Jarvis Jones thinks Dogs’ defense just as good as LSU’s, ‘if not better’
Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones (L) may have inadverently threw down a challenge to LSU when he talked up the Dogs' defense on Monday. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
ATHENS – It was a simple question that was posed to Georgia’s Jarvis Jones during a teleconference call with reporters on Monday. The sophomore outside linebacker was asked if he thought the Bulldogs’ defense was somewhat overshadowed by LSU’s and how he thought the two units stacked up.
Jones answered it quickly and honestly.
“I mean, everybody praises LSU defense, but I know we’ve got a pretty good defense,” said Jones, the SEC’s leader in quarterback sacks with 13.5. “We’re not cocky at all. We’re just going to play. We do our job and get after it on the field. We like having fun. We love playing football. We’re aggressive. We play just as well as them. A lot of people don’t give us credit [for] how we play. I think we play two different styles.”
Then came the line that caught everybody’s attention.
Said Jones: “I think our defense is just as good as theirs, if not better.”
That statement, tweeted out by several reporters, reverberated all the way to Baton Rouge. LSU wide receiver Russell Shephard quickly noticed it on Twitter and forwarded it to his teammates with the message, “is this guy serious?” That was followed by more than a few “ha-ha’s” and multiple exclamation points.
Suddenly, a little interleague argument has developed between the teams about which one has the best defense. Not surprisingly, Jones’ teammates have come to his defense, so to speak.
“He said it, so I’m going to back him up,” Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo said. “I’m going to be right there with him. That’s my brother, that’s my family, so whatever he says we’re all going to back him up. . . . I also can say I believe we have one of the best defenses in the country, right up there with the LSUs. We have some very talented guys on the defensive side of the ball, too, and I can back it up when I say that.”
Said junior linebacker Christian Robinson: “Look at the numbers. We’re hanging. We’re up there in numbers, too. If we go out there and do what we’re supposed to do on this Saturday, we can end up better than they are not just in the numbers but by winning the game. You don’t want to get into word battles, but if they want to go and say things like [Shephard said], that’s the worse thing to do. There has been a lot of teams that go out there and run their mouth a lot and get beat.”
LSU is ranked slightly ahead of Georgia in every major defensive category and the Tigers have done it against a tougher overall schedule. But the Bulldogs are no slouches. They, too, rank as a Top 10 defense. Following are the latest national rankings:
LSU——-Category———Georgia
2——–Total Def.———-5
4——–Rush Def.———-6
3——-Pass Eff. D———-4
2——–Scoring D———10
6——–Passing D———11
16———Sacks————17
The one thing Georgia feels it may have going for it on Saturday is a more diversified offense. The Tigers are very much a run-first offense while the Bulldogs throw the ball a little more. Georgia feels the Tigers’ propensity for wanting to run the ball straight at opponents with their bevy of big backs and dare them to stop it actually plays into its hands.
“They’re not going to go away from their game scheme, so we’ve just got to bow up,” Georgia safety Bacarri Rambo said. “We’ve got to keep attacking and making tackles and not allow big plays. We know they’re going to run the ball, so we’ve just got to be prepared for it.”
Said Robinson: “I think we’ve shown we can hang with teams that run it. Auburn relied heavily on the run and we shut them down. LSU is not shy about their run game. That’s all they want to do and then they’ve got some receivers that can go get it. So we’ll take the challenge, not in a cocky way, but we can hang. So we’ll be ready.”
Said Jones: “It’s a challenge for us as a defense. But you always want to be challenged and you want to step up accomplish those challenges. So it’s going to be a big day for us and we’re looking forward to it.”
An intriguing matchup just got more intriguing, don’t you think?
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683 comments Add your comment
Nince Pooley
November 29th, 2011
4:37 pm
LSU –Arkansas —-Arkansas—Alabama
UGA–Coastal Carolina–New Mexico Sate—Mississipi Stae
nuff said
JMac
November 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
Thank you Tigerbait for re-stating what most of the knowledgeable people already know. The typical bullpup poster still thinks they were cheated in ‘07, and they do not mind telling you that. They are also some of the worst bandwagon jumpers you have ever seen.All season they have been on this kick that CMR has got to go, but now that they have parlayed a weak schedule into a championship game, they are in love with MR again, and he can do no wrong. The truth is that they are not even the best team in their division, losing to South Carolina, and they come up with all types of excuses for losing that game except the one that counts… THEY SCORED LESS POINTS THAN THE OTHER TEAM; just as will be the case Saturday. LSU 31-13 and beware the honey badger.
