Fellow dawg fans Saturday night hurt bad, Inspector G and I set in the dome in amazement. We went from calling plays before they happened, high five-ing people we dont know, to playing referee. You know what it means when you’re playing referee? Lets just say I hadn’t played it since week one and two and was just fine with it. What hurts the most is that while I am on the energy bus trying to find the good in all this, I have to read how my favorite of all favorites, Mr. Chris Low himself, call out UGA fans.
Unreasonable Georgia fans: Before the SEC championship game was even over last Saturday, some so-called Georgia fans started venting about how Mark Richt simply wasn’t the guy to take the Bulldogs to that next level. The last time I checked, Georgia has a chance to win 11 games, won 10 in a row this season and will be a top 15 team to start next season. I’d say Richt has earned a chance to stick around for a while. (Emphasis NOT added)
I really don’t know who these people are and can only hope that these are people with experience coaching college football at least the amount of years as Coach Richt and are more successful than he has been. And I am sure that these are the same people who were booing Crowell when he limped off the field clearly gutting it out for his team. Chris Burnette is 313 lbs, think of a way you can slam that weight on your ankle and be 100% in two weeks and let me know. If your argument to rid Richt is the “how many National Championships has he won?” debate, just stop. Now more than ever we have experienced how much the BCS is a joke. Last team to win SEC and not go to the National Championship? UGA 2005. SO PLEASE DONT BLAME RICHT. Now I know I am not the one who is always calm and level headed at all times, but at this time of the year we need to be encouraged and excited about what’s ahead and with that I give you some things to think about after a tough loss:
Respect Grantham’s recruiting and there is still some talent in the hunt. Just go down the list and look at size and weight for the defensive prospects. People say John Atkins and the two Jenkins County High School boys are freakish athletes.
This guy announces tomorrow, and Coach Richt was at his house on Sunday: watch?v=6u7ElD8oJ5I
Back to players who have already enrolled, anybody notice that UGA has two 5 stars recruits that barely played, if at all? Ray Drew has played sparingly and showed some huge upside. Jay Rome redshirted and is one of the best recruits from last year, he jast happens to play the position UGA has the most depth at.
Joe T3, I have been very impressed with the lack of injuries and endurance of the team, especially the offensive line. It seems like all the injuries have been bone breaks, and unpreventable sprains, it is remarkable how the O-line has held up all year long and in the 4th quarter and I could never tell a drop-off.
Big surprises: Chris Conley, Malcolm Mitchell, Armarlo Herrara, Michael Bennett, Garrison Smith, Dallas Lee
Unsung Heroes: Blake Sailors, Bruce Figgins-first year as FB and did well, Mike Gilliard, Alexander Ogletree, Sanders Commings- Boykin and Smith get the attention, but this kid is good.
And I saved one line item for Ken Malcolme, kid played really well against Tech and made one heckuva cut to get nice yardage against LSU. I am all for him starting against Michigan State. He runs hard, plays hard and I think once you give him a few reps to get settled in, he will shine.
Next years schedule. It doesn’t have where Missouri plays into this, but if I am making that schedule I sub Bama for Missouri. Because they will be stacked need to play A&M as well.
Maybe you wanted a ‘Keyes to the Game’? Maybe you wanted a post that linked the best breakdowns in the Dawg Nation Blog Roll. Well today, you just get me, Inspector G. Alone with my thoughts….delivering to you the most honest blue-print for success for UGA on Saturday. You may not agree and that’s ok.
I sit here at Midnight on the Eve of this game wondering about our chances. Hell, who hasn’t had a post this week about this game? Blutarsky (as usual) has pinned exactly all of my thoughts before I could even write them. The Georgia Sports Blog has even seen some Paul Westerdawg gems. Facebook has been riddled with so many posts about this game, it’s about to shut down and here is this little ‘ole blog quietly relishing getting picked up by the dawgbone.net that has led to the most hits we’ve ever had in a month. For that we thank you. Yay! (not so quiet anymore, huh?) But, back to business…
How many times have you heard this all week, “Well, LSU is the most dominant team in the country. They’re in the BCS Championship win or lose. However, who is UGA to summon up the nuts enough to play? How does UGA even prepare for LSU? They’re too fast. Too strong. Too good. UGA is just another walk in the park for them.” Huh? You’ve heard that? So have I. Surprisingly, there are a few little pockets of the contrary out there (outside of the UGA blog rolls) that have actually given UGA a punchers chance.
