The Georgia defense’s success at stopping the run had a lot to do with the Bulldogs reaching the SEC title game, where they’ll face an LSU offense that can call upon four running backs good enough to start for most teams.
“That’s maybe one of the more compelling matchups of the game, I would say, our run defense vs. their run offense,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said.
Georgia ranks No. 3 in the SEC (No. 6 nationally) in rushing defense, allowing 94.8 yards per game, while LSU ranks No. 2 in the league (No. 18 nationally) in rushing offense, gaining 215.8 yards per game.
LSU’s physical, high-caliber backs ensure that the Tigers have fresh legs in the game at all times. Michael Ford has rushed for 721 yards, Spencer Ware for 687, Alfred Blue for 445 and Kenny Hilliard for 248. The first three are sophomores and Hilliard a freshman. Senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson also is a threat to run; he has 253 rushing yards.
“They’ve got so many weapons just in the run game itself,” Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin said.
Said LSU offensive lineman Will Blackwell: “The best thing for us is, we don’t have to put the whole load on one guy. When one of those guys comes in, he can just pound it as much as he can and look forward to getting a little break.”
Richt said the strengths of LSU’s running game include the blocking of the offensive line and fullback J.C. Copeland.
“They’re very well-equipped to run the football and to run it in such a way that they wear you down as the game goes on, from what I’ve seen,” Richt said.
Georgia’s defense, though, has held six of eight SEC opponents below 60 yards rushing.
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