Gators favored by 16; does the bye week matter?
A few notes on Monday of Georgia-Florida week:
— Oddsmakers have made Florida a whopping 16-point favorite over Georgia on Saturday, even though the Gators have won their past three games by an average of 7.7 points — 10 over Mississippi State, 3 over Arkansas and 10 over LSU.
— As you know, Georgia is coming off a bye week and Florida is not. So here’s the data on open dates as they relate to the Georgia-Florida series: Georgia is 3-2 vs. Florida when coming off a bye week, while Florida is 14-4 vs. Georgia when coming off a bye week. The Bulldogs’ most recent win over the Gators -– in 2007 -– followed a UGA open date. That’s the only time since 1991, until this year, that Georgia had an open date before the Florida game. Florida, on the other hand, has had a bye week before playing Georgia 13 of the past 16 years. For whatever all of that is worth.
– Mark Richt was asked Sunday about the impact of the bye week. “With this game or series, I think there’s probably a little bit too much made of it,” he said. “Georgia, quite frankly, hasn’t had many open dates [before the game] and Florida has, but I don’t know if that has been the biggest factor other than whoever’s better that day.” He added: “It’a always nice to have a break, no doubt about it, and you hope you can turn it into a positive for your football team. But there is just no guarantee of that.”
– Overall, Georgia is 11-3 under Richt following an open date, including 1-0 vs. Florida.
— Just to put Florida’s defense in perspective: It has allowed only four touchdowns this season – two rushing, two passing. (The other two touchdowns scored against the Gators were on interception returns.) Florida is No. 1 in the nation in total defense, No. 2 in scoring defense, No. 2 in pass defense. Said Richt: “They’ve got guys at just about every spot that are better than your average bears, you know. They are just going to be a great challenge for us, no doubt.”
— Among the many strengths of the Gators’ defense: cornerbacks Joe Haden and Janoris Jenkins. “If you had to draft two corners, I know the two I’d pick for my team,” coach Urban Meyer said. “And we got them.”
— Tim Tebow had perhaps his worst game as a Gator last week, and that did absolutely nothing to lower Richt’s regard for him. “I’ve said Tebow is one of the finest players in the history of college football,” Richt said Sunday, “and my opinion of him hasn’t changed a bit.” Tebow, you’ll recall, accounted for five touchdowns vs. Georgia last season — three rshing and two passing.
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189 comments Add your comment
To He** with GT
October 26th, 2009
4:11 pm
To all the Techies reading this blog, I cannot wait to ruin your national title hopes. You are not due for a win for another 8 years like last time.
Paul Johnson wears a Snuggie
October 26th, 2009
4:24 pm
GA’s pathetic predictable offense will not have 50 yards against the Gator D on Saturday. Tebow will score at will with our terrible defense. The week off is just prolonging a loss another week. I am a realistic GA fan, and we have no shot based on what I have seen from this team so far this year.
if a bullfrog had wings
October 26th, 2009
4:26 pm
I will say it everyday this week, thank goodness Steve Spurrier is not the Florida coach folks, because it’s going to get ugly!
Grandad
October 26th, 2009
4:27 pm
Bryan G.: Thanks. Coach Felton…great guy, but I must agree with your logic.
biggest dawg fan in fla
October 26th, 2009
4:40 pm
i agree with jake. UGA upsets the mighty lizards. i believe in the team we have.
GaGator
October 26th, 2009
4:51 pm
jake
October 26th, 2009
3:29 pm
A.J. will have 223 yds. in completions agst. Gators porous pass D.
Jake,
You’re an idiot; the Gators are the # 2 pass defense in the country, the # 2 scoring defense and the # 1 total defensive team. Check your facts, go to NCAA. Com/stats. (btw, you are hoping AJ gets receptions, not completions, unless of course Bobo switched him to Qb during your off week)
Independent Thinker
October 26th, 2009
5:14 pm
Jake: what are you smoking? You should start selling it!
collegeballfan: Poor recruiting? What happened to all these 4 and 5 star recruits and highly touted classes Richt supposedly brought in?
GT coeds are dawgs
October 26th, 2009
5:22 pm
less jus hope urban has forgotten the celebration penalty…
Mike
October 26th, 2009
5:25 pm
Sicemdawgs.com wrote a history of the Georgia-Florida “off week” last week. Here is the link:
http://www.sicemdawgs.com/2009/10/georgia-florida-and-the-off-week/
Douglas
October 26th, 2009
5:26 pm
I hate to say it….but some times things have to get worse before they get better. The positive side of UGA continuing to lose: some coaches will have to go!
