Weekend Predictions: LSU over Georgia, and BCS ducks
So let me see if I’ve got this straight.
If LSU beats Georgia, LSU and Alabama will play for the BCS title. Simple. Unless some anti-SEC sentiment leads voters to match LSU against Oklahoma State (and everyone suddenly gets amnesia about the Iowa State game).
But this doesn’t preclude the possibility that LSU may play Oklahoma State in the BCS game even if Georgia upsets LSU. Why? Because at least one SEC school will go, and Nick Saban getting snubbed is funnier, and if you dare put both LSU and Alabama in the BCS final when neither even won its conference, you’ll have red noses and exploding clown feet falling from the sky (thank you, Larry), and even the BCS has its limit when it comes to humiliation. I think.
So really, what Saturday’s SEC championship comes down to is this: Barring some complete, multi-touchdown, oh jeez, Curly-just-dropped-the-TNT-powder-in-the-pancake-batter-again-collapse by LSU against the Bulldogs in the Georgia Dome, the Tigers are really only playing for Alabama’s lifeline in the BCS.
What could possibly go wrong with the BCS in the kitchen.
Dude. Has anybody seen Isaiah Crowell’s bong?
OK. Flush. Simplify. It’s just a football game.
Cleansing breath. And, go . . .
Georgia has one advantage in this game: Aaron Murray. Expectations for the running game are low, unless Crowell suddenly emerges from bubble wrap this week and breaks from the field with Forrest Gump’s miracle legs.
LSU is equal to or better than Georgia everywhere else. The Tigers have won over ranked teams, won on the road, won in Tuscaloosa, won nine of their games by 46, 26, 28, 30, 31, 35, 33, 49 and 24. Also, they conquered Belarus and are moving into Poland.
Yes, I really believe the Dogs have a chance to win this game. They are playing that well and that confident. The problem is too many things need to happen. Something-to-zero in turnovers. Something big on special teams. Something bionic on the defensive front.
It’s too much. The 10-game winning streak ends here. LSU wins, but Georgia keeps it close. I’ll dance with 13½.
It’s OK for Georgia fans to be Daydream Believers. Yeah. I’m going there …
School Daze
Oklahoma at Okie State: The Cowboys’ plan: 1) Win; 2) Scream, light their hair on fire, hold their breath, pass out and repeat (until somebody puts them in the BCS title game). All of which ignores the fact that they never should have lost a conference game to 2-4 Iowa State. Shut up and enjoy the Fiesta Bowl. OSU cover 3.
VaTech vs. Clemson (ACC title): The ACC keeps hoping for Miami-Florida State title game. It keeps getting Virginia Tech vs. somebody else. Clemson is 1-3 since starting 8-0 and turning back into Clemson. Hokies cover 7.
Wisconsin vs. Mich. State (Big Ten title): Fans have been warned: DON’T look Urban Meyer in eye when he emerges for his pontiff wave from a luxury suite before kickoff. Nice year for the Big Ten’s first title game. Scandal at Ohio State. Slime at Penn State. Where’s next year’s game, Chernobyl? Badgers win, but take Sparty and 9½.
UCLA vs. Oregon (Pac-12 title): One of the teams in the inaugural Pac-12 championship (UCLA) already has fired its coach (Rick Neuheisel). Even Auburn never did that. If UCLA wins, everybody might want to duck when Neuheisel gets his hands on the trophy. Actually, no worries there: Ducks win, but take UCLA and 32.
Rick Neuheisel, at the trophy presentation
NFL Six Pack
(I drank one)
Falcons at Texans: A stat from pal Len Pasquarelli: Falcons coach Mike Smith is 8-0 against rookie quarterbacks. Next on the list: T.J. Yates. It’s a nice story for Pope High School, but it wasn’t the Texans’ first choice. In consecutive weeks, the Falcons miss Adrian Peterson and Matt Schaub. Did Smith sacrifice a chicken? Falcons cover 3.
