This is going to be short and sweet. Georgia better figure out a way to stop the bleeding on Saturday, or else heads are going to roll in Athens.
Win this one, and you can still save the season. Lose this one, and a bowl game is unlikely.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Disgraceful
Georgia/Mississippi State Recap:
Throughout the day and night yesterday, I never considered that Georgia would lose to Mississippi State. They did. And now we are left to figure this team out. This team is more talented than Mississippi State, and they got dominated for 4 quarters. Mississippi State made mistakes, but Georgia couldn’t capitalize.
In the past two seasons, Georgia has lost to Kentucky, Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, and Tennessee. At 1-3 you are who you are. Georgia is a bad team. There is no excuse for losing to Mississippi State.
There will be calls for Mark Richt’s job, and they are justified. The good thing for Richt is that he will not be fired mid-season, so he has the rest of this year to correct things and make people believe that the ship is heading in the right direction. Right or wrong, Richt will be fired if Georgia doesn’t win 7 games this season.
This is as bad as it has been in Athens in a long time. If Georgia loses to Colorado on Saturday night, the Richt Era in Athens will be over.
Throughout the day and night yesterday, I never considered that Georgia would lose to Mississippi State. They did. And now we are left to figure this team out. This team is more talented than Mississippi State, and they got dominated for 4 quarters. Mississippi State made mistakes, but Georgia couldn’t capitalize.
In the past two seasons, Georgia has lost to Kentucky, Arkansas, South Carolina, Mississippi State, LSU, Florida, and Tennessee. At 1-3 you are who you are. Georgia is a bad team. There is no excuse for losing to Mississippi State.
There will be calls for Mark Richt’s job, and they are justified. The good thing for Richt is that he will not be fired mid-season, so he has the rest of this year to correct things and make people believe that the ship is heading in the right direction. Right or wrong, Richt will be fired if Georgia doesn’t win 7 games this season.
This is as bad as it has been in Athens in a long time. If Georgia loses to Colorado on Saturday night, the Richt Era in Athens will be over.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Georgia-Arkansas Reaction
I don’t know that I have ever watched a game that took me in so many emotional directions as the one I watched on Saturday. For the first three quarters, I was wondering if this team would be able to win against any decent team this year, and in the fourth quarter, I was standing up in my living room, shouting at the TV as the Dawgs came roaring back against a good team. This morning, here are my thoughts:
- Things can appear to be worse than they are. Yes Georgia is 1-2, and there is no excuse for being 1-2 at Georgia. BUT how many fans looked at the South Carolina game and the Arkansas game and thought, those are going to be tough? My guess is just about everyone. Georgia has been in both games, and has had chances to win both games, the cards just haven’t fallen our way so far. Georgia now hits a softer part of their schedule, and while no wins are guaranteed on the road in the SEC, I think Georgia will come out and play a great game against Mississippi State and get the season back on track.
- Aaron Murray is going to be really good, but right now, he needs the offensive line to help him out. There were a few times when Murray held the ball far too long, but there were other times when he was under pressure before getting set in the pocket. Offensive line was supposed to be a strength for this team, but yet again this season they are underachieving. They protected Murray great in the fourth quarter (except for the last drive), so you know they can do it.
- The defense is going to be fine. Read this next sentence very closely. Georgia played the best quarterback in the SEC yesterday, and he played well. But in the fourth quarter, when we had to get stops to get back into the game, the defense stepped up and stopped Arkansas three times. That should have won the game.
- Play calling. I’m not a coach, and I have never played organized football, so maybe there are things that I don’t understand. However, I don’t understand Georgia’s play calling. I don’t know that it is time for Bobo to go, however, there has to be an improvement on play calling. The TV guys had it right. On 3rd and 5, when all you need to do is get into Walsh’s field goal range to win the game, why are all the receivers running 20 yard routes. Watch the tape, Arkansas was conceding the first down, but we didn’t have anyone there to get it. The result: Murray got creamed. He is a young quarterback in the SEC, the last thing he needs to worry about is getting killed for standing the pocket.
- I was terribly disappointed with the lack of heart that Georgia showed against South Carolina. And for 3 quarters against Arkansas, Georgia wasn’t showing any heart on Saturday. They pulled together for a great comeback, but in the end they fell short. Why can’t these guys go out there and play hard for 4 quarters?
Georgia is going to play some close games this season. I’m not sure that we will see a win or a loss be more than 14 points all year (except for Idaho State). But for everyone who wants to get upset and talk about how bad this team is consider the following:
Georgia lost to Arkansas on Saturday without the best receiver in college football, without their co-starting tailback, without a starting cornerback, without their starting full back, with a redshirt freshman quarterback, and with a new defensive scheme. Before the season, I wrote that you have to have proper expectations coming into any season, I think the Georgia fans should re-evaluate what they thought this team could do. They can still go 9-3, which would be impressive in this transition season.
- Things can appear to be worse than they are. Yes Georgia is 1-2, and there is no excuse for being 1-2 at Georgia. BUT how many fans looked at the South Carolina game and the Arkansas game and thought, those are going to be tough? My guess is just about everyone. Georgia has been in both games, and has had chances to win both games, the cards just haven’t fallen our way so far. Georgia now hits a softer part of their schedule, and while no wins are guaranteed on the road in the SEC, I think Georgia will come out and play a great game against Mississippi State and get the season back on track.
