When Georgia Southern has the ball

The Eagles will rely on redshirt freshman Lee Chapple and sophomore Antonio Henton at quarterback, with both signal callers expected to get equal time taking snaps. Michael McIntosh, Tim Camp and Joe Haynie will serve as their primary targets when they decide to air it out.

The rushing duties will come down to true freshmen Adam Urbano and Samair Baker.

If youth appears to be a stable of this Georgia Southern team, it is — coach Chris Hatcher will have 22 true and redshirt freshman seeing significant playing game against the nation’s top-ranked Football Bowl Subdivision team.

These youngsters will be going up against what is projected to be one of the best defensive units in the nation, meaning they’ll have to grow up quickly.

Advantage: UGA

When Georgia has the ball

Matt Stafford will be throwing, Mohamed Massaquoi will be catching and Knowshon Moreno will be running. And even though coach Mark Richt has valid concerns about an offensive line depleted by injuries, the Bulldogs have the size, speed and talent to move the markers and light up the scoreboard.

Although the Eagles have a strong secondary and sprinkling of veterans at linebacker and on the line, the resistance will still have a monumental task trying to match up against the hosts.

Saturday will likely afford Richt the chance to rest his starters relatively early and give several younger players quality time away from the bench.

Advantage: UGA

Special teams

The Bulldogs have a great punter in Brian Mimbs, and Asher Allen on punt returns while Allen will be the primary returner on kickoffs and punts.

Stepping into the formidable shoes of Brandon Coutu will be true freshman Blair Walsh, who won the placekicking job with a solid summer.

The Eagles have a good kicker in Jesse Hartley, who has made 47 consecutive extra points and connected on a school-record 17 field goals last season.

While Georgia Southern might have the edge at kicker, Georgia has more firepower at virtually every other special teams spot.

Advantage: UGA

The bottom line

Hatcher has Georgia Southern back among the nation’s elite in the Football Championship Subdivision, last season leading the club to seven victories and a No. 17 preseason ranking in the 2008 FCS poll.

But eight players — including two defensive starters — have been suspended for today’s game, and even at full strength the Eagles would be overmatched.

While fans watch and wait to see if another Appalachian State-type miracle will occur this year, the chances of it happening at Sanford Stadium are slim and none.

Prediction: UGA 42, Georgia Southern

— Scott Adamson