2 3 4 OL position that UGA? stretch for UGA and this is an upset alert George Pickens leads a talented based on where it falls on the schedule. wide receiver room. Zamir White and UGA gets it done 34-13. James Cook lead a stocked running back Oct. 17: at Alabama Crimson group. Tide (Tuscaloosa, Ala.): Dawgs fall at On defense, safety Richard Alabama 24-21, but will see them again LeCounte III is one to watch after leading on December 19th in Atlanta for the SEC the Bulldogs in interceptions as a junior. title. The defensive backfield is stacked. Oct. 24: at Kentucky Wildcats he University of Georgia Nolan Smith and Azeez Ojulari have the (Lexington, Ky.): This one has me football teamT going into the 2020 season talent to push UGA near the top of the worried, Dawgs win this one in the 4th is favored once again to win the SEC East SEC in sacks this fall. quarter 28-21 to go into the bye week 4-1 for the 4th year in a row and coming off Jordan Davis at 330 pounds will Nov. 7: vs. Gators a third straight 11-win regular season. be a beast on the defensive line. (Jacksonville, Fla.): Florida is the trendy Kirby Smart has made UGA into Monty Rice and Nakobe Dean pick here. Big games are won on the line an elite program with his will handle the inside linebacker spots. of scrimmage and do you really think UF 44-12 record in his 4 seasons in Athens. This could be the best defense is going to dominate UGA there? I don’t Smart has developed one of the UGA has ever put in the field in 2020 and that will be the difference. UGA wins top rosters in the country. You have to from a talent perspective. 27-20. figure that as long as Kirby is in Athens Defense will have to lead the Nov. 14: at Missouri Tigers UGA is going to be one of the favorites way until the offense gets on track. If (Columbia, Mo.): UGA has never lost at annually in the SEC. the offense bounces back then UGA will Mizzou and won’t in 2020. Dawgs 41-17. Smart hired offensive coordinator contend for a national championship. Nov. 21: vs. Mississippi State Todd Monken in January to fix an offense The ten game SEC schedule and Bulldogs (Athens, Ga.): Welcome to that had become boringly predictable. my predictions: SEC Mike Leach where team defense is Monken has had dynamic Sept. 26: at Arkansas a focus. Dawgs roll 42-17 offenses at Oklahoma State and Southern Razorbacks (Fayetteville, Ark.): SEC Nov. 28: at South Carolina Mississippi and now has the most talent insiders say Arkansas has the worst roster Gamecocks (Columbia, S.C.): I’m he has ever worked with in the college in the conference. UGA rolls 42-13 worried folks. I have been at this place game at his disposal. Oct. 3: vs. Auburn Tigers too many times in person and watched Graduate transfer Jamie Newman (Athens, Ga.): “The Deep South’s Oldest UGA struggle. Dawgs win a war 19-14. looks to have the inside track at QB. Rivalry” in October for the first time Dec. 5: vs. Vanderbilt JT Daniels came in from USC and was since the 1930’s? Doesn’t matter UGA is Commodores (Athens, Ga.): Just what granted a waiver to play immediately by more talented and better coached. UGA the doctor ordered. Dawgs 48-7. the NCAA to give UGA great QB depth. wins 31-17 Georgia finishes the regular at The offensive line lost two Oct. 10: vs. Tennessee 9-1 with a 4th straight SEC East title, and starters to the NFL, but name me another Volunteers (Athens, Ga.): Tennessee beats Alabama for the SEC title and gets program that has recruited better at the is going to be good, but not great. Tough into the .

