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
No Huddle
November 28th, 2012
5:08 pm
Who will Georgia hire when Mark Richt is gone?
After losing the BCSCG and the Chik-fil-A Bowl, how long will Mark Richt still be here?
no dawg
November 28th, 2012
5:22 pm
I want to be a DAWG
Justbobkc
November 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Concerning UGA’s schedule: played two top-10 teams and had one really bad game against USC. Beat Florida – the team that beat USC AND Florida State quite comfortably – and LSU..
Ole Miss ended up 6-6, Vanderbilt 8-4, Missouri 5-7 (but beat Arizona State early and lost to 5 top 10 SEC teams – a VERY tough schedule) And GT even had a winning record before the UGA game (and Ga. Southern actually put up more points against UGA than GT
Notre Dame has played exactly one end-of-season top 10 team – Stanford – and almost lost to Pitt.
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
“Who will Georgia hire when Mark Richt is gone?”
There’s plenty of good coaches out there for UGA to hire but that’ll be 2-3 years down the road. There’s no way they’ll get rid of him after taking them to back to back SEC championship beat downs.
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
” Beat Florida – the team that beat USC AND Florida State quite comfortably – and LSU..”
The same team that barely beat Missouri and Louisiana?
Mark
November 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
Agreed Schultz. Though UGA obviously can’t suddenly implement the Big 12/Hal Mummy/Mike Leach spread offense before Saturday, running an up-tempo scheme gives the Dawgs the best chance. If perennial mid-tier former Big 12′er TX A&M can do it, surely UGA can frustrate Saban’s ability to substitute on D. Yes we all know that “Johnny Football” is somehow better than Luck/RGIII/Tebow/Newton/Eli/Peyton combined and will never lose another game in his entire life, but QB Murray and “Gurshall” are no slouches, and the rest of UGA’s offensive talent is superior to a mediocre A&M program that has gone 66-60 the last 10 years in the Big 12.
HUH?????
November 28th, 2012
5:30 pm
“the defense gets to rest, which is always to their advantage, and to the disadvantage of fast acting offenses, eg, Oregon.”
Auburn had a fast acting offense. Just as fast as Oregon.
After further review
November 28th, 2012
5:40 pm
Hammer: I may or may not be mentally retarded, but can still run circles around you. Change of possession time outs are no longer in the champioinship game than in a regular season game, so nobody is getting any “extra” rest, and because we’re talking about change of possession time outs, the defense is on it’s way off the field in any case. That’s MY point.
When a team that plays an up-tempo style, Oregon A&M, whomever, is in that rhythm, the only time they stop is if there is a stoppage to review a call, or an injury timeout. Why do you tihink coaches who play that style of offense complain so often about phanom injuries? It’s because they beleive, probably with some reason, that there is no real injury some of the time, and the defensive guy is just giving his teammates a rest and his coach a chance top make a substitution he would not have time to make if the offense had its way.
Have I made that simple enough for you, Bunky?
zedlu
November 28th, 2012
5:46 pm
given bama’s sorry history vs. notre dame it would be easier on their fans to lose to uga and play in the citrus bowl vs a big 10 team than to lose another national championship to the irish.
After further review
November 28th, 2012
5:46 pm
@justbobkc – At the moment ND has played one to 10 team in Stanford, If K-State loses to Texas and Oklahoma beats TCU, however, that figure could change.
1 4 GT
November 28th, 2012
6:12 pm
We DONT have the passionate fan base to hold our AD and coach to higher standards. Right now it is what it is.
TEXAS DAWG
November 28th, 2012
6:20 pm
@1 4 GT
Welcome over to the UGA side of the comments section
TEXAS DAWG
November 28th, 2012
6:26 pm
I just saw a slide show on AJC that went over the reasons that Saban may be over rated. I can think of a lot of names to call him but over rated is not one of them. You don’t have to like him (I don’t) to respect his accomplisments. His teams are always focused and disciplined. Until we knock him off his perch, he is still King of the Hill. After Saturday I hope that is no longer the case.
superDawg
November 28th, 2012
6:36 pm
Jeff that is called HUNKERING WHERE I COME FROM!
