Back-to-back challenges loom large for Dawgs
Ben Jones and Cordy Glenn, seen celebrating here last season with Caleb King, are expected back for the opening game but have missed a lot of practice. (John Bazemore / AP)
Last week’s vacation provided a much-appreciated break from a lot of things, but being a UGA fan wasn’t one of them.
We spent Wednesday through Friday over in Athens, my hometown, and this time of year that’s sort of like Red and Black Immersion Therapy, what with a shopping spree at the UGA Bookstore, a visit to Butts-Mehre while cruising through campus and visits with old friends — which naturally included lots of conversation about the coming football season.
Among the recurring themes in recent conversations with Bulldogs fans is the early-season challenge that Mark Richt’s team faces with back-to-back noontime late-summer SEC games against South Carolina and Arkansas.
With Ben Jones and Cordy Glenn having missed much of the preseason camp and a bunch of other offensive linemen hobbled during August, there’s been concern about what is supposed to be a strength of the 2010 team. As was seen in the most recent scrimmage, as the OL goes, so goes the Georgia offense. And while everyone’s expected to be back by the opening game, I’ve found myself wondering whether the loss of practice reps and preseason conditioning might come into play in sweltering Columbia.
Of course, there’s a positive way to look at this, too, as Clint Boling did on Georgiadogs.com, saying the injuries and illnesses suffered by starters have meant valuable practice reps for the reserves on the OL. “They’ve taken advantage of their opportunity to step in and get the job done,” he said. “The good thing is, we’ve all been together for awhile, so we should be fine when everybody’s back. It’s going to be hot in the first couple of games, but it doesn’t matter when game time is; you’ve just got to be ready to play.”
Still, the game against South Carolina looms large, with the always-tough Gamecock defense providing the first real test of redshirt freshman QB Aaron Murray. And Steve Spurrier’s offense (likely to be led by Stephen Garcia no matter what the Ball Coach is saying) will be a major challenge for Todd Grantham’s new 3-4 defensive scheme.
Then the next week it’s the Razorbacks and Ryan Mallett, who’s expected to rack up gaudy passing stats against just about everyone this season. Can Grantham’s troops slow him down at all? Can the Dogs’ offense keep pace with the Hogs? At least it’s in Athens.
Loading ...What I’m hearing from quite a few fans is that they’ll be pleased if Georgia comes out of those two games with a 1-1 split. Beat them both, and it could be a special season for the Dogs, but a lot of fans are skittish about openly voicing that thought.
What do you think? Would a win and a loss out of those two games be good enough? Feel free to vote in the poll or share your thoughts in the comments.
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301 comments Add your comment
ga gator
August 24th, 2010
2:39 pm
Lay off lex we are trying to keep this civil. In 2007 a hurt Timmy still scored 30 points on UGA, the problem the defense sucked. Since then most of his 5star recruits have been defensive players. He learned.
brian
August 24th, 2010
2:41 pm
big time tech fan, very good points about the defense. I think you are right in your predictions, except I think we’ll split between Auburn and Ga Tech, but you never know, both of those teams will be very solid and ready for payback after last year.
DawginLex
August 24th, 2010
2:41 pm
Glad to converse with you ga gator. SSI must be wearing her mullet and jorts a bit too snug.
that’s why we canned Willie. Can’t give up 30 points routinely and win in the SEC
how2fish
August 24th, 2010
2:42 pm
Hunker Down agreed the did lose a lot on D , however do you feel that the Auburn D will be anywhere near as good a Bama’s D this year..last year Auburn was clearly outclassed on D.
BigTimeTECHFan
August 24th, 2010
2:42 pm
Mr. Dawg – A one time Army and Navy, Princeton were the top programs in football. Things can change.
Still@theBAR
August 24th, 2010
2:42 pm
Will Russ sniff UGA VIII’s butt in parting when he has to give the job up?
SSIgator
August 24th, 2010
2:43 pm
DawginLex -
My, a bit touchy today aren’t we. If you are going to continue to be a supposed UGA fan you need to lose some of those sensitivities. 1980 – so long ago.
brian
August 24th, 2010
2:44 pm
ga gator, good points. I always told people in ‘07 that we still gave up 30 points even though we won, and that Martinez sucked. Florida didn’t have the depth at running back then and they still put up the points. I just hope Grantham is a good dc, because I know the new secondary coach and linebacker coach are supposed to be solid. New special teams coach won’t hurt either. But we’ll see.
Delbert D.
August 24th, 2010
2:44 pm
ga gator – I didn’t mention Brantley, who was #3 pro-style behind Mallett and Claussen, because he *stayed with Florida*. Heck, one news service already has him in the top 4 for the Heisman. I don’t buy that until I see more of him. Reviews from his on-field experience last year are pretty good.
DawginLex
August 24th, 2010
2:45 pm
ssi, you can kiss my white you know what.
You have been called out and identified for what you are.
ga gator
August 24th, 2010
2:45 pm
Like I said, too much venom and not enough serious talk. Any prediction about records is just that; a guess. If UF or UGA loses their starting QB’s, all bets are off.
