Georgia Southern offense vs. Georgia defense

Georgia Southern doesn't throw the ball much, and don't expect it to start Saturday. The Eagles' offensive line is built to run block and to block for the triple option attack, so their protection is going to put in a tough position should they try to turn to the air. The Eagles are going to do what they do best and that is run the option early and often. Expect the Eagles to try and hold the ball as much as possible to keep Georgia's explosive offense of the field. Also expect most of the runs to come inside. Georgia Southern has the ability to attack the edge with the speed option and toss sweep, but Georgia's defense is fast enough to create negative plays there. The Eagles will want to stick with runs that get them positive yardage on first down.

Georgia Southern defense vs. Georgia offense

This is a huge mismatch for the Eagles and they know it. Matching up on the outside will be very tough, but squeezing space in the run game will be even more difficult. It is almost a case where GSU will have to pick their poison. Expect the Eagles to mix it up as much as possible and to run stunts and blitzes on first down to stop the run. If GSU can put Georgia in some long yardage situations, it will create some situations where bringing pressure comes into play. If the Eagles can play gap control defense on first down, then the opportunity exists to get to third down and get off the field. Defensive stops might be tough to come by, and the best chance for that is to win first down.

Georgia defense vs. Georgia Southern offense

Expect Georgia to have a number of defensive linemen ready to play in this game. The fewer snaps played for each defensive lineman, the fewer cut blocks will be received. That will be huge in regards to keeping defensive linemen healthy. Also expect Georgia to remain very basic and vanilla on defense. There aren't many stunts or blitzes that work well against the triple option, so staying home, getting off blocks, squeezing space, and tackling will be big time keys. Georgia's inside linebackers will be relied upon to play the dive first and then scrape to the second and third options, and the outside linebackers will have quarterback responsibility most of the game. The defensive backs will have to tackle well on the edge, and the interior defensive linemen will be asked to limit space on the inside. If those assignments are played and played well, Georgia should do a good job of shutting down the triple option.

Georgia offense vs. Georgia Southern defense

As we stated above, this is a big mismatch in Georgia's favor. A solid game-plan would be to shorten the game as much as possible and control the clock, but the Bulldogs like to play with rhythm and in that no-huddle offense. Expect Georgia to stick with that, but to still try and possess the ball as much as possible. This will be tough because of the big play ability of the UGA offense. Once points are on the board for Georgia, expect them to dramatically slow things down and keep the defense off the field. Also expect Georgia to try and take advantage of their speed on offense with perimeter runs and screens. If Georgia Southern is showing a tendency to overplay the run on first down, Georgia will likely turn to receiver and running back screens to slow them down. The same applies to any third and long situations.

Overall

Georgia Southern is over-matched and everyone knows it. They are well coached and will be ready to play, but Georgia has too much size, speed, and talent. If the Eagles can get the option going early, then they have a chance to hang some points and keep Georgia's starters in the game for three or three and a half quarters. If they can't get some early first downs and points, it could be a long day. Expect Georgia to start fast on offense and defense, then really slow the game down and prepare for Georgia Tech next week. The Eagles put forth a great effort, but come up short. Georgia 45 Georgia Southern 10.

...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial