ATHENS — What can Georgia fans expect today as the Bulldogs take on Vanderbilt at Sanford Stadium in a key Southeastern Conference matchup?
Here are some things to look for as the Bulldogs try to keep their SEC East title hopes alive for another week:
1) Can freshman quarterback Jacob Eason shake off the worst game of his short career to this point? Blustery wind conditions in Columbia last week contributed to his 5-for-17 day for just 29 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. But, he has thrown an interception in five straight games and is completing just 51 percent of his passes.
2) Can the Georgia receiving corp give Eason some help? The group was shaky again last week with several key drops. The Dogs are shaking things up with sophomores Terry Godwin and Jayson Staley listed as today’s starters for the first time this season.
3) The Georgia offensive line will be challenged to hold dynamic Commodores linebackers Zach Cunningham (RS-Jr.) who leads the SEC in tackles, and Sr. Ja’Karri Thomas, who has 30 tackles in his last three games, out of the backfield and off ball carriers. The duo may be the best in the SEC.
4) The defense has perhaps its best showing of the season vs. the Gamecocks allowing a season-low 14 points. Vandy is certainly not known for its offense with just 12 offensive touchdowns in six games but So. quarterback Kyle Shurmur redshirt-junior Ralph Web offer a competent duo.
5) What will the return of So. DE Jonathan Ledbetter, who missed the first six games due to suspension, bring to the defensive line and the rotations? Coach Kirby Smart said they will work him in slowly but getting him some action would give a young line some more options.
6) Georgia could have as many as 13 freshman get significant playing time today on both sides of the ball, which may be the most of any team in the SEC. The Bulldogs also have a dozen sophomores getting significant action this season as well. Is Smart subtlely turning over a roster he felt was not SEC competitive the last couple of years? It certainly appears so.
