Campus Clash
(24) Texas A&M Aggies at (4) Georgia Bulldogs
Texas A&M: They are headed in the right direction. Hiring Jimbo Fisher as their head coach was by far the best move for this university. In no way am I saying they will win the SEC West. Especially with the big dogs on that side of the division (Alabama, LSU & Auburn) but I think they can be very competitive for years to come. It’ll take some time, but Jimbo has that ship headed in the right direction. The Aggies have been one of the hottest teams in all of college football winners of four in a row. They have one of the better offenses in the SEC led by quarterback Kellen Mond. Ever sine Fisher got to College Station, Kellen has improved tremendously as a football player. He stands tall in the pocket but can move on the quarterback bootleg when possible, he can move within that pocket which is a crucial part of the game because pressure is coming at you left and right. I like the confidence he displays when the ball leaves his hand. He knows each pass he throws will be caught. It’s time to put some respect on Texas A&M’s name. No, they won’t win the division because they have the three losses but look at who they lost too. Clemson, Alabama and Auburn. Three good football teams. As a defense, they’re average at best. They have a good defensive coordinator in Mike Elko, and he’s worked with what he has around him. In the next few years, I see some quality defensive players going to College Station. Jimbo is a great recruiter that has a knack for finding talent. Look what he was able to do with Florida State. A kid named Jameis Winston turned out good during the Florida State days. They would love nothing more than to spoil the chances of the Georgia Bulldogs fighting for one of the four spots in the playoffs.
Georgia: They scared me on Saturday. They got into the driver’s seat early in the game against Auburn, then started to slip up. They allowed the Tigers to get back into the game. For a second, I thought they were about to let them back into the game. What makes a team great is when they make a key play when they know it’s necessary. That’s exactly what happened for them to seal the deal. For the third straight season, Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs have clinched the SEC East. They will be playing in the SEC title game in Atlanta. I like the balance they display offensively. When you think of Georgia football, running the football has always been the formula to their success for years. Look at many of the running backs they’ve had in the history of their football program. Herschel Walker, Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and now, D’Andre Swift. Now, they average 208 yards rushing a game. The running game will always be their bread and butter. Their passing game also helps. In that aspect of the offense, they average 220 yards through the air. Jake Fromm has been one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch in college football. He’s a tough kid that can make every throw on the field. To some experts, he’s the “most poised quarterback” in college football. They aren’t too far on that assessment because he’s never phased by any big moments. It seems as if the bigger the game, the better he is. Another aspect of the game that carries Georgia to success is their defense. It’s been a different year because many of the guys they’ve had for years are playing at the next level. They’ve had a younger group and it took some type for them to get settled in, but they’re still one of the best defensive teams in the country. They have an active defensive line, linebackers who can cover the flat along with a ton of ground then a secondary that can cover ground and lock people down. These final two games are still important. A loss, they’re out the playoff picture.
Texas A&M Player to Watch: Jhamon Ausbond– I like this kid’s game. The junior wide receiver is one of the veterans on this offense. Standing at 6’2, he can stretch the field vertically and go over the middle. He plays like a slot receiver with how he’s able to start and stop to find a spot in the coverage. Mond will look his way early and often.
Georgia Player to Watch: Dominick Blaylock– After Mecole Hardman left for the NFL, the big question was who would replace him in the big play factor? I think they’ve got their guy. I like the quickness he displays when he’s set to release at the line of scrimmage. With the ball in his hands in the open field, he almost plays like a running back because he’s so difficult to bring down in space. Fromm has been getting him the ball more.
Final Analysis: There’s nothing like SEC Saturday’s. Georgia still needs to handle business. Yes, they’ve won the division and punched their ticket to the SEC Championship next month. Now, they’re one of the four if the playoffs were to begin today. They must stay focused. They can’t take anything lightly in either of these two remaining games in the regular season. Jimbo Fisher said that all Jake Fromm does is move around. To prevent that, pressure him early. Mike Elko will throw many exotic looks at Jake. Don’t be surprised if this turns into a shootout.
Prediction: Georgia 26 Texas A&M 20
