Outcome of SEC Championship won’t impact LSU’s BCS opportunities
Welcome to championship week. Raise your hand if you expected Georgia to be in this position back on Sept. 11th. That was the day after the supposedly devastating 45-42 loss to South Carolina. To his credit, Bulldogs’ coach Mark Richt did, as his comments after that game indicate.
Since then the Bulldogs won 10 straight, culminating with Saturday’s 31-17 win over Georgia Tech to conclude the regular season. Now it gets real interesting!
Georgia’s season began with a rather lackluster loss to No. 5 Boise State in the Georgia Dome. Now the Bulldogs head back and will face an even bigger challenge in No. 1-ranked LSU in the SEC Championship Game. No one’s giving them a chance to win. The early lines I’ve seen have the Tigers favored by 11.5 to 13 points. So Las Vegas is expecting a rout.
What I think is most interesting about Saturday’s game is the apparent lack of bearing it will have on LSU’s BCS national championship hopes. Virtually every prediction out there has the Tigers still playing in the title game even if they lost to Georgia and even if that loss was a blowout.
There is even some speculation that LSU could clinch a share of the national title with a win over Georgia on Saturday via The AP vote.
That has brought forth some previously unfathomable reasoning. LSU coach Les Miles was asked this past weekend if he had considered resting some of his players and kind of taking it easy for the SEC championship game. Miles’ response was predictable.
“Just so you know, there is no way this football team goes to Atlanta and doesn’t play its best,” he said.
The truth is, the bigger the stage, the better LSU has played this season. The Tigers’ season began with a game against a top 5 Oregon team in the “Jerry Dome” in Dallas and they’ve had “monumental” contests all year, with trips to West Virginia, Alabama and Arkansas. They seem to do their best where the lights are brightest.
“We’re used to being on the big stage,” Miles said Sunday. “I think our guys translate the glare of the lights to making plays in the game. I think they did that against Oregon in Dalaas and they’ve really done it right on through Alabama at Alabama. So we’re kind of comfortable in domes and we’ll look forward to seeing if we can the exact same thing.”
Expect the Bulldogs to get LSU’s best shot.
So does anybody here have a problem with the SEC championship game being rendered moot with regard to the BCS title? And does anybody believe Georgia has a chance in this game?
Meanwhile, we here at the AJC are treating it as a meaningful game. We have a lot of great coverage plans so be sure to check back regularly for updates as we’ll post everything online as quickly as we have it. And feel free to offer suggestions for stories or particular subjects you’d like to see covered.
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573 comments Add your comment
Dwayne
November 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
needs some examples?? starsky and hutch, ten speed and brownshoes, skipper and gilligan, laruel and hardy, thelma and louis
bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
6:52 pm
o lawd…. HiramFool has finally made his way to a uga blog… prepared to be bombarded with the most idiotic comments you might ever see.
bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
6:59 pm
wow 62-10 huh? when was the last time uga allowed a team to score 60? matter of fact the most our D has given up is 35(boise) and that was because of bobo going all spread offense on us. we really gave up 14 points on D the rest were TO’s and punt fake.
bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
6:59 pm
^^^ against SC
CHDawg
November 28th, 2011
7:12 pm
bg, on the TBs I agree. BTW, Bobo didn’t run it that much on Saturday. Tech ran twice as much as we did, but we had the same yards per carry at 4.6ypc. I like Crowell in any scenario; I like our little quick guys when we are blowing holes in the D, and I like Malcome in power situations. I am assuming Samuel won’t be 100%. Malcome came in at the end of the Tech, Auburn, and KY games when they loaded the box with the whole team and he blasted out first downs consistently in all three games. He pushed piles with multiple players on several carries. The kid is strong. Here is what I have noticed. If you get him immediately after the handoff you can stop him cold. If he gets up to full speed about the line of scrimmage, he usually gets 3-6 yards. He has great lean, is strong and his 220+ pound frame helps him a lot. He has mountains of potential, too. Glad we started him Saturday.
Badland Dawg
November 28th, 2011
7:15 pm
dgdawg ..crowell is who I was taking about HE just take himself out of the game..LSU know this they are goning to put shots on him ever play.. NO HEART…gifted player No Heart watch his eyes NO heart
bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:18 pm
yeah we def need malcome and samuel to win vs LSU. I don’t see crowell withstanding the type of punishment that LSU is gonna dish out. LSU looks to also have 1st round db’s all around so we gotta keep it on the ground. crowell thomas and harton will not cut it (crowell might fumble!) we got to run violent like LSU and malcome looks to be the best guy to do that.
bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:21 pm
blands dawg- crowell is a freshman and is about to go against a dline that will more than likely eat him up. my best bet is that we take a page from LSU’s book and alternate the HELL outta our RB’s no one will withstand the kind of beating LSU gives out. heck even richardson couldn’t do it and he is probably gonna win the heisman.
