Georgia vs. Vanderbilt: Major Matchups
We’re in week seven of the 2022 season and, once again. Georgia is a heavy favorite to take down its opponent. This time its Vanderbilt rolling into The Classic City for homecoming. The folks over at VegasInsider.com have the consensus line sitting at 38.5 points.
This is a game that Georgia will almost certainly win but when you’re trying to repeat as National Champions, fans expect more than just a victory. If the Bulldogs are going to handle business against the Commodores, they’ll need to take care of some important matchups.
Georgia front seven vs. Vanderbilt running back Ray Davis
The Commodores need to get the ground game going. That’s just all there is to it. They’ve leaned pretty heavily on Davis, who is averaging the second most carries per game in the SEC. Getting Davis going helps set the table for the rest of the offense to do its thing.
The issue Vanderbilt will have is that Georgia just isn’t an easy team to run the ball on. The Bulldogs have surrendered some chunk plays on the ground this year but it is still one of the league and nation’s stingiest against the run.
DawgsHQ’s take: This one tilts heavily in Georgia’s favor but it’s one you keep an eye on because of what it could mean to the game. Vanderbilt has a shot to stay in this game for four quarters with success on the ground. We just can’t see Vandy being able to hurt the Bulldogs in that area.
UGA offensive line vs. Vanderbilt linebacker Anfernee Orji
Orji is one of the most active linebackers in the conference. Georgia is going to need to start much faster on offense going forward but Orji is the kind of guy who can make plays here and there to get an offense off to a slow start.
He’s quick, instinctive, and really physical. The Commodores do a pretty good job of keeping him clean at the second level so he can chase. Georgia is coming off a banner day on the ground against Auburn and the interior is playing with a lot of confidence.
DawgsHQ’s take: Georgia will have to use well-timed combo blocks and some pulling linemen to keep Orji off balance. The Bulldogs’ gap scheme runs should be effective against a Commodore front that plays off of blocks well but can be moved with pin-and-pull runs.
Georgia secondary vs. Vanderbilt wideout Will Sheppard
This particular UGA team hasn’t been quite as good at shutting down the opposing team’s best receiver. It did against South Carolina but not against Oregon. If the Bulldogs want to aim for that this week, they’ll have to stop Sheppard.
The big wideout plays with good burst and twitch but he’s also big and physical. He can break tackles after the catch and he can out battle defensive backs for the football.
DawgsHQ’s take: Limit the clean releases and make sure Commodore quarterback A.J. Swann has to throw into tight windows. Georgia should play a lot of tight, inside leverage, making Swann rely on precision outside throws to get his best pass catcher involved.
