Georgia Football: Four Major Observations vs South Carolina

The Dawgs Cover Very Well

Entering the SEC East clash between the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks, most of the questions centered on how Georgia would stop preseason SEC All American, wide receiver Debo Samuel. Preseason SEC All American cornerback Deandre Baker and his friends, certainly had the answer.

Deandre Baker and the Bulldogs’ secondary, held Debo Samuel to only six catches for 33 yards, a paltry 5.5 yards per reception. Most of Debo’s yards came after the game was way out of hand, and Baker was on the bench enjoying some refreshments.

Samuel was also stopped for a loss of one yard, on his only rushing attempt of the game. The Georgia special teams, also did not allow Debo to return a punt or kick.

Mr. Baker had two passes defended, and an interception that was nearly returned for a touchdown. Unfortunately Deandre created a teaching moment by dropping the ball in celebration before crossing the goal-line, costing himself a TD.

Fortunately for the Georgia Football team, the ball was picked up by teammate Juwan Taylor for a UGA touchdown. I’m sure Baker has, and will hear from Head Coach Kirby Smart about the blunder again in the film room. I’m certain that the ire was less than it would have been, had USC recovered the gaff by Baker.

Freshman cornerback Tyson Campbell played well for most of the game, using his speed and athletic ability, to stick close by South Carolina wide receivers. He also had some errors that Coach Smart, a former UGA safety, and defensive backs coach by trade, will use to teach him as well.

Campbell bit on a trick play, wide receiver reverse pass, from Debo Samuel to Bryan Edwards. The play resulted in a touchdown. It was the best play that the All American, Samuel made all afternoon.

Tyson also was victimized by Edwards for a second touchdown late in the game. This time a 44 yard strike from quarterback Jake Bentley. Edwards got a few steps on Campbell after beating press coverage.

In fairness, the freshman corner Tyson Campbell closed the distance quickly. Jake Bentley made a perfect throw on the play. The throw was by far his best of the night.

Safety Richard Lecounte III, linebacker Juwan Taylor and linebacker Monty Rice, all had pass breakups to go with Baker’s two. Safety JR Reed added an interception to match Baker. The linebackers’ coverage proved that the secondary isn’t the Only UGA unit that can cover.

Defensive back Tyrique McGhee, returned from a foot injury and played well in the game.