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
Hank
October 28th, 2009
8:50 am
Hey Bulldogs! Remember the old saw: If and buts were Christmas nuts we would all be fat and happy. Get a life. Go recruit some football players and a new coach.
NC Dawg
October 28th, 2009
8:53 am
love the dawgs +16.
Joe Friday
October 28th, 2009
9:20 am
If it takes photos above lockers to get up for this game, something is wrong. This is Ga/Fla, that should be enough. No more gimmickry of putting photos up as reminders. Just strap up and play your heart out.
Dawg Tired
October 28th, 2009
10:17 am
It ain’t about play calling people! Y’all can blame Bobo if you want, but I respectfully submit if any of us were trying to call plays for an offense with absolutely no running game because the o-line can’t block their own grandmas, we would get the same, if not worse, result (last time I checked, Bobo was not the o-ine coach). It’s about blocking and tackling and if we have not learned how to do those two things any better than we were doing them before the off week, this is going to be really, really ugly. In fact, if we continue to not block and tackle any better, this will potentially be the most embarrassing game we’ve had to suffer through in a long, long time. And that’s saying something!
As for play calling – it ain’t rocket science. Watch Florida on offense. Tebow will run the ball over 20 times out of the shotgun. No imagination needed. They will block and we won’t tackle. Result, they gain yardage. Tebow will roll out and throw it 5 yards downfield to a wide open receiver (we don’t believe in actually covering those people). Tebow will hand the ball to the guy standing behind him or beside him. That guy will run several yards before anybody touches him unless he runs into one of his own men. Again, it ain’t about playcalling.
Our only hope lies in the fact that the Gators have not been blocking and tackling very well either, but they do both somewhat better than we do. In addition, their defense seems to have at least been taught to be in the proper positions. For example, they seem to actually have someone trying to cover the other team’s receivers. Not only can our D not tackle very well, they don’t seem to know where they are supposed to be on most plays (they’re either very dumb or have not been coached a lick – I’m going with the latter).
But not to worry folks, we have assured the recruit down in Florida (all 5′ 7″, 165 pounds of him) that Willie is not going away. So get used to no defense. But we will have that 5′7″ 165 pound DB to get after them next year! Oh, by the way, he will be being told what to do by Willie, whom he likes al lot. Apparently it is a permanent thing. Down right depressing.
dawgfacedboy
October 28th, 2009
10:26 am
With our non existent running game, poor blocking, inconsistent QB play, and a defense that hardly every step up, and lets not forget our sketchy kick coverage, and not to mention our overmatched coaching staff, why is it that I should feel good about Saturday?? I can’t rememeber the last time I didn’t think we had an honest to God chance of winning.
LHardingDawg
October 28th, 2009
10:41 am
Some of you, so called, Dawg fans need to get a clue. If you were in charge, you would probably just call off the game. You people are pathetic and need to get another team to pull for. We might lose the game, but, I can assure you the sun will rise Sunday and the house payment will still be due on the 10th. We have been going to Jacksonville for the last 30 out of 35 years. Right now I am 16 wins and 19 loses. Sunday I may be 17 wins and 19 loses or 16 wins and 20 loses. I’ll still be a season ticket holder, I’ll still go to the Auburn game, and as I said earlier I’ll still have a house payment due on the 10th.
MountainDawg
October 28th, 2009
10:51 am
The Bye/Open week in this series is always (for either team). I believe it will help UGA a tad, but doubt it’ll give them the win. The only way the Dawgs defeat UF is….1) no UGA turnovers, 2) limited missed tackles & blocks, 3) red-zone execution and 4) we force+capitalize on UF turnovers. I think the Dawgs might make it close, but will not be able to step up the inconsistencies on offense & defense. <:-(
MountainDawg
October 28th, 2009
11:00 am
Gary S., Logan Gray runs a 4.4 40 y/d…he’s one of the best athletes on the team!
Sautee Dawg, you’re right on regarding this recruiting services & their overrating of players. Far too many 4-5 star players are primadonnas with a sense of entitlement. Remember, busts like Jasper Sanks & Marquis Elmore were 5 star recruits, whereas David Pollack (best defensive player in UGA history) was a 3 star recruit.
Decatur 4 Life
October 28th, 2009
12:20 pm
What’s up with all the Florida vs Alabama matchups? Is that really the matchup the SEC wants to see. Didn’t we see that last year? I think we did and it wasn’t all that competitive. If you ask me Alabama doesn’t have the team they had last year and they didn’t play Florida that well.
