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
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
5:40 pm
aubie won…..
Thank you. Well said.
aarh
November 27th, 2011
5:41 pm
Nikki- Maybe I misunderstood what was being said, but they said that they expected UGA to overlook Tech w/ the LSU game being next weekend. It didn’t sound to me like they thought UGA wasn’t as good as Tech, but that they thought they just wouldn’t take them seriously. I’m sure when it comes down to it most of the media will pick LSU, but everyone I’ve heard has said that UGA has a chance. So, I don’t understand why people say the media says they don’t have a chance.
Observer
November 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
Georgia can beat LSU? Yeah, and Dewey can defeat Truman. UGA has been beaten by the only two decent teams they played. The have built their defensive reputation against some of the worst scoring offenses in the country: Kentucky #117, Ole Miss #116, Tennessee #107, Auburn #82, Florida #90, Miss State #87 and NM State #77. Prior to yesterday’s game, the best offense Georgia faced during their winning streak was Vandy at #61.
By contrast, LSU has played and beaten some of the best the NCAA has to offer including Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Georgia will not only lose Saturday, they’ll lose HUGE.
GTBob
November 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
No. I’m not drunk on the Kool-Aid. Something changed in Athens.
Um, yes you are. Please tell us Jeff, what teams has UGA beaten this year that are even in the same stratosphere as LSU? Name a team that LSU has not killed besides Alabama. By saying that UGA can beat LSU you are saying that you think UGA is better then Oregon and Alabama. If that isn’t drinking the kool-aid then nothing is.
Walmart Greeter
November 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
WE’RE NUMBER 14!!! WE’RE NUMBER 14!!!!!
FSU fan
November 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
Why do you UGA fans keep talking about GT? Hell you won and you still bitching. Was that your Championship game? Must have been.
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
5:45 pm
aubie won….
I recently did a check of SEC rosters and the two teams most loaded with freshmen and sophs actually starting and playing this year……..Florida and Auburn.
We went through a tough year….but we both know we have a lot of young talent on our teams….and more on the way. Our teams will be doing the punching back for us real soon.
P.S. Ask Destin and others like him…….when was the last time their team won a NC……1980. They are obviously starved for attention….
Destin Dawg is beyond excited this year…..his team is going to Orlando, not Memphis or Shrevport, for a bowl game.
virginia dog
November 27th, 2011
5:45 pm
LSU WILL MOST LIKELY WIN …BUT if little old uga does do the impossible then the BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME will be played between two teams where one did not win there division and the other the conference. TALK ABOUT EMBARRASSING !!!! It will expose the BCS as a fraud….
On the bright side it might blow-up the BCS and return college football to the old system… it was more fun and created a lot better bowl match ups. PS: a few years ago i seem to remember the ESPN talking heads says that “regardless how good UGA is playing right now you simply can’t allow a team that did not even win its division of its conference to play in the BCS championship game.” Oh well … money money money … its the root of all evil.
Bob Poston
November 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
Not a chance…
Bad Dawg
November 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
I guess some people just do not get it. Alabama and LSU are on a whole different level than UGA. I am a UGA fan but I will only go as far to say that UGA is an above average team on the verge of being considered a good team this year. LSU and Alabama right now are about as dominant as the USC teams in the mid early 2000’s that were national championshiop favorites every year. The other top ten through fifteen teams are great but these teams are elite. I am just hoping the dogs play their hearts out and leave it all on the field. Plus this is a good measuring stick to see how UGA matches up with the best in the country.
FSU fan
November 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
Hell we 24th and we could be UGA..
Intown DAWG
November 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
Tampa Gator
Even with UGA’s underachieving the last few years and people wanting to point to that for next year; do you really think UF players coming back will compete with UGA’s current crop coming back?
aubie-won-knobi
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
TGator…^5. I’m not going to make predictions about the SECCG based on how much I like or dislike or “envy” another SEC team but merely base it on facts and what has been proved on the field and on the schedule this year. And LSU IS the Number 1 team. Period. Bama played LSU head to head and either team is interchangeable at the Number 1 spot.
dawg4u
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
I can actually see a scenario where UGA could win the SECCG by say one or two points over LSU on a late FG or TD and Alabama and LSU could still play for the NC with neither team winning their conference. That would really stick a fork in the BCS. I know it’s a long shot but it could happen in this already wacky season. I agree Jeff that UGA has better than a puncher’s chance of winning this game!
DarthNadir
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
Actually two chances. Slim and none.
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
FSU fan…
Congrats on your win last night. That was two terrific defenses……and two struggling offenses.