- Aaron Murray is going to be really good, but right now, he needs the offensive line to help him out. There were a few times when Murray held the ball far too long, but there were other times when he was under pressure before getting set in the pocket. Offensive line was supposed to be a strength for this team, but yet again this season they are underachieving. They protected Murray great in the fourth quarter (except for the last drive), so you know they can do it.
- The defense is going to be fine. Read this next sentence very closely. Georgia played the best quarterback in the SEC yesterday, and he played well. But in the fourth quarter, when we had to get stops to get back into the game, the defense stepped up and stopped Arkansas three times. That should have won the game.
- Play calling. I’m not a coach, and I have never played organized football, so maybe there are things that I don’t understand. However, I don’t understand Georgia’s play calling. I don’t know that it is time for Bobo to go, however, there has to be an improvement on play calling. The TV guys had it right. On 3rd and 5, when all you need to do is get into Walsh’s field goal range to win the game, why are all the receivers running 20 yard routes. Watch the tape, Arkansas was conceding the first down, but we didn’t have anyone there to get it. The result: Murray got creamed. He is a young quarterback in the SEC, the last thing he needs to worry about is getting killed for standing the pocket.
- I was terribly disappointed with the lack of heart that Georgia showed against South Carolina. And for 3 quarters against Arkansas, Georgia wasn’t showing any heart on Saturday. They pulled together for a great comeback, but in the end they fell short. Why can’t these guys go out there and play hard for 4 quarters?
Georgia is going to play some close games this season. I’m not sure that we will see a win or a loss be more than 14 points all year (except for Idaho State). But for everyone who wants to get upset and talk about how bad this team is consider the following:
Georgia lost to Arkansas on Saturday without the best receiver in college football, without their co-starting tailback, without a starting cornerback, without their starting full back, with a redshirt freshman quarterback, and with a new defensive scheme. Before the season, I wrote that you have to have proper expectations coming into any season, I think the Georgia fans should re-evaluate what they thought this team could do. They can still go 9-3, which would be impressive in this transition season.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Georgia-Arkansas Preview
There is no way to down play the significance of Georgia’s game tomorrow with Arkansas. There is a worried feeling around the program right now, and a loss between the hedges will put even more pressure on a young team that is still trying to find their way.
Mark Richt is a very good coach, but he is cursed with having to coach in the toughest conference in America against two of the 3 best coaches in America (Saben and Meyer). He is a great person who has done nothing in his personal life to bring anything but pride to the University of Georgia. He has won two SEC titles and finished has multiple top 5 finishes on his record in his 9 years at Georgia.
All of the positives that Richt brings to the table have been overshadowed over the past few seasons in Athens. Despite a fantastic finish to the 2007 season, Georgia has fallen off the map nationally and now come in to tomorrow’s game as a slim home favorite over Arkansas.
Arkansas.
A loss on Saturday will put many in the Bulldog Nation on the fence about Richt as the coach that can bring the big one to Athens. Let there be no doubt, the goal at Georgia should be to win the title. I’m not saying that we should win the title this year, but I am saying that the ultimate goal for the program has to be winning it all, and right now, you have to wonder if we are on the right track.
I think tomorrow is going to be a great day to be a Georgia Bulldog, so let’s start making some room on the band-wagon for everyone who bailed on this team after last week’s performance. I believe that after tomorrow’s win, Georgia will win their next 5 games, and show up to play Florida in Jacksonville as the higher ranked team. I know it seems like a pipe dream right now, but understand that this team is no different than they were last Friday, when we all believed.
Aaron Murray his going to have a huge day tomorrow, Washaun Ealey is going to remind us why we were ready to compare him to Moreno last year, Grantham’s defense is going to put up a good effort against a great offense, and Georgia is going to take the first step back to national significance by sending Petrino’s Pigs back west with the first of back to back losses (Arkansas plays Alabama next week).
This is the only game I’m going to preview this week, because as a Dawg fan, this is the only game that matters.
Keep an eye on Georgia’s young quarterback tomorrow, and compare his attitude and demeanor to that of Ryan Mallot, the Arkansas quarterback.
Keep an eye on Mark Richt, and realize the kind of man and leader we have at Georgia. Compare that to Bobby Petrino, who is a win at all cost, me first type of coach.
And after Georgia does away with the Razorbacks, keep an eye on Auburn, Alabama tomorrow night, when the Tigers take on South Carolina. A Gamecock loss puts Georgia right back in position to make it to Atlanta.
Mark Richt is a very good coach, but he is cursed with having to coach in the toughest conference in America against two of the 3 best coaches in America (Saben and Meyer). He is a great person who has done nothing in his personal life to bring anything but pride to the University of Georgia. He has won two SEC titles and finished has multiple top 5 finishes on his record in his 9 years at Georgia.
All of the positives that Richt brings to the table have been overshadowed over the past few seasons in Athens. Despite a fantastic finish to the 2007 season, Georgia has fallen off the map nationally and now come in to tomorrow’s game as a slim home favorite over Arkansas.
Arkansas.
A loss on Saturday will put many in the Bulldog Nation on the fence about Richt as the coach that can bring the big one to Athens. Let there be no doubt, the goal at Georgia should be to win the title. I’m not saying that we should win the title this year, but I am saying that the ultimate goal for the program has to be winning it all, and right now, you have to wonder if we are on the right track.
I think tomorrow is going to be a great day to be a Georgia Bulldog, so let’s start making some room on the band-wagon for everyone who bailed on this team after last week’s performance. I believe that after tomorrow’s win, Georgia will win their next 5 games, and show up to play Florida in Jacksonville as the higher ranked team. I know it seems like a pipe dream right now, but understand that this team is no different than they were last Friday, when we all believed.
