Georgia Football Weekend 2018 – Week 2

The first weekend kicked off and the Dawgs and Jackets both picked up easy wins as the schedule was constructed. Both teams will face much stiffer competition this week. Will these schools be able to avoid stumbling continue to march on to having good seasons. In addition, our out of state game will feature two teams from the west coast in a match-up that could possibly has some playoff implications.

The Yellow Jackets face a stiff test on the road as they head down to Tampa to take on South Florida. The Bulls are led by 2nd year coach Charlie Strong. Last season USF posted a 10-2 record in Strong’s first campaign as head coach. The team went 11-2 in the prior year under Coach Willie Taggart. Both South Florida and Georgia Tech are stepping up in competition from their week 1 opponents.

Will TaQuon Marshall be able to get the triple option rolling against the talented Bulls defense? Will the new look 3-4 defense tech be running be able to slow down Arizona State transfer Blake Barnett? Barnett is not as dynamic as last year’s star Quinton Flowers but appears to be a capable starter. This maybe one of the more interesting games from this weekend. The line has Tech as a favorite, but I think there maybe small upset here.

Prediction: USF 30 Georgia Tech 24

Watch On: ABC/ ESPN 2 – 12PM

This week it gets real for the Bulldogs as they get some SEC competition from the Gamecocks of South Carolina. The Dawgs are on upset alert as South Carolina is feeling very confident that they can knock off the defending SEC Champs. Both head coaches have a lot in common as they are both former DB’s from UGA. They know each other very well from their early coaching days at Valdosta State.

The Dawgs will be tested to in this one on both offense and defense. All-SEC receiver will put some pressure on the Georgia DBs. That being said Georgia has the advantage at depth and will be able to hold up. We will get a good look at D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield as they take over the backfield from Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. The line is Georgia by 10 but it might be a little closer than that.

Prediction: Georgia 24 South Carolina 17

Watch On: CBS – 3:30PM

Stanford and USC could end up meeting again later this season for the Pac 12 title but first they both have to survive their primetime match-up. David Shaw’s Stanford team has their eye on a possible playoff berth this year and hope to have another standout season from Heisman Finalist Bryce Love. The team looked solid in its 1st game of the year against San Diego State but now the competition steps up. USC is a team in transition and will be led by high touted freshman JT Daniels. Daniels looked impressive in his debut against UNLV last week.

Stanford will play the physical game that has become a staple under Coach Shaw. USC is talented but young as they are replacing a lot of leadership that went onto the draft. The Trojans will not roll over but Stanford should come out on top.

Prediction: Stanford 21 USC 14

Watch on: FOX – 8:30PM

Keith B. Holt

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