Despite a tough, gut-wrenching 34-31 loss to Tennessee this past Saturday, Georgia can take a lot of positives away from the game.
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Georgia fans did not like the ending, but their team played a heck of a game. Yeah, the Bulldogs made some mistakes that ultimately helped cost them the game, but there was a night and day improvement in the Tennessee game from the previous week. Let us take a look at the top positives to take away from the Tennessee game for the Dawgs.
Offensive Line Play
Georgia’s offensive line was not a complete liability in this game. Yes, I am shocked too. The line was not great, but it was still much improved from the previous week. It may not show up in the stats, and the UGA backs did bounce their runs outside a lot to help the line, but the line as a whole was much better against a big and physical Tennessee front.
Also, the pass protection was not awful as Jacob Eason was not running for his life the whole game. However, they did let the UT defenders sack Eason in the end zone which resulted in a fumble and a safety late in the game and were a bit inconsistent. They were decent though, and that is a great sign.
Jacob Eason
Jacob Eason played like a man on Saturday. He threw for 211 yards and two touchdowns and completed over 60 percent of his passes. The kid is legit, and he is going to win a heck of a lot of ball games at Georgia. He had an outstanding afternoon on Saturday, and if it were not for him, the Volunteers would have certainly blown the Bulldogs out. Eason has so much talent and is only going to improve.
The Defense
The Georgia defense stepped up on Saturday. No, it is not a stellar group, but the unit played their tails off for the majority of the game. Georgia’s maligned defensive line played physically, and the defensive backs were not as big of a liability as they have been in previous games.
Also, the Dawgs finally generated a pass rush, which was negated several times by UT quarterback Josh Dobb’s ability to use his feet. Overall, it was very encouraging how the defense improved in this game.
The Running Game
Georgia’s running game was finally what it should have been all season – a strength. That was due in large part to the improved play of the offensive line, but Georgia is really thriving at the running back position period.
Despite Georgia not having star back Nick Chubb available (except one play), Sony Michel stepped up and took control and was effective (91 yards and a touchdown with a 5.7 yards per carry average). Freshmen Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien both came off the bench and looked excellent. They both appear to be stars in the making. Herrien has been amazing and is easily the biggest surprise blessing of the 2016 recruiting class.
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While the loss to Tennessee was tough for the Dawgs, there is plenty to be positive about as one can see above. I did not even mention the lack of receiver drops, the emergence of Isaac Nauta or Georgia actually making a field goal. Georgia has a long way to go; that much is certain. But the Bulldogs’ football program appears to be in much better shape than it did a mere week ago.