UAB comes to Athens as defending Conference USA champions to take on a Georgia team coming off of a top-5 win in week one. Here’s 5 reasons why the Dawgs leave with the win.
Georgia football is set to kick off versus UAB this Saturday in the home opener. Gametime is set for 3:30 p.m. and Sanford Stadium will be packed full for the first time since the 2019 season.
UAB is coming off a 31-0 win over Jacksonville State . The 2020 Conference USA champions are led by senior quarterback Tyler Johnson, who was efficient in the season opener, completing 17 of 21 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns.
On the other side, the Bulldogs are dealing with multiple injuries, including star quarterback J.T. Daniels, who is reportedly nursing a core injury. Redshirt freshman Carson Beck is the likely replacement incase Daniels isn’t able to go.
Georgia’s defense is more than capable of handling a bigger role and they proved that in week-one, allowing just two yards rushing, three points and seven sacks to a high-powered Clemson offense.
Here’s five reasons why Georgia secures a win on Saturday afternoon.
Georgia vs UAB: 5 reasons why Blazers could keep it close
Georgia is the No. 2 ranked team in America after beating Clemson 10-3 in Charlotte last weekend.
The Georgia defense looked incredible on Saturday, holding the Tigers to just two rushing yards and recording seven sacks and a defensive touchdown on the night.
Offensively, there were some struggles. But it’s important to note that Clemson has the best defense Georgia will likely face all year. It’s also important to note that Georgia was not totally incapable of moving the ball like Clemson was. But there were some concerns.
Georgia now shifts its focus to UAB, its Week 2 opponent. That game is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 from Athens.
The Blazers are fresh off a 31-0 win over Jacksonville State, a game they played on Wednesday Sept. 1.
Georgia will win this game, probably by a convincing margin. But here are a few reasons UAB might actually be able to keep things close on Saturday.
JT Daniels is reportedly battling an upper-body injury. If he misses Saturday’s game, expect Carson Beck to get the start. Here’s some info on the redshirt freshman passer.
Georgia quarterback JT Daniels is reportedly dealing with an upper body injury that has escalated his status to “questionable” for Saturday’s home-opener against UAB.
Daniels may end up playing. He played the entire Clemson game with the injury apparently — DawgNation is reporting that Daniels suffered the injury in the preseason during Georgia’s second scrimmage.
Daniels’ status is questionable for this Saturday’s game. He could very well end up starting and playing, as DawgNation’s Mike Griffith reports that Daniels first picked up the injury during Georgia’s second scrimmage.
But it’s UAB. Is it worth the risk?
I don’t think it is and I have a feeling the Georgia coaches would agree. No matter who UGA puts at quarterback, the Dawgs should have no issue winning this game. The smart thing to do would be to sit your superstar quarterback. It’s a long season.
If Daniels is to sit this one out, expect Carson Beck to get the start at quarterback. If you follow recruiting closely you are already familiar with Beck. But for those who are just now learning of the backup quarterback, here’s some information to get you up to speed.
Dec 12, 2020; Georgia QB Carson Beck (15) takes a snap against Missouri: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Beck, Quarterback (No. 15):
Class: Redshirt Freshman
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215 pounds
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
High School: Mandarin High School
As a recruit:
Beck enrolled early at the University of Georgia. He was a four-star recruit in the class of 2020 out of Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida.
Beck ranked as the nation’s No. 234 overall player and the No. 5 ranked pro-style passer.
Additionally, before coming to Athens, Beck competed at the prestigious 2019 Elite 11 camp.
Beck picked up a redshirt as a freshman. He played late against the Missouri Tigers in 2020, but did not have a chance to throw a pass. We expect to see him more often this year, even if he does not make the start against UAB.
Played well at G-Day:
Redshirt freshman quarterback Beck got the majority of the reps for the Black team in the spring game. Beck gained valuable experience and played pretty well, finishing the contest with 236 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He went 22 of 31 on his passing attempts.
Excited to see how the 6’7” 265lb sophomore TE performs this season. Could be one of the best in CFB
Imagine being a DB and having to deal with: Jermaine Burton, Kearis Jackson, Darnell Washington, and now Arik Gilbert.
“I’m pleased with his progress. I think he got better,” Smart said following G-Day. “Carson didn’t always have the focus he needed last year as a freshman in terms of preparation, academics, on the field, off the field, in the meeting room.
“Now since we started this spring, he’s taken notes, he’s got command of it better. He’s doing better academically in the classroom. He’s trying to take a step forward and do some good things.”
Georgia DC Dan Lanning named Kirk Herbstreit’s top performing CFB coach of Week 1
Georgia’s defense was simply dominant against Clemson on Saturday.
