Tag: college football season news

UGA announces captains ahead of Georgia vs. Mississippi State

No. 13 Georgia (4-2) takes on Mississippi State (2-4) tonight at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network. Here are Georgia’s captains for the game.

No. 13 Georgia (4-2) takes on Mississippi State (2-4) tonight at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

UGA has announced captains for the game, featuring linebacker Azeez Ojulari, tackle Jamaree Salyer and receiver Kearis Jackson.

Ojulari is one of the best pass-rushers in the SEC, totaling 22 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles on the year, while Salyer has made every start at left tackle for Georgia this season.

Jackson leads the team in receiving and explosive plays in 2020. The sophomore receiver has 27 catches for 396 yards and two touchdowns.

Make sure you’re caught up on Georgia football for the game today! This week’s episode of the UGA Football Live podcast is live now.  I’m joined by former Georgia All-American punter Drew Butler to talk the Dawgs, his time at Georgia, the NFL and more. Listen here:

 

 

What to expect from JT Daniels vs. Mississippi State

USC transfer quarterback JT Daniels is set to make his first start as a Georgia Bulldog vs. Mississippi State. Here’s what to expect.

We are now in the JT Daniels chapter of the ever stressful Georgia quarterback drama.

The USC transfer quarterback is set to make his first career start as a Georgia Bulldog vs. Mississippi State in Athens on Saturday night.

After redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis’ start at signal caller vs. Arkansas in the season-opener, junior Stetson Bennett has received the majority of the snaps and has started each game until this week, which is due, in part, to a shoulder separation injury suffered in the loss to Florida.

We expected to see Daniels get on the field a bit earlier than the seventh game of the season and there were plenty of opportunities to get his feet wet, however Daniels’ mobility on his surgically repaired left knee has been an issue.

As the season has progressed, Georgia coach Kirby Smart has been more open about Daniels’ knee and mobility concerns.

“His mobility has been better,” Smart said in a press conference Wednesday.

Aug 31, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback JT Daniels (16) throws a pass against the Fresno State Bulldogs in the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As a freshman at USC in 2018, Daniels threw for 2,672 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He entered the transfer portal in mid-April after his sophomore season was derailed by an ACL tear.

Daniels was the third rated quarterback in the 2018 recruiting class behind Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields and while at USC, he showed flashes of an elite passer, like here on his first touchdown pass of his collegiate career.

But what kind of expectations should Georgia fans have for Daniels in his first start?

Put simply, the only expectations DawgNation should have is a Georgia win.

Coach Mike Leach and the Bulldogs from Starkville are limping into Athens. 17 players have either opted-out of this season or have transferred on top of more players being forced to miss tonight’s game because of COVID testing.

In turn, Georgia should make quick work of Mississippi State tonight and Daniels should preform well as a result, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here and make sure to remember who we are playing.

I’m looking for Daniels to show command of the offense by hitting the easy throws that we haven’t been able to hit all season.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken and company have done a good job of getting guys open, but Bennett and Mathis’ inaccuracy has been the issue.

If Daniels can hit those easy throws, show leadership and protect the football, I think we can walk away from this one feeling good about 2021.

 

 

 

Georgia vs. Mississippi State: Expert picks and predictions

No. 13 Georgia (4-2) takes on Mississippi State (2-4) tonight at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network. Here’s how we see the game going.

No. 13 Georgia (4-2) takes on Mississippi State (2-4) tonight at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

Coach Mike Leach and the Bulldogs from Starkville have struggled to get anything going after a big win at LSU to start the season.

Since then, Mississippi State has looked miserable offensively. Stanford transfer quarterback K.J. Costello and freshman Will Rodgers have combined to throw 14 interceptions to only 8 touchdowns.

And on defense, things don’t look much better. Statistically the Bulldogs rank No. 35 in the country allowing 359 yards per game, but the real issue is depth after COVID testing has limited Mississippi State’s roster to under 53 scholarship players.

