Photo cred: GeorgiaDogs.com
By: Donny Karr (@1788Sports, @DonnyKarr)
Kirby Smart says his Bulldogs are itching and ready to play their first opponent, but Georgia might have its hands full on Saturday with Appalachian State. The Mountaineers nearly toppled Tennessee in the opening game last year, and looks poised to give the Dawgs a similar fight.
Smart addressed members of the media in a press conference on Monday, and noted that Georgia is not expecting an easy matchup.
“They run the ball very well, and they are tough and really fast—as fast as anyone we will see this year,” said Smart.
That speed could spell trouble for the Dawgs, who are a preseason favorite to win the SEC East, and possibly be in the discussion for a playoff spot.
Here are some other key takeaways from Smart’s press conference that you need to know before Georgia’s opener:
1. Cornerback Malkom Parrish may not be ready for gameday. Parrish went down in practice a couple weeks ago with a foot injury, and could be a gametime decision as to whether or not he will start.
Parrish is one of the Bulldogs’ top returning defensive backs. He snagged two interceptions, and had 49 tackles last season.
“We are trying to get him back for this game, and the starting secondary will probably be determined throughout the week based on that, and a couple of other guys who are fighting for spots in the secondary,” said Smart.
2. Smart also would not disclose the status of Riley Ridley and Elijah Holyfield, who were both arrested on marijuana charges earlier in the year.
“Both of those guys’ disciplines will be handled internally,” said Smart.
University of Georgia policy on marijuana possession is that a student-athlete will be suspended for 10 percent of their season, or one-game for football players.
Both Ridley and Holyfield entered into pre-trial diversion programs months ago, but it is unclear as to whether that will help their case on the field.
3. Freshman quarterback Jake Fromm will be backing up Jacob Eason. Fromm impressed coaches and fans since his arrival in the spring, but Eason will remain the starting signal-caller unless something changes.
“We don’t have a set plan to get him any snaps,” said Smart. “If the opportunity presents itself to play him, we will play him. We will play our offense.”
Fans hope Eason lives up to the hype surrounding the towering sophomore. With an improved line, and the returning RB duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, Eason should have enough support for a breakout season.
4. Smart expects senior offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn to be a leader upfront. Wynn was sidelined from practice a few weeks ago with an illness, but is now back to full health, and in command of the Dawgs O-Line.
“I’m pleased with Isaiah’s leadership,” said Smart. “He’s the one guy who’s not afraid to be in command. He has been a great leader and we expect him to play that way.”
Georgia’s inconsistent line was a headache in 2016 for Smart and OC Jim Chaney. Smart said his offense will likely rotate linemen to keep the Mountaineers defense at bay.
5. The Bulldogs starting kicker has not yet been determined. Returning kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is battling for the starting spot against graduate transfer David Marvin.
6. The Bulldogs will have their hands full with opposing quarterback, and Georgia native, Taylor Lamb. The veteran signal-caller hails from Calhoun, Georgia, and is expected to test the Dawgs through the air, and on the ground.
“Lamb is a better athlete than he gets credit for,” said Smart. “He makes plays with his legs, and knows how to call the right plays for certain reads. We just have to be patient, we have to be smart, and we have to contain him. Anytime you play a guy like that, it’s going to be tough, he’s not going to make many mistakes.”
Lamb passed for 2,281 yards and 15 touchdowns last season while rushing for 505 yards and nine scores.
Junior RB Jalin Moore will undoubtedly test the Bulldogs front 7. Moore was named the Sun Belt Conference’s offensive player of the year last season after racking up 15 scores, and more than 1,400 yards on the ground.
“They have a talented running back,” said Smart. “They do a tremendous job of blocking and he is a very good back. Our guys will have to hit and tackle. Hit him, wrap him up, and knock him back.”
7. Appalachian State returns 7 starters on defense. Smart made note of the Mountaineers’ defensive speed on Monday.
“The first thing you see when you turn the tape on is, wow—they can fly,” said Smart. “I saw it last year when I watched them play Tennessee. It was incredible.”
The Bulldogs look to have an improved defense of their own. Georgia struggled on defense last year, ranking 103rd in the nation in redzone defense.
“I thought last year we played okay on defense, and I think this year, we need to play better,” said Smart. “We need to play with more demeanor and attitude. I’ve seen some of that in camp.”
Smart noted that depth will be the key factor for the Dawgs defense.
“The big thing for us is how many guys can we play, and be effective,” said Smart. “How deep can we go? After the first eleven, it really starts to get tougher and tougher on defense for us. It’s going to come down to how many guys we can play. I think you’re a better defensive unit when you’re fresh and flying around.”
