Tag: mercedes benz stadium

Chiefs-Bills AFC title game would be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta

The NFL has chosen a neutral site for a potential matchup between the #Chiefs and #Bills in the AFC Championship Game.

The NFL selected their host location for a potential neutral site AFC Championship Game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The league announced on Thursday that Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta would host a potential AFC title game between the two clubs on Sunday, January 29, at 6:30 p.m. ET. The league said Atlanta was previously designated as a possible backup host site for postseason games at the start of the 2022 season. It also happens to be roughly the same distance from Kansas City (about 800 miles) and Buffalo (892 miles).

“We are heartened by the continued improvement and progress of Damar Hamlin in his recovery, and Damar and his family remain top of mind for the entire NFL community,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, via press release. “We are also grateful to Arthur Blank and the Atlanta Falcons for agreeing to host the AFC Championship Game in Atlanta should the Bills and Chiefs advance. We thank both of those clubs for their assistance in the planning process. We know, if necessary, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will provide a world class atmosphere for the competing teams, our fans and partners.”

The league said season-ticket holders who already committed to purchasing AFC title game tickets would get first priority. Further ticket information would be announced at a later date.

All other potential AFC Championship Game matchups would take place at the home stadium of the team with the higher seed. As the No. 1 seed, Kansas City would host the game against any team other than the Bills.

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Georgia football opens in Atlanta

Georgia football 2020 opens with the Virginia Cavaliers in Atlanta on September 7th, in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game.

ATLANTA, Ga.–Palpable excitement is already building in certain circles in Atlanta for the University of Georgia Bulldogs college football season opener. Considered by many to be the world capital of college football, winning more in the nationally prominent games played in downtown Atlanta is of the utmost importance if Kirby Smart’s program is going to be atop the tip of the upper echelon of the old sport, entering its 151st season.

Under Coach Smart, Georgia has fared extremely well at Grant Field in Midtown Atlanta while playing its in-state rival. But after opening 2-0 in big games played in the domes (Georgia Dome, Mercedes-Benz Stadium), UGA has somewhat alarmingly dropped three straight such contests. Each loss came to a powerful SEC West opponent: a national championship overtime defeat to Bama; a near replay of that game featuring the same two programs in an eerily similar SEC championship game; finally, a disheartening blowout at the hands of the current national champions, LSU.

Opening with the ACC’s Virginia Cavaliers in Atlanta could get the big city mojo flowing in the right direction. Georgia is plainly planning a return trip for a fourth straight SEC championship game and well-positioned amongst the favorites to win the SEC title.

The action commences on September 7th, on the holiday weekend Monday. UGA will be playing football on back-to-back weekdays for the first time, after beating Baylor in a midweek Sugar Bowl, on the first day of the new decade. Winning a New Year’s 6 bowl definitely pushed Georgia in a positive direction.

Hoos ahead for Dawgs: The Bulldogs are 1-1 in Chick-fil-A Kickoff   games, including 1-1 versus the ACC, with a defeat of North Carolina in Kirby Smart’s head coaching debut in 2016. UGA and UVa met twice in Atlanta for Peach Bowls, which I attended. Virginia won 34-27 in 1995 after a gallant comeback effort by polyglot quarterback Hines Ward came up short in the final seconds, in Ray Goff’s final game as a coach. After that defeat, the all-time series stood at even. Then, Georgia was able to win the next two meetings between the programs, a narrow 35-33 escape in Atlanta in 1998 and a 37-14 blowout in Hawaii for the Jeep Oahu Bowl of 2000, in Jim Donnan’s last game coaching.

Nov 16, 2019; Clemson, SC, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback Jamie Newman (12) drops back to pass the ball against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia, who finished ranked 25th in the final Coaches Poll off a competitive defeat by the Florida Gators in the Orange Bowl, of the New Year’s 6, should be familiar with grad transfer quarterback Jamie Newman, a former Wake Forest Demon Deacon.

Kirby Smart is 4-0 in season openers as a head coach.

Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm suffers ankle injury in SEC title game

Three-year starting quarterback Jake Fromm suffered an ankle injury following an awkward landing on a sack.

In the second quarter in today’s SEC Championship game, three-year starting quarterback Jake Fromm suffered an ankle injury following an awkward landing on a sack.

Backup quarterback Stetson Bennett has stepped in but Fromm’s injury appears to be minor and will not keep him out of the game.

