Preview: New Mexico State perfect opponent at perfect time for Georgia

Three storylines . . .

Missing persons. Georgia enters the game without its top four tailbacks. Freshman star Isaiah Crowell, Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome are suspended after flunking a UGA-administered drug test and backup Richard Samuel underwent season-ending surgery on Tuesday for an ankle injury suffered in the Florida game. The Bulldogs will go with Brandon Harton, a 5-6, 174-pound sophomore from Reidsville who was awarded a scholarship in preseason camp, and Kyle Karempelis (5-9-180), a freshman walkon from Norcross.

Not-so-special teams. Expected to be a team strength this season, Georgia’s special teams plays is instead among the worst in the SEC, where it ranks in the bottom half if not dead last in almost every category. The Bulldogs will look to shore up kickoff coverage in particular. They gave up 200 yards and a touchdown on five returns against Florida last week and New Mexico State features the nation’s 12th-best return team.

Calling the Hogs. While most eyes in college football will be focused on Saturday’s night’s “Game of the Century” between No. 1-ranked LSU and No. 2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa (8 p.m., CBS), the Bulldogs and their fans will be more interested in what’s happening in Fayetteville, Ark., at about the same time (7:15 p.m., ESPN). There No. 8 Arkansas (7-1, 3-1 SEC) will be playing host to No. 10 South Carolina (7-1, 5-1). A Gamecocks’ loss will give Georgia sole possession of first place in the SEC’s Eastern Division.

A Georgia win would . . .

Be its 7th straight for the first time in a season since 2007

Be its 71st in 90 homecoming games (currently 70-17-2)

A New Mexico State win would . . .

Be its first against an SEC opponent in 14 tries.

Keep an eye on …

For Georgia: Brandon Harton. The redshirt sophomore from Reidsville is expected to get the start at tailback in the wake of the Bulldogs losing four others to suspension or injury this week. Harton (5-6, 174), a lightning quick and shifty runner, earned a scholarship in preseason camp and had actually worked his way up to No. 3 on the depth chart. But a severe ankle injury late in camp sidelined him for the first two games of the season.

For New Mexico State: Taveon Rogers. The Aggies’ senior wide receiver (6-0, 188) from Lancaster, Calif., is a threat in both the passing and return game. Last week he had 7 catches for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns against Nevada. It was his third multi-TD game of the season. He leads New Mexico State’s wideouts with 32 catches for 669 yards and is also averaging 27.5 yards on kickoff returns with a nation-leading two touchdowns.

The numbers game

6

Offensive touchdowns surrendered by Georgia defense in last 6 games

118-23

Aggregate score of Bulldogs three wins over New Mexico State

24

Tackles by Aggies safety Donyae Coleman vs. Nevada last week

The history book

Series record: Georgia leads 3-0

The last time: On Sept. 28, 2002, the Bulldogs fell behind 7-0 before scoring 41 unanswered points. Damien Gary notched Georgia’s first two scores on a 71-yard punt return and a 20-yard pass from David Greene.

The bottom line

This non-conference game comes conveniently sandwiched between rival contests against Florida and Auburn. Meanwhile, New Mexico State is exactly the type of opponent the Bulldogs need at this juncture of the season. The Aggies feature a high-octane offense (419 yards, 30 points per game) and one of the best return games in the country. Meanwhile, they’re giving up 442 yards a game and their rush defense ranks 111th nationally. So Georgia should be able to absorb its personnel losses while having to stay sharp and focused.

– Chip Towers

377 comments Add your comment

gomdawg

November 4th, 2011
2:44 pm

Difference look up Boise State , Houston , Alabama Win and lost you so damn smart

Difference

November 4th, 2011
2:44 pm

The question before us is whether GA remains a top tier team and their most recent record against other top tier teams indicates at this time they are not. As for the future only time will tell.

