after rewatching the game I found quite a few reasons to be optimistic. I still hold strong to the fact that any reaction one way or the other to any team after game one is an overreaction, but there were clear signs of improvement and reasons to be encouraged.
- Swarming defense. Aside from mental breakdowns right before and after halftime, the front seven was downright nasty most of the afternoon. Even the secondary, who has made many sweat over youth and inexperience, made many clutch open field tackles and allowed very few YAC. I would expect the defense to continue to grow throughout the year and end as a very solid unit.
- Punt block unit - constant pressure all day and 2 blocks. One for a safety. With many more starters on special teams, it's clear that Richt has made even more of an emphasis on special teams.
- Kickoff unit - nobody's talking about this, but for once in what seems like a decade, Georgia consistently kicked the ball into and through the end zone for touch backs.
- The re-emergence of the fullback and tight end in the passing game. Bobo seemed to get away from utilizing these weapons, likely out of lack of reliability, the last couple of years. Since we're relatively thin on dependable receivers, it's good to see those big bodies picking up the slack.
- Last, but not least, Keith Marshall. Who couldn't be encouraged by watching this kid run? He's a fan favorite and appears to FINALLY be healthy. After running for nearly 75 yards on 10 carries and 2 touchdowns, don't be surprised to see him become more than simply a "third option" at tailback.