Aaron Murray his going to have a huge day tomorrow, Washaun Ealey is going to remind us why we were ready to compare him to Moreno last year, Grantham’s defense is going to put up a good effort against a great offense, and Georgia is going to take the first step back to national significance by sending Petrino’s Pigs back west with the first of back to back losses (Arkansas plays Alabama next week).
This is the only game I’m going to preview this week, because as a Dawg fan, this is the only game that matters.
Keep an eye on Georgia’s young quarterback tomorrow, and compare his attitude and demeanor to that of Ryan Mallot, the Arkansas quarterback.
Keep an eye on Mark Richt, and realize the kind of man and leader we have at Georgia. Compare that to Bobby Petrino, who is a win at all cost, me first type of coach.
And after Georgia does away with the Razorbacks, keep an eye on Auburn, Alabama tomorrow night, when the Tigers take on South Carolina. A Gamecock loss puts Georgia right back in position to make it to Atlanta.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
South Carolina Aftermath
Georgia v. South Carolina
Obviously, it was a disappointing SEC opener for the Bulldogs in Columbia. While I truly believe there is no shame in losing on the road to a good team like South Carolina, the way Georgia lost was very frustrating. However, its still early in the season, so let’s be positive and start this week’s recap with the good things that happened against South Carolina.
The Good:
-In my mind, the best thing I saw on Saturday was an impressive performance from Aaron Murray. Murray used his legs effectively and threw the ball with confidence in his first road game as Georgia quarterback. Murray seemed to work through his progressions, and find the open man many times during the game, and never threw a ball into double coverage. He seems to understand the offense and the routes his receivers are running. I believe we are going to see Murray improve week to week this season, and as he does, Georgia will become a very strong team offensively.
- Mark Richt’s teams have been excellent at being poised, and Saturday was no different. At no time did it seem that Georgia panicked. There are going to be more times throughout the season when Georgia falls behind, and when they do they need to show the same type poise they showed against South Carolina.
- Penalties: There has been much written and discussed over the past two seasons about Georgia’s penalty problems. Georgia did well in the first game of the season by limiting their penalties and they continued to do well on Saturday. Georgia was penalized only four times for 25 yards. Even though Georgia has some unfortunate timing on the penalties they did have, at least there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel we have been in over the past two seasons.
The Bad:
- TACKLING!!!!: I believe Marcus Lattimore will be making a lot of defenses look bad this season. However, Georgia has to improve on their tackling. Too many times, you saw Georgia defensive players throwing shoulders into Lattimore, only to see the big running back keep his legs moving and gain more yards. If Georgia’s defense doesn’t spend a lot of time this week working on tackling, we could see 50 points on the board this Saturday when Arkansas comes to town.
- Clock Management: There is no reason that Georgia should have taken their final timeout of the game with seven minutes left in the third quarter. Coach Richt and Coach Grantham need to do whatever it takes to manage the game better from the sideline. When you are playing close games in the SEC, like Georgia will be playing throughout the season, timeouts are golden.
- Conservative game plan: After the game, Mark Richt admitted that the offensive coaches were going to have to take the training wheels off of the offense and see what Aaron Murray can do. The game plan was obviously to run the ball and try to throw off of play action, however, the Georgia running game was inconsistent, and Murray did not have enough opportunities to throw the ball, especially in the first half. Georgia can’t abandon the run, but teams are going to attempt to take the run game away from the Dawgs and dare Aaron Murray to beat them. From what I have seen so far, I believe he can beat any team on Georgia’s schedule this season, so Georgia will have to become more aggressive with the passing game.
- Drew Butler: Butler won the Ray Guy award as the best punter in the nation last season, but he did not have a good game on Saturday. Butler averaged only 42 yards per punt on Saturday, and Georgia struggled with field position for the entire fourth quarter. Special teams were a strength for this team last season, and they will be key if Georgia is going to make it to a New Year’s Day bowl game.
- ESPN 2: I can’t remember watching a Georgia game when the broadcast was as bad as it was on Saturday. The camera guys were always chasing the play. The announcers didn’t seem to be watching the game half of the time, and when they were, they didn’t add anything to the game. They never said why Caleb King was not playing, or even noticed that he did not play. Here’s to hoping we can avoid this crew again.
So where are we now? Georgia can still have a great season. That is right, I said great. It all starts with Arkansas this weekend. The Razorbacks are coming to Athens ranked in the top 15. A win would give the team confidence, going into a softer part of the schedule. Arkansas will most likely be looking ahead a bit as they have a chance to knock off the #1 Crimson Tide at home the week after the Georgia game. Also, Arkansas was off this past weekend, so they could be a little rusty with only one game played so far in the season.
A win against Arkansas would get Georgia back over .500 as they go on the road for two weeks against inferior opponents. If you are coming to Athens on Saturday, get here early, be loud at kickoff, and help get the Dawgs back on the right track!
P.S.
If you are one of the fair weather idiots who are now talking about firing Mark Richt, benching Washaun Ealey, or abandoning the 3-4 defense please go to your local sporting goods store and purchase all of the Georgia Tech gear they have because the Bulldog Nation doesn’t have room for people like you. If you want to know what I’m talking about, read the comments on ajc.com. These people don’t know football and can’t spell loyalty.
