A lot of ‘ifs’ cloud Dogs’ chances against Jackets
What are the odds that Jeff Owens and the Georgia defense can rise to the occasion against Tech? (Brant Sanderlin / AJC)
Saturday night’s debacle had been over only a few seconds when someone posed me the question that I’ve been asked several times since: Is there any chance Georgia can beat Georgia Tech?
My gut response: No way.
But that’s not the full answer. This is college football, after all, and a rivalry game. Unexpected things happen. And I’m a fan. We never completely give up hope. Yes, the Dogs could win the game …
If Tech implodes and plays its worst game of the season on offense.
If Georgia somehow manages to scheme the triple option correctly and play disciplined, mistake-free defense.
If Mike Bobo’s offense can avoid turning the ball over.
If, on both sides of the ball, the Dogs refrain from committing needless penalties.
OK, for those eternal optimists out there, I’ll grant that I don’t think it necessarily would take a combination of all those “ifs” for Georgia to win. A sub-par day for the Tech offense and the Dogs not turning the ball over might be enough. Or a really lousy day for the Tech defense and the Dogs clicking on offense could give Georgia a chance in a shootout.
I fervently hope those things happen. But I know the odds are stacked against the Dogs as they take on the seventh-ranked, 10-1 Jackets.
Maybe my pessimism will lessen as the week goes on, but the more I look back at this season, the more doubtful that seems.
What about you? Looking at how the two teams stack up realistically, what are Georgia’s chances against Tech? What has to happen for the Dogs to win? I’d even like to hear the Tech fans’ thoughts on this. Jacket lovers, what in your worst and most unlikely nightmares leads to a Georgia win?
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178 comments Add your comment
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
10:19 am
Well the first paragraph and response was true, I was there. And no I did not ask the question.
Yeah, IF...
November 23rd, 2009
10:20 am
…a frog had wings he wouldn’t whomp his a$$ every time he jumped, either!
GaCracker
November 23rd, 2009
10:20 am
Tecn hasn’t played nearly as difficult a schedule as Georgia, so it’s possible. But even if Georgia beats Tech 100 to nothing, I’m so disgusted with the season that it won’t really matter much.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
10:20 am
I think I like the snowball’s chances better.
Saint Simons
November 23rd, 2009
10:21 am
34-27 !!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha
But, IF...
November 23rd, 2009
10:21 am
…UGA has played a tougher schedule than Tech, how come all the strength of schedule seers say that Tech has played the tougher schedule?
NoDogsForMe
November 23rd, 2009
10:21 am
I would like to see a big Tech win but it is a college football game and anything can happen. I do doubt that the dogs can keep it together for 60 minutes.
IF...
November 23rd, 2009
10:23 am
…the “biggest” little word in the dictionary!
Chris
November 23rd, 2009
10:24 am
Do people also claim the first prize on your blog Bill? By the time I finish typing, I’ll be second or third so maybe that’s worth something.
If they put the ball on the ground, if we play mistake free, if it’s a perfect storm….
I wanted to believe before the Kentucky game that maybe we could do all those things and do an LSU on them but they’re going to come out with their hair on fire (which could be a bad thing) and put 50 on this defense. We’ll keep it close for the first half but then Reshad Jones and the rest of the group will either be in the wrong spot or try to take someone down by merely bumping into them.
That was tragic bad Saturday. I could have accepted and understood that type of thing happening during the Goff years but not under Richt’s watch. Incomprehensible really.
Chris
November 23rd, 2009
10:25 am
10th it is then!
AugustaJacket
November 23rd, 2009
10:26 am
I’m a strong Tech fan. However, UGA can beat Tech if: 1) UGA can establish the passing game. Tech’s pass defense it pitiful. Cox will have 7-8 unpressured seconds to throw the ball each throwing down. 2) UGA can regularly force Tech into 3rd and long. 3) UGA can STOP Dweyer up the middle from those 3-4 yard runs. 4) UGA has few penalties and doesn’t turnover the ball. 5) UGA concentrates on just getting first downs and running the clock. 5) CPJ dies of a heart attack on the sideline.
It’s an in state rival. UGA is stacked with talent. Anything can happen. I do think GT wins this one, but I will make no bold predictions against UGA. They’re a very talented team that’s had a tough year.
PhilDawg
November 23rd, 2009
10:26 am
Enter your comments here
Don Gill
November 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
Next year, how about David Pollack for defensive coordinator?
