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
Dawg48
November 27th, 2011
3:01 pm
5150
No I don’t get into pro ball
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
3:02 pm
Burythe…………….I guess that would be Ga. Southern. The Real Team that wins Championships in this state right!
Eddie
November 27th, 2011
3:03 pm
Well, danora is da dummy and though I don’t like to say this, Much richt is a fool. You can call Mark Richt a lot of things, but he IS NOT a hypocrite. You are a moron and that is being kind.
As far as LSU goes, they are an outstanding football team. They should be favored, but yes we can beat them. Need all tailbacks on board, wind the turnover battle and no special team mistakes. GO DAWGS!!
BIG MIKE
November 27th, 2011
3:03 pm
HERE’S A CONUNDRUM FOR YA’……….If the SEC IS THE BEST CONFERENCE………..and UGA WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP of that conference……….Where does that leave UGA when the music stops?
Let’s not allow what happens on the field interfere with the POPULAR VOTE.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 27th, 2011
3:04 pm
I hope Bobo doesnt think he is going to run right up the middle with success against LSU
and I hope he uses our TE’s more
BIG MIKE
November 27th, 2011
3:05 pm
BTW……For everyone’s information….a PLAYOFF has already occurred and no one is paying any attention.
1) LSU BEAT ALABAMA
2) LSU BEAT ARKANSAS
3) NOW LSU MUST PLAY AND BEAT UGA TO CLAIM THE GOLD
Sorry, that’s how a playoff works. LSU and UGA put themselves in position to win the SEC by
‘QUOTE FROM 2007′
“winning their games during the regular season. It doesn’t matter that ‘Alabama’ is possibly the strongest team in the country, they didn’t win the division, much less the conference. How can they possiblty play for the national championship?” That was a quote by LOU HOLTZ in 2007…..only instead of ALABAMA the word was GEORGIA
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:06 pm
Thanks all for the comments. I’ll get to some specific questions now . . .
BurytheBone
November 27th, 2011
3:07 pm
our achilles heel we be our o-line, if they have a solid game we can win. AM is gonna need time to check down. LSU’s D line will be coming hard on every play. I think we can hang, it won;t be handed to us. but just like spider-man, we can hang.
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
3:07 pm
48 OK me not much either but I will watch the Falcons when they are playing well. The NFl last until College Basketball gets into the really good part of that season.
Joey
November 27th, 2011
3:07 pm
I wish we could get Michael MOORE in the ring with Foreman! That’s a pay-for-view I would spend a couple of C-notes for!
Nice analysis, Jeff. I believe that with 1) no turnovers, 2) short passes to the TEs, 3) good STs play, and 4) and the usual excellent D, we can make this a game.
Go Dawgs!
randyman
November 27th, 2011
3:07 pm
The problem with uga is you never know which team is going to show up…We have the ability to beat LSU!!! I just hope they show up and play harder than they ever have! We need BOBO to have a good day as well!! Please be creative with the offense and if u find something works dont abandon it but dont use it too much either. (Balance) Got to get running game going or no win!!!
Jesse
November 27th, 2011
3:08 pm
Perception has a lot to do with why most people think LSU will crush Georgia. LSU has been considered one of the best teams in the nation for the entire season; Georgia was largely written off by almost everyone after they lost their first two games and no one has been paying attention. But Georgia has the 4th best defense in the nation, an offensive and defensive line that is every bit as big as LSU’s, great athletes at the skill positions and in the defensive backfield, a very good quarterback, and they’ve won 10 straight games. Les Miles also has a losing record against Richt. So personally I see no reason why Georgia can’t win.
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
3:11 pm
Big Mike…………the BCS is like the Electoral College. They really elect the president, but it is unusual if it is not the same as the popular vote. The BCS knows what is Best for we the stupid populace. LOL
No competion in rivarly
November 27th, 2011
3:12 pm
Enjoy the article and hope you are right But If it wasn’t for the stupid trickery plays on fourth down and a blocked punt the Vandy game would have been a blow out.
dbc
November 27th, 2011
3:12 pm
The only way for the DAWGS to earn respect is to go out and take it. Beat LSU, cause BCS chaos, and shut all the naysayers up in the process. Including that anti-UGA, hypocritical, ESPN punk, Mark May. That would be the perfect way to announce that UGA football is back. Even slobberin’ Lou thinks we have a chance (which sort of scares me.)
BurytheBone
November 27th, 2011
3:12 pm
5150 well that would be an improvement over your jackets. At least then you would still have something to look forward to
Dawg48
November 27th, 2011
3:13 pm
Big mike
Don’t forget LSU Oregon………
It’s all about the money the ESPNCAA wants a bama lsu rematch, they are even saying that if UGA pulls an upset……
Bowls love SEC teams…..
1 they all travel well
2 we pull for other SEC teams in bowls cause we all have confrense pride and watch the other games on tv.
B'dawg
November 27th, 2011
3:14 pm
yeah, what is it with Mark May and hate for UGA? Can someone tell me the real reason?
Destin Dawg
November 27th, 2011
3:14 pm
we’re improving.. playing just good enough to win.. ran the clock out against Auburn and Tech.. didn’t run up the score.. could have… Richt’s got class.. Grantham has guts.. great combo.. getting better.. score is 0 to 0 right now … Go Dawgs .. beat LSU !!
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:15 pm
Greg — SC scored 3 offensive touchdowns: Alshon Jeffery (34 catch), Stephen Garcia (8 run), Marcus Lattimore (3 run). The 68-yard Ingram run was off a fake punt. Not sure if technically that counts as a special teams touchdown but given the circumstances I’m making the change. And yes, another TD was set up by a fumble return but it’s still an offensive score.
BIG MIKE
November 27th, 2011
3:17 pm
5150 UOAD———-SO, YOU GET MY POINT!!!!!
soldierman
November 27th, 2011
3:20 pm
Very disappointed the Dawgs aren’t getting love nationally. Not sure how they good very reasonably be the SEC champions and still not be rated in the top 10 in the BCS. Also, was it 06 or 07 a UGA team was jumped by a 2 loss LSU for the championship game because as the BCS stated then a team that doesn’t play for their conference championship can not compete for the National Championship. Was the BCS lying then or are they lying now? Soapbox is now clear for the next person to step up. that is all
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
3:20 pm
Big Mike…………no! Congress can run my life for me! I don’t know no better! LOL
No Playoff needed for sure. Maybe a Plus1 but stop the Div. AA OOC games and the real weak OOC games. Play 3 OOC game that are good or Rivals and drop the Purchased Win scrimmage games.
Dap01
November 27th, 2011
3:21 pm
Jeff: I agree. UGA has better receivers than Alabama. UGA has a great and fast defense. Shock the world UGA.
Why does the ESPN hype machine get to pick the national champions?
Destin Dawg
November 27th, 2011
3:21 pm
Spurrier said ” we were lucky UGA beat us all over the field “
ViningDawg
November 27th, 2011
3:22 pm
If just to mess with the BCS, ya gotta pull for those Hairy Junkyard Dawgs. ( and Larry Munson will get the game ball if we win!)
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
D’Dawg — The basics: 1) Stop the run; 2) Establish the run; 3) Strong on special teams (always an LSU strength).
Csonka
November 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
B’dawg…May’s animus towards UGA dates to his collegiate days at Pitt in 1980 (I believe he won the Outland Trophy that year). Anyway, he believed Pitt was the best team in the country and should have played UGA in the Sugar Bowl instead of Notre Dame. He’s convinced they would have beaten UGA handily had they played, and he’s still miffed. I saw a rant from him concerning this on a College Football Final a few years ago.
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
Diggity Dawg — I did, and that was fixed. Thanks.
Biff Pocaroba Fan Club
November 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
Alabama, Arkansas, and Oregon all better than UGA. LSU has seen and beaten better teams.
UGA has not even come close to seeing a team as talented as LSU.
Dawg48
November 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
5150
I don’t know about droping the real weak OOC games……..
I like the tech, UGA game!
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
The REASON UGA isn’t getting the LOVE is they played the weakest SEC teams and when UGA did play toe Best teams they LOST. Yes, it was at the beginning of the year, but No Arkie, Bama,or LSU has Hurt UGA.
