Georgia Football: Five Things to Watch vs Middle Tennessee State

Quarterback Justin Fields

Five star freshman quarterback Justin Fields is so talented, that fans and media were starting to buzz about a quarterback controversy. That in itself is astounding, being that Jake Fromm led the Georgia Bulldogs to the national title game as a true freshman.

Justin Fields was tremendous in his Georgia Football debut. He completed seven of eight passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. He also added 33 yards rushing on three carries.

The tantalizing performance by Fields left the fans desiring more, and wondering how playing time would be divvied up the following week against South Carolina. Yet when the Dawgs traveled to Columbia, the only playing time Fields received was late fourth quarter mop up duty.

Fields only got the opportunity to throw one pass against the Gamecocks. He completed that pass for eight yards. He also ran the ball one time for three yards.

The fact that Kirby Smart played Justin in mop up duty, lets Georgia Football Nation know that the four game red shirt will not be used on him, barring an unfortunate injury. The rule is a new one that allows players to play in up to four games without losing their red shirt.

Certainly the team wouldn’t have used Fields in mop up duty, if it was planning on using the red shirt rule. Personally I thought we would see more “wild Dawg” packages with Fields at random points during the game. However the hesitation to call a lot of designed runs, is likely due to the lack of a third scholarship quarterback on the roster.

Fields is likely to see major snaps in this game. We should get a good comparison on how he has matured and progressed since week one.