Control the tempo and four other keys to a Georgia win

1. TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS EARLY

There's a big game against Georgia Tech next week. And just maybe an SEC title game the week after that. So Georgia could use a game where it takes control early and puts away its FCS opponent. That would allow backups and deep reserves to give starters some rest. This statistic probably won't hold up anyway, but Charleston Southern is 7-0 when scoring first this season.

2. DON'T LET VISITORS CONTROL CLOCK

Charleston Southern led the FCS in time of possession last season and is second this season at 34:14. Georgia is eighth in the SEC at 29:37. One way the Buccaneers might stay within reach is by eating up clock with time consuming drives. Forcing three-and-outs will help.

3. BE STRONG ON THIRD DOWN DEFENSE

Charleston Southern has converted on 43.6 percent on third downs, but that number is way down in its losses: 2 of 14 against Vanderbilt, 2 of 10 against Presbyterian and 5 of 13 against Coastal Carolina. Georgia is eighth in the SEC in third down defense at 37.8 percent.

4. DON'T BE GENEROUS

In giving the ball away, that is. Georgia has been stingy in lost turnovers with three interceptions thrown and three fumbles lost. Charleston Southern is plus-8 for the season in turnover margin. The Buccaneers have gained 21 turnovers this season. The Buccaneers have lost just two fumbles all season, second best in the FCS.

5. RUN, BABY, RUN

Charleston Southern isn't big on the defensive front, with two of its listed starters on the defensive line at 255 and 250. Georgia has a powerful offensive line and a tailback that is hard to handle in Nick Chubb. The Bulldogs are second in the SEC at 259.6 yards per game and should continue to keep its running identity without Todd Gurley.