They did what they wanted against Bama and Saban’s D couldn’t slow them down. Mark my words, the two won’t meet this year in the dome. Whether it’s Florida or Bama someone will be watching the SEC championship from home this year
And now this?
October 28th, 2009
1:21 pm
I just read where lineman Vince Vance was arrested and of course CMR says that the arrest will not affect his ability to play on Saturday. Of course it won’t – CMR will use any player at any time if he thinks it is advantages to him. IF this were MTSU they were playing – I bet Richt would have suspended him – I we wonder why GA seems to have a discipline problem?
20 yrs
October 28th, 2009
1:33 pm
I am willing to accept a loss as long as tebow leaves on a stretcher!
For all of you who insist on defending Mark “penalties are fine with me” Richt, get real. We are going in reverse. I am tired of people willing to accept mediocraty. Bama and Florida dont!
LHardingDawg
October 28th, 2009
2:07 pm
Vance was arrested for not having a valid drivers license. He was not smoking crack, robbing a liquor store, rape, fighting, or drinking. I’m not sure this warrents being put under the catagorie of discipline, maybe just being stupid and young. Make him run stairs on an off day.
Ward Blakely
October 28th, 2009
2:12 pm
Well, I don’t know how we’re going to do with the game, but at least as a Florida resident I may now be able to have a UGa tag! Check out story on http://www.ijax.com!
Alabama Jack
October 28th, 2009
2:21 pm
God Bless time Tebow and may he score bunches Saturday.
Fix my email account, ya $40k/year geek!
October 28th, 2009
2:22 pm
Vegas has moved to UF-5.5….guess they are getting a little nervous.
B U L L D O G S win BIG!!!!!
“book it” as the other idiots on here say…probably the same morons who yell out “in the hole” at Augusta national.
William
October 28th, 2009
2:30 pm
To win, GA needs a confluence of several things, none of which we have reason to expect. First, no turnovers. We have more than two, the gig is up. Second, we gotta play shootout football, not a slow, fist fight. Their defense is too good too good and too deep. Score fast and let our defense work. Third, keep it simple and clean. Special teams have been good recently. Fourth, prayers, luck, divine intervention, whatever you petition for the improbable. I’m dog fan, and my bet, albeit a small one, will go with them to win.
GaGator
October 28th, 2009
3:35 pm
The Vegas line is +15.5 points for UGA, not 5.5 Mr. fix it.
ATLCT
October 28th, 2009
4:22 pm
shards1967 wrote “When my wife says that UGA is “not like they were even 4 years ago”, we know that we are in trouble. She knows nothing about football.”
Great Comment! I am sure everyone was dying to know what your wife who knows nothing about football has to say about the matter.
Our team is not that bad…Joe Cox is not great, but Richt knew that when he started Stafford over him for three years. Willie Martinez should be on the hot seat, but he may just be a victim of young player’s mistakes, its hard to tell. We still do have AJ Green, who is proof that we can still recruit superstars, all hope is not lost.
No one has stepped up at RB, but the committee may be the way to go until someone does step up and look like a Knowshon Moreno. We lost our playmakers to the NFL and our two studs from last year are already producing with the big boys. Its gonna be hard to replace them, but we have talent…it just needs to all come together.
Corrine Brown
October 28th, 2009
4:36 pm
Go Gata
Sting 'em Buzz
October 28th, 2009
4:38 pm
The best case scenario for Tech is to have UGA win until COFH and then fall. Otherwise there is no bump for Tech running the table.
I’ll bite the bullet and pull for the boys in red to win on Saturday.
barneyb
October 28th, 2009
5:04 pm
So now Vince Vance gets arrested? So is CMR just gonne “love him” too, since he’s not suspending him for the Florida game? These guys are out of control. No discipline on or off the field, and very poor coaching. Cut the dreadlocks, stop dancing to Soulja Boy, and it’s time to clean house from the top on down! Anything less is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic.
DawgBite
October 28th, 2009
5:07 pm
Some of these Tech fans in here talking about 2 and 3 star players seem to forget that right now Paul Johnson is winning with Chan Gaileys top 10 recruiting class from 2006. What happens when he really does have to play with the 2 and 3 star players that populate his #49 and #52 recruiting classes?
Larry Hayes
October 28th, 2009
5:57 pm
Florida 31 / Georgia 10
Florida would have had 7 more points except for a questionable call.
GaCracker
October 28th, 2009
6:01 pm
Did you see Tebow just give up on trying to tackle the Miss. State back that picked off his pass and returned it for a TD. He didn’t even try to tackle him and quit running after him at about the 28. My respect for him took a huge tumble on one play. He wussed out!!!!
