Georgia Bulldogs: 5 Defensive Players to Watch Vs. USC
By John Buhler
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
Of all the defensive backs on the 2015 Georgia Bulldogs, I felt that Quincy Mauger puts himself in the best position to make plays on the ball. He routinely has opportunities to force turnovers in the UGA secondary.
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Last year, Mauger corralled 4 interceptions at free safety as a sophomore. However, he does not have any of the four UGA picks on the season in the first two games. I feel that in the second half, Quincy will make a play on an Orth pass to help seal the deal for the Georgia Bulldogs over South Carolina.
I expect Mauger to join the UGA Pick Club of 2015 in Week 3’s game versus the South Carolina Gamecocks. USC may not throw the football as much as they normally do against UGA with their new man under center. It would make sense for the South Carolina offense to game manage offensively by running the football and picking their spots to move the ball vertically with Steve Spurrier’s old-school passing game.
However, should UGA continue to look impressive in run defense and routinely force USC in many 3rd and long situations, Quincy Mauger will make the necessary play between the hash marks to give the Dawgs back the football. I like how UGA averages two picks a game, so why stop now?
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