Georgia vs. Notre Dame: Preview, predictions, TV schedule and more

By John Buhler | Sep 6, 2017

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 02: Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Brandon Wimbush (7) handles the football during the NCAA football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Temple Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on September 2, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ATHENS, GA – SEPTEMBER 2: Quarterback Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs looks to hand the ball off to running back Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 2, 2017, in Athens, Georgia. The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Appalachian State Mountaineers 31-10. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images) /

Keys for Georgia

To win this game up in South Bend, the Bulldogs have to have to do three things: limit turnovers, pound the rock and stuff the run. Turnovers are largely random and with a freshman quarterback, you never know.

However, Georgia has the players in the front-seven and in the running back corps to battle Notre Dame at the line of scrimmage. Georgia’s offensive line is better this season, but the program is coming off one of the worst up front in recent memory. Being able to keep Fromm upright will be huge in Georgia’s on-field success.

Though he can pass with precision, Fromm and head coach Kirby Smart will want to use its star senior running backs, Nick Chubb and Sony Michel to lessen the pressure on the first-time starting quarterback. This game up in South Bend is a big reason that those two players decided to come back to Athens for their senior seasons. They didn’t like how the season ended and have some unfinished business to take care of.

Where Georgia can really win this game is with its all-around great defense. The front-seven has matured and plays with a great combination of discipline and aggressiveness. Since Coach Smart and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker are defensive backs coaches by trade, Georgia should be well-coached in the secondary as well.

Frankly, Georgia has recruited well the last few years. Whether they are Smart’s guys or players former head coach Mark Richt recruited, Georgia has won more on National Signing Day that Notre Dame has of late. Georgia has more talented players than Notre Dame, but it’s all about in-game execution.

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