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JALEN CARTER EQUALS
PHYSICAL!
PHOTO BY: GREG POOLE
BY JEFF DANTZLER
FIVE KEYS
FOR A DAWGS VICTORY
1
BE MORE PHYSICAL - In Kirby Smart’s uber successful career at the Georgia helm, the
Bulldogs have been one of the most physical teams in all of college football. Mark Stoops
has Kentucky in that same boat, a tough, hard-nosed physical football team. So who can
be the “bigger bully,” especially in the trenches. Kentucky is big up front - newsflash, they’re in
the Southeastern Conference. They love to deploy a physical running attack, most notably in
an impressive home victory over Mississippi State, and Will Levis is a big strong quarterback
who can run and is hard to get down. Most games are won at the line of scrimmage. For
Georgia to prevail, the Dogs must win at the point of attack.
HOUND LEVIS - One of the most talented quarterbacks in college football, the 6-3,
232-pound senior has all the tools. He can make all the throws, and is an athletic, effective,
2strong runner. He turned a couple of fumbles/bobles into first downs and positive plays for
Kentucky a year ago in Georgia’s 30-13 victory over the Wildcats in Athens. The Bulldogs are in a
stretch of facing outstanding signal callers. Making Levis uncomfortable, even if the Dogs don’t get
him down a lot is essential for a Georgia victory.
3
CORRAL RODRIGUEZ - Kirby Smart calls Chris Rodriguez a “thumper.” One of the most
successful running backs in Wildcats history, Rodriguez checks off all the boxes. The 5-11,
224-pound senior from McDonough, Georgia (Ola HS) packs a load. Rodriguez is a hard
physical runner and a perfect pairing with Levis in the Wildcats talented backfield. He has a nose for
the goalline, a touchdown maker when Kentucky is knocking on the door. Absorbing the hit from
Rodriguez is not a recipe for success against the Wildcats. Easier said than done. Those fleet Georgia
‘backers will have to be at their best.
MAKE PLAYS ON PERIMETER - Elite players like Sony Michel, D’Andre Swift,
MeCole Hardman, and Brock Bowers have shined against Kentucky in the Smart era. It’s
4hard, tough and physical inside with these two SEC brutes. Every inch is a battle. Getting
those “chunk” / explosive plays at receiver, in the return game or anywhere in the open field can
be difference-making in any game, but especially this one. Bowers was at his best a year ago
with a spectacular two touchdown performance. It’s a good bet that Big Blue will be scheming
to the 10th degree in an attempt to slow the All-American do-everything tight end down.
5
WIN THE KICKING GAME - The Bulldogs beat Kentucky 30-13 last season. One of
the big plays was a blocked field goal by Jordan Davis and Devonte Wyatt. Back in 2018,
Hardman broke a long punt return to set up Georgia’s first touchdown in a 34-17 win
over the Wildcats in Lexington. Can Georgia come up with another big play like that? It’s going
to be cold and likely windy, so the kicking game could have an even bigger impact. Field
position, who’s got the wind in the fourth quarter, and who can handle the elements? Special
Teams and turnovers, we all know they can be the great equalizer, especially when combined.
If Georgia can win the kicking game, the Dogs have a good shot at denying the talented
Wildcats upset bid.
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