Vanderbilt has the unenviable task of facing the Georgia Bulldogs and their elite defense this weekend.

The Bulldogs have stifled every offense they’ve faced this season so far, with coach Kirby Smart and DC Dan Lanning leading a unit filled with elite players (just ask Shane Beamer).

During the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, Lea praised the staff Georgia has working with its defense (via 247Sports):

“First of all, I’ve got a ton of respect for Georgia’s defense, their staff,” Lea said. “They do a great job. I’ve been familiar with that operation. We spent some time with them when I was at Notre Dame, just collaborating and sharing thoughts. They do a great job. That defense is about creating negative plays. They do well controlling the line of scrimmage, they play aggressively and they’re multiple in their coverage concepts.

“So there are challenges, but there are also opportunities. I think finding ways to neutralize their front, finding ways to separate the first level with the second level, and trying to design some space for us to get the ball to play-makers will all be a part of the formula.”

Lea stressed the importance of not getting behind the chains when the Commodores are on offense:

“I know Dan well and obviously Coach Smart and his defensive background,” Lea said. “They’re physical, they’re big up front, they have a lot of havoc snaps whether they’re negative yardage snaps, tackles for loss. They play aggressive, and they’re multiple in coverage. So there’s a formula there that makes them especially complicated, and we have to be really aware of the things we need to do to neutralize that front and to try to get on schedule. If we can stay on schedule, then you have a chance to move ball and score points. If it becomes a game of negative-yard snaps, we’re going to be behind the chains obviously and have a hard time.”

Will the Commodores be able to move the ball against Georgia? We’ll find out on Saturday when the Dawgs invade Nashville.