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Published Oct 18, 2019
Preview: Kentucky at No. 10 Georgia
Anthony Dasher  •  UGASports
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WHERE: Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium

WHEN: Saturday, 6 p.m.

RECORDS: Kentucky 3-3, 1-3; Georgia 5-1, 2-1

TV/RADIO: ESPN (Jason Benetti, Rod Gilmore, Quint Kessenich); Georgia Bulldog Radio Network (Scott Howard, Eric Zeier, Chuck Dowdle); SIRIUS/XM/Internet: 135/191/962

DAWG WALK: 3:45

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Saturday's Game

It’s back to the drawing board for No. 10 Georgia when the Bulldogs host Kentucky Saturday night (6 p.m., ESPN).

Kirby Smart’s squad was surprised at home last week by unranked South Carolina in double overtime, 20-17, a defeat due largely to an uncharacteristically ugly game by quarterback Jake Fromm, who threw a career-worst three interceptions while also fumbling an exchange with center Trey Hill.

Although the loss certainly stung, it didn’t necessarily derail the Bulldogs’ post-season plans—providing, of course they can beat the Wildcats (3-3, 1-3).

“We have to correct those mistakes, and our guys have to focus on Kentucky. The most important thing for us is Kentucky. And that's us getting better,” Smart said. “A lot of it has to do with us inherently looking at ourselves and saying, okay, what can I improve upon? But a lot of the things we can improve upon are based on what Kentucky does, offensively, defensively, and special teams, and that's where our focus will be.”

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops, whose team topped Arkansas 24-20 last week, is expecting the Bulldogs (5-1, 2-1) to be at their best.

“Knowing Georgia, the way they're coached, the coaches they have, and the leadership they have on that team—the winning attitude—it will be a very difficult time going in there this week,” Stoops said. “We have to make sure we elevate our game, because I'm quite sure Georgia is going to bounce back in a strong way and be ready to play.”

However, the Wildcats added a wrinkle last week that could cause the Bulldogs some problems.

With regular starting quarterback Sawyer Smith banged up, Stoops turned to wide receiver Lynn Bowden to make his first career start. All he did was account for three touchdowns, rushing for 196 yards, while throwing for 78—enabling Kentucky to snap what was a three-game losing streak.

“I have to recognize Lynn (Bowden), his willingness to accept that role. I was really pleased, I guess somewhat surprised in some ways, in the control and composure he had throughout the entire game,” Stoops said. “I thought he was really exceptional in the situation he faced. I appreciate him.”

Smart was certainly impressed. “He's extremely athletic. I tell you what, the guy does a phenomenal job. I think their staff does a great job of using his skill set,” he said. “And you think when he's back there, he's not going to throw it, but it becomes harder to defend him, because you let the pass creep out of your mind and then he hits two or three big passes.”

For his part, Smart just wants to see his team clean up the mistakes that cost them against the Gamecocks.

If the Bulldogs can do that, Georgia’s head coach sees no reason why his team can’t get back on track.

“I don't think we had a major lack of focus there. I don't think that was the case at all. I thought the guys' focus was tuned in. I thought in pregame warmups, for me, I want to see more physicality, more let's-get-going,” Smart said. “I thought that had a little bit to do with the early start, getting them going in the locker room. But there was good preparation, good lead-up. Really felt good about that. And give South Carolina credit, they had a lot of it. But, again, the focus for us better be on Kentucky, because you can't let South Carolina beat you twice.”

Three keys for Bulldogs

…No turnovers: This goes for everybody on the offense, not just Jake Fromm. With the remains of Tropical Storm Nester expected to drench Athens on Saturday, this may be easier said than done. Nevertheless, the Bulldogs can ill-afford the same type of mistakes that burnt them against South Carolina.

…Get more creative on offense: The expected poor weather conditions could certainly curtail what Georgia does offensively, but it still would be nice to see a few tweaks here and there. D’Andre Swift spoke to this Monday. Some outside zones? Perhaps some slants? Those were a couple of examples given by Swift, who said the Bulldogs need to start doing whatever they can to get the ball in the hands of their playmakers.

…Offensive line consistency: Georgia’s offensive line did not enjoy a good day against South Carolina. Granted, some of that credit must go to the Gamecocks, but for a position many were calling one of the nation’s best, this was unacceptable. Keep an eye on center Trey Hill. The sophomore struggled with his snapping against South Carolina as Fromm had to reach to his shoe tops in order to secure the ball.

Injury Update

...CB Tyson Campbell: The sophomore, who has been battling a turf toe injury that caused him to miss Georgia’s last three games, is expected to return to action against Kentucky.

...DE Travon Walker: Walker is expected to miss his second straight game after undergoing wrist surgery.

...OL Solomon Kindley: Kindley is still feeling the effects of a sprained ankle, but is expected to play.

...WR Lawrence Cager: Cager will miss the game due to rib and shoulder injuries.

...OL Justin Shaffer: Shaffer will miss the game with a neck injury.

Prediction

After last week’s embarrassing loss, it’s imperative the Bulldogs find some offensive answers against Kentucky. There’s an old saying that things are never as bad or as good as they seem, and that’s certainly true for the Bulldogs. Despite the loss, each of Georgia’s preseason goals remain intact, though obviously, some tweaks to the way the offense goes about doing things will have to be made for that to happen. Will that begin against Kentucky? Georgia will win, but I’m still not convinced the offense has figured out all the issues they’ll ultimately need to. Prediction: Georgia 35, Kentucky 14.

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