Georgia football: 3 simple things the offense must do to win an SEC title
By Rick Beach
Georgia football must run the damn ball
Alabama’s defense has been really good against the run. They rank No.4 in rush defense nationally, averaging just 80 yards per game.
As impressive as that is, Georgia football expects to run the ball against anybody. Alabama has held Ole Miss and Tennessee under 100 yards in their games, respectively. That is two teams ranked higher than Georgia in rush offense.
The Vols and Rebels have more rush yards, but they go about it differently than the Dawgs. They spread you out and have no power concepts to their run games. Those two teams may rank higher than Georgia in the rush offense category. However, Arkansas and Florida are a little more comparable to Georgia in how they run the ball.
Arkansas ran for 110 yards, and Florida exploded for 245 yards. I do not see 245 yards for the Dawgs. However, I do see Georgia getting well over 100 yards.
Opening weekend saw Georgia rush for 121 yards against Clemson. Clemson is a top-ten team against the run.
Georgia wants to be physical. Georgia has the better team in the trenches against Alabama for the first time in what seems forever.
In the 2018 National Championship Game, Georgia rushed for 133 yards. In the 2018 SEC Championship, Georgia rushed for 153 yards, and in the 2020 regular season matchup, Georgia rushed for 145 yards. Expect this trend to continue for the Dawgs.
Georgia’s running back room is deep — as deep as ever. The offensive line is physical, but the depth at running back is enormous. Zamir White, James Cook and Kenny McIntosh have all looked spectacular all season.
Cook has found another gear on his 2021 campaign. Every time he touches the ball, he has the potential to make a house call. He is running the ball between tackles aggressively as well and outside for big gains. Cook can also catch the ball really well.
This game is the one Cook and White came back for and want revenge. Expect them to carry the rock for the Dawgs more than they have the last two weeks as they are fresh, and both be a big reason why Georgia wins its 14th SEC championship.