Georgia’s best chance vs. Alabama may be to step on gas
Aaron Murray has 14 touchdowns and no interceptions in last 17 quarters. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
ATHENS – When gazing at the nation’s leaders among college football defenses, Alabama doesn’t stand out statistically so much as it leaps off the page, stomps on cars, knocks over skyscrapers, swats away missiles and terrorizes women, children and offensive coordinators.
The Crimson Tide rank No. 1 nationally in total defense. Also No. 2 in rush defense, No. 3 in pass defense, No. 1 in scoring defense, No. 1 in red zone defense. It has shut out four opponents, held seven to 10 points or less and all except one to 17 or less.
Which begs the question: All except one?
Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin relatively humbled Nick Saban three weeks ago with his hyperventilating, no-huddle offense. The Aggies upset then No. 1 Alabama 29-24, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions, accumulating the second-most yards (418) and the most red zone possessions (five) of any Tide opponent.
The most amusing thing about this was it came after Saban had questioned the “fairness” and “player safety” of Sumlin’s scheme, because that sounded better than saying, “I can’t substitute players. Make him stop.” (That would make him sound flawed.)
Jay Rome (87) celebrates his touchdown against Georgia Tech with Keith Marshall (4) and Malcolm Mitchell. (Brant Sanderlin/AJC)
Which leads me to this four-word suggestion for Georgia going into Saturday’s SEC championship game against Alabama: Step on the gas.
The Bulldogs scored touchdowns on six of their first seven possessions in last week’s 42-10 win over Georgia Tech. No drive lasted longer than two minutes, 42 seconds. It was the SEC meets Formula 1.
One acknowledgement: Georgia had the advantage of going against Georgia Tech’s defense, which hasn’t really stopped any scheme this season (59th in total defense, 84th in scoring defense). But the Dogs’ offense has become increasingly proficient in a fast-pace, no-huddle offense this season.
Quarterback Aaron Murray also has been at his best and most efficient of late. Since the fourth quarter of the Florida game (17 quarters), Murray has 14 touchdown passes and zero interceptions. In the last four starts, he has completed over 74 percent of his passes (71 of 97).
“We can go very fast, relatively fast or we can be at the line of scrimmage for a long time,” Mark Richt said when asked if Murray has become increasingly comfortable in a fast-pace offense. “We have three different tempos we use. We’re not like the Oregons of the world, where just about every single play we’re going at break-neck speed. But we can go at a pretty good pace.”
Georgia has managed to do this despite losing arguably their two best receivers for the season, Marlon Brown and Michael Bennett.
Richt cautioned against drawing too many conclusions from Alabama’s loss to Texas A&M.
“I don’t know if it was the tempo they had problems with as much as (Heisman favorite) Johnny Manziel,” he said. “He creates problems obviously for everybody because he can scramble, so it changes the mindset of defenses. Not to say the tempo wasn’t an issue as well.”
Georgia tight end Jay Rome, who had a 24-yard touchdown reception in the Tech game, said, “I feel like when we speed things up and [make] plays, it puts a lot of pressure on the defense.
Receiver Rhett McGowan, who also had a touchdown against the Jackets, said, “Of course, as a receiver, I love it. When we have a lot of receivers on the field, it spreads out the defense, puts pressure on their (defensive backs) and also takes somebody out of the box, which means our running backs can make plays.”
(Murray did not make himself available for comment this week on the offense. Or anything else.)
This isn’t to suggest that an up-tempo no-huddle offense is the only way to beat Alabama. But it’s the only thing that has worked this season.
Besides, I figure any concept that prompts Saban to sound almost shaken — “We should look at how fast we allow the game to go in terms of player safety. You can’t substitute defensive players. You go on a 14-, 16-, 18-play drive and they’re snapping the ball as fast as you can and all your players are walking around and can’t even get lined up.” — is worth several pages in a game plan.
Because not much else against Alabama has worked.
– By Jeff Schultz
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434 comments Add your comment
zbulldawg
November 28th, 2012
10:07 am
I perdict Murray will have his best game of his career !! He & Bobo will put together a solid plan to keep Bama off balance or should I say Saban !! Their defense is young that’s why they like to sub so much !! We sub our defense for resting purposes mostly !! We will make Bama throw the ball when we want them to. The way to beat McRoy is to make him have to scramble not by design But to stay alive. We know they have to run the ball to make their passing game work. We WILL dare them to try to beat us threw the air !! LET THE BIG DAWG EAT
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 28th, 2012
10:07 am
shankit
That’s the only other year, besides 1980, that UGA really claims.
shankit
November 28th, 2012
10:07 am
Countdown to Doomsday. You are somewhat right about Saban’s yelling when winning.
