Even if Florida is ripe to be had, has UGA ripened yet?
In 2008 Florida scored at least 30 points in all nine games against SEC opposition, including the one it lost to Ole Miss. Its average margin of victory in those games was 30 points.
In 2009 Florida has scored 30 points against one SEC opponent, that being Kentucky. The Gators managed 23 against Tennessee, 13 against LSU, 23 against Arkansas and 29 against Mississippi State. Their average margin of victory in those five games was 13.4 points.
As silly as it sounds to say of the nation’s No. 1 team as led by the nation’s No. 1 player, Florida isn’t playing well. It was lucky to beat Arkansas in the Swamp — remember, Georgia scored 52 points against the Razorbacks on the road — and needed a phantom interception to escape Starkville with a 10-point victory. (Remember, Georgia Tech beat MSU by 11 points on the same field in a game that was only cosmetically close.)
Tim Tebow ranks 45th in the nation in total offense. By way of comparison, Joe Cox ranks 53rd. After the Mississippi State game Tebow didn’t meet the media, which was an utter shock. (He said later he wanted to spend time with MSU coach Dan Mullen, formerly Florida’s offensive coordinator, and family.) But Urban Meyer acknowledged this week: “Tim Tebow is not playing at his highest level.”
Tebow told reporters on Monday: “It’s kind of new and it is frustrating.”
Put simply, Florida is vulnerable. And looky who the Gators play this Saturday.
Georgia is coming off its most impressive game of 2009, albeit against Vanderbilt. It has had a week to rest and ready a new end-zone dance. (Sorry. Couldn’t resist.) When last the Bulldogs had a bye before Florida, they beat the Gators and Tebow in a performance so stunning it rankled Florida for the next calendar year.
But let’s get serious. Georgia is 4-3. It needed a last-gasp pass breakup to beat South Carolina and a last-second field goal to subdue Arizona State. It lost by 26 points — the second-worst defeat under Mark Richt, topped only by 49-10 in Jacksonville last season — to unranked Tennessee. It led Vandy only 17-10 after 40 minutes.
Some team is going to beat Florida. Georgia, sorry to say, is not that team. It doesn’t defend well enough, and it isn’t going to score many points against Charlie Strong’s inspired bunch. (Florida ranks No. 1 in the nation in total defense; Georgia ranks 70th.) The Bulldogs will play hard and keep it close for a half, and then superior forces will carry the day/night.
It’s weird. Georgia hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team since it stunned Florida 24-3 in 1985, and these Gators don’t look nearly as impregnable as those Gators did. But this isn’t a vintage Georgia team. In almost any other year it would be easy to pick the upset. Not this time.
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563 comments Add your comment
gt1
October 27th, 2009
8:54 pm
tech fan here: would love to see the dogs win over florida. i have no love for Uga, but if the dogs lose to florida bad, even when we beat uga, we will likely go down in bcs rankings. cmr is a good person and has done wonders for uga. we need more coaches like him and johnson.
Fire Willie Now
October 27th, 2009
8:54 pm
actually this may be the one game Willie does a good job
Pitbull
October 27th, 2009
8:56 pm
I want to say one final thing. Richt hired Van Gorder because he knew he was a good coach at scheming. He hired Willie, his buddy, knowing he was an idiot. Richt doesn’t have anyone to blame but himself. He put friendship ahead of the Team, Fans, and his superiors! I don’t feel sorry for him one bit. He made his bed and now he is sleeping it. Get over Willie!
DamntheButcher
October 27th, 2009
8:57 pm
Fire Willie Now……. You may be correct. this may be the one game that Willie does a good job. This may be the weekend that I win the Big Game lottery too…lmao About the same odds as Willie doing a good job.
45ACP
October 27th, 2009
8:58 pm
Van Gorder didn’t look very smart Sunday afternoon.
DamntheButcher
October 27th, 2009
9:01 pm
Did VanGorder forget how to coach Sunday? NO. Didn’t VanGorder win the award last year for being the best defensive coach in the NFL? What did Willie win? No coach is going to wen every game.