Difference

November 4th, 2011
2:51 pm

GA has all the resources of being a top tier team; financial viability, large fan base, located in one of the top football states in the country and in one of the top football conferences. Hopefully these positives will once again translate into top tier type success, i.e. beating top tier teams on the field.

no dog

November 4th, 2011
2:55 pm

Y’all got a ranked team coming up…this month.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
2:57 pm

Bama Rolling to Another Title

November 4th, 2011
2:44 pm
True Dawg Fan and

Low “Life” Country Bum Bulldawg

WOW

You 2 UGA fans make this so fun

You 2 UGA fans are so whats wrong with your program and why your fanbase is the most disliked in the SEC

Legalize dope; LOL boy your program is really the king of cesspools

No wonder you guys win National Championships all the time

woops I meant Fulmer Cup Championships all the time

Why dont you 2 get together for a photo so everyone will know what a UGA debased fan looks like

Well another moron for Alabama, prob roll tide but I will school you anyways.

So bc I can make an intelligent arguement for the legalizing it that makes me wrong?? You have no arguement, prob bc you cheer for bama and arent intelligent enough to even know how to argue it. At least that retard flat tire tried to argue his point, you on the other just say we thats we are hated?? That makes no sense but what can u expect from a retard tree killer.

As for cesspools the only one in the SEC would be Bammer. But good try.

I believe we only won one fulmer cup so once again ur an idiot.

As for rolling to another title, hahahahahhaha you wont make it passed LSU tomorrow and will end up in the capital one bowl most likely ahahahahahha.

And then hopefully for next year the NCAA will end their investigation into Bama and yall will be on probation again for another major violation and will not be allowed to play in a bowl game for 4 years. O and by the way when that happens, Satan makes his move to OSU

MarineDog

November 4th, 2011
3:00 pm

The Sugar Bowl 2006 was played in the Georgia Dome.

Speaking from

November 4th, 2011
3:01 pm

experience of many years in the food and beverage business, some of them as a bartender, I can assure you that DRUNKS are a whole lot more trouble and a danger to society then the smoking of an occasional joint.

Speaking from

November 4th, 2011
3:03 pm

Just watch the Spike channel show “Jail” and see how alcohol affects people’s behavior.

KB

November 4th, 2011
3:06 pm

Thomas brown comes up with the stupidest stats, but heres one to match his Alabama since Nick Saban took over in 2007 Alabama is 2-6 vs teams that finished in the top 10 both of those wins came in 2009.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
3:10 pm

yellowsno

November 4th, 2011
3:00 pm
What True Dawg? You quit talking? Had to get back to billing clients? LOLOLOL

We dont bill hourly actually but thanks for ur concern.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
3:11 pm

Bama Rolling to Another Title

November 4th, 2011
3:09 pm
UGA fans are low class

defending pot head WOW

No wonder your Title is CESSPOOL OF THE SOUTH

U are just describing Alabama and saying its UGA. We all know this. Dont be mad that Mark Richt is 3-1 vs bama

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
3:28 pm

Bama Rolling to Another Title

November 4th, 2011
3:20 pm
True Dawg Fan

Oh well so Saban moves on not like we will find another coach to win another National Championship with

Unlike you bull-tard fans you guys love mediocrity and celebrate it all the time and make excuse after excuse

Oh

Unlike your buddy Flat Man

Im not going to argue with a pot head like you. Why would I argue with someone who uses it and wants it legalized.

Im sure you have a library of books at home with all the reasons why it should be legalized to make you feel good inside about your deplorable habit

You are a great example of what a UGA fan is

By the way where can I find me a 10 win Champions T-shirt at? I know you guys sell plenty of them

Should have known you cant read. Please show me anywhere in my posts that says I use it. Go ahead. You wont find it but you will where I specifically state that I dont, but thats too much work for a retard from Bama to do.

If Saban leaves, your program will collapse back into mediocrity.

No one celebrates mediocrity, we dont want Richt to leave, he brings in top talent every year, most of whihc come to play specifically for him. Im sure Satan has those players as well that only come to Bama bc they want to play for him. Once he leaves it will take at lest 3 years to turn your program back around.

