3 Up’s, 3 Down’s from Georgia’s 24-14 Win Over South Carolina

It wasn’t pretty, but Georgia pulled off a second half comeback to knock off South Carolina 24-14. While there was a lot to take away from the game, here are 3 Up’s (positives) and 3 Down’s (negatives) from the Dawgs win over the Gamecocks.

3 up’s, 3 down’s from Georgia’s 24-14 win over South Carolina

Up – Daijun Edwards

Welcome back Daijun Edwards! After missing Georgia’s first two games due to injury, Edwards burst onto the scene in Week 3 going for 118 yards and a score on the ground. Georgia ended up rushing for a season-high 189 yards on the ground (202 yards when you take out sacks and kneel-downs), and Edwards was a big part of that.

The Norman Park, Ga.-native averaged 5.9 yards per carry across 20 attempts against the Gamecocks. In a game where it rained for most of the contest and Kendall Milton continued to be banged up (limited to just 7 carries), the Dawgs were able to lean on Edwards. Edwards was a difference-maker in the game. He was big in the second half as Georgia made their comeback, running for 68 yards and a TD on 12 carries after the break.

With the depth issues at running back (Branson Robinson out for the year and Milton/Roderick Robinson banged up), Edwards will be one of the most important players moving forward for the Dawgs. Edwards came back at just about the perfect time for Georgia.

I also need to give credit to the offensive line, who had their best run-blocking game of the year so far. Also want to give a shoutout to Dillon Bell who showed his versatility once again in Week 3, splitting time between receiver and running back. He ended up with 7 carries for 23 yards, 1 reception for 16 yards, and 1 rushing TD in the win.

Down – Another slow start

For the third time through three games, Georgia was slow getting out of the gates. This time it actually led to a halftime deficit, as opposed to the first two games where Georgia was still able to lead at the break. South Carolina led the Dawgs 14-3 at the half and had many fans fearing that 2019 (when Georgia was upset by South Carolina at home after a sluggish showing) was happening all over again.

Georgia eventually responded and came back, but the consistent slow starts is worrying. For the first time all season, the slow start also came from the defense as well. South Carolina got good field position to start the game, and then marched right down the field to take a 7-0 lead. Georgia then went on a long drive of their own, but fizzled out in the red-zone and settled for a field goal to cut the lead to 7-3.

The teams then traded quick punts before Georgia went on a drive again, but ended up missing a field goal this time. South Carolina then hit a couple of explosive plays and cashed in right before the half to take a 14-3 lead into the break. Simply put, this was not the Georgia we are used to seeing in the 1st half. The offense was stagnant with little to no passes going downfield. The defense also struggled in space, with both tackling and coverage downfield. The pass-rush was also giving Spencer Rattler way too much time.

As mentioned, Georgia eventually responded, but this was another instance of the Dawgs not playing their best in the first half.

I also need to give an Honorable Mention Down vote here to these new clock rules. Georgia had just one possession in the first quarter and just three full possessions in the entire first half. No one asked for this.