UGA vs. UT: The Sunday Treatment and a Trip Around the Dawposphere

Wow! Just damn. I still can't believe we won that one. Man, the breaks were definitely beating the boys, and the injury bug was just damn decimating us. Down our 1st and 2nd string tailbacks, and without three of our four top receivers, we somehow managed to survive and "[get] the hell out of Knoxville." 

First off, hats of to Aaron Murray. On the day that he became the greatest passer in SEC history, he turned in his latest installment of "how to drive down the field at the end of the game in a couple of minutes and just totally decimate the hearts and dreams of your opponent." He's become pretty darned good at it. The next one in the books? How about most TD throws by SEC quarterback. About a week ago I posited that AM may very well break that record currently held by Danny Wuerffel against the Gators in Jacksonville. How poetic would that be considering Tebow broke the rushing TD mark previously held by Herschel against us in 2009. Now, it's looking like he'll probably break it against Vandy on the 19th if he keeps up this pace.  More importantly, he's just an amazing QB, one cool customer, and one hell of a Damn Good Dog!

And how about JJ Green? What a performance by our 3rd string TB. He rose to the occasion! Douglas did pretty good as well. Those two really stepped up and we don't win that one without them. And how 'bout my guy, Woot! Rantavious Wooten, #17. I just felt like he had the talent and drive to really break out this year. In fact, I mentioned that very thing in a preseason preview I did for a publication where I live. Again, without the contributions of Woot, we do not win this ballgame. Good on ya, #17. We're sure as hell gonna need you...

Which brings me to the bad stuff. Man, have you ever seen a rash of injuries like that? Dang. It was crazy. This much I think is pretty much certain - we'll have to finish this season without Marshall and Scott-Wesley. So that's our 2nd string TB gone (with Gurley still possibly not ready) along with two of our top receivers. Maybe we'll get Bennett back in a few weeks. Maybe not. We'll have to see. Hell, we even lost our punter, Barber, to a concussion. Crazy. Also, bad stuff - special teams. I don't know if anyone saw it, but they almost blocked another one earlier in the game. We've got to do something with our punt team. Something isn't working. Well, several things aren't actually. We're not setting up properly, we're not blocking properly, and there's something going on where Barber is just taking a split second too long. Got to be fixed or it will cost us a game down the road.

And for those who are bemoaning the fact that we didn't pick up any style points, y'all just need to get real. We were just damn fortunate to steal a W in that one. With the crazy number of injuries, the fact that Neyland was probably louder than it's been in years, and with a great gameplan by the UT coaches and even better execution by the UT players, just to get a win was huge. There's going to be games like that and it's what you do when you have those games that separates a decent team from a very good/great team. To me, that was as good a win during the Mark Richt era as we've seen.

And a Sunday tradition here at GYSB:  

A Trip Around the Dawgosphere 

•  The Senator's thoughts.
• Already linked to this one, but yes - agreed, Bernie. 
• Tyler's "Sunday Morning Comes"
• Seth Emerson's take over at the Macon paper: "Winning at a Heavy Cost"
• Usually not the biggest fan of Chris Low over at ESPN, but this was a good one 
• The Sic 'em Dawgs recap. 

 

And by the way, you saw what MIZZOU did to Vandy, right?

Next man up!
GATA and GO DAWGS!!!

3 October 2013: Turning Back and Looking Ahead

Turning Back

I was heartbroken when I realized that I forgot to DVR the Georgia/LSU game on Saturday. I thought I had it set where all UGA games automatically recorded. When I got back from Athens Saturday night, I realized this wasn't the case. I was bummed. But, I was super stoked when I found out that ESPNU was running it Monday night! And once again - Damn! What a game!

Watching it the 2nd time on TV was a true revelation. As many in the Dawgosphere have already mentioned, our offensive line play was absolutely phenomenal. If we were to give out a DGD award to an assistant position coach, I'd have to think you would give it to Friend. He's done a helluva job.

Obviously, a DGD award for a coordinator would have to go to Bobo. He is nothing short of brilliant so far this year with his game planning, scheming, and play-calling. It's been good enough were he's even won over the evil one, CC Rider.

And then, most importantly, you have the players making plays: the O-line, Murray, Conley, Scott-Wesley, Artie Lynch, Gurley, Hicks and others. Special teams: both Barber and Morgan are doing great, and now it seems that we've got a pretty good long snapper in Trent Frix. And even on D. You've got some guys doing great: Sterling Bailey, Jenkins, Herrera, Floyd, Harvey-Clemons and several others are really playing lights out. As a unit, I know the stats aren't that impressive, but we've faced three of the best offenses in the country. I feel very confident about our D moving forward.

