It's Homecoming in Athens on Saturday as for only the third time in program history, a ranked Georgia team will face a ranked opponent for homecoming, this time Vandy.
Vandy showed the world last week how real it really is. Yes, this team has only one loss. But, Georgia should have the talent to win this game easily. Be wary of the 12:30 start. But hey, they can't play any worse than they have at night on ESPN can they?
Georgia really came out and made a statement early against Tennessee, and I feel this is imperative again. Georgia must control the line of scrimmage. Simply put. The offensive line showed great improvement against the Vols; now, just continue to grow.
Vanderbilt has a tough secondary, so Matthew Stafford must take better care of the ball than he did against UT. That's really what Vanderbilt does. The 'dores wait until you make a mistake, then pounce on it. They have trailed in every game this year, they are just able to take advantage of turnovers. Outside of that secondary, Georgia is better and more talented at every position.
Georgia needs to establish a solid running game, come out and make a statement early, and gain momentum by getting a still sleepy homecoming crowd into the game. Vanderbilt's offense is dreadful, so I am interested to see how the Georgia defense stacks up to this. Defensively, Vandy isn't too shabby, but they haven't seen an offense like Georgia's, one that is the tops in the SEC.
Vandy also hasn't really beaten anyone. Sure they beat a ranked Auburn team that frittered that game away in the second half, but Auburn isn't looking like they are scoring any touchdowns anytime soon.
History says Georgia sleepwalks through this game and plays down to Vandy's level, which this year isn't too far down. But, Georgia has the athletes and motivation to really bust it open. Vandy is the top team in the east right now, and with a win Georgia could control its own destiny. The Tennessee game should have been much worse than what Georgia put up offensively.
I will go somewhere inbetween.... Georgia moves to 6-1 and can control its own fate in the eastern division race with a 31-17 victory. Everyone have fun on homecoming!
Go Dawgs!
Chili
Friday, October 17, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
26-14
Georgia did what it needed to do on Saturday and essentially covered the spread.
This came could have been much, much worse than it was. AJ Green dropped a wide open pass in the end zone, Stafford (who had only threw one interception before this game) threw two interceptions in the red zone (both leading to Tennessee scoring drives) and the offense bogged down and had to settle for field goals.
On paper, this was an utter domination. The only time Tennessee had any offensive consistency was after the Georgia turnovers. Otherwise, I saw improvements in areas where improvement needed to be seen. The offensive line grew up a bit on Saturday. The defensive line got pressure on Stephens and kept him on his toes. The run was shut down completely. The pass coverage was improved. So, things are looking better for Georgia has Vanderbilt comes into town this weekend for homecoming at 12:30.
Injuries keep piling up for this team, and Vince Vance is done with a knee injury. He's out for the season, and Georgia loses another offensive lineman. Georgia needs to take care of business this weekend against Vandy and they will control their own destiny in the SEC East. After the performances of Vandy, LSU, Kentucky, Auburn, and Tech, all teams on Georgia' s schedule look beatable from here on out.
It's time to man up, finish the drill, and prove the rankings were legit.
ChiliDawg
This came could have been much, much worse than it was. AJ Green dropped a wide open pass in the end zone, Stafford (who had only threw one interception before this game) threw two interceptions in the red zone (both leading to Tennessee scoring drives) and the offense bogged down and had to settle for field goals.
On paper, this was an utter domination. The only time Tennessee had any offensive consistency was after the Georgia turnovers. Otherwise, I saw improvements in areas where improvement needed to be seen. The offensive line grew up a bit on Saturday. The defensive line got pressure on Stephens and kept him on his toes. The run was shut down completely. The pass coverage was improved. So, things are looking better for Georgia has Vanderbilt comes into town this weekend for homecoming at 12:30.
Injuries keep piling up for this team, and Vince Vance is done with a knee injury. He's out for the season, and Georgia loses another offensive lineman. Georgia needs to take care of business this weekend against Vandy and they will control their own destiny in the SEC East. After the performances of Vandy, LSU, Kentucky, Auburn, and Tech, all teams on Georgia' s schedule look beatable from here on out.
It's time to man up, finish the drill, and prove the rankings were legit.