ADMan
November 29th, 2011
4:39 pm
Matt Heyes post ESPN 4:11PM…..You can’t be serious are you?…That’s the biggest buch of bullsh_t I’ve ever read. Go away little boy…I’m sure that’s what you are…..a little boy. You have no evidence to back up your BS…only the rantings of an inmature little boy….The glass is always half full in your world. You have no friends and the ones you claim only say they are so you’ll buy them lunch….Go away we don’t have time for you!
Evansdawg
November 29th, 2011
4:40 pm
I’d be willing to bet that 4 of 5 of the people posting as LSU fans are Tech fans. As a matter of fact…thats a very safe bet.
LSU fo life
November 29th, 2011
4:41 pm
All 5 of LSU’s running backs could start for any team. I just dont see a overrated georgia defense handle those guys period
Dawg48
November 29th, 2011
4:42 pm
Wow let’s go back a ways and pull up some stuff that has nothing to do with the topic!
Mandrell Dawg
November 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
Well, what did you want him to say,” We don’t have a chance in the world, I don’t even know why we should show up.” I’m glad he said what he did. That team is a bunch of talented kids, and so is ours. Hopefully, those talented kids keep believing what the rest of the nation is telling them; that way they can do what kids are prone to do, lose focus and mess up.
LSU fo life
November 29th, 2011
4:44 pm
Yea lets! shut the hell up
Dawg48
November 29th, 2011
4:46 pm
Matt
So your saying we should have put Hutson in on the last play of the game against Florida? That game was not over till the end! Or the vandy game? Dude watch a game next year then come back on here.
Wait this just in Hutson mason is going to get the first drive of the game to get ready!
SEC Championship 2011, LSU Vs. Georgia: Bulldogs Feel Disrespected | SEC Football
November 29th, 2011
4:48 pm
[...] defense, but I know we’ve got a pretty good defense,” Jones, the SEC sack leader, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We’re aggressive. We play just as well as them. A lot of people don’t give us credit [...]
gkingii
November 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
Good to be confident, but mix in a little reality, willya? AJC sports writers always act like the home team is the best thing out there early in the year, then start bellyachin’ when the lose a couple, then race back to cheerlead again after a win or two. I’d love to see some honest reporting on the local teams from the local writers.
daddo
November 29th, 2011
4:50 pm
And Billy Jack, you don’t have a running back who would play at Alabama this year. LSU is about to show you just how big the gap is between the fifth best team in the conference and Alabama and LSU. Not even close.
ARdawg
November 29th, 2011
4:56 pm
Jarvis is leaving his on the field, he just said as much
BILLY JACK
November 29th, 2011
4:57 pm
daddo you said anybody on def.
hike!!!
November 29th, 2011
5:00 pm
This season is looking like a repeat of 2007 where the team “grew up” over the season. The Defense is better than the 07 group.
I have more optimism because of LSU being a “running team”. That really should play to the strength of our front seven. Without any quick scores on trick plays or on special from LSU, Ga will get several 3 and outs…just like Bama. What I will waiting to see is if our young receivers can get open against their great secondary. I think that will be the key to the game…oh and if we can rush the ball enough to keep them from teeing off on Murray. A lot of questions that will have to be answered when they play the game. We do have a chance because we have a lot of good, fast receivers and a top 3 tight end. Now, if Crowell can stay healthy and step it up…we will win.
ARdawg
November 29th, 2011
5:04 pm
hike
I see the LSU secondary as suspect and likely the only weakness (if you call it that) If Murray is careful not to throw any picks and be patient, he will have some completions and passing TDs
daddo
November 29th, 2011
5:11 pm
Billy Jack: And I stand by the comment on defense as well. Not a single Georgia defensive player would start at Alabama, not a single one. Not even Jarvis. And no Georgia running back would even play this year at Alabama. Enjoy watching us win another national championship in January while u eat your clay.
wally
November 29th, 2011
5:11 pm
I have read each one of these notes on the Blog, and I really do not know a lot about football, except who wins and loses. I have just one hope, and that is a BULLDOG victory, I have over the past years seen Georgia win some big games, I was there in person when Georgia beat Alabama in 1976 ouside of the National Championship in 1980 it is my favorite victory. That has been a long time ago. Bogs I would like to see you have another great victory such as the one in 1976. GO Dogs and beat LSU with what ever it takes, oassing, defense, special teams what ever. GO DOGS
hike!!!
November 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
ARdawg
The LSU secondary is the “key” to the game. They will not be able to key on any one of Ga’s receivers and that’s BIG. Just keep 8 in to block to give Murray time…and be patient.
