Dogs’ key to beating Gators: QB, defense or something else?
Urban Meyer was more relaxed before last year's Georgia game than he will be Saturday.
ATHENS — Just arrived in Happy Town, where the football team has won three straight, the basketball team is considered a conference dark horse and the outside of Stegeman Coliseum is almost completely encircled by glass panels. (OK. Still looks like an old barn with a new shine. But not bad.)
It’s Mark Richt news conference day and I’m planning on writing something about Georgia-Florida later. The focus will be on what I believe is the key to not only this game but the key to affirming that the Bulldogs really are headed in the right direction this season and beyond.
Loading ...The answer is . . . well, you’ll just have to wait. I know. I’m such a tease.
If you haven’t heard, the Dogs actually are favored in this game for the first time since 2004, according to Todd Fuhrman of the Caesars Place Race and Sportsbook in Las Vegas. That year, they were 6½ point favorites and won (and covered) 31-24.
This year Georgia is favored by three. Sounds strange, doesn’t it, given that the Dogs have lost 17 of the last 20 meetings and the last two by a combined score of 90-27? But a winning streak (even over the soft competition of Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Kentucky) has altered some perceptions in Athens and, maybe more importantly, the Gators are a train wreck. They’ve lost three straight regular season games for the first time since 1988 and coach Urban Meyer’s vaunted offense is ranked 89th in the nation.
So here’s the question of the day, until I post the column later: What is the biggest key to beating Florida? I’ve put up a poll, but here are the choices. You can only pick one.
♦ QUARTERBACK: Aaron Murray (12 touchdowns, three interceptions, 1,766 yards) has been great for Georgia. John Brantley (six touchdowns, five interceptions, 1,266 yards) has been mediocre for the Florida. Is it as simple as Murray outplaying Brantley?
♦ RUNNING GAME: The formerly suspended Washaun Ealey, starting the last two games for the suspended Caleb King, rushed for 280 yards and six touchdowns against Vanderbilt and Kentucky. Florida has struggled to run the ball. Is it as simple as the Dogs controlling the ball with the running game and winning?
♦ DEFENSE: What to think? Florida is struggling (they scored seven points in a loss to Mississippi State and six in a loss at Alabama) and there’s no question Georgia has made some progress. But how worrisome is it that Kentucky rolled up 31 points and 423 yards (353 passing) last week? Clearly there are still some holes.
♦ SPECIAL TEAMS: Rivalry games often turn on freakish plays like a long return or a blocked punt.
♦ TURNOVERS: See special teams.
So those are your choices. I know which way I’m going. Until then, what do you think? I’ll check back shortly.
♦
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351 comments Add your comment
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
4:46 pm
Charlie, just back up the Dogs losing program with some stats or titles? Everyone wants anyone who attacks this program off the site, typical Athens.
Charlie Pell 107 violations
October 26th, 2010
4:46 pm
Also Florida played Charleston Southern Sept 5th 2009! So before you go running down UGA for scheduling you may wanna have a glass of shut the f up!
GaGator
October 26th, 2010
4:47 pm
Charlie Pell 107
A little testy friend——let’s just have a little fun——–it’s free.
Charlie Pell 107 violations
October 26th, 2010
4:48 pm
You started it big boy- you don’t find my other names funny? It all relates to the pathetic history of your garbage school.
Ed
October 26th, 2010
4:48 pm
Here’s an idea for getting the mental edge on UF – show up Saturday wearing an Ole Miss uniform.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 26th, 2010
4:48 pm
Charlie Pell ease up a lil. Everybody play nice. HAHAAHAHA I forgot this is a football blog. Punch them in the mouth, rip their hairy arms off we want blood.
MURPHY
October 26th, 2010
4:48 pm
BOB 17 INT,
I agree with your post at 4:36. I for one like playing games against a good opponent at the start of the year. To be the best and get respect you must play and beat the best.I was one Dawg fan bummed about us dropping the Oregon series.I believe it was our new AD(from flo-ri-duh) that decided that,said he wants to do it like the Gators always do,so thats how we got Charleston Southern.Sound FAMILIAR?
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
4:48 pm
GaGator, well it’s great to be a Florida Gator!! I loved 1995 when someone popped off that no one ever hung more than 40 in the Dogs tween the hedges, and Spurrier made a mental note of it. What was that score?
Spurrier is one of the greatest, as well as Meyer and Foley. Oh yeal, a national basketball title to go with it. Heck of an AD in Gainesville, keep up the great work!
