3 Keys: How Georgia handles business at Kentucky

When the schedule was announced, Kentucky's night game against Georgia was circled on calendars as a primetime showdown. With recent success, Kentucky seemed poised to challenge Georgia in what could have been a ranked affair under the lights at Kroger Field. And while Kroger Field may not be Sanford Stadium, it's an underrated environment that can cause opponents problems. 

However, after South Carolina dismantled the Wildcats last week, it doesn't have the same anticipation we thought it might have in the preseason. Nonetheless, Kentucky and its fans will be up for this game, looking to dethrone the No. 1 team in the nation. The atmosphere, coupled with potentially ugly weather on Saturday, could make this a tougher test than some might believe. 

For Georgia to handle its business and continue rolling into the upcoming bye week, here are 3 keys to success. 

1. Ground and Pound

Despite some weather potentially hitting the Lexington area on Saturday night, I don't expect it to play a big factor in this game. Even in perfect conditions, Georgia's rushing attack vs Kentucky's run defense is the matchup to watch in this one. Georgia's rushing attack has been phenomenal through two games this season, averaging a whopping 6.6 yards per carry. Then you add in Trevor Etienne, who ran for 78 yards last week on only five carries, to one of the best running back rooms in the country. As Etienne's workload continues to increase, the running game only gets better behind a dominant offensive line. 

However, Kentucky has a very good run defense. The Wildcats have the third-best defensive rush success rate in the entire country, but they haven't faced an offense quite like the Bulldogs' yet. Despite losing 31-6 to South Carolina last week at home, the Gamecocks weren't able to run the ball effectively. They ran for 82 yards on 32 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per rush. That's how Kentucky can keep things interesting. 

Kentucky's defense runs a lot of zone, mainly cover 3, and I expect Georgia to try and establish the run game early and often. It seems like physicality was a big emphasis this week for Kirby Smart's squad, heading into the first game of the conference play, and what better way to prove your physical dominance than with a demoralizing ground-and-pound attack? If Georgia runs the ball anywhere near as efficiently as it has through the first two weeks, Kentucky could be in for a long day.

 

2.  Play Action

If Georgia can establish its run game early, Carson Beck could be in for quite the day as well. Going back to Kentucky's heavy zone usage, a successful rushing attack will help to draw the linebackers further toward the line of scrimmage. If that's the case, play action sprinkled into the game plan amidst the rushes could prove fruitful for Beck. 

Arian Smith, who's been utilized heavily through two weeks could be on the receiving end of some deep balls off of play action, but I also expect Dominic Lovett to be more involved out of the slot. So far, Lovett has 3 receptions for 33 yards in each of the first two games, getting into the end zone against Tennessee Tech. Whether it's play-action or not, Georgia should be able to throw the ball well and Lovett could be a beneficiary of that. 

While I don't expect Georgia's passing game to struggle by any means, play action may result in the "shot plays" and be most efficient on Saturday, paired with the run game. 

3. Pressure creates diamonds

Lining up against the Georgia defense under center will be former teammate, Brock Vandagriff. Kentucky's offense and Vandagriff had a horrendous performance last week and will be looking to bounce back in a big way. Vandagriff was 3/10 for 30 yards and one interception. The main takeaway however is that South Carolina was able to sack the quarterback five times, and had 11 tackles for loss. 

Georgia's defensive line and front seven could wreak havoc in the backfield on Saturday, and that's a sure way to keep the Wildcats offense tamed, not allowing Vandagriff to process the field. As mentioned in the "Advanced Stat Preview", Vandagriff averaged 3.4 seconds to throw when pressured. That drastically improved to 1.9 when given a clean pocket. South Carolina was able to create pressure on 20 of 22 dropbacks. 

If Georgia can find ways to eliminate the first read in Kentucky's offense, pressure should get there, an area that Georgia has had success in generating through the first two weeks. South Carolina seemingly gave Georgia the blueprint for how to dominate this Kentucky team, and the Dawgs will take full advantage. The secondary is well beyond good enough to be left to fend for themselves when pressure is sent. It's unlikely we see many busted coverages, if any at all, allowing the front seven to get after Vandagriff. 

If Georgia is successful in these three areas, I expect the Dawgs to roll on Saturday night and improve to 3-0. 

Score Prediction: 35-6

Georgia and Kentucky kick off on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, with Georgia currently favored by -22.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Photo via UGAA