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.
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187 comments Add your comment
Pago Pago Dawg
October 28th, 2011
3:32 pm
The DAWGS will be uptight and out coached…again.
FinanceBuzz
October 28th, 2011
3:37 pm
Oh joy. It’s the annual overhyped border war that is less interesting this year than most. Why is a border war supposedly more interesting than any other game especially when you live almost 300 miles from the border?? Oh yeah…it’s not. *yawn* Surely there is an interesting SoCon game on tomorrow before the big boys play under the lights tomorrow night in Atlanta. Go Ga….oh who cares.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
3:37 pm
bill arp
Has little to do with Murray. If Richt loses this game it is likely his complete unraveling and demise.
JAWJeDAWG
I dunno. Richt’s mentality has been “he’s our guy” hell or high water. I think Mason needs to play after a couple of picks
OldFan
October 28th, 2011
3:40 pm
Supporting the school and the team is one thing. Dealing with the game as it is, is another. That’s why players get benched and coaches get fired.
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
3:46 pm
ARdawg
I would HOPE that after a couple of picks and funbles as bill arp alluded to, we would see a QB change.
But you’re right, that has been CMR’s mindset.
Sure hope we don’t see many, if any picks or fumbles, especially if they lead to quick UF points of any kind.
If we do, it’s doubtful we will have any chance to win.
Go Dawgs! and Beat the Gators!
JAWJeRDAWG
October 28th, 2011
3:49 pm
And, ARdawg
Would it be too much to hope for a 21 – 24 point lead and see Mason get some playing time?
I can hope, can’t I?
THE DUDE
October 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
LETS GET IT DONE. GATAS. NOW IS THE TIME OR KIRBY SMART MUST BE CALLED.
DIT
October 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
@FinanceBuzz
Go out and buy yourself a life! You tekies are so jealous because outside of UGA you have no other big rivalry. Never will. This game is bigger than UGA/Tek.
I guess i can’t fault you and your brethren too much being that y’all have no clue what it is like to have big rivals outside of the state of Ga.
Go Dawgs!
DIT
October 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
Not Kirby…. Chris Peterson!
7576DAWG
October 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
Murray can not play any worst than he played last year. What nobody is saying is Murray should have had two more passes intercepted last year but Florida defenders dropped two other passes thrown right at them. Murray is the key. If for once Murray can play 60 minutes of good football we should win by at least 10 to 17 point’s.
mcdaviddawg
October 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
must not forget the Richt factor either. You just never know under Richt when the team will show up totally unprepared. Already haad one of those against Boise State.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
JAWJeDAWG
You are preaching to the choir. I think anytime there is a sizeable lead the back up needs to be playing. Or, when the starter isn’t finding his groove and throws a few picks. There is much introspection to be learned from the sidelines while the younger potential is in your spot. Quite eye opening sometimes
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
4:05 pm
One pick can happen anytime with carelessness, two picks constitutes a problem
BulldogBen
October 28th, 2011
4:05 pm
Forget it Bill………it’s Jacksonville.
DIT
October 28th, 2011
4:06 pm
Heck, throw off the Gator defense and start Mason!
Golddawg
October 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
Anyone else heard the rumor about IC?
DIT
October 28th, 2011
4:12 pm
What is suppose to be up with IC?
Golddawg
October 28th, 2011
4:14 pm
There are some rumblings that he failed a drug test and that is why Boo was getting caries in practice this week. I don’t think it is true but not sure if anyone else knew anything.
ARdawg
October 28th, 2011
4:17 pm
I have not heard said rumor
Hopelessly Devoted
October 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
I heard a rumor that he was an SEC caliber running back, but I haven’t yet seen any evidence to back that up.
bill arp
October 28th, 2011
4:20 pm
where’s there’s smoke, there’s fire..
Ron Dawg
October 28th, 2011
4:23 pm
get the record right …what is the win /loss of the teams that Georgia beat and the teams that Florida has beten. I believe that it is closer than what everyone says.
Golddawg
October 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
They are talking about it on the Dawg Vent.
DIT
October 28th, 2011
4:26 pm
I hope it’s not true. Would not be surprised however.
Golddawg
October 28th, 2011
4:30 pm
Who knows…I doubt that it’s true. They are having a big debate on that blog about if it’s true or false.
bill arp
October 28th, 2011
4:31 pm
Murray IS the key to this game, plain and simple…and that worries me..
Golddawg
October 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
I agree, AM needs to play mistake free tomorrow. Turnovers by QB’s have killed us in this game the last 3 years.
Dawg 39
October 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
“The Jacksonville Hangup” (Jinx?) is a bigger opponent than the Gators are. But their team speed is also a major concern. I still believe in the Dawgs. GATA.
AP
October 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
Dogs 26 Gators 24 Blair Walsh redeems himself with 40+ yarder as time expires!!!
dognow
October 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
forget about the jacksonville thing this year–florida is going down big to the dogs! The fla offense is terrible—they may not even score against the angry Dog D!! This is the year Ga finally wins!! Ga 29 Fla 3–book it.
Doug
October 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
Let’s look on the bright side. If UGA does lose, maybe Richt will finally be history.
piermontdawgny
October 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
dawgs win x-tra large
44-20
TrueDAWGFan
October 28th, 2011
5:28 pm
All you people who call yourselves Georgia fans, but then have no faith in the men who are coaching your team and talk trash about them really make me mad. Don’t you under stand how good of a coach Mark Richt is? It’s not his fault that the Bulldogs haven’t been able to get a national championship recently. They had the offense to do it with back in 2008, but Willie Martinez, the worst defensive coordinator that Georgia has had in a long while, was still with the dawgs. At one point under his coaching, teams were averaging 33 points against Georgia over the course of 9 games, they were 76th in the nation in sacks, and 116th in forced turnovers. Now look at the amazing changes that Coach Todd Grantham have implemented to get closer every year to a championship level defense. Now that Georgia has recruited a great group of guys, they’ll be ready to contend for the national title in a year or two and everything negative that was said about the coaching staff (except for possibly Bobo’s overly-conservative play calling) will be taken back.