You are too dumb to understand why it should be legalized that much is obvious. And actually dont have any books on it, but I have written a research paper on it about 10 years ago and got an A, but thnaks for your concern.

Yes I am a great example of a bulldog fan, hence the handle true dawg fan. i dont sit here and cry and moan about this and that. I get on here and get angry at the retards calling for Richts head, as well as those nerds that think Tech is some college made of gold.

Are u really trying to say 10 win seasons cant get u into the title game? ask Lsu about how they did it in 07 then.

Thanks for proving my point on how dumb you are!

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
3:42 pm

Bama Rolling,

Do you really think that everyone on this blog doesn’t know that you’re a Tech fan?

It’s as obvious as the fact that Arky will lose tomorrow.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
3:44 pm

It’s as obvious as the fact that Arky will lose tomorrow.

Learn the difference between dream and reality.

Hint: your dreaming on this one

All Saints

November 4th, 2011
3:46 pm

Just a reminder that we’ll be having our regular tribute and moment of silence on Saturday for Saint Jan Kemp, the courageous martyr who exposed UGA and Vince Dooley’s “remedial studies” fraud. Mark Richt keeps the scam going even today, almost thirty years later.

Please approach this special moment with reverence as we honor her sacred name.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
3:47 pm

All Saints

November 4th, 2011
3:46 pm
Just a reminder that we’ll be having our regular tribute and moment of silence on Saturday for Saint Jan Kemp, the courageous martyr who exposed UGA and Vince Dooley’s “remedial studies” fraud. Mark Richt keeps the scam going even today, almost thirty years later.

Please approach this special moment with reverence as we honor her sacred name.

Your an idiot go away from these blogs

G-Dawg

November 4th, 2011
3:47 pm

The fact is…if you dont like the Dawgs…their head coach…how they’re playing..their players…their staff…their fans….then go cheer for another team!!

as for you trolls…you choose to come onto a UGA website..and instigate nonsense. if you dont like our point of view..then you’re more than welcome to go to another one. however, i feel you most have some freudian envy.

Chip Towers

November 4th, 2011
3:50 pm

Jimmy Crack: It just means they keep getting tested ’til they’ve had two in a row in which it’s gone. Doesn’t specify what intervals are.

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
3:51 pm

“Hint: your dreaming on this one”

Have to respect the opinion of a pro.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
3:53 pm

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
3:51 pm
“Hint: your dreaming on this one”

Have to respect the opinion of a pro.

Not a pro, just a realistic football fan.

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
3:54 pm

Hey G-Dawg,

This ain’t your hometown paper Bubba, and it ain’t no “UGA website” – this is the Internet. I doubt that the AJC has a problem with non-homer guests participating.

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
3:55 pm

“Not a pro, just a realistic football fan.”

Sorry. Your user name had me fooled.

DIT

November 4th, 2011
3:57 pm

“and it ain’t no “UGA website”

Nice!

BirdDawg

November 4th, 2011
3:58 pm

Thomas Brown, get a dictionary dumb ass…you sound type like a moron!!!! Go Dawgs

gomdawg

November 4th, 2011
3:59 pm

SIMPLE LOVE MY DAWGS , GEORGIA 45 NEW MEXICO ST. 10

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:03 pm

I believe that Georgia could actually lose this game. Not very likely though.

gomdawg

November 4th, 2011
4:10 pm

Burma Shave , you need to go chill out Crowell his a human he will redeme himself. I would like to know if you have ever made a mistake? I would beat yes. so cool it.

Bama Rolling To Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:12 pm

Bama Rolling To Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:13 pm

Nice how I get blocked on here

real cute while others can use curse words on here and still BE ALLOWED to post

Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:15 pm

Yep really funny

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:17 pm

I always get a clean shave with Burma Shave.

No stubble at all.

Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:18 pm

True Dawg Fan

Anyway before I was censored because I hurt a little puppy dawgs feelings

Saban leaving and Bama going back to mediocrity LOL

Bama won a national Title in the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 60’s, 70’s, 90’s and 00’s dont see anywhere where UGA has done that

So no we wont fall into mediocrity like the debased bullpups

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:19 pm

@Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

Cursing is okay. Boredom is prohibited.

Beachdawg

November 4th, 2011
4:20 pm

Drugs….really…come on MAN! Can’t we just say NO fella’s…at least for the season!

THE DAWGS D RULES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 4th, 2011
4:24 pm

hey gsu 91 the dawgs would kick southerns tails /the sec is tough and we will play anybody,no one will hang 45 on our defense

THE DAWGS D RULES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 4th, 2011
4:24 pm

the game is on css

Lowcountry Bulldawg

November 4th, 2011
4:25 pm

SCAR GO-

Posted twice a description of the Arkansas/SC game but either a filter was tripped or Chip has censored me. Either way Arkansas at home with that offense is in the drivers seat. If they start slow like they have the past two weeks it benefits SC, but w/o Lattimore that offense will be in trouble.

DIT

November 4th, 2011
4:27 pm

Dawgs win by 14 at most.It will be low scoring. This will be the most vanilla offensive game of the year for UGA. Defense plays great.

SC & Bama will lose by very little in hard fought games.

Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:28 pm

SCAR GO

I would have thought listening to all you 10 win champions was boring

but I forgot its not boring to a fanbase wanting pot legalized

Loser mentality on the football field
Loser mentality with your morals

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:29 pm

I never said it would be easy. I just feel like we’re gonna get the upset. It happens to somebody almost every week.

DIT

November 4th, 2011
4:31 pm

@SCAR GO! – I would not be surprised if y’all pull it off. Missing Lattimore in this game will hurt SC more than people know. Good luck.

GO DAWGS!

November 4th, 2011
4:31 pm

What I find funny is that folks can’t be civil to each other on a blog. Is there where all you come to fill like big men? Insulting each other and make sweeping generalizations based the college you chose to attend? Pretty pathetic. Some of you question character about a player or coach and then say insulting things about a university. Gee better look in the mirror.

Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:31 pm

There he is

Low Life Country Bulldog

Mr….. I want pot legalized so I can have a legal job

LOL

Take a picture and post it on this blog so others outside the SEC can see what a Cesspool of the South fan looks like

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:32 pm

@Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

Sounds like you could use a bit of medication yourself. You have a little (pun intended) self-esteem problem, don’t you?

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:33 pm

I bet you’ve got a BIG RED TRUCK though, huh?

Lowcountry Bulldawg

November 4th, 2011
4:34 pm

A Bummer fan making fun of a legitimate idea that could actually “help” our economy. Keep it up I have broad shoulders big guy. I schooled Fart Tar and can take you on aswell.

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:34 pm

Either that, or a fuzzy yellow wig.

True Dawg Fan

November 4th, 2011
4:35 pm

Bama Rolling to Another Title Again

November 4th, 2011
4:18 pm
True Dawg Fan

Anyway before I was censored because I hurt a little puppy dawgs feelings

Saban leaving and Bama going back to mediocrity LOL

Bama won a national Title in the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 60’s, 70’s, 90’s and 00’s dont see anywhere where UGA has done that

So no we wont fall into mediocrity like the debased bullpups

O really how was ur team doing before he came along??? O yea on probation then mediocre at best.

So once he leaves it will only be fitting that u be back on probation and back to a mediocre team.

The low life cesspool is west of our border, right around tucaloooooooooooooosaaaaa

DIT

November 4th, 2011
4:35 pm

“…can see what a Cesspool of the South fan looks like”

I have many friends that graduated from Bama. All I know that only tech people use the “Cesspool of the South” termanology. Either you’re arenot very origianl OR you’re a closet techie. My guess the later of the two.
Just saying, if you’re a Bama fan then act like one.

SCAR GO!

November 4th, 2011
4:35 pm

I’m bettin’ on the wig. I know some real Bama fans. You don’t sound like one to me.