To be honest, I still don’t know exactly what to think about this game yet. On one hand, we are playing a team that I have watched no less than 6 times this year and I can say that this team would wipe the floor with ’06 Florida and ’10 Auburn. They are vicious, ruthless, unrelenting, poised, talented, and are well coached. What are we?
What are we, seriously? Are we a team that has improved constantly to a point where we are actually playing our best ball right now? Or are we, as most pundits pointed out, the recipients of the Miss Congeniality Award bestowed upon the SEC Team with the weakest schedule? I can answer that second question for sure: HELL NO. UGA has played 4 ranked teams. Lost to 2 top 10 teams and beat two top 20 teams. The team hasn’t backed in to shit…
What do we have to do to win? The question of the week. Maybe the question of the year. Here is my list of what we have to do and why…
Offense:
1) Be patient, but take risks. Conflicting views? Maybe, but what I mean by this is that the last time we played a team of this caliber, we tried to force so many things we didn’t have to…talkin about Boise. We know what we do well and there is no reason why we should come out and immediately do a double reverse pass back toss flea-flicker throwdown. Although a couple of well-timed trick-plays would be nice.
2) Make them have an answer for Orson. No team has really had an answer for him all year. Let’s see just how good Orson (or the LSU linebackers/DB’s) can be. He may be the best TE in the country, try him a couple of times and see what happens.
3) Receivers play smarter. Look, our freshmen “Triumvirate of Awesomeness” (Bennett, Mithcell, Conley) are good. But, they are not going to out-athlete LSU’s DB’s. They have to play smart and key on what they are giving us (just like those cut off routes against Auburn). Don’t over do it. Run clean routes and anticipate Murray having to scramble and hit you on an impromptu.
4) OL has to have their best game. Ever. In the History of Best Games. You know why. Everyone knows why.
5) Key on their aggressiveness. The 6 times I’ve watched LSU they have played so aggressive in the secondary. They feed on that aggressiveness. Burn them with it. If 3 and 4 are coming true and they start jumping routes, punish them with a pump and go. Punish them with a screen.
6) Crowell/Malcome/Thomas do not have to carry the team on their shoulders. Just be somewhat efficient. If Crowell especially can get a few nice gains early, the play action will be much more effective.
7) Murray has to have his best game. There has been much talk about Murray’s Nostradamus-esque prediction that UGA would be back to the dome. He’s a winner and leads those around him with poise, drive, and tenacity. Now, he just has to be accurate. You and I both know what happens when he gets pressured early: the footwork begins to weaken and the throws are all over the place. If he can trust Ben Jones and Co, it may get dangerous out there.
DEFENSE
1) Stop the run with pure athleticism. And you’re all going “well no shit, Sherlock”…but wait. WITH PURE ATHLETICISM? Big John Jenkins, Geathers, Abry Jones, and Garrison Smith showed last week (and all year) they can take over a game and do some work. LSU’s offense is not this juggernaut of excellence that everyone continues to say (and yes, I know there is a point to be made about their toughness, but I’m not buying it). Get the penetration, make them stretch to the perimeter, and pass.
2) If no 1 comes true, then continue to force them to pass. Let Jefferson put the entire game on his shoulders and he WILL crumble. He will make a mistake or 3.
3) Stop that bullshit option thing they do and that inside give handoff. They run this a ton, with lots of success. Ask Alabama. I don’t know how you could every time except play disciplined and man the f up.
4) Watch for the Mad Hatterness. Don’t doubt for a second, at any point in the game, he wont run a double reverse pass back toss flea-flicker throwdown 3 plays in a row…with the Honey Badger….ridin’ a Zebra.
5) Force at least 2 turnovers. I don’t know how or when, but if we can force 2 turnovers….mmmm…it would be beyond huge.
6) Jarvis Jones, introduce yourself to Jordan “Semper Fidelis” Jefferson early and often.
6) Don’t let up. If they get up on us early, hunker it down and keep us in it. If any unit on our side can, it is the Defense. Save our asses if you have to. If you don’t, it’s over and over quickly.
SPECIAL TEAMS
1) No mistakes. This includes a) missing field goals under 51 yards b) muffing a punt c) shanking a punt d) out kickin our coverage e) missing coverage assignments f) getting our punts blocked g) fumbling on a kickoff.
2) Basically our special teams have to be perfect. Time and time again LSU has absolutely taken over a game with their special teams. Fake punts, punt returns, etc…they GOOD. If we can’t be perfect, we will probably lose. Look, its honest, right? I mean we’re not gonna just walk out there and win against the no 1 team in the land.
