In preparation for Saturday’s matchup between Georgia and Troy, Saturday Down South is taking a look at the key matchups that may decide the showdown between the Bulldogs and Trojans.

Georgia running game vs. Troy rush defense

The Bulldogs are averaging 272.5 yards per game on the ground, 6.9 yards per rush and have seven rushing touchdowns through its first two games.

The Troy defense is giving up 233.7 rushing yards per game. Not a good statistic when you’re facing a Heisman candidate in Todd Gurley and freshmen Nick Chubb and Sony Michel, who has drawn comparisons to Knowshon Moreno.

Gurley is averaging 164.5 yards per game and 9.4 yards per carry. He rushed for 198 yards against a good Clemson defense and totaled 131 yards on the ground against a South Carolina defense that played with a chip on its shoulder. Chubb has impressed in his first two outings as a Bulldog, leading the SEC in yards per rush with 13. He’s a stocky back that runs low to the ground with great balance, though his status for Saturday’s game against the Trojans is unknown. He underwent surgery on Monday to repair a fractured thumb. Michel has proved to be a very versatile player lining up in the backfield and also in the slot as a receiver.

Against an inferior defense that has struggled against the run, expect Keith Marshall, Michel and Chubb – if he can go – to get a lot of carries on Saturday.

Troy’s front seven has struggled mightily stopping the run. The Trojans have given up 338 yards to UAB, 182 yards to Duke and 181 yards to Abilene Christian. The defense now must face arguably the best running back corps in the SEC.

Georgia looks to improve off its loss against South Carolina, and Troy is going to be the experiment. Georgia should dominate this matchup with the discrepancy in talent level. Look for the Bulldogs to have a big day on the ground.