Opponent Film Review: Georgia's Defense

South Carolina's football team is inching closer to facing their matchup against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs, who might possess the top defense in the country.

While you may not precisely know what Georgia’s offense is capable of, we don’t think that’s the case regarding Glenn Schumann and Will Muschamp’s defense. With Javon Bullard still questionable this weekend, that may change how their secondary looks, but it won’t change what the Bulldogs do. Here’s what you can expect:

Six To Stop The Run

Georgia has prided itself on stopping the opposing team’s run game with preferably six defenders in the box. They have felt their defensive line and linebackers are more than capable of doing so, which leaves four or five guys to cover as much green grass as possible. Teams that have been able to give Georgia fits are the ones that can force them to bring an extra man in the box and stop the run.

“Rabbit” Or Blitz Packages

The last thing the Gamecocks want or need is to be in any third and long situation on Saturday afternoon, for many reasons. They want to especially avoid that this weekend because in the past two games, Georgia has sent out guys like Mykell Williams, Jalon Walker, Jordan Hall, Darris Smith, and Xavian Sorey Jr. These guys are arguably their quickest and twitchiest pass rushers, so if the Gamecocks see these guys out there, get the ball out quick.

Elite Safety Play

Georgia may be without one of their talented Star converted to safety, Javon Bullard, and his replacement could be former walk-on Dan Jackson. He will likely join Malaki Starks, which the Gamecocks wideouts could be seeing a lot of, depending on how much Dowell Loggains wants to utilize the screen game. Though this safety group is usually consistent, there will be a play or two to be had for Spencer Rattler.

Georgia’s defense will likely be the toughest the Gamecocks face this season, and Spencer Rattler and others could make themselves some money in this game. This isn’t a game where it’s a “Georgia Lock”; no game is; there are ways to win this game. It’s just not going to be an appealing one for the Gamecocks to have success—quick, intermediate routes and forcing the Bulldogs to fill the box.

You Might Also Like:

• Defensive Front Looking To Create More Disruption
• Shane Beamer On Challenges Of Studying Georgia's Offense
• Kirby Smart Gives Thoughts On South Carolina

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