Obviously, it was a disappointing SEC opener for the Bulldogs in Columbia. While I truly believe there is no shame in losing on the road to a good team like South Carolina, the way Georgia lost was very frustrating. However, its still early in the season, so let’s be positive and start this week’s recap with the good things that happened against South Carolina.
The Good:
-In my mind, the best thing I saw on Saturday was an impressive performance from Aaron Murray. Murray used his legs effectively and threw the ball with confidence in his first road game as Georgia quarterback. Murray seemed to work through his progressions, and find the open man many times during the game, and never threw a ball into double coverage. He seems to understand the offense and the routes his receivers are running. I believe we are going to see Murray improve week to week this season, and as he does, Georgia will become a very strong team offensively.
- Mark Richt’s teams have been excellent at being poised, and Saturday was no different. At no time did it seem that Georgia panicked. There are going to be more times throughout the season when Georgia falls behind, and when they do they need to show the same type poise they showed against South Carolina.
- Penalties: There has been much written and discussed over the past two seasons about Georgia’s penalty problems. Georgia did well in the first game of the season by limiting their penalties and they continued to do well on Saturday. Georgia was penalized only four times for 25 yards. Even though Georgia has some unfortunate timing on the penalties they did have, at least there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel we have been in over the past two seasons.
The Bad:
- TACKLING!!!!: I believe Marcus Lattimore will be making a lot of defenses look bad this season. However, Georgia has to improve on their tackling. Too many times, you saw Georgia defensive players throwing shoulders into Lattimore, only to see the big running back keep his legs moving and gain more yards. If Georgia’s defense doesn’t spend a lot of time this week working on tackling, we could see 50 points on the board this Saturday when Arkansas comes to town.
- Clock Management: There is no reason that Georgia should have taken their final timeout of the game with seven minutes left in the third quarter. Coach Richt and Coach Grantham need to do whatever it takes to manage the game better from the sideline. When you are playing close games in the SEC, like Georgia will be playing throughout the season, timeouts are golden.
- Conservative game plan: After the game, Mark Richt admitted that the offensive coaches were going to have to take the training wheels off of the offense and see what Aaron Murray can do. The game plan was obviously to run the ball and try to throw off of play action, however, the Georgia running game was inconsistent, and Murray did not have enough opportunities to throw the ball, especially in the first half. Georgia can’t abandon the run, but teams are going to attempt to take the run game away from the Dawgs and dare Aaron Murray to beat them. From what I have seen so far, I believe he can beat any team on Georgia’s schedule this season, so Georgia will have to become more aggressive with the passing game.
- Drew Butler: Butler won the Ray Guy award as the best punter in the nation last season, but he did not have a good game on Saturday. Butler averaged only 42 yards per punt on Saturday, and Georgia struggled with field position for the entire fourth quarter. Special teams were a strength for this team last season, and they will be key if Georgia is going to make it to a New Year’s Day bowl game.
- ESPN 2: I can’t remember watching a Georgia game when the broadcast was as bad as it was on Saturday. The camera guys were always chasing the play. The announcers didn’t seem to be watching the game half of the time, and when they were, they didn’t add anything to the game. They never said why Caleb King was not playing, or even noticed that he did not play. Here’s to hoping we can avoid this crew again.
So where are we now? Georgia can still have a great season. That is right, I said great. It all starts with Arkansas this weekend. The Razorbacks are coming to Athens ranked in the top 15. A win would give the team confidence, going into a softer part of the schedule. Arkansas will most likely be looking ahead a bit as they have a chance to knock off the #1 Crimson Tide at home the week after the Georgia game. Also, Arkansas was off this past weekend, so they could be a little rusty with only one game played so far in the season.
A win against Arkansas would get Georgia back over .500 as they go on the road for two weeks against inferior opponents. If you are coming to Athens on Saturday, get here early, be loud at kickoff, and help get the Dawgs back on the right track!
P.S.
If you are one of the fair weather idiots who are now talking about firing Mark Richt, benching Washaun Ealey, or abandoning the 3-4 defense please go to your local sporting goods store and purchase all of the Georgia Tech gear they have because the Bulldog Nation doesn’t have room for people like you. If you want to know what I’m talking about, read the comments on ajc.com. These people don’t know football and can’t spell loyalty.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Week 2 Preview
Week Two Preview:
After some good games last week, college football is in full swing for week 2. We have rivalries heating up in the SEC, and some national championship rematches. You can start your day at Noon and watch great games until 10 pm on Saturday!
Georgia v. South Carolina 12:00 pm ESPN 2
The AJ Green suspension has most Georgia fans thinking that it is not going to be a good day in Columbia. Personally, I think the suspension will help the Dawgs. I didn’t see this game going Georgia’s way before the season, and I still think it will be an upset if the Dawgs win, but I think that the suspension will pull this team together.
Before we get to the game, a word about the suspension. Green knew what he was doing was against NCAA rules. He apologized in a statement and repaid the money. Now he has to do the time. You can’t fault the NCAA for making this decision. There are going to be more suspensions coming in the next few days and weeks for other high-profile programs, at least now the coaches, players, and fans know that Green will be out until the Colorado game.
Now to the on-field matters.
Georgia usually beats South Carolina. In the Richt era, Georgia has only lost to the Gamecocks twice, and one of those times was in Richt’s first SEC game in 2001.
South Carolina looked very good against Southern Mississippi last Thursday night, and they will have a few extra days of rest because of the early game last week, but, Georgia isn’t Southern Mississippi.
