The Peach State Football Preview 🍑 🏈
The Peach State Football Preview 🍑 🏈
Falcons 1-3 @ Texans
After a rough couple of weeks on the losing end of games, the Atlanta Falcons are still optimistic about the season. With their top offensive connection in Matt Ryan and Julio Jones creating the #2 passing attack in the league, they look to be very strong in the air, but leave much to be desired on the ground. The uneven attack makes them very predictable and tough for them closer to the redzone. Averaging just 70 yards a game on the ground with a minuscule 1 total touchdown, the Atlanta ground attack needs to improve to ensure a win.
The matchup between the Texans Offensive line and the Falcons defensive line will prove to also be a key matchup as Deshaun Watson has been under constant pressure. If the Falcons want to see success and keep the connection between Deandre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson limited, the Falcons defensive line must show up big and keep Watson contained.
Georgia State 2-2 Vs Arkansas State
Following a pair of early non-conference victories over SEC opponent Tennessee and Southern Conference foe, Furman University, Georgia State dropped 2 back to back games as they currently sit at 2-2 and 0-1 in conference play. With a very strong rushing attack in Tra Barnett and Dan Ellington, Georgia State will need to rely on their big ground playmakers to defeat a tough defensive secondary in Arkansas State.
Georgia State’s defensive has to hold up strong against a very potent offense that is averaging well over 400 yards of total offense. This game may be very high powered offensively and both defenses have a large task of keeping the scoring at a minimum and also creating opportunities with takeaways.
UGA 4-0 vs Tennessee
Despite UGA boasting an undefeated record, They have yet to face a tough opponent. The only conference win that they have is over Vanderbilt and the results were lopsided in a 30-6 win. With the 15th ranked passing attack and a 10th ranked rushing attack the UGA bulldogs Look to establish a dominant ground game early and cap off drives with deep shots against an extremely young secondary. With Jake Fromm making extremely smart decisions and maximizing drives, Tennessee will need to make some big plays on defense to keep the scoring limited.
I believe that the Georgia defense is more susceptible to mistakes and the Tennessee offense could potentially capitalize through the air with Redshirt Senior Receiver Jauan Jennings. Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano’s 4 interceptions on the season also look like optimism for the stingy Georgia defense.
Georgia Tech vs UNC
With the lowest per game scoring total in the nation, Georgia Tech’s new-look offense has struggled to finish drives or even get drives going period. However, with a young system filled with a large pool of talented ball carriers, Georgia Tech could make a surprising flash given the right opportunity. Limiting turnovers will be essential against a Mack brown coached UNC team with a large amount of momentum and big playability.
A consistent offense showing will be Georgia Tech’s greatest challenge and everything else will follow along.
Mercer vs Tennessee-Chattanooga
An injury-plagued Mercer will face a talented and veteran Tennessee-Chattanooga. With a rich history in conference play, Mercer has had their fair share of victories in this series, but turnovers will be the deciding factor. A veteran Mercer Defense led by Senior LB Will Coneway and Free Safety, Eric Jackson, will have to make the difference in the turnover differential and create more opportunities for the offense.
While standout receiver and playmaker David Durden is out for what could be a considerable amount of time, Mercer has leaned on the big plays of Tucker Cannon and Redshirt Freshman, Deandre Johnson. A big performance will be necessary if Mercer expects to have their best chance of edging out UTC in this pivotal conference matchup.
-By: LeMarkus Bailey