This won’t be your typical Georgia-Florida game, thank goodness
Aaron Murray should be a key playmaker for the Dogs against the Gators. (Associated Press)
Predictions of how the 2010 Georgia-Florida game will turn out seem to be falling into two categories.
On the one hand, you have those folks like the Vegas oddsmakers who look at how the teams have performed to date and figure the rebounding Dogs, who’ve been clicking offensively the past three weeks, have an edge over the stumbling Gators.
On the other hand, you have prognostications that basically boil down to this: The Dogs will choke and Florida will win because Florida usually wins. Typical of this school of thought is erstwhile AJC-er Terence Moore, who declared on WSB-TV’s “Sports Zone Sunday” that because of the fallout from the infamous end zone dance of 2007 the Dogs will never ever beat the Gators again as long as Urban Meyer is coach.
While Moore’s stance hardly ranks as reasoned analysis, there’s no question Florida has tended to feed off its dominance in the series over the past two decades while the Dogs often press too hard in this game.
But will that Jacksonville mojo really be a factor for the Gators this year? After all, this is sort of an unprecedented match-up of a pair of unranked teams that both have lost to Mississippi State and both count a win over Kentucky as their biggest victory to date. That’s uncharted territory for the Gators.
One thing seems clear: Mark Richt’s Dogs need to continue their recent trend of stopping their opponent from scoring on its first drive and getting the first points. When Georgia has scored first this year, it has won; when it hasn’t, it has lost. And the same applies to Georgia-Florida games in recent years. Fortunately for the Dogs, Florida has been extremely slow out of the gate this season.
The Gators have the best defense that the Dogs will have faced so far, but Florida hasn’t been very effective defending the run, and that’s been Georgia’s strong suit the past few weeks. Washaun Ealey’s “tweaked” knee could be a factor, though, as could some rust from two weeks off for Caleb King. But Georgia has the better quarterback in Aaron Murray and the best receiver in A.J. Green. The Gators do have a terrific secondary, but I don’t think Green will be denied in any one-on-one battle, and if he’s double-teamed, Georgia has other options.
On defense, the Dogs have given up a lot of yards through the air, though the Gator passing game hasn’t been very effective so far this season. And the Dogs have had trouble with mobile quarterbacks, which might make Florida backup Trey Burton in the Wildcat a potential problem. But barring a miracle transformation from Meyer’s bye-week “modifications,” Florida’s offense looks pretty ordinary, even with a gimpy Jeff Demps and stalker boy Chris Rainey returning.
Special teams appear pretty even. Both teams have fine punters; Georgia ought to have an edge in placekicking, since the Gators’ Caleb Sturgis won’t be able to play, but that depends on whether the Dogs’ Blair Walsh can shake off a few recent misses.
So, yeah, there are a lot of question marks hanging over this game. But Florida looks vulnerable for a change and the Dogs aren’t going to come into Jacksonville as intimidated as they have the past couple of years. Turnovers are always big in this series and Georgia has been looking good in that regard recently while the Gators have had problems holding on to the ball. And I think dual-threat Murray will be the big difference.
Bottom line is that Georgia has the momentum and the more dangerous offense this year, which should be enough to overcome any lingering Jacksonville jitters.
Go Dogs!
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198 comments Add your comment
KimZ'sPackage
October 29th, 2010
1:14 pm
Is that Police escort for the UGA player bus to protect the players from the fans or the Fans from UGA players?
uga's boy
October 29th, 2010
1:18 pm
uga’s girl was seen buying red panties in Victoria’s Secret. You are free to reach whatever shocking conclusions you wish to make.
Enjoy your panties while you’re watching the game in your run-down single-wide. Hope the beer holds out until your unemployment check comes.
KimZ'sPackage
October 29th, 2010
1:22 pm
There sure are a lot of UGA flags on I-75 south today. I wonder if we will see that many coming back on Sunday?
Minnesota Dawg
October 29th, 2010
1:28 pm
If the Dawgs score 40 points like they have the past three weeks, they definitely will win! Outscore you opponent and you win every time! So the key I think is the offense getting on a roll right out of the gate. It will help the defense to settle down and get this monkey off our back that’s been here so long. Could this be the beginning of a new era of beating the gators?
funny
October 29th, 2010
1:28 pm
KimZ they will be complaining that Rainey scored the winning TD.
funny
October 29th, 2010
1:29 pm
Minnesota Humper, if they don’t win this year they may never win again.
KimZ'sPackage
October 29th, 2010
1:33 pm
UGA looked bad against good and bad teams early in the season. UGA look good against bad teams as of late. UF looked good against bad teams early in the seaseon. UF has looked bad against good teams lately. These teams in this game I think would be even. Glad I don’t bet.
Bo
October 29th, 2010
1:40 pm
Terrance Moore is a racebaiting fool (thanks again for Byron Leftwich, idiot). I’m pointing out the obvious, I know.