That said, the game is on and Georgia, led by new starting quarterback JT Daniels, is looking to avenge a bad loss to Florida in Jacksonville.

UGA Wire staff has put together a number of score, stat and game predictions ahead of Saturday night’s matchup.

All odds are courtesy BetMGM.

Here are the picks:

 

What Mississippi State media is saying about Georgia ahead of Saturday night’s matchup

No. 13 Georgia is set to take on Mississippi State tonight at 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network. Here is what Mississippi State media is saying.

No. 13 Georgia is set to take on Mississippi State tonight at 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.

USC transfer quarterback J.T. Daniels is expected to make his first career start as a Georgia Bulldog after starter Stetson Bennett suffered a separated shoulder in the loss to Florida two weeks ago.

Mississippi State, 2-4 on the year, comes to Athens riddled with roster shakeups as 17 players have either opted-out or transferred and more are unavailable due to COVID testing.

Here is what Mississippi State media is saying about Georgia:

 

3 things to watch for in Mississippi State vs Georgia football game

“Georgia is reportedly starting Southern California transfer JT Daniels, who hasn’t played one snap all season. Junior Stetson Bennett has started every game for UGA, but he is still hampered by a shoulder injury he sustained against Florida on Nov. 7.”

 

Opponent preview: Georgia’s offense

By Collin Wilmes, SBNation

“Redshirt sophomore quarterback JT Daniels, a former five-star recruit who transferred from USC to Georgia earlier this year, is expected to make his long-awaited Georgia debut. Daniels was the starter at USC before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in the first game of last season. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder threw for 2,672 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 11 games as a freshman.”

 

BONEYARD: A look ahead at Georgia

By Steve Robertson, 247sports

“Transfer J.T. Daniels is rumored to be the favorite to start under center this weekend. Daniels was one of the most highly coveted quarterbacks his senior season. Smart’s squad has been hurt by some attrition in the quarterback room, so there was more than enough room in the Bulldog inn for Daniels. Georgia always has skill position players, but the silver britched line of thinking is that some spotty quarterback play has held them back this season. There is no shame in losing to Alabama and Florida, but Georgia fans hoped and expected more this year.”

Make sure you’re caught up on Georgia football for the game today! This week’s episode of the UGA Football Live podcast is live now.  I’m joined by former Georgia All-American punter Drew Butler to talk the Dawgs, his time at Georgia, the NFL and more. Listen here:

How to watch, listen or stream Georgia vs. Mississippi State

It’s the battle of the Bulldogs, No. 13 Georgia vs. Mississippi State Saturday night in Athens. Here’s how to watch, listen or stream.

No. 13 Georgia vs. Mississippi State is set to be played after a long week full of questions on whether or not Mississippi State would be able to field enough players to compete due to COVID testing.

The Bulldogs from Starkville are 2-4 on the year and coming off of a win vs. Vanderbilt two weeks ago before missing last week after their game vs. Auburn was postponed.

Georgia, coming off of a postponement of its own, looks to finally avenge a tough loss in Jacksonville with a new face at quarterback.

USC transfer J.T. Daniels is set to get his first career start as a Bulldog after taking over for junior Stetson Bennett, who separated his shoulder vs. Florida.

Here’s how to watch, listen or stream tonight’s game:

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: SEC Network via ESPN

Stream: ESPN app, fuboTV

Where: Sanford Stadium — Athens, Georgia

Satellite Radio: XM 191

Georgia Radio: Athens 960 AM/106.1 FM; Atlanta 750 AM/95.5 FM; Macon 106.3 FM; Augusta 580 AM/95.1 FM; Savannah 1400 AM/104.3 FM; Columbus 1460 AM/100.1 FM; Valdosta 105.9 FM; Rome 107.1 FM (IMG Radio-Scott Howard, Eric Zeier, Chuck Dowdle)

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Betting:

Georgia  -25 (-110) Mississippi State +25 (-110)

Over/Under: 44.5 (O: -100 U: -121)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook

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Captains: Linebacker Azeez Ojulari, tackle Jamaree Salyer and receiver Kearis Jackson.