Also, noticed quite a bit of yelling and anxiety by Saban in the LSU and A & M game.
He might want to think about getting himself a Visor for Saturday’s game.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 28th, 2012
10:08 am
“I perdict Murray will have his best game of his career !”
He better or he’s another Matt Ryan type of qb.
zbulldawg
November 28th, 2012
10:09 am
OH YEA don’t forget Murray can run Also. This will keep drives alive. GETUSUM Bama
The Hammer
November 28th, 2012
10:11 am
HUH?????
Yes. Huh?
Auburn held the lead through the third quarter, and most of the fourth, until winning it with a late-second field goal at the end of the game.
Anyway, watch the difference in how the clock is managed by the referees on the field in regular-season games and the “post-season”. Of course, that would mean watching an inordinate amount of college football, which I once did, but have tried to stay away from doing so much this year. There really isn’t an argument. Let me ask you this: what are the lengths, in time, of BCS games, compared to comparable regular-season games (eg, network TV, etc)?
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
10:17 am
“Auburn held the lead through the third quarter, and most of the fourth, until winning it with a late-second field goal at the end of the game.”
Which is exactly what I stated. Auburn had the lead at half-time. If Cam hadn’t have thrown a weak short pass then they’d have won by a larger number. Not that it matters because they won.
“what are the lengths, in time, of BCS games, compared to comparable regular-season games (eg, network TV, etc)?”
I’m not sure because I’ve only watched two entire BCS games in my life. 2004 Sugar Bowl and 2011 BCS title game between Auburn/Oregon. I wasn’t really paying much attention because I was too busy watching and being nervous about the outcome.
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
10:17 am
Whatever happened to DawgInLex?
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
10:19 am
Does Bill King not write for the AJC anymore? I can’t find his blog on the AJC.
High Horse
November 28th, 2012
10:21 am
A high school schedule GT Bob? You are really showing your stupidity. Go away
Countdown to Doomsday
November 28th, 2012
10:21 am
@HUH?????
Don’t know why, but AJC has gone out of their way to hide the Junkyard Blawg this year. You have to dig around in the “UGA” page to find it.
The Hammer
November 28th, 2012
10:22 am
So, HUH?????, you really don’t know. That’s what you’re saying. If you watch any of this year’s post-season games, make note of how much longer they take than the regular-season games. That makes a big difference, giving an advantage to deep teams like Alabama, and hurting lightning-quick teams like Oregon, especially when playing teams with depth, as they did against Auburn in 2011.
shankit
November 28th, 2012
10:23 am
Shultzie – Been a Great time of the year for a sportswriter, Braves pennant race, college football, recruiting, local team in the hunt for a NC, bet you can’t wait for a few more weeks to transpire, so you can start writing about the N. B. A.
Jimmy Crack
November 28th, 2012
10:24 am
The creepiest thing about Saban is when he is interviewed, he purposefully looks into the camera every so often. What is he looking at??????????? It is so forced its obvious.
He must have taken a broadcasting course because for years he came off looking impatient and uncomfortable in interviews (which he was). Now it is just CREEPY.
shankit
November 28th, 2012
10:26 am
Sorry, I left out the C in Schultzie.
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
10:28 am
The Hammer
I never said I did know. Not sure why you want to go around in circles over it. All I said was that Auburn was the better team and their defense gave Oregon’s offense fits all night long. I’m not sure what “depth” you’re referring to as an advantage Auburn had against Oregon. Auburn controlled the ball for most of that night and the defense was as fast, if not faster than Oregon.
Looking back on that season, Oregon didn’t play one single significant team all year. They ran all over teams with losing records and looked better than they really were. I looked at the Cal/Oregon game where Oregon only scored something like 15-19 points. I’m sure Chizik looked at that game as well because Cal kept Oregon out of the end zone most of the night. I knew that Oregon wouldn’t win the game simply because Auburn’s front five would stifle the run game. Had it not been for a few trick plays, Oregon would have only scored one touchdown all night.
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
10:30 am
“Don’t know why, but AJC has gone out of their way to hide the Junkyard Blawg this year.”
Yeah I noticed that, too.
beebee
November 28th, 2012
10:32 am
I like GTBob and his comments. Tech fans, let’s not act all like he is some kind of embarrassment. He is not.
Georgia fans know their schedule this season was very weak. 6 Florida turnovers put them in this situation. That and that Shawn kid taking over the team.
But Georgia may very well put its talent all together and defeat Alabama Saturday.
Should that happen, maybe we can swallow our pride and congratulate them.
But let’s just wait and see how the game goes.
