Georgia Football: 3 keys to victory for vs. Baylor in Sugar Bowl

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with D'Andre Swift #7 after a long touchdown run during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Head coach Kirby Smart of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates with D'Andre Swift #7 after a long touchdown run during the second half against the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Shut down Denzel Mims, Charlie Brewer

The Bulldogs lost many playmakers on the defensive side of the ball in the offseason. Their secondary was the most experienced defensive position group returning for the Bulldogs.

Despite losing J.R. Reed for the game against Baylor, they are in good shape to compete against a dangerous Bears’ passing offense. While their dual-threat quarterback in Charlie Brewer is a player they must be aware, the Bulldogs will need to be wary of the Bears’ top receiver in Denzel Mims.

Mims has accounted for 61 receptions for 945 yards for an average of 15.5 yards per reception and 11 touchdowns. Mims has been the most impactful player for Baylor’s offense this season. He is a receiver that can beat opposing defensive backs deep and in short passing situations. If Georgia stops him, they will stop most of their offensive productivity.

This will be a tough matchup for Georgia cornerback Eric Stokes along with some potential extra help.

One of the other keys of the game will be to suppress Brewer in the passing game and run game. Mims will not be the only receiver for Brewer to throw. Reading the routes of all the Bears is a key that the secondary is known for. The other major key to stopping Brewer is to keep him from running for the extra yards. Keeping him in the pocket and either making the sack or force him to pass too soon will be a big victory for the Bulldogs’ defense.