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Utah vs Florida Prediction, Game Preview

Utah vs Florida prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

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Utah vs Florida How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Gainesville, Florida
How To Watch: ESPN
Record: Utah (0-0), Florida (0-0)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

Utah vs Florida Game Preview

Why Utah Will Win

This is the wrong team to deal with if you’re trying to get the running game going.

Florida has a rising superstar of an NFL quarterback prospect in Anthony Richardson, but the new Billy Napier offense will rely on a balance that starts with getting the running backs in space to eat up yards in chunks.

The Gator offensive line will be good. A few transfers added to an already okay mix should make this a plus, but it would’ve been nice to get a tune-up against Central Creampuff Tech before having to deal with one of the best defenses in college football.

Linebackers Devin Lloyd and Nephi Sewell might be gone, but former Gator Mohamoud Diabate is a good one to try helping the cause, the defensive front will once again be a killer in the backfield, and the tackles are massive human beings who’ll gum up the works. Throw in a secondary full of all-stars and pro prospects, and this might be the best defense Florida has to face all year.

Yeah, Georgia. I said what I said. But …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why Florida Will Win

The Florida offense – and especially Richardson – might just be that good right away.

Napier brought along a few of the good parts from his Louisiana attack, the line really will be a strength, and the running back situation is about as deep as any in the SEC. No, it’s not going to go ballistic against this Utah defense, but it should be effective right away, and being at home matters.

This is the reboot of the Florida program. Napier has done everything right so far, the base is jacked for what should be coming, and to get corny for a moment, the atmosphere for the night game in The Swamp should be special.  After a rough run over the second half of last year, that energy should matter.

The Gators will have to rely on a good rotation on the defensive front to hold up against the fantastic Ute offensive line. The talent is there, but everyone has to hold up against a team that’s going to come in like a steamroller.

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

Florida’s run defense has to prove it can be night-and-day better than it was last season, and it has to do it against a brutish offensive front that should be able to grind and grind some more. This is a Ute team built to travel – the combination of the great veteran D and the tough running game works – but there’s one problem …

Utah doesn’t always rock on the road.

It went 10-4 last season. The four losses came at BYU, at San Diego State, at Oregon State, and – fine, so it’s an outlier – in the Rose Bowl. Who did it beat away from Salt Lake City?

It took down a dead USC team, Stanford, and Arizona. The Pac-12 Championship win in Las Vegas was the lone good away win. The program is 2-8 in its last ten games away from home against teams that finished with a winning record.

It won’t be anything lovely, but Florida will take the tough win to kick off the Napier era with a huge W.

– All of the CFN Predictions

Utah vs Florida Prediction, Line

Florida 26, Utah 23
Line: Utah -2.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5

Utah vs Florida Must See Rating: 5
5: Gangs of London Season 2
1: Mack & Rita

USC vs Rice Prediction, Game Preview

USC vs Rice prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

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USC vs Rice How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 6:00 ET
Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
How To Watch: Pac-12 Network
Record: Rice (0-0), USC (0-0)
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USC vs Rice Game Preview

Why Rice Will Win

The Owls know how to grind down the clock.

They were among the best in the nation last season in time of possession, the running game has just enough returning to at least try pounding a little bit against a USC defensive front that has to prove that it’s stronger, and the receiving corps will be a sneaky-good strength early on.

If QB Wiley Green can get enough time to work, he should be able to test the Trojan secondary downs he field and spread it around a bit.

On the other side, the Rice defense is as deep as it has been in several years, it was decent at forcing takeaways, and …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why USC Will Win

Here we go.

The skill parts are tremendous, the talent level has been raised up several notches from the transfer portal, and Lincoln Riley was a massive upgrade for a program overdue for a next-level head coach.

Yeah, Rice will probably win the time of possession battle by ten minutes, but USC will go fast, fast, fast. It’ll want to make a big splash right away, it should be able to operate with good balance, and the other side will want to make a huge statement.

The underappreciated part of the puzzle should fit right away. Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch should work wonders with the D line right away against a Rice offensive line that has to be far stronger.

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

You wanted the show, you got the show.

USC will start fast, get up without a problem, and then the story will be a defense that will try proving that 2021 was just a blip. Rice will generate a few scores, but it won’t have a prayer of keeping up.