South Carolina will feature a veteran quarterback in Stephen Garcia as well as a young prodigy in Connor Shaw. In Garcia, you know what you are going to get. He is going to make some plays, and he has the ability to move around in the pocket and even scramble when pressure is applied. When he is given time, he can pick a defense apart. However, if you saw the game against Southern Miss you know that he doesn’t respond well to pressure. He takes his eyes off of the receivers too early and starts trying to run. If Georgia can get in Garcia’s face, they might force him into some mistakes. Mistakes are the other thing you know you are going to get with Garcia. He threw 10 INT’s last season, and some of them came at the worst possible times. Look for South Carolina to try to establish the run with freshman running back Marcus Lattimore. The ESPN guys loved talking about how Lattimore was running over the Southern Miss defenders, but I think he will have a harder time with the Dawgs defense.
For Georgia it is all about two things: No mistakes from Aaron Murray and keep that defense aggressive. Murray looked extremely poised last Saturday between the hedges, but he has never been in an environment like the one he will see Saturday at Noon. Murray does not have to win the game, but he cannot lose it either. If Murray does not throw an interception, Georgia will win the game.
The biggest key to the game in my opinion is Georgia’s defense. They looked great against lowly Louisiana Lafayette, but what will they be able to do against a legitimate offense. Spurrier is a genius, and if there are holes in the defense, he will find them. Georgia has to figure out a way to stop the passing game of South Carolina. Alshon Jeffery (6-4), Jason Barnes (6-4), and Ace Sanders (5-7) are three great receivers and two of them have the size that will make them almost impossible to cover. If Georgia puts pressure on Garcia, which they have to, it will leave our cornerbacks going one on one with these huge receivers.
I think Georgia will come into Williams-Bryce Stadium on Saturday, arm and arm with an “us against the world mentality.” I think 80,000 people are going to boo this young Georgia team and I don’t think they are going to care for one minute. I think Georgia will play a great game, and end up losing a close one in the end. South Carolina’s size at wide receiver and their veteran leadership will be just enough to beat the Dawgs, 20-17.
P.S. I hope I’m wrong.
Miami v. Ohio State 3:40 pm ESPN
This is a rematch of a great National Title Game in 2002. Ohio State won that game with the help of a bad pass interference call in overtime. This game might be just as close. Randy Shannon has done a great job bringing Miami back after Larry Coker managed to take all that talent to mediocre levels. Miami’s quarterback Jacory Harris has the talent to go on the road and lead his team to victory, but does he have the mental make up to handle the big situations and the national attention?
On the other side of the field, Tyrell Pryor has heard everyone talk about how good he is since he was in high school. Pryor famously took a few extra weeks to decide on Ohio State over Michigan a few years ago, and proceeded to live up to all of his hype in last year’s Rose Bowl. This game will make one of these teams a title contender and leave the other team playing only for their conference title.
Because the game is being played in Columbus, I’ll take Ohio State, but I think it will be a shootout, 31-24.
Florida State v. Oklahoma 3:30 pm ABC
This is a rematch of a not-so-great National Title game in 2001. FSU’s potent offense could barely make it on and off the field after offensive coordinator, Mark Richt took the Georgia job before the title game. Oklahoma won the game and the title. Bobby Bowden never went back to a title game.
Jimbo Fisher is the coach at FSU now, although Bowden’s shadow still looms large over the program. Fisher would go a long way to make the program his own by going on the road Saturday and upsetting Oklahoma, and I believe that is exactly what is going to happen. Oklahoma didn’t look good in their opening game, and even though I think Oklahoma is a good team, I think FSU is due for a big time win. The Noles pull the upset 27-16.
Penn State v. Alabama 7 pm ESPN
The defending champions get their first test of 2010 as Joe Pa brings a young Nitny Lions team to Tuscaloosa. Mark Ingram isn’t going to play and to hear Bama fans talk about it, they are better off. Trent Richardson had a good game last week, but there is a reason Ingram won the Heisman. I think this game will be the game of the day.
Penn State is going to scare the pants right off of AL the elephant. In the end, I think Bama will hang on to win, but don’t be surprised if Penn State is leading sometime in the second half. The fighting Sabans win this one, but close: Bama 17-16.
After some good games last week, college football is in full swing for week 2. We have rivalries heating up in the SEC, and some national championship rematches. You can start your day at Noon and watch great games until 10 pm on Saturday!
Georgia v. South Carolina 12:00 pm ESPN 2
The AJ Green suspension has most Georgia fans thinking that it is not going to be a good day in Columbia. Personally, I think the suspension will help the Dawgs. I didn’t see this game going Georgia’s way before the season, and I still think it will be an upset if the Dawgs win, but I think that the suspension will pull this team together.
Before we get to the game, a word about the suspension. Green knew what he was doing was against NCAA rules. He apologized in a statement and repaid the money. Now he has to do the time. You can’t fault the NCAA for making this decision. There are going to be more suspensions coming in the next few days and weeks for other high-profile programs, at least now the coaches, players, and fans know that Green will be out until the Colorado game.
Now to the on-field matters.
Georgia usually beats South Carolina. In the Richt era, Georgia has only lost to the Gamecocks twice, and one of those times was in Richt’s first SEC game in 2001.
South Carolina looked very good against Southern Mississippi last Thursday night, and they will have a few extra days of rest because of the early game last week, but, Georgia isn’t Southern Mississippi.
