Georgia football plays early for SEC East title

4 of 4

Defensive back Deandre Baker #18 of the Georgia football Bulldogs breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Tyler Simmons #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks of the Georgia Bulldogs on October 9, 2016 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages)

COLUMBIA, SC – OCTOBER 9: Defensive back Deandre Baker #18 of the Georgia football Bulldogs breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Tyler Simmons #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks of the Georgia Bulldogs on October 9, 2016 at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Todd Bennett/GettyImages) /

Stopping Superman

The only player on the Georgia defense that can line up and challenge Samuel one-on-one is cornerback Deandre Baker. Like Samuel, Baker is a first team all-SEC player and likely first round draft choice. Baker’s ability creates decision time for Kirby Smart.

Smart’s corner backs do not typically change sides based on wide side or strong side. Will Smart break the pattern, or will he trust his younger defenders to gang up on Samuel?

In return, will McClendon keep Samuel away from Baker? If McClendon keeps Samuel away from Baker, is he risking minimizing the impact of his other talented wide out, Bryan Edwards. Edwards is himself a 2019 draft prospect, and his presence gives South Carolina quarterback Jake Bentley many opportunities to do what he does best, throw deep.

Next. Dawg dreams ride with James Cook. dark

The game within the game Saturday will be the chess match between the veteran defensive brain trust of defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and Kirby Smart and up-and-coming offensive coordinator Bryan McClendon. Watch closely to see how the coaches match up their ace players against each other and the results.

The result may determine the SEC East winner.

Home/SEC News