– All of the CFN Predictions

USC vs Rice Prediction, Line

USC 45, Rice 10
Line: USC -34.5, o/u: 64.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

– How every college coach does against the spread

USC vs Rice Must See Rating: 2
5: Gangs of London Season 2

BYU vs South Florida Live Starting strong safety Ammon Hannemann following in his brothers’ footsteps

Former Lone Peak High star didn’t pout or complain when cornerback Micah Harper was moved to safety — instead he went to work

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

BYU defensive back Ammon Hannemann (22) hits UAB wide receiver Ryan Davis during Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Hannemann has an athletic pedigree.

Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Competing has been in Ammon Hannemann’s blood since the day he was born.

He joined an athletic family that included four older brothers who would go on to play college football and/or professional baseball or become fire knife dancers in Hawaiian luaus.

His parents, Howard and Mindy Hannemann, were outstanding high school athletes growing up in Hawaii (Howard) and Southern California (Mindy), respectively, and encouraged their five sons and one daughter, Shay, to compete aggressively before they could walk.

So when the fourth-year sophomore who started four games at strong safety for the BYU Cougars last year learned that it wasn’t a given he would be the Day 1 starter in 2022, he didn’t pout or complain.

He went to work.

It appears that hard work has paid off.

When BYU’s depth chart for next Saturday’s season-opener at USF is released Monday, Ammon Hannemann almost certainly will get the nod as the Cougars’ starting strong safety, running alongside veteran free safety Malik Moore.

“I would like to think I go into the first game as a starter, along with Malik, back there,” Hannemann told the Deseret News on Tuesday. “But I am not taking anything for granted. Camp just barely finished. I haven’t seen anything official yet.”

It would be fitting, considering the Hannemann name has become synonymous with BYU sports. Oldest brother Jacob Hannemann redshirted on BYU’s football team in 2012, then played so well for BYU’s baseball team the following spring that the Chicago Cubs picked him in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft. 

Jacob Hannemann played in the Cubs and Seattle Mariners organizations until 2019. Second-oldest brother Kyle played football for Southern Utah University, while third-oldest brother Micah played safety and cornerback for BYU in 2012 and from 2015-17 before some brief stints in pro football.

Howard and Mindy’s fourth son, Seth, gave up football after sustaining three season-ending injuries in high school, but is said to be the best luau performer as part of his father’s Samoan ancestry.

“I’ve got a lot to live up to,” Ammon acknowledged.

He is well on his way, especially if he can avoid the injury bug that plagued his older brothers. Already, it has bitten him twice.

After graduating from Lone Peak High, as all his siblings did, Ammon served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Roseville, California. He redshirted in 2019.

In 2020, he tore his meniscus in spring camp, rehabbed through the summer, and then tore it again right before the season.

Ole Miss vs Troy Prediction, Game Preview

Ole Miss vs Troy prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

Ole Miss vs Troy How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 4:00 PM ET
Venue: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS
How To Watch: SEC Network
Record: Ole Miss (0-0), Troy (0-0)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

CFN Preview 2021: All 131 Teams
CFN Predictions of Every Game
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
AAC | C-USA | Ind | MAC | M-West | Sun Belt
2022 Bowl Projections | Week 0 Rankings 1-131
– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

Ole Miss vs Troy Game Preview

Why Troy Will Win

The Trojans should come up with a stronger offense with so much experience returning.

They might not have been all that explosive, but it has the parts now to do a whole lot more. The Ole Miss defense has some help from the transfer portal, and the linebackers will be a plus, but this isn’t going to be a brick wall. As long as the Troy O can hit the third down plays, it’ll be doing its job.

It’s the other side that’s the biggest strength.

Troy’s defense was great last year, the pass rush is going to be a bother for the Rebels, and the secondary likely won’t be gouged.

However …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why Ole Miss Will Win

Can the Trojans keep up any sort of a pace?

They’ll be better on offense, and they have the veteran playmakers to stretch the field, but they’re going to have to deal with the Rebel attack that isn’t going to skip a beat after a fantastic 2021.

The line might be doing some shuffling, and Matt Corral might be gone, but USC transfer Jaxson Dart is a terrific quarterback who can make it all go.

The running backs reloaded – getting Zach Evans from TCU was a big plus – and the receiving corps went big in the transfer portal and at tight end – USC transfer Michael Trigger is about to go off.

