What will it take for the Bulldogs to beat Bama?
Aaron Murray's play is seen as a key for Georgia's chances against Alabama. (Associated Press)
Considering the awe-inspiring track record the Crimson Tide brings into the Georgia Dome Saturday and Georgia’s spotty record against Top 10 teams, UGA fans appear to be remarkably optimistic about the Bulldogs’ chances of pulling out a victory and heading to the BCS title game.
At least, that’s the feedback I’ve gotten from readers on the Junkyard Blawg’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
This isn’t blind fan loyalty, mind you. As with others in the Bulldog Nation I’ve heard from this week, these UGA backers say Mark Richt’s Dogs need to play their best game of the season and come out firing on all cylinders in order to have a chance of upsetting Nick Saban’s mighty Tide.
Asked what are the keys to a Georgia win in the SEC Championship game, the fans on Facebook and Twitter are pretty unanimous that the two biggest factors will be how the offensive line and quarterback Aaron Murray play.
As Wesley Wynn put it, “QB is the key. Murray has got to play lights out.”
“I think it comes down to Murray’s decision making,” said James Burdette. “If he makes smart plays, we win.”
Many fans think the Dogs' chances ride on how well the offensive line does against the Tide defense. (University of Georgia)
Charles Smith, Scott Lowery, Danny Plunkett and Dustin Newton agreed it’s all about Georgia’s offensive line. How they play against Bama’s front seven “will decide the whole game,” Newton said.
Add a strong defensive showing to that, said Joel Free, who likes Georgia’s chances “if the Bulldogs defense controls the game and if Murray avoids turnovers.”
Seth Miller also thinks the Georgia defense will be the key in terms of take-aways. “Turnovers generated by Jarvis [Jones], [Jordan] Jenkins, [Baccari] Rambo and [Alec] Ogletree.”
A fast start is a key for the Dogs, Jonathan Smith said. “They have to come out the gate blasting and earn an early lead, then keep the offense humming so Alabama can’t catch up. The key is the o-line making holes and protecting Murray long enough for him to make an intelligent pass.”
Ew Fleming agreed that the Dogs need to get off to a fast start against the Tide. “You can’t take a quarter to get up to speed against Bama.”
“Murray has to play great and remain in the pocket!” Brian Saul said. “O-line must step up! If so we win!”
“It all starts with the OL,” Justin Adams said. “If we don’t block, we’ll lose. Gotta start fast. Not worried about the D. They’ll show up.”
Fans think Todd Gurley should play a big role in a Georgia win over Bama. (Curtis Compton / AJC)
Christopher Rust thinks Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo needs to “take some chances. Run more screen plays to Gurshall and throw some trick plays in the mix. Bobo has to open it ALL THE WAY up! No turnovers is very important for Murray. If he’s on his A-Game, Georgia should have no problem. The receivers have to catch the ball!”
Besides the o-line protecting Murray, Cindy Tidwell Disharoon said Georgia needs to “mix up [the] offense, keep it up tempo, no turnovers, stay intense on defense!”
Clete Holmes thinks a key is Georgia avoiding flags and managing to hold on to the ball. “Gotta play a clean game. No dumb penalties or turnovers.”
Andy M. Johnson sees five keys to a Bulldogs victory: “1) fast pace offense 2) have a running game 3) disciplined defense 4) no stupid penalties 5) never give up.”
Jonathan Brian Perren said the keys are the defense “stopping 6-8 yard runs up the middle” and the offense “staying up tempo and avoiding 3rd and longs and 3-and-outs.”
Paula Haggard Bechtler thinks the mental aspect of the game will be key for Georgia against favored Alabama. “Confidence will decide the game. UGA can’t psych itself out. If they stay confident, then it will be an even game and we have a great shot. I love being the ‘under dawg’!”
Overall, Jim Eaton seemed to sum up the cautious optimism Georgia fans are exhibiting in the face of consensus media predictions that Alabama will win. “I have felt worse about games,” Eaton said. “What do we have to do? No turnovers, establish a running game (o-line), play near mistake-free on defense.”
That’s how a sampling of fans on our social media outlets view the game. What do you think are the keys to a Dawgs victory in the Dome this Saturday?
Got some thoughts on the upcoming game with Alabama or a question you want the Junkyard Blawg to tackle? Send it to junkyardblawg@gmail.com.