5 2816 accomplish more. seniors in Shawn Davis, Brad Stewart, A player who is ready to roll is Donovan Stiner and Quincy Lenton. former Miami five-star recruit Lorenzo Watch for Trey Dean to move to safety Lingard, who was declared eligible by and make an impact. the NCAA for this season. As expected, Florida will play Up front is a line that struggled five home games and just four road to open lanes in the running game. games thanks to Georgia being the With Mississippi State transfer designated home team for this year’s an Mullen took over a Stewart Reese, the unit looks more game. That game is still going to be Florida programD that went 4 and 7 and physical. True sophomore Ethan played in Jacksonville… the neutral many experts thought the program White will bring a nasty streak along site venue. needed a major overhaul. The Gators with determination and work ethic Florida opens with Ole’ Miss responded with 21 wins along with (Ethan lost 75 pounds prior to the on the road, Florida will host South two major bowl victories in Mullen’s 2019 season). Carolina, travel to Texas A&M, and first two seasons. The Gators Defense finished then host LSU in consecutive weeks. This isn’t a perfect team by any ninth in the nation overall and seventh The annual game against means. Florida needs several receivers in scoring defense helped by a fearsome Georgia has been pushed back a week to step up and the offensive line to pass rush. from Halloween to November 7th, run block better. The Gators need former five- with both teams getting a bye week The linebackers are unproven star Georgia transfer Brenton Cox prior to the cocktail party. as well, but as a team they are as rock to provide on the pass rush on the Florida will close the slate with solid as any competing team in the outside. Junior Zachary Carter needs games against Arkansas, at Vanderbilt, SEC. to be even more productive. Kyree against Kentucky before traveling to The emergence of Kyle Trask Campbell and Tedarrell Slaton will Tennessee for the season finale. and the efficiency of the passing game anchor the middle. Vegas had the over under at 7 made it easy to air-raid on offense. Junior linebacker Ventrell for total wins this season. In my expert The Gators threw for 300 yards or Miller returns after finishing second opinion, no one knows what’s going more eight times. on the team with 55 tackles. Look to happen to or in the 2020 college Leading receiver Van Jefferson for James Houston, Amari Burney, football season. is gone to the NFL, but Kyle Pitts Mohamoud Diabate and true freshman Will there be fans in the stand? will be one of the nation’s best tight Derek Wingo to see significant playing If so, how many? Can we throw home ends, he led the team last year with time. field advantage out the window? 54 receptions and 5 touchdowns. DBU will continue its legacy The SEC East will still be Junior running back Dameon with Marco Wilson and Kair Elam decided in Jacksonville, that being said Pierce was second on the team in 2019 locking down the corners with Jaydon I believe the Florida Gators will go 9 with 305 yards and 4 touchdowns, Hill and Chester Kimbrough working and 1 and represent the SEC East in but he’s got the impact and ability to with Amari Burney at the Star position. Atlanta. At safety, the Gators have four

7 Injured? Know When to Use Ice or Heat

Whether you are a weekend warrior or an athlete playing competitive sports, ice and heat can be your best friends. Knowing when and how to use each therapy is important, says Becky Joyner, M.S., ATC, PES, ITAT. Ms. Joyner is a certified athletic trainer (ATC) with the Southeast Georgia Health System Sports Medicine department. She works with her fellow ATCs providing area athletes with the best care possible by preventing, recognizing and managing sports injuries, including concussions. Here are her top tips to ease the pain of an athletic injury. 1. Ice Injuries Immediately. “For the first 24 hours after an injury, apply ice for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, to bring down swelling and inflammation. Ice is a vasoconstrictor; it limits inflammation, unlike heat which brings fluid to the injured area” Ms. Joyner explains. 2. Use Ice Correctly. Since ice numbs the skin, you may not always know if you are overdoing it. “When using ice, especially if it’s wrapped tightly around an injury, watch for any signs of blistering, ice burn or frost bite,” Ms. Joyner cautions. Unless you are using an ice pack specially designed for first-aid, wrap the ice in a towel or T-shirt before applying to the injury. 3. Know When to Stop. When the bruising and inflammation decrease – typically around 48 hours after an injury – stop using ice therapy. If you still feel stiff and sore, switch to heat.