Again, Troy’s O is stronger, but it’s got a long way to go after finishing 109th in the nation total offense with no downfield passing attack.

Houston vs UTSA Prediction, Game Preview

Houston vs UTSA prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

Houston vs UTSA How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
How To Watch: CBS Sports Network
Record: Houston (0-0), UTSA (0-0)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

CFN Preview 2021: All 131 Teams
CFN Predictions of Every Game
ACC | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac-12 | SEC
AAC | C-USA | Ind | MAC | M-West | Sun Belt
2022 Bowl Projections | Week 0 Rankings 1-131
– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

Houston vs UTSA Game Preview

Why Houston Will Win

This is when the Houston passing game should take off.

The ground game will be great with a deep rotation at running back to work with, and there are a slew of good offensive linemen to play around with, but it’ll be QB Clayton Tune and his great receiving corps that should be able to take over the game at times.

UTSA is rock-solid on both sides of the ball, but the secondary – as talent as it is – has to be better after allowing 258 yards per game last season, there has to be more of a pass rush, and the offense could stand to come up with a few more big plays deep.

The D that led the AAC last season should be every bit as strong, but …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why UTSA Will Win

UTSA has the toughness, the makeup, and the experience to pull this off. It all starts on the lines.

The Roadrunners have a good base with four starters returning on the offensive front, and the defensive line should be active against the run, even if it doesn’t get into the backfield enough.

Frank Harris is a fantastic all-around veteran quarterback who won’t be fazed in any way by the big better, the receiving corps is loaded with options, and overall, the team won’t make a ton of big mistakes.

The defense is once again going to be great at taking the ball away, the kicking game will be strong again, and …

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Prediction, Game Preview

Arkansas vs Cincinnati prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

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Arkansas vs Cincinnati How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
Venue: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas
How To Watch: ESPN
Record: Arkansas (0-0), Cincinnati (0-0)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Game Preview

Why Cincinnati Will Win

The Bearcats still have the lines.

You can’t hang around with the Hogs if you can’t hod up up front, and Cincinnati should be able to do that.

There might be big talent losses in several areas, but the offensive front is loaded with all-stars, veterans, and it should be among the best in the nation at keeping defenses out of the backfield.

As good as Arkansas is on the defensive front, it’s not going to live behind the line and it likely won’t generate a big pass rush.

The defensive side loses more parts, but the rotation was good enough – and the talent level raised up enough – to have another good front seven. However …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why Arkansas Will Win

The Arkansas running game should be able to take over as the game goes on.

The team led the SEC in rushing, the passing efficiency should be there against a revamped Cincinnati secondary that lost a slew of NFL talents, and the O line should be able to more than hold its own – if not take over – even against this defensive front.

On the other side, can the Bearcats match the production from the lost group of skill parts? The receiving corps will be fine, and the new guys are good, but Desmond Ridder was a special quarterback who won’t quickly be replaced.

Once again, the Arkansas defense should be special on third downs, and …

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

Grinding won’t be a problem for the home side.

Cincinnati held up well last year by dominating in the red zone – the D occasionally bent, but didn’t break – it was third in the nation in takeaways, and now it goes against a team and a style that led the SEC in fewest turnovers.

This might not be anything pretty, but Arkansas will grind its way to a win. Hog QB KJ Jefferson is a massive key here. He doesn’t have to be the best player on the field, but he probably will be.

– All of the CFN Predictions

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Prediction, Line

Arkansas 26, Cincinnati 17
Line: Arkansas -7, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Must See Rating: 4
5: Gangs of London Season 2

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Prediction, Game Preview

Arkansas vs Cincinnati prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

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Arkansas vs Cincinnati How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 3:30 PM ET
Venue: Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, Arkansas
How To Watch: ESPN
Record: Arkansas (0-0), Cincinnati (0-0)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Game Preview

Why Cincinnati Will Win

The Bearcats still have the lines.

You can’t hang around with the Hogs if you can’t hod up up front, and Cincinnati should be able to do that.

There might be big talent losses in several areas, but the offensive front is loaded with all-stars, veterans, and it should be among the best in the nation at keeping defenses out of the backfield.

As good as Arkansas is on the defensive front, it’s not going to live behind the line and it likely won’t generate a big pass rush.

