The Saturday Morning Report: News and Notes before Georgia's matchup against UAB

(Photo by Tony Walsh/UGA Athletics)

Athens, GA — There have been conflicting reports of who will start at quarterback on Saturday for No. 2. However, whether it’s redshirt freshman Carson Beck or senior Stetson Bennett, I believe that both have the capability of leading the Bulldogs to victory over UAB.

Nevertheless, Georgia should not take this Blazers team lightly because head coach Bill Clark will have his team ready to play.

So, here are some news and notes ahead of Georgia’s matchup against UAB.

• I don’t buy into the idea that Georgia will “ground and pound” the rock just because Daniels is out. Expect whoever starts at quarterback to throw the ball downfield because I believe that second-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken wants to see if the young wideouts like Ladd McConkey, Adonai Mitchell and Justin Robinson can perform big in the absence of Georgia’s top pass catchers.

• This is a game where sophomore running back Kendall Milton could get A LOT of carries, especially if the Bulldogs are up big in the second half. In my opinion, he is the most talented running back in Georgia’s stable. However, junior Kenny McIntosh could have a 50-plus yard rushing game as well. Both could combine for over 100 yards against the Blazers.

• UAB returns every member from a secondary that ranked No. 14 nationally in pass efficiency defense last season. So, as mentioned before, I don’t think Georgia is just going to tuck its tail between its legs and give up on the passing game completely just because Daniels is out. I think that freshman tight end Brock Bowers has another big game and he could get his first collegiate touchdown today.

• It’s going to be interesting to see how the offensive line shakes out with Tate Ratledge now out for the season. I think that Warren Ericson could start at right guard, but I think Justin Shaffer will shift over and Broderick Jones could move. to right tackle. Ericson and Sedrick Van Pran could rotate in the middle as well. However, I think Jamaree Salyer could move around and freshman Amarius Mims could come in and play left tackle at some point.

• Georgia’s defense is coming off a seven-sack performance against Clemson. I fully expect defensive coordinator Dan Lanning to bring the pressure, but I don’t think there will be that many sacks today. If so, UAB quarterback Tyler Johnston III could pick apart the Bulldog secondary. I believe UAB will pass the ball and test this Georgia defensive backfield, which limited Clemson’s DJ Uiagalelei to 181 yards last week.

• Georgia’s secondary is super thin, however, it is talented. Expect seniors Latavious Brini, Ameer Speed and Christopher Smith to have a great game on Saturday. Freshman Kelee Ringo had a couple of pass interference calls last week, so the Blazers could attack him and try to draw penalties. I think that Georgia will allow a long, explosive passing touchdown today, but I don’t think UAB will score after that.

• Injury Report:

  - Quarterback: JT Daniels - questionable

  - Wide Receiver: Kearis Jackson - probable

  - Wide Receiver: Dominick Blaylock - questionable

  - Tight End: Darnell Washington - doubtful

  - Defensive Back: Tykee Smith - doubtful

  - Offensive Lineman: Tate Ratledge - doubtful

  - Wide Receiver: George Pickens - out

  - Wide Receiver: Arik Gilbert - out

• Predictions: UAB will have more rushing yards than Clemson, but Georgia wins 42-7 on Saturday.