The Georgia Bulldogs are facing their biggest test yet.
The Georgia Bulldogs are headed into what could be their first real test of the season on Saturday against the Oklahoma Sooners at home in front of a very loud Sanford Stadium crowd.
Despite the way Oklahoma has struggled over the first quarter of the season on the offensive side of the ball, they still have one of the best defenses in the country and are absolutely capable of causing a whole lot of problems. The Dawgs are two touchdown favorites and this certainly is not the huge challenge many thought it could be just last month, but the Sooners are by far the best team Georgia has faced so far.
If the Bulldogs do not take care of business, this could easily turn into a dogfight, but here are the three keys to victory in order to avoid that.
Avoid the Early Turnover
This can be a key in just about every game, especially one where you are a big favorite. The best way to open the door for the Sooners is to hand them a freebie and wind up spotting them points, especially early in the game when things are still very close. Oklahoma is going to be getting after Gunner Stockton, and an early strip sack or something along those lines could be exactly what they need to get it going.
Not letting this happen could avoid the chance that the Sooners ever get in it.
Don't Let John Mateer Get Confident
Oklahoma's passing game is in a rough spot right now as Mateer continues to struggle with seeing the field and delivering the ball accurately. The Sooners coaching staff is going to do its best to give him some easy throws and designed runs early to get him going.
Georgia needs to be on its P's and Q's in terms on tackling on quick hits, not letting Mateer into open space, and stifling his confidence before it even forms. If the Dawgs can let Mateer know early on it will be a long night, this could be the way to win.
Stop the Run
Opposing teams have made the bet that if they make Mateer beat them with his arm, he won't be able to do it. This means that Georgia can sell out a little bit to stop the run, and if they do that, they are going to limit Oklahoma's offense to be at the mercy of Mateer.
Thus far, that has proven to be a successful strategy for opposing teams, and that could be the same for the Bulldogs this afternoon.