South Carolina will feature a veteran quarterback in Stephen Garcia as well as a young prodigy in Connor Shaw. In Garcia, you know what you are going to get. He is going to make some plays, and he has the ability to move around in the pocket and even scramble when pressure is applied. When he is given time, he can pick a defense apart. However, if you saw the game against Southern Miss you know that he doesn’t respond well to pressure. He takes his eyes off of the receivers too early and starts trying to run. If Georgia can get in Garcia’s face, they might force him into some mistakes. Mistakes are the other thing you know you are going to get with Garcia. He threw 10 INT’s last season, and some of them came at the worst possible times. Look for South Carolina to try to establish the run with freshman running back Marcus Lattimore. The ESPN guys loved talking about how Lattimore was running over the Southern Miss defenders, but I think he will have a harder time with the Dawgs defense.
For Georgia it is all about two things: No mistakes from Aaron Murray and keep that defense aggressive. Murray looked extremely poised last Saturday between the hedges, but he has never been in an environment like the one he will see Saturday at Noon. Murray does not have to win the game, but he cannot lose it either. If Murray does not throw an interception, Georgia will win the game.
The biggest key to the game in my opinion is Georgia’s defense. They looked great against lowly Louisiana Lafayette, but what will they be able to do against a legitimate offense. Spurrier is a genius, and if there are holes in the defense, he will find them. Georgia has to figure out a way to stop the passing game of South Carolina. Alshon Jeffery (6-4), Jason Barnes (6-4), and Ace Sanders (5-7) are three great receivers and two of them have the size that will make them almost impossible to cover. If Georgia puts pressure on Garcia, which they have to, it will leave our cornerbacks going one on one with these huge receivers.
I think Georgia will come into Williams-Bryce Stadium on Saturday, arm and arm with an “us against the world mentality.” I think 80,000 people are going to boo this young Georgia team and I don’t think they are going to care for one minute. I think Georgia will play a great game, and end up losing a close one in the end. South Carolina’s size at wide receiver and their veteran leadership will be just enough to beat the Dawgs, 20-17.
P.S. I hope I’m wrong.
Miami v. Ohio State 3:40 pm ESPN
This is a rematch of a great National Title Game in 2002. Ohio State won that game with the help of a bad pass interference call in overtime. This game might be just as close. Randy Shannon has done a great job bringing Miami back after Larry Coker managed to take all that talent to mediocre levels. Miami’s quarterback Jacory Harris has the talent to go on the road and lead his team to victory, but does he have the mental make up to handle the big situations and the national attention?
On the other side of the field, Tyrell Pryor has heard everyone talk about how good he is since he was in high school. Pryor famously took a few extra weeks to decide on Ohio State over Michigan a few years ago, and proceeded to live up to all of his hype in last year’s Rose Bowl. This game will make one of these teams a title contender and leave the other team playing only for their conference title.
Because the game is being played in Columbus, I’ll take Ohio State, but I think it will be a shootout, 31-24.
Florida State v. Oklahoma 3:30 pm ABC
This is a rematch of a not-so-great National Title game in 2001. FSU’s potent offense could barely make it on and off the field after offensive coordinator, Mark Richt took the Georgia job before the title game. Oklahoma won the game and the title. Bobby Bowden never went back to a title game.
Jimbo Fisher is the coach at FSU now, although Bowden’s shadow still looms large over the program. Fisher would go a long way to make the program his own by going on the road Saturday and upsetting Oklahoma, and I believe that is exactly what is going to happen. Oklahoma didn’t look good in their opening game, and even though I think Oklahoma is a good team, I think FSU is due for a big time win. The Noles pull the upset 27-16.
Penn State v. Alabama 7 pm ESPN
The defending champions get their first test of 2010 as Joe Pa brings a young Nitny Lions team to Tuscaloosa. Mark Ingram isn’t going to play and to hear Bama fans talk about it, they are better off. Trent Richardson had a good game last week, but there is a reason Ingram won the Heisman. I think this game will be the game of the day.
Penn State is going to scare the pants right off of AL the elephant. In the end, I think Bama will hang on to win, but don’t be surprised if Penn State is leading sometime in the second half. The fighting Sabans win this one, but close: Bama 17-16.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Thoughts on Week One
For what was supposed to be a boring week in college football, there is plenty to talk about. First and most importantly, were the two victories by the non-BCS contenders. TCU took care of business and won a great game against Oregon State. The Horned-Frogs are now in position to run the table, but probably don't have the schedule to really get into the National title conversation.
Boise State is in a completely different position. Their national profile is much higher than TCU. The Broncos won an amazing game on Labor Day night against Virginia Tech. Kellen Moore showed why he might be the front runner for the Heisman Trophy, and Chris Peterson showed that he is one of the best coaches in America. The question now is, can Boise State continue winning and winning impressively while BCS schools rack up big wins in conference. Boise's schedule will hurt them because they won't be playing in high profile game like they were last night. They also won't be on TV much for the rest of the season. It's going to be difficult for Boise to keep themselves in the minds of the voters when they won't have another substantial win for the rest of the season.
Closer to home, Georgia fans have to feel good about what they saw on Saturday. Murray looked poised and in control of the offense. He made one significant error but got away with it. The defense was the most exciting thing to see. Watching that aggressive defense attack all afternoon long reminded me of the the days of David Pollack, Odell Thurman, and Thomas Davis. If this team is going to have a special season, the defense will be the most important aspect.
A couple of warnings for SEC fans. Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee aren't as good as they looked against weak opponents. And be sure that Florida's offense won't be as bad as they looked on Saturday.