As a Dog fan, I think the biggest factor will be the fact that Florida is desperate for a win. I still think that both teams are equally crappy. If UGA’s D can prevent UF from getting an inside run game going, they can win this game.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
1:44 pm
In my opinion if Richt doesnt win I will officially throw in the towel and will support him no more
The reason is Richt has in my opinion not really beaten a FL team yet
Zook was fired the week before when he beat FL in 04 and 07 the FL team was a bunch of Fr and Sophmores
He loses tommorrow and he is 2-8 against them and
the 6th highest paid college football coach should do better
RiffRaff
October 29th, 2010
1:53 pm
Dawgs score early and often this Saturday. Defense sticks it to Brantley & co. 44-13 Dawgs.
funny
October 29th, 2010
2:05 pm
flattire, he was actually fired the thursday before the game on saturday.
Truth
October 29th, 2010
2:17 pm
@Flat Tire
We are on the same page. If we concern ourselves with “shortening” the game by running most of the time, particularly on first down, we have no chance. If we don’t throw to open the running game instead of visa versa we have no chance.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
2:18 pm
funny
either way FL sucked that yr and in 07
So Richt has only beat FL when they are down
Please tell me when he is going to earn that top 10 salary and beat them when they are up
Mark "Crimson Crier" Ingram
October 29th, 2010
2:19 pm
St. Simons – Curdawgs eat Gator stools!
johnny
October 29th, 2010
2:21 pm
The reason the Gators will continue to dominate this series for years to come is because Florida is Florida………and georgia is georgia ………18 out of 21 coming up!
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
2:23 pm
I am reading all this Richt back on the hot seat if the Dawgs lose, but I question how he got off the hot seat. Beating, Vandy, the Vols, and Kentucky is nothing special this year. UGA should win this game, but that shouldn’t get Richt off the hot seat still. UGA can win this game and lose to Auburn and still win the SEC east. Richt should be on the hot seat because UGA had a easy schedule this year and UGA should have walked easily to the Ga Dome even with a RS Freshman QB.
1eyedJack
October 29th, 2010
2:27 pm
This week, my friends, is why Coach Richt decided to switch to a 3-4 base defense. To get more speed on the field and beat Florida, and to a lesser extent, Georgia Tech.
30th anniversary victory!!! UGA 26 UF 21. Go Dawgs!!!
What??
October 29th, 2010
2:28 pm
5150 P.O.A.D , the TECH guy is back giving his “barking at the moon” comments again about UGA – as if we care……buddy, get a life.
What??
October 29th, 2010
2:29 pm
@Johnny, and you will still trail in the series by 7
My God a Freshman!
October 29th, 2010
2:32 pm
http://KeepMarkRicht.com/
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
2:35 pm
5150 P.O.A.D
Hey how was last weeks beat down
Tell us what is going to be your reaction to tommorrow’s beat down and next weeks as well
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
2:50 pm
Flat Tire my reaction to “tommoorrow’s” beat down will be shock suprise and maybe laughter. Shock if UGA wins by more than 6 points, Suprise if either UGA or UF score more than 30 points. Laughter no mater who wins it should be a fun game to watch.
UGA has people other than football fans calling you out. Did you guys read any of the Barnhart posts? Why do your fans trash St. Simons Beach? Why is it hard to take the crap you bring with you back to your damn car?
how2fish
October 29th, 2010
2:50 pm
5150 P.O.A.D how’s the Wattle Neck Goon holding up down at the Joke By Coke…son you have way more to worry about than CMR..dismissed.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
3:09 pm
5150 P.O.A.D
I guess like your players academic scores your a retard too
Did you really think I was talking about UGA when I was referring to your beat down
I guess so, so let me write it for you
Tomorrows beat down will come from VT next weeks will be by Miami and oh I forgot to mention in a few weeks UGA will beat down Tech as well
Now could you pass me some more of that PJ fried fish, it sure is good
patrick
October 29th, 2010
3:11 pm
Tebowless Urban Meyer has 6 losses in the one year (2005) and a half (2010) that he didnt have Tebow. No wonder he wanted to retire last year. Without Tebow, Strong and Mullen (the real reason behind his success) he is below average as a coach.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
3:13 pm
Flat Tire
Tell us what is going to be your reaction to tommorrow’s beat down and next weeks as well
You call aout someone with your spelling?
Tech doesn’t play until Thursday so the only beat down this weekend will be in Jacksonville. I responded correctly to your posted question.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
3:14 pm
You called out
Alabama Dog
October 29th, 2010
3:24 pm
patrick: You make a valid point about Meyer. That being said, there are NO excuses, and no free passes for Richt this year. If he doesn’t get the job done this year against Florida, it’s ALL on him!
