DawgNation has four staffers who cover the UGA football team from every angle: Beat, live streams, photos, podcasts, recruiting, etc. The Cover 4 aim is simple: 1) Present a topic; 2) Offer a reasoned response; 3) Share a brisk statement to support the informed opinion. 

The Georgia blueprint is based on defense. That’s part of the secret sauce that has allowed the nation’s No. 2 team to win 20 of their last 22 games under third-year coach Kirby Smart.

Smart was the defensive coordinator behind Alabama’s dynasty before coming over to Georgia. He brought veteran coach Mel Tucker with him, too. Tucker has coordinated defenses in the NFL, too.

Georgia currently ranks No. 6 nationally in scoring defense heading into Saturday’s game with LSU. The Bulldogs are giving up 283 yards per game right now heading into the contest.

Who has been the staunchest defender so far on that unit? Well, that one is a runaway.

 

This Cover 4 question: Who is the midseason defensive MVP for UGA football?

These takes are designed to come out even faster than Georgia and LSU fans can fire up those tailgates on Saturday morning.

Who is the midseason defensive MVP for UGA football?

Brandon Adams: Deandre Baker 

Deandre Baker warms up prior to the Tennessee game earlier this season. (Jeff Sentell/DawgNation)/Dawgnation)

The why from Adams: Georgia’s secondary has been the team’s best position group, and Baker is the engine that makes that group go.

Chip Towers: Deandre Baker

Deandre Baker is the highest-rated player by Pro Football Focus on the Bulldog defense so far this year. (Jeff Sentell/DawgNation)/Dawgnation)

The why from Towers Take: Georgia is leading the SEC in total defense and scoring defense, and this shutdown senior cornerback is a big reason why.

Mike Griffith: Deandre Baker

Deandre Baker upends a Tennessee player from earlier this season. (Curtis Compton/AJC)/Dawgnation)

The why from On The Beat: Baker was the highest rated player at his position through the first five games (Pro Football Focus) and has been a shutdown defender.

Jeff Sentell: Deandre Baker

Deandre Baker was challenged heading into the South Carolina game earlier this season. (Jeff Sentell/DawgNation)/Dawgnation)

Why: He’s in the discussion with Kentucky’s Jonathan Allen, LSU’s Devin White and Alabama’s Quinnen Williams to be SEC Defensive Player of the Year right now.

The Cover 4 press of late

 

Do you have your own opinion? DawgNation would love to hear your one-sentence why in the comments field below.