Amid all the QB talk, what Georgia really needs is for these players to take over
It is worth remembering this week that Georgia is 3-1 … and has a schedule that, should it beat Florida, would likely result in a 9-1 regular season. After the Bulldogs lost to Alabama 2 weeks ago, there has been a growing sense that things have to be fixed.
Much of that talk centered around the quarterbacks and whether Stetson Bennett IV is capable of producing a championship. Or whether Kirby Smart should consider his other options, from JT Daniels to D’Wan Mathis.
And admittedly, if the goal is to make or succeed in the CFP, that topic looks a little different than trying to beat Kentucky on Saturday.
Regardless of how the quarterback battle shakes out, that player can’t do it alone.
Here are 4(ish) UGA players who have to produce more to get the Bulldogs to that next level they’re seeking.
George Pickens, WR
Stats: 13 catches, 140 yards, 2 TDs
In 2019, Pickens looked like an absolute future star. Not only did he snag 49 passes for 727 yards and 8 touchdowns, but he was the home-run threat on the edge. Pickens caught passes of 30+ yards in 6 different games in 2019.
In 2020, his long grab so far was a 21-yard reception against Auburn.
The chunk plays were largely the difference in the battle with Alabama. The Tide made them. Georgia didn’t.
While Georgia’s defense is outstanding, it may be too much to expect the UGA offense to nickel-and-dime down the field and beat a top team. Given Pickens’ 6-3 frame and the physical nature of his play, whoever is throwing him the ball should have a big-time weapon on the edge. Georgia needs it.
James Cook, RB
Stats: 17 carries, 83 yards, 6 receptions, 111 yards, 1 receiving TD
Cook is the junior athlete with all the tools, but so far, inconsistent results. He’s averaged over 6 yards per carry as a back-up in the past 2 years. Expected to split time with Zamir White, Cook has been the less featured of the two by far. He did sustain an injury in the Auburn game, which sidelined him after he opened the game with 5 carries for 41 yards.
Against Alabama, Cook’s 82-yard scoring reception was absolutely electrifying. But other than that play, he touched the ball on 5 rushes and 3 more receptions, and gained a total of 35 yards.
The point is not that White shouldn’t play or see the football fairly frequently. But at 4.2 yards per carry for White, Georgia could make better use of both backup Kendall Milton and Cook, who can be featured in a variety of roles.
If Georgia is going to succeed, Cook needs to be more than just a guy who occasionally pops a big play. He needs to have a regular role that gets him 15 or so touches a game — if not more.
Demetris Robertson, WR
Stats: 7 catches, 53 yards
The frustrating thing about Robertson is that he can be an outstanding wide receiver. He’s done it at times. Robertson caught 30 passes last season for 333 yards and 3 scores, but he’s disappearing before our eyes in 2020. In the past 2 games, Robertson caught 1 pass for 14 yards. That’s it.
When the Georgia passing game bogs down, it’s because the intermediate stuff isn’t working. Whether it’s Bennett or some combination of QBs, the ability to keep the offense moving, particularly on 3rd down, feels like an area where Robertson can contribute. But time is running out on him.
Mathis/Daniels/Bennett, QB
There’s plenty of momentum on the topic of a QB change at Georgia. Mathis was the Week 1 starter, but he looked lost against Arkansas, and Bennett grabbed the job.
Alabama kind of dented the idea that he was capable of leading the Bulldogs to the promised land. But whether the ultimate fix is to use Bennett and substitute Mathis or Daniels to provide an occasional spark or go with somebody else, Georgia has to get more from the position.
Obviously, Mathis has the next-level athleticism on the ground that Bennett doesn’t, and would probably open up the rushing attack. Daniels is the pure passer with the (allegedly) big arm, and might hit the big passes that Bennett couldn’t against Bama.
But again, whether it’s a whole substitution or UGA just starts trying to play the other QBs occasionally, the Bulldogs have to find some kind of offensive identity. Outside of Alabama, playing defense and just taking what the other defense allows will probably win Georgia plenty of games. It probably won’t beat the big dogs, though.
If UGA runs the table but loses the SECCG game to Alabama, would 9-1 Texas A&M possibly make the playoff instead of the Bulldogs? That doesn’t seem terribly fair.
If Alabama goes 10-0, and A&M goes 9-1, the SEC should declare the Tide the SEC Champion, and have Texas A&M play the East division champion instead of having an SEC “Championship” Game.
Not only would that be more fair to UGA, but it would vastly increase the likelihood of the SEC getting two teams into the playoff.
If Florida goes 9-1 and wins the East, it makes sense for them to play the Tide, but even then, a rematch with the Aggies makes sense.
