The Georgia Bulldogs will be facing an unfamiliar foe in Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Joey Gatewood. Gatewood transferred to the University of Kentucky after playing for the Auburn Tigers in 2019.
Bo Nix beat out Joey Gatewood for the starting quarterback role at Auburn which contributed to Gatewood’s decision to transfer to Kentucky. Gatewood hasn’t started a game in his college career until now. He’ll face the vaunted Georgia Bulldogs defense, which may be the top defense in the SEC.
Gatewood has attempted only 13 passes in his NCAA career. He’s a dual-threat quarterback, who was used as more of a rusher during his time at Auburn. Gatewood has accumulated 40 carries over three seasons and scored five total touchdowns for Auburn during the 2019 season.
Gatewood has a large frame and came into Auburn as a well-regarded four-star recruit. He will face a tough challenge against Georgia, but he’ll be playing behind a stout Wildcat offensive front and will have the benefit of playing at home.
Kentucky’s offense has struggled this year and they haven’t gotten many explosive plays from now injured starting quarterback Terry Wilson. Wilson is a steady player, who rarely throws interceptions, but he’s out for Saturday’s contest against Georgia with a wrist injury.
Will Gatewood make the most of his opportunity against Georgia? The Bulldogs should try to take away Kentucky’s run game and force them into obvious passing situations. The Dawgs can create turnovers if they get Kentucky into third and long.
Stetson Bennett and the Georgia Bulldog offense can help the defense’s cause with a few early touchdowns. If Joey Gatewood is one-dimensional, then the defense will be in for a much more comfortable night.
