ATHENS, Ga. - The pairing of No. 5 Georgia and the University of Massachusetts could be among the bigger blowouts of a not-so-stellar Saturday of college football action, but Bulldogs senior cornerback Deandre Baker won't be taking the Minutemen for granted.
UMass (4-7) has one of the nation's finest receivers, which presents Baker yet another welcomed opportunity.
"I love it when people come my way," Baker said. "I love to be challenged. Every day, I wake up knowing that I am the best corner in the nation, so I want to be challenged, because I have to prove that."
That's not arrogant chatter from Baker, because the 5-foot-11, 185-pounder from Miami statistically has proven to be the nation's premier college cornerback.
Through the first 10 games of Georgia's season that has yielded a 9-1 record and a second consecutive Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title, Baker has broken up nine passes and has yet to allow a touchdown reception. In fact, he has yet to allow a catch of 20-plus yards.
Pro Football Focus last week labeled Baker as the nation's best cornerback, pointing out he had been targeted 32 times this season and allowed just 132 yards with eight breakups and two interceptions. That was before last Saturday's 27-10 win over Auburn, when he was matched most of the night against Darius Slayton and held him to one reception for 8 yards.
"Deandre is not afraid," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said. "Some guys shy away from the big moment, but he wants to cover Darius Slayton. He comes to me and says, 'Put me on him, Coach.'
"He's a really good player."
A really good player who recently was projected by CBS as the No. 3 overall selection in the 2019 NFL draft, trailing only Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa and Alabama defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.
Baker hopes to match talents with UMass senior Andy Isabella, a Biletnikoff Award semifinalist who leads the NCAA with 1,479 receiving yards this season and ranks second in catches per game (7.9) and receiving yards per contest (134.5). Isabella totaled 303 yards on nine receptions earlier this month against Liberty, and he caught seven passes for 158 yards and a touchdown in last season's 34-23 loss at Mississippi State.
Isabella also played against Tennessee last year but was held more in check with three catches for 46 yards in the 17-13 loss to the Volunteers.
While a Baker-Isabella showdown certainly would be worth watching, Smart isn't sure how often it will occur.
"It's interesting, because Andy is a great wideout, and they do a great job of using his skill set," Smart said. "He's never in the same place twice. We do studies on where receivers line up each week, and he is not your normal receiver. He can be in the backfield. He can be in motion. He can be shifting.
"They do it all. The guy has lined up at tailback, and he's lined up at slot. We play defenses that don't allow you to follow a guy, so it won't be that easy. They'll be matched up at some point in the game, but to travel with him is almost impossible."
Baker has been starting all season opposite freshman corner Tyson Campbell, who struggled against Auburn before being replaced by redshirt freshman Eric Stokes. Smart has praised Baker for helping the confidence of Georgia's younger defenders, which Smart considers every bit as valuable as his stellar play on the field.
Stellar play that has translated to statistical dominance.
"I don't really pay any attention to the numbers or stuff like that," Baker said. "People tell me and show me, but I don't really pay it any attention. I just want people to keep coming my way."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.