With two days to go until UGA-UNC, there is one word that defines this game for Georgia Football.
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Uncertainty. That is the word that comes to mind when it comes to Georgia’s opener against North Carolina. When Georgia fans pack into the Georgia Dome on Saturday afternoon, they will be looking for plenty of questions to be answered particularly on offense.
We know Lambert is the starter but will Eason play? How will Nick Chubb respond in his first game after recovering from a PCL injury?
Who will step up at the wide receiver position outside of Terry Godwin? Will Sony Michel even play? Will the new offensive line mesh together?
Some of these questions will begin to answer themselves on Saturday afternoon, and some will take more time. However, perhaps the most pressing question for Saturday’s affair is this: How does Georgia win the game?
Here are the three keys for Georgia’s offense against North Carolina:
1. Run the Ball Effectively
It’s no secret that Georgia is going to need to run the ball well to beat North Carolina. Graced with a talented tailback core, the Dawgs look to return to a dominate rushing attack in 2016.
Georgia will need to take advantage of a defense that ranked 110th in the FBS in rushing yards allowed per game in 2015. However, uncertainty still remains at the tailback position. With Chubb returning to his first game action since last October, all will be curious if he is limited by his knee.
In addition, with Sony Michel still not cleared for contact, Georgia will quickly be reaching deep into their depth chart. Even if Michel plays, Georgia fans should expect to see Brendan Douglas, Elijah Holyfield and perhaps Brian Herrien at tailback.
Running the ball should take pressure off Greyson Lambert (or Jacob Eason if he gets in) as well as allow offensive coordinator Jim Chaney to set up the play-action pass. In addition, running the ball effectively will allow Georgia to keep the potent North Carolina offense off the field.
2. Find the Tight Ends in the Passing Game
Georgia’s passing game last year struggled to find a rhythm, and most noticeably absent seemed to be the tight ends.
New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney will look to change that in 2016, as Georgia returns perhaps one of the most talented tight end groups in the country. Led by junior Jeb Blazevich, the tight ends also feature Jackson Harris, Jordan Davis and newcomer Isaac Nauta.
The Georgia tight ends will need to provide valuable middle -of-the-field targets for starting quarterback Greyson Lambert. If Jacob Eason plays at all in this game, this key to the game becomes all the more important, as Georgia will need to settle the freshman on to the big stage. Easy passes to the middle of the field will help facilitate an easier transition.
3. Avoid Turnovers
Georgia will always look to avoids turnovers. However, against a powerful North Carolina offense, it is even more important.
Georgia’s defense will have its hands full against the Tar Heels on Saturday. Running back Elijah Hood is one of the best in the nation, and the Tar Heel offense will look to set the tone against a young Georgia front seven.
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With this in mind, Georgia will need to be wary. Any turnover the Dawgs commit not only gives the Tar Heels another possession but also leaves the Georgia defense on the field, making them more likely to fatigue.
Regardless of the quarterback, Coach Chaney will need to stress the importance of smart throws to avoid interceptions.
If Georgia can win the turnover battle, the Dawgs look to be in good shape. In games Georgia won last year, they produced a +9 turnover margin.