Georgia Football: Four Reasons UGA Was Defeated By LSU
Freshman Cornerback Tyson Campbell Was Exploited
True Freshman Cornerback Tyson Campbell is a talented player. He has the rare combination of length and speed that defensive coaches covet, to match up with the big fast wide receivers of today. The fact that he is starting for the Dawgs as a freshman speaks to his talent level.
It’s a forgone conclusion that Tyson Campbell is going to be tested on a weekly basis. That would be the case for any cornerback playing opposite of Deandre Baker, the nation’s best cornerback. Teams are certainly going to test any player as opposed to going after Baker.
Unfortunately for Tyson Campbell the test against LSU, was the first test that he failed. When the Tigers needed to pick up a first down through the air, time and time again they went to whomever Campbell was defending.
The first big play was a play action bomb to wide receiver Terrance Marshall. Campbell played tight on the receiver yet still allowed him to get a free release and beat him over the top.
The freshman Campbell was victimized for a second explosive play in the second quarter. He appeared to be confused on rather the play was a corner blitz or not.
When LSU faked the hand off, Tyson Campbell came crashing into the backfield. He was picked up and his man Justin Jefferson caught a 50 yard bomb. The play was the biggest passing play, of several explosive plays that LSU successfully executed against the Dawgs.
Finally Tyson Campbell was beaten on a first down play action pass once again. Again the big play was made by Justin Jefferson, who caught the ball between Campbell and safety Richard Lecounte for a 36 yard gain.
Saturday’s game was a nightmare for the five-star cornerback. Like many young corners, Campbell will learn from this and be better. With that being said, the Dawgs can ill afford to have a weak link that a team can continuously to exploit to get first downs.
The Georgia football coaches should throw right at Campbell in practice over the next two weeks to see how he responds. Should he not respond well, Kirby Smart and Mel Tucker should consider giving some of Tyson’s snaps away.
If Campbell’s playing time is reduced, junior Tyrique McGhee would bring more experience. Sophomores William Poole and Mark Webb would factor into a competition for snaps as well. Freshman Eric Stokes could also be a candidate for Campbell’s spot. He played very well, breaking up three passes after being targeted by Missouri.