Georgia Football: Keys to Victory vs. Kentucky
The Gamecocks showed us that press man coverage could very will be Georgia's kryptonite. That is, if James Coley and company do not install creative ways to beat it. I expect there to be some changes. Let's look at what we may see this Saturday.
1. Play Calling:
Stacking wide receivers.
When you put 2 or 3 receivers together, you're bunching their defenders together, forcing them to play slower to avoid contact with one another. This allows receivers to force them into traffic, therefore creating the separation needed for Jake Fromm to hit them in the open field. If executed properly this could lead to more separation and yards after the catch.
Motion and Misdirection.
I'd like to see the play action tight end-screen. On this play, both Charlie Woerner and Eli Wolf are lined up on one side in tight formation. Fromm fakes the run play, one tight end runs a "go" route towards the secondary to sell the pass, thus leaving the other tight end to sneak out wide for an open screen pass.
When scheme isn't the answer.
To be successful in the SEC, there will be times you flat out just have to beat your man. This week, I expect a wide receiver group prepared to beat man press coverage.
2. Wide Receivers Beating Man Coverage
This starts in the film room, dissecting the opposing defenders tendencies. Athletes are creatures of habit. Habits that have been built over many years of doing the same things over and over. Often, you can find very subtle movements that will tell you exactly what they are doing, and what they're about to do, allowing weaknesses to be exploited to create space.
Getting Release.
With Georgia's receiver group, I believe this starts with being fundamentally sound. Stance and foot spacing is key here. Once lined up properly, the receiver needs to run directly towards his defender, forcing him to move his feet thus allowing him to stay straight and get on top of his matchup. This creates the space needed for Fromm to lead him, and complete explosive plays down field.
Jake Fromm in the pocket versus South Carolina.
A lot of times things appear to be much worse than they really are. A few small changes paired with extra preparation can be just what the Dr ordered. I do not believe a reinvention of the wheel is necessary to get back on track, back in the win column, and back to putting fear in the hearts of opposing teams.
See you guys in Athens, and as always, Go Dawgs!