Buckhead Bulldog
October 26th, 2009
5:30 pm
Real good focus Dogs on the off week….playing your x-box, going to other games around the SE, hanging out in DT Athens…..real good focus.
This is going to be a nightmare of a game with little Mikey calling plays aginst that #1 Gator D (4 TDs given up this year boys, 4 f o u r 4).
I refuse to EVEN comment about Free Willie’s “game plan” for the Gators…..Loren! Whaddya got.
Sorry for being a pessimistic Dooley but the facts are the facts.
Sanford Drive
October 26th, 2009
5:37 pm
Buckhead Bulldog,
Completely agree.
I follow some of the players on twitter. All they do is eat, play X Box, and go to the Athens Mall.
It’s going to be ugly.
Realist Dawg Fan
October 26th, 2009
6:00 pm
Georgia always talks about tradition… What tradition? One national Championship in 30 years is not something to brag about! Especially; with the likes of top powers like Southern Cal and Florida in the hunt year in and year out for the National Championship. Not to mention that every Top Recruit across the nation dreams of playing for Southern Cal and Florida. Georgia needs to Step Up to the plate and take action to regain National Prominence and stop thinking that Georgia is the God of Football schools. For Crying out load… We need a make over from top to bottom to change our thinking and create a better outcome for Georgia’s football program…. New Coaches and Administrators, New atmosphere i.e. new updated logo, uniforms, marketing so forth, Recruit more nationally from the West coast; Midwest not just predominately the east coast. Forget trying to hire within or former players… Get a Fresh Start …. Its time to make Georgia Great!!!
Dennis G. Berdanis
October 26th, 2009
6:06 pm
16 point underdogs. Figure the refs are worth 10 points of that, since they’re determined to get a UF/UA championship game.
dbc
October 26th, 2009
6:21 pm
I wish I could be optimistic, but I’m not. These Dawgs have a slew of problems that aren’t gonna be fixed simply by having a weekend off. The problem remains coaching and their ability to put the players in a position to have success. It seems like UGA does more to help other teams versus their own players. The safeties play so deep, it’s like playing 11 men with nine. Dawg defenders allow receivers a free release and let opposing quarterbacks make easy conversions. Mediocre QB’s have career days against the Dawgs (i.e. Garcia, Mallet and Crompton.) The predictability of this team makes it easy for other teams to exploit the many UGA weaknesses. I really hope I’m wrong and the Dawgs finally put it all together. But I would be very surprised if it happens. This team needs a serious infusion of ass kicking coaches. And CMR, please don’t demote Willie and make him secondary coach…he needs to go…period.
Monty
October 26th, 2009
6:22 pm
The bye week does matter. In 2004 the Dawgs won and neither team had a bye before the game. In 2007 the Dawgs won. They had a bye week and Florida did not. All the other years Florida had a bye week before the game and the Dawgs played the week before the game. There is no doubt that the players and coaching staff are burned out after playing 7 straight games without a week off then having to play a good team like Florida who just had two weeks to rest and get ready. Florida is playing like a tired and beat up team right now and that was the excuse they used two years ago when the Dawgs won. They will be using it again after this years game. They should go long to A.J. Green early and often. Spread the offense and put Thomas Carlton in the backfield. Need somebody fast back there that can hit some holes. It is always fun to be at the Jacksonville Landing after a Bulldog victory. That has not happened enough over the last 16 years it will happen this year. See Y’all down there.
Go Dawgs!
Gators eat boogers
October 26th, 2009
6:26 pm
COME ON DAWGS, HUNKER DOWN AND HIT THAT CHEESE BALL HEBLOW IN THE MOUTH!!! HE WILL NOT RESPOND IF YOU POP HIM A COUPLE TIMES!!! GATA AND KICK SOME A$$$$$!!!
gators81
October 26th, 2009
6:27 pm
finally…beatdown week has arrived…heading for the landing…see you mutts there. remember to tip your bartender, and no vomiting in the sink!