The defensive side loses more parts, but the rotation was good enough – and the talent level raised up enough – to have another good front seven. However …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why Arkansas Will Win

The Arkansas running game should be able to take over as the game goes on.

The team led the SEC in rushing, the passing efficiency should be there against a revamped Cincinnati secondary that lost a slew of NFL talents, and the O line should be able to more than hold its own – if not take over – even against this defensive front.

On the other side, can the Bearcats match the production from the lost group of skill parts? The receiving corps will be fine, and the new guys are good, but Desmond Ridder was a special quarterback who won’t quickly be replaced.

Once again, the Arkansas defense should be special on third downs, and …

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

Grinding won’t be a problem for the home side.

Cincinnati held up well last year by dominating in the red zone – the D occasionally bent, but didn’t break – it was third in the nation in takeaways, and now it goes against a team and a style that led the SEC in fewest turnovers.

This might not be anything pretty, but Arkansas will grind its way to a win. Hog QB KJ Jefferson is a massive key here. He doesn’t have to be the best player on the field, but he probably will be.

– All of the CFN Predictions

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Prediction, Line

Arkansas 26, Cincinnati 17
Line: Arkansas -7, o/u: 52
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Arkansas vs Cincinnati Must See Rating: 4
5: Gangs of London Season 2

Miami football Week 1 live updates: Latest news, preview of Bethune-Cookman game

Lucious Stanley joins the running back group as a walk-on

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Down to three healthy scholarship running backs for Saturday’s opener against Bethune-Cookman, Miami reportedly has added UAB grad transfer Lucious Stanley to its roster as a walk-on. The 6-foot, 215-pound back from Fort Myers had 38 carries for 213 yards and one touchdown in 13 games last season. On3’s CaneSport first reported the news. Coach Mario Cristobal will talk to reporters at noon Monday.

Ranking Miami’s 22 most valuable players/units

We ranked the 50 best Miami Hurricanes back in May after spring football.

Now, with school back in session, camp all but over, two scrimmages in the books, and the season set to start on Sept. 3 against Bethune-Cookman, here’s how I view the 22 most valuable players/units on the roster based on what I’ve seen and heard.

1. Tyler Van Dyke, QB, 3rd-year sophomore. Previous ranking: 1.

Miami has quality depth behind Van Dyke, with Jake Garcia and Jacurri Brown more than capable of stepping in and doing a good job running the offense. But let’s get something straight — the Hurricanes are going to need Van Dyke to be Heisman worthy with his accuracy and decision-making on a weekly basis to overcome some deficiencies at receiver. Garcia and Brown have lots of upside, but without Van Dyke, I have a hard time seeing the Hurricanes being more than an eight-win team this season.

Can Mario Cristobal lead Miami to an ACC title in Year 1?

It’s eight days after the Miami Hurricanes’ spring game, on the kind of sunny and clear Sunday morning that gets most Miamians to head to the beach or a swimming pool.

Tyler Van Dyke is nowhere near any sun and fun. The ACC’s reigning rookie of the year is working up a sweat inside Miami’s indoor practice facility. He’s trying to perfect his footwork under the guidance of 26-year-old former Hurricanes quarterback Malik Rosier, who works privately with a variety of college and high school passers across the state.

Van Dyke — fifth in the preseason Heisman Trophy odds and a projected first-round pick a year from now, according to The Athletic and Pro Football Focus — wants to get better at making the kind of throws Super Bowl winners Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady do as they evade pressure or get hit. This is Van Dyke’s offseason lab, and Rosier is swinging a 200-pound tackling dummy at him to create the effect of being hunted inside the pocket. As he gets hit, Van Dyke still manages to fire passes up the sideline, over the middle and in the flat with spectacular touch. Rarely do his throws miss the chest of his receivers.

Alonzo Highsmith eager to help create ‘sense of urgency’ at Miami

Alonzo Highsmith has spent the better part of the last 23 years of his life living out of suitcases, traveling from college towns to NFL cities doing the only thing he’s grown to love more than running over opponents on the football field or knocking large men out in the boxing ring.

At his very core, Highsmith considers himself a scout, an evaluator. So it’s only natural at age 57 that the legendary Miami Hurricane was finally ready to put his suitcases away, settle in and do the same job for the only team he’s loved more than the professional franchises he played and worked for.

