Offense – Georgia
Georgia gets the edge here because they currently rank ahead of South Carolina in more offensive categories, despite the Gamecocks having a better overall run game. The Bulldogs’ passing game shined against Mississippi State last week led by J.T. Daniels. Georgia only rushed for eight yards total last week, but could have success against a weak USC defensive front. South Carolina basically looks one dimensional on offense with Kevin Harris leading the way. Mike Bobo will likely be starting a freshman quarterback and missing his top receiver in Shi Smith.
Defense – Georgia
Despite being exposed against the two best offenses they’ve faced, Georgia’s defense is still one of the best in the country. The Gamecocks rank near the bottom of every defensive category in the conference. Since the loss to Florida, Kirby Smart and his players have been adamant about finishing the season strong and showing the country why they’re the nation’s top defense. Through their first six games, the Gamecocks were giving up an average of 35.8 points per game compared to Georgia’s 20.5. Despite Georgia having a few players injured on the defensive line and in the secondary, as a whole, the defense is still elite with their depth.
Special Teams – Georgia
Georgia has one of the best special teams units in the conference, but also the country. They have been dominant in all three phases this season: kickoffs, punts, and returns. Georgia placekicker, Jack Podlesly, has come on strong as one of the team’s best newcomers. Jake Camarda, who once led the nation in punting average this season, is still kicking well, despite two bad punts that led to points against Florida. The Bulldogs rank ahead of South Carolina in every major category in the conference when it comes towards special teams.
Coaching – Georgia
South Carolina interim head coach Mike Bobo is only in his second game after head coach Will Muschamp was fired a few weeks ago. Previously, Bobo spent five years at Colorado State as the head coach after leaving Georgia in 2014. Georgia head coach is finishing up his fifth year as a head coach, and already has a better record than Bobo does. The Bulldogs get the edge here not because of that, but because they have the better overall staff. It’s easy to see why they’re ranked inside the top-15 right now.
Overall – Georgia
Georgia will be very motivated to win this game after South Carolina pulled the upset in 2019. The Bulldogs should win this contest pretty handily, especially after two of South Carolina’s secondary members opted out for the season. Both teams have a ton of great athletes, but Georgia’s defense might be too much for the Gamecocks. The Bulldogs will look to finish out the season strong and make a great bowl game while South Carolina is just limping to the finish line.