Broncos at Vikings: Tim Tebow (5-1) has won more games than Philip Rivers, Michael Vick or Josh Freeman. But he’s completing 45 percent of his passes and ranks 37th in yardage. Ever read one of those stores when the guy living out of a shopping cart wins the lottery? Slight market correction: Vikings cover 1.
Here's the felonious Lion, Ndamukong Suh, stomping a player, which is frowned upon in most cultures, and even the NFL.
Packers at Giants: A few days after his defense allowed seven touchdowns to New Orleans, Giants coach Tom Coughlin proclaimed: “It’s time for us to be bold, not to listen to what you all are saying.” Want to be bold? How ’bout you get in somebody’s way? Pack covers 7.
Lions at Saints: Ndamukong Suh has been sentenced to two games to life. Roger Goodell’s plan to make Suh the face of the league worked out as well as the fed’s plan for the Al Capone plush toy. Saints cover 9.
Colts at Patriots: The Colts are 0-11 and have been outscored by 177 points, give or take a major organ. But the line is 20 points. Sorry. That’s like sliding chips and onion dip across the table and telling me, “Don’t touch.” Pats win, but give me Indy and 20.
•
Toteboard
“Depend on the rabbit’s foot if you will, but remember it didn’t work for the rabbit.” — R.E. Shay
Last week (kiss the ring …): 10-2 straight up, 9-3 against the line.
Overall (… and bow): 109-41 straight up; 87-61-2 against the line.
Important “Sack Schultz” update: This is the week the Hawaii trip will be decided. There’s a 10-way tie for first. I remain in contention for a high draft pick.
By Jeff Schultz
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738 comments Add your comment
Hairy grandma
December 2nd, 2011
9:56 am
Cookies are in the oven folks!!! GO DAWGS!!!! A win over LSU will have my old wrinkly, dirt in nails, callus covered, small tattoo on right hand, vericose vain hands molding together some of the best cookies I have made in centuries!!!!! GO DAWGS WOOF WOOF!!!!
Buckeye
December 2nd, 2011
9:57 am
How about a big shout out to Rolando McClain. Another fine upstanding product of the SEC! SEC!
Silly Bloggers
December 2nd, 2011
9:59 am
DC, agreed…and most of us know the difference. There is a world of difference between the poster that states LSU has dominated most of their opponents, beat three Top 5 teams, and has a light-out defense led by the Honey Badger vs. the poster who says UGA sucks, they don’t play anyone, their schedule sucks, they don’t deserve to be in the Title game, and basically rely on LSU to bring some semblence of order to their lives since none of their teams could.
Personally, I picked LSU vs. USC in the SECCG and LSU winning it all. I am happy that UGA is in the game and I was mistaken about it. I think LSU is the best team in the nation and UGA will need to play nearly a perfect game to win. I also believe Alabama’s D is better than the Dawgs, but do believe the Dawgs have a more balanced offense than Alabama, albeit sporadic at times depending on Murray’s touch or lack of it on the football.
But hey, I am a UGA grad so there is that small part of me that can see the Dawgs winning this game. My heart tells me maybe, my head tells me unlikely at best…but I have seen stranger things happen and this is not the same UGA team we saw in Week 1.
BrutusWilson
December 2nd, 2011
9:59 am
I made my prediction earlier that Georgia would crush LSU on saturday 56-0. I should have said that I wish that that could happen and I hope after the victory, Georgia moves up 12 places and into the #1 slot–to play for the BCS National Championship. That is what I want to happen for Georgia because I think Mark Richt is one of the greatest coaches ever in college football. I’m not sure it will happen but I can at least dream on for a miracle.