ChiliDawg
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tennessee Preview
Well, it's been a long week, with Communication Law dominating me and a History midterm this morning.
All are behind me now, and we will turn our attention to tomorrow's match-up with the Volunteers.
Here's what I think about the game: Just like in 2005, Tennessee is a few plays from being pretty decent. Offensive struggles have been there, but Nick Stephens seemed to play well against UNI, despite the offense putting up shoddy offensive numbers overall. A loss in overtime to UCLA, a game that Tennessee could have easily won, and a fumble at Auburn have hurt this team.
Tennessee's strength is the offensive line, which could give Georgia fits. Tennessee hasn't allowed very many sacks, which doesn't bode well for Georgia's lack of pass rush, especially with Rod Battle being in a limited roll. But, the rush game hasn't gotten going for UT, which I find surprising. With Dannell Ellerbe not playing, hopefully this trend continues. Georgia has shut the run down very well.
Defensively, Stafford needs to continue to protect the ball, like he has all year. Kid has only given up 1 INT all season. Much, much better game management from Staff. He will have to protect the ball this week as super stud Eric Berry will be prowling in the secondary. Berry is only one season and five games into his UT career, and he's already 8th on UT's all time interception yards list. Impressive.
UT has shut the run down pretty well, as they have the 4th best run defense in the SEC, as well as the 4th best pass defense. That makes them the best defense overall. Tennessee's defense has kept it in games.
For Georgia, you just have to hope the offensive line has come along a bit. Make holes for Knowshon and Caleb, give Stafford time to throw, and things should be ok. Stephens making his first road start could be interesting. Last time this situation played out for UGA, Tennessee won in Athens in 1992. Typically, you wouldn't expect a guy making just his second career start and first on the road to play super well. I think Tennessee runs the ball alot. Give Stepens the chance to be successful and not make mistakes to take the Vols out of the game. UT has three very talented backs, so let them do the work. But, Georgia's pass defense has been porous at best, so Stephens could have success if he gets time.
The Vols come in somewhere around a 12.5-13.5 underdog. I think Georgia should win by two touchdowns, but this game could be a little tougher than people are thinking. Some are thinking UGA cakewalks, but I think Tennessee will come to play. They always bring it against UGA. Georgia should be angry and humiliated after the Alabama debacle, so they should be ready to play. The past two seasons should be motivation enough. Plus the off week was huge. Georgia is 10-2 after an off week under Richt. The injuries are a bit concerning, but Georgia should take care of business.
ChiliDawg
All are behind me now, and we will turn our attention to tomorrow's match-up with the Volunteers.
Here's what I think about the game: Just like in 2005, Tennessee is a few plays from being pretty decent. Offensive struggles have been there, but Nick Stephens seemed to play well against UNI, despite the offense putting up shoddy offensive numbers overall. A loss in overtime to UCLA, a game that Tennessee could have easily won, and a fumble at Auburn have hurt this team.
Tennessee's strength is the offensive line, which could give Georgia fits. Tennessee hasn't allowed very many sacks, which doesn't bode well for Georgia's lack of pass rush, especially with Rod Battle being in a limited roll. But, the rush game hasn't gotten going for UT, which I find surprising. With Dannell Ellerbe not playing, hopefully this trend continues. Georgia has shut the run down very well.
Defensively, Stafford needs to continue to protect the ball, like he has all year. Kid has only given up 1 INT all season. Much, much better game management from Staff. He will have to protect the ball this week as super stud Eric Berry will be prowling in the secondary. Berry is only one season and five games into his UT career, and he's already 8th on UT's all time interception yards list. Impressive.
UT has shut the run down pretty well, as they have the 4th best run defense in the SEC, as well as the 4th best pass defense. That makes them the best defense overall. Tennessee's defense has kept it in games.
For Georgia, you just have to hope the offensive line has come along a bit. Make holes for Knowshon and Caleb, give Stafford time to throw, and things should be ok. Stephens making his first road start could be interesting. Last time this situation played out for UGA, Tennessee won in Athens in 1992. Typically, you wouldn't expect a guy making just his second career start and first on the road to play super well. I think Tennessee runs the ball alot. Give Stepens the chance to be successful and not make mistakes to take the Vols out of the game. UT has three very talented backs, so let them do the work. But, Georgia's pass defense has been porous at best, so Stephens could have success if he gets time.
