Georgia Football: 5 things to watch in 2019 G-Day game

1. Changes in offensive philosophy 

Deriving anything significant in terms of offensive changes is nearly impossible during a spring game. Typically, coaches play things as close to the vest as possible, afraid to reveal anything that could give future opponents any kind of advantage.

That doesn’t mean that subtle differences aren’t present, though. For instance, at Alabama’s spring game, it was noticed that Tua Tagovailoa was taking more snaps from under center with new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian calling the shots instead of now Maryland head coach Mike Locksley.

Georgia isn’t likely to see a major change in philosophy after the departure of offensive coordinator Jim Chaney to rival Tennessee. James Coley was promoted from co-offensive coordinator to the full gig, and the Bulldogs are likely going to play things similarly as they have in years past.

But with Fromm, Smart has a legitimate NFL prospect at quarterback with a pro arm. The Bulldogs also have a lot of talent at receiver, with more on the way in the next couple of months. It might behoove Smart to remove the training wheels and trust Fromm to make more plays down the field.

He’s done it in spurts, if you look at both games against Alabama the last two years Smart was more liberal in letting his young quarterback make plays. It worked both times, with Fromm nearly willing the team to victory.

It’ll be tough to not lean on the running game still, though, even with the departure of Elijah Holyfield. Junior D’Andre Swift might be the best running back in the SEC and the depth behind him is strong as well. Senior Brian Herrien is getting every opportunity to carve out a role this spring, and talented young running backs like sophomore James Cook and redshirt freshman Zamir White are likely to be in the rotation next season, though injuries have limited them in the spring.

Georgia is loaded with offensive talent, and a more aggressive approach might be necessary while a young defense finds its footing.