BULLDOGS NO. 3
The Georgia Bulldogs finished last season at No. 2 and will begin this year at No. 3 in the Associated Press poll, which was released Monday. Here is the top 10 (for the complete poll, see page D2):1. Alabama2. Clemson3. Georgia4. Wisconsin5. Ohio State6. Washington7. Oklahoma8. Miami9. Auburn10. Penn State
Austin Peay football coach Will Healy has studied his share of video on the Georgia Bulldogs as the Sept. 1 trip to Sanford Stadium looms for his Governors.
Healy is familiar with Georgia’s offensive weapons that include quarterback Jake Fromm, running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Isaac Nauta, and he is aware of the challenges defensive end Jonathan Ledbetter and cornerback Deandre Baker could pose. Yet there is one other Bulldogs player who has continued to amaze Healy every time he appears on the screen.
“Their kicker is the best kicker I’ve ever seen in my life,” Healy said.
Georgia’s playoff run last season forever will be remembered by Sony Michel’s 27-yard touchdown run to clinch the Rose Bowl win over Oklahoma and the 41-yard touchdown pass the Bulldogs surrendered to Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and DeVonta Smith in the title-game loss to the Crimson Tide. Yet there is no denying the importance place-kicker Rodrigo Blankenship played in each contest, drilling a 55-yard field goal at the halftime horn against the Sooners and a 51-yarder in overtime against Alabama.