The Georgia Bulldogs will be a little shorthanded when they take on the South Carolina Gamecocks this Saturday (3:30 p.m. on CBS).
Injuries plagued the Bulldogs for much of 2013. But as The Athens Banner-Herald’s Marc Weiszer notes, it appears that bad luck has crept its way into this season as well:
That’s not all, as wide receiver Jonathan Rumph will also be joining the pair on the sidelines, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Chip Towers.
All together, these losses will greatly impact Georgia’s game plan on Saturday.
How It Affects the Passing Attack
Quarterback Hutson Mason could have used a few more weapons.
Although the Bulldogs won the season opener, Mason was nothing more than a game manager. The senior threw for just 131 yards on 18-of-26 passing. Not exactly the kind of numbers that Georgia is accustomed from getting out of its quarterbacks.
To his credit, though, the injuries have depleted a wide receiving corps that even head coach Mark Richt knows could use help.
“It’s a little shaky right now,” Richt said of his wide receiver depth, per Towers’ report. “We better keep recruiting, I can tell you that."
Bulldawg Illustrated’s Logan Booker believes the cavalry is on its way:
The freshman duo of Sony Michel and Isaiah McKenzie combined for just five catches for 31 yards in Week 1. A 5-star and 4-star recruit, respectively, expect the pair to only keep getting better with each game played.
Mason will be hoping that holds true, as the Bulldogs offense will be traveling to their personal house of horrors in Williams-Brice Stadium—the unit has failed to top 20 points in Columbia since 1994.
Being without a trio of talented and experienced receivers for this trip was not what Georgia had hoped for. Especially with Mason making his first true start in a hostile environment.
How It Affects the Rushing Attack
Everyone in their right mind knows the Bulldogs will try to run the ball down their opponent’s throat.
Running back Todd Gurley is one of the best, if not the best, running backs in the nation. The junior staked his claim for the Heisman Trophy in the season opener, rushing for 198 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries. He also added another score off of a kickoff return.
However, if Mason can’t keep the passing attack at a respectable level, then Gurley’s production could be in jeopardy.
All it takes is a couple interceptions or a string of incompletions for the Gamecocks secondary to lose confidence in Mason’s ability to beat them. If that were the case, don’t be surprised if the unit completely loads the box against the run.
Granted, Gurley could run through a brick wall if necessary, it’s an unnecessary hurdle for the talented running back.
Needless to say, it’s important for Mason to make the most with the receivers he does have playing.
All stats, recruiting information and rankings used in this article are courtesy of CFBStats.com and 247Sports.
For complete coverage and everything Oklahoma football, you can reach Sebastian on Twitter and via email at Sebastian.LenaBR@gmail.com.
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