LIVE: Georgia goes for SEC East clincher against Auburn
Georgia hopes to have something to celebrate on Auburn's field after tonight's game.
AUBURN, Ala. — Hello, and welcome to something you probably didn’t expect five weeks ago when Georgia got body-slammed at South Carolina: A potential SEC East Division-clinching game against Auburn.
Every trend and statistic says the Bulldogs should win this game. Easily. But if they needed any reminder that anything can happen on a college football Saturday, just check the Florida game.
I stopped at an Auburn tailgating spot to watch a few minutes of Florida’s game against Louisiana-Lafayette, and the Gators were trailing 20-13 with just under four minutes left. I figured, worst-case scenario, Florida ties it and I’ll watch overtime in the press box, so I walked away. But as I walked into the box, the Gators were kicking an extra point following a blocked punt and return for the go-ahead touchdown.
So much for that monumental upset. Nonetheless, it should serve as a monumental warning for the Dogs — and it’s certainly easy fodder for coach Mark Richt’s pregame speech.
OK. The Tigers stink. They’re 2-7 overall and 0-6 in the SEC. A brief summary of their statistical woes: They rank 13th in total offense (305.2), total defense (428.7) and scoring offense (19.2), 10th in scoring defense (27.3), last in rush defense (199.2) — no reason to wonder about Georgia’s plan of attack — last in sacks allowed (29), last in third-down conversions (28.8) and 13th in turnovers (20) and turnover differential (minus-nine).
In short, there’s probably no reason for Gene Chizik to refinance his home because he’s going to be putting that sucker up for sale soon. It would be an upset it Chizik wasn’t fired, especially with a drumming by Alabama still expected to come at the end of the season.
(As I write this, Texas A&M just took a 20-0 lead over Alabama. Like I was saying …)
No such problems for Richt and Georgia. The Dogs had the perfect confluence of events following their 35-7 loss to South Carolina: 1) They didn’t faceplant in the next three games; 2) They beat Florida; 3) South Carolina imploded. So here we are, with Georgia on the verge of clinching its second straight East title and a trip to the Georgia Dome.
Before I open the cyber-venting lines, here are a few links from this week to pass the time until kickoff:
• The setup for this game from Chip Towers.
• How the backdrop for these teams (and coaches) was flipped two years ago, by Tim Tucker. (Auburn was on the was to a BCS title with Cam Newton; Georgia was on the way to a 6-7 finish.)
• The work of the UGA’s offensive line to protect Aaron Murray, by Chip.
• The Dogs will face their last two defensive coordinators (Brian VanGorder and Willie Martinez), by Tim.
• My column on Richt’s disclosure that he will need hip replacement surgery, thanks to an old swing set injury.
• Finally, here’s my prediction for the game (and other sound investment advice) in Weekend Predictions.
One last observation: Chip, Tim and I encountered far less traffic than usual for an Auburn game. Could be an indication of the crowd for this one.
That’s it for now. Commenting opens in 3 … 2 … 1 …
By Jeff Schultz
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786 comments Add your comment
Brickmason Bobby
November 10th, 2012
9:58 pm
Playing the starters in the fourth quarter is just plain stupid…
Since Vince
November 10th, 2012
9:59 pm
We need to score damn it!
jvillebil
November 10th, 2012
9:59 pm
LOL Really
phil
November 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
Score now or fire Richt!!
Since Vince
November 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
Our subs stink
Really?
November 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
Hey it’s christian lemay. Please don’t fumble.
Ga Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
It is unbelievable how shutting out a team can carry over for a defense. Wanting to duplicate that performance will provide that spark the unit so despritely needed before Williams called them out. I like this move – good coaching by CTG.
Dawgs65
November 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
Man, Christian LeMay looks so tiny.
BubbaGolf
November 10th, 2012
10:00 pm
A shutout on Auburn is meaningless against the worst team in the SEC. Grantham, this is ridiculous.
DawgNole
November 10th, 2012
10:01 pm
Papa Smurf
November 10th, 2012
9:55 pm
A shut out is meaningless, but an injury to a starter could be devastating!
____________________
Not meaningless, but not worth losing a starter. More importantly, give those subs who’ve worked so hard some time on the field in an actual game. Nothing like game experience–however lopsided the score–for next year.
ObamaRulesYoHomie
November 10th, 2012
10:01 pm
Georgia can not get to national championship game with Bama getting beat now. Sorry!
Plus, no way Bama will lose another game now. Georgia is gonna get spanked. Aaron Murray would probably like that too. OMG!
phil
November 10th, 2012
10:01 pm
He IS tiny….
A bum.
00mpa L00mpa Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:01 pm
Lemay is a bean pole!
Brickmason Bobby
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
Lemay has to go to the sideline and get the play? What is up with that?
UGA Season Ticket Holder since 1986
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
C’mon offense. Run out the clock and contribute to the shutout.
HPDawg
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
Yea, Brewmaster, all them CMR haters are hatin’ on their wretch situation,,,,,,,,,,,,,, nothing to bitch about!!
Really?
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
Schultz hasn’t posted in an hour. He is in the champagne room. Boom chicky bow wow.
