Even if Brantley starts for the Gators, Georgia’s still favored
Yes, here's that picture of John Brantley again. No, I couldn't find a better one. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
The Vegas folks waited a while before posting a line on Georgia-Florida because they wanted to see if Florida quarterback John Brantley is apt to play. On Monday, the Gators classified Brantley as “probable.” And Georgia has been made a three-point favorite.
Which makes you wonder: If Brantley had been listed as “doubtful” or even “questionable,” would Georgia be a seven-point favorite?
There’s no doubt Brantley makes some difference for the Gators. Florida was 4-0 and had taken an early lead on Alabama — which admittedly didn’t last long — the night he suffered his “lower leg” injury. They’ve scored a total of 17 points in two games since.
Brantley has been better under Charlie Weis than he was last season. Had he thrown enough passes to qualify, he’d be second in the SEC in passer-efficiency rating behind Jarrett Lee of LSU. (Brantley’s at 152.6; Georgia’s Aaron Murray is at 150.3.) But I don’t know that Brantley is a Tebow or a Wuerffel or even a Kerwin Bell or a Rex Grossman. He’s a good college quarterback. His presence will give Florida a fighting chance. That said …
Alec Ogletree will return at linebacker for Georgia. That’s a pretty big deal in itself.
Oh, and if you care to chart an intriguing bit of line movement, watch what’s happening with Georgia Tech and Clemson. The Tigers opened as a 4 1/2-point road favorite. They’re now favored by 3 1/2 points, which means: Some speculators out there like the Jackets’ chances.
By Mark Bradley
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304 comments Add your comment
GatorBait 18-3
October 26th, 2011
1:58 pm
Mark,
I wouldn’t get too excited about the Vegas line. The big sport books have NO line for Florida/Ga.
No line at the MGM, Mirage, Wynn’s, Stations, and Offshore Sport book. Hilton, Leroy’s, Caesars, & Harrah’s have the dawgs -3. Bet at you own risk, but remember you got beat by our punter (BTW, he won the Guy Award as the best punter in the country) making the FG in OT. That was a much worse team than you will see Sat. Good luck.
Divided House
October 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
No line because they don’t know if Brantley is starting yet. If he starts, probably Fla favored by 2, if not maybe UGA by 1 or 2.
Red Stick
October 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
Are we talking about women or football?
Dawgs and Gators: whoever has the fewest turnovers and special teams wins this game.
Tech and Tigers: I’m pulling for GT but I just think the Clemson is too strong and wins by at least 10.
Geaux Tigers
Go SEC
sogadog
October 26th, 2011
2:00 pm
My theory is Muschamp who lost to UF 4 times as a player at UGA will transfer the bad karma from the Dawgs over to the Gators and the Dawgs will win the next ten in a row.
DawgInaTruck
October 26th, 2011
2:01 pm
C’mon Divided don’t play THAT hard to get. I have a lot of afternoon to fill up here.
Steveo
October 26th, 2011
2:04 pm
It doesn’t matter who plays for who….it’s Georgia vs. Florida……anything can happen…I am a Dawg fan, but unless Georgia breaks this mental thing with Fla., we will continue to lose. Just go and play and don’t make mistakes…Tackle, don’t just hit and stay away from the stupid personal foul calls!!!!!
Divided House
October 26th, 2011
2:05 pm
So a Redneck riding in a truck and a thug that can’t even spell easy words wants me to hook up with a female gorilla. Okay, sure…
TampaGator
October 26th, 2011
2:06 pm
Enter your comments here
OkieDawg
October 26th, 2011
2:07 pm
Dawgs beat Gators and Vols beat Gamecocks and I’m singing Rocky Top all night long.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n9prNixjbg
Mac Sir Daddy-O
October 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
U on ya on boys. I cant careless wut u does. I gots 2 go c my lil thang. Later haterz.
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
2:10 pm
Chris Peterson will be the next HC at UGA at some point. It’s a done deal pretty much. His buyout is a paltry $650k and he is only making $1million/yr. UGA is going to offer him $4,000,000.
I said a few months ago that the only chance Boise had was to get into a conference that had a automatic BCS qualifier. And wouldn’t you know it…Boise is now trying to get into the Big East. I still don’t think it’s enough to keep Peterson however and I think he will start in 2013 personally.
TampaGator
October 26th, 2011
2:11 pm
To the poster that said Florida’s only DL is Omar Hunter.
Well….Omar Hunter does not start on Florida’s DL these days. Let me introduce you to Dominque Easley (who will be all SEC this year, probably second or third team) and Jaye Howard….who do start for Florida. Both will be playing on Sundays and starting. But Shariff Floyd and Ronald Powell have not lived up to their 5-star hype…and Ronald Powell has probably lost his starting postion to Larentree McCray who played very well against Auburn. The secondary is very young, but is getter better every week. Bostic and Jenkins are good LBs…and the entire defense is very, very fast. Florida will be a very different team if Brantley is 100 percent and the OL plays better. It is those two things that will determine the outcome of this game. But….I would agree that Georgia should be favored at the start of this game. Just too many unanswered questions for the Gators. But I would not bet against the Gators in this game.
