Okay Georgia fans, here is the history lesson for the weekend.
In 2006, the Georgia Bulldogs, led by a freshman quarterback, traveled down to the Plains to take on Auburn.
Georgia had just lost a game at Kentucky, and faced the possibility of not making a bowl game.
Auburn was ranked #5 in the BCS, and had intentions on making a run at the national title.
The Dawgs crushed the Tiger’s hearts in 2006, and I would not be surprised if history repeats itself tomorrow.
Georgia has not had an historic season in 2010, but they are a good team that has not played up to their potential. However, the Georgia offense has been clicking on all cylinders recently, and has the ability to keep up with the high-powered offense Auburn will feature.
Georgia’s defense is not great, but it will not have to be to win the game on Saturday. If Auburn punts three times, Georgia will win the game. This game is going to be high scoring and very entertaining.
For Auburn, everything has broken just right for the Tigers, on the field at least. Auburn has won an overtime game against Clemson. Auburn won a fourth quarter battle with South Carolina, and won an amazing game against Arkansas.
Auburn can clinch their spot in Atlanta by beating the Dawgs on Saturday.
Of course, there is one small problem. Cam Newton is a question mark. At 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon, Auburn’s AD said the school “were not commenting on Cam Newton’s status” for the game against Georgia.
It never crossed my mind this week that Newton would not play, but that seems to be a strange quote.
The Newton situation could bring the Tigers together, or it could be a distraction that brings their focus away from the Dawgs.
I won’t predict that Georgia will win, because that hasn’t worked out very well. But I think history has a tendency to repeat itself.
Showing posts with label Weekly Preview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekly Preview. Show all posts
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Time for the Cocktail Party!
What a difference a month makes. It has been a long time since the Bulldog Nation had been lower than we were following the loss to Colorado, but Coach Richt and his team have shown the heart of a true Bulldog in fighting their way back to a 4-4 record.
Many times in rivalry games, you hear that you can throw the records out the window, well this year, the records are all that matter. Georgia is 4-4 with a trip to Auburn left on the schedule. A loss to the Gators would most likely mean a 6-6 record at best, and possibly missing out on a bowl game for the first time since the mid-90’s.
Florida has lost three games in a row, and would fall to 4-4 themselves with a loss to the Dawgs. Their idiot fans are even calling for 2 time national champion Urban Meyer to be fired.
Saturday’s game will have a winner and a loser, like all games do. While the winner still won’t be a great team, the loser will be in a position that neither of these teams thought they would be in when the season began.
So what is going to happen?
Georgia’s offense has scored big in the last 3 games, putting up over 40 points in each game. Meanwhile, Florida’s offense has been terrible. They rank near the bottom of the SEC in almost every offensive category.
Georgia’s defense has been solid, allowing only 19.1 points per game. Florida’s defense has been just a little better at 18.7 points per game.
So here are the keys to the game:
1. There is nothing like an early lead. I firmly believe that whoever is winning after the first quarter will win the game. These two teams have a lot to lose with a loss. If either team can get a 7 or 10 point lead, the team that is down is going to get tight and probably make mistakes.
2. Score touchdowns! When you have a chance to score, put 7 on the board, don’t settle for field goals. Kicking field goals could keep the other team in the game. Missing field goals will lose you the game.
3. Turnovers. Nothing like a turnover to swing the momentum. The team that wins the turnover battle will win the game.
Prediction:
I’m not saying this just because I’m a Dawg fan, but I think Georgia is going to win on Saturday. And I’m not sure it is going to be close. The Dawgs’ offense has been getting better every week, and with King and Ealey both healthy and ready to play, Georgia should be at their best. The defense for Georgia isn’t perfect, but the Gator offense has been so bad, that it won’t matter. Enjoy Saturday Dawg fans, we deserve it.
Georgia 38 Florida 17
Many times in rivalry games, you hear that you can throw the records out the window, well this year, the records are all that matter. Georgia is 4-4 with a trip to Auburn left on the schedule. A loss to the Gators would most likely mean a 6-6 record at best, and possibly missing out on a bowl game for the first time since the mid-90’s.
Florida has lost three games in a row, and would fall to 4-4 themselves with a loss to the Dawgs. Their idiot fans are even calling for 2 time national champion Urban Meyer to be fired.
Saturday’s game will have a winner and a loser, like all games do. While the winner still won’t be a great team, the loser will be in a position that neither of these teams thought they would be in when the season began.
So what is going to happen?
Georgia’s offense has scored big in the last 3 games, putting up over 40 points in each game. Meanwhile, Florida’s offense has been terrible. They rank near the bottom of the SEC in almost every offensive category.
Georgia’s defense has been solid, allowing only 19.1 points per game. Florida’s defense has been just a little better at 18.7 points per game.
So here are the keys to the game:
1. There is nothing like an early lead. I firmly believe that whoever is winning after the first quarter will win the game. These two teams have a lot to lose with a loss. If either team can get a 7 or 10 point lead, the team that is down is going to get tight and probably make mistakes.
2. Score touchdowns! When you have a chance to score, put 7 on the board, don’t settle for field goals. Kicking field goals could keep the other team in the game. Missing field goals will lose you the game.
3. Turnovers. Nothing like a turnover to swing the momentum. The team that wins the turnover battle will win the game.
Prediction:
I’m not saying this just because I’m a Dawg fan, but I think Georgia is going to win on Saturday. And I’m not sure it is going to be close. The Dawgs’ offense has been getting better every week, and with King and Ealey both healthy and ready to play, Georgia should be at their best. The defense for Georgia isn’t perfect, but the Gator offense has been so bad, that it won’t matter. Enjoy Saturday Dawg fans, we deserve it.
Georgia 38 Florida 17
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A must win to say the least
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.
Win this one, and you can still save the season. Lose this one, and a bowl game is unlikely.
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.
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.
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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