Arkansas hosts No. 4 Georgia today for the kickoff the of the 2020 college football season.
Georgia is currently favored by 28 points but the Razorbacks have some new personnel that Georgia will have to worry about.
This offseason Arkansas added Florida transfer quarterback Feleipe Franks as well as former Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman to take over the head coaching position.
Franks got beat out by Kyle Trask at Florida after being replaced for an injury last year. It will be interesting to see how Pittman utilizes Franks within the Arkansas offense this season and that will be a big determiner of how this game plays out.
Here is what we think is going to happen this game.
First quarter
On Georgia’s first drive of the game:
Georgia comes out strong on their first drive. D’Wan Mathis makes his first start at quarterback for the Dawgs and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken will get him going early. Georgia comes out with a big shot to George Pickens that sets up an easy Zamir White touchdown. Dawgs up 7 – 0.
On Arkansas’ first drive:
The Dawgs defense will be ready from the start this Saturday. Georgia contains Franks and running back Rakeem Boyd on the first drive and force a three and out.
Remainder of the quarter:
Georgia establishes the run game for the remainder of the quarter. Look for James Cook to get involved in the short pass game here while White holds down the rushing yards. Georgia drives and gets a 35-yard field goal from new kicker Jared Zirkel.
End of the first quarter: Georgia leads 10 – 0
Second quarter
In the second quarter, Georgia’s defensive unit will play well, not allowing much for Arkansas. Boyd should steal a couple of big runs from the Dawgs but Georgia holds their own, allowing only a field goal.
Kearis Jackson gets in the mix for Georgia, connecting on a pair of catches from Mathis. We expect Mathis to also showcase his speed and athleticism this quarter, rushing for 30 yards.
Georgia scores on a post up to freshman tight end Darnell Washington as well as another field goal from Zirkel to extend the lead going into the half.
End of the second quarter: Georgia leads 20 – 3
Third quarter
After halftime Arkansas will get the ball first. Franks puts up a good drive here coming out of the half. Franks will connect with star sophomore wide receiver Treylon Burks, who led the team in receiving yards as a freshman, for Arkansas’ first touchdown of the game.
Georgia fires back the very next drive with a long drive ending in a Mathis to Pickens 25 yard touchdown. Mathis exploits Arkansas’ secondary this quarter and hits Pickens with three big catches.
Arkansas struggles following their touchdown drive and the Georgia defense picks up two sacks to close out the third quarter.
End of the third quarter: Georgia leads 27 – 10
Fourth quarter
Georgia seals it early in the fourth. Zirkel hits a chip shot field goal early on but misses a 45 yarder with five minutes remaining. Zamir White goes for 40 yards on the quarter and tacks on his second touchdown of the afternoon, having a career day. Georgia’s defense allows a few passes but dominates the Arkansas run game, allowing only 15 yards rushing for the quarter.
Georgia wares down the Arkansas defense and runs away with the 27 point blowout.
End of the game: Georgia wins 37 – 10