Dangerous
October 27th, 2009
9:01 pm
I hope Bobo threw that vanilla play calling folder in the trash. You need a serious slant package in your play book and you can run a draw play from a pass formation. Not every running play has to come out of the I-formation. Need to see more of Orson Charles as well…..right down the f’n middle…… stretch those recievers down the side short and long ( don’t telegraph it QB and give a good pump fake) and hit Charles down the center hash.
Vince's Dooley
October 27th, 2009
9:01 pm
Sorry do not get it why Florida is ranked number #1 in the first place. Huge wins over Troy and Charleston Southern big woopty do…How they have gotten away with not playing Bama on the regular scheduled is beyond me, I see they are on there next season, about time.
Vince's Dooley
October 27th, 2009
9:04 pm
Do not know if UGA can win but do not see why not…the Fl-SC game in Columbia might end up being the one that Gators fall…You know Florida use to play opponents then they starting padding their schedule like Ohio State. Look what happened when Ohio State finally had to play somebody. It doesn’t do a team any good to do that, it softens them up.
Gaytur hatur
October 27th, 2009
9:05 pm
Blair Walsh for 3. It’s good. That’s all we will need, folks, one field goal. UF’s offense is woeful.
45ACP
October 27th, 2009
9:08 pm
Has Coach Richt forgot how to coach?
NY Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:10 pm
I hope you all realize that I am the only georgia an who actually knows what he is talking about . Here is what we need to do to win
1 Blitz, blitz and blitz more. Pressure Tebow nonstop. Remember when we sacked him 6 times?
2. Do not let Evans on the field
3. AJ Green needs at least 10 touches.
4. Ealey, King, jackson and Thomas need to play…not Samuel.
5. We need to play more 2 tight end sets
6. Orson Charles needs to be a factor.
7. Our DB’s need to play tight press coverage on the line.
8 did I say blitz from everywhere …what does Martinez have to lose.
I think I just put more thought in this email than Willie has all year.
45ACP
October 27th, 2009
9:17 pm
The Falcons secondary looked bad Sunday because Brian Williams is out for the season.
That changed everything.
The Dawgs this year don’t have the junior and senior talent they have had in the past.
Evans should not be playing.
Chuck_Uga
October 27th, 2009
9:17 pm
Wow, look at all the responses!
Mark, comparing scores against Miss State…and you’ve been writing about college football for how long? Please. Tech as ZERO defense and Florida is #1 on D. Florida would slaughter Tech just like Miami did. Tech still has to beat UGA who will score in the 40s again this season. Only question is can they slow Tech with an abnormally good day.
Oh yeah, defense wins championships. UF has a D. Georgia does not but could if they had a decent scheme. Unless Martinez has changed the scheme (yeah, right), UF will beat UGA something like 34-17. UGA will move the ball through the air, but cannot run. No run game, no chance. UF will break 30 points (yet another 30+ point day for a team facing the vaunted Martinez D).
AntBall
October 27th, 2009
9:17 pm
FL may win but I doubt Teebow would be the reason. Highly overrated. Running one n two yard TDs that runing backs should get to break a record dont mean anything. Funny he the first “greatest colleg player” thats not even projected as a 1st rounder. LMAO! Sad as good as Chris Leak was they would take him out n use Teebow as a fullback. OVERRATED!
Mad Dawg 20/20
October 27th, 2009
9:18 pm
Willie and Richt know that they can salvage an average year with a huge win this weekend. Willie will scheme up the game of his life, and the offense will click on all cylinders. No officiating crew will be able to steal this one. Georgia by at least 10.
Golden Tornado
October 27th, 2009
9:19 pm
cantondawg, I think you are right. The UGA team HAS been schizophrenic all this season. But I believe they are going to rise to the occasion this Saturday, by sheer emotion, by Tebow’s less-effective recent play, and by focus on what they need to do. It’s going to shock everybody except me.
