Dogs face two opponents: Gators and Jacksonville hang-up
When it comes to what John Jenkins has dubbed the “Cocktail Bowl,” it’s not just the likely return of John Brantley or the speed of Chris Rainey that the Dogs have to worry about.
It’s this mental hang-up that’s apparently developed in the players’ heads about the Gators tending to win this thing even when they’re not the better team. As Aron White noted this week, “People get a little tight during Florida week.”
Actually, on that front the most encouraging thing I’ve heard this week is all the talk from Florida players and coaches (even the ones who just arrived) about Georgia’s end zone dance … four years ago. Sounds like a team in need of motivation, which is never a good thing for one of the participants in this annual grudge match. (Hence fans’ dismay at Mark Richt’s “fake juice” attempt with the black helmets and pants a couple of years ago.)
Georgia should win this year against a Gators team that’s lost three in a row. But the Jacksonville factor can’t be ignored. On paper, Georgia should have won last year against a Gators team that had lost three in a row, and yet just look at how overamped Aaron Murray came out in that game.
Still, it’s not any perceived Jacksonville jinx that worries me the most. It’s that Georgia has yet to play a complete game this season and continues to have red zone problems. The special teams meltdowns don’t help, either.
The mobility of John Brantley will be a big factor in the game. (Associated Press)
As for the Florida QB situation, I don’t think the uncertainty over who the Dogs will face is any big deal. Todd Grantham’s defense may have to play whack-a-mole with Florida’s three quarterbacks plus Trey Burton in the wildcat, but they’ve known that all along. As Richt said this week, “We’re preparing for their offense not the quarterback.”
If Brantley is in, the Dogs will have to think more about the passing game, whereas if it’s one of the true freshmen, they’ll likely load the box to stop Rainey and Jeff Demps. And no matter who’s in the game, Cornelius Washington and company will be trying to apply as much pressure as possible. That’s where Brantley’s mobility coming back from an ankle injury could come into play.
But the Dogs have to be concerned about Rainey and Demps’ speed, especially if they get to the outside. The Gators no doubt will be throwing to the backs to try to get them the ball with some space to run. The Dogs also have to control Burton, who gashed them for 110 yards and two touchdowns last year running out of the wildcat.
On defense for Georgia, it won’t help that Kwame Geathers and Shawn Williams have to sit out the first half, but getting Washington and Alec Ogletree back is a big plus.
Assuming Brantley isn’t hobbled, the two teams are fairly closely matched, so mistakes will probably be a big key. Georgia gave away a game against South Carolina that way, but Florida hasn’t forced any turnovers in the past three games, muffed four punts and turned the ball over three times last week and leads the SEC in penalties, so if the Dogs can manage to hold on to the ball and avoid late hits and such, the Gators might self-destruct.
Keeping Isaiah Crowell in the game is a key for the Dogs. (Associated Press)
This will be the best defense Georgia has faced since the first two games of the season, but the Gators have had trouble stopping the run lately so keeping Isaiah Crowell on the field should be a major objective for the Dogs. And if Crowell is successful early on, that’ll open up the play-action for Murray and his receivers (even without Malcolm Mitchell) against a young Florida secondary that hasn’t been tested much this year (because opponents have been able to move on the ground).
Both teams have had some shaky special teams play, but while Blair Walsh has missed quite a few field goal attempts this season, the Gators’ Caleb Sturgis has made 15 of 16. So let’s hope it doesn’t come down to a kicking duel.
Bottom line: If Georgia avoids turnovers, gets pressure on the quarterback (whoever it is) and does a decent job against the Gators’ running game, the Dogs should come out the victor.
But it’s Jacksonville. So the biggest thing Georgia needs to do is win its own mind game.
Feel free to share your own views of this year’s Georgia-Florida showdown and the Jacksonville jinx.
Got a question for the Junkyard Blawg? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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187 comments Add your comment
TampaDawg
October 28th, 2011
11:59 am
UGA Insider
October 28th, 2011
11:56 am
Weiss is going to use Burton a ton in this game. He thinks he can abuse us like the Vandy qb did. Brantley will NOT be a factor at all. UGA really struggles against running qb’s so I’m a little nervous.
————–
They struggled last year against running QBs but this year, Garcia didn’t kill us (Lattimore did) and Chris Relf did NOTHING. But I agree, Burton will get his share as part of the offensive package nonetheless.
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
11:59 am
Morning, ARdawg!
Hope your daughter and new son-in-law had a good honeymoon and all is well with them as they begin their new life together.
Sorry you, too, won’t be able to make it to JAX.
Hope we can both enjoy a great win over the Gators!
Go Dawgs!
Hairy Perry
October 28th, 2011
12:01 pm
Get a win dogs! COME ON!
Captain Allen Waters
October 28th, 2011
12:06 pm
Why does #57 kickoff when he should only be doing FG and EP? It might help him focus on his main chore?
