Georgia football: James Cook’s suspension could be a blessing in disguise

Georgia football running back james Cook will miss the first half of this week’s game after being ejected last week because of a targeting penalty.

James Cook made an awful, freshman mistake Saturday against Austin Peay. He failed to see a punt returner call fair catch and he nailed him with a head-first hit leading to a 15-yard penalty and an ejection. Of course, per the rules, any ejection for targeting that happens in the second half, carries over to a first half suspension for the next game.

When Georgia football starts the game with South Carolina this Saturday, only D’Andre Swift, Brian Herrien and Elijah Holyfield will be available. James Cook won’t be able to play until after halftime.

That actually doesn’t sound that bad for Georgia. For Cook, it’s probably frustrating and I’m sure he’s disappointed in himself. But that means, in the second half, Cook will be well rested and motivated.

However, that sounds awful for South Carolina who’s major concern early this season is depth on the defensive line. Their best defensive linemen, D.J. Wonnum, isn’t even a guarantee to play this week. Josh Kendall, South Carolina beat writer for The State, points out that the Gamecocks feature three true freshmen in the defensive tackle rotation.

If they have trouble pushing Georgia’s offensive line back to slow down Swift, Herrien and Holyfield, how do they expect to handle Cook when he’s inserted in the second half?

Unless South Carolina gets a hot start and keeps a cushioned lead over Georgia, Cook might be the reason Georgia defeats the Gamecocks. If the game is close at halftime, or if the Dawgs have a lead. Cook will help Georgia run away with the game. His suspension might have made him the X-factor for Georgia this Saturday.