Boise State deserves all its accolades, but UGA’s going to win
Mark Richt and Chris Petersen consider the old-school aesthetics of a helmet not designed by Nike. (AP photo).
Let’s be clear about this. I have the utmost respect for Boise State. This is a team, as Georgia coach Mark Richt said Friday, “that plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played, that plays as hard as any team I’ve every seen.”
Boise’s Chris Petersen might well be the best coach on any campus. (Take that, Nick Saban!) Kellen Moore deserves inclusion on all the Heisman shortlists. Pound for pound, this is the nation’s finest program. That said …
I still can’t get over Boise State being favored against Georgia — in the Georgia Dome.
Go ahead. Call me an SEC homer. I ‘d counter by saying I was rooting hard for Boise to play in the BCS title game last season simply because I enjoy seeing the BCS turn a Boise-esque blue in the face. But I’d also note that facts are facts: The SEC has the best players and plays the best football, and even coming off two down seasons Georgia has better players than the Broncos.
Doesn’t mean Georgia will win. (Although I believe it will.) The Bulldogs spent last season losing every lose-able game save one. The edge Boise has, even under the off-white roof of the Georgia Dome, is its reservoir of contemporary success. Richt again: “When you play a team that’s used to winning and that knows how to win, it’s hard.”
But here’s the thing: Winning Saturday night would mean more to Georgia than to Boise. The Broncos can lose and still point with pride to their cumulative record — they’re 61-5 under Petersen — and last season’s rousing victory over Virginia Tech in Washington, D.C. Boise can lose this game and still be Boise.
If Georgia loses, however, the questions will begin again: About Richt and his job and his program and its future, or the lack thereof. And that has made for a weird dynamic in this made-for-TV opener. The heavyweight has more to prove than does the welterweight.
At Friday’s news conference, Petersen was asked if he was surprised to be favored by a field goal. “Favored by who?” he said. “I don’t see it like that … I don’t know what they’re looking at.”
Yeah, this is Coachspeak 101. But Petersen also noted that he’d included Georgia in his preseason Top 25. “I don’t think I had the Broncos, though,” he said, perhaps even telling the truth.
The media session at the Omni hotel was so sugary-sweet as to induce cavities. Richt gushed about Petersen and his program. (”Coach Pete,” he called him.) Coach Pete alllowed that playing such an opponent in such a game was “always very scary.”
Just to clear the air, Richt mentioned Brandon Boykin’s Tweet. (The Georgia returner dared Petersen to kick to him.) “How ’bout that?” said Richt, glancing at Petersen and ducking his head.
Said Petersen, grinning: “I don’t know anything about it. We don’t have Twitter.”
Petersen even offered an opinion on Georgia’s infamous Pro Combat uniforms. “My boys think they’re awesome,” he said. “They say ours [Boise will also wear a Nike-designed kit] are all right but, ‘Did you see Georgia’s?’ ”
Richt on the uniforms: “The players like ‘em and we’re wearing ‘em.”
Loading ...But enough about clothing. Back to the game. Richt said of Boise: “They could play in our league and do well.”
And maybe the Broncos could. But Georgia has the chance to do very well in its league this season, and the proving begins Saturday night. It’s a game these Bulldogs have long awaited — Richt recalled announcing the Boise opener after a practice last fall and seeing the heads of all those who figured to be returning perk up — and it’s a game that could go a long way toward making Georgia matter again.
Let’s say it again: Boise State — great coach, great program. But there’s still a difference between the Mountain West and the SEC. In such a bout, a skilled and disciplined welterweight always has a chance. But most of the time a good big man beats a good little man. Georgia 34, Boise 24.
By Mark Bradley
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243 comments Add your comment
Caleb
September 2nd, 2011
4:02 pm
I must admit that I am a Tech fan first. However, I am looking forward to this game. Georgia should win but Boise will probably keep it close most of the game. It would be interested to see both Jenkins and Geathers line up together on a few plays…just sort of blow up the entire Boise offensive line. Best of luck UGA…hopefully all wins except for that last game against Tech.
GTBob
September 2nd, 2011
4:03 pm
In 2009 Boise St opened up against Oregon (eventual Pac-10 champs) and beat them. In 2010 Boise St opened against Virginia Tech (eventual ACC champs) in DC and beat them. They are used to starting the season in big games. Boise St wins by 10.
Richt's Hammer
September 2nd, 2011
4:04 pm
Pardon me folks. I am an idiot!
John
September 2nd, 2011
4:05 pm
I hope UGA keep the pro-combat uni’s, stop living off the 1980 National Championship homers. Change is good….
