It’s No. 3 Georgia versus No. 11 Oregon on Saturday in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game.
The Ducks are led by first-year head coach and former UGA defensive coordinator Dan Lanning, along with Auburn transfer quarterback Bo Nix.
The Bulldogs kick off their national title defense led by National Championship Offensive MVP Stetson Bennett backed by a new-look defense.
Here’s what Oregon media has to say about the Dawgs ahead of the matchup.
Know the Opponent: Georgia’s offense doesn’t want to be overlooked anymore
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
By Don Smalley, Ducks Wire
“While there are some minor areas for improvement, it’s hard to imagine Bennett can get markedly better after the numbers he put up last season. He completed 64.5 percent of his passes, 29 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.
Bennett’s favorite target turned out to be a true freshman in tight end Brock Bowers. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder from Napa, Calif. caught 56 passes, 13 of those receptions went for touchdowns. Bowers was a First-Team All-American and Georgia is hoping for more of the same.
They did lose running backs Zamir White and James Cook off of last year’s squad, but Kenny McIntosh (eight career touchdowns) and Kendell Milton (three career touchdowns) look to be UGA’s next 1-2 punch in the backfield.”
Georgia QB Stetson Bennett IV has Dan Lanning’s respect
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
By Erik Skopil, Ducks Territory (247Sports)
“Bennett’s poor play in last year’s SEC Championship game, the team’s only loss, left many asking for another option. He came through when it mattered most though.
The 5-foot-11 senior threw for 224 yards and a pair of touchdown’s in last season’s national championship game win over Alabama. In doing so, he helped deliver the Bulldogs their first national title in over 40 years. He was named the game’s Offensive MVP.
Bennett is also capable of using his feet to make plays. The task of bringing him down behind the line is made difficult because of his pocket presence. He ran for 259 yards and a touchdown last season.”
How the Ducks Can Stun the Bulldogs
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
By Joshua Witted, FishDuck
“It will be nearly impossible for the Ducks to consistently drive down the field against this Bulldog defense. No, this isn’t the same historically dominant defense as last year, but it will still be among the best — if not the very best — in the country by the…