The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/5/08 Section: First & Goal

3:30 p.m.
Sanford Stadium
FSN SOUTH

GEORGIA OFFENSE

Last week against Georgia Southern, the Bulldog offense looked sharp at times, with quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing for a career high 275 yards and running back Knowshon Moreno scoring three touchdowns on the ground - one where he seemingly jogged in the last 10 to 15 yards after his hamstring cramped up. Georgia will see the return of Clint Boling on the offensive line which will add leadership to the young line. Georgia did a good job of mixing the pass with the run in the first half and will do more of the same on Saturday.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN DEFENSE

The Chippewas are led by Frank Zombo up front as he tallied 7.5 sacks last season. His partner in crime on the defensive line is Casey Droscha, who tallied 11 tackles for loss last season. Central Michigan held its first opponent, Eastern Illinois, to only 12 points and kept the Panthers out of the end zone until the fourth quarter. Anchoring the middle of the field is Nick Bellore, who came on strong last year, setting the single-season freshman record at Central Michigan with 102 tackles.

EDGE: GEORGIA

The Bulldogs are too balanced for Central Michigan. While the Chippewas handled Eastern Illinois 31-12, Panthers quarterback Bodie Reeder was able to throw for 201 yards. Although 201 yards seems average, remember that this was Eastern Illinois. Now imagine Stafford, the Georgia receiving group and the offensive line matched up against the Chippewas' defense.

GEORGIA DEFENSE

Head coach Mark Richt said that last week's gameplan was to substitute as many guys as they could to keep fresh. As of now, the forecast for Saturday looks to be in the high 80s, so the Bulldogs might rotate a lot of guys in again. Only two linebackers will be on the field at a time, so between Dannell Ellerbe, Akeem Dent, Rennie Curran and Darryl Gamble, all should get some quality playing time. The key to the defense will be to contain quarterback Dan LeFevour and force him to make bad decisions when throwing the ball.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN OFFENSE

Quarterback Dan LeFevour is one of the best in the country, and he has the Georgia coaching staff a little worried about what he brings to the table. LeFevour's mobile, throws well on the run and actually had more passing and rushing yards than Florida quarterback Tim Tebow in 2007. Joining him in the backfield are running backs Ontario Sneed and Justin Hoskins. Out wide for LeFevour are Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown - who both went over the 1,000-yard receiving mark in 2007.

EDGE: GEORGIA

In 2007, Central Michigan went 0-4 against BCS teams, losing to Kansas 52-7, Purdue 45-22, Clemson 70-14 and Purdue again in the Motor City Bowl, 51-48. That's a lot of points to give up in four losses - and that doesn't include a 41-14 loss to FCS team North Dakota State and a 48-45 loss to Eastern Michigan. Georgia's defense has the speed to contain the Central Michigan spread and should be able to do so, but Central Michigan might score in the 17-20 range.

GEORGIA SPECIAL TEAMS

Freshman Blair Walsh kicked things off with a bang against Georgia Southern, hitting a 52-yarder for his first career field goal attempt. That should give him confidence heading into this week. Georgia's kickoff coverage was shaky at times last week and will need to buckle down to keep Central Michigan from getting in good field position.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN SPECIAL TEAMS

Central Michigan kicker Andrew Aguila is money at PATs, as he nailed 60 of them a year ago. However, he only attempted 14 field goals and missed five of them. If Central Michigan keeps the game close, it may have to rely on Aguila to hit some big kicks. Antonio Brown can do damage at kickoff return and punt return as he made first team all-MAC as a return specialist in 2007.

EDGE: GEORGIA

Walsh and punter Brian Mimbs will have to do their best to keep the ball away from Brown if they want to hold the slight edge. The Bulldogs get the edge here because of Walsh's youthful leg and Asher Allen's ability to field kickoffs and punts. Also, Reshad Jones had a nice punt return against Georgia Southern and he might get thrown into the mix too.

GEORGIA INTANGIBLES

Georgia was just knocked down to No. 2 in the polls after beating Georgia Southern 45-21 and it might feel a little disrespected, considering Georgia Southern scored its three touchdowns late and in garbage time. This could end up being a statement game for the Bulldogs to prove that they are in fact the best team in the country.

CENTRAL MICHIGAN INTANGIBLES

After rallying against Purdue in the Motor City Bowl and falling just 51-48, Central Michigan might have the confidence in itself to be able to beat a BCS team. Central Michigan head coach Butch Jones is familiar with Georgia defensive coordinator Willie Martinez, and that might be somewhat of an advantage.

EDGE: GEORGIA

Though Central Michigan could be psyched up to play Georgia in Sanford Stadium, it might be running into a team with something to prove. If Georgia only wins by 10, the Bulldogs will likely slide another spot down as USC has a bye and Ohio State plays Ohio, assuming the Buckeyes take care of business big.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools