Georgia has far better than ‘puncher’s chance’ against LSU
Aron White, Christian Robinson punctuate UGA's return with school flag . (Johnny Crawford)
This is the column that I didn’t think I would be writing six weeks ago, when Georgia fizzled and nearly self-destructed at Vanderbilt, and a five-game winning streak seemed like the furthest thing from Mark Richt’s mind.
This is the column that didn’t seem plausible three months ago when I looked up at the scoreboard and saw, “Boise State 35, Georgia 21” after looking down on the Georgia Dome field to see a Bulldogs team get beat physically by a Mountain West Conference team and play flat emotionally — the worst possible exacta for a hyped-up season opener.
This is the column that says Georgia can beat LSU.
This is not to diminish anything LSU has accomplished this season. How can one diminish an SEC team going 12-0? The Tigers have played and beaten seven teams that were ranked at the time they played. That includes No. 3 Oregon to start the season (40-27), No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa (9-6 in overtime) and No. 3 Arkansas (41-17). LSU is as legitimate and proven as any No. 1 team that has come along in years.
Which doesn’t mean it can’t lose.
No. I’m not drunk on the Kool-Aid. Something changed in Athens. Maybe the 33-28 escape at Vanderbilt was a wake-up call. Maybe it was just a case of a young team slowly gaining confidence. At the very least, we know players reaffirmed that they believed in — and would follow — their head coach. Because a team doesn’t just rally from a 17-3 deficit to beat its nemesis (Florida), destroy Auburn 45-7 and spin a 10-game winning streak after a 0-2 start because it’s suddenly getting bounces.
After the body-slamming of Auburn, when it became clear the Dogs would win the SEC East, many felt they would have a “puncher’s chance” in the conference title game against the winner of the West, LSU or Alabama. But that short-changes Georgia.
When I hear puncher’s chance, I think George Foreman vs. Michael Moorer. In 1994, when Moorer was the heavyweight champion, he won nine straight rounds against the unranked 45-year-old Foreman. Then he got stupid. Foreman suckered him in. He landed a concrete right hand to Moorer’s porcelain chin. When Moorer looked up from the canvas, he saw little blue songbirds circling above him.
Three months after the loss to Boise State, the Bulldogs return to the Georgia Dome Saturday against LSU. They don’t need to rely on one lucky punch to win. They have become that good. They are playing with a rhythm, a confidence and an edge that we haven’t seen since 2007.
A year ago, when I wrote that Richt deserved to come back this season because of what he had accomplished in Athens, there was a backlash. Many fans wanted him fired. I wasn’t ready to make that leap. But neither did I share the confidence of Richt’s defenders, particularly after the season’s first two games. An unraveling seemed imminent. So did a job change. Clearly, that’s not happening now.
LSU is rolling. But so is Georgia. Aaron Murray is the best quarterback the LSU defense will face this season, and in the last four games he has completed 68 percent of his passes for 14 touchdowns and two interceptions. The offense is loaded with receivers: Orson Charles, Malcolm Mitchell, Tavarres King, et al. (Just when Georgia Tech figured it had everybody covered Saturday, a freshman, Chris Conley, popped open in the end zone. Chris Conley? He’s UGA’s sixth-leading receiver.)
The assumption here is that with Isaiah Crowell being held out Saturday with an ankle injury, he and Carlton Thomas (who had only a few carries against Tech) will be ready for LSU and provide balance to the offense.
Defensively, the Dogs get better by the week. They throttled the Tech’s option offense Saturday and held the Jackets to 10 points until a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes.
Boise State and South Carolina combined for eight offensive touchdowns in the first two games. In the 10 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.
Georgia doesn’t have a mere puncher’s chance in the SEC championship. Georgia has a legitimate chance. The team that will play in the Georgia Dome on Dec. 3 is not the same one that played there on Sept. 3.
Some things you just don’t see coming.
By Jeff Schultz
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1,469 comments Add your comment
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
45ACP for sure it is. The Dome does have somewhat of a bad taste in the dawgs mouths right now. I am sure the Seniors would like to change that.
Old Dawg
November 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
Muschamp took Texas down.. look where they are ?? Weis got fired at ND. !!
The Nature Boy
November 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
I’m with LakeDawg…Muschamp was a bad hire..it was so quiet in the Swamp last nite…..but at least Ray bleed red and black….
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
Shultz….
Again….go back and read the relationship of that information to the post itself….and the term “trend.” And the type of fan I am……….a big time college football fan….and a big time Gator fan…..and also a Georgia fan…when they aren’t playing the Gators. Yes, I will be pulling big time for Georgia on Saturday. Shock the world…I say…..now,,,,,have a nice evening. Time for dinner.
P.S. That QB “who will never make it in the NFL” is again playing a good game as the starting QB in the NFL…..his name…..Tim Tebow. All he does is win…and gets the most out of his teammates.
schultz for brains
November 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
Hawk, very similar to the gift saban provided TENN and FLA.
JB
November 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
@6:38….. The Florida offense IS installed? LOL
dawggirl
November 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Muschamp thinks the Gators are soft.
Destin Dawg
November 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Tamapa Gator.. you liked what you saw Fla. vs. FSU ??? Me Too !!
Destin Dawg
November 27th, 2011
6:41 pm
Tebow and Meyer are gone.. time for dinner
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
6:42 pm
Before I go……
Obviously, you were not in THE SWAMP last night. Every recruit that was there….and there were plenty of them…..are raving about the atmosphere in THE SWAMP last night…..”electric” is a term being used….and “very impressed” is another. The only time THE SWAMP has been silent this year is when Florida played Furman…..get real.
45ACP
November 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
I believe Aaron Murray played against a very good defense last year at Auburn. He has a scar to prove it thanks to Nick Fairley! The Dawgs lost of course. The defense they have this year will keep them in any game.
Old Dawg
November 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
Muschamp was a bad hire.. Weis worse !!
JB
November 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
I think Florida made a mistake hiring a DEFENSIVE coach. Not so much Muschamp himself, but they should of hired an offensive guy…..If fact, they would of been a lot better this year with Leach.
Old Dawg
November 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
the Swamp = the Dump
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
Again…before I go……
JB……FSU……95 total yards of offense last night……and most of the starters were either sophs or freshmen…….I would say that is a defense that is installed for 2 or 3 more years. Now goodnight.
JB
November 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
6-6?
John
November 27th, 2011
6:46 pm
@TampaGator: I am curious to see how Driskel performs once he gets more experience under his belt. #1 recruits can often be a bust. I will withhold any further predictions for next season and see how it plays out. I concur that I didn’t see the Dawgs making it to the SECCG after last season’s dibacle, so I suppose anything can happen. That is why the games are played after all…
Pierce County DAWG
November 27th, 2011
6:47 pm
Jeff Shultz thanks for a great article and giving credit where it is due. GT dude you do not have a clue,and at least we are playing for a title which tech is not. If i remember right GEORGIA 31 tech 17. You are losers,find another blog with your midget football team. GEORGIA owns the STATE AND ALWAYS WILL. GO DAWGS AND CMR
Old Dawg
November 27th, 2011
6:47 pm
FSU and the Dawgs will own Fla.. next couple years
Eric C.
November 27th, 2011
6:47 pm
Jeff, great column…it seems like Richard Samuel would be a good match-up against LSU…more of a bruiser type. Remember how he punched right through the heart of the Gators defense late in that game before getting hurt. I hope he can play this Saturday because he could have some success. I don’t trust Crowell and Thomas to hang to the ball against LSU.
tennessee tom
November 27th, 2011
6:49 pm
even though this game is at 4 PM,the chicken feet will be well in attendence
might be close for a half.this is the best team in college football,if miles can keep them focused,even at that,they can out tallent bad coaching,LSU is the big dog in the big conference,ga is just glad to be there hello gator bowl
tell me again
November 27th, 2011
6:50 pm
blah, blah, blah – UGA can’t beat LSU – yeah, Oklahoma couldn’t lose / Ok. St. couldn’t lose / Nebraska couldn’t lose – well, the fact is – ANYBODY can lose. A bad game, a lucky bounce – yes, we CAN win Saturday. Here’s the rub. IF – and it’s a big if – UGA can play like they did against Auburn – we can stand toe to toe with anybody. The rub is that LSU plays that way EVERY WEEK and we play that way now and again – the questiion is: is this Saturday an Auburn game or a Kentucky game? We will see. Consistency is our main question mark. Not talent – not coaching – not players. I like our D matching up against their offense – I do think their D matches up better against our offense that, once again, has been Jekyl and Hyde. Hey, one thing I know for sure – WE”RE IN THE BIG GAME AND 10 OTHER TEAMS AREN’T!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO DAWGS!
tell me again
November 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
Tennesse Tom – if I were a Tennesse fan I would be in hiding and not on the board of the SEC EAST CHAMPION, baby!