Looking Ahead

I don't care what anyone says, playing UT in Knoxville is never an easy thing. The 2003 game notwithstanding, it seems like we never have as easy time up there. I think it's gonna be a struggle for at least a half if not three quarters or more. I think we'll shut down their run and make them beat us in the air, and I believe that Worley, their QB, will make some throws, gain some yards, and score a few points. Ultimately, UT, with their still-depleted and young roster, will simply not have the depth to hang for a full 60 minutes. I could see us up by something like 31-20 midway through the 3rd quarter and then find ourselves winning something like 52-27. We'll see. Of this I'm sure - We'll be able to put up at least our usual number of points, and we should definitely give up less than we did against Clemson, USCe, or LSU. One last thing I'm certain of is this: if our heads are in the clouds and we're not hungry and ready to play this one, it could end up being a long and frustrating day in Neyland Stadium.

GO DAWGS!

The Sunday Treatment and A Trip Around the Dawgosphere

Well, I wasn't at the 1984 Clemson game when Kevin Butler hit one from " a hundred thousand miles" away. If memory serves, I couldn't go because I had a soccer game that day. A goddam soccer game! I sure hated I missed the game that everyone said was the greatest ever played in Sanford Stadium, but I think today at least tied it. Man, what a game! Incredible! 

In all seriousness, I honestly don't think I've ever experienced anything like that, from a fan perspective, in the 30+ years I've been going to Georgia games. The atmosphere. The drama. The storylines. The epic play of so many of our DGDs. It just...words just can't really describe what I was feeling after that one. Walking out of the stadium and seeing all the other Dawg fans, I could tell they felt the same way. It was cathartic, exhilarating, inspirational. I just happened to see Mettenberger make a run straight to Richt right when the game was over. The two embraced and shared some words. Later, after seeing the CBS interview with Richt, there could be no doubt that we've got one hell of a head coach. He's a perfect fit for us, and we're the right place for him.

And a quick Trip Around the Dawgosphere: 

•  One of my favs - the Mark Richt Victory Watch from Dawgsports. 
•  As always, great observations from Bernie. 
•  Tyler Dawgden's quick takes here and here. 
•  Seth Emerson's write-up at the Macon paper. 
• Not really Dawgopshere, per se, but I thought Schlabach had a nice write-up about the epic QB battle between Murray and Mettenberger. 

And here's the recap from ESPN. More detailed analysis later, but for now I'll just say this: yes, there are concerns on D. But just like the SC game, they got it done when they had to. Special teams seemed much improved, but more work needs to be done. And can we just get someone who can kick through the end zone already?! Offense, obviously, is just super. Great day to be a Dawg! 

P.S. Saturday's TV schedule was just announced. CBS has picked up the UGA vs. UT game. 3:30 kick.

Breakin' it Down: UGA vs. LSU

Sorry for not posting in a couple of days. Having to do lots of stuff with September being the end of the fiscal year for my day job and all. And thanks for all of the hits. Still not getting many comments, but that's okay. I've really been blown away with the response to this blog. Thank You. And I've got a FB page for GYSB now, so check that out when you can.

It's getting close. I can almost taste it. Can't wait to get to the Classic City on Saturday and do some tailgating, hang out with some great friends, and see what should be the biggest game "between the hedges" in quite some time. It should be one hell of a ball game. Let's take a look at some numbers:

The LSU Tigers have played four games so far and are undefeated. They are averaging winning by a score of 43 - 20. Their offense looks pretty prolific thus far. Averaging just under 500 yards per game, they get more than five yards per run and are obviously getting it done in the air as well. In terms of scoring, they are in the top 20 in the country. They are also pretty good on 3rd down and and do well in the red zone. Of course, our Dawgs are playing some incredible offense, too. Murray is the best QB in the SEC based on passer rating. And we've just got so many weapons on that side of the ball. I can definitely see a high scoring game.

Defensively, the Tigers are also getting it done. Though not as impressive, stat-wise, as their offense, they are pretty darned good. At least their starting 11 is. One thing I've noticed is this: they might have some depth issues on D. I think we saw it in the 2nd half against Auburn. If we can do our thing and put a pretty good number of points on the scoreboard, I think we can start wearing them down with our power-I run game towards the end. At least, that's what we're hoping for.

The Mettenberger situation is obviously a pretty big storyline. And I'm sure CBS will be all over it, just like everyone else. Frankly, I'm over it and it's starting to bore me.
 
The concerns for us? I think everyone is fretting about the special teams. I would have to think that Richt and Co. have got that situation tended to! Another concern? For some folks, it would be our defense. From my perspective, we have improved so much from game 1 to game 2, and from game 2 to game 3, that I think our D is ready to "rise to the occasion." I really do.

Should be an incredible day in the Classic City.

My prediction: UGA 48, LSU 33. 

Potential Poetic Justice: Might Murray Break the SEC Passing TD Record in Jax?

During Saturday's 45-21 win over North Texas, Aaron Murray became just the second ever SEC QB to hit 100 touchdown passes. When it was all said and done, he had also hit 101 and 102 after another very impressive showing by our Heisman-worthy gunslinger. He is now second all-time in the league behind Danny Wuerffel's impressive number of 114. If Murray stays healthy, it's almost a given that he will take the record. But when might he do that?