Justbobkc
November 28th, 2012
6:49 pm
@AfterfurtherReview -
True, but either UGA or Alabama will have ALSO beat another current top-10 team themselves. Too bad Notre Dame doesn’t get to play their own really meaningful conference championship game against one more top 10 team. I guess next year will cause at least that to happen (the 4 team playoff.)
Maybe ND is really that good. Maybe they will prove it in the National Championship game. I wouldn’t bet against the SEC though. UGA’s one big question mark to me is the offensive line and offensive scheme flexibility against the number 1 defense in the land. USC dominated us there – but that WAS a long time ago. If UGA beats Alabama – I can’t see them NOT beating the number 2 defense – Notre Dame. And if Pitt can put up 26 against Notre Dame – I don’t see why either Georgia or Alabama can’t put up considerably more – including defensive scores off turnovers.
DawgGrad85
November 28th, 2012
7:04 pm
I’m shocked that anyone would list ACC championship tickets at $4.50 each – they’re Buy One Get Three Free
Justbobkc
November 28th, 2012
7:06 pm
@Huh –
Florida barely beat whoever???
Notre Dame beat Purdue by 3, Michigan by 7, Stanford by 7, BYU by 3, and Pitt by 3 in triple OT ONLY because Pitt missed a chip shot FG, USC by 9 (USC played with a back up QB).
Yes, Notre Dame has a good D (2nd in points allowed) but so does Fl (3rd in points allowed) – and if your strength is D then the margin of victory isn’t as important AS victory, is it? Georgia has already beat Fl. and if they beat Alabama (1 in scoring D) – I don’t think ND will present an exceptional challenge – considering ND is 77th in scoring O whereas how many teams has ND faced that is in the top 20 in scoring O? (Georgia is 17th right now.)
St Simons
November 28th, 2012
7:17 pm
death, taxes, Murray will choke
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 28th, 2012
7:52 pm
NC Dawg
Calling me out of my pseudo fandom LOL
Where did I say I hope we lose
I said I hope to be proven wrong about my assumptions
So because I dont believe this coaching staff can win it all makes me a non fan
You need serious help if you do
I didnt realize a person living in reality makes him a non fan
Try learning to read what someone says next time before you get all excited thinking you nailed someone
BTW you still havent addressed the fact that this coaching staff has only won 1 game against the top 20 in 4 yrs thats why Im not believing
Before you claim you nailed someone bring some facts to the table
Blake
November 28th, 2012
8:53 pm
Haters keep hating…all the negative comments in the world won’t change the fact that these are Destiny’s Dawgs! You all are just fuel for the fire that is gonna burn the Tide and then….the Irish.
NCDawg
November 28th, 2012
9:39 pm
Sorry Patched Tire – I did read it and I read between the lines. You are a waffler. Anyone who reads your posts can see it. The facts are in your posts and if these blogs had a search function I could dig out dozens of comments that indicate exactly what I am saying. Maybe you’ve forgotten. It just strikes me odd that you seem to consider yourself a fan when you have so little faith in the team. I can understand that from a Tech nerd but from a Bulldog fan?… I just don’t get it.
Oh well… if the Dawgs lose you’ll come on here and say I told you so. If they win you’ll transfer the doom and gloom to the NCG and say they will choke against ND. Tell me that isn’t what will happen…
NCDawg
November 28th, 2012
9:46 pm
I sure hope all you Bammers predicting a blow out victory don’t really believe that. You will be sorely disappointed if you do. Will you have the class to come back on here and admit your error when the Dawgs win? Probably not.
FLA DAWG
November 28th, 2012
9:59 pm
ATTA BOY JEFF !
Print the obvious and the dopes that know nothing will think you have insight.
GEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ Man !
Anyone watching the Bama / Tex A&M Game drew the same conclusion.
Cover the street beat instea of college ball. You’d fare better.
Pac 12 Rules
November 28th, 2012
10:00 pm
Let me see here. Kirby Smart vs Mike Bobo ! I’m going with Vegas , Bama 27-14 !!!!
