BACK ON TRACK? oklahoma at georgia game preview

After opening SEC play with a convincing 45–17 win at Arkansas, No. 2 Georgia returns to Athens for its first major home test of the season. Oklahoma enters at 2–1, having lost 17–10 at Michigan before escaping New Mexico 14–6. The Sooners have a defense capable of keeping them in this game, but their offense will have to look much better than it did last week to pull off the upset. For Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, this is a chance to show that their strong start will hold up against one of the most physical defenses they will face all year.

Georgia’s offense was at its best on the ground against Arkansas. Gunner Stockton led the Bulldogs with 97 rushing yards while completing 10 of 13 passes, and Chauncey Bowens scored three rushing touchdowns. Nate Frazier added 75 yards and a score of his own. Stockton’s ability to make plays with his legs gives Mike Bobo another way to stress a defense, especially when Georgia’s backs are already finding room between the tackles. However, Oklahoma presents a much tougher challenge up front than Arkansas did. If the Sooners can slow Frazier and Bowens without letting Stockton escape on third down, Georgia will have to rely more heavily on a passing game that has not needed to carry the offense yet.

That is where Brent Venables’ team has its best chance. Oklahoma’s defense was the strength of its playoff team a year ago, and it carried the Sooners again against New Mexico, holding the Lobos to 185 total yards while producing six sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Defensive tackle David Stone was particularly important late, stopping a fourth-and-1 run with the game still in doubt. Georgia has the talent to move the ball, but Stone and the Sooners’ front can make this a difficult afternoon if they create negative plays and keep the Bulldogs out of manageable third downs.

On the other side, John Mateer remains the player who gives Oklahoma upset potential. He has thrown for 652 yards and six touchdowns through three games, and his ability to extend plays can put pressure on even a talented Georgia defense. Isaiah Sategna III is his most productive receiver so far, with 186 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown against New Mexico. However, that game also showed Oklahoma’s offensive problems. The Sooners managed just 61 rushing yards and 14 points, while Mateer threw two interceptions. That is a dangerous combination heading into Sanford Stadium, where Georgia can make the game get away quickly if Oklahoma gives it extra possessions.

The most worrisome aspect of the Sooners offensive struggles is their inability to run the ball effectively. If Oklahoma can not do so against this Bulldog defense, the defense will be on the field for a very long time.

Georgia’s defense should be able to make Oklahoma work for every yard. The Bulldogs held Arkansas to only 17 rushing yards last week, which does not signal well for a Sooners offense still searching for consistency on the ground. If Oklahoma cannot establish a running game, Mateer will have to make plays under pressure against KJ Bolden, Ellis Robinson IV, and the rest of Georgia’s talented defense. He is capable of creating a few explosive plays, but relying on him to do it all afternoon is a difficult way to beat a team as complete as the Bulldogs.

Oklahoma put the game on Mateer's shoulders late against Michigan, and he frankly did not deliver. Mateer is going to need help against Georgia for this game to stay remotely close.

I expect Oklahoma’s defense to keep this competitive early. Venables’ unit is too disruptive for Georgia to run through it as easily as it did Arkansas, and Mateer should create at least one scoring opportunity outside the structure of the offense. Still, Georgia has more ways to win this game. Stockton’s legs, the backfield, and a defense that can take away Oklahoma’s run game should eventually wear down the Sooners. I have the Bulldogs taking control in the second half and moving to 4–0 with a 27–10 win.