SmokeDawg on the Water
October 28th, 2011
12:07 pm
Bama in Atlanta has hit the nail on the head. My single biggest issue with Georgia, more than even Bobo, is the lack of halftime adjustments. We simply do not make the adjustments on either side of the ball. I despise Auburn with a passion, more than any other opposing team, but that team last year made the type of adjustments that wins games and championships. How many times were they behing going into the second half last year? If you think about it, our biggest issues this year have been putting teams away in the 2nd half and special teams. The reason we struggle to hold on to a lead the 2nd half is that the other team is outcoaching us on adjustments.
Cuz
October 28th, 2011
12:07 pm
Let’s start a new tradition. Beating Florida.
Actually it is renewing an old tradition. But that is only for us Ol Timers.
Beat the Gators and eradicate the curse of the St Johns.
War Dang Dawg
October 28th, 2011
12:10 pm
ARdawg, I agree. If Richt doesn’t win this game, he should be fired. 2-9 against Florida shouldn’t be acceptable. The Tebow years obscure the fact that Florida has had quite a few mediocre teams during Richt’s 11 seasons, this year being the latest example. If he can’t beat them at least half the time, we need to find someone who can.
War Dang Dawg
October 28th, 2011
12:16 pm
I don’t get the “Tebow was hurt in ‘07″ argument as an excuse for why Georgia won that game. First, Tebow had a huge game that day. I think he threw for more than 300 yards, rushed for a TD, and didn’t have a single pick. If he was hurt, we should all be so injured.
Second, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then. Georgia was just destined to win that game.
I haven’t gone too easy on Richt in recent years, but give the guy his due – he really turned the ‘07 season around, beginning with the UF game. Georgia was simply a better team than UF that year.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
12:16 pm
Heya JAWJeDAWG!
That they did! A week in Ja’Maka Mon. Life is slowly returning to normal if I can find me a bailed out bank to make me a loan
I think we get them this year and I don’t expect it to be as close as most are thinking . I hate I can’t make the game and the tailgating but, the big screen and some steaks will suffice. Are you going?
AltamahaDawg
October 28th, 2011
12:20 pm
Frankly, the actualy complaint that I got from your comment was that he was so uninvolved that he doesn’t even know what they are doing in the red zone, (which my point is that he does WELL beyond what any caller would even know to question, and in details more timely than “tape” would tell him anyway). But if you really want to say that it’s just the timing of looking at the tape that was your main concern, then I was mistaken.
My guess is that the staff at Georgia reviews tape of thier previous game in pretty much the same manner as everybody else.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
12:23 pm
Heya Cuz old friend!
Ending the skid starts with winning the first one.
War Dang Dawg
I agree with you/ 2-9 against them is not acceptable. I like Richt, always have but, I have come in recent years to not respect his coaching. I hope we drub Florida and his hot seat talk goes away. I think this losing game will will put a serious burr in the bungholes of the regents.
Honestly, I thought Florida was better in the Tebow years even excluding Tebow. 2001-05 we were better IMHO
Gatormeat
October 28th, 2011
12:27 pm
Well, this is my last few moments to post before I head up to Jacksonville. You dumb dog fans are stupid to think you have a chance, the Mighty Gators are going to wipe the field with you. No wonder we make so much fun of georgias stupid fans at the stadium every year. I’ll be back Sunday to mock you foolish people, I can’t wait to hear the crying and excuses you give every year after the game.
Cuz
October 28th, 2011
12:28 pm
Grantham puts Muschamp in a choke hold at the end of the game and the National Guard is called in to restore order.
Property is damaged and the girders are bent.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
12:35 pm
Gatormeat
I trust you are not that delusional as you drink your Wild Irish Rose behind the concessions. YOU KNOW THAT STUFF CAN ROT YOUR STOMACH. Stagger back after the game with your hat in hand. We’ll be waiting for ya
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
12:35 pm
ARdawg
Can’t make it this year; still recouperating from surgery. Toast one to the Dawgs for me since my meds won’t allow me to do that!
Getting my son and daughter-in-law and four of their Dawg friends off this afternoon to hopefully pull through.
Glad the newlyweds are back home safe and sound.
And it seems your daughter’s wedding expenses was like mine’s were.
When you think you’ve save enough for that event in their life, you very soon realize that you didn’t!
Go Dawgs! and Beat the Gators!
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
12:52 pm
JAWJeDAWG
I’ve wrote a reponse 3 demm times and the filters snag it. The short version:
I will again hoist in your honor. Live vicariously through meI had no idea and I should have prepared better but, she was worth it. A beautiful bride and a demm fine woman.
GO DAWGS!!
