Georgia-Kentucky preview: Dogs seek first road win
(Note: Please join the conversation during the game on Mark Bradley’s live blog.)
The Georgia-Kentucky game (7:30 p.m. Saturday) at a glance:
3 storylines
- 1. Has Georgia’s season really turned? A season that appeared doomed when Georgia lost its first three SEC games was infused with new possibilities when South Carolina lost to Kentucky and Florida lost to Mississippi State last week. Suddenly, Georgia (3-4, 2-3 SEC) was tied with Florida for second place in the SEC East, just ½ game behind South Carolina. Winning the division remains a longshot for Georgia, especially with South Carolina holding a tiebreaker advantage, but the dream will gain steam if the Bulldogs win at Kentucky (4-3, 1-3) Saturday night.
- 2. Seeking season’s first road victory. Georgia is 0-3 on the road this season and 3-5 since the start of last season -– a stark contrast to the Bulldogs’ 30-4 record on the road in Mark Richt’s first eight seasons as coach. (Note: Neutral-site games, such as the annual game against Florida in Jacksonville, are not included in “road” records.) The Bulldogs have won back-to-back SEC games at home but need to validate those victories with a breakthrough on the road at night at Kentucky.
- 3. A big test for Todd Grantham’s defense. Georgia has moved up to No. 3 in the SEC in total defense after strong performances against Tennessee and Vanderbilt the past two weeks. Kentucky, though, will pose the toughest test for the Dogs’ defense since Ryan Mallett and Arkansas. The Wildcats have myriad playmakers on offense, starting with the versatile and dangerous Randall Cobb (33 career touchdowns as a rusher, receiver and returner). Then there’s quarterback Mike Hartline, the SEC’s No. 2 passer (1,791 yards). And there’s 6-foot-5 wide receiver Chris Matthews, who leads the SEC in touchdown receptions (six). The Wildcats will be missing one offensive weapon: Tailback Derrick Locke, the SEC’s third leading rusher, won’t play because of a shoulder stinger, Kentucky says.
A Georgia win would …
- Even the Bulldogs’ overall and SEC records at 4-4 and 3-3, respectively.
- Give the Bulldogs three consecutive SEC victories for the first time since October 2008.
A Kentucky win would …
- Be the Wildcats’ third victory in five years against Georgia, which lost to Kentucky in Athens last year and in Lexington in 2006.
- Make for a happy homecoming night in Lexington. (Yes, Georgia is Kentucky’s homecoming opponent.)
Keep an eye on …
- For Kentucky: Randall Cobb is one of the more versatile players in college football -– a threat running, catching, throwing and returning the ball. The Georgia defense’s first task is to know where he is on the field. He might be at wide receiver, or he might be taking shotgun snaps from center in the Wildcat -– Kentucky calls it the “WildCobb” -– formation. In addition, he returns punts and kickoffs and is the holder for extra points and field goals. His 33 touchdowns in 2 ½ seasons at Kentucky are divided among rushing (20), receiving (11) and punt returns (2). He also has thrown five TD passes, including one on a fake field goal.
- For Georgia: Tailback Washaun Ealey had a big game (123 yards rushing, no fumbles) against Vanderbilt in his return to the starting lineup last week, and the Bulldogs need more of the same from him. Kentucky ranks next-to-last in the SEC in rushing defense, ahead of only … Vanderbilt.
The numbers game
- +4: The turnover margin so far this season for both Georgia and Kentucky, which are tied for second in the SEC in that category behind Alabama (+7).
- 13: Games since mid-season 2006 that Kentucky has come from behind in the fourth quarter to win –- an impressive indication of the Wildcats’ resilience.
- 35.3: Average points per game scored by Kentucky this season, the most by any SEC team other than Auburn.
History book
- Series record: Georgia leads 49-12-2, including 23-7 in Lexington.
- Last meeting: Kentucky won 34-27 last season, the Wildcats’ first win in Athens since 1977, as the Bulldogs committed four second-half turnovers to squander a 20-6 halftime lead.