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— Bill King, Junkyard Blawg
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117 comments Add your comment
Ty
November 29th, 2012
6:15 pm
They have to play as if they have been there before. If they get a lead they cannot waste their energy by going crazy. They cannot think they have it made. They have to play the whole game. If they get a lead they cannot sit on it. That will cause disaster. They cannot let BAMA hit them in the mouth without responding in kind. They cannot play as they did last year in the second half. Do not go crazy emotionally as they did the last time they played Bama and got behind so far.
the_athenian
November 29th, 2012
6:24 pm
No opportunity for a game-winning field goal, please. I don’t think my psyche could take it.
Sammy
November 29th, 2012
6:37 pm
Keys are simple.
1) Win turnover battle vs. Bama like A/M and LSU did–this is more about UGA’s DEFENSE EXECUTING TURNOVERS than AARON MURRAY.
2) UGA runs for 150 yards+, expect Gurley to bust 100+ like he did vs. Gators, if Bama takes away Gurley/Marshall, Murray needs to run form passing formations like Manziel did for 75+ yards vs. Bama
3) UGA holds Bama under 25 points in scoring like A/M did (UGA has let 5 out of last 6 teams score 30+ points in last 6 losses)–A/M did it by picking off 2 passes to stop drives. LSU held Bama to 21 points.
4) UGA defense has to get stops in the red zone. Can’t give up 100% conversion and all td’s in red zone like 2011 SEC Championship vs. LSU.
5) Nothing cheap on special teams–watch for trick plays–or deep passes–watch for them testing Rambo’s aggresive nature on a play action. Make Bama earn it, 3 yards at a time and without any turnovers shortening the field.
B' Dawg
November 29th, 2012
6:45 pm
Special teams will be huge. We cant give them good feild position. I hope we spent alot of time this week on kick and punt coverage.
B' Dawg
November 29th, 2012
6:46 pm
Oh yeah. Bobo, if perhaps you get a big lead? DONT LET OFF THE PEDAL!!
westtexasdawg
November 29th, 2012
6:59 pm
God’s grace…… everything is irrelevant….Believe it or not….
Sammy
November 29th, 2012
7:56 pm
In 2010, UGA defense gave up 100% scoring in the red zone in 6 games
In 2011, UGA defense gave up 100% scoring in the red zone in 9 games
In 2012, UGA defense gave up 80% scoring in red zone to SC, but only 50% to UF
UGA defense needs to hold td conversions to under 50% in the red zone to get the win, and it would be nice to hold red zone scoring to 50%. A repeat of the UF game in the red zone would be an absolute win.
UGA’s red zone defense, can UGA get stops, and can UGA hold to field goals?
Something to watch for.
Sammy
November 29th, 2012
8:00 pm
LSU held Bama’s offense to 67% in red zone td’s, had 3 red zone visits, scored 2 td’s.
A/M held Bama’s offense to 50% in red zone td’s, had 4 red zone trips, scored 2 td’s.
Seems to be a key to the game, Bama’s red zone offense can’t seem to score td’s against ranked SEC teams.
Unless Bama fixes that in 1 week, UGA will win.
UGA is better than Bama in BOTH red zone defensive td %, and offensively td red zone %.
Sammy
November 29th, 2012
8:07 pm
Bama is really sturgglin on offense in the red zone of late.
In 3 of last 4 games, scored 67-75% in red zone (not good), and scored a td 50-67% in red zone.
Thsi is really problematic for Bama.
AltamahaDawg
November 29th, 2012
8:51 pm
It’s the O-lines. It’s that simple
Shirley
November 29th, 2012
10:48 pm
Enter your comments here
Shirley
November 29th, 2012
10:55 pm
No turnovers, OL playing tough against Bama DL, Murray playing his best game ever, defense continuing very aggressive play, and receivers catching the ball, not dropping it. That’s what we need to win this game…also, prayers don’t ever hurt!
AceDawg
November 29th, 2012
11:04 pm
Dawgs just need to be clutch – no dropping touchdown passes and easy interceptions by the Dawgs. No nervousness and missing wide open receivers from Murray.
I don’t agree that UGA needs to be mistake free though. Yes, Murray must be solid – better than average – but whether him or others have a turnover or two, it’ll be fine as long as UGA brings Bama into the mud with them. (a la Florida).
Moondog14
November 29th, 2012
11:48 pm
To have any chance of defeating the Elephant in the room, Georgia will have to play 60 minutes of solid inspired football. There’s a reason that ‘Bama competes for National Championships so consistently. Has anyone seen any diarrhea of the mouth from the ‘Bama players? I didn’t think so. They do their talking on the field by playing like Champions.
chuck
November 29th, 2012
11:52 pm
The outcome of the game will come down to the mental matchup between Bobo and Smart. Bobo has to learn from his past mistakes and have a plan to double-team any defensive lineman that we can’t block one on one. That didn’t happen in the bowl game or in the loss to South Carolina.
