Georgia-Central Michigan: Bulldogs Face Warmup Number Two in Chippewas

Georgia vs. Central Michigan

Saturday, 3:30 PM, FSN South

Line: UGA -23

Over/Under: 55

The now No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs get warmup test number two when the Chippewas of Central Michigan roll into town on Saturday.  Last season's MAC champs are led by QB Dan LeFevour and run a similar offense to Florida and Tim Tebow.  There should be lots of points in this one with two good offenses.

Georgia should be able to win this game handily, so we will digress a little from keys to winning to keys for covering the spread.

Keys to the Game

1. No More Starters Done for the Year

I said last week that Georgia just wanted to get out of the Ga. Southern game with a win and no major injuries.  Well, they did not quite hold up their end of the bargain, because starting DT Jeff Owens went down for the year.

This week, let's focus on no other injuries to other starters.  Georgia especially cannot lose an offensive lineman for the year.

2. Hit LeFevour

Central Michigan likes to use their QB in designed runs similar to Florida.  Georgia needs to get as many clean licks on him as they can and hopefully make him think twice about taking it outside the pocket.   I don't know who the Chippewas' backup QB is, but I imagine he is not very good.

3. Put Up a Big First Half Number

Here is the key to covering for Georgia.  Central Michigan has a road game in-conference next week.   If they get down by 28 or more in the first half, maybe they sit some starters too in the second half, saving them for the run to the Motor City Bowl.  No piddling around for Georgia if they want a sure cover.

Central Michigan has not exactly slowed down BCS teams, allowing 30-plus points in seven of their last 10 games.

Prediction

I think I made it pretty clear that Georgia should win this game handily.  They need to get up early to cover, because HC Mark Richt will want to rest his starters all he can with a road game at South Carolina next week.

Central Michigan's defense is not very good against BCS teams, and they struggle against good defenses (see vs. Clemson 2007).  The Bulldogs should cruise.  I absolutely love the Over in this one.

Georgia 48, C. Michigan 24

Georgia Covers, Over

Week 1 Results

2-0 ATS

2-0 Over/Under

1-1 Straight Up