And maybe, just maybe the Jackets will got off the rug and play hard against FSU.
bee
The Hammer
November 28th, 2012
10:35 am
HUH, the fact that you don’t understand the advantage that a longer game-duration (eg, more breaks between play, etc) gives a team like Auburn over Oregon in 2010 tells us all that you really don’t understand the game of football. I suggest you stop commentating until you do.
What they’re saying in Georgia about Alabama’s SEC Championship Game opponent (Wednesday links) – Alabama – Crimson Tide News
November 28th, 2012
10:44 am
[...] AJC.com, the website of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:* Alabama RB pokes fun at UGA* Georgia’s best chance vs. Alabama may be to step on gas* Mark Richt would burn QB’s redshirt season, if needed, for two games* Looking for tickets to [...]
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 28th, 2012
10:45 am
NC Dawg
Dont get all excited thinking you somehow bested me by saying you struck a nerve and Im whining
Bring something to the table you know facts to back up what your saying
Just because someone says I hope Im wrong doesnt mean Im a waffling fan
I went through the good years and bad years with Dooley; and I went through Goff and Donnan
As a fan you should be wanting the best for your team but you dont; Im sure you were crying when Goff and Donnan were both fired saying who are we going to hire and Im a UGA fan I stick by my coach even if he brings the program down woof woof
I know your not season ticket holder for one cause you except mediocrity especially when it doesnt hurt your pocketbook
All Ive been saying is Im tired of UGA kool-aid drinking fans like you talking crap and then looking stupid every year because your to blind to see inept coaching at its best
Richt has the opportunity to prove everyone outside the kool-aid drinkers like you; wrong
I will always be a fan of the program but I will not be a fan of a coach sorry and thats where you are confused
Its the program not the coach thats important
So when I say show me coaching staff it doesnt mean Im a waffling fan
GTT
November 28th, 2012
10:49 am
Check out the Ga. Southern Eagles before the SEC title game.
The Eagles are 43-12 all-time in the playoffs and an even better 32-3 at home. Georgia Southern has reached the semifinals in the past two seasons and will make their third-straight appearance in the playoffs.
This is the only mention of the second best college football program in the state you will find in the AJC. (Despite tens of thousands of alums and current students from or in the metro area).
GO EAGLES AND DAWGS!
Countdown to Doomsday
November 28th, 2012
10:50 am
Chip probably whined about him getting more hits than he does?
GTT
November 28th, 2012
10:52 am
By the way, Florida had the ball taken away by a great defense, they didn’t lay it on the ground. UGA won that game.
BreakingNews
November 28th, 2012
10:53 am
GTBob –
Why exactly do you spend so much time reading UGA blogs and arguing in the comments section? As a Tech fan, is this what your life has come to?
Pathetic.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28th, 2012
11:12 am
UGA will be crushed by Alabama for several reasons:
1. Alabama has 14 National Titles
2. UGA has 1 National Title
3. Alabama has better defensive and special team players
4. Alabama has Kirby Smart
5. UGA has Todd Grantham
6. Alabama has Nick Saban
7. UGA has CMR
8. Alabama is accustomed to winning big games
9. UGA is not accustomed to winning big games.
10. Alabama fans are realistic and knowledgeable.
11. UGA fans are no realistic and knowledgeable.
12. Alabama is going to knock the s%#% out of UGA.
13. UGA is not going to knock the s#$# out of Alabama.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28th, 2012
11:15 am
Good question about Dawginlex…..long time no hear. I suspect he is waiting for the Alabama outcome, then he will either pounce or we will not hear from him again until spring 2013.
Buckeye
November 28th, 2012
11:17 am
wde,
None of the “cheating bunch” are part of the current Ohio State Buckeyes. And may I remind you, none were arrested, suspended for smoking dope, eating brownies or facing felony weapons charges. The kid were being dumb kids. Tressel is the one that covered and lied and he paid the price. So, if you chose to lump us all in one basket, it works both ways #FulmerCup
Buckeye
November 28th, 2012
11:20 am
I’ve seen Dawginlex posting of late, just not as frequently
Reggie Ball
November 28th, 2012
11:21 am
GT is still the best team in this state.
UGA ain’t …
@GTT
November 28th, 2012
11:25 am
GTT writes: By the way, Florida had the ball taken away by a great defense, they didn’t lay it on the ground. UGA won that game.
You need to watch that game again. Half of those turnovers were NOT forced. And I think the only reason UF keeps getting talked about (during a week where they are not even playing) is anyone with any common sense knows the better team did not win in Jacksonville this year. Florida had the game Georgia had vs SC that day, it just came too late in the season and UGA made it into the SEC Champions game. They will have some great games coming up in the next few years since Georgia FINALLY won two in a row.