4. Prevent Injuries with Heat. Applying heat before exercise warms the muscles and increases your flexibility. This is especially helpful if you have low back pain or tight hamstrings. Ms. Joyner recommends using a heating pad for 10 to 20 minutes before playing sports or working out. 5. Don’t Skip the Warm-up. A few minutes of stretching can protect you from a lot of pain and injury. “A low intensity warm-up routine is a good way to get your body moving before participating in sports,” Ms. Joyner says. 6. Cool Down. You may be tempted to rush back to the locker room, work or home after exercising, but take a few minutes to cool down. “Help your muscles stretch and lengthen with slow, range of motion movements through the major muscle groups,” Ms. Joyner advises. 7. Ask for Help. Your pain tolerance may determine when to seek medical help. However, other factors also come into play. “If swelling and bruising lasts more than three days to a week or weight bearing activities cause pain, see a sports medicine specialist,” Ms. Joyner says. 8. Know Your Body. Everyone has a different pain tolerance. Some people ice their knees or heat their back before every workout. If an injury limits your daily activities or you find yourself relying on Ibuprofen or other pain relievers, see a doctor who specializes in sports medicine. They will diagnose the problem and guide you to solutions that get you back in the game. For more information about the Southeast Georgia Health System Sports Medicine program, call 912-466-5745 or visit sghs.org/SportsMedicine.

8 9 16 the house by Auburn. He’s shown that ‘Chris Rix’ like ability to make

catastrophic plays in big games. True freshman Bryce Young was one of the top recruits in the

nation. He was the number one dual threat QB prospect and I expect to see Boys & Girls special packages using his skill set. labama has always been a The Tide finished 20th in Club of footballA powerhouse. the nation in total defense and 13th After a few lean years Nick in scoring D. At most programs that Southeast Saban was hired in 2007. He turned would be good but that’s a down year Georgia them into the most elite program for for this team. Five players were drafted the last decade. but they might be better this season. They recruit very well, so there 2018 leading tackler Dylan After School is a lot of talent in Tuscaloosa. Every Moses is back after suffering a season they have to replace NFL talent torn ACL and Joshua McMillon is Programs and they have mastered doing that. The also returning from a knee injury. question going into 2020 will be who Cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr. is one will step up. of the best in the country. Side note, I Monday- Friday Offensive coordinator Steve remember playing Madden 2004 with Sarkisian lost four players – Tua his dad on the Dolphins. 2:30-6:30pm Tagovailoa, Jedrick Wills, Henry Ruggs, Sophomore nose tackle DJ Dale Jerry Jeudy to the first 15 picks of the started the first 10 games last season NFL Draft. before getting injured. Byron Young, Tua completely changed the Christian Barmore and LaBryan Ray Tut ing and way Bama played football. Before him, will be great on the ends. they ran the football and played great The updated 10 game SEC Homew k help defense. He transformed them into a schedule will not be a problem for prolific offense that scored at will. Alabama. The first three games are Last year, the offense scored against Mizzou, Texas A & M and Snack and the second-most points in program Ole Miss. Those are easy blow out history. They averaged 511 yards and victories. hot dinner 47 points per game. Game 4 is home against There are some difference Georgia. This is the toughest game of served daily makers returning like RB Najee Harris, the season but I have no faith in UGA. WR DeVonta Smith, and OT Alex They always fold in big games and the Leatherwood. Crimson Tide have their number. Smith lead the team in The next two contests are at 9 locations receiving in 2019 with 1,256 yards, Tennessee and home versus Mississippi 14 touchdowns on 68 catches. Jaylen State. The Vols could put up a fight but in Glynn County Waddle is a playmaker and he averaged their no match. MSU doesn’t stand a 17 yards per catch. chance. Harris was unappreciated After a bye week they travel to nationally after rushing for 1,224 yards Baton Rouge to face LSU. Bama will and 13 scores. get revenge on the Tigers for beating Brian Robinson Jr. and star them at home last year. recruit Jace McClellan are the other The final three games are backs that will get carries. Kentucky, Auburn and at Arkansas. Visit Junior , Mac Jones Auburn will be the only challenge. It’s is the safe call to step in and lead the a rivalry game so anything can happen. www.bgcsega.com offense. He played after Tua got injured I’m picking Alabama to go f m e and missed the rest of the season. undefeated and be the top team going He threw 14 TD’s and 3 into the post season. inf mation picks but two of them were taken to

