Have you ever wondered what would happen when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object? So have I. I believe that question will be answered this weekend when Arkansas takes on Georgia this Saturday in Athens.
The Bulldogs have been close to perfect on the defensive side of the ball this season. In four games, the dogs have only given up a total of 23 points and 264 yards rushing. It sounds inconceivable, but it’s reality. This shouldn’t be a shock to us. Head Coach Kirby Smart knows defense, and he has recruited at a high level on that side of the ball. Even Nick Saban had to get more help with recruiting at Alabama due to how well Georgia has done. Players like linebacker Channing Tindall and the monster defensive lineman, Jordan Davis have been a terror for opposing offenses. Georgia does not give you much time to think- they attack fast and hit hard. However, they’re going to see a fast-paced offense when Arkansas comes to town. I expect Kirby to give the hogs several looks on defense to catch them off balance.
So what about Arkansas’s offense? It’s pretty good. The razorbacks are averaging 36 points a game and have a well-balanced attack on offense. Sophomore Quarterback KJ Jefferson has thrown for 844 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 230 yards. This kid is a true dual-threat Quarterback, something the dogs haven’t seen this season. Lining up on each side of Jefferson are wide receivers Treylon Brooks, Tyson Morris, and Warren Thompson. These guys have great hands and speed, and they have combined for six touchdowns. They will need to be on their A game for Georgia.
Keys to the game–
For Arkansas, you’re going to get several looks on defense from Georgia. The Bulldogs love to bring the pressure, so you have to counter that with screens, draws, and quick passes. If I’m offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, I am letting KJ Jefferson make plays with his legs because he’s going to feel the pressure a lot in this game. The more you keep Georgia’s offense on the sideline, the better chance you have for the upset. On defense, stuff the run because you’re going to see their backs run the ball to try and wear you down.
For Georgia, just play your game, which is physical on defense and ground and pound on offense. The Bulldogs can control this game early if they can get three and outs and some turnovers. On offense, just hand the ball off to your stable of running backs – Zamir White, James Cook, and Kendall Milton.
Other games on tap for week 5:
#14 Michigan vs. Wisconsin– Wolverines are looking to gain more traction in the B1G while Wisconsin is struggling with their starter Graham Mertz. Should be easy win for the wolverines.
Texas vs. TCU – Texas scored 70 points last week against Texas Tech. Was that a fluke or a sign that starter Casey Thompson is starting to grasp Sark’s playbook? TCU’s Max Duggan can sling the rock as well, as he has thrown for 717 yards and 7 touchdowns. It could be a shootout in Forth Worth, Texas.
Ole Miss vs. #1 Alabama (WES’s GAME OF THE WEEK)- The Tide have won the previous five meetings, but this years matchup could be very interesting. Ole Miss star Quarterback, Matt Corral is currently the favorite to win the Heisman. So far, he’s living up to the name, throwing for just under 1000 yards passing and nine touchdowns. This will be his biggest test of the season as his team goes against a bama defense that on average only gives up 17 points a game. If I know Lane Kiffin, he is probably looking at multiple ways to score on Bama. I for see trick plays and onside kicks in this game.
#3 Oregon vs. Stanford– The Ducks continue to build momemtum every week and now they look to continue their winning ways by taking on a solid Stanford team who is still licking their wounds from last week’s lost to UCLA. Oregon is the better team, but they better not go through the motions in this game or they could suffer the same fate USC did two weeks ago.
#6 Oklahoma vs. Kansas St. – The past two weeks the Sooners have escaped from games they could have easily lost. The offense is not humming like it should and Spencer Rattler is starting to get into a sophomore slump. This should be a game where he breaks out of it. Meanwhile the wildcats are looking to play spoiler, as they on average are only allowing 19.5 points per game. If they can get to Rattler, that could help them get the upset.
#21 Baylor vs. #19 Oklahoma St. – Two pass heavy offenses meet in Stillwater this weekend and there could be 100 points between the two of them. If you enjoy offense, then grab some popcorn because this will be a shootout.
#10 Florida vs. Kentucky – The Wildcats are 4-0 and are hosting the 3-1 Gators in a primetime SEC matchup. Kentucky has played Florida close that past few years. The last win came in 2018 in the swamp. I expect Mark Stoops to bring a lot of pressure on Emery Jones and Anthony Richardson. That will be the key for them to stay in this game because Florida has the firepower on offense. I look for Dan Mullen to establish the run game early to wear out the wildcat defense.
#22 Auburn vs. LSU – Auburn needed a little home cooking last week to survive an upset from Georgia State. I’m not sure if Auburn was just not pumped up to play the panthers or still down from losing a tough game against Penn St, but they looked inept on offense. Meanwhile, LSU’s Max Johnson threw 4 touchdowns against the Mississippi St Bulldogs and helped his team get a jump in the SEC West. I like the cajun tigers in this game.
Boston College vs. #25 Clemson – Boston College is 4-0 and the Eagles have been playing really good football. And as bad as Clemson has been on offense, I want to believe Dabo gets his troops pumped up for this game. The word is still out on D.J. Uiagalelei. My question is if he continues to struggle, will Dabo make a switch? The Tiger offense needs a spark, and everyone knows the backup Quarterback is the most popular player on the team. The Tigers do get Will Shipley back on offense, so that’s a start. Boston College is looking to beat the Tigers for the first time in Death Valley since 2007, when Matt Ryan lead them to a come back for the ages.
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