Ad Disclosure
Georgia looks to continue momentum against Georgia Southern
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
No one needed a win over a rival in a worse way than Georgia coach Mark Richt. He and the Bulldogs earned one in comeback fashion, 20-13, last Saturday in the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.
Richt, however, might need a lot more than a win over Auburn to keep his job. It starts with knocking off Georgia Southern on Saturday. Another win will keep the Bulldogs’ hopes of a second straight 10-win season alive.
A matchup between Georgia (7-3, 5-3 SEC) and Georgia Southern (7-2, 5-1 Sun Belt) was made for college football fans who love the running game.
Even without Nick Chubb, the Bulldogs have remained a predominately rushing offense. Over the last four weeks since Chubb’s injury, Georgia has run the ball nearly 62 percent of the time.
The Eagles are an even more run-heavy on offense. This season, Georgia Southern has called 507 rushing attempts versus just 96 passes. That means 84 percent of the Eagles offense has been running plays.
It makes the game plans simple — the defense that does a better job stopping the run and forcing the opposition into long third-down situations will have the advantage.
Still, it sounds easier than it actually is.
Junior running back Matt Breida has been spectacular for Georgia Southern, averaging 8.9 yards per attempt to lead the Sun Belt. Additionally, Breida leads the conference with 14 rushing touchdowns.
Georgia will also have to deal with sophomore running back LA Ramsby and freshman tailback Wesley Fields. Together, the underclassmen have combined to rush for 1,129 yards and 15 touchdowns.
GEORGIA SOUTHERN EAGLES CLOSER LOOK
Key player, offense: Matt Breida, Jr., RB – In addition to leading the Sun Belt with 14 rushing TDs and 8.9 yards per carry, Breida is second in the conference with 1,242 rushing yards. On Oct. 29, he rushed for 205 yards against Texas State.
Key player, offense: Kevin Ellison, Jr., QB – The junior signal caller has more carries than passing attempts this season. Ellison also has more rushing yards (516) than passing (442). He is one of four Georgia Southern players with at least 500 yards rushing.
Key player, defense: Antwione Williams, Sr., LB – Williams leads the Eagles defense with 73 total tackles and seven tackles for a loss. He also has 2.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