Hopelessly Devoted
October 28th, 2011
5:35 pm
I agree TrueDAWGFan. This would be a great coaching staff in Athens, were it not for the coaches on the staff.
Volaholic
October 28th, 2011
6:20 pm
Hate the Gators = rooting for the DAWGS!
But to be honest – UGA has not done anything to convince me that they will win this game.
In fact, as UGA gave away the game against the Chickens – and have let MS ST, TN and Vandy hang around tells me that they just do not have the ability to put a game away – to date at least. Florida will win this game …… again. But still rooting for UGA
Good luck in JAX!
Big Dawg
October 28th, 2011
6:39 pm
The problem here is Coach Richt kept Willie Martinez as defensive coordinator 2 years longer than he should have. He has kept Mike bobo as OC for 2 years going on 3 longer than he should have. He hired Stacy Searels and now Will Friend as his OL Coach instead of promoting Dave Johnson to the position. IMHO if the Dawgs lose tomorrow Coach Richt will be relieved as our Head Coach after the season is over. I personally hope we beat the Gators and win out as I think Coach Richt is a fine man and overall a good coach who has made some bad hiring/promotion decisions.
Go Dawgs
Wavy Gravy
October 28th, 2011
7:07 pm
Good Head Coaches do not make bad hiring/promotion decisions. That is the very core essence of a Head Coach’s responsibility.
Bill King
October 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
Bulldog Ben: Nice “Chinatown” reference.
King Gators
October 28th, 2011
8:42 pm
Playing the Gators in Jacksonville every year is harder on the Dawgs than: the SAT’s, driving sober with insurance, not getting hurt playing soccer, not wanting to fire CMR after each loss, avoiding 15 yrd penalties, passing drug tests, trying not to whine about the refs, and of course not living in the past. Go Gators! Florida wins as usual.
Napoli
October 28th, 2011
9:14 pm
The athletic history of UGA is full of so many sordid, sleazy incidents – dating back to Vince Dooley and continuing through Mark Richt – that it’s impossible to overlook. The school has come to stand for drunkenness and lawlessness, coddling of illiterate athletes who should never have been admitted to college, and rampant cheating by coaches.
UGA and Mark Richt are an affront and an embarrassment to all decent people in this state.
Pcola-dawg
October 28th, 2011
9:42 pm
volaholic, takes some balls to come on here winless in the SEC. i am the biggest UT fan in the country tomorrow. Now go GATA and don’t come back her unless you win.
sic’em
Pago Pago DAWG
October 28th, 2011
10:37 pm
We also heard something about IC…..he was suppose to be the top freshman rb in the SEC!
kybodawg
October 28th, 2011
10:37 pm
kingdawg, if you can have jiggy smaha at ng i want happy dicks at lb.
King Gators "sure"
October 29th, 2011
12:12 am
CLOSET NAT HERE WITH US. SUPRISE!
wins-by-a-link
October 29th, 2011
12:24 am
Really hard to get a feel for this game, Fla on a three game losing streak, Georgia on five game winning streak, Fla has lost to two great teams, Bama and LSU and a so so Auburn team, Ga’s winning streak has come against teams with a combined 1-15 record, Almost beaten by a poor Vandy team last week, A loss for the Dogs would end hopes for SEC east title and doom them to another mediocre season, May be biggest game of Coach Richts career.
LakeDawg
October 29th, 2011
12:29 am
This game is more even talent wise than most believe. However, UGA has a distinct advantage at QB and should win.
DAWGMAN
October 29th, 2011
2:26 am
Poor coaching will lose it for us.
1969 Graduate
October 29th, 2011
2:38 am
Those of us on Mark Richt’s case, and the case of the UGA coaches, are critical of professionals – very highly paid professionals – who are doing a crummy, substandard job, and who have run the UGA football program down.
To mistake criticism of these people for criticism of our team, or a lack of loyalty to UGA is missing the point.
Mark Richt has done nothing recently to deserve any “loyalty,” unless the standard for UGA football is a program which can barely beat Vandy, and has little chance of competing against the big boys.
When it comes to UGA’s football program, the emperor has no clothes.
If you don’t want to have a nationally competitive football program in Georgia, you can go cheer for Tech. In the meantime, let’s get a coach in Athens who is hired to perform as the highest level, accepting nothing but the best.
Mark Richt is not the man.
Go, Bulldogs.
Bill Lee
October 29th, 2011
7:23 am
Would someone expalin to me why this game is played out of state every year? The site is a second home for Gators, not to mention the money that the merchants and hotels of Florida get from having the game there instead of in Athens…..Does Jacksonville pay us more that the revenue that is lost from Athens and the rest of the state? It would have to be some huge sum!
DawgNation
October 29th, 2011
7:51 am
Bill,
Great and I mean great blog this time. I almost lost my morning coffee with this one, “ 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….” Whack-a-mole! Now that was funny. Bottom line is the red zone problems. If they can not get it in for 7 then this game may come down to the kicker’s foot. I still believe in Walsh but the misses have seemed to get into his head worst than any Jax jinx we can think of. Here’s to a great game played clean and with dignity on both sides.