DawgNole
November 28th, 2012
10:02 pm
NCDawg
November 28th, 2012
9:46 pm
I sure hope all you Bammers predicting a blow out victory don’t really believe that. You will be sorely disappointed if you do. Will you have the class to come back on here and admit your error when the Dawgs win? Probably not.
____________________
Definitely not.
Dog fans stink
November 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
Around 8pm Saturday night all you Geoggia fans will go back in hiding !!!! Until it’s time ti head to Orlando to the Capital one bowl !!! lol..lol..lol
Clint Eastwood
November 28th, 2012
10:11 pm
Do you feel lucky ? Nope ! Sorry Georgia, Bama wins this one 35-17
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
NC Dawg
How does something strike you odd when our coaching staff is 1-11 vs the top 10 and have only beaten 1 top 20 team in 4 yrs
And the only two defenses our team played this year our offense stunk
You can rest assured the other big name programs would not put up with that poor performance
I think I have the right to question if this staff can get it done
Any smart thinking person would
Whats funny is everyone of the sports pundits have been saying the same thing; can UGA show up in a big game like bama does
Go ahead and research my past posts; they have all been geared toward kool-aid drinkers who come on this blog and run off at the mouth about winning a national title when this coaching staff hasnt shown they cant win big games
Ive just countered their argument
My posts have questioned decisions such as keeping Martinez on board for as long as they did or issues with the conditioning of the team or discipline issues
Im sorry you dont live in reality but have to force yourself to belive in a coaching staff that hasnt proved anything in 7 years
Again bring some facts to the table as to why I should believe instead of the typical no substance comments of go find another team
I beg you
November 28th, 2012
10:59 pm
Please look up the meaning of the phrase to “beg the question.” It doesn’t mean what you, and an increasing number of folks, think it means.
Lonnie
November 29th, 2012
11:33 am
Patched after we beat Alabama will u please stop spouting past records and understand that this team is different. I agree our coaching staff should be held accountable. But we are 11-1 and playing in our second straight SEC championship. Can we cheer them on this week and if we lose you can preach all next week about the horrible coaching staff that has won 74% of their games!
DawgNole
November 29th, 2012
1:05 pm
Patched Tire On I-95 in Jacksonville
November 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
Whats funny is everyone of the sports pundits have been saying the same thing; can UGA show up in a big game like bama does
Go ahead and research my past posts; they have all been geared toward kool-aid drinkers who come on this blog and run off at the mouth about winning a national title when this coaching staff hasnt shown they cant win big games
___________________
” . . . show up in a big game like bama does.” Like they did in the first game against LSU last season? Like they did against A&M this season?
“. . . when this coaching staff hasnt shown they cant win big games.” Huh? If the staff hasn’t shown it can’t win big games, then it must have shown that it CAN win big games. Get it?
Hello?
Georgia must run up-tempo offense against Bama | Saturday Down South
November 29th, 2012
1:28 pm
[...] a-hurry up offense against Tech for the first drive. Foreshadowing to what we’ll see Saturday? I think so. “We can go very fast, relatively fast or we can be at the line of scrimmage for a long time,” [...]
Get Real
November 30th, 2012
12:17 am
Georgia wins 21-16
Wayne
November 30th, 2012
2:22 pm
Well, here we go…..ramping up to what I believe will be another humiliating loss, although I wish for a win I just don’t think we have the inner fortitude and big game ability to withstand the onslaught. This game will go a long way either obtaining some SEC respect or totally losing what little we have as it is. There is a reason ESPN does not want to talk about Georgia (and I can’t really blame them). We almost entirely STINK it up when it comes to any kind of big game. And this is as big as it has gotten in 32 years. The greatest thing I see happening this week is Murray’s self imposed silence. He knows he has played terrible in every big game he has been in, and he must change that if Georgia is to have any chance. I just can’t believe that we get a 4:00 start and the GT game is prime time (that’s totally stupid). Here’s to hopefully a great game, and with the ERK spurring on the defense maybe we can just pull one out, that would be grand!!