George P
November 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
The only way Georgia can win is if they can post multiple big plays on special teams and offense. Our secondary is our weakness and we haven’t been great on special teams. The GT offense may commit some turnovers, but we’ve definitely built that into our margins. Whatever it is, the Dawgs are going to have to base everything on the first half of play. GT will out-adjust coming out of the half, and the Dawgs only hope is that we commit all of our turnovers in the red zone. Otherwise the Wreck will roll
Gordon
November 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
From a Tech fan:
I cringe when I read the few Tech bloggers who think this game is in the bag. They do not represent the majority of Tech fans. Tech is the better team no matter what happens that day, but UGA could definitely win this game. The last 3 quarters of Auburn and the first 2 quarters of the Kentucky game show they are capable of playing good football. Combine that with some Tech turnovers, and UGA could win something like 24-21. There have been many times that Tech has either beaten or nearly beaten UGA when on paper they shouldn’t have had any chance. UGA is backed in a corner with nothing to lose, and they have talent. I do think they have to get off to a good start.
Stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, I think UGA won’t be down for long and if CPJ stays at Tech this rivalry will not be one-sided in either direction. It will be difficult for either team to win more than 2 or 3 in a row and most of the games will be close and exciting, which is the way it should be.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
10:27 am
I agree that Tech has a tougher strength of schedule. Jacksonville State beat Tennessee Tech 55-28.
HumbleDawg
November 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
Bill, have you seen GT play this year? They are the anti-Dawgs. They are disciplined. They are coached by a man that can out-think our coaches. I love the Dawgs, but we have zero chance on Saturday…
Tech Guy
November 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
Yeah, we’re more consistently a better team, but GA certainly has the talent to put together a great game, and win with a few mistakes on our part. My big fear is that the Tech D does the no-show it has done at times until it has been kicked in the butt and woken up.
Jeremy
November 23rd, 2009
10:32 am
To But, IF – I really don’t care about this stat, but according to cbssportsline.com Tech’s strength of schedule is 31 and UGA’s is 12.
1eyedJack
November 23rd, 2009
10:33 am
That ball sure does bounce funny sometimes.
Don Gill
November 23rd, 2009
10:35 am
David Pollack, David Greene, Jon Stinchcomb. All excellent people that have had excellent careers. Think about the recruiting. Think about their attitudes and what could be instilled. The antithesis to the Petrinos, Miles, Sabans, etc.
Blackberry Cobbler
November 23rd, 2009
10:35 am
UGA VII wasn’t the only thing “laid to rest” last Saturday. The loss to UK was finally the last nail in the coffin on a horrible season for this team and coaching staff. A final humiliation at the hands of GT this week will seal the deal. What a pathetic display by a pathetic team and staff. Turnovers and penalties, the D played respectable.
Sautee Dawg
November 23rd, 2009
10:36 am
Bill, arm tackling didn’t work last year what makes anyone think it will this year? Maybe Tech will turn the ball over, we’ve missed our share of turnovers this year maybe we’ll make up for it all in this one game and be + 4 for the game instead of our usual -4. Comes down to kicking we’ve got a chance.
reebok
November 23rd, 2009
10:36 am
Wait a second,..who says Tech has an easier schedule? Evrything I’ve seen in print indicates that my Jackets played a tougher schedule, not a weaker one, than Georgia.
That being said, this is a game played by college kids. Of course Georgia can win…if AJ is back & healthy, he & Cox could play pitch & catch all day against our secondary.
But I do think my Jackets will win by 10 or more. See you Saturday!
Peadawg
November 23rd, 2009
10:36 am
If my aunt had a ****, she’d be my uncle. I’m a UGA fan but this is going to be ugly.
Scrap
November 23rd, 2009
10:39 am
“Clean Old Fashioned Hate”, there’s nothing like it.
Real Tech fans are not taking UGA for granted. This team has a ton of talent, and look for UGA to have some fine kick off returns. Anything can happen, but if both teams turn in a solid effort, Tech is the better team and wins going away……..away down south to Tampa Bay.
For UGA to win, Tech’s offense has to stumble, and lay the ball on the ground. If UGA’s special teams play well, and if UGA wins the turnover margin significantly, and if UGA can consistently run the ball, then this game gets really close.
Won’t happen……..This is a different Tech team, and different Tech coach, and a different day……..Tech wins going away.