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12 13 24 coming in any high-pressure situations, of senior Austin Deculus and junior Ed is great. Especially when considering that Ingram, the rest of the returning OL LSU has no other with any and the hopefuls for playing time are all experience on the roster. underclassmen. That likely puts even more On the bright side, LSU returns pressure on Brennan, who isn’t going to with Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall, stop getting compared to Burrow until Jr. as wide receivers. he wins a national title. Chase, in fact, set SEC season t’s so incredibly difficult for a In short, LSU is going to lean records with 1,780 receiving yards and college footballI program to follow up a heavily on this kid, and the fact that there 20 touchdowns as a sophomore. national championship win with anything aren’t any non-conference games on the They’ll be some of the few key resembling a satisfying season that doesn’t schedule this year isn’t going to alleviate pieces of 2019’s offense that’s back in end in a repeat. that fact. purple and gold, but that consistency will With that said, despite some But Burrow isn’t the only certainly help the rest of the team find a very uncertain times, Louisiana State important player that LSU needs to groove sooner rather than later. University is going to enter the shortened replace. They also lost their leading That is essentially the opposite 2020 season with their eyes on a second rusher in running back Clyde Edwards- situation at tight end, where only one consecutive championship win. Helaire (the player with the next-highest of the 10 TEs on the roster hoping to The biggest hurdle is the fact yard total, 1,414 to 368, was Burrow). replace Thaddeus Moss has even caught that their vaunted offense, which lost Edwards-Helaire’s 16 touchdowns were a pass in college. six players to the NFL Draft, is being matched only by, literally, the rest of the That player is Jamal Pettigrew rebuilt around a quarterback who has team combined. and that catch was last year for a one-yard the unenviable task of trying to replace There are some options, including loss. and replicate outgoing QB Joe Burrow’s Tyrion Davis-Price (maybe another Basically, what I’m getting at here historic success. hyphenated last name is a good sign?), is that the 2020 LSU Tigers are facing an Burrow was probably the most who carried the ball in nearly every game uphill battle, not just because every single successful quarterback that the Tigers as a freshman in 2019. game they’re going to play is going to be have ever seen, so junior Myles Brennan He had the second-most rushing against an SEC team; not even because has impossibly large cleats to fill. touchdowns on the team, so he seems like they aren’t talented (they are); but because Mercifully, he isn’t going in the natural choice to step up and lead the of the enormous success of the squad that completely inexperienced, the way some team in that stat in 2020. wore their uniforms last season. quarterbacks do when they are replacing He’ll have some solid backup in In a season where they’ll great ones. Brennan caught snaps in eight Chris Curry and John Emery, Jr., both of exclusively play teams from what’s games in 2019 (all blowouts). In that whom rushed for at least 188 yards last generally the strongest conference in limited playing time, he threw for 353 season. college football, the 2020 Tigers’ hardest yards along with a touchdown and one But wait, there’s more: three contest may very well be against the 2019 interception. members of the 2019 Joe Moore Award- Tigers. That experience, despite not winning offensive line went pro. Outside Will they be up to the task?

15 22 When you take into account Look, in all honesty I’m the last time we saw Lawrence he was probably doing a disservice to the playing the worst game of his college rest of Clemson’s roster by not going career against LSU and combine it more in depth about just how good with everything else going on in the they truly are. They may very well world, it’s easy to almost dismiss how be the deepest, most talented team good the junior quarterback is. in the country. In fact, if I had to As impressive as he was in pick a favorite to win it all, all things It shouldn’t really surprise leading Clemson to a national title being equal, I’d probably lean towards anyone that a college football coach two years ago, he actually improved Clemson. who makes roughly $9 million a year on his stats last year. Like most seasons, being in the and has publicly stated he would quit If I’m Swinney and I know ACC will play to Clemson’s advantage coaching if college players were ever to my best chance at winning is having and Lawrence should be able to put be paid, (as well as other controversial a healthy Lawrence under center, up some pretty gaudy numbers. comments and actions) has been vocal I’m hiring four bodyguards to keep However, there is a stretch in about how there should be a college everyone at least six feet away from November where they play at South football season. my quarterback and forcing him to Bend, Tallahassee, and Blacksburg, Don’t get me wrong, Dabo wear a breathing apparatus, similar which could be a struggle. Swinney certainly isn’t the only coach to Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises” I still expect the Tigers to who has been vocal about there being while he’s on the field. roll through the ACC unscathed, but