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
5:13 pm
This season is reminiscent of the 2007 season. Same number of losses so far.
Honky Talkin
November 29th, 2011
5:24 pm
Arkansas had the 10th best passing offense and was held to one offensive touchdown. Georgia is going to get humiliated. LSU 42- UGA 6.
Jalex49
November 29th, 2011
5:27 pm
What’s scarry about Georgia is not this game, although it is important, but if the juniors come back Georgia will be stacked. If they can get a significant number of the high profile recruits for 2012, there’s no telling how good they can be!
I sincerely hope Gurley (rb/ath) Marshall (rb) Morris(rb) Montgomery(wr), Taylor(wr),Brodie(ot),
Mathews(ot),Goldman(dt)Rone(ot), Hedegus(ath), Agholah(ath), McCarthy(dt) Lee, D (LB), Clemons(lb)Goldman(dt)Elder(s) Wright(db) and Bonner(db) will find their way to Athens!
As far as this game, I pray and hope Georgia wins, but regardless of the outcome this Georgia team is special and we Georgia fans owe them a deep gratutuide and respect for what they have been able to accomplish. These are a special group of young men and I like the team and not individual atttuide that have!
As for the running backs and offensive line… You guys are definetly talented and if you give everything you have, you can open holes for the rb, and passing lanes for the wr’s. Both Murray and Mason be ready and composed.
Defense you have won in the trenches and outside the perimenters this year and I see no reason for you to take a back seat to anyone! Remember LSU is a great team, respect them but don’t fear them- Georgia was a great team in the mid 80’s but they lost to Pitt and Penn State who were rated below them. Anything can happen at any moment!
Best of luck and thanks for a great year! I so over last year!!!!!!!
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
5:28 pm
I don’t think Les would run the score up that much. If they get a comfortable lead, they’ll start burning the clock. LSU doesn’t need style points in this game.
Bob
November 29th, 2011
5:29 pm
I think our entire team (and coaching) has improved. If someone had told you a couple of months back that Malcome would be our top back with 39 yards rushing and we’d beat Tech by 14 points…go figure. I think we have a pretty good chance against the Tigers.
Jalex49
November 29th, 2011
5:31 pm
Sorry … My typing is terrible. I meant to say this team isn’t teams of the past where individuals came first not the team. This group of players play as a team not as individuals seeking self glory!
And I’m so over last year!!!!!
Big Dawg
November 29th, 2011
5:32 pm
Tech fans should not involve themselves in a discussion like this. They only see a Defense once a year, usually around Thanksgiving.
Bob
November 29th, 2011
5:33 pm
Jalex49…you get a D for typing, but an A for content. Good post!
Todd granthum
November 29th, 2011
5:33 pm
We gonna show LSU a Beat Down, I’m agonna bring that same fury you all saw at Vandy and give a dose to LSU!
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
The best defense that Tech encountered this year was Miami’s. They held Tech to 7 points.
HammerDawg
November 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
LSU wears teams down with their depth. By the 3rd quarter it is starting to tell the tale. UGA has to make first downs in the first half to keep this from happening. If Murray and the OL can withstand the rush in the first half and the score is close at halftime, then UGA has a great chance at an upset in the second half. Go Dawgs!
Dwayne
November 29th, 2011
5:39 pm
UGA fan i am i am. LSU has a helluva D who have played better compition. For UGA to win they will have to watch out for “the honey badger”, win the turnover battle and run the ball. That is a tall task. Go Dawgs.
GumboGA
November 29th, 2011
5:40 pm
LSU will embarass UGA on Saturday!!!! GEAUX TIGERS !!!!
gatorboy62
November 29th, 2011
5:40 pm
I think the defense is sharing the “stuff” Israel got suspended for.
hiramtiger
November 29th, 2011
5:43 pm
did jones actually play in or watch any games this year to make such an ignorant statement?
sud
November 29th, 2011
5:46 pm
LSU….keep your guys out of the bars before Saturday night….especially the QB.
The Ole Ball Coach
November 29th, 2011
5:49 pm
Ole Lady luck was with us tonight, Ole Lady luck just saved our whatcha_mu_callits. My gawd we hunkered down look at the sugar falling from the sky, look at the sugar……….
RIP Larry
suwanee dawg
November 29th, 2011
5:54 pm
What was he supposed to say? “yea, we suck and they are great” You guys kill me with your details that nobody really cares about.
BigD
November 29th, 2011
5:58 pm
Want be a game Ga. doesnt match up at all
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
6:02 pm
I seriously doubt that any LSU players really care what whats-his-name said about them. It’s just another game.