Bobo HAS to start the game with some short throws to boast Murray’s confidence. We can’t try throwing the ball incomplete 40 yards down the field on first down and then running up the middle unsuccessfully on 2nd down. If we have a bunch of 3rd and longs, we will lose.
yeah uh huh
November 30th, 2012
12:21 am
simple FIELD POSITION WINS PERIOD
t2go
November 30th, 2012
12:30 am
yo
t2go
November 30th, 2012
12:41 am
what gives
Eldawg
November 30th, 2012
12:54 am
You guys are wrong. Murray only has to take care of the ball, but I do believe he shows up in this game and answers his critics. The biggest factor is going to be Jarvis and the Defense. They are going to detonate on that offense. I can’t wait to see the hitting.
HoneyScratcher
November 30th, 2012
12:56 am
lol. Dawgs win! I go 2nd rd!
LDawg
November 30th, 2012
2:36 am
No one really gives us a chance, so I say, you ain’t got nothing to lose by going all out. Personally, I would like to see ESPN suck lemons when they have to announce we beat Bama.
LDawg
November 30th, 2012
2:37 am
This is just the kind of game Jarvis likes, so I think he will have a big day!!!
Joe Falcon
November 30th, 2012
3:02 am
I really think that Murray will have a game for the ages. He’s the smartest guy on either team,and he’s focused like a laser, on this game. I can’t wait to watch it.
Buckeye
November 30th, 2012
7:16 am
prayer
kingdaddy
November 30th, 2012
7:17 am
To those of you wanting respect from the announcers, forget about it. Just like the Falcons game last night, the announcers were gushing over a 5-7 team and ignoring the Birds. Expect no respect for UGA even if they pull an upset. It won’t be because the Dawgs had a good game, it will be because Bama was a little off their game. Never because UGA deserved it. The sports media will laugh off any upset by UGA as accidental and that Bama was obviously the better team even if they lose. You don’t believe me, look at UGA/UF…NUFF SAID…
SEC Fan
November 30th, 2012
7:34 am
Alabama only needs to show up and play their game. Georgia will find a way to lose. I don’t believe that Coach Richt knows how to prepare a team to play in a game of this magnitude. My prediction is that poor player discipline and reliance upon trickery will be the downfall of the Dawgs in this game. They lack the confidence required to simply man up and compete for 60 minutes.
I look for CMR to abandon the offensive scheme that has been successful for the Dawgs this year and instead attempt to emulate the Oregon Ducks. He’s always looking for a gimmick. Meanwhile, Bama will do exactly what they always do and simply challenge Georgia to man up and stop them.
legionaire
November 30th, 2012
7:37 am
A Bama player said this week that they had not faced a team with the passing and running attack that UGA has. Saban and Smart have to make the decision “do we try and stop the running attack by bringing the LBs into the gaps and blitzing safties or do we try and stop the passing attack by dropping the LBs into coverage.?” Either way they are screwed. UGA by 14.
dawgfan
November 30th, 2012
7:38 am
I don’t like all the emphasis on turnovers. All that stripping the ball crap 10 and 15 yards down field is not going to work on Bama. You’ve got to tackle and win up front. If we get some turnovers great, but if we’re relying on them to win this game we could be in trouble.
I’m not totally convinced our defense is up to this challenge. We’ll see.
JB
November 30th, 2012
7:47 am
The mind set from the kickoff has to be these are 18-20 year olds just like us, not the Green Bay Packers.
JB
November 30th, 2012
7:50 am
After reading the Birmingham News all week, Bama may come out tight.
dawgfan
November 30th, 2012
7:52 am
Actually Aaron Murray is 22 and I believe Jarvis Jones is now 23. The Green Bay Packers probably have a few guys younger than that on their roster. Time for us to put the big boy pants on and get it done on the big stage. No excuses.
Thanks.
Josh
November 30th, 2012
7:56 am
We have to keep our emotions in check. No stupid penalties for running your mouth at somebody. The “D” will be jacked up and I like that but we can’t give them 15 yard penalties. M. Mitchell needs to keep his trap shut. He likes to run his mouth after every play. Keep focused and play with discipline.
SEC Fan
November 30th, 2012
7:57 am
JB
November 30th, 2012
7:50 am
“After reading the Birmingham News all week, Bama may come out tight.”
