye/Bulldawg Illustrated
[su_spacer size=”20″] This week is the perfect time for our annual FCS opponent as the Dawgs recover from the dominating win over South Carolina last Saturday and begin to look forward to the showdown everyone on the east side of the Chattahoochee has looked forward to since January with Alabama.  In the meantime, we have to get ready to take on a solid SWAC opponent in the Southern Jaguars at high noon between the hedges.  Let’s get to the preview.
[su_spacer size=”20″]
When Georgia Has the Ball
[su_spacer size=”40″] The Georgia offense should not have trouble moving the ball and scoring points against the Southern defense.  The offensive line should be able to keep Greyson Lambert’s jersey clean for a 2nd consecutive week and to open large holes for the 3-headed monster at tailback leading to big plays and yardage.  The goals should be get Chubb his 100 yards, give Michel a chance to get to 100, get meaningful snaps for Brice Ramsey and the 2nd team offensive line, and see the Keith Marshall a chance to windmill on his way for a long TD run.  If the Georgia offense doesn’t have a double-digit score that starts with at least 3 when the Human Jukebox takes the field, I would probably consider that we have not had a good game on the offensive side of the ball.
[su_spacer size=”40″] When Southern Has the Ball
[su_spacer size=”40″] The Jaguars should have trouble generating yards and points against Jeremy Pruitt’s 1st team defense.  I have to assume that Southern is going to try to spread the field and force us into one on one situations where they may be able to break big plays.  I just can’t see how they will be able to get a push against the front 4 even playing as vanilla of a defensive front as possible.  The Georgia defense has traditionally gobbled up FCS opponents and forced them to throw the ball to get any consistency moving the ball.  The goals should be not to show much other than what’s already on film from the season’s first 3 games, get the starters out of the game as soon as the game is well in hand, and play as many of the freshmen as possible throughout the game.  Southern should have one digit on their side of the scoreboard at the half.
[su_spacer size=”40″] What Will Happen
[su_spacer size=”40″] Thank goodness I’m going to the game because I don’t have to listen to Andre Ware blather on and on about nothing on the SEC Network.
[su_spacer size=”40″] I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team be a little bit sluggish emotionally with a low-key crowd and the early start.  I would imagine that will quickly turn as the athletic advantage the Dawgs enjoy allows the team to take control in the 2nd quarter.  The offense starts to drop points, the defense chokes the Jaguars’ offense as the half wears on, and the special teams (looking at you, Human Joystick) put up a return for a score.  If the Dawgs win the toss, I would like to see Richt instruct the captains to take the ball and get the offense moving as quickly as possible.  Dawgs win big with a vanilla game plan, a lot of young guys (and walk-ons) get the opportunity to play, and most importantly, the team is healthy entering Alabama week.
[su_spacer size=”40″] In the game within the game, sorry, Redcoats, you probably are going to get upstaged at halftime by the Jukebox.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Final Score: Georgia 66, Southern 7
[su_spacer size=”40″] Other Games of Interest
[su_spacer size=”40″] #24 Oklahoma St. @ Texas – Is this Bulldog Kryptonite’s last stand as the Pokes invade Austin to take on the Longhorns?  Texas looks absolutely awful, and I assume the Texas big time donors see the program heading into the wilderness.  If the Horns can pull the upset, the wolves will be held at bay until the Red River Shootout.  If not, Strong may be done after Dallas.  I just don’t see Texas with enough offense to beat the Cowboys.  Oklahoma St. 38, Texas 20
[su_spacer size=”40″] Tennessee @ Florida – My SEC East meteor game.  The Vols have lost 10 in a row to their Gator overlords and have only beaten Jort Nation 3 times in Gainesville since 1971.  If Sgt. Carter is going to prove to Orange Nation that he can win a game that matters, he must win on Saturday in The Swamp.  Will Grier will have to play the whole game with the suspension of Treon Harris.  Another moral victory in the column for the Volunteers as the Gators move to 4-0. Florida 21, Tennessee 20
[su_spacer size=”40″] #14 Texas A&M @ Arkansas – The Aggies have a chance to drive a final stake into the Bert era at Jerry’s World in Arlington.  John Chavis has made a huge difference with the defense in College Station, and a run-heavy team plays right into a Chief-coached defense.  Count how many times Texas A&M blitzes the A gaps to disrupt the Razorbacks’ running game.  Texas A&M 31, Arkansas 21
[su_spacer size=”40″] Mississippi St. @ Auburn – How far have the War Tiglesmen fallen? From trendy national champion pick to unranked in 3 weeks.  The Gus Bus is changing quarterbacks from preseason Heisman candidate to redshirt freshman.  Mississippi State competed with LSU 2 weeks ago.  That’s something the Sociology Majors can’t say.  The Bizarro Dogs win big on the Plains due to the overwhelming advantage at quarterback.  Mississippi St. 34, Auburn 21
[su_spacer size=”40″] #9 UCLA @ #16 Arizona – The Bruins are currently the toast of L.A. after USC’s embarrassing loss last weekend to Stanford.  Rich Rod will try to get this game into a track meet in the Tucson desert.  UCLA is one of those programs that when the spotlight comes on, they tend to spit the bit (see Clemson … see another team that I really like).  I wouldn’t be surprise to see an upset, but UCLA pulls it out late.  UCLA 35, Arizona 31
[su_spacer size=”40″] #18 Utah @ #13 Oregon – Nike U welcomes the Utes to Autzen in a Pac 12 showdown (I still can’t get used to Utah at the big boys’ table).  If Oregon is going to get back into the playoff conversation, they have lost all of their margin for error after their loss in East Lansing.  They have to run the table from this point to championship weekend.  Another regular season loss likely gives the Ducks only a shot at the Rose Bowl.  Utah doesn’t have the depth of athletes to keep up with Phil Knight’s army especially in Eugene.  Oregon 41, Utah 28
[su_spacer size=”40″] That’s what I think. I would like to read your comments below.
[su_spacer size=”80″]

share content

Author /

The University of Georgia 1991-1994. Lanier Tech 2009-2012. Writer and graphic artist covering UGA athletics, college football, and recruiting. Peach cobbler fears me!