The Bulldogs allowed only three points, 180 total yards, 2 rushing yards and recorded seven sacks on the evening.
At the half, Clemson had zero points. That was the first time Clemson had been held scoreless in the first half since 2010 (143 games).
ESPN College GameDay analyst Kirk Herbstreit ranked his top performing coaches of Week 1, and thanks to the incredible play of the Georgia defense, UGA defensive coordinator Dan Lanning checked in at No. 1.
Reports: Georgia QB JT Daniels dealing with injury
According to Dean Legge of DawgPost, Georgia quarterback JT Daniels is dealing with “an upper-body injury.”
It does not appear to be too serious, as DawgPost reports the quarterback has still been practicing with the team.
Daniels has missed some reps with the No. 1 unit this week that he typically would have taken. However, Dawg Post can confirm that Daniels has taken part in practices this week.
247Sports is reporting that Daniels is considered “questionable” for this Saturday’s game against UAB.
247Sports wrote that Daniels’ injury is to his core, and added that it’s likely his ribs or oblique.
When Daniels suffered the injury is unknown, but if it were prior to the Clemson game that would justify the lack of downfield shots Georgia took.
Per 247Sports, former 4-star Carson Beck received a majority of the first team snaps on Tuesday. If Daniels is unable to play against UAB, expect Beck to get the start.
Head coach Kirby Smart has not yet commented on this.
Watch again all seven of Georgia’s sacks in win over Clemson
Georgia’s 10-3 win over Clemson on Saturday night was nothing short impressive for Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs.
It was maybe the most dominant defensive performance in the history of Georgia football, holding Clemson to just 2 rushing yards and 180 total yards of offense.
The most impressive part of the win, and the storyline following the game was the seven sacks that the defense recorded against Clemson and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei.
Georgia players who recorded a sack:
ILB Nakobe Dean (2)
OLB Adam Anderson (1)
OLB Nolan Smith (1)
DL Jordan Davis (1)
DL Travon Walker (1)
DL Jalen Carter (1)
Hump Day got you feeling down? Lift your spirits by re-watching all seven of the Dawgs’ sacks from Saturday night’s win.
Three Georgia Bulldogs – defensive linemen Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt and outside linebacker Adam Anderson – have been named the Reese’s Senior Bowl Defensive Players of the Week for their performance in a 10-3 win over Clemson.
The Dawgs had 7 sacks, held Clemson to 3 points, 180 total yards and just 2 yards rushing on the night. It was maybe the most dominant defensive performance I’ve ever seen from the Dawgs.
A huge part of that was because of the players listed below.
Obviously the whole defense deserves recognition and their were other players (Nakobe Dean and Lewis Cine) who absolutely balled out. But remember, this is an award for seniors only, which is why these were the three players selected.
The whole nation is talking about the 6-foot-6, 340 pound monster that is Jordan Davis. He was incredible on Saturday, recording 3 tackles, 1 sack and 2 tackles for a loss.
Adam Anderson showed off his athleticism and was all over the field on Saturday. Anderson had 5 tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss.
And Devonte Wyatt was a disruptive force all night. He had 3 tackles and batted 2 balls down at the line of scrimmage.
Pair of Georgia Bulldogs named SEC Players of the Week
A pair of Georgia Bulldogs have been recognized as SEC Players of the Week for their performance against Clemson.
Defensive back Christopher Smith has been named the SEC’s Defensive Player of the Week and defensive lineman Jordan Davis was honored as the league’s best defensive lineman of the weekend.
Smith was responsible for the lone touchdown in Georgia’s 10-3 win over Clemson on Saturday.
Late in the second quarter, with the game tied at 0-0, Smith stepped in between the ball and receiver on a slant route and took an interception 74 yards to the house.
Davis also had a monster performance. The whole nation is talking about the 6-foot-6, 340 pound monster that is Davis. He was incredible on Saturday, recording 3 tackles, 1 sack and 2 tackles for a loss.
Big DT, Jordan Davis is very explosive despite his size. Here he beats the guard trying to down block him and gets in the back field to make the stop for a negative gain pic.twitter.com/Qgbtcw5vbw
Kirby Smart talks Georgia’s offense in win over Clemson
Georgia took down Clemson on Saturday night by a score of 10-3.
No offensive touchdowns were scored. The lone touchdown of the game came late in the first half when Georgia defensive back Christopher Smith took an interception 74 yards to the house.
So that’s good news but it’s also not-so-good news.
The good news: Georgia’s defense is the best in the nation.
The not-so-good news: Georgia’s offense, which was expected to be highly explosive, has some work to do.