Clemson has top level talent if they are to slip up, at this point it a season, and I’m not saying there at nearly every position (the offensive seems likely to happen against one of should or shouldn’t be, just that his line and backfield, in particular) and those teams. comments about doing things because their backups, which may be more We all know this upcoming they’re in the best interest of the kids important this year than any in recent season is going to be vastly different ring a bit hollow when I hear them. memory, are good enough to start on than any we’ve seen and even though The reason why Swinney is so most other teams. there’s a good chance the year will be adamant about playing football, and If Lawrence were to miss cut short, Clemson will be a national I get it, is because Clemson is once games due to injury or illness, Clemson title contender for however long it again one of the favorites to win the could still weather that storm and goes. championship. contend for a playoff spot. But, when Even if Clemson struggles, I Any conversation about the you’re talking about the national title, don’t expect to hear Swinney complain Tigers chance to win a third title in having arguably the best player at the about it too much, you know, since five years begins with quarterback, most vital position available to play it’s really for the kids. Trevor Lawrence. every week, is kind of a necessity.

17 1822 19

passes. I expect Jordan Yates and Sims when Clemson comes to town. Trevor to compete for the starting job. Lawrence will be the first pick in the The offensive line should 2021 draft. He should throw five improve this season. They have grad touchdowns and Travis Etienne will transfer Ryan Johnson (Tennessee) rush for over 100 yards. The Tigers and Devin Cochran (Vanderbilt). will score 50+ points in this blowout. The defense uses an Boston College was very unorthodox 4-2-5 scheme. Several inconsistent last season, winning half eorgia Tech struggled on players return so they have a of their games. We don’t know what the fieldG last year. foundation to improve. David Curry to expect from the Eagles, so this Geoff Collins was 3 – 9 his is a sixth-year senior and he led the game is winnable. first season in Atlanta. The team was team last year with 97 tackles. Notre Dame comes to town transitioning from Paul Johnson and The schedule has changed so for a Halloween showdown. The the triple-option era. The switch to a there are 10 conference games. Fighting Irish will win big. more modern offensive philosophy Week 1 is at Florida State. The After a bye week the Pitt helped expose the roster for lacking Seminoles are also transitioning and Panthers are up next. Pitt is a decent ACC talent and being undersized. this is ’s first season. They team and they are better than Tech. Collins is a defensive coach were good enough to win six regular They will get the W. and a very good recruiter. He’s doing season games. I think this will be a Miami also has a second-year his best to reshape the roster with close game but FSU has the edge. coach, Manny Diaz. The Hurricanes improved talent. Central Florida travels to finished 6 – 7 but they struggled The 2020 recruiting class Atlanta the next week. The Knights against a bad Georgia Tech team. ranked 27th nationally and 5th in the are not a Power 5 team but they are a They won 28-21 in overtime last year. ACC. They have four players that are very good program. They should win Miami is the favorite but I expect GT four-star recruits. by double digits. to win. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs The Yellow Jackets take the Duke is the final home game headlines the class. long trip to Syracuse. The Orange of the season. I pick the Yellow Jackets Quarterback , corner were 2 - 6 in the conference in 2019. to win even though there won’t be back Miles Brooks and defensive end This game should be close and I think much of an advantage for home teams Jared Ivey also hope to contribute Tech will win. in 2020. immediately. The offense ranked They return home to face The season finale is at NC 120th in yards per play (4.79) and Louisville. The Cardinals won eight State. The Wolfpack are just what went three-and-out forty percent of games last season. They are led by star the doctor ordered. They were 1 – 7 the time. running back Javian Hawkins. As a in the conference in 2019. Tech gets Redshirt sophomore James freshman he rushed for over 1,500 the win. Graham became the starter in yards and 9 touchdowns in 2019. The Best case scenario is 4 wins October. He’s a former four-star Cards have too much talent for GT. for Georgia Tech in 2020. recruit and he completed 45% of his Things don’t get any better