Roll Tide Roll
November 28th, 2011
7:25 pm
Roll tide bitches doesn’t not matter what dumb ass dogs and tigers think fact is we are going.. enjoy the rape yall get only reason Georgia is going is not cause there any good at all they just suck less than any one else in east
bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
@ Roll redneck
its gonna be nice getting that ring while bama gets nada. if you are so good you woulda beat LSU at home. by the way do yall have a kicker who can kick it father than 20 yards?
CHDawg
November 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
I wouldn’t sell Crowell short. He did pretty well against a tough SC defense. I think we will need a stable of backs. LSU and Bama have multiple backs they use; I think a lot of our fans don’t realize nobody can stay in for forty carries anymore. LSU has four tough TBs and we are likely to see them all.
Badland Dawg
November 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
bgdawg you got it crowell is a freshman and LSU know this to my friend so don’t count to much on him…he is not The Man Walker….
Bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:37 pm
Crowell did good vs USC but LSU is a different monster. We need everyone to contribute in this except maybe harton.
B lands- your point is? We will have everyone running the ball come saturday
mike addington
November 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
This LSU NCship situation is the stupidist among some very stupid football situation I think I’ve ever seen. To say that LSU is still perhaps the No. 1 team in the country after UGA whips their butts is the height of irrationality. However, to carry this stupidity a step farther, lets say UGA stomps LSU, which they will do, then LSU plays BAMA again and wins, and UGA meets Boise st in a bowl and blows them out. What say you then, you football geniuses? Is everybody up there drinking jungle juice?????
mike addington
November 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Badland Dawg, I couldn’t agree more. Crowell is a girl
Sonny B. Layne
November 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Anyone up for a Fish Fry? You may have to cut & paste if image does not show.
http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL916/480237/17453568/399744958.jpg
SEC Fact Finder
November 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
This is a Georgia Blog so therefore I will respect the UGA nation with my comments.
LSU is one of those big physical teams who also has tons of speed to help them in their game planning. As I have been on the sidelines for two of LSU games this year I have seen their pure physical power and speed. Against a very fast Oregon team in their opener, LSU was so much quicker. The hits being passed by LSU on the Ducks were pretty impressive. The game was close for a while but you could see the Oregon players slowing down and adjusting their bodies to some real hard hits being passed. By the middle of the third quarter it looked like Oregon had enough of the myriad of playes attacking them from every angle.
I saw UGA play USC and Miss. St one from the sideline the other from the press box and in both cases I saw a very quick defense who were making adjustments on the fly and forcing the offense from both clubs into minor mistakes. From I have seen it looks like UGA has probably the most improved defense in the league.
UGA will need to use their quick passing game, full protection blocking schemes and make sure their big DT do not get gapped by the big OL for LSU. LSU has some holes to exploit. One being TM7, he does not cover very well at all but he is a ball hawk, he does not tackle as well one on one but he will force turnovers if allowed. Go after him, make him cover crossing patterns and delay routes.
Murray will need to be very quick on the release and get rid of the ball. His time will be limited to get rid of the ball.
Good luck to both teams on Saturday Night.
Mobile Dawg
November 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
For every positive there is an equal negative. Multiple running backs don’t allow the back to get into the flow of the game, a great back is an adrenaline junkie. Did you notice Samuel at the end of the UF game, he’s not a great back but he was an AJ.
catlady
November 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Follow the money. It isn’t about sportsmanship, it isn’t about honor. It is about greed, and playing favorites (situational ethics?)
Bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
Mobile dawg that is very true, but that may be the kind of problem that lsu creates. Certainly if a back gets hot we should ride him until his legs fall off, but if no one can get going we should alternate
hiramtiger
November 28th, 2011
7:47 pm
it’s about 62-10 at the end of the 4th qtr. -lsu coast with 2nd stringers after the 3rd. ga fans calling for richt to be fired …again
Brewmaster
November 28th, 2011
7:48 pm
Just wondering where all the fire Richt/Bobo morons are right now ? I guess Murray’s 32 TDs are just luck and Bobo did not play a role ? I guess Richt just lucked out by picking Grantham to lead the defense. Its time for you fair weather bozos to find another team and take your poisonous attitudes elsewhere.
