For the first time this season Georgia didn't win by at least 28 points, instead they had to settle for a 38-14 victory over Vanderbilt. A 24 point win in the SEC is hard to complain about, but at Georgia expectations are sky high and those expectations were not met during this game.
That is pretty concerning considering they face an Alabama team on the road next week who is as hot as anyone in the country. Georgia has a week to get ready for that game, but two things stand out after the Vanderbilt game that need to be addressed before next week.
Georgia needs Nate Frazier back now more than ever
Nate Frazier didn't play last week against Oklahoma, but he did see the field against Vanderbilt on Saturday. He however only carried the ball twice for nine yards which is a far cry from his normal work load.
Those two carries however shows that he could be back to normal for next week's game against Alabama.
Chauncey Bowens also got up slow and limped to the locker room after the final play of the first half against Vanderbilt. It would be tough for Georgia to get by without Frazier and Bowens, so now is the perfect time for Frazier to come back and be fully healthy. It appears he is trending that way, but if Georgia wants to have the best chance possible to beat Alabama they need Frazier in the lineup.
Georgia’s defense needs to step it up
Georgia's defense played arguably their worst half of football in the first half on Saturday. Teams in the SEC are going to beat them on plays from time to time which for the most part isn't a problem, but it is a problem when they are making careless mistakes.
Georgia's secondary got beat on more than a few comeback routes from Vanderbilt. They also had multiple missed tackles, costly penalties and failed to get regular pressure on Vanderbilt's quarterback. Georgia even gave up a 60 yard touchdown which is the longest play they've surrendered all season.
Georgia's defense bounced back and pitched a second half shutout, but it could be disastrous if they play as poorly as they did in the first half against a better team.
What’s next for Georgia?
Up next for Georgia is their biggest game of the season at Alabama. The Crimson Tide moved to 5-0 on Saturday with a 56-23 win at previously undefeated Mississippi State, and they will be looking to get revenge against a Georgia team who beat them in last year’s SEC Championship game.
This matchup will have huge implications both on the race in the SEC and for making the College Football Playoff. The winner will have a clear edge to make it to Atlanta and get in the playoff while the loser will have a much more difficult path to win the SEC and make the playoff. The loser won’t be eliminated from contention for either an SEC or national title, but their odds of winning either will decrease.
Georgia is exactly where they want to be at 5-0, but they showed some cracks for the first time this season against Vanderbilt. They will have to play much better if they want to beat Bama, but Kirby Smart will undoubtedly have them ready to go next week.
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