During game week the staff at Dawg News Daily previews the matchup between the Bulldogs and their opponent. We focus in on 3 key position matchups or players that we believe will be the difference makers in Saturdays game.
1) UGA RUN GAME Georgia is averaging 129 yards on the ground so far through 2 games and only mustard 99 yards against Ball State. The Run game isn't exactly where it needs to be. Replacing 2 1st round draft picks along with an enormous Tight end has proven not to be easy for the Dawgs. Funny thing is, UGA averaged just about the same rush yards the last time these two teams faced each other. Look for a get right game here for the Dawgs here. Daijuan Edwards has yet to see Acton this season but all indications show he'll be suited up for this one. The new wrinkle of Dillon Bell in the backfield proved to be beneficial last weekend.
2) UGA Defensive Line The Dawgs defense is facing possibly its most talented QB this season. Spencer Rattler, once considered the Heisman front runner and a potential top-five pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, eventually struggled with the turnover bug at Oklahoma and found himself transferring to South Carolina. The gamecocks have had their offensive success in the air. Rattler passed for 353 yards on 30 of 39 attempts against UNC. The running game is about the opposite. They amassed -2 total yards (including sacks) last week on the ground. The gamecock offensive line haven't been a strength as they gave up 9 sacks against the Tarheels. The Dawgs will look to play mostly in pass coverage this weekend and see what kind of push the front 4 can get. If the Dawgs are able to drop 7 in pass coverage it will be a long day for the Gamecocks. But expect some pressure from the Dawgs to cut Rattler's decision time down.
3) Brock Bowers Bowers has combined for 6 catches for 18 yards so far this season. With the 2 games getting out of hand by halftime, Bowers probably hasn't gotten the chance to build up his stat-line just yet. Last year, Bowers caught five passes for 121 yards and scored three total touchdowns in Columbia. The Gamecocks had no answers, most don't. In the Dawgs first SEC test, It'll be important for the Dawgs to over come the slow starts they've experienced so far this season. Getting Bowers going early will be ideal!
DND's Score Prediction:
Georgia: 45-10 (Line: Georgia -27)