Now, it’s important to remember that the Dawgs were missing some of their top firepower on offense. Tight end Darnell Washington and wide receivers Arik Gilbert, Dominick Blaylock and George Pickens were all out. Starting offensive guard Tate Ratledge injured his foot early in the game and is now sidelined for the rest of the year.,
It’s also important to remember that right behind UGA, Clemson probably has the nation’s second best defense.
But there were certainly some things that were frightening.
Now I may be wrong, but I don’t recall Georgia taking a single shot downfield all night. Where was the passing game? Superstar quarterback JT Daniels only had 135 yards, no touchdowns and 1 interception. It just felt as if something was off.
On Monday, Kirby Smart spoke to the media, covering topics regarding the Clemson win and discussing the upcoming game against UAB this Saturday.
Here we compiled a few of his quotes about Georgia’s offense in the win over Clemson. Overall, it sounds like Kirby is not very concerned with the offensive performance, which is good news. See what he had to say below…
On the performance of the offense…
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 04: Mario Goodrich #31 of the Clemson Tigers tackles Zamir White #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the second half of the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
“Well, I think, you’ve got to be careful, because with the receptions, you’ve got to score touchdowns, and we didn’t. So, we’re a very matter of fact judgement and it’s like ‘okay so we didn’t score but, why? Why did we not?’ You go through the reasons why and you go through each play. A lot of it was attention to detail, not converting on third down, missing a couple of explosives.
They played us very different than what you would normally say a Clemson team would play. They prepared for speed breaks and shots and fast balls because that’s what they had given up. They did a good job of defending that. But, to say that we didn’t function or didn’t run the ball well – I mean, we ran the ball well at times. Any time you can run the ball down someone’s throat in four minutes, it’s pretty obvious that they knew we had to run the ball there and we were still able to, so we did some really good things offensively.
Hey, I’m excited to see what our guys can do moving forward. The greatest jump you make is from Game One to Game Two, so we got to find a way to be more explosive. You can see on tape that it’s there, so I’m glad we got the attention of those guys.”
On Brock Bowers, who had 6 receptions for 43 yards in his debut…
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 04: Brock Bowers #19 of the Georgia Bulldogs breaks away from Baylon Spector #10 of the Clemson Tigers during the second half of the Duke’s Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
“Well, several of those were right targets just for Brock, he was the open guy. Some of that was get the ball out quick against a really good pass rush, and not being able to see… how long are we going to be able to protect? Are we going to be able to get vertical down the field? What’s the easiest way to throw a short pass to the tight end? Who do they probably least expect? Brock Bowers. So, a lot of that is happenstance, but he’s certainly a good player, and not every play that he got the other night was designed for him. It just ended up that way because some of those RPO’s, some of those were boots, and there’s two or three options.”
On wide receiver Jermaine Burton, who had a great freshman season in 2020 but a quiet night on Saturday with only two catches…
“We’ve had roughly 45 practices. Out of the 45 practices he’s practiced 10-15 times. He missed a lot of time, and he was already a young player last year who grew. For him, he knows the upside. His best football is in front of him, and he has done everything we asked in terms of getting well. Rehab and pushing himself, but he’s not in game shape. He’s not in game speed. We’ve got to improve that and work on it. He’s certainly a very talented football player that were excited about. And he will help us be explosive. He’s just got to practice more.
On JT Daniels and the game plan against Clemson…
“All the talk about the weapons that he does and doesn’t have is a moot point. That’s what everyone wants to talk about and you can make excuses for me, for JT, for coach (Todd) Monken, but we’ve got good football players. We have to take the football players we have and be explosive. It doesn’t matter who is out there. That’s just pity or something. We have to be explosive. We have to get better at it. The way they played us and what our game plan was… Protect JT and get the ball out, have some different protections, and some different things. The game plan was to not get in third and longs. We didn’t get in many third and longs. How many sacks did we give up guys, one. Check Clemson’s average (sacks) per game. The game plan was to be efficient and be in manageable down and distances. Get the ball out of JT’s hands. I feel like we did a good job of doing that. We didn’t do it consistently enough to score points.”
Watch: Trevor Lawrence loses bet with Terry Godwin, forced to wear Georgia gear
Former Georgia wide receiver and former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence apparently had a friendly wager going for Saturday night’s matchup between the Bulldogs and the Tigers.
After Georgia’s dominant defensive showing, which helped UGA to a 10-3 victory, the Jacksonville Jaguars teammates shared a laugh as Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL draft, showed up to the Jags locker room wearing Georgia gear.
Godwin, who played wide receiver for the Dawgs from 2015-18, recorded the interaction and shared it to social media on Monday.
Former Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence made a bet with former Georgia receiver Terry Godwin on the game this weekend.
He had to show up in Georgia gear after Clemson lost 😂
