Week 3: Razorback Road Test

by Chito Chibuye

Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus

As I’m writing this article, Georgia will have its 1st bloody Tuesday practice prior to an SEC game. This SEC opener has the added stress of being on the road in Fayetteville, Arkansas, against the “Woo-pig Sooie!” Razorbacks. No longer led by loved former UGA O-line coach Sam Pittman, former Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield is now the head ball coach and will look at bounce back against the #2 Georgia Bulldogs at home after falling to #20 Utah on the road 43-10.

In his press conference this week, Kirby emphasized the uptick in talent in the SEC and the difficulty of playing your first conference game away from Sanford Stadium.

I’d counter and say that last year's barn burner in Neyland Stadium will pay dividends this Saturday as a vast majority of last year's team returns, many having started for the first time, and basically got away with murder in the OT thriller.

For UGA, fans will get to see the best of this team as the travel roster will be condensed and mainly significant contributors will make the trip. For Arkansas, their fans will see if this team will come out swinging after a disappointing performance last week. When Silverfield came to Fayetteville, he also brought 8 transfers with him to the program along with “virtually his entire offense staff”. Although it has yet to produce results, Saturday presents another opportunity to right the ship.

Arkansas HC: Ryan Silverfield courtesy of University of Arkansas Athletics

Players to Watch Against Arkansas

QB KJ Jackson

The Hogs signal caller is mobile but struggled against the Utes in week 2. Going 14/34 for 139 yards and an interception, Kirby praised him for his accuracy in his press conference, but the numbers suggest he was neither consistent nor accurate last week. He will need to improve dramatically as he faces a much better defense with another KJ waiting in this secondary.

S Christian Harrison

The 5th year Senior, and son of NFL Patriots legend Rodney Harrison, is widely considered to be the “heartbeat” of this defense. Last week he had 1 interception and a pass breakup to go along with 6 tackles.

WR Chris Marshall

Although he didn’t make the impact he wanted to with only 5 recs for 63 yards, he is their go-to receiver. He was targeted 11 times, more than any other WR. Utah just did a good job in coverage and disrupting the QB.

Keys to the Game

Run the ball, Stop the run

I know it has been against lesser competition, but UGA has dominated both lines of scrimmage to start this season and I expect that to continue Saturday. Arkansas was out rushed by Utah 141 to 61 and that presents a big problem for them and a BBQ buffet for us.

Gunner’s legs

Utah’s QB Devin Dampier torched the Razorback defense with 2 passing TDs and 2 rushing TDs last week. I expect Bobo to pour in a heavy dose of RPO’s and QB pulls for Gunner, especially in the red zone.

Defensive Chaos

There will be ample opportunities for this UGA defense to create turnovers Saturday. Arkansas struggled with batted balls at line of scrimmage, gave up 4 sacks under consistent pressure, and missed receivers in tight coverage all night.

Target Tight ends (pause)

Utah’s TE Noah Bennee had a field day against this team. He had 4 recs for 113 yards and a TD, and was wide open on most of his catches. Bad news for the pigs, UGA has 5 NFL tight ends. Let’s eat!

Georgia vs. Arkansas Prediction

While I expect Fayetteville to be ROCKING early, there are reports of a fan boycott (?), which would all but eliminate the only advantage that Arkansas currently has. Regardless of the fan chaos, I expect Silverfield to have his team playing desperate. I also expect UGA to dominate. Every strength this team has shown thus far is a major weakness for the opposition and can often lead to blowouts. Dawgs roll over the Razorbacks to 3-0. Go Dawgs!

Prediction: Dawgs win 52-10