College Football: Sony Michel, 5 players to watch in Week 8
By Brad Rowland
Sony Michel, RB Georgia
Florida’s defense is very good, and quite honestly, there is a statistical argument that the Gators would be more susceptible to a dynamic passing attack than against a quality running game. Unfortunately for the Georgia Bulldogs, they do not boast a passing game that resembles anything “dynamic” under Grayson Lambert, and as such, Mark Richt’s team must establish the run early and often in order to have success.
Enter Sony Michel.
Michel replaces the injured Nick Chubb as Georgia’s “featured” back, and over the last two games, the 5-foot-11 sophomore has carried the ball 48 times for 232 yards. In the long run, it probably isn’t the best course of action to use Michel this heavily, as he is more explosive in selected duty, but he is the best offensive option for the Bulldogs, to the point where not leaning heavily on him would be a mistake.
Florida’s rushing defense has been quite good, but not uber-elite this season. The Gators rank 30th nationally in yards per carry allowed (3.5) and 21st in the country in rushing yards per game allowed (116.6), which could give Georgia fans some hope. However, Florida’s ability to play man-to-man coverage on the outside against Lambert and Georgia’s receivers could provide a crowded box for Michel to operate in, and he will need to showcase his play-making ability in a big way.
The “World’s Largest Cocktail Party” (or whatever it is called now) was supposed to be a spot where Georgia cemented its place at the top of the SEC East. Now, Florida is expected to win and win comfortably, while Georgia picks up the pieces of what seems to be a lost season. Sony Michel can change all of that, but if he doesn’t explode for a huge day, the Bulldogs will be left searching.
Next: Jahad Thomas