Campus Clash
(11) Oregon Ducks at (3) Georgia Bulldogs
Oregon: They saw their share of wins under Mario Cristobal’s tenure. In four seasons, they either finished in first or second place in their division and over a three-year span, they had a record of 35-13. Now, Mario has gone back to his alma mater and will be coaching the Miami Hurricanes this season. To replace him, the Ducks hired Dan Lanning, the former defensive coordinator from Georgia to be the next head coach and will be counted on to take this program to the next level. Oregon will have a different looking offense this year. Former Auburn Tigers quarterback, Bo Nix will be starting under center for the Ducks this fall. The defense will also look different this year. Kayvon Thibodeaux is now a New York Giant and if you followed me last year, I stated he was the best all-around player in the country. This year, the defense will be built around linebacker, Noah Sewell. Things might look differently, but I feel Lanning has what it takes to keep this defense ranked amongst one of the best in the Pac-12. To open the season, they have a showdown with an SEC powerhouse and that’s the Bulldogs of Athens, Georgia.
Georgia: I officially started analyzing the game of college football in 2011. I can sit here and tell you I’ve seen some great defenses. The 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide were great, then there’s the 2018 Clemson Tigers with that ferocious defensive line. What I saw from the Georgia Bulldogs in 2021 was the best defense I’ve ever seen from a collegiate standpoint. Each week last season, they made you think as if you had a chance to do something on them and then, they’d impose their will. They had no weaknesses. The old adage still remains true to this day. Offense will win you football games, but defense will win championships and that was the case last year as the Bulldogs won their first national title since 1980. While I expect them to still be strong, they did lose a few pieces from that team a year ago such as Jordan Davis and Nakobe Dean. However, Kirby Smart is an excellent recruiter and will reload with talent. Can we stop the Stetson Bennett hate? When that kid was asked to deliver and make a big pass, he did it. They don’t win it all last year without him under center. The previous year is behind them and it’s time to defend that title.
Oregon X-Factor: Justin Flowe– He was Oregon’s second-best defensive player last year behind Kayvon. Now, the defense as I said up top will not only be built around Sewell, but Justin as well. Justin is always around the line of scrimmage and has great burst to push himself to the ball carrier. I love the effort he displays. He never stops.
Georgia X-Factor: Nolan Smith– He’s being counted on to be a leader for a defense that lost many key guys from a year ago. Pass rushing is his specialty, and he will have a huge impact on getting to the quarterback this season. Nolan is a menace around the ball. Whenever he’s in the vicinity, he’s looking to strip and take the ball away.
Final Analysis: What an intriguing game this is. Dan Lanning was the defensive coordinator for Georgia from 2018-2021. Now, he will be on the sideline facing his former mentor, Kirby Smart. There are two matchups I’m looking forward to watching here. The first is the Bulldogs defensive line against the Ducks offensive line. The other matchup isn’t taking place on the field. It’s Georgia’s offensive coordinator, Todd Monken against Dan Lanning. Both men were on the same coaching staff for a few years and they each know what the other likes to do. This will be a chess match. I’ll also be watching this Georgia pass rush. They can get home with a simple three-man rush. They’re also familiar with Bo Nix from his Auburn days. Oregon must play small ball. Lots of quick passes on the perimeter and use tempo. No huddle will be their friend.
Prediction: Georgia 31, Oregon 17