I know this idea will get absolutely no traction, but what the heck, why not consider it?
It won’t be considered because it’s stupid… If Bama was declared the SEC Champion why would TAMU be punished by playing an extra game when they have nothing to gain but everything to lose?
If TAMU wins out and UGA or Florida has two losses TAMU gets the consideration for a Second spot if the SEC gets two in IMO…
Calling something “stupid” is the best you can do? Not impressive.
Why should Georgia get penalized for having to play Alabama twice? Especially if the 2nd game is close? Alabama blew the doors off A&M from the opening kick. UGA led Alabama with 20 minutes left in the game.
Your mama is stupid.
What is the end game here, just to get UGA in the playoffs? I mean if you can’t beat Bama, then you’re probably not beating Clemson or OSU, so what’s the point of going through this crazy scenario? Beat Bama and you prove you deserve to be in the playoffs.
How about instead of whining about “being penalized” for maybe playing Bama twice, you actually step up and win the game for once? That seems like a novel idea.
I called it stupid because it is.. UGA playing Bama In the SECCG is them having the opportunity to win the SEC..
Declaring Bama the SEC champ and having teams play an extra game for nothing is stupid…
And my mother is dead you ignorant b!tch..
I’ve got to agree with BamaTime on this. Right now it’s more important for UGA to beat Bama. Beat Bama and we’re in. That needs to be UGAs main goal. Not get in on some weird made up scenario that isn’t going to happen.
Don’t agree with Joe a lot but I do here. If we can’t beat Bama in ATL, then what’s the point. Unfortunately, if we were fortunate enough to win out and win in ATL, then likely would need to beat Bama in a 3rd game for the CFP. I just don’t see the Buckettes, Okie St, or Clem’s Son beating Bama.
Got to love the irony.
While we’re on the subject of ignorant, BamaTard, wasn’t it you that stated on a recent Bambam article that if fans of other teams come in to your trunksnorter article yard and are disrespectful or say something you don’t like, that it’s your bamaturd duty to call them out? Well gump, here’s your calling card, humper ingotroll…I’d just like to relay to you this most sincere and heartfelt message…bite me turd!
98Leghumper, I’m with G8rJoe here, the end game is “deserving” to be in the playoffs, if we’re 1-1 against Saban we deserve to be, if we’re 0-2 we’re not.
I see the UGA trash has all showed … All you need now is Colts, and UGAgrad417 to show up and you will have all the UGA trash that wish harm to people or talk about people’s family on one article…
Why should A&M get penalized for having to play Bama twice? Since you were ahead with 20 minutes left in the game you would have the better chance of the upset. Your whole point is both stupid (blaming your momma) & hypocritical.
I don’t think it’s terribly unfair if A&M were to get the nod over UGA. Unfortunate, yes, but you could make the case for any teams with tougher schedules (lots of SEC West teams over the years) who can’t pad their win/loss with a schedule full of cupcakes and end up with two losses and no CFP berth.
We could very well see the same thing with ND in the ACC, and I think it’s dangerous logic in a year with no cross-conference games to have teams that have lost twice to CFP teams. I would argue it’s more “unfair” for a team to get three shots at beating a team for a title and only their third game counts and not the losing record against a team.
I do like what the B1G is doing with their championship weekend.
I would like to remind you that common sense posts aren’t allowed on this site. Nice post.
If UGA runs the table and loses to Bama in Atlanta, no way the Dawgs get in. We didn’t just lose to Bama a couple of weeks ago. We lost by 17. That stink won’t wash off unless we win the SECCG.
^^^
Yup!
This is not a good idea. UGA needs to beat Bama. Period. If we can’t then the playoffs is just not in the cards for us. You can’t change the format to benefit UGA and it also makes the path easier for Bama. Believe it or not Bama won’t always be king of the mountain. It’s not like this would be the first time the SECCG was a rematch of a regular season matchup.
If Florida wins out, a rematch with the team they lost to makes sense but if Georgia wins out, a rematch with the team they lost to doesn’t make sense…
It’s not fair for Georgia to play Bama twice but it’s okay for A&M. Gotcha. It’s fair if Florida wins the East to play Bama but not if Georgia wins the East. Gotcha. Just say you don’t want Bama again. Fair?
I know he’s a freshman, but I think Burton over Robertson makes more sense in this list. He’s shown more flashes in a few games than Robertson has shown in his whole stint at UGA.
Burton has a lot of growing to do in his decision making, but he runs good routes and Robertson has never really played up to that “5 star potential” and I don’t see it magically happening this year.
At this point in his career nobody is expecting or dependent on Robinson stepping up. It would be nice but with Pickins, Jackson, Burton, Rosemary etc the roster has passed Robinson by.