I hear the Dawgs say all the time Ohio St gets too much love for their schedule. Well, you just played an OSU schedule and you are getting the Love you wish on OSU all the time.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
November 27th, 2011
3:25 pm
If I were Bobo I would have Murray run mostly play action. He’s a better thrower when he is running and it will throw their D off if he runs a lot
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:25 pm
Vain Jaingling — I think you’ve summed up things nicely. I’m sure the conspiracy theorists will be back at some point though. Also, I’ll open the bidding for “WartHogDawg” at $2.75.
soldierman
November 27th, 2011
3:26 pm
Got it so LSU has the resume not disputing that but if UGA does what alabama, oregon, and so on and so forth couldnt do which is beat LSU for the championship they should at least be in the top 10. Not saying national championship but still top 10 is a reasonable request.
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:26 pm
Joey — Sad but true on Michael Moore. I was a big fan after “Roger and Me.” Then he went psycho.
BIG MIKE
November 27th, 2011
3:27 pm
5150 UOAD—————–ONLY IF THE SEC’s COMPETITION CAN MAN-UP WITH THEIR SCHEDULES WILL I ADVOCATE TAKING MONEY FROM DIV AA SCHOOLS. WE ARE PLAYING A 12 GAME SCHEDULE WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TO BOOT. AND MORE THAN HALF OF THE TEAMS IN THE SEC COULD BEAT THE BEST TEAMS IN OTHER CONFERENCES ON ANY GIVEN DAY. NO MATTER WHO YOU PLAY IN THE SEC….YOU ARE PLAYING AGAINST TALENT……PERIOD!!!
@5150
November 27th, 2011
3:28 pm
Playoff system and a plus one game or not, your team, Ga Tech will never make it there. So, why are you even advocating a playoff or plus one system? the best you can hope for son, is the sun bowl!! have fun out there.
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
3:29 pm
48 now you are poking fun. You know FSU UF, USC CU, UGA GT will be OOC games. I hope WVU Pitt, and UT TA&M will continue too.
docdawg
November 27th, 2011
3:30 pm
Good article, and truthful, think it will be an exciting game and that GA will win. Surprise!!
Dawg48
November 27th, 2011
3:31 pm
Flat tire
Are you giving any props to bobo today?
He called another good game Saturday.
ISaidit
November 27th, 2011
3:31 pm
I said it before the season, said it after 0-2 start. all the way to the dome baby.
LSU game plan is to run the football, our defence is geared to stop the run. This will be a good game. Watch, You think these dogs came all this way to lay down? you think all those bandwagon riders jump back on the ship just to sink with it? We are ready, Ga is going to show their naked a$$e$ in the dome….i said, i said i said it!
Danora
November 27th, 2011
3:31 pm
Anybody seen my man card?
I seem to have misplaced it and a set of balls.
godawgs82
November 27th, 2011
3:31 pm
UGA has beaten LSU 3 of past 4 times. UGA was big underdog in 2005 to LSU and beat them. Yes, it can happen again.
Destin Dawg
November 27th, 2011
3:32 pm
being a Loyal Bull Dawg fan… I’m betting $100 on UGA…. being smart I also have 14 points.. Go Dawgs.. Beat LSU !!
B'dawg
November 27th, 2011
3:32 pm
Thanks Csonka. Would love to watch that rant. Was he on the ‘81 Pitt team?
WnE
November 27th, 2011
3:32 pm
All of you bootlicking toadies make me sick. Richt does just enough to not get fired every year. Unless we are playing for a national title every other year or at least competing for one with the talent we have, we’re overpaying for Richt & co. Fire Mark Richt!
Jeff Schultz
November 27th, 2011
3:33 pm
Early lines have LSU as a 10-point favorite. No surprise. Wrote this 2 weeks ago: http://bit.ly/v5mCYE
BurytheBone
November 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
I don’t know why anyone would care what Mark May says anyway. I kinda like the fact the don’t break bread with us. Sleeping giant. If you get my drift
Dawg48
November 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
WnE
That was the dumbest thing I have ever heard!