21 22 23

talent wins out more often than not. FSU football stadium named after a corporate beats GT 28-17 to start 1-0 sponsor 38-20. Sept. 19: vs. Samford: Shame FSU is 4-2 on the season. If you on you SEC for ducking out of the big want to be respected in college football ACC/SEC rivalry games in 2020. Instead never name your stadium after a corporate of FSU/UF we get FSU against Samford. sponsor. FSU beats Samford 38-10 to go to 2-0 Nov. 7: vs. Pitt: FSU goes to on the season. 5-2 with a home win over Pitt 33-21 Sept. 26: at Miami: Now we Nov. 14: at North Carolina ith the ACC releasing are talking schedule maker. State: NC State is a program that is the revisedW 2020 football schedule this The Seminoles travel to play the perceived as spinning its wheels. FSU week the Mike Norvell era will begin on Canes. FSU has won five of the last six goes to Raleigh and gets it done 24-19 September 12th with an ACC contest times they have traveled to Miami to play to go to 6-2. against Georgia Tech. this one. Nov. 21: vs. Clemson: Clemson With the ACC adopting the 10 Miami is currently riding a three comes into + 1 schedule format with 10 conference game winning streak in the series. Talent undefeated and leaves undefeated. games plus one out of conference game it is pretty much even between the two This game will show FSU how was believed that FSU’s non-conference teams and it comes down to coaching. far they need to go to get back to being game would be rival Florida, but the I think Mike Norvell is a better the FSU we know again. Clemson wins SEC did not follow suit and adopted a head coach than Manny Diaz so give me 41-20. FSU drops to 6-3 on the season.

ten-game conference only schedule. FSU in a slight upset 24-20. The Noles Nov. 28: vs. Virginia: Virginia Let’s breakdown the FSU start 3-0 and become nationally ranked. is highly thought of in the ACC, but I’m schedule and predict wins and losses. Oct. 10: at Notre Dame: FSU not feeling it. I like FSU in this game after Sept. 12: vs. Georgia Tech: gets a bye week before going to South having almost a full season under Mike Georgia Tech comes to Doak Campbell Bend. Who would have thought the only Norvell’s leadership. FSU upsets Virginia to open the season, and this could be an thing that could make Notre Dame join 28-24 to go to 7-3 on the season. interesting game. a conference would be Coronavirus? Dec. 5: at Duke: Trap game The Yellow Jackets are still The Irish will be ranked in the after a big win. I’ll give a shaky pick to rebuilding from the triple option days of top 10, and FSU is not quite ready in year FSU here 31-28. FSU finishes the regular Paul Johnson, and for FSU, it is the first one under Norvell and falls 27-20. FSU season at 8-3 and gets a nice bowl bid. game of a new system with a new head drops to 3-1 on the season. Best case record is 8-3 as I coach with no spring practice to evaluate Oct. 17: vs. North Carolina: predict, and worst case record is 5-6 with from. UNC is looking good under losses to Miami, NC State, and Virginia. This could be a sloppy opener and get a win in Tallahassee 31-24. FSU FSU getting back to full strength with both teams not looking so hot. We drops to 3-2 in the near future would be great for know that FSU has better talent than Oct. 24: at Louisville: FSU college football. Georgia Tech and at the end of the day regroups and beats Louisville in a college