The bottom line
Kentucky is coming off a 31-28 victory over South Carolina, which one week earlier beat then-No. 1 Alabama 35-21 and five weeks earlier beat Georgia 17-6. Nevertheless, Georgia is favored by 3 ½.
Please join the conversation during the game on Mark Bradley’s live blog.
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195 comments Add your comment
59bulldawg
October 22nd, 2010
2:14 pm
@DawginLex . I think you’re right on the money. The game has that potential IF we can play defense, not turn the ball over, and keep the penalties down. If not it could be a high scoring affair. It could go either way. I really hope the last two games are the start of something good and we can continue to get better. But I need to see more before I’m convinced.
Michael J Fox
October 22nd, 2010
2:21 pm
This Dish Network situation has me all shaken up…
German Shepherd Dawg
October 22nd, 2010
2:57 pm
Piney Woods,
Interesting you believe UK’s offense without Locke is more potent than Arkansas, the only team to hang more than 30 points on us this year.
Thomas
October 22nd, 2010
3:00 pm
These defensive rankings can be so misleading, and these are the things that causes some people to freak out when the team loses. The Bulldogs fefense has just been ranked 3rd due to performances against the bottom of the league teams Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Dawg fans the Defense is still adjusting to Grantham’s 34 so don’t buy the hype.
Statesborodawg13
October 22nd, 2010
3:02 pm
FYI to Dish customers in my area (southeast Georgia) – the KY game will come on at 7:30 pm on channel 421 at no extra charge!! Customer service person put me on hold several times – said 421 and 463 are 2 channels that show games, and 463 is the one that is aligned with pay per view. Not sure how wide an area is included in the free channel 421, but very glad to hear this. Go Dawgs.
Ivey77GaDawg
October 22nd, 2010
3:03 pm
If you can’t get the game anywhere else, go to http://espn.go.com/espn3/index/_/sport/football. This is ESPN3.com which will have the game, and others, for free. You can hook up your computer to your tv and watch it that way.
Boomerang Bird
October 22nd, 2010
3:09 pm
Shouldn’t you be playing Humans vs Zombies or whatever you Tech nerds do these days?
Angry Birds. Much more challenging. I have all but three Golden Eggs.
But Angry Birds Halloween is even tougher.
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
3:26 pm
According to secsports.com, games that are televised by CSS are available on ESPN3.com with no blackout restrictions. ESPN3 is a free site and UGA @ KY is on their schedule. I got my laptop connected to my big screen TV and did a trial run by looking at a couple of previously played games. Worked like a charm. I’m planning to watch every play from the comfort of my family room. Go Dawgs!
dawgster
October 22nd, 2010
3:44 pm
Hey puppydawg…a little info…do you need a usb cable to hook your tv to lap top or just a regular audio/video cable…thanks…
Saben
October 22nd, 2010
3:47 pm
Dawgs lose by 30.
Six more arrests in Athens by Monday.
Jan Kemp and Vince, well you know.
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
3:50 pm
dawgster, I had the same question but after looking at the connections on my laptop and TV, I ended up using an SVGA cable. You can get a VGA cable for about $10 less but I was told that SVGA is better for streaming videos.
dawgster
October 22nd, 2010
3:51 pm
Statesboradawg13…i’m in the northgeorgia area and just checked channel 421 and it shoots me directly to channel 420, which is this continued message from the CEO of dish thats been running for 2 weeks now…anyway, it appears you have to already have this channel as part of your program package…i’m assuming it would have to be 250+ programming…i have 200+…also, it may be that its just not available in our area…anyway, thanks, and it still appears that you can get it on 463 regardless, but you will pay the 24.00 fee…
dawgster
October 22nd, 2010
3:53 pm
thanks puppydawg…i’ll check into that, great info…go dawgs…
Stinger
October 22nd, 2010
3:56 pm
Cats stomp puppies. NO bowl game for you sissy’s this year.
DawgDad
October 22nd, 2010
3:59 pm
Look, I want UGA to win this game, but I just don’t see how home victories over Tennessee and Vanderbilt justify a 3-1/2 point spread on the road against Kentucky. The UGA “improvement” is a fantasy until proven on the field. Flip the spread and I take UGA; Kentucky wins this one straight up.