Red
October 29th, 2010
3:25 pm
Please wear black helmets again! That middle school motivation was so pathetic last year. 31-13 Gators. Ho-Hum
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
3:35 pm
Oops Im so sorry Im such a Tech fan I know their schedule to the T
but still, stop dodging the question, what will be your reaction to the VT, Miami, UGA beatdown
Ed
October 29th, 2010
3:43 pm
Hey, Tony Joiner made bail just in time for the ‘07 game, so I don’t think Rainey playing should surprise anyone. Meyer will never be mistaken with Lou Holtz when it comes to character and discipline.
Whatever. No excuses, just win.
natedawg
October 29th, 2010
3:51 pm
UGA 35 -UF 14 (and thats being generous for the off week)
Jamaica Dawg
October 29th, 2010
3:58 pm
Justin Houston + Akeem Dent + AJ Green + Aaron Murray + Blair Walsh = Dawgs Win!
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
4:02 pm
The over under is either 47.5 or 48 depending on which betting house you use.
Flat Tire
I want die if Tech Wins or loses. Lane is a tough place to play, but Tech has won there so I think we can do it again. I don’t fear miami and we have them in Atlanta. The last few years TECH has had it way with Clemson and Miami. Clemson finally won one this year and Miami won one last year. We will talk UGA went that game gets here OK. Do you want to talk about the butt whipping Auburn is going to put on the Dawgs? No that is not this weeks game.
Alabama Dog
October 29th, 2010
4:11 pm
5150: On this blog, we are most definetely NOT concerned with what tech has done against ACC opponents. What’s their record against Georgia? And as for the “Auburn butt whipping” you are predicting, 4 in a row isn’t a fluke-it’s called a trend!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
4:14 pm
Jamaica Dawg
Let me remind you
Stafford, Moreno, Green, Masequoi and FL destroyed us
It doesnt matter what players we have, its whether or not this coaching staff is smart enough to come up with the right plays
Nadine
October 29th, 2010
4:15 pm
Jamaica Dawg, UGA-hating referees + personal fouls + turnovers + bad calls = Gator domination.
puppydawg
October 29th, 2010
4:17 pm
The only team that can beat UGA tomorrow is UGA. If we play mistake-free football, we win by double digits. However, if we have another Jacksonville meltdown, well, you know.
Calhoun Dawg
October 29th, 2010
4:22 pm
Minnesota Dawg: So if a team outscores their opponent they win every time? Brilliant. Sorry, just had to call you out on that one. lol
uncle kirk
October 29th, 2010
4:27 pm
Gator Lou,
Watch who comes out with the gimmick this year…..hint….Look at UF helmets.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
4:28 pm
So Alabama Dawg if you are 4 in a row against Auburn and it is a trend, then how can you even think UGA has a chance against the Gators? 17-3 is not a fluke either it is a bad trend by your logic.
ARdawg
October 29th, 2010
4:31 pm
I predict: the team with the most points will win the game.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
4:33 pm
uncle kirk
what have you heard? Is Florida coming out in a unifor that they have never used or just an old throwback uniform? UGA with Black helmets was a never before item added to the uniform for a game. I don’t think UGA will ever wear the Black helmets again. They may use the Black jerseys at some point in the future.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
4:37 pm
Does anybody know if Phil Knight pays for all the different Oregon uniforms and to have the helmets painted every other week?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
4:40 pm
5150 P.O.A.D
Im going to be nice for once to a Techie
What, or why, or how do you or Paul Johnson think that Techs current uniforms look as good as the ones Tech used a couple of yrs ago,
You know the white helmet, gold jersey, white pants with the gold and black stripe
I have to say, that uniform was the best looking uniform Ive seen on any college team second only to ours
That puke colored gold crap is just about as bad looking as that middle school option veer
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
4:42 pm
I meant to say
That puke colored gold crap you wear now is just about as bad looking as that middle school option veer
Alabama Dog
October 29th, 2010
4:52 pm
5150: If you’ll read the post I wrote (and obviously you didn’t), I make NO mention about Florida in it, did I? I was commenting on tech & Auburn only. Yes, 17 out of the last 20 isn’t great, by anyone’s account. But there’s a starting point to every journey. Perhaps this year is Georgia’s first step toward turning things around with the Gators. Guess we’ll find out Saturday. That’s why they play the games, isn’t it?
5150 P.O.A.D
October 29th, 2010
4:55 pm
I don’t mind that uniform either but they just seem to use it as a throw back for a Home Thursday Night Game. I don’t think you will see it very often.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 29th, 2010
5:03 pm
Please go back to that one
Good grief how can you not want to play with that one, you might get a couple more recruites to sign
ca dawg
October 29th, 2010
5:11 pm
dawgs 31, gators 23. it’s close throughout, but aj and j. houston are the difference. florida has an outstanding secondary, and they’ll be tougher up front than the numbers indicate, but i honestly think we’re a better and more confident team than they are this year. no gimmicks, no nonsense, no borrowed helmets from grambling… let’s just line it up, execute, and see where the chips fall.
cumulative turnover margin from ‘08 and ‘09 games: -8. if we continue to respect the ball, i think we win. i’m so pumped i can hardly get anything done today… go dawgs!!!!!