Gators eat boogers
October 26th, 2009
6:30 pm
ANY PLAYER OR FRIEND OF A PLAYER READING THIS: PLEASE REMEMBER OSCAR MEYER CALLING TIMEOUTS AND SMIRKING ON THE SIDELINE AT THE END OF THE GAME LAST YEAR. ALSO TEBOW CHOMPING TO THE CROWD. HAVE SOME PRIDE AND BEAT THAT CHEESY BUTT!!!!!
Rather be a dead Dawg than a gator
October 26th, 2009
6:31 pm
gators81,
Everyone knows Dawgs tip better than Gators. Also check the dress code before entering with jorts!
gators81
October 26th, 2009
6:46 pm
i just bought 2 more pair of jorts..love the way they feel…my jorts will look better than your red and black wife beater!
Gator Bob
October 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
This game is going to get ugly!
Really thought UGA was going to dominate – escpecially after 2005 – what the heck has happened to your team? This program is sliding – 2009 is merely providing clarity as Stafford and Moreno are not their to cover up the issues.
Here is what is going to happen:
Offense
– UGA will attempt to establish the run by coming out passing.
(this is really the best thing for UGA as if they attempt to run first – they will find themselves 3 and out and in predictable passing situations)
– Defense – UGA gas got to contain the DIVE play first – then focus on the ends.
FLORIDA
Offense – Establish the ground game – and the game is over.
Defense – contain Green and the run game – game is over.
Prediction – IF UGA can move the ball early by passing – will open up some running plays – UGA can hang in there.
If Florida stops UGA early – and scores early by pounding and a few throws to keep DB’s and LB’s honest – this game will be over quickly -and it could get out of hand…..like last year.
GATORS ROLL 42 – 9
Rather be a dead Dawg than a gator
October 26th, 2009
7:03 pm
I’ve never seen a red and black wife beater. Has anybody EVER seen a red and black wife beater? I bet it would look pretty sharp, though we would probably have to call it a GATOR BEATER!!
Gator Bob,
good luck with all those SHUT downs for the game to be all over…games are played on the field , not by cheese ball fans proclaiming greatness on blogs. BTW, why the change from 30-9?
Monty
October 26th, 2009
7:44 pm
If the refs show up wearing Jorts and blue/orange striped Jersey’s I’m leaving the game before kick-off and heading for Hooters at the Landing!!! Let me get back to crying in my beer. I just read that ole Willie is not leaving. Not on his own terms anyways! Hopefully!
Go Dawgs!
Dawgmaster
October 26th, 2009
8:01 pm
Win or lose, we must all admit that the Georgia-Florida game in Jacksonville is by far and away the very best atmosphere for a football game (and a party for that matter) on the planet. Nothing else even comes close. However, I am really ready for this game to be more competitive on an annual basis as I am sure even the Gators wish. Enjoy it while you can. The Gators will be #1 for five more days!
Dawgproud
October 26th, 2009
8:28 pm
I think people will be surprised on saturday…GO DAWGS!!!!!
Georgia Tech
October 26th, 2009
8:30 pm
georgia wins by 1 16 to 17
Gators BETTER drop past us when yall DO win…Dang it
UGA Alumni
October 26th, 2009
8:34 pm
Funny. I just stumbles across a conversation I had with a buddy about the ‘08 GA vs Fla game. It echos the same issues we are having on D, this year = CWM has not made progress and must go…Here were my comments about our D from the note….
*******************
Our D has me a little concerned, especially with the fact that Florida can score quick. We have to control the clock on O and try and keep Tebow and company off the field. We simply cannot make the defensive mistakes against FLorida that we made against LSU. Must tackle better, must get constant, quick pressure with our front 4, can’t have mental lapses with our defensive passing schemes. We appear to do better against teams that try to run the corner and not up the gut. Florida is that kind of team, so hopefully that works to our advantage.
**********************************
Ouch!!!
DawgNation
October 26th, 2009
8:36 pm
Georgia Tech,
It won’t happen since the ESPN lord and masters of all college football will not allow their favorite child to stray to far from their projected match ups in Jan. I do find it very humorous that Tech fans are pulling for Georgia in this one. It is nice to come in her without the normal hate being spewed. I know things will return to normal after Saturday though building up to Nov. You guys get ready for Duke and Wake.
DawgNation
October 26th, 2009
8:52 pm
here that is…..I can hardly wait for the comments on that goof.