Camden Mark
October 22nd, 2010
4:00 pm
Whats the deal with this CSS cable broadcast crap for TV.
Half the states on satelite,that means half the states not getting the game on the tube, what the hell.
Scrap the CSS deals, $25 ppv rip off stinks.
Greg
October 22nd, 2010
4:02 pm
ESPN3 on Directv channel 106 Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!
DIRECTV IS KILLING ME
October 22nd, 2010
4:02 pm
I love seeing all the help from people about where to watch the Dogs! BUT I just called Directv and the dude(sounded like he was new) said that no matter what we couldnt see the game on Directv…. he said they just werent showing this…. looking at some of the comments above I fail to believe this… so I am going to try to call back later on tonight and talk with someone else about the One Day GamePlan, and if UGA will be on that! Any other info would be great for the Directv customers!
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
4:15 pm
DIRECTV IS KILLING ME, I feel your pain, brother. The dude at DirecTV is correct. If you subscribe to DirecTV, you will not get the game on any of their channels. I have DirecTV also and I’ve been down this path before. When we opened against Ga. Southern in 2008, the game was on CSS and I exhausted every possibility, including PPV, in an effort to watch the game from my home. I finally ended up at the home of a friend who is one of the last people on the planet that still has Comcast. If you want to stay home and watch the game, you will have to watch it online at ESPN3.com.
dawgster
October 22nd, 2010
4:19 pm
Ok my parents have Direct TV..channel 106 not available, but the direct tv guide says upcoming games with GA-Kentuucky..but channel not listed…usually channel will be listed, so don’t know what that means…Greg, do you have to have a special add-on package with Direct TV..My dad pretty much has all entire package, but channel 106 is not available according to the screen…thanks…
Delbert D.
October 22nd, 2010
4:38 pm
I watched the Ga. Tech game on ESPN3 on my laptop last week. The only time I had audio was during commercials. Other games that day didn’t have the problem.
powderdawgindenver
October 22nd, 2010
4:44 pm
Directtviskilling me…the game is on payperview only for direct tv peeps. i have ordered here in denver..$24.99…still cheaper than my bar tab and no worry about those cops and drinking! GO DAWGS
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
October 22nd, 2010
4:45 pm
for the directv customers- i was fumbling around and searched for it– channel 790…may or may not be available. i’ll know by tomorrow if they’re broadcasting other games but it shows UGA @ KY at 730 right there
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
4:46 pm
dawgster, there is no channel 106 on DirecTV. If your parents have ESPN GamePlan, you can watch UGA-KY on channel 790 if it’s not blacked out. I do not have GamePlan but the last time I looked into it, you could buy the season package or individual games but you must remember that games are subject to being blacked out. Comcast wants to make sure that both of their remaining customers are the only ones that get to watch.
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
4:49 pm
Dr. Noisewater, DirecTV channel 790 is a pay channel. It’s one of the ESPN GamePlan channels.
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
4:53 pm
powderdawgindenver, I don’t think the game is available, even as a PPV event, for people that live in the CSS broadcast area. At least that was the case the last time that UGA was on CSS.
dawgster
October 22nd, 2010
4:55 pm
thanks puppydawg…i didn’t think there was a channel 106 on direct TV..but i was going on what Greg had posted earlier..i’ll pass the info on to my dad about channel 790…thanks
KY CAT
October 22nd, 2010
4:58 pm
Dogs going down tomorrow. I was there last year and watched as georgia totally choked. Our programs are changing places – Kentucky is on the upswing ans will be challangeing – georgia will be trying to stay relevent.
Here is how the game will play out…
a tough, hard fought ball game with some back and forth lead changes and momtem swings. HOWEVER, KY has been strong in the 4th quarter – while georgia has given up long drives and choked when in mattered most in the 4th.
Same will happen – KY owns the 4th quarter – and will win the game
The fire Mark Richt group out there will start screaming again.
Georgia fans will get ready for their annual beat down in Jacksonville …. and start wishing basketball season will soon be here.
As for basketball – Georgia and Kentucky just may be changing places there as well – BullDog basketball is looking very promising!