The Vols come in somewhere around a 12.5-13.5 underdog. I think Georgia should win by two touchdowns, but this game could be a little tougher than people are thinking. Some are thinking UGA cakewalks, but I think Tennessee will come to play. They always bring it against UGA. Georgia should be angry and humiliated after the Alabama debacle, so they should be ready to play. The past two seasons should be motivation enough. Plus the off week was huge. Georgia is 10-2 after an off week under Richt. The injuries are a bit concerning, but Georgia should take care of business.
ChiliDawg
Monday, October 6, 2008
I've Been Mourning
Well, I said I would do better, then I promptly took a week off. School has kept me busy, but Georgia's performance against Alabama didn't really give much to write home about. Don't get me wrong, they fought back in the second half, but it never was really as close as they score may indicate. So I took the week to mourn the funeral. lol.
Now, a week off has hopefully refreshed the Dawgs and prepared them for the Volunteers of Tennessee. Georgia was beaten up pretty badly in the 'Bama game, so hopefully many of those injuries have healed and the boys in Red and Black are ready to go. Game time is 3:30 this Saturday on CBS.
I will go ahead and state that this week is pretty busy for me in terms of class work. Communication Law dominates my life right now, and I have a History midterm on Friday. So if things are somewhat slow for a Tennessee game week, I apologise. Know that I am trying to keep this thing as fresh as possible, and that UGA is keeping me quite busy.
More later.
ChiliDawg
Now, a week off has hopefully refreshed the Dawgs and prepared them for the Volunteers of Tennessee. Georgia was beaten up pretty badly in the 'Bama game, so hopefully many of those injuries have healed and the boys in Red and Black are ready to go. Game time is 3:30 this Saturday on CBS.
I will go ahead and state that this week is pretty busy for me in terms of class work. Communication Law dominates my life right now, and I have a History midterm on Friday. So if things are somewhat slow for a Tennessee game week, I apologise. Know that I am trying to keep this thing as fresh as possible, and that UGA is keeping me quite busy.
More later.
ChiliDawg
Friday, September 26, 2008
It's almost here
Thursday is behind me (thank goodness, I'm glad to have a test and communication law logs completed, as well as the 11 pm sports show). Friday is here and with it all her glory. The excitement of the game is right here.
Big news last night, as USC was toppled by Oregon State. The Beavers have become USC's bugaboo in recent history. USC was flat outplayed, no question about it. For as amazing as USC has been under Pete Carroll, they somehow always find a way to lose to a much inferior opponent. That's very perplexing. Maybe they read into their press clippings too much? Maybe it's just that hard to bring it mentally every single week. Now, what looked to be the most dominant team of the season could be out of the national title hunt. Still a long ways to go, but there are still a lot of quality teams that have not lost or only have one loss. But things will be shaken up before it's all said and done. USC is the media and ESPN darling, so if any team can come back, it could be them.
Georgia now sits primed to reclaim the top spot in the polls if they can Finish The Drill against Alabama. Oklahoma could get a test from TCU, and that game will be very interesting.
For now, class calls. I hope to do a game prediction later today.
1 more day...
Big news last night, as USC was toppled by Oregon State. The Beavers have become USC's bugaboo in recent history. USC was flat outplayed, no question about it. For as amazing as USC has been under Pete Carroll, they somehow always find a way to lose to a much inferior opponent. That's very perplexing. Maybe they read into their press clippings too much? Maybe it's just that hard to bring it mentally every single week. Now, what looked to be the most dominant team of the season could be out of the national title hunt. Still a long ways to go, but there are still a lot of quality teams that have not lost or only have one loss. But things will be shaken up before it's all said and done. USC is the media and ESPN darling, so if any team can come back, it could be them.
Georgia now sits primed to reclaim the top spot in the polls if they can Finish The Drill against Alabama. Oklahoma could get a test from TCU, and that game will be very interesting.
For now, class calls. I hope to do a game prediction later today.
