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
anotherdawg
October 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
Slumping gators? Are we searching hard for some hope? They’re undefeated, ranked no# 1 in the country, and probably hate Georgia more than anyone. While we’re at it, do you think gasoline might drop down below a dollar a gallon? I guess it’s possible, maybe if “Angels in the outfield” can be summoned when Willie gets to flapping his arms, if we quit getting stupid penalties and turnovers, if Joe Cox has one of his good days, if we can run the ball, if we can pass rush and cover the receivers, and if someone other than Penn Wagers crew officiates.
coach smith
October 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
Now we are looking at the score of UGA’s games in the 3rd quarter (vs #22 defense) to find more reasons to trash on them….Unreal
I bet you were saying the same thing in 2007 when UGA had been blown out by UT and had to have a last second fumble and field goal to beat Vandy!
Every article like this, every tv talking head who chuckles at the Dawgs’ chances just adds to positive mental advantage the Dawgs can carry into this game
Richt can play up the “revenge”, “prove everyone wrong”, “nobody thinks you can do it”, angle
The Dawgs will show up ready to play…mark it down
JJ in Sparta
October 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
Gators have waaaay to much for the Dawgs, as usual.
Meyer vs. Richt? Not much of a choice. It’s Florida and Meyer, no contest, and never will be until Richt is run out of Athens.
Dawg Pound
October 27th, 2009
4:25 pm
I heard that Chapas wants a piece of Spikes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lets get it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GATA Dawgs!!!
Dawggrl
October 27th, 2009
4:26 pm
I am still heading down to Jax this weekend and I will keep the hope alive. Go Dawgs!
JJ in Sparta
October 27th, 2009
4:28 pm
“Every article like this, every tv talking head who chuckles at the Dawgs’ chances just adds to positive mental advantage the Dawgs can carry into this game.”
Are you nuts? This bunch of unmotivated illiterates wouldn’t have a mental advantage over a slug, for goodness sakes. Get real, man.
SSI gator
October 27th, 2009
4:28 pm
I do hope the pups score some points. Can’t wait to see the dance routine they have been working on this week.
Georgia FANatic
October 27th, 2009
4:31 pm
All you Dawg fans: We’re going to get wiped out by the Gators, so please don’t raise your expectations too much, bless your hearts.
Barkin'Dog
October 27th, 2009
4:33 pm
Don’t know if any of you have seen this video, but it should be played for every Georgia player this week. They are capable of a lot more than they are showing… and hopefully it will show this weekend!
Check it out – “FACING THE GIANTS”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vB59PkB0eQ
Marie_the_Dawg_Girl
October 27th, 2009
4:33 pm
That’s what I’ve been saying all week, dear.
Marie_the_Dawg_Girl
October 27th, 2009
4:34 pm
Why haven’t we sent Mark Richt packing yet?
sidslid
October 27th, 2009
4:37 pm
My only Georgia-Florida game was in ‘85. Stayed at the King and Prince. Did the whole St. Simons thing. Sorry, Dog fans. Can’t make it this year.
2N4YEARS
October 27th, 2009
4:38 pm
I hate to read ‘this is where FLA gets well’ or this is where TENN QB gets well’ or ‘KEN gets well this weekend’. It always seems that MISS ST, VANDY, KENTUCKY can nearly pull the upset & play close. Not GA. Every time we have an opportunity we have this sorry Defense staring us in the face. I’m sure Tebow & company will have a breakout game on our defense. Why wouldn’t they? Martinez is still coaching (sort of).
SSI gator
October 27th, 2009
4:39 pm
Marie_the_Dawg_Girl
He has to finish his contract with Carpets of Dalton and Ford trucks for this year first.
Golden Grad
October 27th, 2009
4:40 pm
I’m a ‘64 dawg. I do think Lane Kiffen is going to do a great job at Tenn. I am usually a pessimist, but it matters not what my personal views are re the dawgs this Saturday. I have been to a LOT of Ga./Fla. games, and sad to say, we usually get beat. That said, I do hope for a win, but I am also a realist.
SSI Gator
October 27th, 2009
4:42 pm
I can’t wait to join in the dancing after the game and shake my lil booty with all those good looking Gator men… I hope they bump and grind me good… I hope they don’t leave their “friends’ behind.”
