3 Georgia players that could pose a serious threat to Riley Leonard in Sugar Bowl
The Georgia Bulldogs are just two wins away from their third national championship in the Kirby Smart era. Next in their way are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day, fresh off their beatdown of the Indiana Hoosiers.
While the Fighting Irish will not have defensive lineman Rylie Mills, the Bulldogs will be without quarterback Carson Beck for the rest of the playoffs. That is a huge blow for the Dawgs, whose offense will now have Gunner Stockton under center.
Beck’s absence could turn the heat up on the defense. The unit has struggled at times, but it was the key to beating the Texas Longhorns twice. The defense may have to carry the team if they want to add another title to their trophy case.
3 Georgia players that could pose a serious threat to Riley Leonard
Riley Leonard is an experienced and talented quarterback. The Georgia defense will not only be forced to stop the Fighting Irish physical rushing attack, but also limit what Leonard can do through the air.
Here are three players who could give Leonard a hard time.
#3. Daylen Everette, Cornerback
The Norfolk, Virginia cornerback came up huge in both wins over Texas with three interceptions and a fumble recovery. While he did not record an interception in any other games this season, he could come up big again in the Sugar Bowl.
Riley Leonard doesn’t pass the ball as much as other quarterbacks, as the Irish prefer to establish the ground game. However, he has been prone to make mistakes with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this year. Leonard threw a pick early against the Hoosiers. Everette could bait him into making a mistake.
#2. Jalon Walker, Linebacker
Walker tied for the Georgia lead with 6.5 sacks but he was also fourth in tackles, with 58. He is versatile and can pressure Leonard in passing situations or track him down if he takes the ball and runs.
Leonard ran the ball 135 times for 751 yards, so bringing him down in the open field is equally important for the Bulldogs. Walker is well-suited to go after the Notre Dame quarterback regardless of the situation.
#1. Malaki Starks, Safety
The hard-hotting safety can make his presence felt all over the field. Starks led the team in tackles, with 73, adding an interception and three pass deflections. He was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back in the country.
While he isn’t as adept at intercepting the football as other members of the Georgia secondary, he can cover a lot of ground and is a sure-tackler. Starks could be the most important player for the Dawgs in the Sugar Bowl.
Who do you think will advance to the College Football Playoff when the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl on New Year's Day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.