Greg
December 2nd, 2011
10:02 am
Oregon will cover 32 on UCLA in the first half.
fathead
December 2nd, 2011
10:04 am
UGA was playing Auburn with one hand tied behind it’s back in the second half, and did not throw any passes at all in the 3rd and 4th. Still ran the ball down Auburn’s throat. ALA was only up 27-? in the third, and Auburn was still getting first downs in the forth quarter. Judging from this common opponent ALA is not that far ahead of UGA. And ALA and LSU appeared to be evenly matched? We’ll see.
BIGDAWGFAN
December 2nd, 2011
10:07 am
i usually just read the blogs here dont say much too often
but i say AMEN to SILLY BLOGGERS comment
DawgNation
December 2nd, 2011
10:08 am
Hindu Elvis Pimp
December 2nd, 2011
8:55 am
DawgNation
December 2nd, 2011
8:51 am
You know anything is better than listing to other teams fans giving us directions to Shreveport. Win or lose this is a much better feeling.
“Listing”?
Another quality post from a UGA fan…..
There’s a reason we make fun of you people.
_________________________________________
OK Hindu
“Listening”. Sorry it grades against your sensibilities to understand that at times people type faster than they should and make a mistake. I am sure you are Mr. Perfect and have never experienced a mistake.
Another quality post from another jerk.
There is a reason why people beat the snot out the likes such as you.
Silly Bloggers
December 2nd, 2011
10:09 am
Fathead, I am a UGA grad and fan and I give no credibility to common opponent…or not much at least. The gameplan for UGA for AU and Bama vs. AU is completely different. The game also dicatates how it goes. Take this a step further and our game was a home game and Bama played AU in Auburn in a rivalry game.
I do agree that UGA matches up better against Bama than LSU due to a more balanced offense, but I still defer to both those teams as better until UGA takes them out head-to-head. I would say I am cautiously optimistic on the Dawgs’ progress, but as has been pointed out repeatedly, we have yet to beat a very good football team. LSU will be a very good measuring stick on how far we have come.
Good Grief
December 2nd, 2011
10:09 am
A Nazi reference?? ( see: Your Belarus & Poland comment) Nice touch, Jeff. Stay Classy.
Silly Bloggers
December 2nd, 2011
10:09 am
Thanks BIGDAWGFAN, just calling them like I see them!
Bruce Mac
December 2nd, 2011
10:10 am
Corn Dog, noone is making themselves look more stupid than yourself.
DawginLex
December 2nd, 2011
10:10 am
My prayer
Dear Lord,
If we are not able to defeat LSU tomorrow, please allow us to be placed in a bowl versus The Ohio State University.
We will take great delight in continuing the pathetic streak of losing against the SEC.
We will also delight in never having to read another post from buckeye after Crowell runs for 200 yards in a 63-13 victory.
Amen
RiffRaff
December 2nd, 2011
10:15 am
Maybe Crowell needs to sing “one toke over the line sweet jesus” to get out of the doghouse with CMR.
Dogs are Tiger Bait
December 2nd, 2011
10:17 am
Georgia beating LSU? Now tell me the next joke. Geaux Tigers!
Tard Dawg
December 2nd, 2011
10:24 am
UGA, all swagger, no substance.
inkspot
December 2nd, 2011
10:32 am
Georgia shows up and plays better than in the Boise St. debacle, makes a second half comeback after falling behind by three touchdowns in the first quarter, but eventually penalties and turnovers kill the comeback. LSU scores a late TD and wraps up the final score: LSU 38 Georgia 24
RedandBlackDawg
December 2nd, 2011
10:39 am
Scott,
Can you site me the source in print of Saban saying that in 2003? I can’t find the reference or the quote when goggling it , so maybe I have the wrong phrase or using the wrong search engine.
doggone
December 2nd, 2011
10:40 am
When the games over…all this UGA love will turn to fire Richts, Bobo, fat boy, etc…something is wrong with people that ask a question and answer it to….
Jeff thinks Saban getting snubbed is funnier….never happen.