CHDawg
November 28th, 2011
7:50 pm
Mobile, it makes for an interesting discussion and it’s pertinent, too. Miles was asked about his use of four TBs in the Sunday PC. Here is what Les said,
“…we’re going to challenge that very capable Georgia defense. The need to have a variety of backs allows a fresh ball carrier. I think it’s a mistake to fatigue your ball carrier. So we’re going to keep fresh legs in the game, and we’re going to continue to do the things that we do. See how it plays out.”
Mobile Dawg
November 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
I can buy that Bgdawg. It may also be necessary, LSU will put some hits on the opposition. There’s one part of me that always thinks the Dawgs can win, I see all the positives coming together. On the other hand, I’ve watched Richt and Bobo just self destruct with their game plan taking us right out of games. I expect they should be pretty loose for this one, the pressure is all on LSU.
Bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
Yah the 4th best defense gives up 60. That will happen… Do you even think about what you type?
hiramtiger
November 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
murrays 32 td’s were against lesser opponents. he may throw one sat but that is very doubtful
hiramtiger
November 28th, 2011
7:54 pm
how is the pressure on lsu? they go to the big game win or lose. ga. has the pressure of proving that they are more than winners of highschool games
Hit A Single
November 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
I guess I am missing something. LSU is number one, they beat number two Alabama and if Georgia beats LSU they should go ahead of both. I thought the whole argument of the BCS was to decide it on the field. Wouldn’t that be what they are doing? Don’t give me that fact that LSU has to play another game or UGA didn’t play Ala. They knew that was the process in August. This is becoming like major league baseball and the wild card team winning the World Series. Winning the AL or NL pennant mean little. Wait a minute wouldn’t UGA be like a wild card team? Dang I can’t figure it out. You know what, the powers to be can’t either because the system is broken.
Brewmaster
November 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
HIramtiger, I was speaking to Bulldog fans. Wasn’t that obvious ? Why would I care what fans of opposing teams thought. Stop adding rum to your gumbo, and maybe you might have a trace of common sense left !
hiramtiger
November 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
how is the pressure on lsu? they lose and still go to the big dance! ga. needs to prove they can win against more than highschool teams!
Bogey
November 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
I just hope the voters in the human polls will not let the rematch happen regardless of what happens Saturday. I’m a Dawg and SEC fan but the Bama folks need to get over themselves. You had your chance and lost at HOME. If the results were reversed you would be the ones screaming “no way.” Hope OSU wins and ends up second in the BCS.
hiramtiger
November 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
you sound like you have a sour stomach. must be agonizing about sat. and rightfully so.
Mobile Dawg
November 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
One thing’s for sure, the game will be analyzed, us armchair QB’s will make our predictions and most likely something no one expected will happen. My biggest question is “how will we respond when we get slugged in the mouth, the gut, to the pain”? I hope it’s in a positive manner, I hope these Dawgs have learned to hit back, or even better, hit first.
Bgdawg
November 28th, 2011
7:59 pm
Single, there is no true answer to this problem. Maybe a ten team play off?
UGA_85
November 28th, 2011
7:59 pm
Bama gets a bye into the championship game bacause they lost. Only in the BCS. LOL
I also wish the media would remember there are kids that play for all of these teams. Ever since LSU and ALA won this weekend it’s been all about them. Even in tonights BCS countdown show they discussed each Championship game and didn’t even mention UGA, just LSU. WTH? Everyone of the UGA athletes deserves a little attention for what they’ve done, especially since it was exactly what these same experts said they couldn’t do. Man the media really frustrates me when it’s all about them, and not the sport they are to broadcasting.
Mobile Dawg
November 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
hiram, if you really don’t know the answer to that question you’re as ignorant as I think you are. Pressure? Who wants to play for a NC after losing their Conference Championship? No team with pride, the title would be forever tainted. I expect LSU to come out and give us their very best, which could be bad for us.
CHDawg
November 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
Everybody knows this system is flawed, but if UGA wins it may put the BCS system on life support. So we have a playoff for the SEC championship. LSU loses and UGA wins; UGA is the champion of the SEC. However, despite UGA being the winner and champion on the field, the BCS computer system average says LSU is actually a better team than Georgia, so it will put LSU in the game. It would be an absolute mess. If LSU wins as expected, it won’t be an issue, but Alabama vs other teams will be.
Browndog
November 28th, 2011
8:07 pm
UGA has improved each game this year and should continue to do so through the SECCG and their bowl game. I am really proud of the way UGA responded after the first two losses and win or lose Saturday night, the Bulldogs have had a great season and will grow as a team. This is probably the best CMR and his staff have coached in several years.
