UK Recap: Georgia Bulldogs vs Kentucky Wildcats 35–14 Victory
by Chito Chibuye
Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus
The Dawgs got back into the win column after Saturday’s SEC victory over the Wildcats of Kentucky. More than anything, Georgia can turn the page and focus on the remaining schedule instead of looking back. A 35-14 win looks great on paper, but let’s look a little closer at the positives and negatives from the game that could be a factor in the weeks to come.
The Positives
You don't get any trophies for beating Kentucky, especially at home, but I’ve got to give Bobo some credit for bouncing back against this Wildcat defense. Bobo was in his bag all afternoon, but more importantly he used the weapons at his disposal appropriately! There was an intentional effort to utilize Gunner Stockon in the run game especially in short yard/redzone situations, which resulted in 2 TDs for the QB. Bobo also orchestrated the best Deebo Samuel impersonation by using Dillon Bell in a myriad of ways. He scored twice in the redzone, once off a jet sweep and another on a well-executed reverse play. Bell would also make a nasty one-handed catch off a great throw from Gunner. Chauncey Bowens is looking more and more like an RB1 every week, and Ca$h Jones scored a TD on an angle route (which is his strength as a receiving RB)! Oscar Delp even showed flashes on his limited opportunities.
Redzone Efficiency
Georgia scored on their first 5 redzone trips on the day. If I could give a grade on that type of performance, that’s an A++! You can win championships off of that type of effort. 2 rushing TDs by Gunner, 2 rushing TDs by Bell, and 1 receiving TD by Ca$h. Effective, efficient, creative, beautiful.
Run Defense
Because the Dawgs jumped out to a lead early on, Kentucky found themselves trying to pass their way back into the game for most of the day. However, that does not take away from how impressive the run defense was on Saturday. With two solid RBs and a dual-threat QB, the Wildcat offense managed a whopping 45 rushing yards. This defense is not elite right now, but they have consistently been able to eliminate opposing offenses run games which will pay off in a big way.
The Negatives
Injuries: Every team deals with them as they are just an unfortunate reality of any collision sport. Now Georgia is starting to see some important players added to the dreaded injury report. We were already without one tackle in Earnest Greene dealing with a back injury, but now our LT Monroe Freeling has picked up an ankle injury. The silver lining? All indications point to Freeling being back in action sooner rather than later. The same can said for DL Jordan Hall who missed a ton of time last year with leg injuries, who got banged up Saturday but seems to be ok.
Noah Thomas Usage
6’5, 205 lbs, fast, explosive, strong hands in traffic, 50/50 ball, blocks well, senior season. 3 catches for 24 yards. That’s inexcusable, and I really hope there is a plan to get him involved as a WR moving forward instead of an OG. He’s the only weapon that has yet to be unleashed by this offense, and he will be needed as the season continues.
Looking Ahead
After a much needed win there are more positives than negatives for sure, but the schedule only gets tougher from here. A quick look around the league will tell you that every week is a challenge in the SEC and even UGA will need to be at their best. Next stop, Jordan-Hare.
Go Dawgs.