DawginLex
August 24th, 2010
2:46 pm
I am still fascinated that UGA QB and UF QB would be more comfortable running the other team’s system
how2fish
August 24th, 2010
2:47 pm
BigTimeTECHFan your right there was a time (think Bobby Dodd era) when people payed attention to the Bugs…but that was what 1956??
bammer
August 24th, 2010
2:47 pm
Why so much hype for Auburn. Two straight losses to my tide, a blowout loss to LSU, and FOUR straight to UGA. Not to mention their D isn’t too good. I’ll guess we’ll see.
ga gator
August 24th, 2010
2:48 pm
Delbert, I agree. Brantley SO FAR is as advertised, but except for coming in a throwing a TD on the second play after Tebow was hurt at Kentucky last year, he has not shown anything except in mop-up. But I predict, if he stays healthy this year, he will be in the Heisman conversation for 2011.
BigTimeTECHFan
August 24th, 2010
2:48 pm
brian – I will agree Auburn and Tech games are toss ups at this point. Keep in mind momentuim means a lot, so if UGA goes into those games with a 9-1 record, they are going to be feeling pretty good, keep in mind same goes for Tech and Auburn.
Tech issue is schedule and all big games on road but 1, may hurt their momentum.
ga gator
August 24th, 2010
2:50 pm
Lex it’s because Brantley’s HS ran a pro style with Kerwin Bell his coach and Murray’s offense more resembles the spread. I am as glad we have Brantley though as I am sure you have Murray. The next UF QB, a 2011 commit named Jeff Driskell who is considered the top 1 or 2 QB is a physical clone of Tebow; 6-4 225.
BigTimeTECHFan
August 24th, 2010
2:51 pm
how2fish – Yep, things change, even one head coach can turn a program around.
RxDawg
August 24th, 2010
2:52 pm
“It’s beginning to look like the winner of the Iron Bowl vs. the winner of the WLOCP. ”
Saw this on another blog. I concur.
ga gator
August 24th, 2010
2:53 pm
RxDawg, it seems it always is. That’s why I think it is one of the biggest spectacles in college football. I am out guys; good talking to you.
Win P.
August 24th, 2010
2:53 pm
YOYO Don’t they have a insecticide spray for pests like YOYO?
BigTimeTECHFan
August 24th, 2010
2:53 pm
Auburn – Two straight losses to my tide
They had Bama down in the 4th qtr last year, blew it, or Bama took it. Not like Bama smoked them.
Gary
August 24th, 2010
2:54 pm
Both teams play in the same heat. The real key will be pressure on the QB. Garcia had hours to throw the ball or run last year. The D did not put any pressure on that guy. If Murray is given time he will have tons of talent around him to execute. Both games should be close. I think they will be decided by turnovers since it is early in the season. Hope the ball bounces our way again.
Delbert D.
August 24th, 2010
2:56 pm
I’ll bet not many picked Sparta over Athens in the Peloponnesian War. But that’s ancient history, before my time, even.
BigTimeTECHFan
August 24th, 2010
2:57 pm
Wow, this season is going to be pretty good.
A lot of team look real good but at the same time have some question marks.
I’m starting to think someone different may suprise this year. Maybe Iowa.
Bama solid, played to many close games last year, will get beat in one of those this year.
Delbert D.
August 24th, 2010
2:58 pm
ga gator – “the biggest spectacles in college football” are worn by Joe Paterno….
LHardingDawg
August 24th, 2010
2:58 pm
While I agree that both games are important, and I’m not good at predicting scores. I do believe that in the SC game the tight end is going to be very important for a young QB. If we can run the ball and throw some short, safe, passes to the tight end, then Murrey gets good experience and hopefully a win. The Ark game should be very entertaining.
DawginLex
August 24th, 2010
2:59 pm
Virginia Tech is my sleeper national title pick. they get GT in Blacksburg. I believe Miami will choke.
Dawgs Rule
August 24th, 2010
2:59 pm
The good thing about Murray is that he can move in the pocket. All you haters who call him a “midget” (at 6-1 BTW) need to remember his mobility gives him throwing lanes.
AU Man
August 24th, 2010
2:59 pm
Your Auburn streak is over. Write it in ink.
Hunker Down
August 24th, 2010
3:02 pm
How to fish
Auburn is loaded with so many upper classman this year they gotta to be stronger than last year on the D side. I think Bama will be once again strong on D as in Bama football but not the same especially losing Cody. And remember Auburn did give Bama fits in last years game.
Bigtimedawgfan
August 24th, 2010
3:04 pm
BigTimeTECHFan Tech has much more to worry about then their schedule. I guess we’re lowering expectations before the season has even started??
how2fish
August 24th, 2010
3:05 pm
BigTimeTECHFan spot on it is the head coach that makes a program…AU Man who’s streak Bama’s or UGA’s ?
Flintstone
August 24th, 2010
3:10 pm
We won both games with a bad defensive plan and more question marks on offense last year. Surely, we can beat them both this year too.
Blackberry Cobbler
August 24th, 2010
3:11 pm
If we lose to SC, it’s a early exit to 3rd place in the SEC East.
