Notebook: Defensive numbers not what Georgia expected
ATHENS — Forty-sixth, 42nd, 57th and 43rd.
That’s Georgia’s national rank in scoring defense (21.0 ppg), total defense (345.3ypg), rushing defense (145.3 ypg) and pass defense (200 ypg), respectively, heading into Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt.
It’s safe to say that’s not where the Bulldogs expected to be at this point of the season, especially when two of their first three opponents happened to be Buffalo and Florida Atlantic. They came into the season nine starters returning from a unit that finished fifth in the nation in total defense last year.
But the Bulldogs’ defenders remain confident and prefer to point instead to the number in the team’s win column.
“Me personally, I know how good we are,” junior outside linebacker Jarvis Jones said. “Some of the numbers that y’all see, I know they’re not the greatest and they’re not like they were last year, but it’s still early. We haven’t done a lot on defense as far as a lot of our packages and stuff like that. So we’ve still got a lot to put in and there are still a lot of plays out there to be made. It’s just the fourth game of the season.”
It will also be the fourth consecutive game in which the Bulldogs haven’t had their full complement of starters on the field. Four returning starters missed the first two games due to suspensions and two more – All-America free safety Bacarri Rambo and inside linebacker Alec Ogletree – will remain out for one more week.
That’s at least partially to blame for Georgia giving up such an inordinate number of big plays in the early going. In three games the Bulldogs already have given up six plays of 36 or more yards, including scoring plays of 69, 43 and 41 yards.
The Bulldogs say it hasn’t been the absence of the suspended players’ skill sets as much as it has missing their experience of playing together.
“When you blitz and you don’t cover every gap, you are exposed to something popping like it did on that run,” coach Mark Richt said of Florida Atlantic’s 43-yard touchdown run on a dive play. ““We’ve got to be more disciplined. We’ve got to be to be a little bit smarter and be a little better fundamentally.”
Said linebacker Mike Gilliard: “I feel like we’ve got a lot of new faces out there and a lot of it has just been miscommunication and missed assignments. Right now we’re working on that every day. We’re out here trying to fix things like that that one big play could be what causes you to lose the game.”
The positive for Georgia’s defense is it has made good adjustments at halftime. The Bulldogs are allowing an average of 7.7 points in the second half this season. And they’ll be down to just two absentees for Vanderbilt this week.
“As the young guys learn, it’s going to make us that much better as our whole defense, our whole group of starters, is on the field at one time,” said Jones, who missed last Saturday’s game with a strained groin.” That has yet to be. But when it does I think it’s going to be something special.”
Jones now No. 1 NFL prospect
Speaking of Jones, the Bulldogs’ junior linebacker moved up from second to first on Mel Kiper’s “Big Board of 2013 NFL draft prediction. Kiper had Jones as a first-rounder as a redshirt sophomore last year when Jones opted to come back for another year.
Asked if he was already resigned to losing Jones after this season, Richt laughed. “I’d be excited for Jarvis to get drafted that high,” he said. “It’s just a matter of when. But when that day comes I’ll be genuinely thrilled for him.”
O-line taking shape
Starting left guard Dallas Lee (sprained left ankle) remained in a green jersey and mostly ran on the side during Wednesday’s practice. However, he was able to get scrimmage work against the scout team and seems likely to play Saturday.
“I’d guess there’s a good chance but it’s not guaranteed,” Richt said. “You’d had to measure a gimpy Lee against a healthy [Mark] Beard.”
When Lee is not in the game, the Bulldogs will move left tackle Kenarious Gates inside to guard and bring in Beard, a first-year junior college transfer, to play left tackle. That’s what they did this past Saturday when Lee went out in the second quarter.
“Beard played good enough to prove that he can get in there,” Richt said. “So we might rotate them around in there.”
Calling all punt returners
Georgia continues to experiment with punt returners. The Bulldogs have used four in three games – Damian Swann, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Conley and Rhett McGowan — and haven’t been particularly pleased with any of them. They’re averaging just 8.8 yards a return and haven’t been making good decisions with regard to when to field, fair catch or return.
“The main thing is that we’re looking for a guy who will field the ball and communicate well,” Richt said. “So I think we’re still searching for that. But it’s a tough job.”
Etc. . . .
