Autozone Liberty Bowl Preview

Georgia vs. Central Florida

                This game could very well feel like a mismatch when Georgia’s offense is on the field. UCF’s defensive front is based on speed, which is needed to compete with the spread offenses that dominate Conference USA’s top teams. However, in this matchup that strength could become a weakness. The Georgia offensive line is massive and, if given the opportunity, will drive the UCF defensive front off the ball. They’re going to rely on Washaun Ealy and Caleb King having a good game to pull the secondary up, giving AJ Green and Kris Durham (especially Durham) less attention. UCF needs Bruce Miller to have a good game, to knock freshman quarterback Andy Murray off-balance. That way when Murray does put the ball in the air, there is a better chance of him trying to push the ball into coverage.

                UCF’s offense is also going to need to be at its best to ensure that they aren’t falling too far behind. Dual threat quarterback Jeff Godfrey and runningback Latavius Murray are dangerous runners that are going to keep the Georgia defensive front on guard. However the UCF offensive line is big and heavy footed. They’re not going to be able to consistently adjust to a fast moving linebacker corp. like the one that Georgia likes to use. If the Georgia defense can slow the rushing game, they have a definite advantage against the UCF passing game. While wide receivers Quincy McDuffie, Brian Watters, Kamar Aiken and Jamar Newsome are all quick and dangerous when they have the ball in their hands, Godfrey is not the best decision maker in the passing game and is likely to force the ball into coverage. This is going to give Georgia numerous opportunities to grab turnovers.

Prospects to Watch

                Georgia

                                Clint Boling – Offensive Guard: While Boling has a great frame; he lacks the bulk and strength that most teams look for in a starting guard. He has great awareness and has shown a lot of versatility, playing both tackle positions as well as guard. He is athletic and would fit better with a team that uses a zone-blocking scheme, but even then he isn’t an elite athlete for his position. A team will give him a chance, but that chance will probably come in the 5^th round or later.

                Central Florida

                                Bruce Miller – Defensive End/Outside Linebacker: Miller has shown good quickness and moves as a defensive end at UCF. He also shows that ever important quality of relentlessness that good pass rushers need to stay in games, especially when they’re outsized. He struggles to anchor against the run and can be overwhelmed by bigger offensive linemen. Still he has been a good pass rusher for a number of years, and that by itself will get him drafted, probably around the 4^th round.

Final Pick

                Georgia – This game is just not a good match-up for UCF.