5 Things You Need to Know About the Georgia Bulldogs

Last weekend was simply not up to the standard of Kentucky Football. Over the years, Coach Mark Stoops has done an outstanding job of recreating that standard. Ugly, 31-6 losses to teams like South Carolina used to happen more often. However, after eight straight bowl game appearances, the expectations have change. Coach Stoops deserves much credit for that, but it also means he and everyone associated with the program are now held to a new standard. That standard was not met on Saturday. Now, the Wildcats will have their hands full once again at Kroger Field against the #1 Georgia Bulldogs.

For many fans, games like this one are all about the lead up. As competitors, everyone wants to win the game, but realism would say that is unlikely in even the best of circumstances. However, the salt in the wound of hosting the best team in the country is what Big Blue Nation missed out on due to last weekend’s dreadful performance. College GameDay would have been in Lexington if Kentucky had beaten South Carolina. Area bars, restaurants, and all of the tailgate lots would have been as packed as ever. A loss, falling to 2-1 with Ohio coming to Kroger Field next weekend, wouldn’t have changed any expectations. None of that is the case now. A 1-2 record with two home SEC losses is now the most likely scenario.

As always, we have all of your pregame needs right here on Kentucky Sports Radio dot com for the 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) kickoff on ABC between the Kentucky Wildcats (1-1, 0-1) and the Georgia Bulldogs (2-0, 0-0). If you haven’t already, you have to dive into Adam Luckett’s Scouting Report. That is your in-depth, football-nerd preview. For those in search of a more surface level look at what to expect on Saturday night, you are in the right place. Let’s dive on in to five things you need to know about the Georgia Bulldogs.

Carson Beck Leads High-Powered Georgia Offense

Last season, the Georgia Bulldogs posted a top five offense nationally. Their 40.1 points per game ranked fifth in the country. Success rate and yards per play finished third and fourth respectively. They gained 9.1 yards per pass and and 5.34 yards per rush which were sixth and 11 respectively. No matter what the category was, you could take it to the bank that Offensive Coordinator Mike Bobo’s group was near the top.

Carson Beck was a critical part of that offensive firepower a year ago and is now back for a second season running the Bulldogs’ offense. His 3,941 passing yards were the most in the Southeastern Conference as he completed an incredible 72.4% of his passes despite throwing the ball over 32 times per game. Beck came out of the gate strong this season throwing for 278 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Clemson. He then connected on five scores in a blowout win over Tennessee Tech in week two. His ability to single-handily dissect a defense will put a lot of pressure on Kentucky’s secondary. Getting pressure on the quarterback will be crucial for the ‘Cats.

Versatile Receiver Room Features New Faces

There are several new names and faces within the Georgia Bulldogs’ wide receiver room. Dominic Lovett brings back 54 catches and 613 yards with four touchdowns from a year ago. Previously playing two seasons at Missouri, Lovett is closing in on 2,000 career yards in the Southeastern Conference. He has caught six balls for 66 yards and a touchdown this season. While Lovett has plenty of experience, no other receiver has caught more than 30 balls in a Georgia uniform.

So far this season, Arian Smith has been Carson Beck’s most effective target. He has hauled in nine passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. Dillon Bell is next on the team with eight receptions for 78 yards and a score. In the redzone, 6’3″ 215 pound Colbie Young has been a favorite target with a pair of touchdowns through two weeks. Overall though, Georgia’s seven passing touchdowns have gone to six different pass catchers. Similarly, there have already been 18 different players record a reception. There will be a lot of different Bulldogs to cover on Saturday night at Kroger Field.

Potential Star Power at Running Back

While the passing game consistency with Carson Beck is a given at this point, the Georgia Bulldogs have been looking for their next star in the backfield. This season’s attempt at an answer lies in Florida transfer Trevor Etienne. He racked up over 700 rushing yards in each of his freshman and sophomore seasons in Gainesville, including 15 total touchdowns, before making his move to Athens. Etienne had to sit out week one against Clemson due to an offseason arrest, but hit the ground running (no pun intended) averaging over 15 yards per carry against Tennessee Tech. He will be the key to the Bulldogs’ rushing attack in Lexington on Saturday night.

In Etienne’s absence in week one, true freshman Nate Frazier was able to immediately get an opportunity. He was excellent in Georgia’s win over Clemson rushing for 83 yards and a touchdown on 11 carriers. Frazier will likely continue to get some carries alongside Etienne after a strong start to his career.

Bulldogs Have a Potentially Dominant Defense Once Again

In 2023, the Georgia Bulldogs were the national champions but did not have the best defense in college football. That is nitpicking at the highest levels, but when you are so consistently the best of the best you have to find small chinks in the armor somewhere. That could change in 2024 as head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann could have an “old-school” Bulldogs defense this time around.

So far this season the Georgia defense has flexed their muscles giving up just three points in each of their first two games. In week one, Clemson managed just 46 rushing yards and 142 passing yards. For a Kentucky offense that struggled mightily against South Carolina in week two, the ability to move the ball on Saturday night is a legitimate worry. Running the football and finding a couple of explosive plays will be the recipe for the ‘Cats if they wish to find any level of success.

Injuries Will Play a Factor

We’ve already highlighted how talented the Georgia Bulldogs’ defense can be. There is a level of depth full of highly touted prospects that no matter who plays there will be some real resistance on that side of the ball. However, Kentucky could be facing a defense that is missing a few key names.

Edge rusher Mykel Williams and interior lineman Warren Brinson missed last week’s game after suffering injuries in week one. Their status is officially doubtful and questionable respectively. In their absence, this has been a defensive line that has struggled to put pressure on the quarterback and has had some leaks in the running game. That could be music to the ears of Kentucky who couldn’t keep Brock Vandagriff protected against South Carolina. A bounce back week in terms of pass protection could give the ‘Cats a shot at being competitive against the nation’s best team.