OVERALL TEAM
1) I know the guys aren’t scared, so come out loose. Have some fun. And feed off of each other. We’ve seen it in the Auburn and Tech games. We really took those over and everyone got involved: from Jarvis Jones to Zander Ogletree.
2) When they hit us (and they will) hit them right back. Straight in the mouth. This team hasn’t backed in to shit. We are on the 10 game winning streak. That is no fluke, especially in this league. Play like you belong, because regardless of what Mark ‘I hate UGA’ May says, YOU DO.
I know this was long, but it is how I would plan around this team. We have to pretty much do all of these to be successful tomorrow. It is a tall order, but achievable. Lady Luck’s tender caress won’t hurt either. We will not be able to beat LSU unless we play our best game of the year, on all sides of the ball. Period.
Larry, if you’re up there, see if you can send a couple of hobnail boots and see if we can’t just pull one more miracle out. Just for you, old pal. Just for you.
The Gambler is back with his week 14 picks including the meaningful conference championship games. Saddle up but don’t put any real, actual cash on these picks because ol’ Kenny went a dismal 5-5 in his most recent choices. Shame on you, you old bearded bastard.
SOUTH FLORIDA +2.5 vs. #23 WEST VIRGINIA
LOL @ Big East.
HOLGO MAD
#9 OREGON -31.5 vs. UCLA
Beautiful Ricky Neuheisel is asking for your thoughts and prayers in this one because it’s going to be a SACRIFICIAL BLOOD BATH. UCLA is scoring (23.2 ppg) less points per game than it is giving up (30.8 ppg). That’s all you need to know. Nothing to see here move along, folks.
MACHO MADNESS RETURNS BROTHER
#17 BAYLOR -2.5 vs. #22 TEXAS
Texas is driving that overrated train off into Failville. Auburn and Florida are already there.
#3 OKLAHOMA STATE -3.5 vs. #10 OKLAHOMA
Just like Baylor ended its losing streak against the Sooners, so will Oklahoma State. Both of these teams committed uncharacteristic turnovers in their most recent games (both being against Iowa State… lol) with the lone loss for OSU coming in said game. OSU has a slight offensive edge and OU has the defensive edge, but this game is in Stillwater and Mike Gundy is less of a douchebag than Big Game Bob.
#13 MICHIGAN STATE +9.5 vs. #15 WISCONSIN
I think Wisky wins the rematch here but I’m not seeing where the 9+ points come from as the last meeting was so close. MSU’s defense forced 2 Russell Wilson INTs (out of 3 for the season) so it would be lucky for the Spartans to catch that kind of break again. Both teams are playing pretty well right now and one of them is going to end the other’s 4-game winning streak.
#5 VIRGINIA TECH -6.5 vs. #20 CLEMSON
Clemson’s downward spiral into Tommybowdendom continues this week as it looks to lose its 4th out of its previous 5 contests after starting out 8-0. With embarrassing losses to NC State and South Carolina over the last two weeks, they’ve appeared to have lost that itfactor that they had early on. The Hokies couldn’t muster up much on offense in the first meeting between these two which left Clemson with good field position for nearly the entire game. Since then, however, Thomas and Wilson have emerged as dangerous and consistent while Boyd has regressed due to defenses picking up on his tendencies.
Packed the fuck out!
#14 GEORGIA +13.5 vs. #1 LSU
Not putting on the red homer glasses and filling myself with false hope here, but there certainly are many reasons to be optimistic as a Georgia fan, both defensively and offensively. In looking at only the six common opponents that both teams have faced this season, Georgia has held its own compared to LSU when it comes to yards gained and yielded. The big difference, however, has generally been the scores. LSU averaged a 38.3 – 7.3 score while the Bulldogs kept it a bit closer with a 26.5 – 12 average. This is the result of LSU being really damn good at finding all of that hidden yardage. If Georgia doesn’t punch itself in the face with poor ball control and lackluster special teams play, then LSU had better watch out for its cornhole, bud.