Get real man! Nobody reads the Birmingham News.
kingdaddy
November 30th, 2012
8:08 am
If you think these guys could keep from running that yapper, you are craaaaaaaaaaaazy. Good luck to the Coaches keeping them fired up and under control…
AltamahaDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:12 am
Yea Moondog14, everybody saw the bragging that the Alabama player did a few days ago. Twitter is not exactly “on the field”. That was unsolicited, and directly insulting of the Georgia’s program. Georgia on the other hand, had 2 players answer direct question from reporters about how good they think thier teammates where and answered honestly. Or as you call that, verbal diarrhea. It was not a shot at the other team,(as was the Bama player’s) in fact I believe they complimented Alabama in the next breath.
Texas Dawg
November 30th, 2012
8:14 am
Simple………Murry must finally get it done and Special teams…..that simple
I think turnovers will be the difference either way………….
SEC Fan
November 30th, 2012
8:16 am
@AltamahaDawg
The only thing Drake said was that Bama plays in big games every year.
Not an insult… Simply the truth.
NCDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:29 am
The key to a win is simple… play football. The Dawgs need to forget who the opponent is and just play football. Bama is just another good football team, nothing more, nothing less. Getting caught up in the Saban hype is a sure way to lose. Just play football.
NCDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:31 am
SEC Fan… it was an implied insult. That is like saying “I have a Ferrari” unsolicited. Think about it.
AltamahaDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:34 am
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf–mark-richt–georgia-make-perfect-underdawgs-to-upset-alabama-in-sec-title-game-030820255.html;_ylt=Aoud9_OL_VivYJJsHwUA87g5nYcB;_ylu=X3oDMTRqa3JqcmpxBG1pdANMSVNUUyBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IEZQIEV4cGVydHMEcGtnA2YyODg4NzY2LTMzNzktMz
Der Professor
November 30th, 2012
8:34 am
Here’s your Bulldog Math Problem of the Week
f(x,y,z) = 6.2x² + 5.4y•π + √z³
Solve for f(x, y, z), given:
X = the probability that UGA will defeat the mighty Alabama Crimson Tide
Y = the number of legitimate college courses that UGA football players have passed
Z = on a sleaze scale of 0-10, with 0 being the sleaziest and 10 being morally and ethically upstanding, where is Mark Richt?
Congratulations if you came up with the correct answer, which of course is ZERO
dawgfan
November 30th, 2012
8:36 am
Its also true that Bama has dropped a few of those big games. LSU and A&M obviously exposed some chinks in the armor. I was in the camp hyping them up as unbeatable but I no longer believe that to be the case. The problem for Georgia is that they know what their weaknesses are now and they’ve had time to fix it. Of course, the same could be said for us.
I think we’re going to see two very good teams playing at their absolute best tomorrow. Whoever wins this game is going to kick the ever loving crap out of the media darlings of Notre Dame. That’s one thing we can probably all agree on.
Thanks.
AltamahaDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:40 am
NO, thats not “all he said”. That’s a part of what he said (or rather what you paraphased), but certainly not all. And not even the main thing he said. Or meant.
Do I really need to explain the concept of context?
NCDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:44 am
Der Professor – your equation is flawed. Your mission is to figure out where it is flawed. This is not a trick question. The flaw is absolutely real. Good luck.
NCDawg
November 30th, 2012
8:54 am
AltamahaDawg – thanks for the link to a great article.
Disbott3000
November 30th, 2012
8:55 am
In essence, what all of these geniuses are saying is that our offense and defense need to play very good from start to finish. Duh. That’s a little like saying they need to win in order to win. I mean, you’re right, but that’s just stating the painfully obvious.
Anyway, let’s hope Coach Richt has a bit more of a game plan cooking than we do, so we can humble these might giants who are Bama. I know we’ll beat ‘em if our offense and defense play really well! Go Dawgs!!!!
G-Dawg
November 30th, 2012
8:57 am
HAHAHA…and i wanna slap him after Joshua is done!!
Junior Samples
November 30th, 2012
9:06 am
I’m headed to the ACC championship game in Charlotte. Got $28 in my pocket and gonna buy 8 tickets. Good Cheap entertainment..if you want to call it that.
G-Dawg
November 30th, 2012
9:07 am
Bama defense will try to keep Murray flustered with lots of pressure.
Let Murray scramble for positive gains…when oline breaks down. 3rd down conversions need to be short yardage. TE involvement.
Defense just stop the run. Let safeties sit back and play like the falcons did last nite!! .
AltamahaDawg
November 30th, 2012
9:09 am
Credit these guys.
http://www.dawgsports.com/