Like IF said at 10:23……….the biggest little word in the dictionary.
1eyedJack
November 23rd, 2009
10:42 am
The formula for winning is always the same.
1. You must be able to run the football. (This is possible against the Tech D)
2. You must be able to stop the run. (I don’t see this happening with our D against Tech’s offense. We may be able to stop the dive play but the option is another story and basically what outdid us last year.)
3. You must play sound on special teams. (Directional kickoffs, poor kickoff coverage, fumbles. Don’t see us playing a mistake free game on special teams.)
4. You cannot turn the ball over. (Enough said)
Tech has had an extra week to prepare and I think the Tech staff will do a better job of using that time than Georgia’s did for Fla. Can’t see it, but stranger things have happened.
George P
November 23rd, 2009
10:43 am
AugustaJacket, you are forgetting that they can only double team Derrick Morgan for so long before Ben Anderson or someone else will get the pressure on. We won’t be seeing many 7-8 second long pockets
reck style
November 23rd, 2009
10:45 am
yes UGA could win but taking a look at last years 3rd quarter highlights it encourages me enough to believe they won’t. I mean that game was in Athens and you had Moreno and Stafford.
RAMBLE ON!!!
November 23rd, 2009
10:46 am
Some over/unders for you fleabags.
Points: GT 45 UGAg 17
TD’s: Nesbitt 2, Dwyer 2, Allen 1.5, Jones 1.5, Thomas 1.5. UGAgs offense 2.
Rushing: GT 420 yards, UGAg 130,
Dwyer 160 yards, Nesbitt 85, Allen 90, Jones 90, King 45, Ealey 55
Passing GT 160 yards, UGAg 160 yards,
Thomas 80, Hill 40,
Sacks: GT 5, (Morgan 2.5). UGAg 1
Holding penalties on Morgan 3.
Interceptions: GT 2 (Burnett 1), UGAg .5
Punts: GT .5, UGAg 4.
When UGAg fans exit stadium: 5 minutes into the 3rd quarter.
Final Score GT 49 UGAg 17
BankerDawg
November 23rd, 2009
10:48 am
We lose.
And we lose big.
Not our year. Lots of youngsters earned valuable PT and took their lumps, which will hopefully pay dividends for us down the road.
New QB and D Coordinator will be the big question marks heading into next year. We’ll see how it all shakes out.
It will take an absolute miracle to beat Tech this year.
DDevlin
November 23rd, 2009
10:51 am
NERDS!!!!!
Drew
November 23rd, 2009
10:56 am
Tech student here. I think if we have some nerves about us, turn the ball over, and get behind early, then the game could be a fight. Here are some other factors:
We need to get good kickoffs and keep Boykin from returning one or getting great field position.
We need to be able to assert the passing game.
We need to not let Joe Cox get confident.
We need to keep the run game anemic.
Bubba
November 23rd, 2009
10:59 am
Based on recent performance of Georgia’s defense, Tech will jump out to an early lead, like Florida, Auburn and even Kentucky did. Georgia’s defense rarely starts a game well, and this could prove fatal against the Jackets. Hopefully Owens, Atkins and Weston can generaate some push in the interior and disrupt the option. If not it will be a long day for the Dogs.
SEC Fan
November 23rd, 2009
10:59 am
I’m not going to repeat what has been said throughout the year and this post. Yea, anything can happen on Saturday, with a lot of ifs and should have beens. UGA has the overall talent to compete with anyone in the country. The problem is talent is one thing and having heart and fight is another. Ky came out and punched us in the mouth a couple of times and we folded. We even had a chance with two minutes left, but Cox s@@@ in his pants and tryed to force a play. The second in less than 6 plays. Yes, I’ll be pumped leading up and for the first five minutes of the game. I’m worried that Tech will punch us in the mouth a couple of times and we quit as usual. If that happens, it could and will get ugly.
Ralph
November 23rd, 2009
10:59 am
Yea, that UGAy schedule was tough – those powerhouses of UT and UK were too tough to overcome.
Dan
November 23rd, 2009
11:01 am
I’m a Tech fan and the way I view this game is the same way I did in 04, 05, & 06. We played it close with y’all but couldn’t get it done. One bounce one way or the other (or just keeping track of downs…) could have changed the outcome. Basically, UGA has to play with their heads or Tech will beat them. We don’t have the defense for this to be a blowout. If I had to guess, my final score would be something like 42-24. I think UGA will move the ball but turnovers will kill them again.
