Health Could Be Georgia's Ace Against Auburn
Georgia's offense this season has been the topic of much debate, thanks to a streak of low-scoring first quarters and an overall lack of explosive plays. One thing that can't be debated is the health of the offense.
Last year's leading wide receiver Ladd McConkey is yet to even dress out for a game. Meanwhile, Amarius Mims endured surgery a couple of weeks ago after suffering an injury against South Carolina.
Then there's the running back position. Nine different players have lined up in the backfield this year, and not all because of blowouts. Just as Daijun Edwards returned in week three, Kendall Milton and Roderick Robinson became limited by injuries. Keep in mind, Branson Robison suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason. Wide receiver Dillon Bell and tight end Brock Bowers have moonlit at the position as well.
The "concerns" about Georgia's offense, coupled with Auburn's 16 points-per-game defense have the Tigers as a popular upset pick this week.
But, what if Georgia's offense is at its healthiest this week? McConkey and Milton have been active in practice, and Smart had promising, yet cautious comments about both players on Tuesday.
"[McConkey] did some things today. He got to practice," Smart said. "He ran routes and caught balls and today he got in plays and ran routes... We're trying to progress him back slowly, whether it's this week in a role, whether it's the future. We're not trying to rush him back."
Smart had similar comments about Milton.
"Kendall was able to go today," he said. He was able to take reps and go and cut and so some things."
However, of both players, Smart said he didn't get to spend much time watching either player and was going to watch the film of practice to better evaluate both. It is, however, promising to see that both have been active in practice and that Milton has been able to use his agility.
What McConkey brings
McConkey is a playmaker with vast experience in Georgia's offense. He has 1,209 career receiving yards with 15 total touchdowns when you include his rushing numbers. He could very well be the 10th player to line up at running back this year, though probably not this week.
He and starting quarterback Carson Beck were both members of the 2020 recruiting class, so they should have a solid rapport with each other.
It can be said about a lot of receivers in this offense, but McConkey can also beat defenses in a myriad of ways. His speed makes him a competent deep threat, while his agility and vision allow him to turn any short pass into an explosive play. Having another player like that on the field, even if it's just for 10 plays, will make a difference.
What Milton brings
Milton is Georgia's best all-around back, though many injuries have kept him from proving that. He is the best mix of speed, power, and agility.
One area where we can see this perfectly is Milton's 4.2 yards-per-carry average. That's not tremendous but, considering the offensive line's early season struggles, that number is a sign of a player who is fighting hard for every yard, and making the most of each carry.
Having a vastly different running back in Daijun Edwards spell him, with Jones and Bell adding their flavor to the position, Milton should thrive against Auburn, even if it is just in a limited role.
