A look back at what decided the game between Georgia and South Carolina.
In an electric offensive showing that was only hindered by veteran quarterback Stetson Bennett “feeling sick” during the first half, Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs showed the football world why they are deserving of their No. 1 status. After facing off and beating down on South Carolina in their SEC opener, Georgia proved they could get it done against opponents within their own conference. Albeit the Gamecocks don’t necessarily lie at the top of the food chain around these parts, beating them in the fashion in which they did serves as further evidence that Kirby Smart is building a program that is made to last. Here are some stats that proved the difference in the Dawgs shellacking of the Cocks.
78
Brock Bowers truly is a freak of nature. On the Bulldogs’ first drive of the second half against South Carolina, Bennett tossed one to Bowers to turn what looked to be a decent gain into a house call. The second-year tight end shoved a defender to the ground and outran a couple more to trot 78 yards into the end zone. Bowers had a similar play against Georgia Tech last season; neither play was a fluke. Plays like that just happen when you put the ball in the hands of an elite playmaker.
320
Right when you think you’ve seen it all, Stetson Bennett will always have another trick up his sleeve. South Carolina was essentially Bennett’s “flu game.” Even though he was retching on the sidelines during the first half, the former walk-on turned 2022 CFP National Championship MVP still put up 320 all-purpose yards. Throwing for only 284 had Bennett a little short of the 300-yard game that fans were looking for, but to make up for that Bennett quietly led the team in rushing yards having three attempts for 36 yards and a touchdown. People underestimate his legs. Bennett doesn’t just possess the ability to run when needed. It’s a skill he’s been honing in on this offseason.
9/21
As the offensive identity of this team slowly comes to form, Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers are emerging as Georgia’s more reliable pass catchers (AD Mitchell could be included too, but he’s injured). Out of the 21 passes dished out on Saturday, nine went to this receiving duo. There were plenty of plays scripted around them. Plays that were focused on getting the ball in their hands one way or another. Both of them had rushing attempts and Bowers even scored off of his. The beauty about these two guys is that they surpass the expectations of what a traditional player at their position is expected to. Their versatility opens up the offense and gives play callers more options and in turn, more opportunities.
9
The Dawgs’ defensive front has only recorded one sack so far this season. It was against Samford. Although that stat makes it look like Georgia is failing to affect the quarterback, the opposite is true. The Dawgs didn’t take down the quarterback in Columbia, but their impact was definitely still felt. Against South Carolina, Georgia recorded nine quarterback hurries forcing missed throws and ending plays before they could even begin. The fact of the matter is this defense isn’t focused on sacks. They’re focused on pressure. If they can consistently pressure the quarterback, sacks are just a bonus. Coach Smart has said that he wishes they could finish more and come up with sacks, but he is not at all disappointed in the defensive line’s production.