DFWTX Dawg
November 23rd, 2009
11:02 am
Wil-Mart couldn’t stop GT with napalm. Turd-flies will swarm Wil-Mart’s defense like the big turd it is. GT defense won’t have to pressure Joe Cox to get him to make mistakes. GT offense will light GA defense up and this will pressure Cox into feeling like the game is on his shoulders. Saturday night wasn’t the most embarrassed I’ve been of UGA in my lifetime, but it is definitely up there.
Turd-flies 55 UGA 24
jakesdad
November 23rd, 2009
11:03 am
I’m 2nd generation Tech & season tix holder since 99 & I’ll readily admit this game scares me! Georgia’s got athletes who want redemption for blowing the lead last yr & our pass rush has been non-existent for weeks & AJ Green’s the top receiver in the country IMO so if Cox has time y’all could turn it into a track meet…
George P. Burdell
November 23rd, 2009
11:05 am
I think UGA can keep it close/win if Tech has some turnovers and you get some big plays on KO returns. I know Georgia fans have not been happy with your special teams plays, but Tech has been pretty poor on some of that as well, particularly kickoff returns. I think Georgia’s best chance is to probably get in a shoot out ( like FSU this year or Tech_UGA last year) and hope for Tech turnovers later in the game. If Tech gets up a couple of scores early, I don’t know if Georgia will be able to muster enough to come back and make it competitive. With as bad as Tech’s pass defense has been this year, there is no way I would ever say UGA doesn’t have a chance in this game. I of course hope differently, but I think it will probably end up being closer than most think. I do think both teams will show up to play and I hope it is a well played game.
Brent
November 23rd, 2009
11:05 am
It would be great if you idiots stop with the “Georgia has played a tougher schedule” crap.
Georgia has played Florida, LSU, and Oklahoma St as ranked teams.
Georgia Tech has played Clemson (and fixing to play them again), Miami, UNC, and Virginia Tech.
Stop with the SEC homer tough conference crap. Georgia has not played a more difficult schedule.
Carwie
November 23rd, 2009
11:06 am
Georgia can keep it close if they get an early lead.
If Georgia falls down 14-0 in the first quarter, than game over..and it would be ugly. I mean a 50-60 point Tech game.
DFWTX Dawg
November 23rd, 2009
11:07 am
Wil-Mart couldn’t stop GT with napalm. Turd-flies will swarm Wil-Mart’s defence like the big turd it is. GT defense won’t have to pressure Cox directly. He will feel pressure from GT lighting up our defense early and often. This will make him feel like the game rests on his shoulders.
Turd-flies 55 UGA 24
uuughh...
November 23rd, 2009
11:07 am
I think the dawgs pull this one out…if Tech fumbles anywhere from 6-9 times during the game, if Nesbitt and Dwyer don’t play at all, and if Paul Johnson quits coaching all together during his pregame speech.
I am not sure it is fair to expect our dawgs to play within the rules of the game the whole time, much less play 60 minutes of disciplined assignment football. We would have a good shot if we only played the second quarter.
Then again, “if ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ were candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!”
DAWG87
November 23rd, 2009
11:08 am
Tech is going to bend us over and have their way with us. The extra painful part is looking at the respective coaching staffs and realizing that this isn’t likely to end with just this year…
collegeballfan
November 23rd, 2009
11:08 am
Today, Monday, Tech is probably the better football team.
Saturday, when they step on the field, UGA will be by far the more talented team.
Who wins? Flip a coin.
jeff
November 23rd, 2009
11:09 am
hopefully CMR and CWM are getting ready for the wishbone again.
GeorgiaGrad
November 23rd, 2009
11:12 am
DAWG87
How can you say that? This won’t end this year? We still recruit better talent and once CMR take control of this staff again we’ll be back on top and thumping the nerds. I don’t think Paul Johnson himself is as good of a coach as Mark Richt by any stretch.
Bill King
November 23rd, 2009
11:13 am
It’s good to see there are Tech fans out there willing to honestly assess their team and provide us with some insight into its potential weaknesses and the Dogs’ strengths. That’s refreshing. Thanks.
WilliamG
November 23rd, 2009
11:14 am
I’m a Tech fan but sure the Dawgs can win. And if UGA gets a substantial lead then Tech’s passing game won’t be able to overcome that. Tech’s passing works fine as long as it’s a long pass during a string of successful running. But if we have to pass as a way to catch up, then UGA’s chances are good.
