Georgia vs Oregon: SEC Football Week 1 game preview, TV schedule

The 3rd-ranked Georgia Bulldogs kick off their season against the 11th-ranked Oregon Ducks. Dan Lanning, previously the Georgia Bulldogs’ defensive coordinator, faces off against his former team in his first game as head coach of the Oregon Ducks. Can Lanning lead the Ducks to a victory over the reigning National Champs?

TV Schedule: ABC Network

Game Time: September 3 at 3:30 PM ET

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Georgia Bulldogs start their title defense against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. Kirby Smart will have many new starters on this team, as 15 players were drafted to the NFL last year. Notable players include Travon Walker (selected first overall pick by the Jags), Jordan Davis (selected 13th overall pick by the Eagles), Nakobe Dean (selected in the 3rd round by the Eagles), Quay Walker (selected 22nd overall pick by the Packers), Devonte Wyatt (selected 28th overall by the Packers), Lewis Cine (32nd overall pick to the Vikings), George Pickens (selected in the 2nd round pick by the Steelers), Channing Tindall, (selected in the third round by the Dolphins), James Cook (selected in the 2nd round by the Bills), and Zamir White (selected in the 4th round by the Raiders).

The majority of their new starters come on the defensive line and linebacker position. Look for Jalen Carter to start building his case for a top-5 pick in this week’s matchup. The defensive tackle is considered an even better prospect than any of the Georgia defensive linemen that got drafted into the NFL last year by experts. Additionally, look for Nolan Smith to have a good game at the defensive edge for the Bulldogs, as he is considered a potential first-round pick in this year’s draft.

The secondary for the Georgia Bulldogs will be led by potential first-round pick, Kelee Ringo. Ringo is considered one of the best cornerbacks in all of college football. While Georgia’s defense is a little worse than last year, it will be very hard to score against this defense.

Bo Nix will lead the Oregon Ducks against this Bulldogs defense. Nix, a transfer from Auburn, will play in his first game for Dan Lanning’s squad. If the Oregon Ducks want to win this game, they will need a big game from Nix. Oregon’s solid offensive line may give Nix a little time, but Nix will need to be great to beat what is expected as the best defense in college football this year. This is Dan Lanning’s first game coaching the Ducks after being Georgia’s defensive coordinator last year.

It will be hard for the Oregon Ducks to get pressure on Georgia’s six-year senior quarterback Stetson Bennett. The Georgia offensive line is considered one of the best in college football going into the year. Broderick Jones and Warren McClendon are considered two of the best tackles in all of college football. A matchup to watch on that side of the ball is Noah Sewell versus Georgia’s offensive line. Sewell is considered a top NFL prospect for next year’s draft.

Prediction: Georgia: 28 Oregon:17

The Georgia Bulldogs will win this game semi-easily. While the defense isn’t what it was last year, this defense will still be one of the best in college football, if not the best. Look for the Georgia offensive line to dominate the Oregon Ducks’ good defensive line. While Oregon certainly has some talent to compete with Georgia, the Bulldogs will win the game due to having the better team.