1980, THIRTY ONE years ago
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
LSU Bengal Tigers 48
GA pups 3 (maybe 0, if Walsh kicks)
Sugar Hill Dawg
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
TampaGator – Tough season for the lizards, but anyone who believes they’re turning into my Daddy’s Vanderbilt is drawing a ridiculous conclusion. I’m of the belief this year was a momentary blip on their radar – they’ll be back. We have to remind ourselves we dominated the 70’s and 80’s – cfb is cyclical. I don’t for a moment believe the Dawgs are at the beginning of a tear against the Gators. I’m hopeful we’ll continue to dominate Tech and play a competitive series with UF. My last UGA/UF game was the Evil Genius debut – I’ll be going back soon now that my oldest is about to graduate from Auburn and his younger brother transfers to Tech from AU. (Out of state tuition is about to kill me!) I don’t think we have much of a chance to beat LSU, but we have a shot, so….who knows?
Dumbo
November 27th, 2011
5:47 pm
GTBob..shouldn’t you Techies be more concerned about NATS….I mean losing 10 out of 11 is pretty dang bad Techies….but then again I’m not a slide ruler freak….
Don Draper
November 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
@FSU fan — Impressive offensive showing last night. That was impressive. What championship game is FSU playing in this year?
Pazian
November 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
I don’t think the fact that Georgia is largely a Freshman/Sophmore team is stressed nearly enough. This is not the same team that lost two games what seems like a year ago.
My Prediction
UGA 2011 SEC Champions, 2012 National Champions
UGA Alumni
November 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
wtf: you raging idiot. I originally posted 1-3 as in Les won 1 game and lost 3… for the 2004 loss…Miles didn’t show up until 05 so I changed it to 1-2. You Tech nerds think you’re high and mighty with your blow up doll girlfriends and mad blogging skills. Take care bud and have a good night on the UGA blog
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
the REAL QUESTION is……….IF…………just IF…………..UGa does win over LSU, will the Dawgs finally make RUSS Uga IX and give him the RESPECT He Deserves?
All you UGa fans want some Respect, then Give some RESPECT.
RUSS for Uga IX if the Dawgs win the SEC
TampaGator
November 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
IntownDawg….
The Gators competed this year (20-24)……and they will be better next year…..so…..my answer….yes I do.
If
November 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
LSU had to beat ARK to get to the SEC champ game, they have to beat UGA (or maybe not) to get to the NC game. After watching them Friday, I just don’t see them over looking UGA, there is too much at stake. Just like with the NYG and the 16-0 Patriots any thing can happen but the odds favor LSU
GSUEagle91
November 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
I am a neutral observer here that has studied both of these teams and so…
It will be a long day for the Dawgs. In the 45-7 category…..Why? LSU is that good. They have been tested and ultimately beaten GOOD teams this season while GA has played well with a schedule that included No one after the Carolina game. So they haven’t been tested at all…
But they will be Saturday. LSU will shut down UGA’s run game early and force Aaron Murray to pass. He is a very good QB, and will do well early but the relentless pressure will see him battered and crushed by the second half.
45-7 LSU…
Molly E
November 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
I don’t know whether Georgia will beat LSU, but they obviously have a chance. What frustrates me is the constant talk that Georgia hasn’t played anyone, has no “quality” wins. When bama beats Auburn by less than we did, everyone considers that to be proof enough that they belong in the NC game. If you look at the stats when we played Auburn, they are just as good as when alabama played them. I think the Dawgs deserve more credit than they are getting. Thanks for this article where you at least acknowledge how well GA played against Auburn.
FSU fan
November 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
Agree TampaGator…both teams will be better next year..bet on it.
aubie-won-knobi
November 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
Intown..Gators will be JUST fine next year. I’d be more worried about Crowell stumping his toe and calling it a career ending injury. Check you guys laters…take it easy on them TampaGator. 31 years is a looong time and they just get a little excited. Can’t blame them.
Dumbo
November 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
5150 UOAD….You want respect…then leave Techie..
Seriously
November 27th, 2011
5:51 pm
Why is this on the Tech page?
Molly E
November 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
Virginia..sorry to correct you but, the quote from the Bible is “THE LOVE OF money is the root of all evil.” Money is not evil, it’s just the love of it.
01HAWK
November 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
This is why UGA will not get any respect is because of STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE:
Once again, VA TECH is ranked 63rd……… VA TECH could win out and they will not get in even if LSU lost to UGA.
