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When: Saturday, September 10, 2016
Where: Sanford Stadium, Athens, Ga.
Time: Noon ET
Radio: Bulldog Radio Network. Here is a list of affiliates.
TV: SEC Network
How to watch online: WatchESPN
Odds: Spread not yet available, per OddsShark
Preview
More on Georgia
More on Georgia
The No. 9 Georgia Bulldogs (1-0) return to the field on Saturday for head coach Kirby Smart’s first home game as head coach of his alma mater. The opposition this week is the FCS Nicholls State Colonels.
Last week, UGA defeated North Carolina, 33-24 in an exciting matchup to kick off the 2016 college football season. Running back Nick Chubb returned to action in a big way, rushing for 222 yards and two touchdowns; a performance that resulted in Chubb being named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
At quarterback, senior Greyson Lambert started, but it was freshman Jacob Eason that made the biggest impact. Eason completed 8-of-12 passes for 131 yards and a score and his 51-yard strike to Isaiah McKenzie in the fourth quarter helped set up Georgia’s go-ahead score.
UGA’s defense held its own against a strong North Carolina offense. UNC finished the game with 315 total yards, including just 156 yards through the air.
Now, the Bulldogs get what should be an easy stat-building contest versus Nicholls.
This is the Colonels first game of the 2016 season. In 2015, Nicholls went 3-8, including a 3-6 mark in the Southland Conference. Last fall, the Colonels averaged just 17 points per game, while allowing almost 33 points per contest.
Key Players
Nicholls State QB Tuskani Fugaro
As a junior in 2015, Fugaro started the first nine games for the Colonels before missing the final two games due to injury. Fugaro completed 55 percent of his passes for 925 yards, while throwing six interceptions versus only four touchdowns. Fugaro finished second on the team with 456 rushing yards and five scores.
Fugaro could be in for an extremely long day in Athens on Saturday afternoon.
Georgia QB Jacob Eason
Is this the week Eason makes his starting debut? It certainly appears so. And Smart would be—well, Smart—to have Eason start against Nicholls.
Jacob Eason will start for Georgia against Nicholls State. This will be his first career, collegiate start. #UGA
— Sherree Burruss (@SherreeBurruss) September 9, 2016
An opponent like this is less than a scrimmage for the Bulldogs. However, it would be a live game environment, which would be invaluable for Eason. It allows the freshman to gain more experience and continue developing a rapport with his receivers.
In his first college action last week, Eason was terrific. He completed 8-of-12 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t look the part of a freshman and was aggressive—but smart—with the football.
Georgia RB Nick Chubb
What can Chubb do for an encore after last week’s 222-yard effort against UNC?
Well, Chubb could probably set a single-game record for rushing, but the Bulldogs probably won’t need him past the first quarter. This is the type of game where Chubb will get some early touches, take a couple to the house and build his numbers for a likely run at the Heisman. Then, Chubb should take a seat.
So, what happens?
If there is a certainty in college football for Week 2 it’s that the Georgia Bulldogs will defeat the Nicholls Colonels. And it won’t be close.
Expect Eason and Chubb to get some early action before bowing out for some of UGA’s inexperienced backups.
Prediction: Georgia 55, Nicholls State 3