BIGBOY
October 27th, 2009
9:23 pm
45 I think the OL is the biggest disappointment on the team.
Chuck_Uga
October 27th, 2009
9:25 pm
People, you have short memories. Every good team Georgia has faced since 2006 who had ANY kind of offensive issues have soundly recovered from those issues when facing a Martinez defense. I suspect Mr. Tebow will have his best or second-best game of the season this Saturday. Exactly WHAT has Martinez ever done as a DC to make you think otherwise when UGA has faced a top team? I said TOP team, not Hawaii, Vandy, Kentucky, Divison 1-AA, etc.
BIGBOY
October 27th, 2009
9:26 pm
They have played worse this year than in 08.same guys with another year under their belts..what gives?
DawginLex
October 27th, 2009
9:27 pm
Percy Harvin killed us last year. So did Louis Murphy. Both of them are in the NFL. If we can pressure Tebow from the ends and clog up the middle enough to make them somewhat one-dimensional, we have a fighter’s chance.
No turnovers is the key to beating anyone, especially Florida. They live off of other’s mistakes.
Post concussion Tebow has been not that great. Whether or not our D can make him look mortal remains to be seen. I have a feeling this game will be close and pretty ugly.
No turnovers and I believe we win. Cox has thrown a pick in every game this year. What are the chances he doesn’t throw one Saturday?
Snoop Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:28 pm
Keep drinking that Koolaid, you mangy Mutts. Last preacher man handing out so much Koolaid was in Guyana by the Right Reverand Jim Jones. Bulldawg Nation will be miserable until the Georgia State Patrol escorts Preacher Man Mark Richt and his Deacons Bozo and Willie south of the GA-FLA state line… Then, Hope will return (hopefully without the other Slick Willie or Barrie Obamie). That’s right, dawgg…
Backstreet_Two
October 27th, 2009
9:30 pm
Richt has to go. The sooner the better. About five minutes after the upcoming debacle with Florida wouldn’t be soon enough, but at least the healing and recovery could begin.
He has to go and take the other two stooges with him. Let all true Dawg fans raise our voices in unison and demand this!
Mad Dawg 20/20
October 27th, 2009
9:30 pm
Keys to victory:
1. Defense has to pressure from the ends to take away the option and Rennie will be there to clean up the middle.
2. Offense has to utilize our speed with Brandon Smith and Carlton thomas on the outside for the big burst. That will open up-
3. Solid runs from King and Ealey.
4. Someone has to knock Tebow in the mouth.
BIGBOY
October 27th, 2009
9:30 pm
Chuck what good teams are you referring to?Last I checked Willie has been on the winning side against every team in the SEC we have played as DC.I can’t think of any team that is undefeated against Martinez
45ACP
October 27th, 2009
9:31 pm
BB – We were all told that the OL and DL would be the strengths of this team this year.
Well “they” were wrong. We can’t run block for some reason.
Stacey S. has been called the best best OL line coach in the country.
It has to be the talent or lack of.
Snoop Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:32 pm
That’s right, Mad Dawg 20/20. Keep drinking that Koolaid…
Tech Fan
October 27th, 2009
9:32 pm
GO GATORS! Stomp the dogs.
Snoop Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:34 pm
Boyz, let’s have another round of that Koolaid! Bring a double for 45ACP and BIGBOY…
Sam Tucker
October 27th, 2009
9:34 pm
Whatever happens, Mark Richt has class – Urban does not. Calling those time outs last year demonstrated Urban’s true character – or lack there-of – hope the dawgs ruin his day (and year)
Snoop Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:35 pm
Mark Richt has class all right, but no clue on how to lead or coach… Bring Mr Sam some of that Koolaid…
Mad Dawg 20/20
October 27th, 2009
9:37 pm
I’ll drink it Snoopie. Bow wow wow yippie yo yippie yay.
BIGBOY
October 27th, 2009
9:37 pm
45 count me as one who thought so too.Maybe we are snake bitten or something..we have 3 high profile OT who have major injuries .Sturdivant.Long and now the Fla kid..Calloway put a curse on us or something?
Snoop Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:39 pm
Y’all-
I’m looking for UGA in the top 25 of AP, USA Today Coaches poll, Sagaran. You know, those Dawgs with all those Top 5 recruiting classes. Don’t see ‘em anywhere… Coaches, where deh at?
