Continuing our look at the Gamecocks’ 2011 schedule, today we run down Georgia, the 3rd toughest game on the schedule.
Other Previews:
The Georgia Bulldogs will host South Carolina on Saturday September 10 at 4:30 pm on ESPN. South Carolina is 1-3 in their last 4 trips to Athens including a wild 41-37 loss the last time here. The Gamecocks did win 17-6 last year and are seeking back to back wins for the first time since 2000 and 2001.
Read more after the jump…..
Why this game might be easier than expected: UGa has a lot of question marks. SC got the better of them last year, and this year’s Bulldog team could play like last season’s 6-7 edition.
Why this game might be harder than expected: Sanford Stadium is a tough place to play. Georgia has had strong recruiting classes every year. This could be extremely difficult if the Dawgs play like they are capable and work hard to save Coach Richt.
5 Points to consider:
1) Aaron Murray is being billed as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. USC has played its fair share of hyped UGa quarterbacks. We’ll see if this one is the next Matt Stafford or the next Quincy Carter.
2) Georgia isn’t deep at running back this year. Now that Ealey and King are gone, it looks like either freshman Isaiah Crowell or converted linebacker Richard Samuel will be the starter. Either one better get off to a fast start if the Bulldogs are going to be successful.
3) Last year much was made about South Carolina’s success running against new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham’s NFL-style 3-4 defense. Georgia has a full season with their new DC and scheme, but they return only two defensive tackles from their front seven, so experience probably won’t be on their side again.
4) Georgia has a much tougher opening week than South Carolina does. While the Gamecocks travel to Charlotte to play East Carolina, the Bulldogs will be in Atlanta playing Boise State. If the Bulldogs lose, they will be playing to avoid a devastating 0-2 hole; if they win, they should have loads of confidence for USC.
5) Superstar AJ Green is gone, but Georgia still has some capable receivers. The question will be whether Aaron Murray will have time to get the ball to them with only two defensive linemen returning.
Way too early prediction: South Carolina has a legitimate shot to control both lines of scrimmage. If they can do that and avoid turning the ball over, they have a good shot at winning and putting themselves in position to win the East again. South Carolina prevails 20-9.
