Across the Ball: Three key matchups for Georgia-Charlotte

Here are three matchups to watch for Georgia as it enters Saturday’s game against Charlotte.

Georgia vs. Itself

OK, let’s be real. The Bulldogs aren’t losing this game. Charlotte is 1-9 and statistically near the bottom in total offense and at the very bottom in total defense. Ideally the Bulldogs get out to a big lead and rest the starters in the third quarter. Of course, we all saw how that didn’t happen against Austin Peay as it turned into a four-quarter game. Georgia does have a tendency to play down to opponents, especially when it’s feeling itself after a big win.

Therefore, the top priority, besides staying healthy, is for the Bulldogs to take care of business early and let the backups get some action. 

Georgia’s running backs vs. Charlotte’s run defense 

If all goes as planned, Nate Frazier and Chauncey Bowens will be off the field early and mostly fresh for Georgia Tech. This game should see a lot of Dwight Phillips, Josh McCray and Cash Jones.

Perhaps even Roderick Robinson and Bo Walker get into the mix as well. The 49ers haven’t stopped anyone on the ground and they haven’t faced a rushing attack like Georgia’s. The Bulldogs should crush Charlotte on the ground.

Georgia quarterback Ryan Puglisi vs. Charlotte’s secondary

Again, assuming everything goes as planned, the Bulldogs should get Puglisi some quality playing time in the second half of this game. Georgia is facing a Charlotte passing defense that ranks 126th nationally in allowing 269.1 yards through the air per game.

While he did get some snaps at the end of the Bulldogs’ win over Texas, Puglisi hasn’t seen much extended playing time since Georgia’s victory over Kentucky. In that game, Puglisi completed three of four passes for 49 yards and an interception.

ICYMI

Head coach Kirby Smart has no time for players not willing to hit.

Strong returns continue to come in from recruits following the Bulldogs’ big win over Texas.

Georgia leaves a strong impression with No. 1 quarterback Elijah Haven.

Oscar Delp is ready to go out on top.

Hoops: Georgia defeated Florida A&M despite a new low in 3-point shooting.