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Georgia vs. North Carolina: 3 Things to Watch

By Justin Melton

Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) attempts a pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Bulldogs won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert (11) attempts a pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Bulldogs won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Georgia Bulldogs kick off the 2016 season in Atlanta versus the North Carolina Tar Heels. Below we share our “three things to watch”. These are things that will be a factor not just in today’s game, but will also show signs of things to come over the course of the season. Let’s begin.

1. Who Will Be the Quarterback?

Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) throws before the spring game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) throws before the spring game at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

A lot of SEC teams have faced this question this offseason. The Bulldogs are no exception. There are now two men vying for the starting role. The first is the consistently mediocre Greyson Lambert. Lambert put up decent statistical numbers last year, but he wasn’t a threat to consistently beat teams with the deep ball. This allowed them to squat on the short routes and the running game.

The other candidate is true freshman Jacob Eason. Eason, unlike Lambert, has a terrific arm and the potential to be a superstar. He is undoubtedly the future for the Georgia Bulldogs. The only question is, is he ready now? We will find out on Saturday.

2. How Healthy are the Running Backs?

Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs past the Georgia bench on his way to a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) runs past the Georgia bench on his way to a touchdown against the Southern University Jaguars during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dawgs currently have three running backs of questionable health. First and foremost, is Nick Chubb. Chubb tore his knee up against the Tennessee Volunteers a season ago. He has been cleared to play against North Carolina. But the question is will he be his old self.

Backup Sony Michel is also dealing with an injury. He broke his arm in an off-season ATV accident. He’s currently listed as a game time decision. Michel had a very solid season last year after Chubb went down. The Dawgs will need both Chubb and Michel if they want to be a factor in the SEC East race.

3. How Will the Rebuilt Front Seven Perform?

Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks to the press after the spring game at Sanford Stadium. The Black team defeated the Red team 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart talks to the press after the spring game at Sanford Stadium. The Black team defeated the Red team 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Last season’s Georgia defense was one of the better units in the country. Unfortunately, the entire front seven is gone. Notable losses include linebackers Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd. New Head Coach Kirby Smart has a lot of options to replace them, but not a lot of experience. Their lateral movement will be tested by North Carolina’s spread offense.

Conclusion

Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs through the Southern University Jaguars defense on his way to a touchdown during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Sony Michel (1) runs through the Southern University Jaguars defense on his way to a touchdown during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Southern 48-6. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

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Thank you for reading. Is there a key factor you think we missed? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Twitter.

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