AltamahaDawg
October 28th, 2011
12:53 pm
With any luck I will be getting a Pepsi (I know, right?) when that gawdawful UF PSA runs on the big screen. “Go Gators. Go cure warts. Go start a jorts company”
Colonial Dawg
October 28th, 2011
12:59 pm
In 1966 I was a ninth grader living in Hilliard, Florida, a small town just north of Jacksonville (or just south of Folkston, GA). I had a ticket to my first Ga/Fla game that year….paid $10 for it with my own hard earned money. The principal of Hilliard High School sent me home on that Friday before the game for misbehaving. My father punished me by not allowing me to go to the game the next day. The worst cut of all is that me made me sell my ticket…. AT FACE VALUE!!!! Spurrier was quarterback that year and the Dawgs triumphed 27 – 10. Just a little nostalgia. I say let’s do it again!
Maclenny Dawg, listen to Altamaha. He’s just trying to keep you from sounding like….well, like you aren’t quite thinking it through.
djdawg
October 28th, 2011
12:59 pm
We win as long as we are disciplined! No stupid penalties I feel sure that FL with be flapping their gums trying to stir things up. Dont fall into that trap and we should be ok.
Colonial Dawg
October 28th, 2011
1:04 pm
My bad….I was a tenth grader. Not that it hurts any less that I was a year older. The point is I still hate that principal!
Cuz, I guess I’m an old timer too. My favorite is still 51-0. I believe Cavan was quarterback of that one.
Desert Fox
October 28th, 2011
1:06 pm
BK. I’d add coaching to the list of “if UGA can….” to break the jinx. The dawgs have been on the short end of that stick most recently during the UM years. If there’s one glaring example its having imagination to call plays that are least expected during the game. FL along w/the rest of the league is light years ahead of the GA coaching staff in this department. A lot of it or lack of it on special teams. If FL has trouble executing its offense you can bet the hedges in Athens they’ll employ trickery and if UGA is true to form FL will be successful.
If GA loses this game, some of the “blame” will fall on CMR and his coaching staff.
AltamahaDawg
October 28th, 2011
1:06 pm
BTW, I am pleased to report to all the traveling Dawg fans that the newly renovated I-95 through this area is complete and a spectacular stretch of highway now. Can enjoy the marsh and rivers views, no worries.
Hopelessly Devoted
October 28th, 2011
1:07 pm
“We win as long as we are disciplined!”
Oh well… We lose again. It don’t bother me to lose the game – so long as we win the post-game brawl.
GATA!!!
harold
October 28th, 2011
1:09 pm
AN AVERAGE GEORGIA TEAM DEFEATS A VERY POOR FLORIDA TEAM WITH EASE. GEORGIA 41 FLORIDA 17.
FOLEY WILL BE TAKING “MAJOR HEAT” AFTER FLORIDA’S FOURTH LOSS IN A ROW!
AltamahaDawg
October 28th, 2011
1:10 pm
And if you have Flat Tire, simply pull over to the new wide shoulder, put on the emergency flashers, pull out your favorite overly dramatic novel, and call your husband to come get you.
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
1:11 pm
ARdawg
Continued best wishes to your daughter!
If I get a sudden and unexplainable relief of pain anytime during the game, I’ll attribute it to you having hoisted one for me!
Thanks, my AR friend. Hope we both have an enjoyable afternoon watching the Dawgs pull out a win!
LogicalUS
October 28th, 2011
1:15 pm
“play smart and up-to-your potential, mistake-free and personal-foul free football”
When was the LAST time that happened? You are not talking about UGA I hope?
But you can’t entirely blame the players as the coaches are even less disciplined. Just don’t let the DC taunt any placekickers or nearly cause a riot this week.
Hopelessly Devoted
October 28th, 2011
1:16 pm
I just hope my Dawgs don’t try pulling anything else out. There ain’t no hedges to hide behind in Jax.
DAWGS forever
October 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
Key is TURN OVERS. Protect the ball and run the rock to open up the passing game and we will be just fine.
Go DAWGS
DIT
October 28th, 2011
1:32 pm
I agree about the turnover thing. In my opinion this is what has to happen for the Dawgs to win:
1) Ball control
2) No more than 1 turnover
3) I.C. runs for over 100 yards
4) Special teams finally put it together
5) D plays the old “Junkyard Defense”
6) Murray must play his best game
7) Do NOT sit on the ball IF we get a nice lead going into the 4th quarter. Lay the wood to them!
It all sounds great, but have to admit that I lack the confidence in this team to play a full 60 minutes of football.
djdawg
October 28th, 2011
1:40 pm
@LogicalUS
I guess you think Muschamp is a “saint” on the sidelines, huh.
AltamahaDawg
October 28th, 2011
1:44 pm
Ah, good ol’ OpinionatedUS.
Hairy Dawg
October 28th, 2011
1:49 pm
Rainey and Demps are the two Gators I’m worried about, but I believe that we have a good defense. Grantham better have them ready to go from the first snap this week. There are no excuses on that side of the ball.