SC will be a tough game which we should win with all our talent but CMR’s teams have a history of not playing to potential. So I see SC as a loss.
If the new defense isn’t quite good enough yet, Arkansas is a loss also because I don’t think we beat Arkanas in an offensive shootout.
UGA could easily go 0-2 but a 2-0 start would signal the potential for a very special season.
Hunker Down
August 24th, 2010
3:13 pm
It will be hard for Bama to lose 6 players on the D side to the NFL and be as good as last years NC team. But if so one can pull it off I think Kirby can with his young new players. Who knows with that potent O of Bama this year the D may not need to be on the field very much of the time.
Delbert D.
August 24th, 2010
3:15 pm
DawginLex – VT has 2 full-time 13-game starters back on defense. All told, 1/3 of the starts on D are represented. New P & PK, and the top DT and LB backups have 1 letter of experience. Offensively they are loaded, especially at the skill positions. RBs with 1,600 and 1,200 yards (Williams in 2009 and Evans in 2008.) Very good WRs. Tyrod Taylor is streaky-freaky; very good (3 games) or pretty bad (4 games.) I’ll watch them against Boise State, for sure.
shotgunplanet
August 24th, 2010
3:23 pm
It’s a game Yo-Yo… someone flatten your rubber duck?
Hunker Down
August 24th, 2010
3:30 pm
Cobbler
I agree we do not want to have to get in an O shoot out with Mallet but remember we did last year and came out on top. Hopefully, CTG new D will help errase some of the scoring this year. Can’t let Mallet sit back in pocket or he will eat us alive.
FedDawg
August 24th, 2010
3:33 pm
hope you had a great vacation BK….Im just ready to get the season started. All I can say is it sure has been quite (refering to the coaches) in Athens this season as opposed to years past and probley for good reasons. I think we will do better than alot of folks think we will but it will be a WAR in Columbia….GO DAWGS !!
BG
August 24th, 2010
3:34 pm
Dawgs win both!!!!
JMart
August 24th, 2010
3:41 pm
challenges? in SEC football? GET OUTTA HERE!
ceph
August 24th, 2010
3:44 pm
Are you nuts! We didn’t hire a whole new defensive staff and a new athletic director to be satisfied with a split between Ark. and S.C. Do you think Fla. would be happy with a split ? Hell no, and neither should we! Let Richt get off his rump and raise his goals a little higher than 9-3!!!!!!
S FL Chapter of the Bulldog Nation
August 24th, 2010
3:45 pm
Questions, questions, questions….I’m ready for some answers baby!!!! To hell with all the UGA haters, and I say bring ‘em on!!!! Step up or shut up!!! USC, UA, MSU, UT, UK, VU, AU, UF, and GT will all have to play on the same field and under the same conditions as our boys will when that day comes….I say leave it all on the field and if we loose then oh well, someone has to. Just don’t get beat! Don’t look like you have no idea what sport your playing and why you’re on the field! If we play our hearts out and come up short then so be it….good for the other team, but if we don’t even show up, then talk smack! Till then, expect UGA’s A-Game this year baby! Too much to prove…and nothing to loose! GLORY TO ‘OLE GEORGIA AND TO HELL WITH ALL THE REST!! GO DAWGS!!!!
frankly
August 24th, 2010
3:47 pm
Take a look at Arkansas’ performances on the road last year, Mallet’s in particular, tell me why this is being billed as such a dangerous game?
Make no mistake, if you don’t show up ready to play in the SEC, you WILL get beat. But when did Arkansas become such world beaters? The “ole” style of pass defense from last year is GONE! FUHGETTABOUTIT!
BigTimeTECHFan
August 24th, 2010
4:01 pm
“BigTimeTECHFan Tech has much more to worry about then their schedule”
Nope, I like Tech’s team this year, agree with CPJ, even if team is slightly better the record may not reflect it.
UGA has pretty good schedule, you would be worried if you had to play 3 of the 4 ranked teams you play on the road, then you main rivals also
UNC – Away
Va Tech – Away
UGA – Away
Miami – home
Add Clemson game – Not ranked but very good team that may get ranked, Away and that a tough schedule for Tech
Kansas is not a walk, it’s a road game also
SavannahDawg
August 24th, 2010
4:10 pm
I think everyone worrying about these games are thinking about last year’s team. Our secondary is vastly improved, so I’m not worried about either the 2nd or 3rd game; we just need to win against Florida; we beat both these teams last year! Why would you think we would lose to either of them with a better defense?
DawginLex
August 24th, 2010
4:17 pm
I think we will be undefeated going into Jacksonville.
I also didn’t think Joe cox would throw a gazillion interceptions last year.
Minnesota Dawg
August 24th, 2010
4:27 pm
I wouldn’t be satisfied unless we beat them both. Both of those teams traditionally are third place teams. We’ve got to beat them!
eltrompoDAWGSfan
August 24th, 2010
4:32 pm
I feel very privileged to be able to attend the kickoff game of the season next weekend. I’m gonna have some great memories!
As for the topic at hand, although UGA/USC is always a tense matchup for some reason Arkansas scares me more. Mostly because I see blow out potential more with Arkansas than I do with USC.