3 & Out Report: Georgia/Vanderbilt Edition
During game week the staff at Dawg News Daily previews the matchup between the Bulldogs and their opponent. We focus in on 3 key positions or players that will be the difference makers in Saturdays game..
DAWG NEWS DAILY'S 3 & OUT REPORT:
1) Defensive Line-
This unit will be tested early in the season opener. Tyler Clark, Malik Herring, Jordan Davis and company will need to be disruptive in the run game. If they are able to make Vandy's O-Line have to double team, it will free up the linebackers to attack at the line of scrimmage. Georgia's sideline to sideline speed on defense may be the best in the country. Teams will have to attack up the middle to get anywhere. Vandy's O-line is made up most of Juniors and Sophomores. How Tray Scott decides to rotate the group will be interesting and something we'll be watching this Saturday! A couple guys we'll be watching in particular are Malik Herring and Devonte Wyatt.
2) Linebackers/OLB-
Monty Rice missing time in 2018 can not be overlooked. He's a tackling machine and is a leader in the middle of the defense. We expect Rice and Tae Crowder to be the starters at the middle linebacker spots. But expect to see Quay Walker and Channing Tindall to get a lot of time. Zone Blitzes, delayed blitzes and how they play the play-action pass will be a big factor for this group.
The fans and media aren't the only ones who noticed the lack of sacks from the bulldogs in 2018 (Ranked 100th in the NCAA). Coach Smart and Coach Dan Lanning have talked "Havoc Plays" all summer. Expect pressure and expect to see it a lot. Adam Anderson, Walter Grant, and Azeez Ojulari will be the 1st wave of players. But don't forget about Robert Beal, incoming Jermaine Johnson and Nolan Smith. Georgia has recruited heavily at this position and look to unleash it Saturday night. Remember, a good pass rush can make a young secondary look good.
3) Wide Receivers-
This looks to be the only question mark on offense. Tyler Simmons looks to be the only solidified starter in this group. We expect to see Matt Landers to join him on the outside and Demetris Robertson to fill the slot. Robertson's role should be interesting. Fans clamored for him in 2018 and mouths drooled after his 72 yard touchdown run in the 2018 opener. Robertson went on to never record a catch last season. The exits of Mecole Hardman, Riley Ridley, and Terry Godwin has opened up a game of hungry, hungry hippo at the receiver postion. If Robertson can show he's learned the desire to block as requested by Coach Smart, look out! He has SPEED and could be a breakout player. There's been a battle between Lawrence Cager and Matt Landers on the outside. Both will see time. But whoever can be consistent should be the deep threat for Fromm. Don't be surprised to see James Cook utilized in the passing game... May not be in the opener, but he's a special player who will be put in space to make plays.
DND's Score Prediction:
UGA 38-17
FORMER DAWGS SCORE PREDICTIONS:
-Former QB David Greene: 38-17 Dawgs
-Former OL Steve Herndon: 42-14 Dawgs
-Former WR Musa Smith: 44-0 Dawgs
-Former OL Ian Knight: 38-13 Dawgs
-Former RB Danny Ware: Superstitious (But thinks Dawgs by 17)