Ole Miss could possibly be as bad as they looked, losing to Jacksonville State at home!
Week one is in the books, and we will know so much more about every team after this weekend.
Boise State is in a completely different position. Their national profile is much higher than TCU. The Broncos won an amazing game on Labor Day night against Virginia Tech. Kellen Moore showed why he might be the front runner for the Heisman Trophy, and Chris Peterson showed that he is one of the best coaches in America. The question now is, can Boise State continue winning and winning impressively while BCS schools rack up big wins in conference. Boise's schedule will hurt them because they won't be playing in high profile game like they were last night. They also won't be on TV much for the rest of the season. It's going to be difficult for Boise to keep themselves in the minds of the voters when they won't have another substantial win for the rest of the season.
Closer to home, Georgia fans have to feel good about what they saw on Saturday. Murray looked poised and in control of the offense. He made one significant error but got away with it. The defense was the most exciting thing to see. Watching that aggressive defense attack all afternoon long reminded me of the the days of David Pollack, Odell Thurman, and Thomas Davis. If this team is going to have a special season, the defense will be the most important aspect.
A couple of warnings for SEC fans. Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee aren't as good as they looked against weak opponents. And be sure that Florida's offense won't be as bad as they looked on Saturday.
Ole Miss could possibly be as bad as they looked, losing to Jacksonville State at home!
Week one is in the books, and we will know so much more about every team after this weekend.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Week 1 Preview
You have been waiting almost 8 months for college football to return, and you will be waiting one more week for a great weekend of college football. Don’t get me wrong, there are a couple of good games this weekend, but overall, you don’t have many great match ups. Finding five games to break down won’t be nearly as difficult in the coming weeks, but here we go for week one of the 2010 college football season.
Southern Mississippi v. South Carolina (ESPN 7:30 pm, Thursday)
The Bulldog nation should tune in to get a look at Georgia’s first real opponent of the season. The Gamecocks are coming off a 7-6 season a year ago. You wouldn’t expect to see a Steve Spurrier team struggle to score points, however, the 2009 edition of the Gamecocks ranked 102nd in the nation in scoring at just over 20 points per game. Steven Garcia will be the starting quarterback, but in true Spurrier fashion, another quarterback will get a share of the snaps. True freshman Connor Shaw from Flowery Branch, GA will see the field regularly, and many Gamecock fans think Shaw will eventually be the starter.
Southern Mississippi also went 7-6 in 2009, however, playing in Conference USA is very different than playing in the SEC. Because of their weaker schedule, their statistics look a lot better. With senior quarterback, Martevious Young under center Southern Mississippi should be able to stay with South Carolina for at least the first half. However, with a national audience turning their attention to Columbus, don’t expect the Gamecocks to blow this one.
South Carolina will win but I don’t think they will blow the Golden Eagles out, because I don’t think the Gamecock offense can score enough, but I fully expect South Carolina to win. The bigger question is whether the two-quarterback system will be an advantage or a distraction against teams later in the season, namely the Dawgs next weekend.
UNC v. LSU (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game: ABC 8 pm, Saturday)
I believe this game will be close, low-scoring, and eventually a pivotal point for LSU coach Les Miles. LSU’s defense carried them last season, but the offense will have to step up this year. The offense will get an SEC-style test when they meet the Tar Heals. UNC sports one of the best defenses in the nation, with possibly 5 future NFL players on their roster.
LSU comes into the season ranked #21, but they are just 8-8 since winning the National Championship in 2007-2008. Miles will need to improve on that record this year, or he will be looking for another job after the season. Here is the problem for Miles and LSU this season. They have to go on the road to play three of their four biggest games of the year. The Tigers travel to Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas in 2010. The other big SEC game is at home…. against Alabama. I don’t think it would be ridiculous to think that LSU could lose all four of those games. If that is the case, LSU can’t do better than 4-4 in the conference again this season. Add on top of that schedule an early season loss to UNC in the Georgia Dome, and there will be real trouble on the Bayou.
For UNC, they have a chance to get to their first ACC title game this year, but they play in the harder of the two ACC divisions. To make it to Tampa, UNC will have to overcome defending champion Georgia Tech, Miami, and Virginia Tech. Not going to happen.
When we look back on this game at the end of the season, I don’t think either of these team will be ranked, but on Saturday night, give me Butch Davis over Les Miles. UNC wins the game by 3.
Oregon State v. TCU (ESPN 7:45 pm, Saturday)
This is the only game that TCU will play this season versus an opponent that is ranked in the preseason. By ranking TCU so high in the polls (#6 in the coaches poll), the Horned Frogs could be playing for a spot in the national title game on Saturday night. I don’t know anything about TCU, and I don’t want to know anything about TCU. I hope Oregon State beats them by 40.
With all of this talk about realignment, you haven’t heard one person from TCU, Boise State, or Utah ask to be put in one of the big 6 conferences. These guys don’t want to play the big boys week in and week out, so they don’t deserve to play for the national title. I’ll take a one loss Ohio State team and a two loss SEC champion over one of these “mid-majors” any day of the week.
Boise State v. Virginia Tech (ESPN 8 pm, Monday)
Please re-read everything I said above and insert Boise State every time you see the word TCU. These teams are a joke, and the people who voted them in the Top 10 should lose their voting privileges.