SOUTHGADAWG88
September 2nd, 2011
4:07 pm
Tired of all the talk….time to get after it!Go DAWGS!!
kerryb
September 2nd, 2011
4:07 pm
Here we go again. You start a blog on a Georgia story and all the weiney whining Georgia fans come out being pessimistic. Guys come on. perk up, it is a new season, get some optimism going about your team. Every report out of Athens over the summer says that this team is itching to lay the wood to someone.
Omnipotent One
September 2nd, 2011
4:08 pm
BSU wins by 20+ pts….this game will not be close.
Abnerish
September 2nd, 2011
4:08 pm
Now I’ll admit being in a bit of a fog, I seem to recall Murray having his worst game of the season. He’s always been a gamer and gives it his all, but I recall that he overthrew a number of receivers and generally didn’t play well.
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:09 pm
GTBob, remind me how Va Tech did against James Madison the following week. That says a lot more about the quality of the 2010 ACC than it does Boise State.
gadawgs
September 2nd, 2011
4:10 pm
The blogs in Boise are all up in arms about the three players for Boise that were held out. They are BLAMING CMR and the SEC for it. Really? They are saying that it is a conspiracy between UGA, SEC and the NCAA to make sure that UGA wins this game. That is so absurd it is laughable. Now they have their excuse to the reason they got their rear ends handed to them. LMAO! Go Dawgs!
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:11 pm
John, maybe it’s me but the only people I ever see mentioning the 1980 NC on these blogs are 90% tech fans, 10% other. Time to come up with a new line of BS.
GTBob
September 2nd, 2011
4:12 pm
True GeoffDawg. They also beat Florida State who had no problem beating Florida and South Carolina. Two teams that were better then UGA. So basically last year:
Boise > James Madison > Va Tech > FSU > USC > Florida > UGA
Isn’t determining who is better by association fun?
Shoebacca
September 2nd, 2011
4:12 pm
Hahaha, thanks Geoff for reminding me that the ACC champ lost to James Madison. hahahahahahahahahahaha
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:14 pm
I wish we had and inside man at the NCAA. Wouldn’t have lost AJ for FOUR games for selling his personal property.
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:16 pm
Bob, you left off the last one for 2010: UGA > GT. We both had mediocre records. At least ours came in a grownup conference.
Cuz
September 2nd, 2011
4:16 pm
Why is the clock moving so slow?
Dawglasville
September 2nd, 2011
4:16 pm
Penetration up the middle will go a long way to solving all of our problems (”That’s what she said.”) If the nose guards live up to the billing we win. I really do believe it is that simple.
1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:18 pm
Abnerish, was he over throwing his receivers or trying to get rid of the ball before he got killed?
Cuz
September 2nd, 2011
4:18 pm
I am a Dawg fan and I would like to mention the 1980 National Championship. It was fun. I was there. But it has no bearing on this game or this season.
Now back to 2011. GATA DAWGS!!
Return to Glory
September 2nd, 2011
4:19 pm
Time to smack the WAC, look at the last two WAC teams we faced: Boise State in 2005 and Haw. in 2007 destoyed them both, Saturday the beat goes on UGA 37 Smurfs 23
1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:22 pm
GTBob, with that kind of logic it’s easy to see why you’re having trouble finding gainful employment.
Nerds! Nerds! Nerds!
September 2nd, 2011
4:24 pm
If the Dawgs score more than 30, they win.
UGA 31
Boise St. 21
Rest of the SEC
September 2nd, 2011
4:26 pm
1eyedjack thinks that Georgia is Goliath. Serious? It just doesn’t get any funnier.
GTBob
September 2nd, 2011
4:27 pm
lol at 1eyedJack thinking he has any idea what I do for a living. It’s pretty sad that is the best comeback you could come up with.
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:28 pm
Rest of the SEC – if that’s the pinnacle of humor for you, I’m guessing that you’re just crazy about Carrot Top.
RedandBlackDAWG
September 2nd, 2011
4:28 pm
I don’t see an emotional letdown after Boise gets beat tomorrow night that will hurt us when we play S.C. I feel just the opposite will happen. These young kids will feel then, that they have got it together, and will be really up for the S.C. game.
Of course, I expect to see a bunch of negative bloggers complain that Boise is missing two starters and one back up Defensive lineman, so they will say UGA beat a depleted Boise team. Never mind that some of these same negative bloggers have said how deep Boise’s team is. No matter what they say though, it will still be a “W” for UGA and the players will usew this to build on.
UGA fans should look forward to a lot of new handles on these blogs in days to come, since the old handles will look pretty stupid to use after tomorrow night.
GO DAWGS and GATA
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Ouch Bob, sounds like he struck a nerve.
BankerDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:29 pm
I think the Dawgs are giong to win, so let’s get that out of the way first.
However, I don’t think your logic that this game means more to UGA holds water at all. This is Boise’s season…period. They lose this, there is no hope of a BCSNC.
We can lose this and go on to have a fine season that may include a second trip to Atlanta and a possible invite to the BCSNC.
Maybe you can argue it means “equal” to both, but there is no way Boise’s mindset is even close to what you portray in your article.
That’s ridiculous.
Anyway…see everyone at The Dome.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGS! SIC ‘EM!
@1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:29 pm
And we may be hearing Delmar say, “Oh George, not the livestock”
1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:29 pm
It’s a metaphor. Put your teeth back in.
Dan
September 2nd, 2011
4:30 pm
ON ESPN Poll, over 100,000 votes, 65% say Boise wins.
1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:31 pm
GTBob, I could have said I think you are equal to or greater than a complete doofy.
boots
September 2nd, 2011
4:31 pm
From your mouth to the Lord’s ears, Mark. Best time of year – Let’s Get It On!!! Look for Boise to run a couple of trick plays, but the Dawgs win at the line and the Defense will be a lot better than people expect. A LOT better. Go Dawgs!
GTBob
September 2nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Return to Glory, you may want to check what conference Boise St plays in again.
Knightro
September 2nd, 2011
4:32 pm
UCF > UGA
Dan
September 2nd, 2011
4:33 pm
173,000+ votes, 66% on Boise WIN.
http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/polls?pCat=46&sCat=2428
Dan
September 2nd, 2011
4:34 pm
State of Georgia 1 of 5 states favoring Georgia. Boise is favored in 45 states.
Abnerish
September 2nd, 2011
4:35 pm
1eyedjack – heck, I don’t know. Honestly, I tried to put that game out of my mind as soon as it was over. I guess it was just an overall impression I got. My point is that last year was so bad that I just have a hard time envisioning the dawgs playing well and making the plays necessary to win ball games. I hope to God they surprise me and play like the Dawgs of 2005 or 2007. But, I just have my doubts.
Mike
September 2nd, 2011
4:35 pm
I’m want UGA to win but Boise has a lot going for them. If the game was played in Athens
easy Ga. Victory but in the dome Boise will not have a humidity problem. Boise has an NFL QB, also Boise has many seniors in its line up. UGA is talented, however they are young. If this game was at Mid Season advantage UGA. Boise has run same system for years, UGA defense is still getting adjusted to the 3-4. Boise will bring a crowd, they always travel well. If Boise gets a lead, it could be a long night. This is a bad time to play a top ten team, its good for recruiting, bad for trying to put everything together for an opening game.
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:37 pm
Dan, Boise is a media darling and much of the rest of the country has a kneejerk reaction to hate any SEC team. That’s about as reliable as a Venezuelan credit rating.
Buckeye
September 2nd, 2011
4:40 pm
Murray throws 3 picks including one for a pick 6
Isaiah “The Annointed One II” goes for 15 rushes for 32 yards and does not return after half time due to an undisclosed foot injury.
Then, nighmare’s regarding Mr. Lattimore begin.
Boise 31
dogs 10
The ajc blogs then explode calling for (balding) heads,
HA!
1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:40 pm
Abnerish, it’s a new day! We’re undefeated. New attitude alone is worth two touchdowns.
TGT
September 2nd, 2011
4:42 pm
It won’t be close. Dawgs by 20+.
Abnerish
September 2nd, 2011
4:43 pm
Amen to that! I will be pulling hard for them.
GeoffDawg
September 2nd, 2011
4:45 pm
Yep, it’s MWC, not WAC. The difference doesn’t amount to a whole hill of beans.
doggoneit
September 2nd, 2011
4:47 pm
There is simply No excuse to not win this game! WE are Georgia! Either play and dominate like Georgia should or get CMR the hell out of there and find someone who can take the talent we have and lead us to the SEC championship !!! CMR is a pretty boy who hasn’t learned to light a fire under his program!!!
@Abnerish
September 2nd, 2011
4:49 pm
Well, as soon as we get ourselves cleaned up and we get a little smellum in our hair, why, we’re gonna feel 100% better about ourselves and about life in general.
bill
September 2nd, 2011
4:54 pm
My heart says Georgia, but this team needs to show me that they’re not “soft” anymore…I’ll believe it when I see it tomorrow night at the Dome.
1eyedJack
September 2nd, 2011
4:55 pm
A Dapper Dan man. How’s my hair?
bill
September 2nd, 2011
4:55 pm
Prove it on the field!