Buckeye
November 28th, 2012
11:26 am
mobile,
Appreciate your 2nd. I look forward to Jan 2. The headline will read “dogs fall to Wolverines” Schultz’s column will be titled “What lead to the dogs hard fast fall?” dogs will be crying “Fire Mark Richt”.
Festus
November 28th, 2012
11:29 am
Georgia best chance and only chance is if Alabama doesn’t show up and forfeits the game. Nick Saban is a Big Game Coach and Mark Richt is a Little Game Coach. Alabama is prime rib. Georgia is SPAM. Hope Steve Spurrier is invited as a guest commentator so he can tell Georgia jokes. To save time Alabama’s name is already on the trophy. Roll Tide!
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28th, 2012
11:35 am
UGA gets credit for a solid win over Florida, but the remaning wins were not as credible. 7/11 wins were against teams with losing records. 1/8 wins was against a D1-AA team.
The bottom line is that UGA has not been tested and Alabama will help them fail their final exam.
Mike Bobo 17 INT
November 28th, 2012
11:36 am
Great comment Festus, and my comments exactly. UGA is way over their head, and the final score will prove it. I predict 52-10 Alabama.
WDE
November 28th, 2012
11:42 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1942_college_football_season and the best thing about it is that Ohio State could have played us for no.1 but they were too scared and declined…somethings never change!
SimDog
November 28th, 2012
11:53 am
Ga will run a no-huddle the whole game, wearing out the Bama D, keeping them from substituting. Dogs run up some early points, take control. Bama’s O can’t keep up. Dogs 29 Bama 21
varsity16
November 28th, 2012
12:00 pm
The fla qb threw 2 int’s and fumbled twice.Georgia did force the turnover near the end when the gator player was about to score. cant remember the other one but uga forced 2 out of the 6 at the most. but ga had 2 or 3 turnovers too so did that part really just even out? it would have been a great game if both teams played to their full potential and i think fl would have won by less than a touchdown. one thing is for sure, no team owned the other one that day cause it was sloppy on both sides.
Haters gonna hate
November 28th, 2012
12:03 pm
Florida lost fair and square to the better team. Anything else is just hater talk.
WDE
November 28th, 2012
12:05 pm
varsity16 sorry I disagree I think we owned is too strong but the Dogs were stronger of the two teams that day and the number of Gators that had to leave the game is the biggest indicator of that.
varsity16
November 28th, 2012
12:07 pm
I watched the game and don’t hate either team, i just gave you the facts.
McDawg
November 28th, 2012
12:07 pm
Bama played 2 tough team and were 1-1
UGA played 2 tough teams and were 1-1
get Keith Marshall in space
I'm a Georgia fan. It's a license to be stupid.
November 28th, 2012
12:17 pm
notice cmr isn’t on arkansas’ wish list…probably no better option than bringing smith back for another season in their eyes…BAMA 43 d/a dawgs 16…
outsider
November 28th, 2012
12:23 pm
Gators looked more cranked for LSU,FSU and SC. If they had played that way for the coctail party they would be playing this weekend. To me, they looked nervous and scared against UGA.
Buckeye
November 28th, 2012
12:33 pm
wde
You should have kept reading. It was a Western Conference position, not Ohio State, Note was #1 and # 2 at the time.
From Wikipedia ( therefore it must be true)
The Tournament of Roses committee were responsible for selecting and inviting the opposing team. Georgia was the number two team in the nation behind number 1 Ohio State. The Western Conference, forerunner of the Big Ten Conference, did not permit their teams to play in bowl games until the 1946 agreement between the Big Ten and Pacific Coast Conference.
Matt
November 28th, 2012
12:49 pm
18 play drives? I don’t have my notes in front of me but I don’t think there are too many 14-18 play drives this year.
Also, from this arm chair coach’s perspective an up tempo “hurry up” sounds great untill your defense is tired from not getting rest.
Aaron Murray
November 28th, 2012
12:55 pm
Bama is going Down, it’s our time to shine. Bama can go home and polish there trophies this one is ours!!!
WDE
November 28th, 2012
12:58 pm
Buckeye fair enough I’m too young to remember when OSU obeyed the rules conference or otherwise..color me shocked and wrong.
No Huddle
November 28th, 2012
12:59 pm
Playing fast doesn’t help much if you can’t make first downs.
Alphare
November 28th, 2012
1:01 pm
Borrow a word from Nick Saban, Murray is now a cluttered. I am not sure totally cluttered, but at least somewhat.
The guys is not talking to reporters, which is not his common routine. Why do something you usually don’t do before a bigger game? He was reportedly sleepless before the SC game. Come on, what’s the nervousness?