Rapid Reaction: Chubb, Eason usher in new era with 33-24 Georgia win
It was a game of many firsts for the Georgia, but the Bulldogs rallied past North Carolina for a 33-24 victory Saturday night in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game.
Kirby Smart’s squad stuck to the run game early as Georgia’s defense slowed down the Tar Heels’ high-octane offense. Although many anticipated the Bulldogs’ running game to lead the way, it became less effective as the night wore on — until Nick Chubb sealed the night with an electric 55-yard touchdown run.
It was Chubb’s second touchdown run and it gave him 222 yards in his first game back from knee surgery.
Georgia also unveiled a secret weapon in freshman quarterback Jacob Eason. The top-ranked quarterback for the 2016 class came up big during some crucial moments in his first game for the Bulldogs. He finished 8-of-12 for 131 yards and his first career touchdown pass.
Against a very talented opponent, Georgia ushered in a new era with a tough win.
What it means: Georgia hired Smart to help win games such as this, and the first-time coach delivered. The Bulldogs still have some questions, but got a big answer from Eason, who proved he is capable of stepping up in big spots. The team is 1-0 and should feel good about how the victory was earned.
What I liked:
Georgia went to the ground game early and often
Much of the talk surrounding the game focused on the advantage Georgia had over North Carolina on the ground, and it appears the coaching staff was well aware. The Bulldogs ran the ball 11 out of their first 15 plays and moved the ball efficiently down the field on their second drive for a touchdown. That strategy didn’t change much throughout the game, almost to a fault, but helped Georgia move down the field. Chubb and Brian Herrien carried much of the load for the Bulldogs and looked good doing so.
Jacob Eason stellar in his debut
With 13:13 on the clock in the second quarter, Eason made his college debut. He completed his first pass – a 23-yard bubble screen to Terry Godwin – and led Georgia on two solid drives, the last of which ended in a touchdown. When the Bulldogs went down 24-14 midway through the third quarter, Eason was tapped to take over at quarterback. He responded by leading Georgia down the field – with the aid of two defensive pass interference calls – and notching his first career touchdown pass on a jet sweep toss to Isaiah McKenzie. In the fourth quarter, Eason again came up huge, connecting on a 51-yard pass down the sideline to McKenzie to convert a crucial third down. That completion was longer than any Georgia had last year.
Good job limiting Carolina’s passing offense
Against North Carolina’s potent offense, Georgia’s defense did a good job limiting the explosive plays. The Tar Heels took several deep shots in the first half but were unable to complete any. Transfer defensive back Maurice Smith did a good job recovering while the ball was in the air to break away a potential touchdown.
What I didn’t like:
Offensive line still a work in progress
Georgia’s coaching staff was still evaluating the offensive line during game week, and it looks like there is still some work to do. While the running game was effective, the Bulldogs allowed three sacks in the first quarter and two on the team’s opening drive. As the game wore on, the running lanes were not appearing as consistently and the middle of the line became clogged. The offensive line was called for a several penalties throughout the game, which is sure to be a point of emphasis for the coaching staff.
Special teams’ problems continue
Special teams became an area of concern under Mark Richt, and Georgia lapsed in that area once again Saturday. On the opening kickoff of the second half, T.J. Logan broke free for a long touchdown to give the Tar Heels a 17-14 lead. It remained a problem for Georgia on the ensuing possession when kicker William Ham missed a 42-yard field goal that would have tied the game. Ham did redeem himself, however, delivering a 29-yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 26-24 lead late in the fourth quarter.
Could not contain UNC backs
It was Georgia’s running game that was supposed to be the unstoppable force on Saturday, but the Tar Heels were dominant on the ground. Gashing the Bulldogs for big gains, Elijah Hood and T.J. Logan set the tone for North Carolina’s offense. The defensive front seven for Georgia is something that should continue to develop, but Saturday’s game was not a great starting point. The secondary didn’t provide much help either in run defense, as Smith failed to set the edge on two big plays.
Key Play: On a crucial third down midway through the fourth quarter, Eason delivered with a 51-yard bomb down the sideline to McKenzie. It was the longest play of the night for either team and helped move Georgia into position to take the lead on a 29-yard field goal. Georgia did not have a pass longer than 50 yards during the entire 2015 season.
What’s next: The Bulldogs will return to Athens next weekend to play Nicholls State. It will provide them the chance to build upon their performance Saturday.
William McFadden covers the University of Georgia for Saturday Down South. For news on everything happening between the hedges, follow him on Twitter @willmcfadden.