25

most impactful. has proven he can play at that level There are quite a few aspects and I’d argue the ACC, as a whole, to like about the former Houston isn’t that much of a step up. Cougar quarterback, and none may be We’ll find out pretty quickly if more important to this Miami team King is ready for the challenge though; than his mobility. Miami’s first four games are UAB (not Throughout last season, the a gimme by any stretch), Louisville only consistent part of Miami’s team (should be vastly improved from last hen Manny Diaz reneged was the inability of their offensive year), Florida State, and Clemson. on his dealW with Temple so he could line to do almost anything. If college Throw in the recent stay in Coral Gables, similar to a high football handed out Razzie’s, the announcement that Miami’s All- school recruit changing his decision Hurricanes O-Line would’ve been ACC defensive end, Greg Rousseau, on signing day, I’m sure he knew his nominated in multiple categories. just announced he will sit outside inaugural season as head coach of the Diaz has made some drastic the season due to Covid-19 and the Miami Hurricanes would have its ups personnel moves, both on the roster spotlight on King got even brighter. and downs. and on his coaching staff to address That’s not to say this entire However, even their highs- the situation, but you don’t know how season is riding on the transfers wins over Florida State and Virginia- those changes will play out until the shoulders, but his talent and couldn’t outweigh the lows as they games begin. King’s mobility should playmaking ability will enable him lost their last three games to Florida allow him to extend plays when the to hide some of the deficiencies on International, Duke, and Louisiana protection breaks down, especially that side of the ball. Tech; the last one a shutout loss in early in the season. I had a little too much the Independence Bowl. Now, don’t let the importance confidence in Miami when I predicted Like most teams that finish I put on his mobility take away from them to win 8 games last season. a season with a record of 6-7, there the fact King can flat out play. With a more difficult and slightly was plenty of inconsistent play to go The 5th year senior was 2nd abbreviated schedule I think six wins around, but none more so than on team All-AAC his junior year, with a this year is a realistic expectation to the offensive side of the ball. 6/1 touchdown to interception ratio, lay at their feet. Enter D’Eriq King. before getting injured. He was on all If they are to exceed six wins, A number of quarterback the preseason quarterback award lists it will have a lot to do with the play transfers took place this off season, before redshirting last year. of D’Eriq King; the type of impact and while others may get more I know relying on a person’s player Manny Diaz always thought he publicity because they’re playing on play from the AAC two years ago isn’t could get at Miami. teams with national title aspirations, the most effective example in trying you could argue that King may be the to convince you I’m right, but King

27 22 The Sun Belt has followed should give the offense an immediate suit with the other major conferences boost. throughout the southeast in pressing on Defensively, the Eagles lose with football season despite the ongoing three of four starters in the secondary COVID-19 pandemic. - including Chicago Bears fifth round Georgia Southern has had players pick Kindle Vildor - but have a deep on campus since early July and has not pool of young corners ready to step up, had anyone opt out of the season due to while safeties Kenderick Duncan Jr. and espite a second consecutive virus concerns. Java’n Singletary look to be stars in the winning seasonD and another trip to a bowl That leaves the Eagles with a making. game, it would be tough to call 2019 a returning cast that could create all kinds The teeth of the Eagle defense rousing success for the Georgia Southern of problems for opponents. lies in its front seven. Eagles. Leading the way is quarterback Georgia Southern adjusted rather While the Eagles and head coach Shai Werts, who will be the starter for a seamlessly to defensive coordinator Scot Chad Lunsford - who is now entering fourth consecutive season. Sloan’s 3-4 scheme three years ago and his third full season at the helm - seem Werts will direct Georgia now have the physicality to match the to have put the dark days of the Tyson Southern’s run-heavy attack and will alignments. Summers era well behind them, they are have plenty of options in the backfield. Raymond Johnson III is an all- still looking to get to the top of the Sun All-Sun Belt member Wesley conference performer from his defensive Belt mountain. Kennedy III returns for his senior season, end slot, while Rashad Byrd and Reynard Last season provided the Eagles alongside J.D. King. Ellis could be the best 1-2 punch of with a chance, as they defeated No. 20 Also joining in will be Logan linebackers in the Sun Belt in their dual Appalachian State on national television Wright, who was having the best season ILB roles. to give them a clear path to a Sun Belt of the three running backs in 2019 before The Eagles are currently slated East title, but late hiccups sent Georgia a neck injury in October sidelined him to play 11 games, missing out on a trip Southern to a second straight third place for the season. to Boise State and replacing a road date finish. There is no denying the at Ole Miss with a trip to West Point to Heading into 2020, hopes are playmaking talent at the skill positions, play Army and former Eagle coach Jeff once again high for the Eagles, as they but to reach their full potential, the Eagles Monken. will again feature enough talent to be in will need more help from the guys making The Eagles are in search of their the discussion of potential conference the running lanes. first Sun Belt Conference championship champions. Georgia Southern’s offensive line since winning the title in 2014 in their Of course, the biggest hurdle is was ravaged by injuries last fall, but the first season of FBS competition. getting onto the field in the first place. return of Aaron Dowdell and Brian Miller

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