UGA RECAP

This game was built up to be a heavyweight battle. The second-ranked Bulldogs would welcome the eighth-ranked Razorbacks to Athens in a top-10 tilt. The first few snaps were not decided on the first few snaps, but the first Arkansas punt was foreshadowed. Georgia’s first two drives were nine plays each for a touchdown and followed up with a blocked punt by Dan Jackson and recovered by Zamir White. This was all just in the first quarter. I can’t imagine being an opposing head coach in a very hostile environment like Sanford Stadium, down 21-0 just 13 minutes into the game. 

The question mark going into the game was at starting Quarterback. JT Daniels has been dealing with a Lat injury since the Clemson game and was a game-time decision for this game. Stetson Bennett got the start and looked like a young Hutson Mason, game manager expert. Georgia didn’t need a 300-yard passer against the Hogs; they just needed a QB that could get a first down from time to time and commit no turnovers. Bennett had the same rushing yards as Razorbacks QB’s Malik Hornsby and KJ Jefferson combined, with 16. Stetson did precisely what he was asked to do, and for the second year in a row, gets a win over the Hogs of the West. 

This game was all about the Dawgs running game and Defense. The defensive line for Georgia looked like it has all year, unblockable. There was pressure on every single drop back for a pass, and runs were consistently getting pushed east and west and being stopped at the line of scrimmage. There were holes on the other side of the ball for Georgia to run through all game. I pegged the key match-up for this game as Trey Williams against this Dawgs Offensive Line, but both Williams were nonfactors, as Zach was also blocked well.

If I had to label this game, I would label it a learning experience for the Bulldogs. They learned that not having their QB1 would not be a death sentence in any game. Their Defense can shut down a scrambling quarterback and a wide receiver with elite size and speed. Special teams are special without the recognition that the Defense is getting. And the last important thing they learned was how special this team is. 

This week, the gang travels to Auburn, in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry. I look forward to some great action from both teams.