If we had a healthy Blalock not even sure Robinson would see the field that much.
Actually UGA could really use a TE taking over.
And a running game getting a true 6 ypc week in and week out.
Preseason, I predicted Stetson. I stand by my other prediction as well…Darnell Washington will have a breakout game against Mullet n Grantham’s Gatorbaitors
Tdow and Humpy, TE production would really open up the field for the other WR’s, and force the D to screw up their personnel with a big man on our TE. It’s Darnell’s game to take over. He is big, fast, and athletic. He already looks like a man among boys when he gets on the field. Excellent blocking. Unfortunately, he seems to not always run the right routes. Man, when he gets some basic routes down cold, he is going to be unstopable.
Tru dat Rico, he was raw and out of shape when he showed up in Athens but wow what a manbeast this kid is, got the tangibles you can’t teach, incredible speed, height, not an ounce of fat and huge hands. Nothing gonna hold him back once he gets SEC fine tuned…
Let me guess, Heisman material.
Yes, just like Pitts (:
Lol my friend!
Georgia just needs to take care of business, starting with Kentucky. Florida will be a big test, but I’m cautiously optimistic.
As for SECCG and playoff hopes, it comes down to developing an offense with enough threats to overcome the defenses we face. Pickens has been quiet this year because defenses have been taking him away. Whether it’s the guys listed in this article or others, we need enough playmakers so that opponents can’t just pick the one or two guys to key on in order to shut us down. We also need the coaches to draw up plays that get those playmakers opportunities, and we need the QB to be able to work through progressions and find the open playmakers.
I think it’s long past time to keep hoping and wishing for Demetrius Robertson to save the day. It just ain’t happening.
Georgia needs Zamir and Kenny to get healthy, it needs Burton to take that next step towards consistency, and George needs to get the ball somehow someway. He’s electric after the catch.
And assuming Bennett is the guy for the future, he needs to learn how to not zone in on one man and completely ignore a wide open Cook or Washington 10 yards away.
At the beginning of the season most tuned-in UGA fans felt UGA would be 3-1 at this point in the season, that was the hope. New OC, new QB, new starters at RB and OL etc whereas Bama had/has a well tuned and experienced offense.
I’m still hoping Daniels comes off the bench and plays like the savior we all hope he can be. However I’m not beting on it.
Offense wise we’re not far off, Bennett needs to make some realistic improvements with his decision making, Monken needs to adjust his play calling and the offense needs to develop and grow to the best of their ability.
The secret to beating Bama in a SECCG matchup will be finding a consistent pass rush and the ability to cover Bama’s WRs. With Smith and Waddle I don’t think anybody shuts down Bama’s offense. With Waddle out maybe we can slow them down in a rematch.
Pickens hurt this week, Cook still being utilized between the tackles, Robertson a no-show and Bennett is the best choice CKS has right “now”.
As for the CFP, UGA wins out and they’re in. That simple….everything else is just comment fodder for the blogs.
Rosemy needs more opportunity.
Instead of James Cook (about which the article is correct), I would almost just say the entire RB room. As TDOW said above, we need a consistent 6 ypc each game from the offense’s rushing attack. Also, Monken needs to do a better job of finding ways to get Pickens open; which in part would happen if another WR really took over as a true 2nd threat.
I like SBIV but he isn’t scaring anyone with his arm. Until we have a legitimate QB with a downfield threat teams will crowd the line and defend the run and live with short gains in the passing game. I think the offense looks pretty good given the situation (no spring ball and new system) but SBIV is limited. Until we get a QB with some juice our running game will suffer. It’s time for Pickens to live up to the hype. He’s been a non factor and to me that has been the biggest surprise.
I agree with most of this. Cook will step up when healthy. White needs to step up and for cryin’ out loud give Milton more carries…kid reminds me of Swift. And, Pickens, what the heck has happened. I know Bama locked Jackson down so he should’ve been more into the game and no reason he shouldn’t have went off on TN, AU, or ARK? Kearis is a nice surprise. I still don’t get the Stetson, Mathis, Daniels soap opera? I’m sorry, Stetson ain’t the guy for the SECCG, although he can be enough for the rest of the schedule. Is Daniels just no good? Or, is Kirby hiding that he is still to injured to be effective?
Whoever at QB at these past 2’weeks of practices has done the best should be the starting QB for the next game.
Daniels had a cleanout on his knee from repaired ACL surgeries.He has still had some stiffness and restricting his mobility and setting his feet on passes. He is not 100%.
We just need to win out and get bro the SECCG to play Bama again. Win the SEC and we are in the playoff. It’s that simple. Why do we have all the analyzing? Good golly people, it ain’t rocket science.
^to