I’m pulling for Tech of course and think, odds are, we’ll win. But I sure don’t see it as anywhere near a sure thing.
Once this game is over I’ll go back to rooting for the Dawgs on all games other than the one against my team. I know it’s been a rough two years but I also know the problems will be fixed.
Pete
November 23rd, 2009
11:15 am
GeorgiaGrad
I agree. While Tech may have a better overall coaching staff, as far as a head to head with CMR against CPJ, CMR is the better coach and more knowledageble.
jacketbacker
November 23rd, 2009
11:15 am
I just find it amazing that Ga fans are now asking if there is any way they can beat TECH!!…..This has swung so quickly thanks to CPJ……If Tech plays well we win, period…..If we turn the ball over and the defense goes into one of its funks, then anything can happen…..Ga certainly has enough talent to beat us if we are not playing well….The off week should be a big bonus for us…..CPJ and his coaches will have had two weeks to get ready for Ga….I like CPJ’s record in rivalry games and I like our chances on Saturday…….
Gooooo Jackets and THWG!!!
Sam
November 23rd, 2009
11:16 am
I am not exactly sure how it is “Bobo’s Offense” that is turning the ball over. Cox is making really bad decisions–the play calls might be good ones and Cox just gets frazzled or thinks he is Stafford.
Dooley's Cardiologist
November 23rd, 2009
11:18 am
Bill,
Dawgs have a chance if they score 58, cause GT’s gonna score at least 57. Not sure where I got the figure, it just sounded right. The problem though, is that UGA may score 58 points.
JacketBob
November 23rd, 2009
11:18 am
Bill King-
I’m a Tech fan.
Tech SHOULD win. That means nothing though. Georgia SHOULD have beat Kentucky. Tech SHOULD have beat Wake Forest without going to overtime. Georgia SHOULD have played better against Tennessee.
Bottomline is you have a bunch of kids on both sides that know each other and played against each other in high school. Throw the records out. Let the kids play and hope your coaches don’t do something stupid to screw up your players chances!
DawgFAN
November 23rd, 2009
11:20 am
The only reason I believe we have a chance is that we are playing against Tech. Tech is having a great season. We are not. But I’ve been watching this rivalry since I was one and a half years old (I’m now eighteen.) In those games, Tech has often found some way to lose. So just because of the way Tech (normally) screws up against us, I believe we have a chance.
JasonTechFan
November 23rd, 2009
11:21 am
I was really worried about this game. However…after watching the Kentucky game I’m a little less worried. Not because Georgia can’t win..they can. But I saw a quarterback for Georgia that looks very fragile right now. One screw up, a interception, fumble..whatever…that kid turns into a basket case. We shall see.
Ozzy
November 23rd, 2009
11:21 am
This is not going to be an easy game for Tech! You guys that think you know what’s going to happen are dreamers. If you knew, you’d all be millionaires with the money you made betting on college football in Vegas.
Tech’s defense has looked every bit as bad as Georgia’s at times this year, and Georgia’s special teams are head and shoulders above Tech’s.
Anything could happen. I like Tech’s chances, but this is a scary game. And if we lose it, I could see us losing the next two also. Clemson’s playing well, and if we lose to Georgia and Clemson, the bowl game will be “who cares”.
It’s gut check time. Go Jackets!
uuughh...
November 23rd, 2009
11:21 am
GeorgiaGrad…That Johnson sure out-coached Richt and his staff last year. He gets more production out of less and Richt gets way less out of way more…except for penalties, Richt gets more out of more if we are talking penalties. Also, Johnson and his coaches make these things called adjustments within the game. The UGA coaches are not capable of this. Johnson also plays to win (see going for it on 4th down in OT) while our coaches play not to lose (see the ineffective, yet safe, draw play we run in every single 3rd and long situation all year long).
I think we go down hard this weekend and our lack of discipline will be the reason. Johnson knows–well everyone on the planet knows–we are undisciplined and will take full advantage, like good coaches do. We on the other hand will try the thing that our coaches think we do well over and over and over again, whether it is successful or not, while ignoring what the other team’s weakness is.
Derrius
November 23rd, 2009
11:23 am
DawgFAN
The way Tech “normally” screws up is out the window. This isn’t 2002. This isn’t 2006. Chan Gailey is gone and I’ve yet to see where a Paul Johnson team just “screws up”.
