Checking in on the Week 7 temperatures in Athens, Ga.

HOT

On-field discipline. Before Vanderbilt, Georgia averaged nearly seven penalties per game, but the Bulldogs were much strong in this area against the Commodores. They only committed two penalties all game for a total of just 12 yards. While Vanderbilt is one of the team’s they probably could have afforded to have more penalties and still win, it’s certainly an encouraging sign for a team that’s struggled in this area some this season. They’ll need continued progress in limiting penalties, however, with some tougher match ups later in the schedule.

WARM

Todd Gurley’s arm. Everyone knew about Gurley’s legs and field vision, but how about the arm strength? Out of the Wildcat formation, Gurley bombed a 50-yard pass down field that perfectly found tight end Jeb Blazevich downfield. Even more impressively, Gurley threw it left-handed. In the midst of a blowout over Vanderbilt, it was Gurley’s throw that stole the show and even has rallied some UGA fans to jokingly clamor for Gurley to take over as full-time quarterback.

COLD

Brice Ramsey. The redshirt freshman quarterback saw limited action against Vanderbilt as a part of a design by head coach Mark Richt to get Ramsey more playing time. He displayed a strong arm, but was inconsistent with his accuracy and overthrew some receivers. He’s seen very little playing time this year, but it sounds as if he could get more consistent time if Richt decides to keep bringing him in for a series or two. And with Hutson Mason not playing particularly strong so far, an improved Ramsey could make things interesting at the quarterback position for Georgia.

FROZEN

Secondary. Although the defensive backs showed improvement against Vanderbilt, allowing only 188 yards and one interception, but it’s very possible that the strong performance was more of a result of a poor Vanderbilt offense rather than a step forward for the secondary. Everyone will find out soon as Georgia travels to take on a dynamic Missouri passing attack led by sophomore quarterback Maty Mauk. If Georgia’s defensive backs aren’t able to shore up some deficiencies that have plagued them all season, the Bulldogs will likely find themselves heading out of Columbia with a loss.