TVF
October 27th, 2009
4:42 pm
Mark why don”t you do and article on what truely is the problem at UGA, is it CMR, or just the asst coaches, is it a lack of talent, is it the ath.adm, what is the real problem. I would like to hear from the press experts that cover college football on a daily bases what the real problem or what you see is the problem is, instead of just telling us UGA want win agianst UF or more than likely you will also pick GT over UGA. Do a good indepth article on what you see are the problems and what changes need to be made. This could be a real eye opener for a lot of people.
LHardingDawg
October 27th, 2009
4:43 pm
This will be my 30th. Georgia Florida game in 35 years. Since my first game in 1973, our record is 16 Georgia wins and 19 loses. Every year I’ve gone down I have expected to win the game. If I thought we were going to lose, why go. We may lose this year too, but we won’t know for sure until Saturday. My pick is Georgia 10 Florida 9. We win on a last second field goal.
TS
October 27th, 2009
4:43 pm
Seasons like this have to make you reminisce. Where did the program go since the 2007 beating of the Gators, BCS bowl win over the Rainbow Warriors, and the preseason 2008 National Championship. Oh yeah- dam refs.
Brock
October 27th, 2009
4:44 pm
What is GATA DAWGS? Is this a dog that thinks he’s a gator. Is it an insult to the GATA QUEEN Corrine Brown?
SSI gator
October 27th, 2009
4:44 pm
Golden Grad -
At least you are a realist. Healthier for you than drinking all of that Kool-Aid. Like you I have been going to a lot of these in Jax and although there is the occasional surprise I just do not see that happening this year.
Sid
October 27th, 2009
4:51 pm
Ooooogahh… sounds like SSI gator is a wide receiver!
Dawg Gone It
October 27th, 2009
4:53 pm
There is a chance. Just like in Dumb & Dumber….”one out of a million” chance.
dawgerbrown
October 27th, 2009
4:53 pm
The scary thing about Tebow not playing well lately, is that he is type of person who will use that to motivate him. He has the potential to enter this game with a level of resolve that can make for a long day for the Dawgs. In addition, Georgia can’t be competitive without a running game. Why should we assume Georgia will show one this weekend? If Georgia can somehow run the ball, it might be interesting……..for a while.
Buzz Belle
October 27th, 2009
4:55 pm
BIG Tech fan here. I really think this game will go one of two ways. Either Fla. wins 60 – 0 or Ga. will actually pull this one out. Don’t know why I feel that but I do. Would like to see UGA pull it out because I think my Jackets will win out this rest of this year and it would look better for us. BUT – you just never know and that’s what makes the game soooo good! Look what Clemson did to Miami and who would have ever thought that? Good luck to you.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
October 27th, 2009
4:59 pm
TBAG gets well against the dogs this weekend and florida rolls by four touchdowns at least , but I will still watch every play and cheer for the dogs and hope we can pull off 6-6 and play with passion next year.
I couldn’t resist the passion joke some of you will get it .
GO DAWGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Chef" Tim Dix
October 27th, 2009
5:00 pm
Call me crazy, Georgia wins.
SSI gator
October 27th, 2009
5:02 pm
OK “Chef” Tim Dix you are crazy
chazzo
October 27th, 2009
5:04 pm
Urban and these cocky arse Gators are due a loss or two. Yeah, they’re good. So what… Sic ‘em dawgs!
millvegasbomb
October 27th, 2009
5:05 pm
DAWGS WIN 28-24
Sid
October 27th, 2009
5:05 pm
SSI gator responds to someone with the name “dix” hmmm… interesting!
millvegasbomb
October 27th, 2009
5:05 pm
http://freehealthscare.com/i/tmullis
JayD
October 27th, 2009
5:06 pm
subdue Arizona State?
NJ DOG
October 27th, 2009
5:08 pm
I like your enthusiasm, Chef!!
styles
October 27th, 2009
5:15 pm
Somebody send Tebow a call girl…dames make weak legs especially on a guys first experience.
SSI gator
October 27th, 2009
5:17 pm
NJ DOG -
Enthusiasm is in great abundance before the game. It is after the game begins and the beer wears off that reality sets in.
