This week truly felt like the first full capacity home game in Sandford Stadium since the pandemic hit. Last week’s midday home game against UAB did not have the same atmosphere as this primetime matchup between two SEC East opponents. The University got to show off their new LED lights. The Bulldogs created an enamoring spectacle, and it was fantastic.
This was a big recruiting weekend for Georgia. The most notable attendee being Arch Manning, grandson of Archie Manning, who was attending on an unofficial visit. There were a few other high profile recruiting targets and current UGA commits in attendance. If I was Georgia, I would have wanted to showcase the team’s skills on the field, and the amazing atmosphere from their passionate fans. Georgia should get an A+ for their efforts.
3
Three passing touchdowns were thrown by JT Daniels. The touchdown receptions were caught by utilizing three different skill players. Jermaine Burton (43-yard pass), Adonai Mitchell (38-yard pass), and James Cook (4-yard pass). Daniels took shots down field, and they paid off in big ways. Most of Georgia’s offensive plays on early downs in the first half were passing plays. This means that Georgia had the intention to beat South Carolina in the air. Georgia has received much criticism from pundits over the years for being a one-dimensional “run first” team. It is now safe to say that this Georgia team is a multi-dimensional offensive threat.
197
Before coming into the South Carolina game, Georgia was averaging 4.2 yards per rush and 143 yards per game. Against the Gamecocks, Georgia was able to average 5.9 yards per carry with 197 total rushing yards. Kendall Milton led the Dawgs with 10 carries for 66 yards, his longest run being a 22-yard gain. Zamir White, 8 carries for 51 yards, his longest being 15 yards and 1 touchdown. James Cook was utilized for his versatility, 4 carries for 51 yards, his longest run being 23 yards, while also being targeted 4 times for 4 receptions, with a receiving touchdown. The run game seems to have finally brushed the dust off and are now operating efficiently.
303
303 total passing yards from JT Daniels. There were questions about the extent of JT’s oblique injury that had him sit out last week’s game against UAB. From a distance, it did not look like his oblique was bothering him. He had 23 completions on 31 attempts. His longest pass was the 43-yard touchdown pass to Jermaine Burton. He utilized other receivers, highlighting Georgia’s depth at this position. He threw to Brock Bowers, Adonai Mitchell, Kearis Jackson, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Ladd McConkey, Justin Robinson, and threw targets to the slew of Georgia’s talented running backs. Georgia has offensive weapons that can be utilized in both the air and the ground and is not limited to just one or two top skill players.
2.8
Georgia’s defensive front only allowed 2.8 average yards per carry. South Carolina could not get a run game going. Georgia’s defensive line was unmovable. Jordan Davis, Travon Walker, and Devonte Wyatt were putting constant pressure on South Carolina quarterback Luke Doty. Doty was able to avoid sacks by quickly to getting rid of the football and by creatively scrambling. The pressure on him though did its toll, as Doty completed less than 50% of his pass attempts and had one pass intercepted by Derion Kendrick. With their ability to pressure and their ability to stop the run, this defensive line is truly something special and will be a blast for the Bulldog Nation to continue watching them this season.