PREVIEW: Notre Dame vs. Georgia, Keys to the Matchup for both sides

We've all waited patiently, and it's finally here. Notre Dame & Georgia, teeing it up between the hedges. Here's a preview featuring the Keys to the Matchup.

If you were to say that this is the most anticipated football game ever played on Dooley Field in Sanford Stadium, I wouldn't call you silly. Georgia's the #3 ranked team in the country, facing off against one of the most historic programs in college football history who occupy the #7 ranking themselves. 

And though Georgia is a two-touchdown favorite headed into Saturday night, Georgia fans have been talking about this matchup all offseason. And heck, most fans have been looking past weeks 1,2, and 3 in anticipation of Gameday coming to town. 

So, it's finally here. The Irish and the Bulldogs face off and we've got the keys to the matchup for both football teams, starting with the Dawgs: 

Georgia

• Get off to a good start - It's reasonable to assume the atmosphere inside of Sanford Stadium will be off the charts come Saturday at 8PM. That being said, it's crucial Georgia starts fast and keeps that energetic crowd at defining levels. 
• Contain Ian Bush - The 6'0 senior signal-caller for the Irish is an elusive athlete that completed 68% of his passes last season, his first as a starter. If Georgia can force Bush to win from within the pocket, they will have success Saturday night. 
• Take some shots - Notre Dame will be playing a lot of man to man coverage on the outside, so it will be interesting to see if Georgia can capitalize on the play-action game and take a few deep shots to the likes of George Pickens.
• Finish - It's no secret that Georgia has yet to play an opponent that will make them play a full game. This is a great test to see if the Bulldogs can finish strong through what is presumed to be a four-quarter football game. 

Notre Dame

• Hold your own upfront - It goes without saying that Georgia's offensive line will have the physical size advantage Saturday night, as they will the remainder of the season. That being said, if Notre Dame wants to win this game on the road, they will need to hold their own in the trenches against the run. 
• Bend but don't break - Georgia's physical running game is daunting for any defense to stop, but if you're going to have success against the Dawgs, you've got to limit the explosive plays. 11 play scoring drives are earned and ok, 5 play drives with a 65-yard D'Andre Swift run are a gut punch to any team. 
• Protect Ian Bush - If Notre Dame wins this game, it's because Ian Bush played lights out on the road in a hostile environment. If there's any shot of him doing so, he's going to need to be protected in the passing game. If Notre Dame's line can hold up, perhaps the receivers can find an opening. Maybe...
• Make UGA play Four Quarters - If there's one weakness or concern going into this matchup for Georgia, it's that they haven't had to play a full game. And that's something that Notre Dame could capitalize on if they hang around late.