Louisiana-Lafayette v. Georgia (SEC Network/Peachtree TV 12:20 pm, Saturday)
Aaron Murray and Todd Grantham will be making their Georgia Bulldog debuts “Between the Hedges” and I’m not really sure which I’m more excited about. I don’t want to see a Stafford like performance on Saturday out of Murray. I want to see the calm, steady David Greene type of performance that lead Georgia back to the top of the polls in 2002. Aaron Murray is the only new starter for the Bulldogs on offense, and his job will be to manage the game and distribute the football.
On defense, Georgia needs to get back to that aggressive style of defense that thrived in the mid 2000’s.
This game should be well over by halftime, but if you want to look for a few things, keep an eye on penalties. A new quarterback needs to get the team in and out of the huddle and avoid delay of game penalties.
Georgia wins by about 30. The real question is whether Hutson Mason will play in the 2nd half. Mason is listed as Georgia’s backup quarterback, but playing him will mean losing his redshirt and an extra year of eligibility.
Southern Mississippi v. South Carolina (ESPN 7:30 pm, Thursday)
The Bulldog nation should tune in to get a look at Georgia’s first real opponent of the season. The Gamecocks are coming off a 7-6 season a year ago. You wouldn’t expect to see a Steve Spurrier team struggle to score points, however, the 2009 edition of the Gamecocks ranked 102nd in the nation in scoring at just over 20 points per game. Steven Garcia will be the starting quarterback, but in true Spurrier fashion, another quarterback will get a share of the snaps. True freshman Connor Shaw from Flowery Branch, GA will see the field regularly, and many Gamecock fans think Shaw will eventually be the starter.
Southern Mississippi also went 7-6 in 2009, however, playing in Conference USA is very different than playing in the SEC. Because of their weaker schedule, their statistics look a lot better. With senior quarterback, Martevious Young under center Southern Mississippi should be able to stay with South Carolina for at least the first half. However, with a national audience turning their attention to Columbus, don’t expect the Gamecocks to blow this one.
South Carolina will win but I don’t think they will blow the Golden Eagles out, because I don’t think the Gamecock offense can score enough, but I fully expect South Carolina to win. The bigger question is whether the two-quarterback system will be an advantage or a distraction against teams later in the season, namely the Dawgs next weekend.
UNC v. LSU (Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game: ABC 8 pm, Saturday)
I believe this game will be close, low-scoring, and eventually a pivotal point for LSU coach Les Miles. LSU’s defense carried them last season, but the offense will have to step up this year. The offense will get an SEC-style test when they meet the Tar Heals. UNC sports one of the best defenses in the nation, with possibly 5 future NFL players on their roster.
LSU comes into the season ranked #21, but they are just 8-8 since winning the National Championship in 2007-2008. Miles will need to improve on that record this year, or he will be looking for another job after the season. Here is the problem for Miles and LSU this season. They have to go on the road to play three of their four biggest games of the year. The Tigers travel to Florida, Auburn, and Arkansas in 2010. The other big SEC game is at home…. against Alabama. I don’t think it would be ridiculous to think that LSU could lose all four of those games. If that is the case, LSU can’t do better than 4-4 in the conference again this season. Add on top of that schedule an early season loss to UNC in the Georgia Dome, and there will be real trouble on the Bayou.
For UNC, they have a chance to get to their first ACC title game this year, but they play in the harder of the two ACC divisions. To make it to Tampa, UNC will have to overcome defending champion Georgia Tech, Miami, and Virginia Tech. Not going to happen.
When we look back on this game at the end of the season, I don’t think either of these team will be ranked, but on Saturday night, give me Butch Davis over Les Miles. UNC wins the game by 3.
Oregon State v. TCU (ESPN 7:45 pm, Saturday)
This is the only game that TCU will play this season versus an opponent that is ranked in the preseason. By ranking TCU so high in the polls (#6 in the coaches poll), the Horned Frogs could be playing for a spot in the national title game on Saturday night. I don’t know anything about TCU, and I don’t want to know anything about TCU. I hope Oregon State beats them by 40.
With all of this talk about realignment, you haven’t heard one person from TCU, Boise State, or Utah ask to be put in one of the big 6 conferences. These guys don’t want to play the big boys week in and week out, so they don’t deserve to play for the national title. I’ll take a one loss Ohio State team and a two loss SEC champion over one of these “mid-majors” any day of the week.
Boise State v. Virginia Tech (ESPN 8 pm, Monday)
Please re-read everything I said above and insert Boise State every time you see the word TCU. These teams are a joke, and the people who voted them in the Top 10 should lose their voting privileges.
Louisiana-Lafayette v. Georgia (SEC Network/Peachtree TV 12:20 pm, Saturday)
Aaron Murray and Todd Grantham will be making their Georgia Bulldog debuts “Between the Hedges” and I’m not really sure which I’m more excited about. I don’t want to see a Stafford like performance on Saturday out of Murray. I want to see the calm, steady David Greene type of performance that lead Georgia back to the top of the polls in 2002. Aaron Murray is the only new starter for the Bulldogs on offense, and his job will be to manage the game and distribute the football.
On defense, Georgia needs to get back to that aggressive style of defense that thrived in the mid 2000’s.
This game should be well over by halftime, but if you want to look for a few things, keep an eye on penalties. A new quarterback needs to get the team in and out of the huddle and avoid delay of game penalties.
Georgia wins by about 30. The real question is whether Hutson Mason will play in the 2nd half. Mason is listed as Georgia’s backup quarterback, but playing him will mean losing his redshirt and an extra year of eligibility.
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