The Georgia Bulldogs are replacing a lot of talent from last year's team including leading rusher Todd Gurley and several wide receivers. They are looking to prove the pre-season hype placed upon them is true as they enter SEC play in Week 2. Vanderbilt is simply trying to string together a winning season after Derek Mason had the team sitting at the bottom of the SEC last season. Now the two teams face off in Nashville.
The Bullsdogs did enough to win last week while Nick Chubb led the offense. The backup running back is now the full-time starter and already earning early Heisman praise. He rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries for two touchdowns last season. Keith Marshall also returned to prove he is still a quality option in the backfield for Georige. Quarterback Grayson Lambert only had to throw the ball 12 times, completing eight passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Overall if was a successful season opener. The Bulldogs will only get better as they get receiver Isaiah McKenzie back into the mix who missed the first game with a hamstring injury.
While the offense is getting some looks, it is the defense that is impressing. Jake Ganus takes over the middle linebacker spot and had a solid game against Louisiana Monroe. He represents a new front for coordinator Jeremy Pruitt as Davin Bellamy and Reggie Carter headline the attack along with Jordan Jenkins and Leonard Floyd. They will look to halt the Vanderbilt offense just like they have in several years in the past.
The Commodores are trying to pull this year together. Johnny McCrary and Ralph Webb acquired 393 yards of total offense against Western Kentucky. McCrary did a good job of spreading the ball out, throwing nine passes to nine different players for 217 yards. However he tossed two interceptions that cost Vanderbilt touchdowns. McCrary also did run for 66 yards which was encouraging, but getting that production against the No. 10 Bulldogs will be tough for the Commodores.
Traditionally, Georgia has pounded Vanderbilt in early season matches. The Bulldogs are the favorite to head to the SEC championship for the Eastern Conference and getting a good start in SEC play will certainly help.