Charlie Pell 107 violations
October 26th, 2010
4:49 pm
No, tired of this loser coming on here every week running his mouth thinking he is this and that. Hey Bobo how about the Florida 1911 South Carolina state champs!
Charlie Pell 107 violations
October 26th, 2010
4:51 pm
What about that time in 1942 win we hung 75 on you and shut you out?
The Muslim Hammer
October 26th, 2010
4:51 pm
Urban Meyer’s daughter is promiscuous??? Should have plenty of options at GT.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 26th, 2010
4:52 pm
The Dawg come out and try to get the REFs on thier side by wearing RED PANTIES instead or the silver britches.
GaGator
October 26th, 2010
4:52 pm
They didn’t like Gainsville in 1994 either—–52-14 woooooooooooo
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
4:52 pm
MURPHY
Totally agree with you on that one, and thanks for the intelligent debate. Matter of fact you are one of the most intelligent Dog fans on this site and I say thank you.
Yes, with today’s BSC mentality these D-1 schools are going to have to step up and open with tough opponents on the road. If you in the top 10 ranking take your losses early so you can work your way back.
Remember 2008 when the Dogs dropped in the polls the first 2 weeks, even though they won their first 2 games? Yep, that was because of weak opponents and lack of respect by the polls, even prior to the BCS. However, no one in Athens wants to talk about it.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
4:53 pm
Alot of L’s on the schedule…
http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/schedule/_/id/61/georgia-bulldogs
Charlie Pell 107 violations
October 26th, 2010
4:54 pm
How about 1997 when you thought you were going to go back to back and got waxed by 20!
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
4:54 pm
GaGator, Dogs could never handle going to Gainesville, they want everything at home. They are all now screaming that the Gators are tanked because they do not have Tebow. LOL!!! Like Florida never had a defense or running backs…..the Dogs were beat by Florida players they cannot even remember.
Charlie Pell 107 violations
October 26th, 2010
4:55 pm
Rather finish with a bang, than with a thud which is what the Gators are going to do!
georgiadawg70
October 26th, 2010
5:01 pm
Boycott Jacksonville, move the game to Athens
Dogs’ key to beating Gators: QB, defense or something else? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Best Dog Store
October 26th, 2010
5:03 pm
[...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Defense and Turnovers
October 26th, 2010
5:04 pm
It is a must for us to play well defensively no matter the circumstances. It is also imperative the we do not turn the ball over. I think we can win the game but we have to play well and essentially outsmart them. Murray can throw three touchdown passes and Ealey can run for 100+ yards but if we do not keep their offense off the field by making stops, it doesn’t matter.
GaGator
October 26th, 2010
5:05 pm
georgiadawg70
Sorry man, last time Florida was in Athens, Spurrier put 50 on you—–I really don’t think that is in your best interest.
Also, ya’ll loved coming to Jax when Dooley was kicking our a$$——-can’t have both ways.
wildbill
October 26th, 2010
5:07 pm
CMR was on tv a few minutes ago. Man, I believe he is tearing his hair out, or it may be just falling out. You know worry can do that to a person, hair loss. I think CMR might be doing the what ifs? about now. What if this, and what if that. Maybe the game plan just might have a few holes in it. Like, what if he has to go to the Duval County jail to get a player. What if the bus driver gets lost looking for the “Gator Bowl”, what if his hair spray doesn’t work in all that humidity, what if he is out tanned by Urban Crier. Wow, the world is full of uncertainties just before a big ball game. What if the spread of 3 points works out for the dawgs?
Red Panties
October 26th, 2010
5:07 pm
Charlie Pell 107 violations
Give it a rest, you sound like an angry old man. Get yourself a drink and just chill.
Chris Phillips
October 26th, 2010
5:08 pm
DEFENSE WINS GAMES.
Galen Hall
October 26th, 2010
5:09 pm
Enter your comments here
GatorParty
October 26th, 2010
5:10 pm
You Dawg fans crack me up. The Gators will win again this year 28-17.
Why does the Saint Johns River flow North?
Because Georgia suks. Ha, ha.
Go Gators beat Georgia!
tc
October 26th, 2010
5:12 pm
boring article
Galen Hall
October 26th, 2010
5:12 pm
Remember me? I almost got the Gators the “Death Penalty” in 1990, and got UF its second NCAA Probation in just 6 years.
Me and Charley Pell! UF class all the way . . .
