Georgia Football: 3 simple things Dawgs do to remain undefeated against Florida
By Rick Beach
Georgia football must utilize James Cook against the Gators
Georgia football is a run-by-committee operation. James Cook has had a good season, and so has his counterpart Zamir White leads Georgia with 84 carries.
However, if you compare that with Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr with 142 carries, it’s evident how valuable it can be to save your running backs.
Cook has had just 47 carries for 296 yards, only 104 yards off White’s team lead of 400 yards. This time of year is where saving those carries comes into play. Especially since Georgia running back Kendall Milton will miss time with an MCL injury.
Now is the time for Cook to show how dynamic he can be. His running style has changed since coming to Athens as a skinny speedster from Miami. He is still fast, but he is not scared to be physical. Cook can bang it between the tackles with the best of them.
What does set Cook apart is his ability to be used in the passing game. Expect offensive coordinator Todd Monken to take advantage of the Florida defense by using Cook sideline to sideline with toss sweeps, and swing passes — wearing down this Florida defense.
LSU proved two weeks ago if an offense wears them down, they will break. Tiger running back Tyrion Davis-Price ran for 287 yards against Florida. That performance was on 36 carries, and we all know no Georgia back will have 36 carries in a single game again for a while.
If Cook gets 12-15 carries, he can be a difference maker. With Milton going down, Cook has to step up, with no better place than in your home state against the Gators.