Richt said the No. 1 defense, after “not looking too sporty” against the No. 2 offense on Tuesday, was much better on Wednesday. The unit went 8-for-8 in holding the offense scoreless. . . . Richt said sophomore offensive lineman Kolton Houston still has not been cleared to play by the NCAA. . . . Offensive lineman Watts Dantzler (ankle), outside linebackers Josh Dawson (shoulder) and James DeLoach (shoulder) and wide receiver Rantavious Wooten (knee) were limited and/or held out of contact on Wednesday. . . . Asked again by a reporter on Wednesday’s SEC coaches’ teleconference if his team would be motivated by last year’s post-game incident against Georgia, Vanderbilt coach James Franklin quipped, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” . . . UGA coach legend Vince Dooley will be the featured speaker and will sign books today at the Atlanta Press Club Newsmaker Luncheon at The Commerce Club at 191 Peachtree. Tickets are $30 and registration begins at 11:15 a.m.
MORE ON GEORGIA FOOTBALL
- QB Aaron Murray making Good Works team is a big deal
- Todd Grantham says he no regrets over Vandy postgame
- Georgia LB Amarlo Herrera proving to be more than a fill-in
- A look at Georgia’s next opponent: Vanderbilt
- Quotes & highlights from Tuesday’s news conference
- Bulldogs’ Cornelius Washington likes ‘a good confrontation’
- Vandy’s James Franklin jokes of vacationing with Todd Grantham
- ‘Salary restructuring’ means base-pay increases for 6 asst. coaches
- Georgia-Tennessee game time set to accommodate TV broadcast
- Bulldogs climb to No. 5 in AP poll, No. 6 in coaches
- Notebook: Richt says focus this week on football, ‘not the extracurricular’
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254 comments Add your comment
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
9:38 am
What’s up Joey!
Our non-mobile QB has looked pretty good so far, staying up off his backside. Merrit and Lynch are helping, and so is the improved running game. We just have to many weapons and Coach Bobo’s scheme is pretty good this year. So far, the Oline is adequate for Bobo’s play-calling. Have to give Coach Bobo an atta-boy, he deserves it…
Joey
September 20th, 2012
9:40 am
It hasn’t been pretty, LogicalUS.
I still think it be the UT game and beyond, before we can really put a grade on our D. I do think this shows that we have a lot of inexperienced players on the D, other than the starting unit.
Post Master
September 20th, 2012
9:40 am
Dr. P is another of one of those sorry *** trolls. But then again, the technerds will do anything to try to make themselves look better than being second or third in the state…
Sam Robards, Dawg Fan
September 20th, 2012
9:41 am
I’m not concerned about the D. We’ve got a couple guys out, and our offense is picking up the slack. As long as we win, I don’t really care what the rankings of the defense are. Heck, Auburn won the National Championship with a defense that ranked in the 60s.
As for people saying the defense gave up 20 to FLA-ATL, look at the frikkin’ box score. The defense gave up 14 (NEITHER of those coming in the second half), and Christian Lemay threw a pick-6, which means the defense isn’t responsible for it. So get your facts straight, people.
Go Dawgs!
Post Master
September 20th, 2012
9:42 am
I see that Buzz 2011 is still butthurt from the yearly beatdowns the nerds get.
Show Me Your TDs
September 20th, 2012
9:43 am
Agree with Joey…Tenn game will be the true test to our nickel and dime packages. But their defense wont be able to go 4 qtrs, and if we run 4 wide sets…they’ll have their hands full.
Vandy get blasted this weekend!!! Their players will start taking cheap shots…and Dawg players will need to play under emotion. Let the hitting do the talking!! Dont think we’ve seen the full capabilities of this defensive unit!!
GTBob
September 20th, 2012
9:45 am
In the future telephones will be obsolete. People will communicate telekinetically using part of their brain known as the cerebral cortex that is heretofore untapped.
GTBob
September 20th, 2012
9:46 am
I do admit that GT takes cheap shots all the time. It’s not illegal, you know.
Fair n Balanced
September 20th, 2012
9:48 am
As long as the offense scores more points than the opponent…we win. But the defense has been disappointing. I got use to shutting people down last year and now we don’t. You win championships with defense and a running attack. Right now we are missing one of those and it’s a big surprise.
BIG BEE
September 20th, 2012
9:52 am
Amazing!!Before the season brag, brag about how good you are going to be. Now you are defending poor play!!! Amazing!!
Dr.P
September 20th, 2012
9:58 am
UGA was a heavy favorite in 2011 against Vandy. But with 7 seconds to go, Vandy blocked a punt near the goaline, and had 2 shots to win the game on a short td pass.
UGA escaped, 33-28. Vandy put up 28 points on UGA and had no trouble figuring out ways to score on UGA.
The UGA fans all predicted a blowout in 2011, and they were all wrong. It was a 5 point game.