P.S. Packing for Jax today.
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
2:12 pm
Sometimes I amaze even myself.
82Dawg
October 26th, 2011
2:13 pm
@UGA Insider…weren’t you the one that said it was a lock that Kirby was the next D.C. at UGA? Think you need to get a new inside source…..
AFDawg
October 26th, 2011
2:13 pm
If the Dawgs have their special teams in order — they win. Hopefully we’ll try a few punt block attempts like the old days.
DawgInaTruck
October 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
But I don’t want to hook up with the gorilla and someone has to do it. And I’m not a redneck, I happen to own a company that brokers sales of large commercial trucks between maufacturers and fleets, etc. If you need one with a sleeper…
Afan
October 26th, 2011
2:17 pm
I dont know how John Brantley is going to make Florida any better this weekend.
The guy hasnt played in a month now and most of that time he wasnt even allowed to put weight on that foot.
anyone that has ever played the game knows that this guy is going to be rusty to start the game.
If UGA jumps on them and puts some pressure on him. It will cause him to move out of the pocket which is what he does NOT want to do.
UGA wins this one guys…
EX-Contributer
October 26th, 2011
2:19 pm
If McGarity gives Richt a five year extension just because he backed into the SEC Championship due to the weakest schedule in the Southeastern conference(maybe of any major conference), then McGarity needs to be fired and then have his head examined.
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
2:20 pm
82Dawg,
I thought Bobo had Smart talked into it. So did Bobo if you want to know the truth. However CMR scared him off when he said he wasn’t going to make any changes to the S&C program. Then a year later McGarity makes him do it or there still wouldn’t be any changes.
But in honesty I missed that one however it was due to CMR and not a lack of info on my part. He would have signed the deal that day if CMR had agreed to bring the S&C program up to par. My bad.
Herschel Talker
October 26th, 2011
2:24 pm
“All of you bozos who are screaming for Richt’s head, when UGA wins on Saturday, are you still going to be calling for him to be run out of town?
How about after UGA beats Auburn?
How about after UGA beats Tech?”
Yes, yes, yes
HT
DawginLex
October 26th, 2011
2:25 pm
Right now, I’m picking Clemson 49-38
I’m also picking florida 21-17 because until we beat them, I’m not picking us.
Hope i’m wrong on both counts because a Clemson fan with a winning team is worse than anything you can encounter…………
Except a gator
DawgInaTruck
October 26th, 2011
2:25 pm
Insider that is not exactly correct. CMR’s relationship with Damon Evans became strained because Richt wanted more money for additional S&C coaches but DE wanted to distribute revenues to win championships in different sports. Commendable to a degree but…
One of the very first things CMR discussed with McGarity was this problem and it’s need for correction. CMR had pressed for this for at least 2-3 years but got nowhere with Evans.
DawginLex
October 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
HT
So let me get this straight.
Richt wins out goes 10-2
SC loses a game
You still think he gets fired ???
Murphy
October 26th, 2011
2:27 pm
Florida will give us fits with or without Brantley playing. Grossman and Leake sure made our lives miserable and they were horrible Q.B’s. Driskoll worries me a little because of his running ability and strong arm.This kid is going to be special in years to come. I really dont care who plays Q.B for the Gators on Sat as long as we get pressure on him.We must stop Demps and Rainey from running the corners.If we do that we should be ok.Take away the running game.
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
2:34 pm
The UGA D wants Brantley to play. The kid is basically one-legged and Washington has fresh legs and will be bull-rushing all afternoon. Look for “Tree” to have 12 or 13 tackles and JJ to have a few sacks as well. I’m still worried about special teams and our red-zone offense.
Fair and Balanced
October 26th, 2011
2:35 pm
This had better be CMR’s best coaching job ever. If it is not…….Ga can’t win. And if he can’t out-coach an inexperienced coach……….done and dusted.
just sayin'
October 26th, 2011
2:38 pm
@fake just sayin’…go hijack another handle…die hard dog fan here…daughter and daughter in law UGA grads….go dawgs….
DawgInaTruck
October 26th, 2011
2:40 pm
Insider, do your sources have any information on the relationship between Evans and Richt and/or their disagreements over S&C? I am absolutely sure about my information and it’s source but your post contradicts it.
Murphy
October 26th, 2011
2:42 pm
I hate to tell you this UGA Insider but Brantley isnt as hurt as you say. He is ok and ready to play.I have seen it with my own eyes. He will play on Saturday and be in same shape he was before his injury during Bama game. Our defense just needs to worry about geeting to whatever QB the Gators throw out there.
Hal
October 26th, 2011
2:42 pm
I hope I’m wrong but I can see Tech having it’s worst loss in years this Saturday
Murphy
October 26th, 2011
2:44 pm
Hal,
Ithink Tech will play well against Clemson but I dont see them getting a win.Clemson isnt going to fold this time.
