Will RBU show out at Kentucky?
Georgia’s title of Running Back University, or “RBU,” was on full display even though the Bulldogs had an unexpected off-week.
Former Georgia greats Todd Gurley and D’Andre Swift each scored as they faced each other during Sunday’s NFL slate. They are part of a long list of talented backs to come out of Athens and are just two out of a handful of Georgia running backs that are in the league.
This week, it is the current Georgia running backs’ turn to show out on the road against Kentucky.
Considering the second-half shutout that Georgia suffered at Alabama, the run game was not bad. 145 yards on 30 carries as a team. Georgia was playing comeback towards the end, so 145 yards against the Tide is not something to be ashamed of.
Zamir White was the leading rusher and had the lone score on the ground for Georgia.
“We’re definitely confident, but we know that we have to work hard and come back with that locked in mindset, ready to go and just be ready for war,” White said.
145 yards is good, but Georgia is going to want to put up a lot more than that against a physical Kentucky team.
Many deemed White to possibly be the next great Georgia running back after Swift left for the draft, but through four games, the Bulldogs have boasted more of a committee backfield attack. Four backs have consistently gotten touches each game, and wide receiver Jermaine Burton has gotten in on the action through jet sweeps.
“Our guys factor in in a lot of different ways. We think if you are good enough, you should get an opportunity to play. If we thought one guy stood out a lot better than the others I can assure you he would be in there,” Kirby Smart said.
It’s clear that Georgia does not lack talent at the position, and the group could put on a show on Saturday.
Between White, James Cook, Kendall Milton and Kenny McIntosh, it can be difficult to prepare for a group that is so versatile. Cook had over 100 receiving yards in Tuscaloosa. Milton led the team in yards per-carry and White led the team in yards and scored.
After just a few games, it is obvious Georgia is superior to Kentucky. If the Bulldogs have a first half like they did against Auburn, then the backfield could have another 200-yard game. Five running backs had five or more carries in that matchup.
Kentucky ranks in the top half of the SEC in terms of rushing yards allowed each game, but they haven’t faced a team like Georgia that possesses so many capable backs that were big time recruits.
If the Bulldogs can hold onto a strong lead, RBU can show out in a bounce back game for the team.