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
10:10 am
LOL,
GT fans trying to play UGA vicariously through other teams. What a bunch of pathetic attempts to discredit a school that embarrasses them regularly. You kids are so lame, but keep it up. You are good for a laugh and our morale. It also reminds us why we want to humiliate you each and every year. Tech-nerdology at its finest. If tech players were so smart, why can’t they find a way to beat the Dawgs???
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
10:14 am
NYCDAWGFAN is searching for Dr.p…
Post Master
September 20th, 2012
10:21 am
Big Bee, how does it feel to be a fan of a team who is owned by UGA? Tell us, butthurt much?
GTBob
September 20th, 2012
10:22 am
Dr. P, will you please return my UGA blowup doll?
Take This Dawgs *** Go Jackets
September 20th, 2012
10:24 am
Differential “X”!,
Differential “Y”!
“A” square, “B” square
Integral of pi!
Engineers touchdown!
Engineers yell!
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets!
Fight like hell!
We beat you all so bad at cheering. Who cares about scoring baskets with a football bat.
WDE
September 20th, 2012
10:25 am
Ok I just gotta ask the question..we had a legit #5 ranked D last year at the end of the season correct? OK so lets review where we were after 3 games last year 1-2 and everyone in Bull Dog Nation at Def Comm 1 screaming doom and gloom…which D would you think has more potential that bunch that ended at # 5 or this bunch? The answer is clear to me I’ll take this years team, and I think that long term the suspensions could help this team as we are getting younger players much needed playing time..you know those players that won’t be going pro next year….relax and enjoy 3-0 and Go Dogs !
Take This Dawgs *** Go Jackets
September 20th, 2012
10:26 am
I bet you wish you had the elbow room and open seating capacity that we have at our games.
BOOM
D is all about emotion
September 20th, 2012
10:31 am
UGA’s D has not been EMOTIONALLy jacked up about any game so far, cepting Mizzo. . They are also playng with new D. guys due to issues off the field.
Vandy game should generate uptempo emotions, and UT and of course, SC. Vandy will be a good teast.
Frankly, gauging UGA’s nice road win over Missouri, with SC playing them Saturday, will be a good indicator; although Mizzo’s QB is unlkey to play after what UGA did to PHYSICALLY whuppin him good. Ask him if he recalls Jarvis Jones.
UGA will be fine on D., as big games engender big emotions.
Gooooooooooooooo Dogs.
AltamahaDawg
September 20th, 2012
10:31 am
Well, there are numbers, and then there is what’s good for the team’s progress.
Is anybody going to really sit here and pretend that IF Grantham had let go the full potential of his defense in both of those lessor game , they wouldn’t have have had multiple sacks, or given up a fraction of the yards, and little if any points? Really? Nobody believe that for one second. They could have, but chose not to do that, and paid the price in “numbers”.
NOW, If the concern is that they weren’t able to do all that and STILL, play vanilla, no blitz, no disquise, played freshman and other reserves…(and missing some players) ….well ok fine. If that’s what worries you, go head and wring those hands. Or troll away. Appearantly they are not so good, so deep, that they can shut out people on every drive for the entire game without playing the full deck of cards. Maybe they should be. They actually DID do that in both second halves. (actually in all but about 4 drives in those games combined)
Did the reserves improve from playing? Did the starters inprove from being forced to play straight up vanilla? Did the unit as a whole improve from having to step it up later in the game? Is that not exactly what we want them to do? Would you trade number for that in a heartbeat?
IMO, it all worked out for the better in the big picture.
And a bonus is: the whiners have something to wake up for.
Joey
September 20th, 2012
10:36 am
Here are the most important “numbers” -
3-0.
Spike 80DF
September 20th, 2012
10:42 am
If this team is 3-0 and the Defense is the biggest concern I’ll take that all day…..
Nick
September 20th, 2012
10:45 am
I totally agree with Dr. P (minus the grammatical and spelling errors; sorry English major here).
Anyway, I have basically been saying the same things this season. Even with zero starters on defense for those two games, they shoud have only given up half the points they did. Even though I felt better after seeing Buffalo put 56 on some other low-life team, I’m still very concerned about a defense that (regardless of starters out, blah, blah) was touted as one of the best in the nation (arguably the best) giving up so many points, yardage and first downs on 3rd downs to two of the worst teams in the country. The defensive line has been intact all season and has been shoved around in EVERY game including Missouri. What’s the excuse there? They weren’t fired up to play MO? It was a boring non-conference patsy like FAU & Buffalo? Hell no, it was a huge game with huge implications for both teams.
I’m worried to death about the defense. Did not think I’d be saying that this season. The offense looks great and I’ve been pleasanly surprised with special teams (punt returns notwithstanding).
