This article was originally published with Dawgs247 on November 17, 2015 and can be found here. 

ATHENS — By the numbers, Georgia has quite a fight lined up for Saturday. The Bulldogs face a team sitting second in its conference. The opponent has already locked up its fifth straight winning season and its sixth in the last seven years. The team has also stood out nationally and leads the country in rushing yards per game (378.9) and sits second in time of possession (34 minutes per game).

The opponent is Georgia Southern, and while the name may not strike fear into many people, Georgia head coach Mark Richtsaid the matchup is one to pay attention to.

“They’re very dangerous, period,” Richt said. “I’d prefer not to play them because they’re that good. I can promise you we’ll get tested in this game as much as any. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Georgia Southern has proven in the past how lethal its play can be against Power 5 opponents. The Eagles handed the Florida Gators arguably their worst loss at home in 2013 with a 26-20 victory. The Sun Belt school almost knocked off two ACC opponents last season, narrowly losing to N.C. State and Georgia Tech. The Eagles may not hold the title of giant killers in the Football Bowl Subdivision, but it’s not from a lack of trying.

One of the biggest tests for the Bulldogs will be stopping the run game. Led by running backs Matt Breida and L.A. Ramsby along with quarterback Kevin Ellison, the Eagles torched numerous opponents by sticking with what they know works. Fresh off a 326-yard effort in a victory last week, Georgia Southern will certainly aim to replicate the performance at Sanford Stadium.

Senior linebacker Jordan Jenkins is excited for the chance to slow down the nearly-unstoppable force.

“I do like that challenge,” Jenkins said. I’ve always liked playing against the run. It’s fun tackling in the backfield and getting a good lick on a running back. They’ve got people motioning every play. They get in different formations that we’re not used to seeing.”

For Jenkins, the main objective this week is staying focused. With the constant motion, it’s important for players to learn their jobs during installation through the week. If the players know their roles and follow through, the Eagles will have a tough time. If, however, a few defenders go rogue, Georgia may find itself in a true showdown.

Part of the issue is how unique Georgia Southern’s offense is. With the task of stopping a spread option team ahead of him, Richt said the team has worked against the Eagles’ common looks during practice. It won’t be clear if it was enough until the game begins on Saturday.

“It’s just different than anything we’ve seen all year,” Richt said. “We’re getting our scout teamers to work hard at simulating it, but it’s just hard to do.”