The Georgia Bulldogs invade Columbia, South Carolina to duke it out with the Gamecocks in an SEC brawl. The match-up will go down on Sunday, October 9th at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be shown on the SEC Network. The game was moved to Sunday, due to Hurricane Mathew’s presence along the southeastern coast. As of now, the Bulldogs are -7 point favorites and the over/under sits at 41.
The question for Georgia is can than they recover from that heart-breaking loss at the hands of the Tennessee Volunteers last Saturday. Two touchdowns were scored inside the last twenty seconds and the Bulldogs were on the wrong side of Josh Dobbs’ Hail Mary.
South Carolina on the other hand, gave it their all but came up a little short in their upset bid to the Texas A&M. The Aggies were just to much for four quarters and the Gamecocks fell 13-24.
Georgia (3-2):
The Bulldog’s quarterback Jacob Eason proved he has the moxy when Georgia needs him the most. The youngster led the Bulldogs down the field for the go-ahead touchdown with 10 seconds left before the Volunteers’ miracle comeback. As a whole, Eason has completed 81 passes for almost 1,000 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.
Offensive leader Nick Chubb looks to get back into action on Sunday. Chubb has rumbled for 425 yards on over 80 carries and three touchdowns. He has had some help, running back Brian Herrien has pitched in over 40 carries for 258 yards and another three scores.
When Jacob Eason needs a first down or a big play, he looks to his favorite target on the outside Isaiah McKenzie. McKenzie has responded, catching 24 balls for almost 350 yards and crossed the goal line four times.
The Bulldog’s defensive front has surprisingly been the strength of the club this year. They give in to 130 yards a game rushing, and haven’t allowed any talented opposing backs to break-out on them. Unlike last year, the secondary is the weak link. They are giving up almost 250 yards a game in 2016.
South Carolina (2-3):
The quarterback appears to be up for grabs as both Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain saw time in the loss to Texas A&M. Together, the two haven’t produced but they’ve completed 87 passes for almost 1,000 yards and two touchdowns with two picks.
Three running backs share the carries for the Gamecocks. Combined they have under 500 yards on over 125 carries and only four touchdowns. A.J. Turner leads the way with 270 yards rushing and 4.7 yards a carry.
Unfortunately, South Carolina can’t find any production from it’s receiver corps either. Two receivers have the lion-share of the receptions in Columbia. Hayden Hurst and Bryan Edwards have chalked-up just over 50 catches for 525 yards and no trips to the promised land.
The Gamecock’s defense has been solid, allowing only 18.6 points per game. They will need to impose their will upfront, as Georgia will look to run the ball with a healthy Nick Chubb. As of now they have struggled, giving in to over 200 yards a game.
Trends and Notes:
The Bulldogs are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss.
The Gamecocks are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up loss.
The Under is 10-2 in the Bulldogs last 12 games overall.
The Under is 6-0 in the Gamecocks last 6 conference games.
The Favorite is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings.
Game Predictions:
Considering the expected weather issues, this game could be ugly and both schools coaches are in their first season with their schools. The Bulldogs have lost two games in completely different ways. It’s time they go on the road against a tough defense and get the job done.
South Carolina has been atrocious on the offensive side of the ball. Maybe some home-cooking can spur them on to move the rock a little more efficiently. Either way, I don’t expect leaps but baby steps.
The doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Bulldog’s better recover quick from last week’s debacle, they will be facing a solid defense in Columbia. Given they have the better play-makers and feature an outstanding back GMS recommends taking them to at least be ahead by a score at half-time. Georgia -4 is the play in this slobber-knocker, rain-filled, conference match-up.
