Behind the Hedges: TCU vs. Georgia Picks and Predictions

Georgia

How UGA attacks the 3-3-5 will be interesting. UGA faced a 3-3-5 a couple of times this year, but they are run differently than how TCU does it.

When UGA faced Arkansas last year, they played against a team that ran a similar defensive scheme to what TCU runs now. So far this year, it has taken Stetson and the Dawgs some time to settle in against teams that run an odd front.

However, once they do, they are quite effective offensively. TCU’s defense isn’t remarkable, but they have enough talent to disrupt when needed. 

The Offensive Game Script

UGA can do a few things to get off and running offensively. One way is to use plenty of shifts and motions to keep TCU’s defense guessing on what’s coming next.

UGA can also use certain formations that pull some of the Horned Frog’s linebackers away from the box to open up running lanes. RG Tate Ratledge and the LG combo of Xavier Truss and Devin Willock have a huge task ahead of them.

They must read and react quickly to TCU’s defensive line, knowing what gaps they are going to hit in order to block effectively. Georgia will want to do everything in their power to control the flow of the game by running the ball well and controlling the clock. 

Dawgs on Defense

Defensively, there are a few players that UGA needs a big game from.

First, Smael Mondon and Jamon Dumas-Johnson have a lot ahead of them. They will likely take the duties of spying on Duggan, and need to match his speed and physicality. They can’t let him get loose.

Kelee Ringo needs to hold Quentin Johnson in check. Again, he’ll find success, but they can’t let him bust big gains when plays break down and Duggan throws on the run. Ringo has trouble tracking defenders in these kinds of situations, and he needs to create a big play.

Also, whoever plays outside linebacker needs to step up in a big way to set the edge. Chaz Chambliss was injured in the Peach Bowl, as well as Robert Beal.

UGA had to play freshman Marvin Jones Jr to cover for them. That is not the situation UGA wants against Duggan, because they want to keep him in the pocket to throw.

Georgia needs to stop the run, which they are the best in the nation at. TCU has a good interior line, but their tackles aren’t on the same level. They need to take advantage of that weakness, and pray that the refs call holding since they refused to in the Peach Bowl. 

Turnovers

The biggest factor for UGA’s offense is that they absolutely cannot lose the turnover battle.

Michigan handed TCU too many points to win their game. TCU’s offense is so balanced and explosive that they will score against UGA.

So the Dawgs can’t give away free points to the Frogs, whether through turnovers or missed field goals. TCU is effective at creating turnovers, UGA is not. 

Match Up

Who Establishes the Run Better?

If TCU can run the ball on UGA, the Dawgs are in for a long night. If UGA can run on TCU, the Horned Frogs are going to struggle to win unless UGA turns it over.

Whichever defensive line can win more often will make a huge impact on this game. I give a slight edge to UGA here. 

Who Starts Fast?

Both teams know how to finish games. TCU does not quit.

Their team culture and attitude matches UGA. Even if they get an early lead, UGA cannot ease up at any point.

But if TCU gets up early, UGA may struggle to catch up. I think TCU has a better chance to start fast in this game. 

Stetson Bennett

Can he move from one of the great UGA quarterbacks into a league of his own?

Will he make the final chapter of his story as remarkable as the rest?

Or will he push, pressure, and struggle against this team?

If TCU can fool him into committing a turnover or two, that’s plenty to pull off this upset.

Prediction

I’ve got back and forth on this game because UGA’s defense has been so poor the last two games.

With all the injuries they have on both sides of the ball, UGA has key players on both sides of the ball that will be limited. Can they physically last with an experienced team that just does not quit? So much of this game rests on Stetson’s shoulders.

If UGA plays a clean game, I think they could win relatively comfortably.

However, given the recent defensive struggles, injuries, TCU’s chemistry, and Max Duggan, I don’t think that’s how this game goes. It’s easier for me to see a slug fest rather than a boat race.