College FB Team Strength of Schedule Power Rating:
1. LSU – WEST
2. BAMA – WEST
3. ARK – WEST
12. AUBARN – WEST
15. OLE MRS. -WEST
19. FLORIDA – EAST
20. MRS. MISS STATE – WEST
24. SOUTH CAROLINA – EAST
25. TENN – EAST
VANDY – EAST
38. KENTUCKY – EAST
41. UGA – EAST………………………….Playing BOISE STATE and SOUTH CAROLINA did not even get you in the top 25 in strength of schedule. Would have been better to keep LOUISVILLE on schedule and you would have been at # 3 more than likely.
UGA is last last in the SEC in this category. If you schedule the BIG BOYS, then you have to beat them.
VA TECH is # 63
fitzgerald
November 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
The SEC bosses don’t want Georgia to win. So there. End of conversation.
FSU fan
November 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
Dream on dawgs….but don’t put your money on beating LSU.
If
November 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
or should I say the skill level of their players makes them favorites to win
01HAWK
November 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
VANDY HAS A # 26 College FB Team Strength of Schedule Power Rating:
wtf?
November 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
Typical from GA, see below, and they seem to think only little Techies hate them.
UGA Alumni
November 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
wtf: you raging idiot.
You Tech nerds think you’re high and mighty with your blow up doll girlfriends and mad blogging skil
Anon1
November 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
Yeah they can beat LSU just like UCLA can beat Oregon. It’s possible, but unlikely.
FSU fan
November 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
fitz you crazy..they don’t give a crap.
John
November 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
It’s amusing to see a Gator fan show up on here and rag on UGA and its fans. Really dude? Your team is an embarrassment to the SEC. Get off this blog son and find a Gator blog where you can reminisce about the Meyer/Tebow days of glory. Won’t see those again for a long while. Get used to sitting in the cellar with KY.
5150 UOAD
November 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
Dumbo you can’t be the next Uga IX. You are fat grey elephant.
Russ for Uga IX if the dawgs beat LSU.
browndog
November 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
There are 10 other teams in the SEC that wish they could be playing in the SECCG. This is the game that the players strive to play in when they select a school in the SEC. Congrats to both UGA and LSU for reaching their goal!
virginia dog
November 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
thanks Molly E … but i live in metro DC. I was quoting the O- Jay’s not the Bible.
ryan
November 27th, 2011
5:56 pm
Nice column Jeff.
I agree, UGA def has a legitimate chance. Shock the world!
I think keys to the game will be:
1) solid special teams. We don’t have to necessarily play better on ST’s but we can’t have any gaffes. And obviously no missed FGs.
2) we have to be able to protect Murray without using extra blockers. They’re secondary is too talented to only have 2 or 3 receivers on obvious passing plays. That means the lines gotta play out of their minds.
3)must establish a run game early. If we become one dimensional we are in for a long day, but if crowell can get going in the first quarter it will open the best part of our game, the play action.
4) obviously this list could be 30 things but these are just a few. The last vital key to success, imo, is we have to open up the playbook. This is our NC, so we need to call plays like it is. I believe if u go head to head and talent against talent it will be hard to beat LSU. We must use 4 or 5 trick plays to keep the D honest. Execution, execution, execution is critical on these.
I’ll be at the game and no matter the outcome I ams so proud if this team’s heart and passion.
Let’s win this one for Larry, a DGD.
He’ll be pouring sugar out of the sky…
Dumbo
November 27th, 2011
5:56 pm
wtf?….must be bad living in a state that you can’t stand……
schultz for brains
November 27th, 2011
5:56 pm
Tampagator, Keep your 22 year stat near and dear as it will be a very long off season. I am predicting next year will bring much of the same pain and misery and the gators convenient 22 year stat will diminish one year at a time much like UGA’s two decade dominance did after spurrier showed up.
All tech fans: it’s got to be tough! Can’t even imagine??
GT
November 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
Hahahahahahahaha now chip, that’s hilarious.
the dude
November 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
OF COURSE THEY HAVE A CHANCE IF BOBO DOES NOT GET SCARED, AND IF WE HAVE A HALFBACK THIS WEEK. BUT PAUL JOHNSON IS THE GREATEST MOUTHER I HAVE EVER SEEN. HE KNOWS IT ALL, HE IS A GENIUS, HE THINKS HE IS ANYWAY. PLEASE DO NOT FIRE HIM CAUSE WE NEED AS MANY EASY VICTORIES IN THIS SERIES THAT WE CAN GET. I HAVE HEARD HOUSTON NUTT IS AVAILABLE. GATAS.
coward
November 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
“Muck Richt” is a coward until he identifies himself by name.