Fromm since returned but looks rattled entering the second half.

Bad luck for the Dawgs: Joe Burrow passes to Joe Burrow

Following several dropped passes on offense, Georgia’s luck got worse.

Following several dropped passes on offense, Georgia’s luck got worse.

This prolonged a drive that ultimately led to a questionable catch ruled as a touchdown.

 

Georgia injury report ahead of UGA vs LSU

Georgia football’s injury report for the UGA vs LSU SEC Championship Game

The No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs limp into Atlanta this afternoon to take on the No  2 LSU Tigers in the SEC Championship game. With a few key UGA players battling injuries and others declared out for the game, the Dawgs have been relying on the medical staff this week to get everyone ready for the game.

Following is the status of several Georgia players for today’s contest with LSU.

D’ANDRE SWIFT, RB (PROBABLE)

D’Andre Swift has been battling shoulder problems for most of the season and it caught up to him during the Georgia Tech game. Dawg Nation held its collective breath as the Philadelphia junior left the game and didn’t return. Swift is Georgia’s most dangerous offensive weapon and Coach Smart believes he’ll be good to go against the Tigers.

ERIC STOKES, CORNERBACK (PROBABLE)

Stokes has been Georgia’s most consistent cornerback this season and he’ll be a key component in slowing down the LSU pass offense  After leaving the Texas A&M game with an injury, he returned for the Tech game and helped the Dawgs dominate the Jackets. The sophomore DB, who leads UGA with 8 passes broken up, is tough as nails as will be ready for Saturday.

DEVONTE WYATT, DL (QUESTIONABLE)

The junior defensive lineman has played in 11 games this season but was held out of action last week against Georgia Tech. Wyatt is second to Azeez Ojulari in quarterback hurries (14) and he’ll be counted on to disrupt the rhythm of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow and the Tiger passing game.

TOMMY BUSH, WR (PROBABLE)

The freshman speedster provides a huge target for Jake Fromm and his speed causes matchup problems.  He missed a lot of playing time with a sports hernia injury but suited up for the Texas A&M game and caught his first collegiate pass against Georgia Tech.

BEN CLEVELAND, OL (PROBABLE)

Cleveland has started the past two games but the redshirt junior is battling an ankle injury that will require post-season surgery. The 6-foot-6, 340-pound guard has played well this season and his presence will be needed against a formidable LSU front seven.

CADE MAYS, OL (PROBABLE)

The 6 foot 6, 318-pound sophomore offensive lineman, slowed by ankle and shoulder injuries this season, missed the Texas A&M game but played against Georgia Tech. Mays has started at three different positions this season and has played all five offensive positions during the year. Expect him to rotate at right guard with Ben Cleveland today.

D’WAN MATHIS, QB (OUT)

The freshman quarterback underwent surgery to remove a cyst on his brain after the G-Day game. He has participated in non-contact drills with the team throughout the season and his status for next season will be a key decision for 2020.

JUSTIN SHAFFER, OL (OUT)

The junior offensive lineman started against Tennessee and South Carolina, but after suffering a neck sprain, has missed the balance of the season.

LAWRENCE CAGER, WR (OUT)

The grad transfer wide receiver from Miami was lost for the season prior to the Tech game when he went down in practice with an ankle injury that required surgery. He is tied for the team lead in receptions with 33 and is second in receiving yards (476) and touchdowns (4).

How Georgia football’s defense can limit LSU QB Joe Burrow

UGA’s defense allows 10.4 PPG. It’s the best defense LSU has seen all year. The Tigers’ offense is the best the Dawgs will face in 2019.

Georgia’s defense is giving up 10.4 points per game and is by all metrics the best defense LSU has played all year. The Tigers’ offense is the best that the Dawgs have faced in 2019 and is led by Joe Burrow, who will likely have his name inscribed onto the Heisman Trophy in a few short weeks.

Burrow has completed an insane 314 of his 401 passing attempts (78.3%), has thrown an even more insane 44 touchdowns, and has amassed 4366 passing yards, enough to make him the SEC record holder for passing yards in a single season.

Those numbers are staggering and present a daunting task for the Silver Britches. But if any unit can possibly limit Joe Burrow, it’s the Bulldogs’ smothering defense.

The Tigers’ quarterback is poised and methodical with an ability to scramble outside the pocket the extend plays. He keeps his eyes downfield and has the speed to roll out and tuck the ball for quick gains to the sideline.