20oz Bulldog
October 22nd, 2010
5:01 pm
Dawg Dad, I would be happy to take your money. We will win this game big, I am rolling up there tonight to demand respect. We will be having our tailgate very close to the Stadium and I will demand respect from any UK fan who stops to talk.
I also expect, as a representative of a truly national program, that the UK people will move out of my way in the aisles when I go to the concession stands during the game and not to bump into me, even slightly. I also expect to be allowed to the front of the line in the restroom, in front of any UK people.
This is nothing against UK. They are fine people and are developing a good regional program, but we are national, and we will demand respect.
48-7
Tom
October 22nd, 2010
5:03 pm
Game comes down to the wire at the end. Georgia is behind, driving down the field to score. Georgia fumbles, game over.
KY CAT
October 22nd, 2010
5:04 pm
to dawgster – I am new to this site – and you seem to be all over it and have good knowledge about georgia football.
What the heck is wrong with georgia????
Has Richt become stale???
Or is georgia just caught in one of those funky downcyles due to some recruiting classes that did not pan out?
What has happened the last few years in not georgia football – does remind me of the bad Ray Goff years where talent was mid-level – and the team just was not good enough to be relevent – and got in their own way when they were on the verge of a big victory – only to lose.
Your thoughts – and no offense here – but GO BIG BLUE!!!
powderdawgindenver
October 22nd, 2010
5:05 pm
PUPPYDAWG, you might be right…I am way out west so I could not tell you…espn3.com may be the only way to go. Problem would be solved if we were 5-2 or something…we would be on espn or espn2…….but….SIC EM!!
KY CAT
October 22nd, 2010
5:17 pm
20ozBulldog – responding to your post. georgia from time to time is national – but mainly regional. Since conference split – georgia has been thrid fiddle to Tennessee and Florida.
Yes, georgia has been to 3 sec title games – winning two of them – but last I checked – that was years ago – and last year – georgia’s sec east record was 2-3 – suffering blowout losses at the hands of florida and tennessee – and the melt down game against Kentucky.
most georgia fans I have been around up here in lexington are great fans – critical but fair – and classy. sat with uga friends at last years game – after the melt down – they are stated good game – KY made us pay and deserved to win.
you want national respect?
1. do not be a jerk
2. win games – and get back into the sec relevent conversation.
hope your trip is a long one. I am expecting a fierce fight and a win KY to win in the 4th quarter.
dawgforlife
October 22nd, 2010
5:17 pm
Haldeman….Tyrone Sorrels flunked out of UGA and finished at TECH…I love how TECH fans throw up UGA’s academic record…how many engineering major’s are on the football team?..they created the industrial management degree just so they could compete in athletics…don’t sit here and act like special favors are not given athletes at TECH as well…you have guys on your football team that would never be able to get in the school if they were not football players…every college does
Alphare
October 22nd, 2010
5:18 pm
Wow, dawg fans spend more time locating dawg game on TV? SEC East title on line and TV networks see no national audience?
But I feel your pain, brothers.
blazerdawg
October 22nd, 2010
5:24 pm
Ky Cat – you are “misunderestimating” the Dawgs bigtime….new QB, new DC, new scheme, and an OL that would not get low on run blocks, along with incredible fumbles have led to the Dawgs record; but you can see them coming around. Blocking technique is better, defensive impulse is better, Murray is getting better by the series. Even the offensive play calling is much more imaginative.
You have a good team, but look out for the Dawgs.
Matt
October 22nd, 2010
5:30 pm
Anyone have the Pulpwood link for the Kentucky game.
puppydawg
October 22nd, 2010
5:37 pm
Alphare, what channel is showing your alma mater, Morehouse?
KY CAT
October 22nd, 2010
5:38 pm
blazerdawg – you may be right. I only see highlights and read the recaps. Kentucky is good this year – but you have to remember – an 8-4 team at Kentucky or 7-5 gives us hope!!!! 8-4 and 7-5 at Georgia gets you fired!!!
and you are correct that I may totally misunderestimate the dawgs – but I think this will be a hard fought game – coming down to 4th quarter play. From what I know – KY has really played well and will not quite this year. Georgia has been in all of it’s games – but got dominated by SC and MS STATE in the 4th – and could not move the ball when they had Arkansas beat – only to lay down offensively and defensively.