Aaron Murray is a better QB than anything Florida has right now. We need for him to play like it. He may not have Malcolm Mitchell, but he does have Charles, King, Brown, Bennett, and Crowell to work with.
As far as turnovers and any number of other unforeseen occurrences, I think the main thing is to find a way to win. I don’t care if it’s pretty or not. We just need guys to get the job done when it matters the most. If they’ll do that, we’ll win.
Dawg_Mike
October 28th, 2011
1:52 pm
PLEASE WATCH FOR THE FAKE FG,PUNT, ONSIDES KICK,HALFBACK PASS,ETC…
Did i miss anything?
CHDawg
October 28th, 2011
1:55 pm
You know it is sort of odd to me that Rainey, of all people, would be hurt and offended by past offenses–an end zone dance four years ago. I’m with Bill on this one, the fact that Florida is trying to use this to motivate themselves is a good sign. It is also funny to me that Gator fans don’t see calling timeouts in the last seconds while ahead by a mile, dancing, taunting, and “rub your face in it” bad sportsmanship by the Gators the next year as being much worse than the end zone dance. If someone has cause for motivation it is the Dawgs–the terrible sportsmanship by the Gators still hasn’t been answered. Now let’s answer it with class, and show them how to win and be gentlemen at the same time. Go Dawgs!
Hopelessly Devoted
October 28th, 2011
2:00 pm
That’s funny CHDawg. Especially the part about “class” and “gentlemen”.
JaxDawg
October 28th, 2011
2:02 pm
I think the slide started when coach richt stopped calling offensive plays.(bobo). it hasent been the same dawgs.still picking the dawgs like i do every year.hope i dont have to see that annoying gator chomp for another year! fla fans are the worst of all, especially if your a dawg in jax.
djdawg
October 28th, 2011
2:12 pm
@JaxDawg
I agree. I have been praying that CMR would start back calling the plays again!!!! He may not be calling them totally now but I do think he is making a point to be more involved with it.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
2:22 pm
Colonial Dawg
That’s a fun story. I know where Hilliard is, I’m originally just the other side of the swamp. Knowing what I know now, I wish Georgia had piled it on heavier and thicker on the Ole Bawl Sack in 1966
1969 Graduate
October 28th, 2011
2:42 pm
My son, also a Bulldog, now in California, posted in response to my “Go, Dawgs” statement on his Facebook page, “Am I to be led to understand that we have a chance of winning this weekend?”
Such is the state of our football program.
We will will again in Jacksonville. Will we win against this less than stellar Florida team? Who knows? Will we win consistently with our current coaches? Well, isn’t that the question.
My guess: Our coaches will find a way for UGA to lose to the worst Florida team in recent history…
Nevertheless: Go, Dawgs!
djdawg
October 28th, 2011
2:48 pm
Either pull for your team or dont!! Its not that hard people. Im sick of all these so called fans coming on here whining and crying. If you dont like the team go root for Tech. Im sure they have room on their blogs!!!
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
2:48 pm
1969
History in the last 20 years just isn’t on our side but, keep the faith there brother. We will win again. Hopefully it starts this year
AltamahaDawg
October 28th, 2011
2:58 pm
So count you 2 as not part of the crowd that was crying after every game wanting Richt to step down calling plays.
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
3:03 pm
@ 1969 Graduate
If you are promoting those words of negatism to your son:
“Our coaches will find a way for UGA to lose to the worst Florida team in recent history.” …
“I can understand why he would question you, ” Do we have a chance of winning this weekend?”
As ARdawg posed to you, keep the faith,Dawg! We do!
djdawg
October 28th, 2011
3:03 pm
@AltamahaDawg
You are correct, I was one.
OldFan
October 28th, 2011
3:09 pm
Dawgs have yet to play a complete game, even against the last five lackluster opponents. Odds are they won’t play their first one against FL. Dawgs start every season 0-1. This is the 1. And CMR won’t be fired after it happens. That’s just the price we pay for having him as our head coach. Despite his many virtues, CMR doesn’t know how to get his team to expect to win this game, or when the win happens, from acting as if it’s a colossal upset. Having said all that—-Go, Dawgs!
djdawg
October 28th, 2011
3:13 pm
OldFan -Having said all that—-Go, Dawgs!
1969 Graduate -Nevertheless: Go, Dawgs!
Support or go away
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
3:17 pm
djdawg
Ditto! Well said!
bill arp
October 28th, 2011
3:22 pm
question is. What happens if A Murray throws 3 picks and fumbles a couple of times? Will that be Richt’s fault? Murray is THE key to this game,no and’s, if’s or but’s…
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
3:23 pm
bill arp
I don’t feel CMR will leave Murray in long enough for all that to happen.