10 things to know about Georgia football’s 2020 season

It’s game week.

Georgia kicks off the 2020 season at Arkansas on Saturday (4 p.m., SEC Network). The Bulldogs hope to improve on a 12-2 season and a Sugar Bowl win over Baylor.

But since the last time Georgia walked off of the field on Jan. 1, a lot is different. Some newness is from staff and player turnover, while the COVID-19 pandemic has set up a season like never before.

There’s a lot to learn ahead of a new campaign. Here are 10 things to know before Georgia football resumes.

1. Georgia, SEC playing modified schedule

Georgia’s 10-game slate begins this week at Arkansas. The revised schedule features only SEC games, four of which are at Sanford Stadium while six are on the road (including the Nov. 7 neutral-site game in Jacksonville). The Bulldogs lead the series 10-4 over Arkansas, last winning 45-32 in 2014.

2. D’Wan Mathis or JT Daniels at QB?

Who starts at quarterback? There’s the transfer from Southern Cal in JT Daniels and the feel-good story in former four-star prospect D’Wan Mathis. Daniels isn’t yet cleared for contact from his ACL injury, and Mathis is touted for his mobility in the pocket. Monken prefers a quarterback who can move, and Mathis has had his share of first-team reps. Georgia’s quarterback race got tighter after graduate transfer Jamie Newman opted out.

3. COVID-19 protocols impact tickets to UGA football games

Sanford Stadium will be open to Bulldog fans on Oct. 3 against rival Auburn. The seating will be socially distanced into groups of four seatbacks, and the stadium will be at 25% capacity. The Redcoat Band will not perform on the field before the game or at halftime. Georgia announced tailgating will not be permitted on campus, but people can “gather near their vehicle with family members or with whom they traveled.”

4. Todd Monken takes over Bulldogs’ offense

Georgia’s offense could look tremendously different with Todd Monken, who has a plethora of experience, at offensive coordinator. Monken has led units at the college and professional ranks, and runs multiple styles with an emphasis on “explosive” plays. The Bulldogs were in search of a restart after having an offense that ranked 61st in total offense (408.1 yards per game) in 2019.

5. Where have you gone, Rodrigo Blankenship?

The race to replace the specs — otherwise known as famed place-kicker Rodrigo Blankenship — is a battle between freshman Jared Zirkel and sophomore walk-on Jack Podlesny. They’re led by a ball of energy in special teams coach Scott Cochran. Head coach Kirby Smart said punter Jake Camarda is “pretty set” in the starting role. Camarda said he would be willing to take on duties of place-kicking and punting if needed.

6. UGA defense looks to be dominant again

Sophomore Travon Walker said the “sky’s the limit” for the Bulldogs defense. Georgia had the best unit nationally last season, but defensive coordinator Dan Lanning isn’t quite satisfied. He doesn’t give them the 1985 Chicago Bears label quite yet, and wants the group to focus on finishing plays and games. Georgia returns most of its starters, including big-bodied defensive tackle Jordan Davis, senior inside linebacker Monty Rice and junior lockdown cornerback Eric Stokes.

7. Georgia expected to promote social justice

Georgia is active in its fight for social justice, and the football team has implemented its own methods of action. There could be symbols of unity shown at games throughout the season, such as helmet stickers or a message given before the game.

8. What’s next for COVID testing?

The COVID-19 pandemic will play a significant role in games being played this season. Georgia doesn’t release its positive tests, but Smart said the Bulldogs have been “fortunate” to have a majority of its players healthy to run a full scrimmage. Georgia will be able to use two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests during the week and a rapid test before traveling, which can give results in 15 minutes. The players can also be tested on the road after traveling.

9. Georgia must replace D’Andre Swift in backfield

The team’s moniker of “RBU” will be put to the test after losing D’Andre Swift as a second-round draftee of the Detroit Lions. Georgia will feature Zamir White and James Cook in the backfield with underclassmen Kendall Milton vying for playing time. Each of the backfield mates are confident to give production in a new offensive scheme.

10. Tough injury news for UGA before season starts

For the second time in nine months, wide receiver Dominick Blaylock tore his ACL. Georgia looks for an answer at the position beyond wunderkind sophomore George Pickens. Some candidates for increased playing time are Kearis Jackson and Demetris Robertson. Freshman Arian Smith, known to be a speedster, hasn’t been available due to a torn meniscus.

Georgia football 2020 schedule

Sept. 26: at Arkansas, 4 pm (SEC Network)

Oct. 3: vs. Auburn, 7:30 pm (ESPN)

Oct. 10: vs. Tennessee

Oct. 17: at Alabama, 8 pm (CBS)

Oct. 24: at Kentucky

Oct. 31: OPEN

Nov. 7: vs. Florida in Jacksonville, 3:30 pm (CBS)

Nov. 14: at Missouri

Nov. 21: vs. Mississippi State

Nov. 28: at South Carolina

Dec. 5: vs. Vanderbilt

This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 5:00 AM.