Georgia doesn’t play LSU this season, but the two teams do share several common opponents in 2019. And The Valley Shook’s Billy Gomila takes a look at the Tigers’ slate here and there’s one observation in particular worth sharing.
And just like the Gators, evening out the quarterback play will probably be what sets all that up. Both Kellen Mond and Feliepe Franks had pretty big gaps in their play versus the better teams on their respective schedules last year. How that gap closes (or widens) will probably determine whether either team have a real shot at pushing for a division title.
In conference play last year, Mond finished eighth and Franks ninth in passer rating, both under the 130 average mark. Do you think either of them is ready to make the jump this season? If so, who?
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At first glance I would say Mond rises and Franks declines or stays the same. ATM has a better supporting cast where the Mullets are replacing 4 of 5 starters on the O-Line. As maligned as Franks is, when given time he generally makes good decisions.
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I think Franks is shaky and that OL is going to cause him to rush his mental clock.
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I think Franks will always choke under pressure. That’s either pressure in the pocket, or the pressure of making good decisions and good plays when the game is on the line. I’m not sure about Mond. I haven’t seen him that often.
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I’ve probably seen less of Mond than Franks, but Mond seemed better the times I’ve seen him. Franks playing well seems to be the exception, not the rule. I agree with the others that Franks will be under pressure a lot this season and that will affect his performance.
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It will be Mond. He has better receivers returning.
No mention of the six TDs Mond threw on the Tigers last year. 😉
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But honestly, he did that in what amounted to a game and a half with seven red zone situations at the end, against a tired defense. I don’t disagree that Mond might be the better QB, but he also loses the SEC’s #1 rushing back. The performance metrics of both will depend more on the surrounding cast than the two QBs’ talent levels versus each other. Either team getting to Atlanta is still a long shot, imo.
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As others have suggested, Franks is not likely to advance, but this has less to do with his ability and more to do with the situation he is in at UF. As good as Fromm has been for us, he is benefiting a lot from Sam Pittman in general and the running game he has enjoyed. And receivers: our guys haven’t gotten a lot of national honors, but a lot of them are playing or at least getting chances to play on Sunday.
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I think I read something about UF and a questionable OL. That’s your answer.
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