Welcoming the 49er’s: Georgia Football Preview

by Chito Chibuye

Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus

Georgia Gets a Much-Needed Break After Brutal SEC Stretch

Just like that the 2025 SEC schedule has come and gone and Georgia gets to take a beat after 8 straight conference games. Kirby will never admit it, but this team has earned and deserves a bit of a “breather” after that run and will host the 49ers from Charlotte, North Carolina between the hedges for the last regular season home game.

Charlotte 49ers Enter Athens Heavily Outmatched

Truth be told this shouldn’t be much more than a glorified scrimmage and I’m being polite. The Niners are coming into this game 1-9 from the American Athletic Conference with their one win being over the Monmouth Hawks 42-35. In a state with so many well known Universities, Charlotte is often regarded as the “little brother” in North Carolina and that vibe will carry over on Saturday as this Georgia team greatly outmatches this team.

Why Charlotte, NC Is Still Worth a Visit

I will say this though, if you’re not familiar with The Queen City (Charlotte, NC) you need to visit. It is a super well rounded place that I would definitely consider moving to. It has something for just about everyone from the Uptown scene, the Whitewater Center, and it’s home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and Knights, not to mention Charlotte FC. It’s a beautiful state and city you should travel to see at least once!

Three Things Georgia Fans Should Watch For Against Charlotte

1. Establishing Rhythm

Here are 3 things I want to see from Georgia this Saturday:

Rhythm- this is in no way a trap game, however, I do really want to see this team go out and execute the game plan that it has in place. Not that this team needs to be at its best to beat the guys on the other side, but because as this season nears its end we need to be firing on all cylinders. We can't afford to be sloppy on Saturday and spend all next week fixing issues before we face Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

2. Backups Stepping Into the Spotlight

Backups- This is still a young team but with a full season under their belt, it’s time to let the depth chart shine a little bit! I expect Nnamdi Ogboko and Elijah Griffin to get plenty of meaningful reps on the D-line. I’d love to see the same thing in the LB rotation with Justin Williams and Zay Walker who both got a chance to stretch their legs against Texas after CJ Allen got hurt (more on that later). Offensively, I think DawgNation as a whole is ready to see Puglisi, Elyiss Williams, Sacovie, CJ Wiley, and possibly Bo Walker make some waves for the offense. This gives the roster some confidence and experience before the portal opens, and gives the starters some much needed rest while minimizing injuries.

3. Prioritizing Health Before Georgia Tech

Stay healthy- executing no. 2 well helps with no. 3. I expect a heavy run game from Bobo to hold possession and eat a lot of clock. By halftime this game should be in hand with the majority of backups on the field. This is the time of the year where having a healthy roster is just as, if not more important than having a talented roster. If Georgia wants to make a deep playoff run it will need CJ Allen (hopeful to return soon!) and its other starters, healthy and ready to ride.

Final Thoughts: Georgia Looks to Enter Tech Week at 10–1

Conclusion: In what has been a wild two months of SEC football, UGA has earned an easier opponent on the schedule before its annual rivalry with Tech to kickoff the holiday season. It’s easy to lose focus on a week like this but Kirby is a seasoned vet and will get the most out of this team even against a lesser opponent. Dawgs dominate and move on to 10-1, Go Dawgs!

Score Prediction: Georgia Wins 55–6

Score: Georgia wins 55-6