Bigger Picture
December 2nd, 2011
10:40 am
Why are so many other UGA fans content with “running this state”?! The only other “competition we have is Tech. If you’re a school in Florida or California, or even Texas to an extent, running your state is an accomplishment. Not in Georgia.
You guys can be content in being governors all you want, I want to be president and “run this nation”.
Unfortunately, 10-2 will never accomplish that goal. Until the UGA fanbase ceases to be content with state championships and the occasional SEC title, we’ll never reach that next level.
Demand more, we deserve it.
UGA PRIDE
December 2nd, 2011
10:41 am
@ Tard Dawg….Swagger is all you need. Swagger is behind the biggest offensive line in college football and the best QB in the SEC. Swagger is also what will get LSU in trouble because swagger can be a disquise for cockiness. We all know that the spoils go to the victor who walks softly and carries a big stick. Throw substance out the window tomorrow because when the whistle blows, all that will matter is which team is left standing. This is UGA national championship so I hope LSU players, coaches, and fans realize they aren’t playing a team who will roll over.
Hate the Haters
December 2nd, 2011
10:43 am
When UGA beats LSU tomorrow….what I don’t want to hear from all the haters is….”well the game didn’t mean anything…or …we’re still in the national championship” I just want the apologizes and UGA is that good.
UGA PRIDE
December 2nd, 2011
10:44 am
@ Tard Dawg……Swagger is all you need. Swagger is behind the biggest offensive line in college football and the best QB in the SEC. Swagger is also what will get LSU in trouble because swagger can be a disguise for cockiness. We all know that the spoils go to the victor who walks softly and carries a big stick. Throw substance out the window tomorrow because when the whistle blows, all that will matter is which team is left standing. This is UGA national championship so I hope LSU players, coaches, and fans realize they aren’t playing a team who will roll over.
HOTBOUDAINCOLDCOUSCOUS
December 2nd, 2011
10:45 am
Basically what we have here is 562 comments, of which @ 98% are fluff.
I’m for LSU, and sincerely hope they beat the dog out of the dog’s, but let’s be realistic, THIS IS THE SEC! When it gets down to it, records go out the window, if a team is having a bad season, their championship game of the year is to beat those who are having a great season. Tommorow is going to be a knock down drag out beat the crap out of each other game, no matter what the final score is. I can only hope for a clean well fought battle of two monsters without anyone getting seriously maimed. Good luck UGE.
GEAUX TIGERS!
HOTBOUDAINCOLDCOUSCOUS
December 2nd, 2011
10:46 am
(I meant UGA of course)
UPSET ALERT
December 2nd, 2011
10:47 am
@ Tard Dawg….Swagger is all you need. Swagger is behind the biggest offensive line in college football and the best QB in the SEC. Swagger is also what will get LSU in trouble because swagger can be a disquise for cockiness. We all know that the spoils go to the victor who walks softly and carries a big stick. Throw substance out the window tomorrow because when the whistle blows, all that will matter is which team is left standing. This is UGA national championship so I hope LSU players, coaches, and fans realize they aren’t playing a team who will roll over.
neverquit
December 2nd, 2011
10:47 am
The incessant chest thumping about the uga defense is bogus. South Carolina hangs 45 on the dawgs. only East Carolina and Kentucky, two bastions of defense, gave up more points. Boise puts up 35 this year, putting the pups in good company with those perennial defensive powerhouses – Nevada, Air Focce and Wyoming that were also on the Boise schedule.
good luck daydream believers….you will need it.
Buckeye
December 2nd, 2011
10:50 am
Dawgin,
Don’t think this years’ scandle plagued 6-6 edition will make the same bowl and the 10-3 dogs will. Although, early pronosticators have us both playing at 1PM on Jan 2. You vs. Michigan State and us vs. (My head is ging to expload) Muschamp and Co. Perhaps next year your prayer will be answered.