Georgia Tech
October 26th, 2009
9:20 pm
DawgNation,
All I got to say is WHEN FLA looses this weekend we’d better be ahead of them….There was no justice in this thing. None in the LSU FLA game, and none in the FLA arkensas game (although the pigs did it to them selfs more than the reffs)…there is no Justice if we get screwed again this week..
DawgNation
October 26th, 2009
9:23 pm
Well my friend welcome to our world. It happened to us last year as well. After starting #1 all we did was drop in the ranking for WINNING!!!
real
October 26th, 2009
10:16 pm
Monty’s post made me laugh out loud
Whatever
October 26th, 2009
10:17 pm
It really wouldn’t surprise me if UGA beat FLA. -coming from a tech fan
Luke
October 26th, 2009
10:20 pm
Think about it like this:
Martinez trying to stop Florida
Bobo trying to score against Florida
Richt hoping the SEC doesn’t allow Meyer 4 timouts in the fourth quarter.
Bryan Evans playing = lol
Whatever
October 26th, 2009
10:25 pm
Good one Luke. haha.
Do you wear jorts?
October 26th, 2009
11:13 pm
I hate to say it but my Dawgs don’t have a chance with the legend CWM dialing up the defensive schemes on defense. Wait, Tennessee just ran another naked bootleg. Fire Willie CMR or it will be your head soon!
Whatever
October 26th, 2009
11:37 pm
It would be funny if you whining UGA fans fired Mark Richt and then he went to FSU or THE U and one a National Championship….Just a thought.
Flatsdawg1
October 27th, 2009
12:26 am
Ok so if i can drink enough ,which i can,the hangover will overshadow the loss. I hate to think like this but maybe CWM will be closer to the chopping block after this one. If Cwm would start putting the secondary in position, i/e man to man ,to make plays , hey maybe they can make one or two on tebows bobble- headed passes of late. Then we can have a chance with a decently called bobo effort.If , not I could be at the landing hitting on chicks with short jorts by halfftime. Go Dawgs!
murfdawg
October 27th, 2009
12:39 am
GT did beat ND in 1980 to help us move to #1. Maybe we can help them this year. We don’t seem to be able to help ourselves.
firemarkricht.net
October 27th, 2009
12:39 am
At 12:58 PM, 1:02, and 1:04 PM: ‘Change is coming’ and ‘Baton Rouge Dawg’, I never heard back. Are you’re trying to figure out your new noms de plume? Try ‘Changed my allegiance’ and ‘Baton Rouge Richt’. If you love Richt more than UGA, that’s cool. Just come out and say it.
Heath
October 27th, 2009
1:53 am
The SEC is never going to allow UF or UA to lose this year and spoil their ranked #1 vs #2 championship game. If your team plays them the rest of the year, may as well forget it. They aren’t going to be allowed to lose until they play each other.
this is bs
October 27th, 2009
2:12 am
You heard it here first…Gators will wreak havoc on our defense and Willie will still be coaching defense next year…unfortunately at UGA
macrotech
October 27th, 2009
2:30 am
The UGA defense needs to get their “blood lust” attitude back! If they can pop a couple of UF players in the mouth, then they might set a tone for the game that COULD parlay this game into a victory! Of course, Bobo is going to have to get a little more creative with his play calling…the tools are there…just have to get the hammer out and use it! Good luck!!!
god and greyhound
October 27th, 2009
5:15 am
Amazing what a week of not seeing the mutts stumble around the field can do for their faithful. They think they’re going to win the national championship again!
Florida 77 uog 3
Book your reservations for SHREVEPORT now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
reebok
October 27th, 2009
7:55 am
Tech fan here. Georgia has a good shot at winning this game…the bye week will help, and Tebow has not been the same player since that shot to the head. Good luck, Doggies…See you on The Flats in November!
Call it Like It Is
October 27th, 2009
7:57 am
Bye week will not help.
Gators roll big again in this one.
Enough Said!
Willie Martinez
October 27th, 2009
8:08 am
UGA has a good shot at winning this game if the entire gator team comes down with the swine flu!
Ugaproblem
October 27th, 2009
8:13 am
Gators coaches have their players ready for this game. Uga coaches don’t have a clue. Let’s try an onside kick to start the game. OMG. Just play football. Win or Lose. Good luck Dawgs.
Ugaproblem
October 27th, 2009
8:16 am
Willie Martinez will never be successful with that weak defense he runs. Defense wins ball games. Look at florida, lsu, Alabama, etc.