Can they be beat? Yes. But I don’t think it will be for some Les Miles type play.
War Jacket
November 23rd, 2009
11:23 am
No long time Tech fan ever thinks a win over the Dogs is ever “in the bag”. The times when Tech was consistantly the better team occurred decades ago. Even when Tech most recently had the better team (the last one Gailey took to Athens), Georgia found a way to win. You can’t take anything for granted in this game.
Or maybe those of my ilk need a reality check. CPJ has never seen defeat snatched from the jaws of victory by the Dogs, and the players know they win if they just execute.
Here’s hoping that CPJ exorcises all lingering doubts of Georgia superiority on Saturday!!!!
GeorgiaGrad
November 23rd, 2009
11:26 am
uuugghh-
I’m not talking about the entire staffs. I’m talking about head coach vs head coach. Richt is far superior as one coach compared to another in Johnson. Richt can definately make big gametime adjustments. He did it when he was running the offense. Its a chess match and he can beat CPJ. Period.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:28 am
Keys to a Georgia win.
1. Tech’s entire starting offense comes down with Swine flu concocted by UGA’s Large Animal Teaching hospital.
2. Coach Richt dusts off an NCAA rule from 1903 that states that a visiting team can end the game at the end of the first half to catch a train. Georgia pulls the plug at the half and wins 17-14 and loads up in a boxcar for the trip back to Athens.
3. Paul Johnson in a tearful farewell on Friday announces he will return to Georgia Southern as it’s head coach. “It is what Erk would want” he chokes out.
4. A meteor impacts at the fifty yard line at Grant Field on Thursday causing the game to be rescheduled as a arena football game in Phillips Arena. AJ Greene scores 26 touchdowns to win a close one 182-175.
5. Waushan Ealey channels his inner-Herschel and runs for 400 yards. Georgia wins 51-48.
hardmanb
November 23rd, 2009
11:29 am
Even if UGA starts strong, by the third and fourth quarter, PJ’s adjustments and the triple option time-consuming offense will have the UGA defense worn out and sucking wind.
UGA has no chance, unless they can sustain some long ground drives and give some rest to their defense.
War Jacket
November 23rd, 2009
11:29 am
GeorgiaGrad, what are you smoking?? Richt and Johnson have gone head-to-head one time, with Johnson clearly getting the best Richt in that game. Them’s the facts. Let’s see what happens in the rematch. Until then you’re just blowin’ smoke.
Mikey
November 23rd, 2009
11:30 am
UGA- Please kick the damn ball deep!
We play scared of what the other team MAY do rather than busting them in the mouth.
If we play scared against tech they will likely score 10 times.
dagnabit
November 23rd, 2009
11:34 am
Why don’t you bulldoggies appreciate what a great coach you have. My lord; look at Richt’s overall record. I just don’t understand you people.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:34 am
I bet Paul Johnson thinks he has gone head to head with Coach Richt twice. Ask him.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:36 am
dagnabit, I am a huge fan of Coach Richt. I appreciate every thing he has done for the program and I know that he will do whatever it takes to get the program back on track. Which is why I think Coach Martinez is not the DC next year.
HBTD
November 23rd, 2009
11:40 am
As a true dawg, I’ll always hold out hope, but realistically, this team just simply has not shown the ability to get the job done for an entire game against anyone.
1. No offensive rythem or consistency. Our QB has looked good at times, but the mistakes he’s made have killed us all year. They did again last Saturday.
2. Overall the defense has played much better, but one particular safety simply cannot make plays. He’s often in position to make the play which tells me that CWM scheme is ok, but the player does not execute. DL is playing strong.
3. KO coverage is surely the worst in the country and IMO has been for at least the last 2 years. It is way past time for CMR to take charge of this issue and make it a top priority. Constantly giving the opponent a short field eventually ends up putting the defense in a bad position of having to defend a very short field.
Mark C.
November 23rd, 2009
11:42 am
We need a complete meltdown from the Tech offense. The penalties and defense has been a problem for two years now. I’m done expecting those to turn around all of a sudden.
reebok
November 23rd, 2009
11:45 am
cuz, i am laughing so hard i am crying. that 11:28 post is hilarious. good luck Saturday!
