[ad_1]
ATHENS – Georgian coach Kirby Smart left Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday proud of his team but well aware he was far from the Bulldogs’ best performance.
Georgia beat Cincinnati 24-21 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl despite having 10 former starters out of play due to withdrawals, injuries and, in the case of James Cook, the death of his father.
It was a serious win for the No.9 (8-2) ranked Bulldogs, as they trailed No.8-ranked Cincinnati (9-1), by a 21-10 tally in the fourth quarter before rallying for win in the final. seconds over Jack Podlesny’s 53-yard basket.
The Bearcats, Smart said, deserved some credit for their preparation and intensity of play.
Indeed, Cincinnati kept the UGA just 1 in 11 on third-bet conversions and kept the Bulldogs’ rushing game 45 yards on 24 attempts.
The Bulldogs had averaged 498.3 yards per game and 41.7 points per game with Daniels under center in the previous three games, but finished with 449 yards in the 24-21 victory.
Georgia prepared with intention and did not neglect the game, but the Bearcats played with an immense sense of urgency and emotion that carried over to their fans.
Here’s a look at how the team ranked:
Quarterback (B)
Daniels clocked the winning drive, 5 of 7 passing for 44 yards with no downtime to work with in the 1:28 final to set up the winning basket. Daniels’ interception was as much on Pickens, but his fumble was his own as he failed to secure the ball in the face of the pass rush. Daniels has been sacked three times, under duress much of the game. Stetson Bennett came off the bench to complete a clean 12-yard pass on his lone slap when Daniels was sent off because his helmet came off.
Running backs (B)
The Georgian full-backs couldn’t break a 12-yard run over the Bearcats, often not having much leeway due to offensive line issues. Zamir White led the fullback with 11 carries for 39 yards, including a scorching 12-yard range and a 9-yard TD dash. White had a fumble recovered by TE John Fitzpatrick. Kenny McIntosh did his damage with 5 catches for 43 yards – three of his catches on the winning disc. Kendall Milton 4 carries for 10 yards and an impressive 22-yard catch and run.
Receiver (B-)
Georgie Pickens had a record 7 catches for 135 yards with a touchdown and a 51-yard dive. Pickens had a fourth conversion catch, but he also misread the cover resulting in an interception in the end zone and had a hold call. Tight end Darnell Washington showed his huge advantage with an inspiring 38-yard reception, and John FitzPatrick had 4 catches for 41 yards. Karis Jackson had 3 catches for 47 yards, but also a fourth drop. Jermaine Burton was limited in practice and it showed, as he had 1 catch for 6 yards. Arian Smith showed promise with his 55-yard catch.
Offensive line (D +)
The Bulldogs chose to mix up the offensive line and switch pieces to three positions when Ben Cleveland pulled out. Xavier Truss had his issues on his first left tackle start, including a block in the back penalty, and Warren McClendon and Justin Shaffer were called up for a chop block. Daniels was sacked three times and the racing match was strangled. The Bearcats’ defensive line was the clear winner up front.
Defensive line (A)
Smart considers his OLB part of the defensive line, so this Azeez Ojulari raises the bar here with his 3 sacks and his forced fumble in the fourth quarter that changed the momentum of the game. Adam Anderson also had 2 sacks. Jordan Davis was dominant between tackles, and Devonte Wyatt had 4 saves and 2 TFLs.
Linebacker (B)
Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker led the defense with 7 tackles apiece, but there seemed to be a roster issue when Cincinnati broke away in their 79-yard TD run. Dean had six solos, including a field stoppage that prevented a first down and allowed UGA to reclaim the ball once more and win.
Secondary (C)
Georgia was understandably out of sync with three former starters missing and Covid-related complications forcing changes in practices. Tyrique Stevenson started out of the cornerback position and appeared to be beaten often at the cornerback, but he managed a key pass break at the end of the fourth quarter. Brini was another player rushed into the action, and he had a third key SEB and played better as the game progressed. Lewis Cine missed a freefield tackle in the 79-yard TD run. Christopher Smith was solid.
Special teams (B +)
Jack Podlesny’s 53-yard field goal allowed for an oil painting moment, ultimately carrying Georgia to victory. Jordan Davis also made a 3-point game with a blocked basket which certainly proved to be important as the game went on. On a negative note, Jake Camarda had a 4-yard punt that set up Cincinnati’s first touchdown. Kearis Jackson had two kicking returns for a total of 30 yards and two kicking returns for a total of 1 yard. UGA also got caught sleeping on a fake kick that the Bearcats concerted.
Coaching (B)
Big credit to Kirby Smart and his defensive staff for his halftime adjustments, with the UGA allowing just 32 yards on 27 plays after the 79-yard run on the second play of the second half. Smart said they may have underestimated the Cincinnati QB entering the game. The offensive game plan was disrupted by the UGA’s surprising inability to run and handle pressure, which sparked speculation that the offensive staff also underestimated their opponent. The team remain ready, however, and have won despite the absence of 10 former starters, which says a lot for Smart and his assistant coaches.
Overall (A)
There is no more clutch than seeing offense, defense and special teams manifest in the final two minutes. Georgia has had to overcome Covid-19 like never before with both practices and staff affected. It also emerged that the Bulldogs look like the more boorish team, having not played since December 12. The last second victory gives a good feeling entering the offseason, with a healthy reminder that there is plenty of room for improvement.
Georgia Peach Bowl Stories
RECAP: How Georgia defeated Cincinnati for 24-21 win
Social media reaction to Georgia’s 24-21 win over Cincinnati
Winning field goal confirms UGA’s belief in Jack Podlesny
Observations of Georgia’s 24-21 win over Cincinnati
Game-ball for Azeez Ojulari after registering 3 sacks, makes a pivotal game
Kirby Smart shows video of Richard LeCounte’s play in a bowl
[ad_2]
Source link