Georgia Football: Offensive Line About To Prove Their Mettle
By W. M. Lawson
The Georgia Bulldogs won their first game handily with 31-10 victory over Appalachian State. Part of that was due to late O line play. That has to happen again.
One of the questions, maybe the main question, for Georgia Football coming into this year was the play of the Offensive Line. After an abysmal 2016 showing, the idea was that, in their 2nd year under this regime, they would show marked improvement. One can argue either way about that in the win vs Appy State. For Notre Dame, though, there is no question.
There are a number of things that jump off the page when analyzing UGA’s chances Saturday in South Bend. Naturally, with the Eason injury, and the true Freshman Jake Fromm getting his first ever start, these things are garnering all the attention. And rightfully so.
Much attention will be focused on the Running Backs. As the fulcrum and fixture of this offense for the last few years, it makes sense that folks talk about Chubb and Michel. And rightfully so.
More from ATL All Day
- Atlanta Braves: Felix Has Already Shown Enough to Win a Rotation Spot
- Atlanta Braves Implode Late To Phillies, Cole Hamels Remains Sidelined
- Kyle Wright Shines As Folty Struggles In Atlanta Braves Loss To Red Sox
- Atlanta Hawks Sweep Back-to-Back Games Over Weekend
- Atlanta Braves: Grapefruit League Play Check Up
But for either of those aspects of the Georgia Bulldog offense to thrive and survive this Saturday, the Offensive Line has to play well. One would argue that they have to play better, as a unit, than they ever have.
UGA ran for a total of 221 yards against Appalachian State. It has been my feeling this year, even with Eason, that the 200 yard mark is a bellwether for victory this year for the Dawgs. If they get to 200 yards rushing in a given game, I like their chances to win, regardless of opponent.
Reality is UGA struggled to run the ball early last week. That could be chalked up to 1st game jitters and settling in. Or it could be the same anemia we all witnessed last year.
But as the game went on, Georgia did find footing and got rolling. This game is different. The Offensive Line can’t depend on wearing the Notre Dame D Line down. UGA will need to out technique them and move earth. Early. It might help that Solomon Kindley will be playing this week. He’s an earth mover and adds girth to that right side.
There is no denying Coach Sam Pittman has succeeded in the recruiting area. In a couple of years, Georgia football could have the best Offensive Line unit in the conference.
But Saturday in South Bend, Pittman has to coach these guys up and have them ready. If they fail, UGA, Fromm, and the Running Backs will all fail.
Next: Georgia Bulldogs: Jacob Eason Likely to Miss Multiple Games
It’s that simple.