A look back at what decided the game between Georgia and Oregon.
The Georgia Bulldogs’ 2022 football season began in extravagant fashion in Atlanta. A fair share of people were expecting the Dawgs to come out on top over the Ducks, but not to the extremes at which they did. The final score of last Saturday’s matchup was an astonishing 49-3. To put that into perspective the spread of the game was 17 points, and Georgia won by a margin of 46. Not only did the Dawgs leave the Benz victorious, they left having established a new identity.
In last year’s season opener, Georgia’s defensive front laid waste to Clemson’s offensive line, ushering that unit into the spotlight. After amassing seven quarterback sacks, all eyes were on Georgia and their “generational defense,” and from that point onward they continued to dominate the line of scrimmage day in and day out. Beating Oregon the way they did, it will be no surprise to see Georgia’s offense take a similar route into the national spotlight.
368
In total, the Bulldogs threw for 439 total yards, but 368 of those can be attributed to Stetson Bennett before being pulled out of the game with five minutes left in the 3rd quarter. The senior is starting his final season in Athens with a bang, setting the tone for the rest of the season. 368 yards surpasses last year’s average passing yards per game (252) by over 100 yards and serves as a career mark for most passing yards in a game for Bennett. Remember that this showing was done against a Dan Lanning led defense.
5.5
Not only was the Georgia offense productive through the air, they were successful on the ground. Though the explosiveness wasn’t quite there, the ground game was effective to say the least. Averaging 5.5 yards per carry is an impressive feat in itself, but to do it against a top 11 nationally ranked opponent is something else. Coming into that game, one of Oregon’s most illustrious position groups was the linebacker duo they fielded in Noah Sewell and Justin Flowe. Known for their flashy athleticism and highlight-play tackles, they were expected to put a dent into Georgia’s plans, but Coach Smart said it best, “You’re either elite, or you’re not.”
117
This number was the yardage result behind a career game for senior running back Kenny McIntosh, but these yards didn’t come on the ground. Against Oregon, McIntosh caught nine passes for 117 total receiving yards (a good bit of which came after catch) which lead the team. With James Cook off to the NFL, Georgia had a hole to fill at pass-catching back, but McIntosh appears to have assumed the position with ease. His ability to get upfield after the catch is impressive and looks similar to Georgia great, D’Andre Swift. McIntosh had defenders looking silly out there; he has a knack for making the first guy miss.
571
Whether it was through the air or on the ground, the Dawgs were getting it done when the ball was in their hands. Georgia didn’t even have to field a punter until the 4th quarter because they scored touchdowns on their first seven drives. Coach Todd Monken kept Oregon on their toes to say the least; at one point the leading rusher was Ladd McConkey and at the end of the game Kenny McIntosh had the most receiving yards. Finding multiple ways to attack a defense is key, and the Dawgs proved they could do it against real competition in Oregon. What really stood out was the passing game. Stetson Bennett threw for 368 yards before getting pulled with 5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. It compels fans to imagine what else he has to offer.