Dawg1
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
LeMay looks sharp – lets see him put one in the air…
Brewmaster
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
DawgNole, ever heard of Russell Wilson ? How about Vick, Tarkenton,Jurgenson,Haden, Dawson ? All 6′ or shorter, all successful. Murray’s line is similar in height to an NFL line, yet he coompletes plenty of passes. He is projected as a 2nd rounder, so maybe, just maybe those NFL analysts know more than you do.
00mpa L00mpa Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:03 pm
our subs are pathetic….
phil
November 10th, 2012
10:03 pm
They don’t….
jvillebil
November 10th, 2012
10:03 pm
Remember how Samuel ran like a beast in the FL game last year and now he’s been regulated to the 4th string back. Life hanges fast. Then again we thought Crowell was the next great thing next to white sliced bread and where is he?
00mpa L00mpa Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:04 pm
Lemay needs to eat his wheaties
Dawgs65
November 10th, 2012
10:04 pm
SEC East, baby!
kingdaddy
November 10th, 2012
10:04 pm
DawgNole
I have been quite cruel at times to TB. I am trying to be a kinder, gentler kd, lol.Really. I hurt his feelings a few times, and I don’t feel fulfilled about it anymore. I’ve got your back, but you remind me of me alittle and I detest me, lol. Fight with humor when you can. I get bored with trolls more and more…might need to talk to my preacher about it…nahhhhhhh…
wampus
November 10th, 2012
10:04 pm
I dont think theres enough people left to operate the fire hoses
phil
November 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
38-0!!
Lolololol!
Way to go, boys!
ObamaRulesYoHomie
November 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
Georgia no chance at NC with Bama loss today.
Sorry
CigarDawg
November 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
How much does the loss to SC hurt now?
Another season where Richt’s total failure to have us prepared for SC costs us a shot st the NC.
Evey game is a must-win game and Richt should lose his job because he just does not understand that.
DawgNole
November 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
I like that announcer’s line: Richt’s happy; his face just doesn’t know it yet.
jvillebil
November 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
TCU making a little comeback
kingdaddy
November 10th, 2012
10:05 pm
Way to go Todd Grantham…
CigarDawg
November 10th, 2012
10:06 pm
We should have scored 60 points tonight, but our coaches just don’t have a winning philosophy.
playmeortrademe
November 10th, 2012
10:06 pm
USC vs. Notre Dame may be the only time anyone really roots for Lane Kiffin.
Ga Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:06 pm
That shutout was important.
Mark Richt blew it
November 10th, 2012
10:07 pm
losing to SC hurts just like it did in 2007. Pathetic!
Really?
November 10th, 2012
10:07 pm
Great game Dawgs!!!!!! Enjoy that lap dance schultzie.
Ga Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:09 pm
CigarDawg is exactly what I’m talking about. Can’t please a fan that doesn’t understand the sport.
Mark Richt blew it
November 10th, 2012
10:09 pm
Mark Richt doesnt understand how to impress the pollsters… He needs style points sometimes.
kingdaddy
November 10th, 2012
10:10 pm
38-zip win on the road. This is one to be proud of bros…
Really?
November 10th, 2012
10:10 pm
Look here comes the idiots to try and put a negative spin on Georgia winning the SEC East again. Their lifes must be so full.
Mark Richt blew it
November 10th, 2012
10:10 pm
Awburn stinks
ryan
November 10th, 2012
10:10 pm
60 points my a$$ we gave cheating Auburn a big goose egg and won back to back SEC east titles stop complaining about the score .
DawgNole
November 10th, 2012
10:11 pm
Brewmaster
November 10th, 2012
10:02 pm
DawgNole, ever heard of Russell Wilson ? How about Vick, Tarkenton,Jurgenson,Haden, Dawson ? All 6′ or shorter, all successful. Murray’s line is similar in height to an NFL line, yet he coompletes plenty of passes. He is projected as a 2nd rounder, so maybe, just maybe those NFL analysts know more than you do.
____________________
I hope they–and you–are right, Brew. I just don’t see it. Too many tipped passes already. He reminds me of Pat Sullivan–a superb college QB at 6-1, but couldn’t see over the D linemen.
Really?
November 10th, 2012
10:11 pm
wampus
Good one.
CigarDawg
November 10th, 2012
10:12 pm
There is no reason for us not to win in Atlanta now. LSU and Texas A&M have provided the blueprint to do it. Unfortunately, Richt’s failure as a CEO has made a win in the SECCG meaningless for us now.
All of you “fans” who do not understand that the loss to SC cost us a NC bid should just hide yourselves under your trailers. Another completely wasted season because of inadequate coaching.
kingdaddy
November 10th, 2012
10:12 pm
The whiners not satisfied with this win are not fans of UGA. They are just trolling…
Mark Richt blew it
November 10th, 2012
10:12 pm
Johnny Ball hung 60 on these guys…. UGA ehh not so much…
ryan
November 10th, 2012
10:12 pm
GO DAWGS HA HA HA haters in your face .
Ga Dawg
November 10th, 2012
10:13 pm
You are right Mark Richt blew it…he is no Nick Saban! Oh wait…