Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Defensive Players to Watch Vs. USC

Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Leonard Floyd (84) and safety Quincy Mauger (20) defend against a pass by Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Garrett Smith (13) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana Monroe 51-14 in a game shortened by thunder storms. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Georgia Bulldogs enter Week 3 of the 2015 College Football Season at 2-0, ranked #7 in the country. UGA will host SEC East rival, the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday evening in what has become one of the most exciting rivalry games in the entire Southeastern Conference.

Since Steve Spurrier took over the South Carolina football program in 2005, USC has at times been one of the best teams in the SEC, winning the SEC East Division in 2011. However, South Carolina is coming off a disappointing 7-5, 2014 Regular Season and will be without starting QB Connor Mitch for at least a month.

-= Related: Georgia Bulldogs: SEC East Power Rankings, Week 3 =-

Even if USC lost their SEC opener at home to East rival Kentucky 26-22, don’t expect Mark Richt and his Georgia Bulldogs to take the down on its luck South Carolina Gamecocks lightly. USC has won 4 of the last 5 games in the annual border war and the Head Ball Coach would love nothing more than to come into Sanford Stadium and ruin the Georgia Bulldogs’ 2015 Season before it even begins.

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Georgia enters Saturday’s rivalry game as a 17-point favorite at home over USC. To me that seems too high as I cannot recall the last time UGA beat USC by 17 points. This is a “prove it to me” game for the Georgia Bulldogs, as a convincing home win versus an SEC East rival should confirm UGA’s comfortable position in the Top 10 of the AP Poll. A loss at home would certainly drag the Dawgs back into the late teens in next week’s AP Top 25 Poll.

Fortunately for UGA, the defense has looked spectacular under DC Jeremy Pruitt in his second year with the team. Georgia has forced 4 interceptions in 2 games this season. The run defense looks improved and the pass rush is as good as advertised. Without further ado, here are five players on the UGA defense to keep an eye on in the Georgia-South Carolina game in 2015.

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