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2018 Georgia Football Season Predictions

By Alistair Penny

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Head Coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after winning the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Head Coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates after winning the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Oklahoma Sooners at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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How much do we see Justin Fields?

All of us at DotD are in agreement that Georgia does not have a QB battle. It has a really good starter in Jake Fromm and an electric young backup in Justin Fields. But how much can fans expect to see the young freshman in 2018?

Alistair:

Anyone who thinks that Fields will sit on the bench hasn’t been paying attention. All the reports suggest that he’s impressed everyone on the coaching staff. In fact, he’s probably ahead of where Fromm was at this time last season and he has something else no other QB has. Incredible athletic ability. Fields will get lots of reps against weaker teams but I also expect to see him in every single game this season.

Whether its goal line or other packages, the Dawgs will find a way to use him. Not only will it help prepare him in case something does happen to Fromm, you just don’t leave talent like this on the bench. The kid is special and I have no doubt he’ll get a lot more touches than a lot of people think. It helps that Fromm is the ultimate team player and won’t have his feelings hurt. He wants to win and if Fields helps them, he’ll be the first guy cheering him on.

Davis:

Even if Jake Fromm replicates his success from 2017, Justin Fields is still going to see some snaps at quarterback early and often this season. He’s simply too talented to keep off the field. There will be two factors that will ultimately determine if Fields’ playing time increases as the season goes on: the team’s record and Fromm’s performance level.

If Georgia loses a game early in the season or if Jake Fromm struggles against South Carolina in Week 2, we could see a lot more of Justin Fields with the first team offense. If Fromm performs well and the Dawgs continue to win games under his leadership, it’ll be harder for Fields to see meaningful playing time. Early in the season, expect Fields to play in certain situations like the red zone offense or on short third downs.

Kyle:

Think of the early 2000’s with David Greene and D.J. Shockley. Then think about the 2006 Florida Gators with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. I believe Justin Field’s will be used somewhere in between. Mark Richt’s goal was to play Shockley every third series. Tebow played in short yardage situations but occasionally would get his own drive.

These are two examples that I believe Kirby Smart has been studying. They are the best two examples of a dual-quarterback system in recent memory. Fields will play a lot. Maybe not every third series, but he’ll start a few drives each game. And with his running ability, I can see Smart bringing him in on 3rd and intermediate situations, as well as in the red zone against teams we’re struggling to finish drives against.

Mike:

Cam Newton and Deshaun Watson are what you can expect when you get a good offensive line and a good offensive coaching staff working with an elite Georgia dual-threat quarterback. Justin Fields should have the same type of career. There are never any “can’t miss” recruits, but Fields is about as close as there is to one. So you’re going to see plenty of him during this season.

I believe he plays in nearly every game at least a few plays. He’s too good of a weapon not to. He won’t start this season, but he will play. And then leading up to the 2019 season,  we will see what is usually hyped up by the media to get clicks and by the fans to pass the time until kickoff- a quarterback controversy.

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