Georgia’s bench-emptying win against Massachusetts provided a fun game for both the fans and players, even if Georgia was favored by over 40 points. Everyone was able to get into the mix. Players deep into the depth chart gave the fans a glimpse of what the future will look like in a few years.
After the game was obviously in hand, Sanford Stadium was not empty in the slightest. Most Dawgs fans will not argue the fact that Jake Fromm is the starter for Georgia. That does not mean excitement does not fill the stadium when Justin Fields steps foot on the field. He did not disappoint. He finished the game with three total touchdowns and 221 total yards. One included a spin move to walk into the end zone. Fields also fired a bomb to Mecole Hardman for a 57-yard touchdown. The freshman phenom became just the third Bulldog quarterback to ever rush for 100 yards in a game and the first since 1999. These numbers earned Fields SEC Freshman of the week privileges and possibly will earn him more snaps.
A Chance to make their mark
Another fan favorite had himself a career day against the Minutemen. Tyler Simmons, who became beloved by fans after the National Championship game, exploded for a couple big plays. He started the game off by taking the third play from scrimmage 49 yards to the house off an end-around run. Later in the half, Fromm hit Simmons with a beautiful pass along the sideline for a 71-yard touchdown. He has had plenty of playing time this season, but Simmons has not been involved in the offense as much as he would prefer. He is always used to be a run blocker along with Jayson Stanley. When teams see those two on the field together, they can predict a run. If Georgia can utilize Simmons’ speed on the outside more, he can be more than just a blocker and make the offense less predictive.
Running Back U
Georgia’s historic stereotype is having three or four solid running backs. This season, D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield have taken most of the carries. This has left freshmen James Cook out of the mix. He has had a few chances to show his potential, but Saturday was his breakout performance. Cook only touched the ball four times, but he sure made them count. He caught one pass and took it for 23 yards, and also had three carries for 76 yards. His two touchdown runs gave people flashbacks of his brother’s college days at Florida State, Dalvin Cook. James might even be a little quicker and smoother than Dalvin was. It is always a blessing when your fourth-string back can create big plays.
Dawg fans really were a bit more anxious to see how much work backup quarterback Fields would get than wondering about players from the depths of the Georgia roster. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting Georgia’s domination of the visiting Minutemen on the final drive. The fans still in the stands were forced to open up their game programs to figure out who it was on the field. Tailbacks Ian Donald-McIntyre, Prather Hudson, and Lofton Tidwell got in on the action. Wide receiver Will Erdman was also among them, taking an end-around for a first down. Third-string quarterback Matthew Downing had his moments too, completing all four of his pass attempts for 48 yards.
The burning topic for the game was to see Fields play and how he would perform. However, fans got the opportunity to know the other players on the team. It is always a feel-good moment when the walk-ons and scout team players get the chance to suit up and get on the field between the hedges.