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
5:14 pm
Charlie Pell, take it easy and seek some help. I understand your anger, since you support such a losing program, but please it is a blog so bring some ammo for UGA….sorry, there is none.
Gators by 30.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
October 26th, 2010
5:14 pm
I always love when Dog fans go off the deep end and get angry…..it will probably come down to the score.
Gordon
October 26th, 2010
5:15 pm
Just 2 months ago this was marked as two unbeatens (or maybe UF having one loss) playing a game with national implications by everyone on this board. So think about that when reading these predictions. Here’s mine: UGA has settled into a once every 3 year pattern with UF, and it continues with a 24-17 UGA win.
Reuben Houston
October 26th, 2010
5:18 pm
How about me? Starting cornerback for Ga Tech and yes, I got caught with 100 LBS (yes pounds, not ounces) of pot.
saban
October 26th, 2010
5:20 pm
Florida could win by a 100 but Meyer will back off and keep it to 50.
Then Auburn will finish the puppies off.
New York Times
October 26th, 2010
5:21 pm
“Nov 17, 2005 · The NCAA placed Georgia Tech on two years of probation Thursday for using 17 academically ineligible athletes in four sports.”
*********************************
Wow! Not Ga Tech?
Norm's Panties in a KNOT
October 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
What are the dawgs fearing more right now? Losing again to a bad Gators team or how the Hell they can get out of the Auburn game.
saban
October 26th, 2010
5:23 pm
Then my mighty tide will lose again to SC . . .
Norm's Panties in a KNOT
October 26th, 2010
5:24 pm
Reuben and NY Times
What do those posts have to do with the UGA v UF game?
Joey
October 26th, 2010
5:25 pm
Yeah, Norm’s whatever . . . .,
UGA is fearing the only team we have beat consistantly for the past 4 years. We’re wringing our hands about that game . . .
chazzo
October 26th, 2010
5:26 pm
Key 1: Don’t think you have this game one. Not until the final second of the final quarter.
New York Times
October 26th, 2010
5:28 pm
Well, Norm’s drawers, those posters doing the !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! or hahahahahahahah things are Ga Tech nerds. Pay attention.
Norm's Panties in a KNOT
October 26th, 2010
5:28 pm
Joey Joey Joey
That was the last 4 years but this is a different Auburn team or hadn’t you noticed? I guess you were worrying about the high school teams on your schedule when Colorado beat you.
Joey
October 26th, 2010
5:28 pm
So, chazzo, you mean, it’s not over til it’s over?
JaxDawg
October 26th, 2010
5:29 pm
Our defense looked atrocious against Kentucky! We still aren’t able to accomplish the fundamentals (i.e., TACKLING)! I HATE it, but the fact that UF had a week off and our performance against UK doesn’t bolster my confidence in our ability to win this game.
COME ON DAWGS AND PROVE ME WRONG!
JaxDawg
October 26th, 2010
5:34 pm
Hey Norm’s Panties in a KNOT,
Go back and looked at where AU was ranked when they played UGA in 2006! UGA is not afraid of AU.
MURPHY
October 26th, 2010
5:44 pm
Boycott Jacksonville? Move the game to Athens? Do we really think this would help us beat Florida? NO IT WOULD NOT.WE MUST LEARN HOW TO WIN IN JACKSONVILLE!! STARTING SATURDAY AT 3:30. This will be my 27th UGA/FLA game and no way I would move this to a home and home series.I will be there on Sat ready to pull for my Dawgs and win or lose I will be back nect year. P.S-Bobo 17 INT-I drink Budlight and I will be looking for your Pinto!!!
MURPHY
October 26th, 2010
5:45 pm
Talk at yall later. Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ugakev
October 26th, 2010
5:57 pm
Enter your comments here
larry
October 26th, 2010
6:01 pm
1. No trash talking (fans or players) neither has deserved it.
2. defense(especially 3rd down & 4th quarter.
3.offensive line needs to show up big time.
4.let it all hang-out what the h— we are 4-4
UGAKEV
October 26th, 2010
6:01 pm
I will not deny florida dominated us in the 90′S…In the 2000’s though we have clearly had better football teams and still managed to lose the game, or a key player like DJ Shockley gets hurt one year. The good news is I really believe we are fixing to get the upper hand on the Gators because mcgarity will not allow us to continue to lose to them year in and year out. The bad news is saturday we have the better football team and I believe we will manage to lose this game too.