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Arkansas Football: Do the Hogs now have a shot against Georgia?

By Tommy Tabler

FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 14: Rakeem Boyd #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Colorado State Rams at Razorback Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rams 55-34. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - SEPTEMBER 14: Rakeem Boyd #5 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs the ball during a game against the Colorado State Rams at Razorback Stadium on September 14, 2019 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Razorbacks defeated the Rams 55-34. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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On paper, the matchup between Arkansas and Georgia on September 26th could not be a bigger mismatch.

The matchup with Georgia will also be a reunion of current Arkansas football head coach Sam Pittman and his former team the Georgia Bulldogs. The college football landscape is always changing and a game 24 hours ago that did not appear winnable has taken on a more optimistic look.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was made aware that Georgia quarterback Jamie Newman was going to opt out this season and prepare for the NFL draft. Newman had transferred to Georgia from Wake Forest. Newman was dangerous throwing the ball passing for 2,868 yards and 11 touchdowns, but he was just as problematic on the ground rushing for 574 yards and six touchdowns. Newman choosing to opt out do to COVID-19 gives the Georgia quarterback situation a bit of a problem, which will need to be resolved before kickoff on September 26th.

Georgia will have to lean on JT Daniels who has not been cleared for contact after having recovering from ACL surgery. Daniels, while he was a USC Trojan, displayed good accuracy with the football. The Bulldogs will have three other options to evaluate other than Daniels over the next week. D’wan Mathis, Carson Beck, and Stetson Bennet. All will get a close look from Kirby Smart and company.

Arkansas and Georgia both will be resetting what they would like to do offensively. Arkansas has Feleipe Franks that has settled in at the quarterback position. Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendall Briles is wanting to set a quick temp on the offensive side of the ball. Arkansas football is undergoing yet another rebuild and are going to be a hungry football team going into the 2020 season. Georgia is likely not a win, but the chances for a competitive contest have increased with Georgia having uncertainty at quarterback. Nothing is certain no matter what level of football teams are playing at. For the Arkansas football program, making progress is what fans want to see in what is a nightmare of a schedule.

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