“Probably three years ago,” Highsmith told The Athletic Friday of when the idea of returning to the University of Miami first entered his mind.

“I visited so many schools a year and had so many friends in the business who were coaches, and a couple of coaches asked me if I was interested in (a general manager-type role). At the time, I wasn’t sure about it, so it didn’t go any further. I had a couple coaches ask me to come coach, things like that. But I was so immersed in pro football … it just wasn’t the right time.”

Oklahoma vs UTEP Prediction, Game Preview

Oklahoma vs UTEP prediction, game preview, how to watch. Week 1, Saturday, September 3

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Oklahoma vs UTEP How To Watch

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

Date: Saturday, September 3
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Norman, OK
How To Watch: FOX
Record: Oklahoma (0-0), UTEP (0-1)
– Sign up and live stream college football on ESPN+

Oklahoma vs UTEP Game Preview

Why UTEP Will Win

So what did the Miners do right in their 31-13 loss to North Texas?

The passing game showed off its playmakers.

Top target Jacob Cowing might be off to Arizona, but Tyrin Smith and Reynaldo Flores each rolled for over 120 yards and made a few deep plays, and QB Gavin Hardison threw for close to 293 yards with a score.

The Miner offensive line was good in pass protection against the Mean Green. The talent is there – it’s the best front five the program has had in a long, long time – and the defense managed to hold up well against he run.

But …

– Week 1 CFN College Football Expert Picks

Why Oklahoma Will Win

The UTEP offense wasn’t able to close.

It wasn’t bad on third downs against North Texas, and it actually won the total offense battle by a yard. However, the ground game never got working, North Texas came up with more consistent big plays down the field, and it was a 17-0 crash in the second half.

This is the game for the Oklahoma defense. It struggled last year, wasn’t consistent, and it can take some chances with the offense certain to get bombing fast.

New year, new players in several spots, new coach, new identity – to a point. The Sooners are going to try punishing on the lines, and …

– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions, Game Previews, Saturday

What’s Going To Happen

It’s Brent Venables – the new Oklahoma head coach will make sure his defense will come out breathing fire.

After struggling to get going over the last two years, this version will be terrific from the opening kickoff.

The Sooners will put this away easily in the first quarter, and the defense will take care of the rest with a big statement performance – even though it’ll give up a few points.

– All of the CFN Predictions

Oklahoma vs UTEP Prediction, Line

Oklahoma 52, UTEP 10
Line: Oklahoma -31.5, o/u: 57
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

– How every college coach does against the spread

Oklahoma vs UTEP Must See Rating: 2
5: Gangs of London Season 2
1: Mack & Rita

Georgia football-Oregon: Live updates, injury news, practice notes for Week 1 game

Georgia football begins the 2022 college football season by taking on the Oregon Ducks in a Week 1 game. Below you can find live updates, the latest injury report and practice notes for the game.

WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE

The game is one of three ranked matchups taking place during the opening week of the season. The game will also be played in Atlanta.

Georgia football-Oregon live updates, practice news for Week 1 game

12 p.m. update, Aug 29: Kirby Smart and Stetson Bennett will speak shortly to the media