Before we delve into the title content, I must address this whole disrespect issue and do not read the next sentence out loud, or do. WHAT THE FUCK DOES A TEAM NEED TO DO FOR RESPECT? 14 in the country? UGA is ranked nationally lower than Sakerlina when they rank higher than them in their own conference and who has Arkansas really beat? A non-Lattimore Sakerlina. Get the fuck out of here. The BCS is a travesty. Herbie and Corso said UGA would lose against Tech and for all you diehards like me, Herbie dismissed the idea UGA would beat LSU at the 9 o’clock hour with Erin Andrews and David Pollack, who cares? If those two make or break your Saturday brunch in whitey tighties and house loafers just remember, this is what they are capable of. Like anything else on the interwebs, if you search long enough you will find some common f^&#$g sense :
“Quibble all you want about the relative strength of Georgia’s schedule, but you can’t look beyond Louisiana State University and Houston and find another team in the nation on a 10-game winning streak. Georgia earned its place in the Southeastern Conference championship game against the supposedly invincible LSU. Whether it can hang with the heavily favored Tigers next Saturday in Atlanta will be the subject of much debate over the next six days.”
I am not asking for a UGA 52 LSU 24 irrational prediction, just give me something with evidence of why we DESERVE to be in this game:
“ Boise State and South Carolina combined for eight offensive touchdowns in the first two games. In the 10 [games] since, Georgia has allowed only 12 offensive touchdowns. That includes one or none in seven of the 10 games. This is the second-best defense LSU will face this season. They managed only three field goals (one in overtime) against the only opponent with a better one, Alabama.”
Now to the Top Five
UGA players are pissed, in 2007 we don’t go to national championship because we don’t win SEC, now if UGA does win…. We still don’t go? Thats WTF Story of the Week material right there. (BTW Jim Rome, I still hate you)
QB’s- In “the game of the century” not only were there no touchdowns, but the marine-face-kicker threw 10 times. Ten times. 1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1= 10 times. Say whatever you want, but Tech threw more than that last weekend.
QB’s- Because Aaron Murray deserves his own reason/number, he is the undisputed best QB is the SEC and I think we all know if Murray doesn’t play well UGA loses.
Because everyone wants another kiss. On to 5., I am getting all hot.
Few have mentioned it, but Grantham and his badass self are due for a long discussion with AD Greg McGarity about the future, and a SECC works well in both their favor. But mostly Grantham, refer back to UGA beating offers last season.
As cheesy as it may sound, how appropriate is it that UGA win the SECC 2 weeks before Mr. Munson’s Memorial.
I hate to go back to that year, but this sounds so much like what “the experts” were saying about Hawaii in 2007 just on the other side of the ball. Yes, I believe Bobo can play-call better than Mr. Dirty Sanchez can blitz honey badgers.
My bromantic sensations Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree, the most underrated LBs I know of. Maybe Jarvis should dye his hair blonde…. NOT.
Balance. With all the offenses: Spread, Option, Spread Option, Power Running, blah blah blah. Try a Balanced Pro-Style Offense, we are two dimensional, throw and pass. TE’s and WR’s. RB’s and a 272 FB. Deal with it. Go down the list of all LSU’s victories, not one balanced offense.
You can pay for school, but you can’t buy class. No, I am not talking about the “class” personality trait that GT fans always bring up after you make them aware of the ass whooping they just received. I am talking about Coach Richt. If you watch anything on the news you see all the trash. Starting with Oregon recruiting, THE Ohio State ….tattoos and auctioned memorabilia, Mike Leach, Lane Kiffin, Syracuse situation and of course Penn State. How thankful should we be of Coach Richt? Forget wins and losses, I can’t sleep at night if I am suspicious of my teams coach being a douche of the day on the regular guys. (Which I confess, Inspector exposed me to) I know UGA’s old AD got a DUI and was caught with a lady “friend whore” but did UGA not handle that swiftly? Coach Richt is as classy as it gets and he has coached an 0-2 hot seat to a 10-2 contract extention. Coach up the guys and get that ring coach. (And watch out Kathryn).
Today, HailToThee brings to you the Celebrity Power Rankings courtesy of none other than the Macho Man Randy Savage! This time around he’ll be focusing on just the SEC… which is apparently all that matters, am I right? YAH YAH YAH
Well the SEC’s regular season is all wrapped up and OOH YEAH has it been a WILD RIDDDDDDDDDEEEEEEEE. LSU has already been crowned the national champion, the Muschamp BOOM MF’er and Dooley eras have proved to be quite fruitful and DOMINANT, and Houston Nutt has died inside RIP BROTHER.
Lemme tell ya somethin’ MEAN GENE you may have heard me call into the Georgia Bulldogs post-game call in show from my heavenly cloud floating over that CESS POOL known as Bobby Dodd Stadium but now I’m here to give you the rundown on my SEC POWER RANKINGS OOOOOH YEAH SO MUCH POWER DIG IT BROTHER.
