As long as they score more points than the other guys, it will not matter. After getting pulverized in the second half at Florida earlier in the week, the No. 18 Georgia Bulldogs did just enough to pick up a Quad 2 win over the rival South Carolina Gamecocks in Columbia. South Carolina largely outplayed Georgia in the game, but the frenetic pace in which Mike White's team proved too much in the end.
With Georgia improving to 14-2 (2-1) on the season in its 75-70 road victory over South Carolina, we saw the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to the rate of play in which White's team goes at. No wonder Georgia leads the nation in scoring. They get so many possessions! Georgia was down by as many as 10 points in this game, but clawed back and later out-physicalled USC in the end.
When looking at the stat lines, Georgia only edged out South Carolina ever so slightly in field-goal percentage, 42 percent to 41. Even worse, Georgia shot 22 percent from beyond the arc. South Carolina connected on 29 percent of its attempts from distance. As is the case in the Auburn game from last weekend, Georgia was slightly better than its rival at the charity stripe: 77 percent to 71.
While UGA did not turn the ball over a ton, a better-coached team may get them in controlling tempo.
Mike White must decide when to go full throttle with this Georgia offense
In a way, it is kind of like Kirby Smart's football team. Being committed to the run and being physical in the trenches usually helps defensive-minded Georgia close out games. They use athleticism and strength to its advantage. White made a calculated decision coming into this season to implement a deep rotation and play with relentless pace. It is why Somto Cyril and Blue Cain are lethal weapons.
Cyril provides the physicality down low to break an opponent's will. Cain never stops moving. They combined for 28 points, but Cain went 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. In a way, Georgia's pace and questionable shot selection can leave fans watching this good, but not yet great team play incredibly flustered. What happens when they play an SEC team who shoots well from distance and at the line?
It did not exactly play out that way, but you end up with results like we all saw unfold in Gainesville earlier in the week. Georgia does remain one of the better teams in the SEC in the early stages of league play. The Dawgs should be able to stay in the top 25 for another week because winning on the road in SEC play so hard. However, they are no longer the hunters, but the hunted. They must level up.
For now, Georgia has to hope more playing time for a well-conditioned team will win out in the end...