I do get a kick out of the tea-leaf reading of James Coley’s previous stint as an offensive coordinator at Miami. (Hell, probably because I do my fair share of tea-leaf reading, too.)
When comparing Coley’s three years at Miami to Chaney’s three at UGA, the former also showed a tendency to get the running backs and tight ends more involved in the passing game with greater efficacy. The Hurricane running backs averaged 12 yards per reception under Coley while the Bulldog ball carriers averaged just under nine yards per grab under Chaney. The tight ends at Miami averaged almost two yards more per reception while Coley was there than UGA’s did in three years under Chaney.
Coley’s offense was much more balanced on first down, showing a greater tendency to put it in the air on a down that’s run-heavy overall in College Football. The Hurricanes tended to keep it on the ground on first down under UGA’s new play caller but the most run-heavy season on first down for Coley at Miami was in his first, 2013, and it was 62 percent. Chaney’s most run-heavy season on first down was 2017 and it was 77.3 percent.
Different personnel, different head coaches, but, sure, why not?
My gut tells me there are three obvious strengths on Georgia’s offense this season, the offensive line, Jake Fromm and D’Andre Swift. That’s not to say there isn’t talent elsewhere, but at this point, there’s something of a wait and see game as to who else emerges where.
Mr. Impose Your Will is still the head coach, too. There’s a reason he promoted from within, right?
Georgia managed over seven yards a play last season, which was seventh best in the country. The whole thing kinda shouts if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it to me, but your mileage may vary.