Opponent Preview - Georgia Bulldogs
Welcome to the Opponent Preview, a weekly article featuring insights from experts on the Oklahoma Sooners’ upcoming opponents. For week four, Payton Guthrie spoke with Owen Hillman of UGA Wire about what to expect from the Georgia Bulldogs as they take on the Sooners.
Opponent Preview – Oklahoma vs. Georgia
Payton Guthrie – The Georgia Bulldogs are fast out of the gate with a top five offense and defense (albeit against a weak schedule). How has the young season matched up with your expectations?
Owen Hillman – For one thing, the running game has been exactly as explosive as I thought. Nate Frazier looks like he could be the first Georgia running back with 1,000 yards since D'Andre Swift, and Chauncey Bowens has been a great goal-line back too. It feels like the full potential of Mike Bobo's offensive scheme is starting to be realized as well. The pass rush has also exceeded my expectations, especially Raylen Wilson.
Payton Guthrie – The Oklahoma offense is limping into this game. What madness does Kirby Smart have in store for OU quarterback John Mateer?
Owen Hillman – Georgia is going to try to contain the scrambling abilities of Mateer. There's going to be a lot of quarterback contain, and I definitely see Wilson and Justin Williams involved in that as well. Keep him in the pocket and let the secondary do its work.
Payton Guthrie – The heavyweight fight in this game will be between the Georgia offense and the Oklahoma defense. How will the Bulldogs attack the aggressive Sooners defense?
Owen Hillman – Georgia needs to win on the trenches in the running game. If David Stone is out of the game, that will help, but Oklahoma's allowed just 2.8 rushing yards per attempt. Oklahoma's scheme has a lot of 5-O, which can lead to a lot of simulated pressures and disguises, so the Georgia O-line will have to key in on that. Stockton will also need to key in on the linebackers, because Kip Lewis and Owen Heinicke are going to be asked to do a lot to confuse Stockton.
Payton Guthrie – How do you think the game flow will play between the two teams?
Owen Hillman – The game flow will be slow and methodical, especially in the first half. Oklahoma's defense will be more warm than Georgia's offense. However, midway through the second half, I think a big play by Georgia and a turnover by Oklahoma will give Georgia the advantage in the fourth quarter, and they'll close it out with a close win.
Payton Guthrie – Score prediction?
Owen Hillman – Georgia wins, 24-13.