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:46 am
I anticipate our players being wound up so tight that we lose the turnover battle again. If they play loose and we win the turnover battle then yes we could win. Turnovers, more than anything, have been our Achilles heel this year.
j
November 23rd, 2009
11:48 am
Someone give collegaball fan a drug test. He has to be on something! only way UGAy wins is if they switch unifrms with Tech. This is where Paul Johnson reall shines. He loves the rivalrys!
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:49 am
reebok, you don’t have to wish us good luck this one game. It is the in-state rivalry. You are a class act and remind me of my Jacket friends. How about a good luck to the Jackets in Tampa. Shut em down so the Clemson band will stop playing “Catch that Tiger”. That has to be the ACC version of Rocky Top.
dead dog
November 23rd, 2009
11:50 am
UGA VII saw all of this coming.
Georgia is cursed and UGA took the last train to the coast.
IF you can`t beat Kentucky on the day UGA VII is put to rest, then you will fail for at least 7 seasons.
The darkness is here.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:51 am
reebok out of the five I listed I think the best chance is number three.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
11:54 am
dead, is that some kind of Voodoo curse? Somebody bring me a chicken to counter the spell. I will take cole slaw and mashed potatoes as my two sides.
Natureboy809
November 23rd, 2009
11:57 am
It looks bleak for DawgNation, but the line opened at GT -9.5 and has already moved to -7.5. Maybe Vegas knows something we don’t.
uuughh...
November 23rd, 2009
11:58 am
GeorgiaGrad…A head coach decides who his coordinators are going to be. Johnson has hired people around him that implement his scheme. Richt hired the people around him and let’s them implement their scheme. No matter whose scheme it is, the HC is responsible for the performance of his coordinators. Ours suck…it is Richt’s fault for hiring them and not getting rid of them last year and the year before.
…and if we are talking about Richt’s stellar adjustments at FSU, why are many FSU fans still mad at Richt? Maybe because he had just as many no shows during big games down there as he has had up here?
If everyone, including our coaches, were as focused on making corrections rather than excuses, maybe we could get headed in the right direction.
uuughh...
November 23rd, 2009
12:00 pm
…maybe Vegas wants Dawg fans to take the bet. Who would bet on this team to be successful? Start off with a line that is out of the ordinary for a rivalry game and you pull in a few more bets. Good thinking Vegas.
Minnesota Dawg
November 23rd, 2009
12:03 pm
This game will tell us who Georgia Tech is and how good they are. It also will tell us a lot about the ACC. I’ll root for Georgia Tech as long as they are not playing Georgia. Go DAWGS and play your best game, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
12:06 pm
I guess that Golden Gopher-Bulldawg matchup is out Minnesota Dawg.
reck style
November 23rd, 2009
12:07 pm
I give thanks for having this week off so that I can look at GT highlights…this is for GT fans..got to take a look at 2nd half highlights of 08 Tech UGA game. If that doesn’t fire you up nothing will!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJPTYTswPCI
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
12:08 pm
Any word on whether the Seilers will have a stand-in for Uga at the Tech game. We need all the mojo we can get.
uuughh...
November 23rd, 2009
12:10 pm
I heard they do have a stand in Cuz…aside from the result, did y’all have a good time at the game?
How loud were the boos on Bobo’s 3rd and long play call in the Press Box?
techie on the coast
November 23rd, 2009
12:10 pm
here is up to date strength of http://www.kiva.net/~jsagarin/sports/cfsend.htm link……Ga is way back of tech so scroll down.
techie on the coast
November 23rd, 2009
12:11 pm
http://www.kiva.net/~jsagarin/sports/cfsend.htm link for strength of schedule….scroll down cause UGA is well below tech…lol
U-no
November 23rd, 2009
12:13 pm
Having watched both teams all season I think the game will be competitive, especially in the first half.
Georgia can take a W home if they can get the running game established and with play action work the Tech pass defense. That is our weakest area on defense: pass defense. With Butler punting, the war of field position could also keep Tech working with the long end of the field, but that would mean the Pups would have to take advantage of every possession and score quickly because the Jackets excel in time of possession.
As all the Pup fans know penalties and turnovers have taken close games away from the Puppies and that would have to be limited or completely eliminated to have a chance. CPJ knows how to take advantage of the free gifts, and the Tech defense is not bad that it can’t take a Pick-6 or two if Cox is not on his passing game.