I will say this -if KY can not win the SEC east – my wish is for Georgia to trounce Florida and Tennessee – these have got to be the worst fans. Even after our Auburn loss – Auburn fans did not throw their victory over us in our face – can not say the same about gators or vols.
May the best team win tomorrow – and good luck in the swamp.
blazerdawg
October 22nd, 2010
5:46 pm
Thanks KyCat – I know it will be a fight. The Cats ALWAYS come to play.
I think we can get the lizards this year…wondering about Auburn, they seem to have it going and I believe they are going beat LSU pretty soundly.
Good luck in round ball – we are hoping to have a team in Athens this year, but the whole conference usually ends up rooting for the Cats in April.
KY JELLY
October 22nd, 2010
5:53 pm
Mutts getting excited about playing lowly Kentucky. Now, that’s a joke! KY, VANDY and TN are a combined 2-8. man, tough schedule for the JailBirds. However, I still say you need the KY when this ones over. KY wins a close one. Dawgs go to 3-5 and suck!
clueless
October 22nd, 2010
5:54 pm
blazerdawg
Burn another one dude! Admit it, the mutts suck and are 3-4. THWG! LMFAO!
Laugher
October 22nd, 2010
5:55 pm
KY CAT
Correction needed. UGAG has the worst obnoxious redneck fans in all of college football.
blazerdawg
October 22nd, 2010
5:57 pm
This mutt gets excited about any game the Dawgs play. Dawgs are down but not done,; still a few good ones left on the schedule.
13 arrests
October 22nd, 2010
5:57 pm
20oz Bulldog
You lost respect with 13 player arrests, a 3-4 overall record and a previous AD with soms skank chicks red panties between his legs. Nuff said! UGA = Joke & Jail
Sanford Drive
October 22nd, 2010
5:59 pm
Come on fans, we can still win the NC. I mean………….we are 3-4. If we win out, and the other 59 teams above us in the rankings lose every game, we can get er done. Sickem woof woof woof, we suck.
Idaho State
October 22nd, 2010
6:01 pm
Hey Mutts, don’t overlook our team. We are loaded and ranked like 700th in the powerhouse FCS. I wonder who CMR will suspend for this all important game? hmmm………we will see. LOL!
hairydawg1
October 22nd, 2010
6:23 pm
I said it before. No one will look forward to playing Georgia as the season comes to an end. SIC EM DAWGS!
dawgster
October 22nd, 2010
6:30 pm
KY Cat…looks like a lot of info came your way as far as the dawgs problems…i guess you can see that there are alot of different opinions on what the problems are…here are a few, at least for this year…i will start off by saying that we are not a team that can take anyone for granted…we have a RS QB in his first year that had to play the first four games with arguably the best WR in the county….that didn’t help…our offensive line has not performed as we thought, but you have to remember the unit has had alot of nagging injuries and they, some coming back from Knee surgeries and shoulder surgeries….the RB’s have not performed as expected, alot has to do with the O-Line, but they haven’t stepped up and have had critical fumbles that have come at crucial times…playcalling has been very conservative at best, but that has some to due with our QB being a first year starter..the defense is trying to learn a new 3-4 scheme win the players that have been recruited have played in a 4-3 and we have several new coaches along with a new DC…also, our talent level is down due to numerous reasons, some career ending injuries, dismissals and some that have not performed based on the so called recruiting experts opinions…and of course we have had some off field issues that obvisously has affected all areas of this program…bottom line is had there not been a crucial fumble or two in a few games, we could easily be 6-1 or even possibly 7-0…i know alot of teams can make the same statement, but truly, we are not that far off…i hope this info was of interest to you…due to time restraints, i couldn’t be more detailed, but others have done a fine job in assessing our team…go dawgs…
Dan in Rome
October 22nd, 2010
7:47 pm
Kentucky wins by 10. Count on it.