2019 UGA Football: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, Week 1 Preview & Prediction

The first game of the 2019 season is just 3 days away, which means it's time for The Bulldog Maven's preview and prediction for the game.

Kirby Smart lost to Vanderbilt during his first season in Athens, 17-16. Since then the Georgia Bulldogs have outscored the Commodores 86-27. 

Looking back, that first season under Smart was a brutal one for the Bulldogs, losses to Ole Miss, Tennessee, Vandy, Florida, and even Tech. Needless to say, the program is in a totally different situation now heading into the 2019 season. 

So, as the season kicks off let's take a look at the matchup for Saturday's road game in Nashville. Starting with The Commodores. 

Vanderbilt: 

Well, considering Coach Derek Mason still hasn't announced a starting quarterback yet, I think it's safe to say that is a position of concern for Vanderbilt. That being said, we know it will either be Riley Neil, the Ball State grad transfer, or Deuce Wallace who spent last year on suspension. 

As for the most impactful player on the Vandy roster, look no further than Ke'Shawn Vaughn, the running back that went for over 1200 yards on the ground last season. He returns for his redshirt senior season, and it's reasonable to say he is one of the best backs Georgia will see all season. 

Georgia's rebuilt run defense will certainly be put to the test early this Saturday, as Vandy looks to operate their offense through Vaughn. 

Georgia

It's not breaking news that the University of Georgia has two new coordinators. James Coley on offense, and Dan Lanning on defense. So, with that being said, don't look for Georgia to reinvent the wheel this weekend. 

The Bulldogs will certainly overwhelm the Vanderbilt roster that isn't quite up to par with that of the Dawgs. Though, they will have to execute the simple game plan that will be on display Saturday. Historically the Vanderbilt game is always a trap game that rests between the likes of Florida and Tennessee on the roster. 

This year, I don't think they will be sneaking up on a Georgia football team that was left with a bit of a sour taste in their mouth last season. 

Predictions: 

We don't do your boring ole score predictions here on The Bulldog Maven. No, no, no, this is a bit different. Here they are, 5 bold predictions: 

1. D'Andre Swift will rush for 120 yards and two scores
2. Zamir White will have two explosive plays (plays of at least 20 yards or more.) 
3. Richard LeCounte III... pick-six. 
4. The nation will be introduced to George Pickens.
5. Georgia will rush for 200+ yards as a team. 

Not that you weren't hype enough, but here's another hype video for the 2019 season for ya.