SSI gator
October 27th, 2009
5:18 pm
Enter your comments here
Free Willy
October 27th, 2009
5:20 pm
Not to worry Gator fans. If Willie Martinez can make Jonathan Crompton look like Payton Manning. He will certainly make Tebow look like…well …Tebow. Hope the Dogs win but not with our coaching staff. Pack your bags Richt. Its coming.
daw
October 27th, 2009
5:22 pm
Haygood: You shouldn’t have used the 3:16 reference. God loves even me and you, but arrogance he hates.
ABBA DAWG
October 27th, 2009
5:31 pm
WaterLOOOOO WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WILLLIES WATERLOO ! HUGE BEATDOWN BY THE GATORS! BANK ON IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jacket3
October 27th, 2009
5:33 pm
Personally I hope the dogs win.
Maybe they go to OT for a few extra snaps. That would be thrilling.
I hope that CMR has given his guys the speech used by Coach Dooley a decade or so ago.May the Defense be ready – because Tebow will throw, and then run to break Hershel’s SEC records in this one which is guaranteed payback for dirt stompin’ and a TD celebration from the past.
I hope more guys than AJ Green catch the ball.
I hope that CMR has the cojones to go for it on 4th down too because Coach Paul Johnson will.
Because I am an optimist: Dogs in an upset by 2.
GR82BAG8R
October 27th, 2009
5:35 pm
Can Georgia beat Florida? Of course. On any given day, teams of this talent level can beat other teams with similar talent level. Will Georgia beat Florida? Not likely, but there is always a possibility. That is what is so intriguing about sports, especially collegiate sports like football. No one knows for certain until the game is played.
Georgia has the talent to beat Florida. Does it have the coaching?
Bo
October 27th, 2009
5:39 pm
Georgia is lucky they are not playing a Big 10 powerhouse this weekend. Five teams in the Big 10 could tan Gator hide. Seven could grind dog meat. Alabama is the only power team left in the SEC. The rest are pretenders!
Dabo Dawg
October 27th, 2009
5:40 pm
UGA is no Clemson. Dawgs cant even block down field like the Tigers and for that matter Georgia Tech! UGA Stinks period! Dawgs defense is an absolute joke! Offense is a joke with exception of AJ Greeene who has bailed out your pathetic QB. Florida rolls! 56 – 10
michael
October 27th, 2009
5:42 pm
Like I said before, the players have nothing to prove, everyone knows they are talented enough to get the win. However, the coaches have to TAKE THE HANDCUFFS OFF THE PLAYERS! LET THE PLAYERS DEMONSTRATE THEIR ATHLETIC ABILITY! THIS GAME IS ALL ON THE COACHING STAFF! LET’S SEE IF THEY ARE MAN ENOUGH TO BEAT THE gators!
big bad bob
October 27th, 2009
5:43 pm
I hope Tebow looks in the mirror just before the game and realizes he’s an idiot for painting bible verses on his face, breaks down and wets himself and then has the worst game of his life.
Thomas
October 27th, 2009
5:43 pm
Defense, Defense, Defense. UGA at best is average to below. UF ranked #1 nationally. I am a Gator Hater, but I have no confidence in UGA Defense. The time has come to look for a Defensive coordinator who can bring a strong ground and pass defense.
jacket3
October 27th, 2009
5:45 pm
Thought just occurred to me. Dogs beat Florida. Florida selects to play GT in the Orange Bowl where the Jackets destroy them…..Could happen – SEC vs ACC.
SOUTHGADAWG88
October 27th, 2009
5:47 pm
Of course we can win…it’s a rivalry game..records don’t matter.UGA is a better team than ARK or MSU..it’s not like FLA wanted to be in tight games against those teams.Fla is still a run first team..which is so far the only type of offense we seem to defend well.I look for Owens,Atkins and Weston to have a big day.We need somebody to step up at tailback though…they can be had definitely but the Gators are not going to lay down and make it easy by no means.Rumor has it we are going to see some stuff we have been working on for this game since spring practice.Either way the FLA-AUB-GT games are what defines a head coach at UGA.Richt is one of the best in the business and I look for a strong effort down the stretch starting Sat.
WilliamG
October 27th, 2009
5:49 pm
Georgia would have to do what Arkansas did – play amazing defense with a bunch that isn’t all that great (I still have no idea what fired up the Arkansas defense but it looked amazingly good against Florida – not at all like the group that played Georgia). Then Georgia would have to establish some sort of a running game – even if it isn’t productive we would have to run the ball. Then Florida would have to help out a little with turnovers. If all those things happen, Georgia can win.