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Georgia Bulldogs

UGA’s run defense won’t get much rest vs. Kentucky RBs

Drew Laing

By Drew Laing

Published:

Just two weeks ago, the Georgia Bulldogs had the SEC’s second-best run defense.

The ‘Dawgs hadn’t allowed more than 176 yards in one game all season, but that all changed last weekend against Florida when the Gators racked up an astounding 418 rushing yards on 60 attempts. It was Florida’s punishing run game that was the difference, handing Georgia its second loss of the season.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they don’t get much time recuperate.

This weekend Georgia travels to Lexington, Ky., to take on the Kentucky Wildcats. It’ll be Georgia’s fourth straight road or neutral-site game.

The Wildcats present an interesting challenge for Georgia’s defense because they don’t have that one standout option in the backfield. Instead, the Cats’ multiple options at running back forces defense to adjust to the different styles, often making things difficult.

RELATED: Early opponent analysis: Kentucky

They’ve rushed for at least 100 yards in every game this season except two. Head coach Mark Richt knows his defense will be tested once again and it all comes down to defending the run game.

“They’ve got four guys with over 250 yards rushing this year which gives a lot of balance in that area,” Richt said. “It gives them a lot of healthy bodies playing ball. They’re very impressive runners, especially collectively.”

“We always start out with the premise of taking care of the run first,” Richt added. “It’s just like this last game [against Florida] that was a perfect example. I doubt they said, ‘Hey, we’re not going to throw the ball all day, we’re going to just run it,’ but when things were going the way they were going they were like, ‘Hey, why risk anything at this point?’ So, we have to do a good job of winning the first down and usually that means playing well against the run.”

Georgia can expect to see a heavy dose of Stanley “Boom” Williams, who was thrusted into the starting role for this weekend’s game. Despite being only a freshman, Williams can do it all. He’s a factor as a runner, receiver and returner.

And he wasn’t given the nickname “Boom” by accident, either. Williams has a knack for big plays and has ignited this UK offense several times throughout the season.

Behind Williams, the Cats have three very capable backs in Braylon Heard, Mikel Horton and Jojo Kemp. Although Heard and Kemp’s carries have whittled down considerably in the last few weeks, both backs are capable of taking over the UK run game since both have done just that already this season.

Heard exploded in his first game, racking up 116 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just two carries. Kemp’s time came later in the season against South Carolina. The Cats earned a huge home conference win behind the play of Kemp, who dominated out of the Wildcat formation. He gashed the Gamecocks’ defense for 131 yards and three touchdowns.

Horton is another back that can do some damage for Kentucky. At 6-foot-1, 230-pounds, he’s easily the biggest option in Kentucky’s backfield. With his size, he’s definitely a between the tackles kind of runner, but at times this season he’s flashed some shiftiness and ability to get out to the edge.

Whoever’s running the ball, Georgia knows it’ll have its hands full with an explosive Kentucky offense as the ‘Dawgs attempt to put last week’s debacle behind them.

RELATED: Mark Richt implores shorter memory for ‘Dawgs to avoid bigger letdown

“Everybody is a tough opponent every Saturday,” junior defensive end Sterling Bailey said. “We have to bring our ‘A’ game and prepare throughout the week for it.”

Drew Laing

Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.

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