Georgia Football: DGDs, Standout Performers following the win over Auburn
Last Saturday's contest with the Auburn Tigers probably ended with more excitement than Georgia fans would have anticipated following the Bulldogs 21-0 lead headed into the fourth quarter.
A fourth-quarter in which the Tigers outgained the Bulldogs 158 to -3. And despite Georgia's offense failing to convert a single first down in the fourth quarter, the Dawgs escaped Jordan-Hare with a victory.
Thanks to the help from these DGDs and standout performers:
Jordan Jackson - S, Richard LeCounte
My Damn Good Dawg in the SEC East clinching win over Auburn is free safety Richard LeCounte. LeCounte was very impactful versus both the running and passing units of the Auburn Tigers. His six tackles tied for third-most on the team, during a game in which the Dawgs had 14 players make multiple tackles. LeCounte wasn't just making tackles on pass catchers downfield, he also played on the Auburn's side of the line of scrimmage, making one of the Georgia Bulldogs' eight tackles for a loss. Richard also was one of three Bulldog defenders to break up a pass.
But wait, there's more! LeCounte commandeered the ballgame's only turnover, recovering a fumble forced by Jermaine Johnson. He immediately headed to the sideline to celebrate, by donning the famous Savage Pads for the fourth time this season. He truly stuffed the stat sheet for the nation's best defensive unit, in the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.
Hunter Gosseck, LT, Andrew Thomas
The vaunted Georgia offensive line came into Jordan-Hare banged up. Cade Mays and Ben Cleveland started the game but would not finish as they were eventually sidelined with nagging injuries. The leader of what is known as "The Great Wall of Georgia" is without question Andrew Thomas. This unit has been solid all season allowing only 6 sacks to date which is good enough for 2nd in the FBS.
Thomas is a huge part of that success. On several occasions, this season Thomas has been seen blocking multiple rushers and even making "effort blocks" downfield as the play develops. One instance of this can be found against Auburn. On an end around where the ball is given to speedster Demetris Robertson, Andrew Thomas blocks not one, not two, but three would-be tacklers. He has easily been the most consistent and reliable offensive lineman on the roster. He protects his QB and creates holes for his RB and does it with love for his Bulldogs. He is my DGD for the week.
Matt Klug - WR, Dominick Blaylock
After Georgia’s offense went three and out on their first possession, it was clear that the Dawgs would need some explosive plays on Saturday. Dominick Blaylock provided to be that spark as Jake Fromm connected with the freshman wideout for a 51-yard touchdown on the very next drive. Smart said after the game "He (Blaylock) made a really nice adjustment to that ball. You know, it wasn't hit in stride he had to bend it back a little bit."
The athletic young receiver out of Marietta is shaping up to be a big target for years to come.
P, Jake Camarda
Brooks Austin - P, Jake Camarda
It's not often a special teams player, not named Rodrigo Blankenship, makes this list, but after averaging 50.73 yards per punt on eleven punts Saturday it's well deserved. After winning the starting job this spring, Camarda had the first tough outing of his career against Notre Dame. He averaged a season-low 35.25 yards per punt in the contest, including a 27-yarder in a critical situation under two minutes.
In what was Georgia's biggest game of the year Saturday, Camarda was a total game-changer in the first half, pinning Auburn inside their own ten-yard line three times. He certainly got his fair share of work, the eleven punts against the Tigers account for over 25% of his total on the year.
