Georgia football will take on Tennessee in their SEC opener later on Saturday, and this game is as big as it gets. The Bulldogs and Volunteers are 2-0 and looking like two of the best teams in the SEC, so the winner of this game will have total control of their destiny when it comes to making it to Atlanta to play for an SEC Championship.
Tennessee presents a lot of challenges for Georgia, specifically when the Bulldogs' offense is on the field. But potentially the biggest hurdle Georgia's offense needs to overcome is themselves, according to former Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
“Gunner (Stockton) has played pretty well, but with the offensive line, he gets a little pressure, he’s a little antsy in the pocket, he gets out of the pocket quickly, he gives up on plays a little bit, and I think that’s affected their ability to make explosive plays down the field,” Saban said via athlonsports.com. “I think that’s something that’s going to be important for Georgia to get fixed.”
Gunner Stockton needs more help
Gunner Stockton through two games has been very efficient and has accounted for four total touchdowns. Those four touchdowns however all game in week one as he failed to find the end zone against Austin Peay last week. A big reason why that was the case, according to Saban, is because of the poor play from Georgia's offensive line.
Stockton does need to improve when it comes to not giving up on plays the second he feels pressure, but Georgia's line needs to do a better job at giving him more time in the pocket. Thankfully Georgia is expected to get starters Juan Gaston and Earnest Greene back on their offensive line, so this problem could end up fixing itself.
Georgia and Tennessee will kick things off at 3:30 pm EST on Saturday, and while there are countless things to watch closely, the play from Georgia's offensive line may just be the most important.