10/2/20 10:30pm
#4 Georgia vs #7 Auburn Week #2 Prediction
By. Andrew Rodberg (twitter.com/AndrewRod2019, instagram: 404thebeat)
TV/Radio: ESPN 7:30pm
ATHENS, GA— The first true regular season test for the Dawgs during this unconventional season, resides in a match with #7 Auburn “Between the Hedges.” Riding a 3 game winning streak vs the Auburn Tigers, the Dawgs welcome back Dawg Nation in their first home game of 2020. With a 7:30pm kickoff time, the Dawgs have a few keys for victory:
Limit WR Seth Williams :
With Seth Williams being the leading WR on the Tigers roster, look for QB Bo Nix to try to find him early and often as his #1 target. Following a stellar showing last week vs Kentucky where he caught 6 passes for 112 yards and TD’s, it was evident that Williams is the #1 piece in their offense. In order to contain Seth, the Dawgs must play fundamental football and really disturb him at the line.
Feed off the Defense:
Just like last week and every week within the past year, the Dawgs always seem to feed off of their defense. In doing so, it has become clear that the defense is the heart and soul of the team. With the ability to substitute multiple five star players in every few snaps, Coach Smart and company have been able to force opposing teams into making mistakes and the Dawgs take advantage of it. After last week’s showing vs Arkansas, they were able to force 3 interceptions and really spark a struggling Dawgs offense as they began to pull away after a big pick 6 in the third quarter. Look for QB pressure and a stout defensive line to fuel the Dawgs in a Primetime game.
Run the Ball:
Following a poor rushing attack, where the Dawgs combined for 121 yards, the Dawgs must remain loyal to the run as they continue to figure out their QB situation. With the rushing game being the #1 “Georgia Way”, it was shocking that they were not able to really enforce their will on the Razorbacks. Rough and sloppy OL play allowed Arkansas to manhandle them up front and not allow running lanes. If the Dawgs look to get to 2-0 and defeat the Tigers, they will need those big offensive lineman to step up and play tough in the trenches.
Avoid Unnecessary Penalties:
This is a new one… After last week’s 12 combined penalties worth 103 yards, the Dawgs and Coach Smart MUST play fundamental and smart football. With the Razorbacks unable to take advantage of all the gifted penalties the Dawgs were giving them, don’t think Auburn won’t. Unnecessary penalties stalled the Dawgs offense in the first quarter and gave Arkansas life. With the uncertainty of who will get the majority of the snaps (JT Daniels, Stetson Bennett or D’wan Mathis) you best believe Coach Smart will have his guys ready to play clean fundamental football or they may fall into some trouble early.
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