Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Things Learned From ULM Game

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Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Louisiana Monroe Warhawks running back DeVontae McNeal (28) is tackled by Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and defensive tackle Sterling Bailey (58) during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Front Seven Is Ferocious

Entering 2015, Dawg Nation boasted about how deep the LB corps was on 2015 Georgia Bulldogs. With so many terrific pass rushers on the team, it was clear that OLBs like Leonard Floyd, Jordan Jenkins, and Lorenzo Carter would carry this team defensively.

While all three OLBs played like they belonged on an All-SEC team, I came away from Saturday’s game pleasantly surprised to see the defensive strength extend to the entire front seven. Sterling Bailey looked great on the defensive line in the pass rush. Chris Mayes used blistering speed to bring down QB Garrett Smith on a long scramble. Don’t tell me you thought a defensive lineman was going to stop Smith on that lengthy run of his.

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Linebackers Davin Bellamy, Jake Ganus, Tim Kimbrough, and Ryne Rankin all played strong games against the run and in defending the short passing game of the ULM Warhawks. We rarely saw Carter, Floyd, or Jenkins leave the field, as UGA was constantly bringing the feared pass rush from all parts of the gridiron.

The front seven played with tremendous tenacity yesterday, especially in the first half. It gives me a great deal of confidence that the Georgia Bulldogs can force more three and outs on defense than last year. Keeping the defense’s legs fresh and continuing to pound the rock on offense will allow Mark Richt’s team to control the pace of the game for most of this season. Tracy Rocker, Mike Ekeler, and Kevin Sherrer have to feel a great deal of pride in how their defensive units performed on Saturday afternoon.

Next: The Special Teams Have Depth

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