RandomDude
December 2nd, 2011
10:51 am
Question for all as I read the blog boards – how about vice posting behind anoymous names – y’all find a way to talk like normal human beings? Love to see folks spit unabashed virulence to a grown man’s face vice across a message board using the safety of the internet. At least reporters and guys on TV are speaking as an identified name and face. What I read here, and I mean the hurling of insults vice discussion, smacks of raw cowardace. (and I do ack. that I am being hypocritical – but I am in a sensitive postion and can’t put work details on here)
BTW – as a UGA fan 1) stop using 2007 as an arguement. UGA lost 2 games not one, so 2007 vice 2011 is apples and oranges.
2) For all the hate and discontent Tech has, they were outmatched, so to not realize that saying UGA stinks is just making y’all look like ignorant children. You’re not good in football. Paul Johnson isn’t the great guy you tout him to be (as a formal Navy football player/starter under him, I know) Accept it and move on.
3) LSU and Bama played a much tougher schedule this year, so to marginalize them is also idiotic. However, UGA does have a chance, and for LSU fans to not know or acknowledge that is equally stupid. UGA wins close, or gets totally blown out. I do not see one ounce of middle ground on that one.
Nugent, Ted Nugent
December 2nd, 2011
10:52 am
Jeff,
You’re Three Stooges references kill me!
Mexdawg
December 2nd, 2011
10:59 am
Hey I know that we are playing one of the best college football teams that I´ve seen in the last 20 years,I get it.It´s David vs Goliath.But hey wait didn´t David win that one.GATA.LET THE BIG DAWG EAT.
Silly Bloggers
December 2nd, 2011
11:02 am
Neverquit, the Dawgs D gave up 17 to SC. The rest were Special Teams gaffes and turnovers by the offense, specifically Murray. Like most trolls, you take a look at the final score and just create whatever you want out of it. You can say S.C. was opportunistic in making the most out of bad plays by Murray and special teams, but to say the defense gave up 45 is just another example of a troll who didn’t actually watch the game but wants to make blanket statements to support thier virtriol.
Bruce Mac
December 2nd, 2011
11:05 am
Tard Dawg, your handle certainly fits you.
doggone
December 2nd, 2011
11:07 am
UGA playing LSU is like GT playing UGA…in this case UGA is GT…nothing wrong with that but LSU has the better players and team but anything can happen.
doggone
December 2nd, 2011
11:08 am
Ted Nugent, when the funeral?
Buckeye
December 2nd, 2011
11:09 am
Random,
Bite me.
RiffRaff,
Best of the day. Assist to DawginLex.
Bruce Mac
December 2nd, 2011
11:09 am
Did any of you Yech idiots even watch the SC game? I don’t think the UGA “D” is as good as LSU but it isn’t chicken feed either. But you are the same idiots that said Yech would run all over the Dawgs. How did that work out morons?
old dawg
December 2nd, 2011
11:11 am
based upon what i heard about practice yesterday and crowell’s attitude, i am not feeling good about saturday. crowell has not prepared at all to play. if he does it will be limited and i would be surprised to see him shine.
look for uga to give him his release at the end of the season. in his mind, he is much to big a star to play a team sport. his attitude is not good, his work ethic is MIA. his teammates find him to be a negative influence. no one questions his talent. he is extremely immature and all about him. he will do well in his next school.
say bye bye to crowell and let’s recruit some real running back.
Buckeye
December 2nd, 2011
11:12 am
Any truth to the rumor that Isaiah, “No longer the Annointed”, wants to change his name to Mexico?
BrutusWilson
December 2nd, 2011
11:12 am
Ok I agree with most of your bloggers, but my prediction stands and should happen for coach Mark Richt in a three step formula:
STEP 1: Georgia beats LSU 56-0.
STEP 2: Georgia moves all the way up to the #1 spot in the nation.
STEP 3: Georgia plays on January 2, 2012 for the national championship.
IT MIGHT TAKE A MIRACLE BUT I HAVE SEEN STRANGER THINGS HAPPEN.
