How the Tigers Can Beat Georgia
By Josh McSwain
Since joining the SEC, the Tigers have not fared well against the Bulldogs, losing three of four games. Here is how the Tigers can pull off a win tomorrow as they open the SEC slate of the schedule:
1. Slow down the Dawgs running game
Georgia’s quarterback situation is actually worse than that of Missouri. Last week freshman Jacob Eason went 11/20 for 204 yards with a touchdown and an interception. So the Tigers need to crowd the line against Nick Chubb, who ran for 143 yards against the Tigers in Columbia two years ago and make the quarterback make plays.
After running for 222 yards in the opener against North Carolina, Chubb ran for just 80 yards last week. After being gauged on the ground by West Virginia in the opener, the Tigers defense needs to step up against the run. But the way Nicholls played last week, it looks like the Tigers have a chance to slow down Georgia up front.
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2. Continue to use the little guys in the passing game
Last week a couple new Tigers receivers had coming out parties–Ray Wingo led the team with 125 receiving yards against Eastern Michigan. Johnathon Johnson also had a big game with five catches for 115 yards last week. Both of these new Tiger receivers are under six feet tall, proving you don’t need to be big to be good.
The Tigers run game has been almost nonexistent so far. Ish Witter leads the team with just 93 rushing yards through two games, meaning this is a pass heavy offense now. Drew Lock now has full control over the offense and it’s on his shoulders now.
3. Win the turnover battle
With two young quarterbacks in the game, it most likely will come down to which team avoids the mistakes. Even though Georgia is ranked 16th in the country, this is going to be a close game. The Tigers have an experienced secondary, and with a couple mistakes by Eason could do it for Mizzou.
Of course, the pass rush must be there for that to happen. Charles Harris, Terry Beckner and company must find a way to get into the backfield and put pressure on Eason to force the mistakes.