GAME NOTES: Fresh off a disappointing defeat that caused them to drop in the national poll significantly, the 23rd-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are set to take on the Western Carolina Catamounts in what appears to be a completely lopsided matchup. Western Carolina is still in search of its first win of the season, as the club has been handled easily in each of its first two outings. This weekend's game marks the second of this new campaign against an SEC opponent, as the Catamounts were crushed by Alabama in the opener by a 52-6 final. Western Carolina was a bit more competitive last weekend against Eastern Kentucky, but the result was 45-21 setback. As for Georgia, it dropped a 16-12 decision to South Carolina in front of a disappointed home crowd last weekend. The Bulldogs are now 1-1, as they knocked off Oklahoma State in the opener, but losing their first SEC contest in Athens to a middle-of-the-pack opponent may have shaken the confidence of this group. Georgia won the only previous meeting with Western Carolina.

Western Carolina played two quarterbacks in the loss to Eastern Kentucky. Todd Spitzer started the contest and did not perform well, as he completed only 9- of-21 passes and was intercepted three times. His replacement, Adam Hearns, was much more effective, as he connected on 14-of-20 passes for 158 yards with two touchdowns against only one pick. It will be interesting to see how the signal callers will be used this weekend. Mike Malone was impressive as a pass catcher last weekend, as he made six grabs for 99 yards and one touchdown. The ground attack was also paced by Malone, as he compiled 62 rushing yards on 14 carries. Overall, the Catamounts posted 23 first downs and 408 total yards, but four interceptions proved extremely costly. Western Carolina was completely ineffective on offense in the opening loss to Alabama. What we do know through two outings is that Mike Malone is a threat both as a runner and receiver, Eddie Cohen is dangerous on the outside, and Todd Spitzer does not look competent under center.

The Western Carolina defensive unit was put in bad situations by the team's offense last weekend, as Eastern Kentucky often started drives in good field position. Still, the Catamounts didn't exactly play stellar defense, as they allowed a staggering total of 326 rushing yards on 53 attempts. Western Carolina did not force a single turnover in the clash and posted just one sack. The fact that the Catamounts are yielding 48.5 ppg and 504.5 total ypg is staggering. The run defense has been absolutely dreadful, allowing 319.5 ypg and 6.6 ypc. With zero takeaways in eight combined quarters of football, this defense is starving for a big play. Drew Walker and Chris Collins are tied for the team lead with 20 tackles apiece.

Georgia scored just 12 points against South Carolina and failed to reach the end zone. Therefore, a large portion of the blame for Saturday's loss rests solely with the offense. The Bulldogs managed 341 total yards and kicked four field goals, but every time a big play was needed they came up short. Matthew Stafford did not play well under center, as he completed only 19-of-44 passes for 213 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked three times and got little help from a receiving corps that lacks a standout performer. As for the ground attack, Knowshon Moreno put forth a solid effort with 104 yards on only 14 carries. Through two outings, Moreno has clearly been the squad's best ball carrier despite not scoring a touchdown. He has rushed for 174 yards on 34 carries. Stafford has completed 54.4 percent of his passes for 447 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, decent numbers that aren't going to scare opponents. As for the receivers, Sean Bailey is tops with nine catches for 131 yards.

The Georgia defense held the team in the game against South Carolina. After the Gamecocks scored a touchdown in the first quarter, the Bulldogs held them out of the end zone for the rest of the contest. Georgia was at its best on third downs, as South Carolina made good on only 1-of-11 conversion attempts. Dannell Ellerbe led the way in defeat with 6.5 tackles. Opponents are only scoring 15.0 ppg against Georgia, which has been solid defensively through the first two weeks of the season. The run defense, which was dominant in week one, was not quite as strong in the game against South Carolina. Georgia does have seven sacks in two weeks, but a low total of one takeaway is a bit concerning.

Expect the Bulldogs to play with some added aggression this weekend, as they are undoubtedly eager to get back on the field after the disappointing loss to South Carolina. This game should not be close.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Georgia 42, Western Carolina 6