Georgia Football: Week 2 Report Card vs. South Carolina

Georgia football crushed SEC East rival South Carolina this past Saturday. How does the score reflect on the team report card?

The Georgia Football team dominated South Carolina on the road in a 41-17 game that could have been much worse on the scoreboard. The victory puts the Dawgs firmly in control of the SEC East going forward. Here’s how the team graded in this week two game:

Offense: A-

Georgia played very well on offense in this game. The team had 271 rushing yards which saw D’Andre Swift, Brian Herrien, and Elijah Holyfield all score a rushing touchdown. Even when starting left tackle Andrew Thomas left the game with an injury, the offensive line didn’t miss a beat with true freshman Cade Mays filling in.

Georgia wasn’t that explosive in the passing game but Jake Fromm was efficient just like he usually is. He was 15-of-18 for 194 yards with one touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman. Fromm’s lone mistake was an interception he threw in the first half. Based on the film, it could have been a bad throw or miscommunication with his receiver. Other than that one mistake, Fromm was nearly perfect.

Georgia’s offensive line absolutely dominated South Carolina’s defensive front in this game. Jake Fromm remained untouched most of the game and the offense was able to run the ball effectively for four quarters. That’s a common theme we’ll see in 2018. The Dawgs have the size and talent to physically wear down any team they play this season.

Defense: B+

Yes, Georgia only gave up 17 points in this game. However, there were definitely a few key moments on defense that deserve our attention.

D’Andre Baker returned an interception for a touchdown early in the first quarter. Except it wasn’t actually a touchdown. Baker dropped the ball before he crossed the goal line. Juwan Taylor picked up the ball which made the touchdown stand anyway, but the Dawgs can’t afford to make mistakes like that this season.

Georgia made incredible halftime adjustments to thwart South Carolina’s passing game. In the first half, however, I observed Jake Bentley move the ball down the field on Georgia’s defense a little too comfortably at times for my taste. The Dawgs weren’t able to pressure him effectively in the first half and I noticed the middle of the field seemed to be open far too often for South Carolina’s receivers at times.

Despite all this, Georgia’s defense is exceeding early-season expectations and the defense was great against South Carolina overall. Many people expected the defense to take a significant step back this season because of all the talent that was lost from 2017’s team.

So far, I’m not seeing much of a drop in production. This team is still stout against the run and is effective at causing turnovers. After an easy week coming up, the Dawgs’ defense will be tested by Missouri quarterback Drew Lock later this month.

Special Teams: A+

Here’s a hot take for you: Rodrigo Blankenship is the best kicker in college football. He’s made every field goal and extra point he’s attempted this season. Every kickoff has also been a touchback for him. He’s a valuable weapon for this team.

True freshman punter Jake Camarda continues to be a pleasant surprise this season. His accuracy will improve with time but his power is something to admire. Georgia won’t have to worry about special teams this year and that’s very comforting.