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Georgia vs Appalachian State: 3 bold predictions for Week 1

By Erich Hilkert

ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Jacob Eason #10 of the Georgia Bulldogs throws a pass during their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 13-7. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Jacob Eason #10 of the Georgia Bulldogs throws a pass during their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 13-7. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /
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BOONE, NC – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Dante Jones #13 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers takes the handoff from quarterback Taylor Lamb #11 and runs for a first down during the second quarter of an NCAA football game on October 1, 2016 at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
BOONE, NC – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Dante Jones #13 of the Appalachian State Mountaineers takes the handoff from quarterback Taylor Lamb #11 and runs for a first down during the second quarter of an NCAA football game on October 1, 2016 at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone, North Carolina. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

2. The Mountaineers’ offense gives Georgia problems… in the first half

On the whole, Georgia’s run defense was strong last season. However, the team struggled mightily against the triple option offense of Georgia Tech. The Mountaineers’ pass-run option now perfected by senior quarterback Taylor Lamb might prove to be challenging, too. Lamb is effective at handing the ball off to running back Jalin Moore, tucking the ball and running, or throwing the ball.

Georgia fans will recall last season Appalachian State scored two touchdowns in the first half against Tennessee. However, the Mountaineers were unable to score after that. Tennessee defensive coordinator Bob Shoop made the proper adjustments at halftime and Kirby Smart and Georgia defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will do the same.

The running duo of Moore and Lamb will keep the Bulldogs guessing during the first half and accumulate plenty of yards. However, just as the Volunteers managed to bottle up the attack in the second half, the Bulldogs will do the same. This could be a case where the game is close in the first half, affording the Mountaineers the opportunity to run the ball, but if the Bulldogs pull away in the second half, the Mountaineers might be forced to pass the ball.

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