• “I thought we had a really good football camp in terms of physicality. Really proud of how hard we worked and strained.” — Kirby Smart on Georgia’s fall camp
• “We’ve got a lot of situational football to get ready for.” — Kirby Smart
• “Dan has taken those guys and watched them during the spring game. They’re going to be a hell of a team.” — Smart
• “He didn’t try to be somebody he wasn’t. He just worked. He did a really good job of doing what he asked them to do. When we had a job come open, it ended up being a no-brainer.” — Smart on Dan Lanning.
• “There’s never been enough depth. I can’t tell you we’ve had enough depth at any position. I don’t know there’s a major concern for depth there.” — Smart on the wide receiver position.
• “They’re inexperienced. Hopefully, they’re as talented as we think they are. They need to play in a game. They need good things to happen. I’ve never coached a defensive player who hasn’t given up a play or gotten beat. So how do they respond to that? We don’t know.” — Smart on
• “For the players, we’re worried about what they want to do.”
• “Consistency, leadership, the things you want your quarterbacks to be. Anytime you’ve got a guy that’s been a meeting room for two, three years it helps. He’s taken more reps with the ones. He gets to go against the best we have to offer. We need him to play well.” — Smart on Stetson Bennett
• “I know who the quarterback is going to be, I’m not worried about that.” — Smart on Oregon’s quarterback situation.
• “We have mutual respect for each other. Always will, always have.” — Smart on Lanning.
• “He’s fit in very naturally. He’s had a very steady climb. He’s very intelligent. He plays really hard.”
• “Really pleased with the work of all those guys.” — Smart on the punter situation. Says Brett Thorson is in the lead.
• Mentions Tykee Smith, Javon Bullard and William Poole as guys competing at star.
• “I don’t know how much they’ll be matched up on them. Are they going to play nickel or regular? They have a tremendously talented room. We felt strongly they were good enough to come play.” — Smart on the Oregon inside linebackers.
• “It’s an unbelievable venue. You hope you’re back in the stadium so you have the experience for the SEC championship. To me it’s a great opportunity to go out and schedule opponents. We knew the team Oregon was going to have.”
• “At the end of the day you have to be able to block counter and you have to be able to fill counter.” — Stetson Bennet on the plan of executing.
• “Sewell is a great linebacker. Both of them are going to be great.” — Bennett on the inside linebackers.
• “Last year, I pretty much lucked into having to play. Now we’re here, it’s game week. It came faster because you’re so busy working on little things. Last year I wasn’t quite as in tuned because not only was I not the starter but I wasn’t even the second-string guy.” — Stetson Bennett on what’s different from last year.
• “He’s a quiet guy. He’s not rah-rah or anything but he’s got that look in his eye. I’d say he’s stepped up in the role that JD and Devonte had last year in more of a leadership role.” — Stetson Bennett on Jalen Carter.
• “Good or bad, I don’t worry about what other people have to say. I’m not here to prove anyone or shut up the doubters. I just try to wake up and be better than the guy next to me.” — Bennett

The last time Georgia took the field for a game, the Bulldogs emerged as champions. Now, they’ll be facing their defensive coordinator from that game, Dan Lanning, as he is now the head coach for the Oregon Ducks.

The No. 3 ranked Bulldogs take on the No. 11 Oregon Ducks to start the 2022 season. Georgia will look radically different though from when it beat Alabama in January. The Bulldogs had 15 players taken in last year’s NFL draft along with a slew of transfers as well. Many of the veteran defensive standouts from last year’s team will be replaced by new faces.

“The one thing I’ve learned is to expect the unexpected,” Smart said. “You don’t really know until you get to that first game exactly how guys are going to respond. I didn’t know exactly what kind of team we had last year until we played Clemson, and you find out early when you play a team of that caliber.”

Heading into the game, much will be made about Lanning’s time at Georgia, as he coached outside linebackers for four years and served as the program’s defensive coordinator for the last three. He recruited more than a few players on this team.

Replacing Lanning will actually be two coaches, as Glenn Schumann and Will Muschamp will serve as co-defensive coordinators this season. Smart has not yet revealed how that will work out in terms of calling the defense for Georgia.

The Bulldogs aren’t completely starting over though, with Georgia bringing back a healthy number of contributors on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Stetson Bennett is back, as is star tight end Brock Bowers. Georgia had an offense last year that ranked in the top-10 in points per game and yards per play and has the potential to improve off of that entering this season.

Related: Kirby Smart on playing marquee non-conference foes at Georgia: ‘We don’t run from that’

The game will be a neutral site contest for both sides, with the game being played in Atlanta. Of course, the trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium is much shorter for Georgia than the Ducks. The Bulldogs also have plenty of experience in the building, as Georgia has played at least one game in the stadium every year during Kirby Smart’s tenure as head coach.

Georgia football-Oregon injury updates for Week 1 game

Arian Smith(out, ankle), Andrew Paul(out, knee), Tate Ratledge (turf toe, probable), Earnest Greene (hamstring, questionable), Trezmen Marshall (calf, probable), Kendall Milton (hamstring, probable), Kearis Jackson (ankle, probable)

Georgia football-Oregon Game time for Week 1 game

Georgia football takes on Oregon at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 3

Georgia football-Oregon TV channel for Week 1 game

Georgia football-Oregon will be broadcast by ABC.

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