Murphy
October 26th, 2011
2:47 pm
UGA Insider,
Dont be surprised if Florida starts with one of the running QB’s.Talk is they believe they can gash us like Vandy did and that this is how they can win the game.
Ron Smith
October 26th, 2011
2:48 pm
UGA looks great but look at who they have beaten – Costal Carolina
(who are they anyway?)Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Mississippi State. Not exactly standouts in the football world. With Brantley playing – UF 12, UGA – 9; without Brantley – 0,0 tieLOL.
Predictions: UGA loses – Auburn and GA Tech and another trip to Memphis or wherever they keep the Liberty Bowl but GO Dawgs anyhow!!!
dont get it
October 26th, 2011
2:50 pm
This game feels soooo much like last year. our joke for a HC found a way to lose that one as he will this one. Wake up Dawgs! we have the worst coaching staff in the SEC! Richt is soft and just not that bright (see endzone dance 2007…then next two years score).
dawgfacedboy
October 26th, 2011
2:55 pm
Mr. Bradley- any chance Mitchell doesn’t practice all week and then plays in the game?? Just wondering if they try and give him as long as possible to recover.
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
3:02 pm
Great point Murphy… Grantham is an NFL guy and hates the running qb spread option. I want to see Brantley.
Chris Snow
October 26th, 2011
3:03 pm
What worries me more than anything is how bad our special teams has been playing. It cost us the SC game and just about cost us the Vandy game. That HAS to change on Saturday if we want any chance of beating Fla. I have faith we can get it done. GO DAWGS!!
dawgfacedboy
October 26th, 2011
3:03 pm
It shouldn’t matter who starts at at QB for Floirda, UGA SHOULD win this game easily. The other QBs on their roster have proven they aren’t ready and Brantley has been out a while and should be rusty. If Florida wins this game you can chalk it up to yet another between the ears loss (or outcoached which is very possible) . An injury to Murray or Crowelll is the only other excuse for losing this game.
Chris Snow
October 26th, 2011
3:06 pm
Those “high ankle sprains” have a nat for lingering, it caused Michael Turner to miss virtually all of the 2009 season. We get our start defensive player back as well, so hopefully it bodes well for the Dawgs.
Sourgrapes
October 26th, 2011
3:08 pm
Hate to say it – but I think you Dawgs win, and win huge. You’ll let Florida back in the game in the 4th but still a big win.
My Jackets are going to get slaughtered. Probably for the rest of the year.
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
3:10 pm
DawginaTruck,
CMR and Evans did not have a good relationship near the end. Evans was cheap regarding the football program and I think did not support CMR enough. Remember when CMR used to fuss about not having an indoor practice facility? Those comments were directed for DE. Also, DE would have never paid an assistant $750k/yr. I imagine if it weren’t for red panties Martinez would still be there coaching for $350k. All of our assistants were grossly underpaid as to other SEC assistants. DE was a cheapskate.
Chris Snow
October 26th, 2011
3:13 pm
*star defensive player
bugsquacher
October 26th, 2011
3:15 pm
GO DAWGS…..BEAT THOSE GATORS……GATA
Dr. Dawg
October 26th, 2011
3:16 pm
A high ankle sprain is easy to walk and jog in without noticeable pain. However, when you sprint or make quick movements can cause pain and relapse into sprain. If Brantley couldn’t play 10 days ago I don’t see how it can be much better. The first time he has to avoid sacks he will feel it for sure.
I for one after seeing the injury on TV am amazed he can even walk. That was a gruesome hit.
Chris Snow
October 26th, 2011
3:19 pm
@ Dr Dawg, EXACTLY what I’m thinking.
LHarding Dawg
October 26th, 2011
3:29 pm
I just hope we are in a situation where we can call three timeouts at the end of the game.
Leaving in the morning. Jacksonville Bulldog Club meets tomorrow night at the Omni Hotel at the Jax Landings.
MarineDog
October 26th, 2011
3:32 pm
@UGA Insider,
I think some of the comments that Richt eluded to at the beginning of the season were indeed directed towards Damon Evans. I’m having a hard time calling this game either way. I’m hoping the defense is as good as they have appeared to be. Just not quite sure yet. I will settle for a 1 point win.
Whaw!
October 26th, 2011
3:37 pm
I remember back in 07, we barely got out of Nashville with a win…came back two weeks later and beat the Gators in tune to a 42-30 win. We beat Vanderbilt 20-17 that year and after the game we stomped on their logo causing Richt to get hot…well this year seems very similar to me…how about you?
Chris Snow
October 26th, 2011
3:39 pm
Agreed MarineDog, I could care less if we cover the spread, just WIN!
UGA Insider
October 26th, 2011
3:40 pm
Poor red-zone offense and special teams miscues= disaster
I would predict a UGA blowout however I can’t get the second half of the Vandy game out of my mind. We were sooooooo bad on every level imaginable.