UGA vs. Tennessee Tech Preview and Prediction
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles are headed to Athens to take home about half a million dollars alongside a fat “L” this Saturday at 2pm. The Golden Eagles lost in heartbreaking fashion last week to Derek Mason and Middle Tennessee. That man must love that state to coach multiple terrible teams there. Read more UGA vs. Tennessee Tech preview and prediction.
Down 21-5 at half, the Golden Eagles began mounting an unlikely comeback with their backup QB, Jordyn Potts and a stingy secondary that forced two turnovers. They took the lead with just over a minute to go after Potts threw a perfect fade to WR Jordan Yates. Middle Tennessee then ran the ball 35 yards to score with 16 seconds left to seal the game. Oof. To be fair, they came into the game something like 23 point underdogs, so they covered easily.
UGA comes in 1-0 after a convincing victory over the offense-less Clemson Tigers. The Dawgs started slow but went on to steamroll the Tigers in the second half behind Carson Beck and freshman phenom Nate Frazier. The defense was suffocating the entire game despite losing star DL Mykel Williams in the second half.
Look, we know UGA is going to win this game by a billion points. So, in the process let’s take a look at things I want to see and if I think the Dawgs cover the score here.
Hey, make sure you check out our picks on the GW Daily Picks page.
We talkin’ about practice, man
Kirby Smart treats these games like a glorified practice. Often the coaches will work on things that they know their players aren’t good at in order to improve this week. Expect vanilla play calling on both sides of the ball. I literally anticipate the Golden Eagles to move the ball better than Clemson did because 1) coaches aren’t going to call anything exotic and 2) backups should be in most of the second half.
So, here’s what I’d love to see UGA do in this game as they work on their weaknesses (Aside from the obvious thing: no injuries).
Hit the Deep Ball
If there’s a weakness to Carson Beck’s game, it’s that he’s a little too careful with the ball and his deep ball accuracy is wanting. This is the game to build confidence with some deep shots. I hope he hits a couple bombs in this game.
Arian Smith Progress
Smith struggled mightily the last two seasons. He had his most impressive and complete game in the red and black last week. I hope he continues to show improvement in his game as a route runner and blocker on Saturday.
More Anthony Evans
Evans did little more than kickoff and punt returns last week, but showed in the FSU game last year that he’s capable of explosive plays. I hope he can show that explosivity again.
Cash Money
Okay, I know RB Trevor Etienne will be exciting. Nate Frazier made Clemson look silly last week and is poised to wreak havoc on Tennessee Tech. But, I want to see more of Cash Jones dominating. He stiff-armed a Clemson player to the turf on a run to the endzone, while also providing the key blitz pickup to give Carson Beck time to hit London Humphreys on that crosser for a touchdown. That kid has walked on to this program and has more than once made significant plays for the Dawgs. I want him to eat on Saturday.
Stock Rising
I hope Gunner Stockton plays the entire second half, holding nothing back. I want him to gain experience and get real reps. Let’s get a look at what he can really do, and see if Stockton is ready to take the reins next year.
Damon Wilson
Damon Wilson will be the primary guy off the edge with Mykel Willliams hurt with a sprained ankle. Wilson showed flashes rushing the passer this year and is a part of UGA’s pass rush package this year again. I want him to show other aspects of his game are maturing.
Aguero’s Return
I’m hoping nickel back Joenel Aguero is healthy enough to get significant playing time in this game. UGA needs to get him healthy for the season and get him some reps. I would love to see that UGA has an impact player at star besides what Malaki Starks can do. If Aguero can prove himself to be a playmaker in the role, that will give UGA’s secondary a lot of versatility moving forward.
Freshman Flashes
I want to see more of some of the key freshman defensive players like CB Ellis Robinson, LB Chris Cole, LB Justin Williams, and DL Joseph Jonah-Ajonye (JJA). Williams had a big hit in the few snaps he got against Clemson. Robinson is supposed to be supremely skilled and physically gifted, but he needs to bulk up. I want him to get more reps. JJA also got some playing time with Mykel’s injury and he showed flashes in the first game. I want to see a glimpse of future greatness from all of these guys.
Noticeable Absence
Someone I don’t want to see on Saturday: Punter Brett Thorsen. This game offers the possibility that UGA doesn’t have to punt at any point, and boy would it be fun for him to just sit this one out.
Prediction
Alright, this is going to be a bloodbath. UGA is listed as a 50+ point favorite against this FCS opponent. If you’re dead set on betting this game, keep this key stat in mind: Kirby Smart is 5-17-1 against the spread when favored by 29 points or more. He’s 0-7 covering the spread of 29+ against FCS teams. So expect UGA to throttle them. Just not by 50 points, it’s not Kirby’s style.