A few years ago LSU was ranked #7, while Georgia was ranked #4 in the nation. The #1 and #2 teams both lost, and LSU moved all the way from 7 and into the national championship game. LSU won the national championship. THE SAME THING MAY HAPPEN TO GEORGIA THIS YEAR. I will pray for the impossible.
doggone
December 2nd, 2011
11:15 am
Old dawg..Bobo loves him..but I agree with you..just another Pulpwood Smith.he’s had a month to rest…lol
1eyedJack
December 2nd, 2011
11:15 am
The GnaTs should open up Booby Dudd stadium to the homeless. The attendance would be better than a Tech football game.
Stingtalk's Daddy
December 2nd, 2011
11:15 am
Let’s face it, the dawgs don’t have a chance tommorrow. LSU is going to blow them out of the dome, it’s going to be quite funny actually!! I know I know, us yellow jackets got our butts handed to us last weekend, but let’s be for real, LSU is on a whole other level then UGA, just like real yogurt, plain and simple. Go luck mutts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BrutusWilson
December 2nd, 2011
11:19 am
I stand corrected. The year that gerogia got shafted from playing in the title game, while LSU was ranted #7 (four positions behind Georgia), Georgia was ranked #3 in the nation. Both the #1 and #2 teams both lost the next weekend and GEORGIA SHOULD HAVE PLAYED FOR A NATIONAL TITLE BUT INSTEAD GOT ROBBED BY LSU. LSU slid all the way back from #7 (moved past Georgia) and somehow, miraculously made it to the national championship game. GEORGIA GOT SHANGHI’D AND ROBBED THAT YEAR.
GT fan
December 2nd, 2011
11:23 am
1 eyedJack someone needs to help the homeless. Blessed are the poor etc.
Think I could get Richt to help?
On the Fence
December 2nd, 2011
11:24 am
Being new to the state, I can only sit back and laugh at the exchanges back and forth between GT and UGA fans. I personally could care less, but have made this observation while living inside the boarders of Georgia: UGA fans are some of the loudest, most obnoxious rednecks to be found in the entire USA. I would have to guess that most of the fans, who have no tie to the university in any shape or form, might have an average 5th grade education. The Tech fans, always classified as being nerdy, seem to stay fairly quiet most of the time while their team just doesn’t have the athletes to compete with UGA, nor do they have as many players in trouble with the law that UGA has had.
Looking at the seasons for both teams, I would say Tech had a slightly better than mediocre year in that they lost to some teams they should have beat and lost again to UGA. I would think the coach better have a good year next year and find a way to win against UGA or he will be looking for a job.
UGA had a better year, partially helped by their relatively easy schedule. Vandy, Kentucky, Tennessee, New Mexico State and even Florida did little to incite fear in anyone this season. As far as the SEC Cahmpionship game goes, I think UGA stays close in the first half, but LSU pulls away in the second half and covers the spread. RIcht keeps his job for several more years and all the loud, obnoxious red nexk fans keep on keepin’ on!
Jack in Iraq
December 2nd, 2011
11:25 am
No one… no one gave #21 LSU a chance against #2 Tennessee in 2001. I’m also not sure what the predictions were in 2005 for #13 UGA beating #3 LSU 34 – 13. That’s why they play the game… this is the SEC and UGA is capable of winning any game they play if they put it all together.
sandy denny
December 2nd, 2011
11:25 am
These guys need a benefactor to go anywhere. I suggest someone wins the lottery and takes them on.
Could do worse than look at this guys blog
http://lotterywinningmadeeasy.blogspot.com/
UGA 1999
December 2nd, 2011
11:26 am
Guys, I am not sure Crowell will be back next year. It seems as thought Richt is already tired of him.
GT fan
December 2nd, 2011
11:29 am
1 Eyed..I really hope the Dawgs win. Un-like you I pull for both teams, in fact all Georgia schools..Hate is not bad for everyone..good luck!