1. LSU (12-0, 8-0)
Nowhere to go but DOWN BROTHER and there’s a fightin’ chance in them BULLDOGS out of Georgia BROTHER. If LSU ends up 14-0 it will go down as one of the most impressive seasons in college football history. So far they’ve been like me, the MACHO MAN RANDY SAVAGE, in a world of Doink the Clowns.
2. GEORGIA (10-2, 7-1)
The two division winners deserve to be at the top here brother. Coach Richt has done a hell of a job getting the Dawgs back to the title game brother. Also I’d like to give a big F-U to Corso and Herbstreit who predicted a loss to the nerds in Atlanta. LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHIN’ BROTHERS YOU GOT SOME BAD DAYS A-COMIN BROTHER.
3. ALABAMA (11-1, 7-1)
The Tide, brother, has had perhaps the safest route ever to back door into the national championship game, brother. Right now Coach Saban is icing up the champagne with his little manlet hands, brother.
4. ARKANSAS (10-2, 6-2)
Not of a fan of that PENCIL NECK PIPSQUEAK coach of theirs but you gotta give the Hogs credit brother for a fine season. Much like Georgia, they lost both games against the two best teams on their schedule, but in blowout fashion, brother. They remind me of one Mr. Perfect who was occasionally a tough opponent but didn’t make much noise in the big picture, brother.
5. SOUTH CAROLINA (10-2, 6-2)
Will this be the end of the road for OLD MAN SPURRIER so he can finally play at Augusta National on a daily basis? Not sure, brother, but he did a damn fine job preventing the Gamecocks from spiraling out of control like they normally do to end the season. ILLINOIS IS THE NEW SOUTH CAROLINA BROTHER.
6. AUBURN (7-5, 4-4)
The Auburn Tigers have done a 180-degree turn from last year’s magical season, brother.
7. FLORIDA (6-6, 3-5)
Hey you turkeyneck Charlie Weis, maybe resurrecting offenses is NOT YOUR CUP OF COFFEE BROTHER. YEAH WOW FREAKOUT.
8. MISSISSIPPI STATE (6-6, 2-6)
When your best win is against an 8-4 WAC squad you’re not doin’ it big, brother. CAN YA DIG IT?
9. VANDERBILT (6-6, 2-6)
The Commodores had some feistyness in them this year brother and so did their leader James Franklin but Mr. Franklin’s back-pedaling and passive-aggressive antics are NOTHING compared to the kind of physical hurting I put on The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase back at Wrestlemania IV, brother.
10. KENTUCKY (5-7, 2-6)
It looks like Kentucky is back to its old ways of wetting the bed, brother. Rebuilding the offense on this team is surely going to be a BIG TEST FROM THAT MACHO MAN UP IN THE SKY.
11. TENNESSEE (5-7, 1-7)
Back to back losing seasons for the Vols for the first time since 1911. Tennessee you are like a grain of sand in the Sahara Desert and I AM THE ENTIRE DESERT, BROTHER.
I really am savoring this victory over Tech. For one, it just felt good to beat them, but honestly I am just awe struck by how hard this team has worked to stay together despite the “Richt on the hot seat’ meme and those 2 devastating losses.
I’ll have some more in depth stuff for tomorrow….but for now these quick hitters will have to do:
- Murray is much more in sync with his footwork when he trusts his OL.
-Chris Conley is turning into one helluva receiver
-I have changed my vote for the biggest offseason acquisition from Crowell to Big John Jenkins.
-Garrison Smith really did a nice job in place of Deangelo Tyson. After it gashed us a couple of times, he completely blew up those slant hand-offs.
-Todd Grantham for President
-Dick move by Johnson not letting the clock just run given 12 seconds left, but Paul Johnson is a dick.
-Speaking of dick moves, Johnson’s time-out ‘ice’ for that field goal sure did backfire didn’t it?
-Blair Walsh, I’m sorry buddy. I still love you.
-Jarvis Jones got another sack.
-Murray still needs another year to pick up the accuracy before I put him in the ‘lethal’ status.
-Orson Charles, best tight end in the Nation? Anybody?
-If Aron White dropped that TD pass he should have kept right on running right out of the stadium.
-Is it just me (besides that one pass today) or is Sanders Commings our lock-down CB?
-Tech fans are butt hurt lillies when they lose. The excuses on the blogosphere are deep, plentiful, and as usual lacking in the rational department
