University of Georgia
Stadium: Sanford Stadium 92,746
Student Body: 34,475 total, 26,215 undergrad
Head Coach: Mark Richt (12 seasons as HC) is 118–41 overall
Last week: Lost to Clemson 38-35, USC won 27-10
Overall Record vs. USC: UGA leads the overall series 42-16-2 yet USC has won the last three.
The USC vs. UGA rivalry returns to the second week of the season after a hiatus last season. For the second week in a row the Dawgs will go to battle against a team from South Carolina. UGA lost last weekend to Clemson 38-35. The Dawgs offense looked good but their defense had problems slowing down Clemson’s high-powered offense. Is Tajh Boyd really that good or is Georgia’s defense that bad? Guess we will find out….
Key Players for Georgia:
Aaron Murray QB – 323 passing yards last week against Clemson, 0 TD’s
Todd Gurley RB – 12 car, 154 yds, 2 tds
Chris Conley WR – 3 Rec for 67 yards
Key loss for UGa: Malcolm Mitchell, Tore ACL in Clemson game
Key return for UGa: Josh Harvey-Clemons SS, missed the Clemson game, but should help the defense this week.
When SC & Ga clash, What might happen: USC will come out looking to run the ball and keep UGA’s young defense on the field as long as possible. If USC can get a quick score to take the hostile crowd out of the game, that should help out either Cody Waldrup or backup center Clayton Standnik in their first career road start. The return of Rory (Busta) Anderson at tight end and a healthy Bruce Ellington at wide out should help Connor Shaw and the offense present a balanced attack. Look for Georgia native Mike Davis to have another big game rushing the ball for USC. I also wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of Dylan Thompson this week.
As for the USC Defense…Georgia will score points and it should be a priority to stop Gurley and Marshall. The Dawgs racked up over 500 yards last week against Clemson and will look to move the ball again in the same manner. Carolina’s front four will once again play a large factor in what UGA does on Offense. Just like last week, look for UGA to double team Clowney early and often. This should free up Sutton, Surratt and Quarles to have big games. Vic Hampton is only 75% but should play this weekend. Look for Murray to test how effective Hampton is. If Hampton can’t go, Ahmad Christian will take his place and will need to step up. Key is USC getting pressure on Murray and tackling well.
Score Predication: USC 28 UGA 21
Fun Fact: . In 3 of the last 4 meetings, USC has scored over 30 points.