Just lurking
November 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
Georgia may have played the easiest SEC conference schedule since the expansion to 12 teams. Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn have never been collectively this bad. They also avoided LSU, Bama, and Arky. I’m not saying they don’t have a chance against LSU, but in my opinion they don’t have any idea of what they are about to encounter in Atlanta this weekend.
Eric C.
November 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
tell me again…I agree about the consistency. I will say that LSU looked mortal vs MSU and Wrn Ky for the first three qts though.
01HAWK
November 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
Video: Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn’s Wife: Auburn Players “Aren’t The Most Intelligent People”
You have to listen to GUS MALZAHN’S WIFE on this video. He must be leaving AUBARN SOON FOR ANOTHER JOB.
LINK BELOW:
http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/video_auburn_coach_gus_malzahns_wife_auburn_players_arent_the_most_intelligent_people/8342677
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
Sorry Jeff, but I think you are smoking something on this one….LSU is going to crush UGA and here’s why:
1. UGA lost to ranked teams, Boise and South Carolina, yes UGA beat Auburn who was ranked, but Auburn’s ranking was a joke
2. UGA played a very, I mean very weak schedule this year
3. CMR will do anything to keep his job, including squeaking out a small win streak to get a few more years, and a few more dollars
4. CMR cannot hold a candle to Les Miles and his coaching approach, anyone who thinks otherwise is needs to put their money where their mouth is
4. LSU is bigger, stronger and faster than UGA, and ranked
south
November 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
Tampa Gator – go eat dinner already…jeeezz
admac01
November 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
No way the dawgs will beat LSU!!! Are you dreaming???
Vain Jangling
November 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
This is the kind of huge underdog game you’d really like to hear Munson call. Only Old Lady Luck could possibly pull us through.
admac01
November 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
No way!!
tell me again
November 27th, 2011
6:55 pm
What bowl is Tennesse going to this year? I tell you what – TENNESSE WOULD BE D*MN PROUD TO GO TO THE GATOR OR ANY BOWL, BUT THEY AIN’T GOING ANYWHERE, ARE THEY?!
LakeDawg
November 27th, 2011
6:56 pm
Tebow will be out of the NFL in two years. Most over-hyped QB in history.
Pago Pago DAWG
November 27th, 2011
6:56 pm
We do hope that UGA doesn’t come out “tight”.
Come out “loose”..”have a good time”..”enjoy the moment”.
The Nature Boy
November 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
@ Vain nice post
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 27th, 2011
6:57 pm
@Muck Richt: I am sure you are not a Tech fan because in 2011 GT joined slimeballs such as Penn State, Miami, North Carolina, Ohio State etc. as NCAA’s most wanted. Not that you had any credibility to begin with but by your slanderous remarks toward CMR the entire world now knows you are a fullblown idiot. It must be unbearable to finish off a so-so season with losing the 10th out of the last 11 games to a bunch of “thugs and a preacherman”. I admire your fellow GT fans for not stooping to your level over something as irrelivent as a college football game. Get over it. It is only a game.
Chillahill43
November 27th, 2011
7:00 pm
Ill take any and all leg humper bets! You will be crying like the Beeyatchez yall are! Yea yall are good. Tell me again what team y’all beat that anyone with any knowledge of college football considers legit? FL- yea thats a good team-uncheck! TN- lost to powerful KY- uncheck! Vanderbuilt- notice TN comment – uncheck! Auburn- yea the best 5 loss team in SEC- uncheck! GT- schizo high school team and coach- uncheck! KY- really?- uncheck. The 2 teams that were worth a flip. BSU AND USC Lost both- check!! LSU is gonna beat Yall like the 5th best team in the SEC and thats questionable!! The FIRE CMR idiots will be calling Buck on Monday whining and what iffing!! Shultz must be smoking that synthetic hooch the UGA boys be hopped up on!’ LSU will win by 17-35 points. And that Defensive coach will be doing the Petrino freak out!! Cant wait to read the AJC next Sunday. How bout this headline- PUPPIES POUNDED!! book it
Eric C.
