Georgia Football: Dawgs of the South Carolina Game
Every Monday after each Georgia Football game, we’ll take a quick look at a player in each phase of the game who stood out for the Dawgs.
This week, the Dawgs went into Columbia and beat South Carolina 41-17. It was a one-sided game that few were expecting. Throughout the game, a few different players stood out so who were the Dawgs of the game this week?
Offense: Lamon Gaillard, C
What can I say, I like the big uglies. Yes, Mecole Hardman was awesome, but Georgia won because of their running game. They didn’t have just one running back put the ball and run over everyone. Instead, their offensive line bulldozed their way right through South Carolina in the second half and it was Lamont Gaillard, a converted defensive lineman leading the way.
We’ve all seen Gaillard’s pancake block of South Carolina’s Rick Sandidge. To be honest, that wasn’t the only time that the senior destroyed a defensive lineman yesterday. Gaillard has become one of the best run-blocking centers in the SEC the past few years. The way he man-handles DT’s is critical to Georgia’s gameplan.
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Gaillard was the best player and leader of the unit that won Georgia the game. Because of the offensive line, this game got out of hand quickly in the second half. That’s why he’s the guy I give the nod too even if he isn’t the glamorous name that you see on Sports Center.
Defense: Richard LeCounte, S
LeCounte had his best day as a Georgia Bulldog this week. In a game where UGA’s defense had its moments, LeCounte was the one player who seemed to always be where he was supposed to be. Other members of the secondary had the occasional bad play. The Linebackers broke down in coverage a few times and the DL was solid but lacking in a pass rush. Back in center field, however, LeCounte looked great.
Georgia is going to need to see more of that over this season. They will face some good passing attacks and they’ll need LeCounte back there, making plays. I doubt this will be the last time we talk about him this season and if he’s able to bring in some interceptions into his game, there’s a good chance LeCounte could be one of the best players on the Georgia defense.
Special Teams: Rodrigo Blankenship, K
It wasn’t a great game for special teams, in part because South Carolina kicked the ball away from UGA’s returners. That being said, it’s hard to keep Rodrigo out of the game. When Georgia need a field goal, it’s hard to believe there is another kicker out there more reliable than Blankenship. He once again made a big field goal before half-time and was perfect on the day.
It’s worth remembering that this is college football. Kickers are not supposed to be sure things in the way that Rodrigo has been over the past 12 months. This time last year, the man who wears specs was only just getting a scholarship. Now, he’s almost a metronome who steps ups and knocks the ball through the sticks time and time again.
Next. 5 Takeaways from the Carolina victory. dark
Maybe I’m biased, but it’s hard to think that there is a better kicker in the country right now. South Carolina had Zero kickoff returns and he nailed a 45-yard kick like it was nothing. He’s as good as you can find in college football and he once again played an important role in UGA’s victory.