SEC’s Best In-Conference Games 2016: Number 7, Georgia vs. Florida
Georgia Offense vs. Florida Defense
The effectiveness of Georgia’s offense this season will be determined by two questions. First, how healthy is Nick Chubb? Second, how good is Jacob Eason. If the answer to both of those questions is “very” Georgia could be poised for a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship Game.
At quarterback this year the Dawgs have three men competing for the starting job. They are: reliably mediocre Greyson Lambert, reckless gunslinger Brice Ramsey, and true freshman wunderkind Jacob Eason. Ramsay’s decision-making is too erratic to win the job. Lambert is solid, if unspectacular. The question is can Eason be spectacular. If so, he gets the nod. If not, he will sit and learn from Lambert.
Georgia’s top-two running backs form one of the most potent duos in the country, but both of them have health concerns. Nick Chubb tore ligaments in his knee against Tennessee last season. Sony Michel broke his arm in an off-season ATV incident. So how healthy are they? Chubb has reportedly been full go in all Fall Camp activities. Michel is being eased back in slowly. From their current statuses, it seems both should be ready to play by October 29th. That’s great news for Dawg fans.
Whoever Georgia’s quarterback ends up being will be without the services of Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia’s number one option a year ago. That leaves Terry Godwin, Isaiah McKenzie, and Reggie Davis. New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney should be able to work with that.
One positive for the Georgia backfield is that the offensive line returns three starters from last season. The unit was a disappointment last season, but should improve this season. Senior center Brandon Kublanow will be a rock in the middle for new o-line coach Sam Pittman to build around.
Florida’s defense last year was incredible. They basically dragged the Treon Harris led offense to the SEC Championship Game last season. They may take a slight step back this season, but they’ll still be one of the SEC’s top units. Explosive sophomore Cece Jefferson should be a full-time starter at defensive end this year, which should have quarterbacks shaking in their boots. Tackle Caleb Brantley is also a beast on the line.
Jarrad Davis will lead a group of talented, but inexperienced, linebackers. Alex Anzalone was injured in the second week of last season, but he is fine now. He provides speed and tenacity in the middle. Daniel McMillan will start on the strong side.
After losing Keanu Neal and Vernon Hargreaves to the NFL, it seems logical that Florida would take a significant step back in the secondary. But they won’t. That’s because they still have Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson at corner, as well as Marcus Maye at safety. The Gators will be tough to throw on.
Advantage: Florida
Next: UF O vs. Georgia D