November 27th, 2011
7:00 pm
Just Lurking, Arky is overrated…they were getting their behinds kicked by Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Ole Miss before making big comebacks. I hate when folks lump them in with LSU and Ala…they are no better than UGA.
As for LSU and Ala…they are great, but when GSU runs up 300+ yds of rushing offense on UA…they are not perfect, and I don’t want to hear any crap about UA not prepared for the triple option because GSU is an FCS team.
The Nature Boy
November 27th, 2011
7:00 pm
@ TN Tom…Gator Bowl..?? the dawgs will go to either: Sugar Bowl, Capital One Bowl or Cotton Bowl……..I’ll bet my mortgage on that….
tell me again
November 27th, 2011
7:00 pm
Mike Bobo – comment # 3 makes no sense and as to size and speed – UGA had two of the biggest lines not only in the country but IN THE PROS! Our offensive line is bigger than at least 4 pro teams that they were compared against – we are not small – we are not slow and what does LSU being ranked have to do with anything? WE”RE RANKED!
so funny..
November 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
have you seen LSU’s defense???
#delusional
dawgraider
November 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
Dawgs-41, LSWhoes-14.
Believe it or not..BS will send ALA-1, LSU-2 after the SEC beatdown, BCOZ we leave is a world of hypocrites whose memory does not go beyond Sept 2011. Remember 2007, that’s not going to happen
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
Les Miles if Crowell is in the game it has to be a run. I hope Bobo isn’t stupid enough to call a pass and expect Crowell to Protect Murray.
War Dang Dawg
November 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
The reason why we can’t play for the national championship with two losses this year (even if we win on Sat.) like LSU in ‘07 is because we deviated from their formula – instead of losing to two highly ranked teams in SC and Boise St., we should have lost to two unranked teams like they did in ‘07.
Honestly, I couldn’t care less. The BCS is such a mess that no one can claim to be a legit champion. In fact, college football has never had a legit “national” champion. Our championship is, and always has been, the Southeastern Conference. Let’s kick LSU’s butt and win No. 13!
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 27th, 2011
7:02 pm
tell me gain
Put your money where your mouth is….
Eric C.
November 27th, 2011
7:04 pm
Jordan Jefferson meet Jarvis Jones…ha, JJ meet JJ, that is pretty funny. CMR owns Les Miles in the SECCG.
gdawg
November 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
Muck Richt, Saturday still stings doesnt it?
Hurts dont it?
Hurts bad dont it?
I love it! You nerds are the little retarted step-chld in our state.
NERDS
Brainiac(Dawg for life)(Richt fan for life)
November 27th, 2011
7:05 pm
@Tell me again: Easy there bro. We wouldn’t want to hurt the feelongs of Da’Prick Rogers and the carpet bagger QB buddy of his. I believe Dawg Nation pretty much agrees that we are better off without Da;Prick. He got into trouble almost as soon as he and his “carpet bagger buddy from Calhoun” set feet on the UT campus. Life is good at Dawg Nation.
tell me again
November 27th, 2011
7:08 pm
Bobo – show me slow and small, there buddy – if you can’t state the facts just sit down and count your money.
dawg4u
November 27th, 2011
7:09 pm
UGA and LSU once again for the SECCG. The Dawgs lost to LSU in 2003 and won in 2005. I really believe that UGA would have to play their best game of the year to beat LSU. The bayou bengals are being touted as being great especially since beating Oregon, Alabama and Arkansas – all fabulous football teams. LSU will have all the pressure on them – they’re the best and are expected to win – and UGA will just be plain fired up to prove everybody wrong! If they lose then that is what was expected but anytime I go through a week hearing how great another team is then it would motivate me to play in an unbelievable way just to shock the world. I think this is a very dangerous game for LSU – just keep believing how great you are and how ESPN has already crowned you champs. You still have to play this game and I guarantee you it will not be easy. Keep on believing how great you are and you can very easily be lulled into a false sense of entitlement. Go Dawgs!