For the Junkyard Dawgs to diminish Burrow’s prowess, they need to keep him in the pocket. Rushing three men while dropping eight, including a spy linebacker eyeing the quarterback, keeps Georgia’s defense in a man free alignment that can negate big plays and contain Louisiana State’s explosive offense.

In 2019, several SEC West teams have used this formation in attempt to confuse Burrow to no avail, but Georgia’s speedy and physical defense possesses better athletes than any defensive group the Tigers have seen thus far, save for Alabama (which is debatable).

All of this is much easier said than done against a team with the Southeastern Conference’s best performing signal caller and an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position, which includes Biletnikoff Award finalists Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. If Georgia’s secondary can maintain man coverage downfield while the front seven can keeping a spy on Burrow, they can hand LSU their first loss of the year.

Matchup preview: Georgia’s offense against LSU’s defense

The Bulldogs’ offense chose a good time to click again, scoring 52 points in last week’s beatdown of Georgia Tech in Atlanta.

We’ve provided a complete statistical breakdown of the SEC Championship Game as well as a prediction of the matchup between Georgia’s defense and LSU’s offense. Today we explore how the Silver Britches’ offense stacks up against LSU’s defense.

The Bulldogs’ offense chose a good time to click again, scoring 52 points in last week’s beatdown of Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Georgia averaged only 22 points per game in its six previous contests, not having scored over 30 points during the stretch. This followed a 5-0 start during which the offense scored 42.8 points per game.

LSU’s defense has been inconsistent in recent weeks but found their form last week against Texas A&M, yielding just 169 yards to the Aggies after allowing 304 yards against SEC bottom-dweller Arkansas and a whopping 614 yards versus 4-8 Ole Miss the week prior.

Without injured leading wide receiver Lawrence Cager, Georgia’s offense had to get a bit more creative in their regular season closer. We saw more toss sweeps and end-arounds against from the Dawgs against the Yellow Jackets.

Second-leading receiver George Pickens is suspended for the first half of the SEC Championship following a fight with Georgia Tech defensive back Tre Swilling, which will force Georgia to turn even more toward the run against an LSU secondary allowing a mediocre 2657 passing yards on the season, ranked 56th out of 130 FBS teams.

The Tigers’ defense is ranked 28th in rushing defense; their opponents have gained 1494 ground yards this season.

UGA’s tailbacks have eclipsed 2400 yards, more than any of Louisiana State’s previous 2019 opponents. Over half of those yards have been gained by D’Andre Swift, whose minor shoulder injury hasn’t limited his participation in practice but may limit him in terms of carries.

With a receiving corps already struggling to earn separation missing one-and-a-half of its most productive members and a consequently struggling Jake Fromm, who’s completed under 50% of attempted passes in, expect James Coley’s offense to focus on establishing the run to wear down LSU’s defense going into the second half.

At that point, George Pickens will be available and all bets are off.

5 reasons why LSU will beat Georgia on Saturday

Five reasons why the LSU Tigers will beat Georgia football on Saturday in Atlanta

This is it folks, the game we have all been waiting for. Georgia will take on LSU in Atlanta, with a spot in the College Football Playoff on the line.

Though Georgia is a heavy underdog amongst the media and even in Vegas, we still think the Dawgs will put up a great fight against the Tigers.

We gave you our five reasons why Georgia will pull off the upset, so now, it’s time for our five reasons why LSU wins, unfortunately.

Bare with us, this does not mean we are picking the Tigers on Saturday. However, it’s time to discuss the strengths LSU has below.

Let’s get to it.

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Georgia football SECCG: Expert picks and predictions (UGA vs LSU)

The UGA Wire staff has put together a list of expert picks and predictions ahead of Georgia Football’s game vs LSU for the SEC Championship.

Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have won the SEC East three straight years, earning them their third straight SEC Championship game vs LSU, this Saturday at 4:00 p.m. EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

Besides former Bulldog Justin Fields and Ohio State, LSU has been the hottest team of the 2019 college football season.  The #2 Tigers are 12-0 on the season including wins over Florida, Auburn and Alabama.

Georgia comes into the game a bit banged up and not exactly peaking at the right time.  The Dawgs will be without senior WR Lawrence Cager who underwent ankle surgery as well as freshman WR George Pickens who was suspended for the first half for on-field incidents.  Those are the Dawgs top two receivers on the year.

