At 3:00 today with an air temperature of 96 and a heat index over 100, the Dawgs open their defense of the last 2 years’ SEC championships between the hedges against the Tennessee State Tigers. We have waited 8 months to get the bad taste out of our mouths from the close loss in New Orleans to Ole Miss in the CFP quarterfinals. While the outcome of the game isn’t in doubt, there are a number of storylines from a UGA standpoint to watch in each phase of the game. Let’s get to the preview.

When Georgia has the ball

I know the focus is on the young group of wide receivers as the Dawgs use Saturday to prepare for the remainder of the season. The rumor mill has not been complimentary so far regarding receiver play as drops and failure to separate have been the in vogue words about this group. I have no idea what to expect today … all the way from superior athletes making plays against inferior DBs to OMG, we’re in trouble when we see a secondary with a pulse. I expect we are going to see Kaiden Prothro and Jaden Reddell introduced to the college football public this afternoon.

All of this makes me think we are going to see bully ball with the Georgia offensive line opening holes with Nate Frazier, Chauncey Bowens and company running through and past the Tigers’ defense. I don’t expect to see anyone with 100+ yards unless one of the running backs busts a long run or 2 before heading to the bench for a lot of Powerade. I expect that we are only going to show pass plays that have been on Georgia film for years.

If we don’t have 225+ yards rushing, my pucker factor is probably going to rise as a result.

When Tennessee State has the ball

I expect a lot vanilla looks from the Georgia defense today as probably the guys on our 3rd team defensive depth chart could likely handle anything the Tigers throw at them. TSU ran for under 90 yards and less than 3 yards per attempt against Jackson State last Saturday. Needless to say, there’s a step up for them facing a Georgia team built to stop the run (last year’s 4th best rush defense in FBS). Ellis Robinson is likely to be matched up against Jayden Guy (9 catches for 148 with a 45 yard reception) while Robinson is in the game.

Given TSU averaged a little over 6.5 yards per attempt last week, I am sure the Tigers are not going to expect their QBs to use 5 step drops and force the line to hold up for 4-6 seconds on every snap. Of course, that means in some corners, people will be complaining about the pass rush.

As I said earlier in the week, if the opposite side of the scoreboard has 2 digits on it, I will not be pleased.

What will happen

Dawgs roll but likely don’t cover the enormous number because I’m guessing Kirby wants to get in and take control and get out of the heat. I have a feeling the defense has a very bad taste in their mouths from the quality of game the last time we saw them and that permeates the depth chart. The first team offense scores with consistency before yielding to the young guys and things get sloppy.

Final Score: Georgia 45, Tennessee State 6

After the most tumultuous offseason the sport has ever had, hopefully, all will be forgotten as the 2-time defending SEC champion and consensus #3 team in the land takes the field against the FCS Ohio Valley Conference Tennessee State Tigers on the hallowed sod of Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium. Let’s get to the first look.

Series record / last meeting

First meeting … I’m going to use this space to grind an ax about scheduling. I understand we need to play these games against FCS and Group of 6 opponents (I don’t really agree but anyway). What I don’t understand is why we don’t schedule them with programs in our state first.

Gambling degenerate facts

According to DraftKings (at ESPN), Georgia is a -46.5 point favorite with a point total of 56.5. The money line is off the book. Said differently, Georgia is -infinity. If you’re a betting man, pounding the under in a game like this where the 4th quarter could be played with a 12:00 running clock may be a good idea.

Interesting statistic: 180 (Rushing yards allowed last week)

I didn’t know until yesterday morning TSU played in week 0 against Jackson State. Their defense gave up 180 yards rushing at a 4.7 yards per attempt clip to JSU. That’s probably not a good omen for the Tigers as they step on the field against a top 5 Power 4 opponent built to run the ball and stop the run.

If we don’t generate 225+ on the ground, the game day thread is not going to be pretty.

Early outlook

There’s a reason the money line isn’t posted. The Dawgs are going to win and win big. Whether they win by 47 or more is a completely different question. I expect the starters to run up a margin in the 30s before they go to the sidelines to rest from the mid-90s heat at kickoff.

If this defense is as elite through the depth chart as we believe it is, a 2nd digit on the scoreboard without some turnover or special teams snafu will be a serious disappointment. I do wonder who will be the first QB off the sideline when 14 leaves the game on offense. I really want to see if Zykie Helton is as good as advertised up front.

Dawgs win and look sound doing it. Kirby will have enough on film to chew on his team before a step up in competition next Saturday.

What’s your thought right now for Saturday? What’s your game day food and drink choice? Mine right now is a food truck (hopefully, Cafe Racer) at Creature Comforts with a cold Classic City Lager with my daughter and son-in-law.

Let us know in the comments below.