In short, there is a ton of room for improvement. Alabama is a hundred times better than our guys right now, in every way. If it turns out we meet in Atlanta, as it stands right now, we would get thrashed, worse than last year’s game.
I do feel like the team as a whole will continue to improve each week and be much better at the end of the season but I’m still looking for that improvement to begin. We don’t have time to wait around. Vandy, Tennessee & USC are all capable of beating us.
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
10:50 am
I expect a new wrinkle or two from offense and defense against Vandy. Don’t think Richt will pull out all the stops because he doesn’t need to. By the time we get to SC, we will get to see a really thorough game-plan, both sides of the ball. Why use it now and let Lil Stevie game-plan for it? I think Coach Richt is playing some pretty good poker so far this year. Do we want to be ranked high defensivly and show Crybaby Stevie our scheme, or do we want to kick his a$$???
Alphare
September 20th, 2012
10:54 am
king doddie,
you have some conspiracy theory going on there. Nerdy as nerdy can be.
GTBob
September 20th, 2012
10:56 am
Its ok. UGA will get to pad their defensive stats against the awful offenses of the SEC soon.
UGA Insider
September 20th, 2012
10:56 am
When you have 4 starters suspended and a couple hurt…… the stats just won’t be there. Plain and simple. We are lucky to be 3-0. If the Mizzou receiver catches that hail-mary at the end of the 1st half agains CN we are probably 2-1. We got a little lucky but that’s ok. We are due for some good luck which is why I am now predicting an undefeated regular season.
Easy win this week..
UGA 45
Vandy 10
AltamahaDawg
September 20th, 2012
10:59 am
Can I ask my question?
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
11:00 am
Anyone that says he agrees with P is probably holding his hand in the tech library right now. If you agree with that loser, you are no less a loser. P likes to change his blog name and agree with himself because no UGA poster even reads his drivel.
NYCDAWGFAN…Check out the tech library computers section if you want to find Dr. Putz…
UGA Insider
September 20th, 2012
11:00 am
In all my years of following college football I have NEVER heard of a situation similiar to Kolton Houston. If I were his parents I would be hiring an attorney immediately.
AltamahaDawg
September 20th, 2012
11:02 am
An attorney to do what?
UGA Insider
September 20th, 2012
11:02 am
Mizzou 23
USCe 20
Upset special. Go call your booky. That one is money in the bank.
UGA Insider
September 20th, 2012
11:03 am
Sue the NCAA
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
11:08 am
Alph
hurts being a tech booger-eating nerd fan on a UGA blog, doesn’t it? Conspiracy, no. Lame cyber-attacks against a team you can’t beat on the field, yes. Truly pathetic…
Jax Falcon/Dog Fan
September 20th, 2012
11:09 am
This has been one of the better blogs comment-wise I have read in some time. No one is a bigger Dog fan than me, but I, too, have to admit the DrP makes some valid points, and does so by stating facts, not biased opinions and hate. It is okay to have concerns about the team you root for. It doesn’t mean you love them any less, it just means you are thinking as much with your head as you are with your heart. The next little stretch of games will certainly answer most of the questions posed above about Grantham’s defensive scheme. Admittedly, I don’t understand how we’ve fared so badly against such mediocre competition. One possible answer is that we have been scoring so quickly that the defense hasn’t had enough of a blow to get its game legs back. Let’s all hope that our recent record against teams with winning records is about to see major improvement. If it doesn’t, then we should all be questioning Grantham’s ability to take all this talent and manage to misuse it. If it does, then welcome to the SEC Championship game, everyone.
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
11:14 am
Alph
You having a fun day blogging and eating boogers while changing blog names. Ms. P, Dr. P, Nick???
AltamahaDawg
September 20th, 2012
11:15 am
Sue the NCAA for what? That they will not grant an exception to thier rule?
Sort of like how Adam’s would not grant an exception to the University’s policy on drug use.
joe jenkins
September 20th, 2012
11:15 am
We don’t have the defense to win the SEC…this year. Bama…lsu and vandy and sc.. all have a better defense than us….I abry jones and corn washington are not making plays in the absence of the three all-americans. C. Robbison is mediocre and gillard is just okay. devin bowman and connor norman are awful….ramik wilson is not making plays either. Corey moore is an dissapointment…okay folks i just…ijust summed it up to why our defense is not playing up to standards….Our backups are not making plays….oh yeah ray drew is awful
WDE
September 20th, 2012
11:17 am
I’m interested in seeing how Mizzou fares vs the Visor….Vandy gave the chicken chokers all they could handle and could have won that game..so Mizzou might really have a shot…
WDE
September 20th, 2012
11:20 am
Did I really read someone suggesting that the D has issues because we are scoring too quickly? Scoring too quickly?? Now that is a problem Bull Dog Nation can live with.I hope we have a dozen or so “quick scores” vs Vandy I surely do.
kingdaddy
September 20th, 2012
11:20 am
No one is a bigger Dog fan than me, but I have to agree with Dr.p, LMAOFF…BWAAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Have you no shame? I’m done, I can’t believe this horse crap. Get a life p…
UGA Insider
September 20th, 2012
11:21 am
Jordan Jenkins is putting some major pressure on Corn to perform. I agree that Ramik hasn’t played much. I don’t know what’s going on with Corey Moore and JHC.
