National media gushes about D’Andre Swift after career-best performance

After a career performance against Auburn, it’s safe to say that nation has officially noticed sophomore running back D’Andre Swift.

Swift ran for 186 yards on Saturday, including a 77-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that essentially snuffed out at any chance Auburn had at a comeback. It marked the third straight week that Swift topped 100 yards and thus set a new career-high.

Related: D’Andre Swift lights up Sanford Stadium in fourth quarter

As for what some are saying about Georgia’s star running back, Dan Wolken of USA Today said that if he continues to play like this, it will greatly improve Georgia’s chances of taking down Alabama in the SEC Championship game.

“Swift’s speed, ability to cut and his low center of gravity make him the kind of unique, game-breaking player you need against Alabama in a game where it will be difficult to grind out lots of long drives,” Wolken wrote. “If he can hit one or two big gains in the SEC championship game, it transforms Georgia’s chances.

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach made a similar point, while also adding that Swift’s improved health is another reason that Georgia continues to look like a more formidable opponent against the Crimson Tide.

“Tailback D’Andre Swift got healthy at just the right time for the Bulldogs. Swift opened the season still recovering from a groin injury he suffered last season. But the sophomore from Philadelphia has hit his stride in the past three games,” Schlabach wrote.

It’s worth pointing out that ESPN reported that Swift had surgery on both of his groins in January of this year. After the game, Swift told reporters that he is about 85 percent healthy at this point in the season.

He should get a rest on Saturday, as Georgia is a heavy favorite over UMass. Against Middle Tennessee State earlier in the season, Swift carried the ball just 4 times. The Bulldogs and Minutemen kickoff at 4 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network and can be heard on WSB Radio 95.5 FM/ 750 AM.

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