First test for curtis: vanderbilt at georgia game preview

After improving to 4–0 with a 41–13 win over Oklahoma, Number 2 Georgia stays in Athens to face Vanderbilt on homecoming. The Commodores enter at 3–1 after losing 21–15 at Auburn, where a blocked punt returned for a touchdown helped make the difference. Vanderbilt has shown enough resilience to make this more than a routine conference game, but winning at Sanford Stadium will require its most complete performance of the season. For Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs, this is a chance to keep their strong start going against a team still finding its identity with a freshman quarterback.

Georgia’s offense did not have its best afternoon against Oklahoma, even with the comfortable final score. Gunner Stockton completed 14 of 25 passes for 171 yards, one touchdown, and an interception, while the Bulldogs finished with 308 total yards. However, Talyn Taylor provided an important spark, catching four passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. Chauncey Bowens scored twice on the ground with Nate Frazier sidelined, and Dwight Phillips Jr. added 84 rushing yards, including a 54-yard touchdown. That depth gives Mike Bobo several ways to attack Vanderbilt, but Georgia will want more consistent production without needing its defense to create so many scoring opportunities.

That is where Clark Lea’s defense has its best chance to keep the Commodores competitive. Vanderbilt averages 3.25 sacks per game, with Nick Rinaldi leading the team with 3.5 sacks and Miles Capers contributing five tackles for loss. Safety CJ Heard has also been productive, recording a team-high 30 tackles and two forced fumbles. Those players can make this a difficult afternoon if Vanderbilt creates negative plays and forces Stockton into obvious passing situations. However, pressure comes with a risk against a quarterback who can escape the pocket. If the Commodores lose contain or leave openings behind their blitzes, Georgia has the speed to turn an aggressive defensive call into a big gain.

On the other side, Jared Curtis gives Vanderbilt its most interesting storyline. The freshman originally committed to Georgia before choosing the Commodores, and now faces the defense he once expected to practice against. Curtis produced 199 passing yards and a team-high 46 rushing yards against Auburn, while Junior Sherrill caught six passes for 95 yards. Vanderbilt moved the ball well enough to outgain the Tigers, but converting only four of 17 third downs kept too many possessions from becoming scoring opportunities. Curtis will need to make timely throws and avoid trying to force a big play when Georgia takes away his first option.

Georgia’s run defense should make that especially challenging. The Bulldogs are allowing just 50.5 rushing yards per game, while Vanderbilt averages only 132.5 yards on the ground. If Sedrick Alexander cannot help the Commodores stay ahead of the chains, Curtis could spend much of the afternoon facing long third downs against KJ Bolden, Ellis Robinson IV, and Georgia’s talented secondary. Sherrill, who already has 367 receiving yards this season, gives Vanderbilt a dependable target, but the Commodores will need more than occasional completions to sustain drives. My expectation is that Georgia’s ability to limit the run will allow its defense to dictate how Vanderbilt has to play.

I expect Vanderbilt’s defense to create a few uncomfortable possessions early. The Commodores have enough pressure up front to interrupt Georgia’s rhythm, and Curtis should be able to manufacture a scoring opportunity with his arm or legs. Still, Georgia has more ways to win this game. Stockton’s experience, the Bulldogs’ backfield depth, and a defense that can make Vanderbilt one-dimensional should eventually create separation. I have Georgia taking control before halftime, extending the lead in the second half, and moving to 5–0 with a 38–13 win.