Bring another round of Koolaid for the Believers… Da Preacher Man got Class…
Georgia Tech
October 27th, 2009
9:41 pm
Georgia will win a close and ugly game.
As far as people poking fun at OUR Defense (Tech’s) Your right we are bad right now and young but we are showing good signs of improvment every week since FSU. got to get people healthy.
like I said Georgia will win a tight one with Florida making mistakes
Full Moon
October 27th, 2009
9:41 pm
UGA 35 Gators 28
Mad Dawg 20/20
October 27th, 2009
9:42 pm
Look over the past eight seasons there snoopie. We dont hang our coach out to dry because of one below average year. Go make some sucky rap video and leave the football talk to people who have a clue.
Snoop Dawg
October 27th, 2009
9:42 pm
Dat Preacher Man can sell! Look, he’s even got the Yellar Jackets drinking his Koolaid…
You want the truth?
October 27th, 2009
9:44 pm
T.T. hasn’t been the same since the concussion, which is understandable considering the degree of concussion he had. Since then, he hasn’t been anywhere close to the top of his game…he won’t need to be on Saturday. It hurts to say it, but the Ga defense has made Mallett, Crompton, and Garcia look like Montana, Marino and Young. I don’t see Tebow being any different. Be that as it may, Go Dawgs!
Delbert D.
October 27th, 2009
9:49 pm
45ACP – As to the OL issues, how could it be worse than last year? So many injuries then, and Sturdivant again this year. The optimism must have been predicated on them returning and staying healthy.
The Benedict kid from Florida; I have never heard of so much damage to knee. That is shocking.
BIGBOY
October 27th, 2009
9:51 pm
voodoo
UGAnSFLA
October 27th, 2009
9:57 pm
Although it looks as impossible as ever, the Dawgs still have a chance. After over 43 years following UGA, as well as CFB in general, anything can happen!
GO DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cautiously Optimistic
October 27th, 2009
10:04 pm
If we are lucky maybe we will catch them looking ahead to Vandy, FIU or FSU.
Georgia Tech
October 27th, 2009
10:06 pm
for you Snoop Dawg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aI6EAsKvgg&feature=PlayList&p=8127EE4696C01327&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=33
Now yall go beat florida
Delbert D.
October 27th, 2009
10:10 pm
If the defense plays like the Starkville dogs did, UGA has a chance. I think the big question then will be what the offense can do. I think Cox is going to see a lot of DL pressure, and he will have a lot of trouble getting the ball to Green on deep passes.
Tech sucks
October 27th, 2009
10:14 pm
Yeah unfortunately we aren’t going to beat UF. Someone will, they aren’t nearly as good as last year but we are garbage this year. As long as we beat the Nerds that’s all that matters.
Tech sucks
October 27th, 2009
10:16 pm
Unfortunately Chuck UGA is right. Willie is the freaking cure for any ailing offense. He makes God awful offenses like South Carolina look like Florida of last year.
djawjuh
October 27th, 2009
10:16 pm
Much has been made about CMR tellin the Florida db that Willie isn’t going anywhere. Let’s look at that. I conclude that CMR means that he isn’t going to fire Willie, an easy conclusion. The flip side of that is Willie will obtain gainful employment elsewhere and submit his resignation. In that instance, that will be an act of football friendship and with it, CMR remains truthful.
As to The World’s Biggest Outdoor Cocktail Party, I am a Georgia fan first last and always. But I’m not delusional on account of that. How we will run on those folks will be question that we don’t want to see the answer to. We’re averaging 108 y/p/g. And Charlie Strong’s charges are first in the land on D. This is not an irresistible force meeting an immovable object. gators 31, Dawgs 6.
Cautiously Optimistic
October 27th, 2009
10:19 pm
The only other one on the schedule that could beat them is SC.
45ACP
October 27th, 2009
10:19 pm
In 2007 the Dawgs sacked Tebow 6 times.
I have to believe that the defense has to get after Tebow for all 4 quarters.
Lots of pressure. If not we can expect a long day, not good.