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Friday, October i, aoio | The Red & Black 2 GAME BREAKDOWN: BP Georgia at Colorado Fblsom Field, Saturday 7 p.m. OFFENSE Though Georgia's total offense numbers don’t look terrible 352 yards per game the offense has averaged only 14 points per game in the last three losses. But star receiver A.J. Green is back, and should help with Georgia’s issues putting away drives in the red zone. Colorado possesses a talented running game 147 yards per game —but quarterback Tyler Hansen has thrown four interceptions in three games. The offenses thus far have been a wash, but the return of Green tilts it in Georgia’s favor. SLIGHT EDGE: GEORGIA Cl £ i GREEN DEFENSE Colorado looked respectable against Colorado State and Hawaii, but safety Anthony Perkins and the Buffaloes’ defense gave up 52 points to California in its second game. Linebacker Akeem Dent and the Georgia defense haven’t looked great under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, but they’ve done enough. Georgia should be battle-tested for a Colorado offense that has seen only one BCS-conference defense, which held it to just seven points. EDGE: GEORGIA 0 I . DENT SPECIAL TEAMS This category is a runaway for Georgia. Kicker Blair Walsh is 7-for-7 on the season, including a 52-yarder. and looks like a favorite for the Lou Groza Award. Meanwhile, Colorado’s kicker Aric Goodman is just 1-2 on the season, making only a 28-yarder. The numbers In the punting game are similar. Colorado starts a freshman, averag ing just 39.8 yards a kick, while Georgia has one of the nation’s top punters in Drew Butler's 44.3 yard average. EDGE: GEORGIA WALSH COACHING Although Mark Richt says it is "obviously’ the most difficult time of his 10-year tenure, not many Georgia fans would trade coaches with the Buffaloes, which is led by Dan Hawkins and his 18-34 record at Colorado. For Hawkins, a win would be huge for getting some of the Colorado supporters off his back. For Richt, a loss would only further the declining confidence among the fan base in his ability to turn the program around. EDGE: GEORGIA o RICHT § In a great location ••• JbS - ' rS IBP? H r |ppp*c K' i Pwc&/e,w !■ | , Jt 11 j|| M Saving money on rent... 9 I *l p FIRST & GOAL a HANSEN ,fm4 PERKINS COODftM^ 0S * V. B^ri HAWKINS mil Pol</,The hEIa) C-Mac-ZyßreQfi $ X*i ’Totoni 486 Baxter St. with ardent llem-lf* wun (Where Gumby's (erMßffipeiflns6p6gMl Minimum *i order MSjfmig&cgtb. 2 fees may apply 1 \ /^¥>T-j>Jd;llklTT7r3|ffs| ..,,*• •*■**'■' THE KEY NPTCHUPS: Bulldogs vs. buffaloes Georgia offensive line vs. Colorado froiit seven Colorado's pass rush and run defense has not been spectac ular this season, but then again this is the Georgia offensive line. Once considered one of the top units in the country, the line has struggled with protecting Aaron Murray, opening up holes for the running game and pre venting yellow flags from hitting the ground. After another dismal performance against Mississippi State, the Georgia line is being granted opportu nity No. 5 to live up to their hype. Whether changes along the line, such as starting Tanner Strickland at right guard, remain in place, the Bulldogs could certainly use the extra help for an offense that is averaging just 14 points per game in conference play. But pass protection aside, the running game has been a disappointment thus far, and with the talent and experience along Georgia’s line, the coaching staff should be able to run the ball at will. Then again, a lot of things should have happened so far this season. Georgia tight ends vs. Colorado linebackers Excuses will no longer work after this game in Boulder, Colo. The tight ends have submitted that they have been double- and triple-teamed frequently throughout Georgia’s first four games. Sometimes those excuses were warranted, sometimes they were not. Tight ends coach John Lilly has defended his unit by saying his players have become better at blocking, but the running game still ranks just 86th in the nation so a lot of good that is doing. Perhaps no unit stands the most to gain from A.J. Green’s return than the visibly unproductive tight ends, as opposing teams will no longer have the extra players to devote to covering them as closely. If the tight ends cannot have a breakout performance in this game it may never come this season. Brandon Boykin vs. Colorado’s kick coverage Where has Georgia's explosive kick return game disappeared to in 2010? Last season, cornerback Brandon Boykin broke onto the national scene as a kick returner by taking three kickoffs back for touchdowns giving Georgia an additional scoring threat and allowing for a spark on special teams. That spark has dimmed to a mere flicker this season, as Boykin has been unable to provide the same dynamic for the return game. In the three conference games, the Bulldogs' average starting field posi tion has been just past the 24-yard line. Although starting field position is subject to a myriad of factors, it does not nullify the fact that Boykin has not yet showed his ability in 2010. An improved game from the junior could help the offense —one that has not begun a drive in an opponent’s territory since Louisiana-Lafayette. If not, Boykin’s placement on the preseason Thorpe Award watch list will look more and more like a simple misunderstanding. STRICKLAND .ILLY BOYKIN