BigD
November 29th, 2011
6:07 pm
Georgia will look like a jackass in the kentucky derby
garrian
November 29th, 2011
6:08 pm
Ok lets be honest give me a team besides arkansas and west virginia that lsu has played all season that really has a good offense and you really cant say arkansas because their one demensional and almost lost to vandy if not for that fumble. If Wv had a decent defense they woulda beat lsu they can be moved upon and please don’t say bama they are like arkansas and oregon only can run don’t trust the qb to pass the ball so don’t act like lsu is the best thang eva and if jj or their backup has to throw the ball they will be in for a long day….. I don’t hear anyone talking about that its like uga has lil boys up front their good to
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
6:10 pm
That’s right garrian,
LSU hasn’t played anybody. Georgia will kill them.
CIA
November 29th, 2011
6:24 pm
UGA Insider
November 29th, 2011
9:55 am
UGA 24
LSU 20
LSU and Bama will pay in the MNC as the 2nd and 3rd best teams in the SEC…… UGA will get stuck with this year’s Hawaii which is Houston in the Sugar Bowl. Makes no sense but that is the scenario that will happen.
Actually UGA Insider it makes total sense. It’s called conspiracy. When UGA pulls an “Auburn over Bama” from last season. Forget that one already? … 24-0 Bama at the half, 28-27 Auburn final. Remember the WEIRD turnovers & dropped passes Bama had in the 2nd half? Do we forget who would NOT have been playing in the BCS NC game if Bama won? That’s right, there would have been NO SEC team, it would’ve been Oregon vs TCU.
Have we also forgotten that ESPN (who, along with the BCS have total control of NCAA football) signed a HUGE multi-billion $ deal with the SEC last year?
Well you better believe they (ESPN & BCS) are gonna make darn sure at least 1 SEC team plays for the NC every chance they get, and in this case they are changing their own rule of only 2 teams from a BCS conf can play in BCS bowls. Now they’ll have 3 SEC teams in BCS bowls.
The BCS is a Joke, and ESPN (the drivers of the NCAA football bus) have too much power, and a conflict of interest by having the mulit-billion $ deal with the SEC.
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
6:27 pm
I heard it was ESPN who brought down the twin towers. You never know. That Dr. Lou is a pretty strange character.
born4georgia
November 29th, 2011
6:29 pm
Pay attention to play calling. Bobo froze up as far as play calling in our last game of this magnitude(Boise State). I am interested to see how he handles it. The game will be won by the team who handles the 3 and outs and negative plays the best and yes there will be some of both believe or not. Go Dawgs.
ARdawg
November 29th, 2011
6:31 pm
Yes, I am drinking the Jarvis Jones kool-aid. He leaves me with no room for doubt
CIA
November 29th, 2011
6:35 pm
Garrian,
UGA’s 10 game winning streak was a complete joke of a strength of schedule. The SEC teams were combined 14-42 in league play, then you have Coastal Carolina, New Mex St, and GT, who everyone claims is a joke of a program that plays in the worst ever BCS conference.
What did UGA prove in their 10-game winning streak? That all 10 opponents had, what everyone else already knew, bad offenses & defenses. Fact id, Auburn is the only SEC team UGA beat that finished without a LOSING league record, and they were just 4-4. Impressive.
Every diehard UGA fan would promise you that UGA would’ve been 11-1 (only loss to Boise) if they were in GT’s conf b/c it’s the ACC. We saw what UVA, MIAMI, and VT (all ACC teams) did to GT so how could UGA’s win be so impressive now?
Still think UGA gets the W on Saturday b/c of the ESPN-BCS conspiracy in favor of their cash cow, the SEC.
TampaGator
November 29th, 2011
6:38 pm
This is not a postive thought….but I am going to post it anyway……just to think about….
Who’s defense played better against Florida? LSU or Georgia? By far, LSU.
Who’s defesne played better against Florida? LSU, Georiga, or FSU…..by far, FSU….
….and FSU is 8-4 and lost to Wake Forest.
What does that say about the SEC this year? And Florida’s offense, especially.
YogiJr
November 29th, 2011
6:40 pm
There is NO WAY the Dogs are beating LSU. LSU’s D is way too powerful for UGA’s offense, and as for the BSC Championship Game, it’s going to be all SEC, too bad for UGA, they would have done great in the Sugar.
Old Coot
November 29th, 2011
6:43 pm
Florida doesn’t say much of anything about the SEC this year, aside from the fact that the entire Eastern Division is on life support.