I think a lot of us remember the unfortunate events of the 2009 UGA/UF game. For starters, that was the one when we broke out those god-awful black helmets. Lord help! We also got our butts kicked. It was terrible. It, unfortunately, was the one when Tebow broke Herschel's SEC rushing TD mark as well. I remember watching that run when he took over the record. It chapped my hide...man, I was pissed! You knew he was gonna break the record, but why oh why, did he actually have to do it while playing against us! It stunk! You remember it. Most of us do...

However, I believe that it is totally in the realm of possibility that Murray will break Wuerffel's mark...in Jacksonville! Against Florida! Wouldn't that be something? Poetic? Hell yes! Based on the numbers, Murray is averaging around two and half TDs per game in his career. Let's say his career number holds over Georgia's next four games - that would put him at 112 coming into Jacksonville. Then two would tie; three would take the mark. I just think that would be a damn beautiful, cathartic thing. We'll see...

Thoughts on the UNT game, and a Trip Around the Dawgosphere

Greetings and GO DAWGS! Well, it might not have gone like we planned or wanted, but I'll take it. 45-21 looks pretty good to me, and a lot of us knew that this was going to be a solid, well-coached North Texas team with some pretty decent talent. I think all of us know that now. I tip my hat to HC McCarney and the Mean Green. They were in it to win it and they played hard.

I'd previously written a preview for this season in a publication I write for and had made a point to mention that while we wouldn't have great special teams play, we would at least be solid. I'm really starting to wonder if I was wrong on that. And folks - that could be a big problem. Like Dooley always said, having a solid kicking game is the key to competing and winning in the SEC. If we don't fix this, we're just pissin' in the wind, I'm afraid. Two touchdowns on ST lapses - not good. With that said, I think we can shore it up and be alright. The coaches and players have some work to do. Let's see how it plays out...

Aaron Murray is a DGD and one hell of a quarterback. Based on QB rating, he is the best in the SEC and I think he may very well be the best in the country. Well done, sir! Our running game wasn't nearly as effective as it had been the previous two games and I think that was by design. Again, let's give UNT credit - they schemed and planned to stop the run and make UGA beat them in the air. Which we did. Gurley got some good, tough yards. Most impressive. I thought the O-line did well and hats off to our TEs and receiving corps.

Defense equaled awesome, in my opinion. Kudos to Grantham, asst. D coaches and most importantly - the players. Thompson is a very good QB and they had some weapons on that side of the ball and I thought our boys did great.

So A's for the offense and defense; a D- for special teams. A repeat of those grades will most likely mean that we'll be 2-2 a week from today. Got to clean up those special teams. I think we will...

And a Sunday tradition on GYSB!:

A Trip Around the Dawgosphere

• One of my favorite Sunday write-ups, Tyler Dawgden's Sunday Morning Comes
• Negativity and bad vibes from the evil one, CCRider - Sports and Grits: North Texas Game
• The Senator's Observations from the 45
• The Sic 'Em Dawgs recap.
• From Seth Emerson at the Macon Telegraph: "We got ourselves into a fight" and the final recap.
• And my all-time favorite reoccurring Dawg Blog feature: The Mark Richt Victory Watch

GO DAWGS! 

Dawgs vs. the Mean Green

Alright, hope all is well out there. I meant to get this post up yesterday. Oh well...

North Texas. Don't know much about 'em? Well, neither did I. Not really. But I've been researching them a little bit and I've got a few thoughts:

• This is not the Mean Green from a few years ago - that team was basically awful - only winning a handful of games during a four year stretch. 
• Their HC now is Dan McCarney, formerly the head guy at Iowa St. and considered by many to be a pretty darned good coach. They've won more games in his two years than they did the previous four.He's got old-school sensibilities and we'll most likely see a well-coached team. 
• The Mean Green offense is actually pretty good. Their passing game ranks 28th in the country at right under 300 yds per game and their QB, Thompson, is good. Like real good. Unlike Clemson and USCe, we'll be seeing more power-I and pro-set stuff, and Thompson is a traditional pocket passer. As I've said recently, we should be well-prepared for this type of offense as we practice against it regularly with our own offense. Also, this will be a good run-up for the LSU game.
• They've got a couple of decent running backs as well and by all accounts they have a good group of O-linemen. 
• And they've got a few playmaker on defense. They can bring some pressure and make some plays. 
• UNT is no longer Sun Belt, they've moved up to Conference USA. Whoop, whoop!!! 

I think the key to having a good and successful day is coming out on fire and ready to GATA (get after their asses). Our Dawgs need to play with a passion and intensity, while still playing smart of course, and try to go ahead and take control of this game early. If we can get some early scores and if our D does what it should and we get some pressure on their QB, then we could easily find ourselves up maybe 3 or 4 touchdowns when we hit the locker room for halftime. If we can do that, then we could get a ton of reps for some of our back-ups and younger guys. That would be most helpful for our cause moving forward. We've got the ability, playmakers, and talent to do exactly that, and I think we will.

My prediction: UGA 55; UNT 19 

GO DAWGS! GATA!!!