3 & OUT REPORT -GEORGIA/FLORIDA - WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR...

During game week the staff at Dawg News Daily previews the match up between the Bulldogs and their opponent. We focus in on 3 key positions or players that will be the difference makers in Saturdays game..

BYE WEEK REVIEW

Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs treated the Bye week like a work week. It was back to basics after a disappointing outing at LSU that resulted in a 36-16 loss. With a 3 game stretch of Florida, Kentucky, and Auburn, the Bulldogs must work on their open field tackling, both lines of scrimmage, and simmer down the medias hot takes regarding the quarterback position.The 2017 team was battle tested early in the season while this years teams first test was LSU. How this group responds will be interesting?!?!

DAWG NEWS DAILY'S 3 & OUT REPORT

1) Inside Linebacker:

Juwan Taylor, Natrez Patrick, Tae Crowder, and Monty Rice need to have their best and most physical game of the year. The 3 headed monster of Jordan Scarlett, Lamical Perine, and Kadarius Davis at running back at Florida has proved to be more effective due to talent and formations schemed up from Head Coach Dan Mullen. Florida feels they can run the ball against UGA. LSU's average running game amassed 275 yards just 2 weeks ago. Albeit, close to 100 of those yards were given up on 2 plays. But the linebackers showed flashes of the speed and physical play we have become used to seeing, but the consistency and what we call "knock-back" yards weren't there. Tackling in space and on-on-one situations will be critical. If the Inside backers can stop the run game, especially up the middle. Expect D'andre Walker and company to begin setting their sights on QB Felipe Franks. If UGA has a similar performance as they did against LSU, it will be a long day.

2) Jake Fromm-

Fromm played his worst game as a Bulldog 2 weeks ago. He was 16 of 34 for just 209 yards and 2 interceptions. He just didn't look himself and quite honestly something has seemed "off" all year. Yes, in the first 6 games from was completing over 70% of his passes but we unsure if its the outside pressure to play Justin Fields or if the change of James Coley to QB coach is showing its head? Either way, Fromm has had 2 weeks to get over his last performance and move forward. Florida is a talented bunch and will work to stop the run first. If Florida is able to slow down UGA's rushing attack then 3rd and longs will be on Fromm's shoulders to convert. Can Fromm regain his form and get the trust back in the bulldog nation or Is it time Justin Fields gets more than a chance to hand the ball of... hint hint... We expect to see this soon!

3) Offensive Line- Florida's defense is much better than many thought it would be in the first year under former UGA DC Todd Grantham. This talented group is currently ranked 22nd in overall defense in the nation. But they are just 73rd against the run. The Offensive line showed some tendencies to be suspect against the outside rush and Grantham's defenses love to blitz and they do it in multiple different ways. This is something to keep an eye on! Typically in the Georgia/Florida game the winner comes away with the most rushing yards. Expect Swift and Holyfield to get more than the combined 19 carries they got in the last outing. UGA will want to lean on the Florida defensive line and show its force, but can they do it enough to give the Fromm manageable 3rd downs?

Game/Score Prediction:

Both teams want this game! Loser is eliminated from the SEC east race. UGA is coming off an embarrassing 36-16 loss to LSU, while several Florida players still have a bad taste in their mouth about last year's 42-7 beat down. UGA needs to win both lines of scrimmage and mix up the inside/outside run. Florida will want to run the ball as their passing game is still in the development stages. Franks has improved greatly from last year and is capable to pick you apart if the Dawgs don't apply pressure. On the otherside of the ball, Florida is 11th in the SEC in missed tackles. UGA was strong in this stat before the LSU game. expect to see UGA to Run the ball and get playmakers in space and challenge the Gators to tackle. Florida likes to throw balls behind the line of scrimmage and allow their play-makers to make plays. If UGA can sure up their tackling woes from last week and pick up Grantham's blitz packages, then we believe UGA will pull away. This is a close 4th qtr game that will be decided by both teams defenses.

DND's SCORE: UGA 24-20

FORMER DAWGS SCORE PREDICTIONS:

-Former QB David Greene: 28-10 Dawgs

-Former RB Musa Smith: 28-21 Dawgs

-Former WR Terrence Edwards: "I jinxed them last game!"

-Former OL Ian Knight: 27-20 Dawgs

-Former RB Danny Ware: "I jinxed them last time, I just want a win!!!"