1 more day...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
(even more) Motivation
Well, as I’m sure many have noticed, Alabama’s strength and conditioning coach gave Georgia a bit of bulletin board material when he told his team in practice that Georgia was wearing black on Saturday because “they are going to a mother f-ing funeral.”
Guess what? I agree. Those wearing black at a funeral are usually doing the burying. So sure Alabama, we are wearing black on Saturday for a funeral, and we are the undertaker.
I don’t think this will have too much of an impact on Saturday’s game. With Gameday being here for the first time since 1998, a primetime and nationwide audience on ESPN, the blackout, and two undefeated and top 10 teams going at it, I think Georgia will be plenty motivated. Plus, add in the retirement of Larry Munson, the “funeral” statement, as well as all day to tailgate, and emotions will be ready to boil over come kickoff time.
Apparently some Alabama fans are planning to wear white to the game. Go ahead. Georgia doing the black out is part of what makes college football so much fun, so Alabama fans wearing white just adds to that.
I’m definitely excited about the weather as well. At last glimpse, the low could drop into the high 50s Saturday night, while the high Saturday will be around 72 with a mix of clouds and sun. It will be a great day to be outdoors for sure. Campus certainly has had a fall feel about it, a feeling that those who love college football and this time of year anticipate throughout the summer. That crispness to the air is a much desired break from the oppressive heat that late August can bring to Athens. At any rate, it makes me able to walk across campus with a heavy book bag without needing a shower afterwards, or looking like I just took one, usually a combination of the two.
Keep counting down the days, Dawg fans. Saturday is almost here, and it’s going to be an epic day.
3 more days…
Guess what? I agree. Those wearing black at a funeral are usually doing the burying. So sure Alabama, we are wearing black on Saturday for a funeral, and we are the undertaker.
I don’t think this will have too much of an impact on Saturday’s game. With Gameday being here for the first time since 1998, a primetime and nationwide audience on ESPN, the blackout, and two undefeated and top 10 teams going at it, I think Georgia will be plenty motivated. Plus, add in the retirement of Larry Munson, the “funeral” statement, as well as all day to tailgate, and emotions will be ready to boil over come kickoff time.
Apparently some Alabama fans are planning to wear white to the game. Go ahead. Georgia doing the black out is part of what makes college football so much fun, so Alabama fans wearing white just adds to that.
I’m definitely excited about the weather as well. At last glimpse, the low could drop into the high 50s Saturday night, while the high Saturday will be around 72 with a mix of clouds and sun. It will be a great day to be outdoors for sure. Campus certainly has had a fall feel about it, a feeling that those who love college football and this time of year anticipate throughout the summer. That crispness to the air is a much desired break from the oppressive heat that late August can bring to Athens. At any rate, it makes me able to walk across campus with a heavy book bag without needing a shower afterwards, or looking like I just took one, usually a combination of the two.
Keep counting down the days, Dawg fans. Saturday is almost here, and it’s going to be an epic day.
3 more days…
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thanks, Larry
While we all saw this coming, it is still a shock. The longtime voice of Georgia football, Larry Munson, called it quits on Monday. Larry’s health had declined in recent years, and his on air performance had certainly suffered. Larry stopped traveling to road games last season and planned to do only home games again in 2008, but he has said the Central Michigan game will be his last. The road game team of Scott Howard and Eric Zeier will finish out the season.
While I’m sure more will come, I want to say, as a future broadcaster myself, I admire and respect Larry immensely. Many can remember where they were and what they were doing when Larry made a trademark call or called a big moment in Georgia football history, and I am no different. Thanks for the memories, Larry, as well as the inspiration to chase a dream. Best of luck to you in retirement, and I hope you enjoy your time off with lots of fishing and movie watching.
4 more days…
While I’m sure more will come, I want to say, as a future broadcaster myself, I admire and respect Larry immensely. Many can remember where they were and what they were doing when Larry made a trademark call or called a big moment in Georgia football history, and I am no different. Thanks for the memories, Larry, as well as the inspiration to chase a dream. Best of luck to you in retirement, and I hope you enjoy your time off with lots of fishing and movie watching.
4 more days…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)