The biggest challenge for the Pups is adjusting to Tech’s adjustments. CPJ doesn’t wait till half-time to make adjustments to what the defense is trying to do to stop the option. He knows the offense so well and has seen all the ways to defend it that he makes adjustments throughout the game. He’ll draw up a play on the sidelines to take advantage of a defensive trend that is stopping certain plays. The biggest edge for the Jackets is the genius on the sidelines in Coach Paul Johnson.
Tech is in thier second year of this offense and has matured in it to produce a high output offense that as the year has progressed become more balanced and effective. The Pups can’t just focus on the run, as the Jackets have shown in the past two to three games the ability to pass the ball effectively, and for large yardage gains. Go to sleep on trying to stop the run, and they will burn you on the pass.
The Pups will have to stay disciplined and play their assignments on defense with no free lancing. They will have to stop the initial attempts to run up the middle, and at the same time keep an eye on the corners when the pitch is attempted. The linebackers will get a workout in this game.
Tech just has to keep doing what it has been doing all year, particularly the second half of the year. Play mistake free ball, run the option and use the pass to keep the defense honest. Limit the penalties and don’t turn the ball over and the game should end up turning in their favor in the second half of the game.
I just don’t see the Pups staying as disciplined for the entire game to pull out a win. The defense will have a lot of pressure on it all game long. One or two mistakes and Tech will be on their way to a big win. Past performance by both teams would seem to dictate that the Jackets will wear the defense down in the second half and get some separation to make the outcome pretty obvious.
However, if the Pups come in and play in a funk it could get out of hand early and CPJ would run it up to make some style points for the BCS. UGA can’t afford to get too hyped or come in too down. It will take sixty minutes of their A game to win it. I just don’t see that happening this year.
GeorgiaBorn
November 23rd, 2009
12:15 pm
Tech with a tougher schedule? Not that any of that matters, but there is NOT ONE SINGLE web site that lists FBS SOS that shows Tech with a tougher schedule that UGA. A few posters here say the complete opposite, but when you Google FBS or NCAA 2009 Strength of Schedule there is not one single poll that shows Tech with a tougher schedule. As a matter of fact, most polls show UGA in the top 10 in the country in SOS and Tech is far far down the list. Again, it doesn’t really matter but I had to make that correction.
third quarter fan
November 23rd, 2009
12:16 pm
I watched your KY game and was thinking that “bugkiller” was wrong about Cox (in the first half).
And then….
Dogs can win…but it seems doubtful to me that they can stop the Tech run. You cannot predict what CPJ will do with the pass….perhaps not even one or ?? just cannot predict that coach. Thank goodness!
I’ll be there so be nice.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
12:18 pm
uuughh, we, especially Baylie, had a great time in Athens on Saturday. The only sore spot was the game. Baylie got to be “Queen for a Day”. Probably the most exciting day of her life. Hats off to Bill, he is an excellent host. I will go into more details in the second blog of the day.
techie on the coast
November 23rd, 2009
12:19 pm
Ga born, here ya go….you must be reading last year…lol http://www.kiva.net/~jsagarin/sports/cfsend.htm
Franklin Co.
November 23rd, 2009
12:20 pm
I figure it will be a really close game, if the dawgs are spotted 55 points. THEN, it will be close, but I still wouldn’t bet on them.
Cuz
November 23rd, 2009
12:21 pm
Jacksonville State did whip up on Tennessee Tech, that says something.
St. Bernard
November 23rd, 2009
12:24 pm
It’s notable that only 3 of the four keys have anything to do with the way Tech plays. I would even say that IF Georgia could do those three they could beat tech. Just don’t htink we can do it.
techie on the coast
November 23rd, 2009
12:26 pm
I cant wait for the game to start…..sad it’s too late to teach UGA to lay down, but it is a handy trick…
techie on the coast
November 23rd, 2009
12:27 pm
lay down….roll over….play dead….is it to early for that one?
DAWG87
November 23rd, 2009
12:28 pm
Still laughing that my fellow Dawg fans would actually post that Richt is a better coach than Johnson. Even a monkey as head coach would have a few great seasons with the talent advantage we have at Georgia.
There are actually UGA fans who think Richt is capabale of outcoaching Paul Johnson. Unbelievable. Do you people even watch the games or just buy the decals to put on your cars?
It’s going to be a LONG SEVERAL YEARS.
Minnesota Dawg
November 23rd, 2009
12:29 pm
Hey Cuz, Minnesota is actually bowl eligible. We may still get our match up. We will find out Dec 6, at least that’s what it says on the Gophers website gophersports.com