Insider Intel from the Georgia Perspective Before Kentucky goes to Athens

Kirby Smart once described the annual matchup with Kentucky as a “bloodbath.” The Dawgs know this is one of the most physical matchups of the year, but how do Georgia fans feel about the Wildcats?

To answer the question Kentucky Sports Radio connected with Palmer Thombs, the Georgia beat writer for On3’s DawgsHQ. In this crossover event, we discussed how we believe this matchup will unfold. Spoiler alert, we aren’t completely on the same page.

One thing I tried to get to the bottom of: how are teams running the ball on Georgia?

“From a personnel standpoint, it’s not the strength of their defense,” Thombs said. “That’s kind of because you look at what Georgia has in the front seven and what they’ve lost over the last couple of years, it’s impossible to go about replacing Jordan Davis, Travon Walker, Devonte Wyatt, Jalen Carter. All four of those guys were first round picks in a two-year span. It’s just unrealistic to expect that, to continue that.”

Where they’ve been at their worst is on the edge. Georgia’s linebackers are stout in stuff the run between the tackles, but struggle to move laterally, which is why Auburn feasted on QB runs to the outside. Liam Coen will not ask Devin Leary to do that, but outside zone could present opportunities for big plays from Ray Davis.

Georgia Offense vs. the Kentucky Defense

On the other side of the line of scrimmage, Georgia doesn’t have the same dudes at running back. They’re getting healthier, but the lengthy injury report includes a bunch of players out of the backfield. Daijun Edwards must take a lion’s share of the carries. This may also be the first week we see Kendall Milton in action. The veteran returned against Auburn, but did not record one carry.

It feels like Kentucky can put the clamps on this Georgia offense, but that’s not the feeling in Athens.

“Georgia’s offense has played well, in my opinion, especially the last two weeks… I think that Carson Beck is finding a rhythm. Mike Bobo is starting to figure out how to play-call with this kind of team. Getting Ladd McConkey back makes a big impact at that wide receiver spot, and then you’ve got guys that can contribute alongside (Brock) Bowers and McConkey in Rara Thomas and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint and Dominic Lovett. They’ve got guys that can contribute. I think that Georgia is going to put up some points.”

Are you picking up what the Georgia insider is putting down? Tune in for more.

For more on Kentucky vs. Georgia, I had a chat with SEC Mike on “That SEC Podcast” that I’m sure you will enjoy. Go Cats. Go Krogering.