Big game for the Big Blue this weekend! Georgia has traditionally pounded Kentucky, so fans are probably apprehensive about UK's chances Saturday night. Here are five reasons to feel optimistic;
1. Georgia rush defense. No, Georgia doesn't have a poor rush defense. FAR from it in fact. The Dawgs rank 13th in the nation stopping the run. So why should UK fans feel any optimism at all? Well, not only is UK's rush offense ranked 30th nationally, it will be the best Georgia has seen this season. The Dawgs only allow 3.24 yards per carry, but they've only faced ONE rush offense ranked in the top HALF of college football (Missouri; 45th). Of Georgia's eight opponents, one was I-AA (Nicholls). Five rank 75th or worse running the football (and UF is 67th). So, while the Dawgs front seven is good, they haven't really been seriously tested by a good run game.
2. Georgia's WR's. Two things will probably jump out at you right away. One, they aren't very big. McKenzie is listed at 5'8 and Godwin at 5'11. Riley Ridley is 6'2, but he won't be 100% IF he plays Saturday night (and he only has eight catches on the season). Also, this group drops a LOT of passes. I'd love to know what their season total for drops is.
3. Georgia's offensive line. In short, this appears to be the weakest area of their team with room to spare. Last week, the Dawgs freshman quarterback was harassed relentlessly by the Gators defense (granted, that's one helluva defense). They also struggled mightily to open holes in the running game. That's been an issue often this season. UGA ranks 61st nationally running the football.
4. The Dawgs pass defense. Georgia is 48th nationally in pass yards allowed. Granted, they've played against three very good pass offenses, but they've also played against five pretty awful ones. Kentucky's WR's matchup well with the Georgia secondary, IMO. The UGA pass rush hasn't been especially effective this season. Can UK take advantage?
5. Georgia has seriously struggled against some mediocre/awful football teams. They had to convert a 4th and 10 late against Missouri (trailed 27-21 with 1:30 to go). They barely beat I-AA Nicholls at home (won 26-24, had to get a couple of first downs on their final possession to close out the game). Despite significantly out-gaining Vandy, they lost to the 'Dores in Athens. Generally (as UK fans know better than most), when you struggle against poor football teams over and over, it's a sign that you might be a poor football team yourself.
GBB!!!
1. Georgia rush defense. No, Georgia doesn't have a poor rush defense. FAR from it in fact. The Dawgs rank 13th in the nation stopping the run. So why should UK fans feel any optimism at all? Well, not only is UK's rush offense ranked 30th nationally, it will be the best Georgia has seen this season. The Dawgs only allow 3.24 yards per carry, but they've only faced ONE rush offense ranked in the top HALF of college football (Missouri; 45th). Of Georgia's eight opponents, one was I-AA (Nicholls). Five rank 75th or worse running the football (and UF is 67th). So, while the Dawgs front seven is good, they haven't really been seriously tested by a good run game.
2. Georgia's WR's. Two things will probably jump out at you right away. One, they aren't very big. McKenzie is listed at 5'8 and Godwin at 5'11. Riley Ridley is 6'2, but he won't be 100% IF he plays Saturday night (and he only has eight catches on the season). Also, this group drops a LOT of passes. I'd love to know what their season total for drops is.
3. Georgia's offensive line. In short, this appears to be the weakest area of their team with room to spare. Last week, the Dawgs freshman quarterback was harassed relentlessly by the Gators defense (granted, that's one helluva defense). They also struggled mightily to open holes in the running game. That's been an issue often this season. UGA ranks 61st nationally running the football.
4. The Dawgs pass defense. Georgia is 48th nationally in pass yards allowed. Granted, they've played against three very good pass offenses, but they've also played against five pretty awful ones. Kentucky's WR's matchup well with the Georgia secondary, IMO. The UGA pass rush hasn't been especially effective this season. Can UK take advantage?
5. Georgia has seriously struggled against some mediocre/awful football teams. They had to convert a 4th and 10 late against Missouri (trailed 27-21 with 1:30 to go). They barely beat I-AA Nicholls at home (won 26-24, had to get a couple of first downs on their final possession to close out the game). Despite significantly out-gaining Vandy, they lost to the 'Dores in Athens. Generally (as UK fans know better than most), when you struggle against poor football teams over and over, it's a sign that you might be a poor football team yourself.
GBB!!!