Jim
November 28th, 2011
8:24 pm
ESPN’s road to the BCS NCG could have two major roadblocks. First is the Georgia game and second folks forget that Alabama beat LSU everywhere but on the scoreboard. The Mad Hatter’s luck is going to run out. Hopefully in Atlanta by Georgia but if not there is no way Nick Sabin is going to lose to LSU again. Sabin was on ESPN to day saying how the best two teams should go to the NC game. I a while I thought it was Tebow because Nicky boy looked as he was about to cry. All you Roll Tide folks just remember when Georgia beats LSU who beat you that it means Georgia also beat you by default.
Jim
November 28th, 2011
8:25 pm
Chip, if LSU makes it to the NC game unbeaten but loses to Alabama does that mean they share the NC because they are 1-1 against each other? That question would make a good blog.
Mobile Dawg
November 28th, 2011
8:30 pm
Let’s change focus for just a second and show some support for those less fortunate. Our Brothers down South have gone down faster than the Titanic. Then their savior runs off for “health” reasons but vows to have Muschamps back as his consultant. Did he just step on Florida’s face with a “hobnail” boot. Man it’s really good to be a Georgia Bulldawg. Maybe this is just the beginning of the World order being restored to normal.
Jim
November 28th, 2011
8:43 pm
UGA_85 what can you expect when Tom Luginbill was a QB for GT and we whipped his boys last weekend. He’s not going to say anything good about Georgia. We just need to shut LSU down and beat them by three or more touchdowns. Remember when Pat Dye said we Georgia wasn’t man enought to beat Auburn. Well ESPN and the BCS has told the world that Georgia isn’t man enought to beat LSU. That’s your story for tomorrow Chip “ESPN and the BCS says Georgia can’t stop LSU from winning NC Game”
Jake
November 28th, 2011
8:54 pm
I’ll bet anything that uga will be in alabama’s exact shoes next year and the same people that r saying alabama diserves to go to the bcs nc this year will be saying that u have to win ur conference championship to go next year!
Bakeboss
November 28th, 2011
8:55 pm
Just because the SECC game has no bearing in BCS championship doesn’t make it meaningless. I can’t imagine LSU would want to hear it all year from UGA fans if they lost SECC game and won the BCS. Both teams want to win the SEC.
Sam
November 28th, 2011
8:58 pm
Amazing video of a high school senior from Columbia TN who kicks the ball dead straight 75-80 yards in the air. He was successful on 54 of 54 attempts this season….100%. Now he needs a college team.
Watch for yourself…it is unreal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_JKwgwFY3g
Say it aint so!!!
November 28th, 2011
9:06 pm
Has anyone else heard rumors of richt quiting at the end of the season?
angry mangy mutt
November 28th, 2011
9:08 pm
1. Michigan St jumped us b/c they are a Big 10 team. Just today on radio a Midwesterner dared to mention how the Big 10 put more teams in BCS than has the SEC. Though true, it belongs alongside the idea that the Big 8 once upon a time was the dominant conference b/c of Neb and OU always playing in a major bowl. Big 10 has long been overrated, the media loves them and they do promise strong support wherever one of those teams may play. Love it how now that they cannot compete with SEC (and PAC) that they are not as intense of a fanbase as we all are.
2. Any UGA fan should feel like a 10 yr old in a PSU shower if Bama goes to title game. Yea I said it ( I am insensitive). However, win or lose LSU and Bama under current system should have a rematch. Assuming that they have a defensive battle like last time, the game will be competitive. In all likelihood Ok St will be slapped around the field. Their D is weak and their O…well, even a Willie Martinez D shut them down a few years back – twice. Did you see who OSU got beat by? Cannot take them seriously, no excuses for that one.
3. I wish we had a great Oline. We do not, and have not for quite sometime. We do have better playmakers, and an Oline who know what to expect from a team like LSU – unlike Oregon. Do not even compare Auburn’s D to LSU’s D. The fact they both dominated Oregon speaks volume. We do have a D, and barring a joke job like 03 championship game, we should be capable of trading punches.
4. GO DAWGS!
DogFaceBlues
November 28th, 2011
9:15 pm
Paybacks will be hell from the 2009 game where we were robbed with the celebration call.
Coarch
November 28th, 2011
9:18 pm
I’m so glad that Georgia backed into this SEC Championship game. This is the most hilarious chatter that I’ve ever heard from a college football fan-base! Too bad you won’t win it…
Bob
November 28th, 2011
9:22 pm
Wich the sec has reviewed and said that penalty shoildnt have been called!