Matchup predictor: Georgia has a 93.7% chance to win, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.

Series history: The Georgia Bulldogs lead the overall series with the Mississippi State Bulldogs 18-6. UGA is 11-1 against the other Bulldogs in their last 12 contests dating back to 1975, with the most recent matchup coming in 2017, a 31-3 Georgia win.

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Prediction:

With 17 players lost to either opt-out or transfer and more lost to COVID testing, Mike Leach and the Bulldogs from Starkville are in for a very long day.

UGA is not happy about what happened in Jacksonville, so with Mississippi State’s struggles on offense and their lack of experience on defense – it’s going to be all Georgia.

Look for quarterback J.T. Daniels’ experience and passing ability shine in his first start as a Bulldog.

Georgia wins and covers the spread, 38-10.

Make sure you’re caught up on Georgia football for the game today! This week’s episode of the UGA Football Live podcast is live now.  I’m joined by former Georgia All-American punter Drew Bulter to talk the Dawgs, his time at Georgia, the NFL and more. Listen here:

 

Report: Mississippi State to play Georgia with less than 53 scholarship players

According to a report from Al.com’s Matt Zenitz, Mississippi State will have players unavailable vs. UGA Saturday night due to COVID-19.

According to a report from Al.com’s Matt Zenitz, Mississippi State will have more players unavailable for Saturday night’s game vs. Georgia after its latest round of COVID testing.

Mississippi State coach Mike Leach brought in an entirely new coaching staff and program-changing offensive system when he came over from Washington State early this year.

Since then, 17 players have either opted-out of the 2020 season or have transferred from the program altogether, causing a glaring lack of depth during a time where every scholarship player is important.

Just this week, the COVID-19 virus has impacted 16 games in college football and it seems that at any moment games can be postponed or cancelled.

Mississippi State will roll into Athens with less than 53 scholarship players, more than 30 scholarships less than the 85 mark set for Division I schools.

On the other side, Georgia has been fortunate to not miss time due to any outbreaks but let’s hope tests continue to come back negative and this game can be played.

Make sure you’re caught up on Georgia Football before the game! I breakdown everything you need to know before the Dawgs take on Mississippi State in this week’s episode of the UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton podcast, featuring special guest, former UGA All-American punter Drew Butler. Listen here:

 

Former Georgia CB DeAndre Baker signs with Kansas City after dropped robbery charges

After robbery charges were dropped last week, former Bulldog DeAndre Baker is getting a fresh start in Kansas City. Details here

Former Georgia defensive back DeAndre Baker’s robbery charges were dropped last week after news the attorney representing three of the four men who were allegedly robbed by Baker, William Dean, was arrested on extortion charges.

Baker, a 2019 first-round draft pick by New York Giants, was released from the team after the incident in September.

He faced a minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted and now, only a week after charges were dropped, Baker has a fresh start as a Kansas City Chief.

NFL Network reported late Tuesday night that the defending Super Bowl champs have signed Baker to the practice squad with an avenue to the starting roster if he plays well.

Great to see Baker get another shot in the NFL after a rough rookie season in New York and the wild situation in September.

 

Make sure you’re caught up on Georgia Football before the game! I breakdown everything you need to know before the Dawgs take on Mississippi State in this week’s episode of the UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton podcast, featuring special guest, former UGA All-American punter Drew Butler. Listen here:

Report: JT Daniels to start Saturday vs. Mississippi State

According to a report from Matt Zenitz, USC transfer quarterback J.T. Daniels is set to get his first start for Georgia on Saturday night.

According to a Wednesday night report from Matt Zenitz of Al.com, USC transfer quarterback J.T. Daniels is set to get his first start for Georgia on Saturday night, taking over for junior Stetson Bennett, who has been battling a shoulder injury.

Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart told reporters in his Mississippi State press conference on Wednesday that all quarterbacks have been competing during Georgia’s extra week-off after last week’s game vs. Missouri was postponed due to COVID-19 inside the Tigers’ program.

Either Bennett or redshirt freshman D’Wan Mathis have played every snap at signal caller this year, making Saturday not only Daniels’ first start, but also his first ever snaps as a Georgia Bulldog.

As a freshman at USC in 2018, Daniels threw for 2,672 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He entered the transfer portal in mid-April after his sophomore season was derailed by a knee injury. USC’s Kedon Slovis stepped in while Daniels was down and played well for the Trojans, making the transfer portal one of the only options for Daniels.

Since his arrival in Athens, Daniels has nursed his previously injured knee, taking snaps as scout team quarterback and taking some first team reps, but his mobility has kept him from seeing the field, until now.

“His mobility is getting better,” Smart said in his Wednesday press conference.

It will be fascinating to see what Daniels can do with limited reps, he will be facing a subpar Mississippi State defense rated at No. 35 in the country, so I expect to see his experience and throwing ability shine Saturday night.

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Make sure you’re caught up on Georgia Football before the game! I breakdown everything you need to know before the Dawgs take on Mississippi State in this week’s episode of the UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton podcast, featuring special guest, former UGA All-American punter Drew Butler. Listen here:

 

 

UGA Football Live with J.C. Shelton: S1, Ep. 9: Drew Butler, Dawgs in the NFL and Mississippi Sate preview

In this week’s episode we talk with former Georgia great Drew Butler and breakdown UGA’s matchup with Mississippi State this weekend. Enjoy!

Your friends at “UGA Football Live” and UGA Wire present your one-stop shop for all things Georgia football!

We are releasing episodes and interviews each week during the 2020 college football season, with a little bit of everything sprinkled in between.

In this week’s episode, I talk with former Georgia All-American punter Drew Butler about his time in Athens, the NFL and what he sees from the Bulldogs this season.

Drew says one UGA player has improved more than anyone on the team in 2020.

Listen here on Spotify:

Or here, on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uga-football-live-with-j-c-shelton/id1533295384#episodeGuid=Buzzsprout-6447646

Also I talk:

CFB Roundup

  • A recap of the biggest college football games of the weekend and where we stand just a week before the first College Football Playoff rankings are released.

Georgia vs. Mississippi Sate

  • A breakdown of this Saturday’s matchup, including players to watch, injury updates and predictions.

Dawgs in the NFL 

  • My top performing former Bulldogs from NFL week-10 action.

Picks with J.C. 

  • I update my picks vs. the spread from last week and pick five new games in an attempt to look like I know what I’m doing.

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Make sure to subscribe, rate and review! And check out our other episodes featuring former Georgia greats like Tavarres King (Ep. 3)  Keith Marshall (Ep. 4) Arthur Lynch (Ep. 6) Malcolm Mitchell (Ep. 7) and Aaron Murray (Ep. 8).

Report: SEC approves championship Saturday as make-up date

The SEC has reportedly decided on a make-up date for games affected by Covid-19, details here.

Alabama vs. LSU, Texas A&M vs. Tennessee, Auburn vs. Mississippi State and Georgia vs. Missouri are the four SEC games that have been postponed this week due to Covid-19 outbreaks. 

The question remaining is when these games will be played as most teams do not have collective open dates the remainder of the season.

ESPN’s Heather Dinich reported today via Twitter that Dec. 19, SEC Championship Saturday, has been pegged by the SEC as a make-up date.

There isn’t an official decision on this one just yet, but Georgia and Missouri are among those who don’t have an open date until Dec. 19, so look for that matchup to most likely move to then.

If the game is scheduled for Dec. 19, it’s going to make one weird college football Saturday. When have we seen an SEC Championship preceded by conference games on the same day?