Georgia Football: Can the Dawgs lock down Benny Snell?

Better linebacker play:

Now, this is the big key. Can UGA’s linebackers play better than they have the past few weeks? They have been missing far too many tackles and that simply cannot happen against Snell. He’s a big, powerful runner and he’s tough as heck to bring down. When a defender gets their hands on him, they have to hold on, no matter what.

That’s been an issue all year for UGA’s inside backers. Natrez Patrick really struggled last week and that cannot happen again. Georgia needs their most experienced ILB to play like he did last season alongside Roquan Smith. They will also need Monty Rice to continue to be the solid contributor he has been so far. Rice is a natural run stopper and he’s exhibited good technique so far in Athens. The Dawgs will once again need him to be at his best to stop Snell when he breaks through the first level.

Tae Crowder has done a good job this season of getting better as each game goes on. He still worries me because he’s clearly not entirely sure what to do at ILB and he misses some tackles he needs to make. That being said, he’s the most athletic of the 4 linebackers who see time in the ILB scheme and so he’ll be needed this week. He may often be the first guy to a hole and the Dawgs cannot afford for him to whiff on a tackle.

I have fewer concerns on the outside. D’Andre Walker is one of the best players in the country at his position. If Snell goes anywhere near him, he’ll set the edge and hunt him down. On the other side, Brenton Cox and Walter Grant have both showed already that they are good in run protection. This will be a game where discipline and holding that edge is key not only against Snell but also against QB runs. I’ve got faith in UGA’s OLB’s to deliver this weekend.