Georgia vs. Oklahoma: Key injuries, Stockton’s efficiency define SEC matchup

Georgia plays its SEC home opener Saturday against Oklahoma in a matchup that carries less offensive firepower than their 2018 Rose Bowl classic but still pits two programs with contrasting trajectories against each other. The Bulldogs (3-0) have cruised through non-conference play, while the Sooners (2-2) have scored only three touchdowns in their last two games.

The game kicks off at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, with both teams needing a win to strengthen their position in the SEC standings. Georgia has not been tested in blowout wins over Tennessee State, Western Kentucky and Arkansas. Oklahoma, meanwhile, enters the game after back-to-back losses that have exposed struggles on the offensive side of the ball.

Key injuries on both sides

The official injury report released Saturday morning lists several key players as out or questionable for both teams.

Georgia will be without defensive back Tyriq Green (leg), outside linebacker Chase Linton (leg), offensive lineman Marcus Harrison (undisclosed), running back Dante Dowdell (multiple injuries including collarbone, lung and arm) and outside linebacker Amaris Williams (knee). Wide receiver Isiah Canion (leg), running back Nate Frazier (leg) and cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick (knee) are listed as questionable.

Oklahoma’s injury list is longer. The Sooners will be without offensive lineman Michael Fasusi (shoulder), wide receiver Trell Harris (undisclosed), linebackers Taylor Helm (undisclosed) and Cole Sullivan (undisclosed), defensive back Michael Boganowski (undisclosed) and wide receiver Jer’Michael Carter (undisclosed). Defensive lineman David Stone (knee) is questionable. Linebacker Kip Lewis (knee) is probable.

The absences in Oklahoma’s receiving corps could further hamper an offense that has struggled to generate explosive plays. Georgia’s defense, which has allowed only 17 points through three games, will look to pressure a Sooners unit that has been inconsistent.

Stockton’s near-perfect efficiency

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton has been one of the most efficient passers in the country through the first month of the season. The junior has thrown nine touchdown passes against only seven incompletions, a ratio that reflects both his accuracy and the Bulldogs’ conservative game plans in blowout wins.

Stockton has completed 39 of 46 passes for 587 yards and nine touchdowns, with no interceptions. His efficiency rating ranks among the best in the FBS, though he has not faced a defense as disciplined as Oklahoma’s.

Oklahoma coach Brent Venables, known for his defensive acumen, acknowledged the challenge. “Our defense has proven … that we’re hard to move the ball on,” Venables said. “If you love to compete and love to be in the arena and you want to go against the best, well, you’re going to have all you can get this week.”

Georgia tight end Lawson Luckie, however, cautioned against underestimating the Sooners’ defense based on their offensive struggles. “The tape doesn’t say that,” Luckie said. “I don’t know what’s happening on the offensive side of the ball. I watch the defensive tape. It’s the same Oklahoma that I heard all these stories about having this unbelievable defense.”

What the game means for both teams

For Georgia, a win would keep them undefeated and maintain their position in the top of the SEC standings. The Bulldogs have not faced a Power Four opponent with a winning record yet, so Saturday represents their first real test of the season.

For Oklahoma, the game is a chance to salvage a season that has slipped after a promising start. The Sooners have lost consecutive games, and a third straight defeat would put them at 2-3 with a tough schedule ahead. Venables’ team needs to show improvement on offense, particularly in the passing game, to keep the game competitive.

The 2018 Rose Bowl, which Georgia won in double overtime to reach the national championship game, remains a touchstone for both programs. That game featured high-level quarterback play from Baker Mayfield and Jake Fromm. Saturday’s contest, by contrast, will likely be decided by defense and field position.

Source: Yahoo Sports – Georgia vs. Oklahoma live updates: Bulldogs face Sooners in SEC showdown (https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/georgia-vs-oklahoma-live-updates-041713461.html)