When Tree gets back and you have Herrera/Tree in the lineup. That’s pretty stout.
Ray
September 20th, 2012
11:36 am
If we only should care about W-L record we shouldn’t have lost to Michigan St. last year then that’s my only thing.
There is more than goes into a W-L record than the W or the L I’d rather people 10-4 playing a tough sked then 10-4 playing cupcakes just saying.
Joey
September 20th, 2012
11:40 am
What’s your question to Insider, AltamahaDawg?
Been waiting a week for it . . .
dwagdawg
September 20th, 2012
11:42 am
dawgfan
September 19th, 2012
4:31 pm
Thanks Chip. No harm no foul.
I am very critical of a certain assistant coach who shall not be named and his apologists claim that I am not a real fan, but I scream my guts out every Saturday for guys like Aaron Murray probably a lot louder than they ever could.
——————————————————————————————-
dawgfan
August 23rd, 2012
10:22 am
“ I probably won’t even watch the Buffalo game. I’ll be on the golf course.
—————————————————————–
dawgfan you liar; or were you screaming your guts out on the golf course? You are a liar and a hypocrite; you are an absolute waste of oxygen. Go eat a .45 hollowpoint you miserable POS.
Thanks
TallyDawg
September 20th, 2012
11:44 am
What is really exciting is that this team is probably set to peak at the right time – October 6th!
All of our backups are getting experience for depth in games they just need to win. We get our full line up next week in time for Tennessee and the rust will be off in time for the Gamecocks – with the defense being amazingly fresh for mid way through the season. Not to mention the dividends this will play next season when we lose all these All Americans. I’m with you “UGA Insider”, I think we go undefeated during the season. Our schedule sets up nicely for the Gators also with a bye and then Kentucky, while they face South Carolina – an advantage in schedule they usually get!
Ga/Fl.Stillman dog
September 20th, 2012
11:45 am
To Dr. P, great job (even if you are not a Ga fan). People of the Lame Comment section, OUR DAWGS ARE UNDER PERFORMING. Please get a LIFE and understand REALITY. The two teams of 3 we played should not put up that many points on us, NO MATTER WHO IS INJURED. Take those same teams against the powerhouses of the conference and it will not be the same (even with their backups). I was one a die hard Grantham fan, but he needs to do better as a coach and his players need to flat out play. Even Bama’s scrubs didnt allow points against their boring competition. UGA, CMR, BOOBOO, and CTG are all over rated as well. Although Grantham is miles ahead of CMR as far as coaching he still needs to understand you don’t give up that many points and wait to adjust during half time. Ive coached for 15 years and no way in H@!! will I wait till halftime to adjust, by then you may have lost the game. The offence, well Im not gona waiste my typing fingers. They are illutionist. We can’t score or stop these PEEWEE league teams and then we pay them a million dollars to come to our field and make us look bad, (oops I forgot they didnt have all their defense together) BS….Georgia Sucks. A number 5 ranking is so NOT DESERVING… And if any of you want to test my knowledge please feel free. I don’t wait to win I play to win, thats why MY teams are not a work in progress year after year. And I play a lot of back-ups. Please people give me and yourself a break. As a TRUE GA Fan,,,,, We F*&^$#@ Suck.
TallyDawg
September 20th, 2012
11:50 am
Plus the emotional boost this has to provide the team. After overcoming the Mizzou game with their hands tied, they know they can handle the adversity if injuries surface, etc… Plus dripping in the suspended players gives a boost to the team over the four games and has fired up guys getting back into the lineup to keep the team focused to help avoid letdowns.
Can’t wait to be under the lights Saturday night and see Franklin throw his temper tantrums.
Joey
September 20th, 2012
11:52 am
Dr P = Jax Falcon/Dog Fan = Ga/Fl.Stillman dog = doofus.
And dang, TallyDawg, don’t give the techies ammo.
Undefeated?
After 1 SEC game?
WDE
September 20th, 2012
11:55 am
@Ga/Fl.Stillman dog dude you need to dial up your meds……your going to flat line on us…relax take a deep breath .