3 & OUT REPORT - UGA vs FLORIDA
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.
DAWG NEWS DAILY'S 3 & OUT REPORT:
1) Florida QB RUN vs. UGA FRONT SEVEN
Junior Emory Jones has started all seven games for the Gators, but has 10 touchdowns vs 9 interceptions while proving to be a liability at critical times through the air. Freshman Anthony Richardson, on the other hand, hasn't had his chance yet. He's averaged 10.6 yards per attempt, rushed for 348 and three touchdowns, and has done so with significantly less playing time. Jones has been inconsistent under pressure, isn't a big-play threat through the air and is comparable to Richardson in terms of his ability on the ground. Richardson is the "X-factor" and has a ton of talent, but he hasn't faced a defense like UGA. But if there is someone who has the "IT" factor on Florida's offense, its AR15.
UGA expects to see both on Saturday. This will be the first "Mobile" QB Georgia will face this season (I guess Box Nix could be one?). How Florida dials up QB Draws and mis-direction will be interesting to see how UGA counters. Look for Option and QB runs to create number advantages against the Bulldog defense. Florida hasn’t run much Power or Counter in 2021, Head Coach Dan Mullen may implement more pulling Guards & Tackle as a new wrinkle against UGA. The Front Seven for the Dawgs has too much speed and size to be beat sideline to sideline though. If the Dawgs can stop the QB Run threat, The Gators will sink quickly.
2) FLORIDA RUN GAME vs. UGA RUN DEFENSE
The Gator Offense comes into this game averaging an impressive 6.3 yards-per-attempt, which is good for #1 in the country. Against them will be a Bulldog Defense that has been limiting opponent’s to a paltry 2.1 yards-per-attempt, which is the second lowest of any FBS defense. Expect UGA to load up n the box and play a little contain to limit the outside run. The wheel route from running backs hurt Georgia last year as the UGA linebackers were confused all afternoon. Fortunately for the Dawgs, Kadarius Toney, Kyle Pitts, and Kyle Trask are in the NFL and Florida's been unable to replace their productivity and bursts!
3) Stetson Bennett /JT Daniels
The question for the last few weeks is "Who will be the starting QB when JT Daniels is recovered from his Lat injury?" Daniels has not played in a game since the first quarter of the Vanderbilt game on Sept. 25th. Since taking over QB Stetson Bennett has been more than a game manager throwing for 5 touchdowns and Zero Interceptions with back to back 230+ yard games. Head Coach Kirby Smart has been coy in his answering of these questions. “It all depends on where JT is, and where Stetson is, and what gives us the best chance to win,” Smart said. “I’ll say it again, I’m ok with whoever the best guy to give us the best chance to win is, and that’s based on practice and health, and it will be that way the rest of the year.”
Bennett left last years Georgia -Florida game with a separated shoulder up 14-0. Daniels was unavailable until the following week where he laid claim to the starting position. This will be an interesting one to watch Saturday in how Coach Kirby Smart Handles this!
DND's Score Prediction:
Georgia 31-13 (Line: Georgia -11)
*BREAKOUT PLAYER: Zamir White, RB
FORMER DAWGS SCORE PREDICTIONS:-
Former LB Rennie Curran: 35-14, DAWGS
Former QB Aaron Murray: 35-14 DAWGS
Former RB Keith Marshall: 34-6, DAWGS