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.
In week two, The Bulldogs welcome their 2nd non-conference opponent in Ball State. The hype may not be surrounding this game, but The Bulldogs have some things to clean up from week one. Below are are few position groups or players we feel could see step up this week before South Carolina comes to town.
DND's 3 & OUT REPORT:
1) OFFENSIVE LINE - The offensive line didn't look to be a full cylinders last Saturday and the run game seemed stagnant in the first half. Coach Smart gave credit to UT-Martin for some of that, loading the box and selling out on the run, thus forcing Carson Beck to make plays which will surely be the game plan going forward this season.
Expect Ball State to try some of the same looks and see if Coach Searles worked on it this week. Offensive lines need time to gel, but being unable to get a push on 4th and short against a UT-Martin team seemed concerning. This group can be one of the best in the nation when motivated. We expect to see a better showing this week as they make an emphasis for getting a better push up front for the Bulldog backs.
2. Carson Beck - Faster Start - Deep Shots Carson Beck said it, he was feeling the nerves in the 1st half of last week’s opener against UT-Martin. In the second half he certainly seemed more confident and ready to be in front of 90,000+. That’s when Georgia offense started to push the ball downfield. Beck was 21 of 31 last week. He had 3 pass attempts that were either behind or off that would of gone for big plays and would of helped his confidence and get the offense in rhythm.
Georgia needs to open it up a little this week with a pending conference opponent next week. It takes time and you need reps against foes to get the timing down on certain deep shots. Bet the Coaches and team heard the noise from the fans this week, we expect a more shots down field. Always helps getting your one and two receivers back this week.
3. Defensive Backs Kirby Smart made an emphisis on turnovers during meetings with the media this week. Smart said several times this week that turnovers were an area that could be improved upon headed into Week Two.
Malakai Starks and Javon Bullard both nearly had an interception last week. With those two in the secondary its just a matter of time before a couple will eventually go their way. Lots of young talent got on the field last week, it'll be interesting how many we get to see again this week.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:
DAWGS PUSH THE 42 point Spread.
UGA 52-10