D’Andre Swift also left the Georgia Tech game with a shoulder injury but should hopefully be back for Saturday’s matchup.

LSU QB Joe Burrow has been putting up exceptional numbers for the Tigers as he currently sits in 2nd for the Heisman Trophy race.  Burrow has a total QBR of 93.4 and has thrown for 4,366 yards, 44 TDs and 6 INTs on the season.

Kirby will need to draw up a near flawless game plan and Jake Fromm needs to find his guy in a shallow receiving core if the Dawgs want to pull this one out and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.

The UGA Wire staff has put together a list of score, stat and game predictions ahead of Saturdays matchup.

Here are the picks:

The money makers:

#2 LSU (-7.5) vs #4 Georgia

Game pick: If you think LSU will win and cover, write LSU. If you think LSU will win but not cover, LSU*. If you got Georgia winning, write Georgia.

Odds via BetMGM. Access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.

Jackson Fryburger: UGAWire.com- Georgia

Joe Vitale: UGAWire.com-  HBTFD

James Morgan: UGAWire.com- LSU*

Jackson Stone: UGAWire.com- LSU

Henry Sillen: UGAWire.com- Georgia

Garrett Shearman: UGAWire.com- LSU*

Over/under (54.5) 

If you think the total will go over, over. If you think the total will go under, under.

Jackson Fryburger: UGAWire.com- Under

Joe Vitale: UGAWire.com-  Under

James Morgan: UGAWire.com- Over

Jackson Stone: UGAWire.com- Over

Henry Sillen: UGAWire.com- Over

Garrett Shearman: UGAWire.com- Under

Score prediction:

Jackson Fryburger: UGAWire.com- Georgia 27, LSU 24

Joe Vitale: UGAWire.com- Georgia 24, LSU 20

James Morgan: UGAWire.com- LSU 34, Georgia 27

Jackson Stone: UGAWire.com- LSU 35, Georgia 24

Henry Sillen: UGAWire.com- Georgia 31, LSU 28 OT

Garrett Shearman: UGAWire.com- LSU 26, UGA 20

Want to get in on the action? Place your bet now at BetMGM.

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Matchup preview: Georgia’s defense against LSU’s offense

Georgia enters the SEC Championship ranked fourth in total defense. LSU is ranked second in total offense. Something’s gotta give.

Georgia enters the SEC Championship ranked fourth in total defense behind playoff locks Ohio State and Clemson and playoff hopeful Utah. They’ve given up the fewest touchdowns (12) in FBS.

LSU’s offense is led by Joe Burrow, the Heisman Trophy frontrunner who recently broke the Southeastern Conference record for passing yards in a single season.

The Tigers are ranked second in total offense and thus poses the greatest threat that the historically great 2019 Georgia defense has yet seen.

Something’s gotta give, right?

It’s worth noting that LSU’s main offensive strength plays well against the Georgia defense’s primary weakness whereas the Silver Britches’ defensive strengths play well against LSU’s offensive weakness.

Maybe the Tigers shouldn’t be labeled a “pass first” offense, but they have attempted 25 more passes than runs on the year (438 to 413). The Dawgs’ secondary has been great but is at times prone to giving up chunk yardage in quick passing plays. As we saw against Auburn, Georgia’s cornerbacks tackle well but occasionally have trouble covering in quick-release short-yardage scenarios.

Without opponents stacking the box in anticipation of a possible pass, LSU’s air attack in turn opens things up for a group of tailbacks who have accumulated more yards than any of the Bulldogs’ prior competion excluding Kentucky (who have rushed for over 3000 yards this season despite only gaining 160 ground yards in a rain-plagued contest in Athens).

Behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s 1233 solo rushing yards, the Tigers have combined for 2299 yards on the ground.

Georgia’s defense is second in the nation in rushing defense, giving up 71 ground yards per game and having allowed only 16 plays of over ten yards rushing this season. They’ve given up just 852 yards this year. The Junkyard Dawgs have proven they can contain tailbacks.

With a Heisman hopeful and one of the most talented group of wide receivers in college football, LSU will almost certainly attempt more passes than runs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday. Now more than ever, expect Ed Orgeron’s Tigers to go to the air against a defense that can stop tailbacks before they get a chance to run.

For a full statistical breakdown of how the Dawgs match up against the Tigers, click here.