HappyDawg
October 28th, 2009
6:09 pm
MARTINEZ MAGIC……Florida collapses to onslaught of Justin Houston…….Byron Evans picks off 4 Tebow throws…….BOBO “THE GREAT GAME STRATEGIST”……..comes with 15 screen plays 7 to Carlton Thomas who runs wild…….Prince Miller returns punt for TD……..3 Field Goals missed by UF kicker………Tebow stuffed……….Final Score UGA 49 FL 7.
Larry Hayes
October 28th, 2009
6:22 pm
Happy Dawg has been smokeing to much Happy Weed…
Pit Bull
October 28th, 2009
7:05 pm
I want too know if their was an investigation into why Gators had all those Bye weeks. Who made out the schedules. I can’t believe someone with Fla connections wasn’t behind it. Where was UGA officials at during this time. Why weren’t they complaining about it! Now it’s time Ga gets all those Bye weeks back. Has Damon Evans insisted on that? If not, what does he get paid for? What has Adams done about it. Thats why this program is in the shambles it’s in. Wake up, people!
WHY DO MUTTS BARK?CAUSE BEES STING
October 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
IF YOUR BLACK DONT GO PLAY 4 THE MUTTS OR YOU’LL GET LOCKED UP 4 JUST BREATHING!
WHY DO MUTTS BARK?CAUSE BEES STING
October 28th, 2009
7:46 pm
SEE RACIST WHITEBOYS YOU WANT BLACK PLAYERS 2 CUT THEIR HAIR,PLUS ACT LIKE REDNECKS,NOW YOU SEE WHY THE TOP PLAYERS DONT GO TO UGAY
Fix my email account, ya $40k/year geek!
October 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
GaGator – Yep! Missed the 1…..el typo!
Fix my email account, ya $40k/year geek!
October 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
GoGator- In all reality, I think it will UF 38 UGA 10. We get 3 in the first half and the 7 at the end when your 2,3,4 stringers are in. Your DBs are gonna have a field day with Cabbage Patch QBing.
Our D will be worn down because they will be on the field all day due to Bobo’s 3 and out play calling.
Could get uglier but I really don’t want to contemplate it on a Wednesday night. Oy!
Buzzfan
October 28th, 2009
9:36 pm
I’ll be pulling for you guys to defend the honor of the grand old state of Georgia for three reasons: [1] it will enhance our strength of schedule, [2] any defeat of teams ranked above us is helpful, amd [3] I tend to root for the Dawgs to win all their games except except against Tech. There are
Buzzfan
October 28th, 2009
9:45 pm
Ooops. I’m using my daughter’s computer & the above posted too soon. I was saying that few states can boast two football teams with such rich traditions over the past hundred years and records as Georgia. I can think of Alabama, Michigan, Indiana, Texas [a huge state], California [also a huge state], and Florida [only since the 1960's].
GO DAWGS!!
BEAT THE GATORS!!
G8TR
October 28th, 2009
11:51 pm
Forget calculating the effect of bye weeks. One of UGA’s three measly victories over UF since 1990 was against Ron Zook the week after we had just fired him. Maybe you should hope for that scenario again to help give your program an “edge” in the series. Stop whining about refs and celebration calls and complaining about bye weeks and take a timeout. No, wait. We call the timeouts. Dawgs may not leave the field until they’re told it’s time to get off the grass and go back inside….
Not Disappointed!
October 29th, 2009
1:43 am
Okay pups take it to them in Floriduh!
Ramblin Wreck!
Dawg Tired
October 29th, 2009
7:12 am
G8TR – When you get all the calls, one which actually enables you to beat that power house team from Arkansas, it’s pretty easy to tell others to stop whining about refs. How about stop telling others what to do and stay on your own team’s websites? Oh, you don’t have one. Wonder why?
Ga Dawg
October 29th, 2009
2:43 pm
Florida fans seem to forget that we hold the all time series record 47-38-2. UF may have dominated the series since 1990, but the law of averages say that the series will turn back around. On another note, I like all the confidence the Florida fans have, the past three times we have beaten them was when everyone gave us no chance. Plus in the end, I’d rather lose to UF than wear jeanshorts and wifebeaters and win.
I feel one coming on!
October 31st, 2009
10:36 am
It’s saturday mornig and I’m feeling a rumbling in my gut. Better head to the water closet and take a big ole stinkin “Willie Martinez”
King Gator
November 2nd, 2009
11:12 am
This just in, the bye week was not a factor. Gators own Dawgs again!