Georgia's defense is close to beginning a trend
Georgia is close to establishing a trend on defense. With two solid performances in a row, it’s quite possible the Bulldogs’ defense has turned a corner with what has been considered a weakness for much of the season.
Think back to the Tennessee game, where quarterback Joey Aguilar went bombs away on a secondary that could not stop the Volunteers in the first quarter. Against Alabama, getting off the field on third down was a nightmare. Auburn owned the time of possession battle in the first half and Ole Miss scored touchdowns on its first five possessions.
We all recall how poorly the defense performed for the first three quarters of the year.
Through it all, Georgia has piled up an 8-1 record with two recent standout defensive performances against Florida and Mississippi State. In those games, Georgia held the opposition to an average of 301.5 total yards and a third-down conversion percentage of 38.5. Georgia also recorded three sacks against Mississippi State after totaling only eight in the previous eight games. While the defense hasn’t been elite over the last two weeks, it has put forth a welcomed change.
Saturday’s meeting against Texas will show whether Georgia’s defense has truly improved or if the past two games were against inferior opponents. While Texas quarterback Arch Manning struggled early the season, he’s also improved of late, averaging 337 yards and three touchdowns over the past two games.
One outstanding showing could be considered random. Two is a coincidence. If Georgia puts forward another solid outing defensively, it will officially mark a trend. Additionally, adding a solid defense to a well-balanced Georgia offense and excellent special teams will make this team a tough out if it reaches the College Football Playoff.
More playing time, please
Georgia has no choice but to get Elyiss Williams more involved on offense. On a third-and-11 play against Mississippi State, Gunner Stockton lofted a jump ball down the field toward Williams. The 6-foot-7 tight end high-pointed the ball and landed in bounds for a 24-yard gain, moving Georgia to the Mississippi State 4-yard line. Chauncey Bowens punched the ball into the end zone on the next play. Williams is still working on becoming a complete tight end but his receiving skills will be incredibly useful the rest of the way.
If Georgia reaches the College Football Playoff, a fresh Williams could provide all sorts of matchup advantages. It would benefit Georgia to get Williams more involved now so it can fully take advantage of what could be a dangerous weapon when winter arrives.
Fantastic Frazier
When Nate Frazier ran for 83 yards and a touchdown against Clemson last season, folks like myself declared him Georgia’s next great running back. That was a bit premature as it hasn’t exactly worked out like that since.
Frazier’s performance against Mississippi State rekindled that thought, as he tore through the opposing defense for a whopping 181 yards and two touchdowns.
On one hand, Mississippi State is among the worst teams nationally in defending the run. We all predicted a big rushing game from Georgia and it happened. However, Frazier looked dynamic in following his blocks to the second level and bursting into open spaces with speed.
Frazier’s low point this season was a lost fumble against Alabama, which forced him into a timeshare with Bowens. Frazier has clearly earned the coaches’ trust back with his uptick in carries, which will benefit this program greatly if it reaches the playoff.
ICYMI
Sunday reflections: All that’s possible for Georgia in the home stretch.
All of the important stats from Georgia’s win over Mississippi State.
The early betting line for Georgia’s game against Texas.
Jeremiah Wilkinson leads Georgia’s biggest scoring night in 35 years.