UGA offensive line faces tall task vs. Gamecocks
ATHENS – After several days spent watching tape of South Carolina’s defense, Georgia offensive line coach Will Friend was struck by what he had not noticed.
“I was … trying to remember when I saw one score [against the Gamecocks],” Friend said. “I couldn’t think of a team I saw cross the goal line yet.”
It has happened, but rarely.
South Carolina’s defense has allowed only five touchdowns out of 67 opponent drives this season, meaning the opposition has scored a touchdown on 7.5 percent of its possessions. Contrast that to Georgia’s offense, which has scored 31 touchdowns on 74 drives, a 41.9 percent rate.
How well Georgia's offensive line protects QB Aaron Murray will be key against South Carolina's tall, tough defense. (Photo/UGA Sports)
All of which should make for a compelling clash Saturday night in Columbia.
Georgia’s offense has averaged 48.2 points and 536 yards (287 passing and 249 rushing) per game. But how will it fare against a defense that has allowed just 11.2 points and 289 yards (78 rushing and 211 passing) per game?
The answer starts with how Georgia’s offensive line, a question mark when the season began, fares against South Carolina’s vaunted defensive front, which is led by a pair of towering ends in 6-foot-6 Jadeveon Clowney and 6-8 Devin Taylor.
“We understand the impact they can have on the game, so we’re going to try to do something that can help thwart that,” said right guard Chris Burnette, the only Georgia offensive lineman available for interviews this week. “I feel like whenever you play in the SEC, you are playing against top-tier talent, always. But this defensive line really has a high reputation around the league and the country as guys who are great at getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.
“We definitely know that we are challenged, and we are going to take it head-on.”
One of the bigger challenges awaits freshman right tackle John Theus, playing just his sixth college game. “Yeah, [this week] is a little bit different,” Friend said with a laugh that emphasized the understatement, from what Theus has experienced thus far.
Clowney, a sophomore, and Taylor, a senior, have combined for 30.5 career sacks — 13.5 and 17, respectively. This season, Clowney has 5.5, second most in the SEC, and Taylor 1.5. As a team, South Carolina has 22, most in the SEC. The Gamecocks’ defensive front, responsible for 18 of the sacks, is stout against the run, too, allowing just two rushing touchdowns in five games.
“I saw where one of those ESPN expert guys thought we had the best defensive line in the country with those two ends and our inside guys [tackles Byron Jerideau and Kelcy Quarles], who are pretty dang good players also,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.
Georgia’s starting offensive line has been stable this season: Kenarious Gates at left tackle, Dallas Lee at left guard, David Andrews at center, Burnette at right guard and Theus at right tackle. The group’s easier-said-than-done challenge Saturday is to provide passing time for quarterback Aaron Murray, whose fumble after being sacked by Clowney late in last year’s game sealed South Carolina’s victory, and running room for tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall.
Teams have had more success throwing against South Carolina’s secondary than running against its defensive front, suggesting potential opportunity for Murray if his line protects him.
Not surprisingly, the Gamecocks’ towering defensive ends came up during the quarterback’s weekly treat of his offensive linemen to ice cream.
“We talked about it,” Murray said. “I know they are extremely excited for the challenge, and they’ll be ready to go.”
So far, they have a record of responding to challenges, dating to the start of spring practice.
“In the spring, they knew they weren’t very good. Especially early on, it was just really bad,” coach Mark Richt said this week. “They knew they got better [during the spring], but they knew they had a long way to go. I think that really helped them have a great summer.
“They all decided to get up at 6 a.m. together every time they worked out. They all showed up, and they worked. They knew they better get better in a hurry. Then in [preseason] camp, things started to come together.”
On Saturday, in a game between top-10 teams, the progress of Georgia’s offensive line will be definitively measured.
“This game will definitely be the best gauge,” Richt said. “South Carolina’s defense is playing great. They’re not playing good; they’re playing great. They are kind of used to playing great.. … Without a doubt, this is the biggest test for our offensive line.”
– Tim Tucker
South Carolina’s defense by the numbers (with SEC rank in parentheses):
Touchdowns allowed: 5 (T-1st)
Points allowed per game: 11.2 (2nd)
Sacks: 22 (1st)
Total yards allowed per game: 289 (3rd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 78 (2nd)
Passing yards allowed per game: 211 (7th)
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332 comments Add your comment
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
9:58 am
Spurrier, everybody is excited. Usually the ones beating their chest about Clowney or Ogeltree are the most scared. Dawgs 50-0; Cocks 48-7. It cracks me up. They both had top ten Ds last year, and everybody expected a 12-7 type score, and we got about 90 points. NOBODY has a clue.
Joey
October 5th, 2012
9:59 am
Spurrier4prez, good points. It really comes down to, can y’all pressure Murray? When he has time, he has been really, really good.
Nothing Could Be Finer
October 5th, 2012
10:00 am
Spurrier4prez
October 5th, 2012
9:49 am
I’m not one of those franatic USC fans, but I do bleed gamecock blood. I think Carolina will try and keep the UGA offense off the field and will be successful the majority of the time. Problem is, UGA won’t be shut down the whole game. If we can score enough points, say 24, I think our D can hold on for us. But if UGA gets rolling, they will be hard to catch and USC’s offense isn’t necessarily built to get into a scoring contest. Neither team has faced an even good defense before, but UGA has faced TN, which is high powered and #2 in the SEC. I would be lying to say I’m not VERY nervous about this game.
————————————-
People forget that USC averages 37 points per game.
Carolina’s offense does have some kick and with that stout defense, the dogs don’t stand a chance.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
10:03 am
SC fans forget they are nothing more than a pretender football program
AltamahaDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:06 am
You mean since the last time you reminded everybody about that?
Joey
October 5th, 2012
10:06 am
“…the dogs don’t stand a chance.”
*****************************
Only a clueless homer would say something like that. What are you, on the cheerleading squad? You are obviously oblivious to facts and stats.
This is a even matchup. To think otherwise, by either side, is silly and flies in the face of reality.
flo-ri-duh
October 5th, 2012
10:09 am
Dawgs will play S.C. without last years turnovers …… don’t forget S.C.’s OL will have to deal with UGA’s DL. Georgia has a balanced and potent offense – lot more weapons than the Game Crocks. Slow down the run game and put Shaw on his butt. Conley will have to step up now that M.B. is out but he has the talent and he is capable. Play 4 quarters DAWGS.
dawgfacedboy
October 5th, 2012
10:09 am
I hate to say it but I don’t see this ending well for the dawgs. Maybe i’ve become accustomed to losing big games like this for the past 3 years. Maybe I don’t believe in our OL to push around the SC front to give Murray time and open some holes for the RBs. Maybe I don’t have confidence in Murray to win on the big stage like this against a legit opponent. Call me whatever you want but I don’t have confidence in these things for good reason.
Nothing Could Be Finer
October 5th, 2012
10:10 am
Joey
October 5th, 2012
9:59 am
Spurrier4prez, good points. It really comes down to, can y’all pressure Murray?
————————–
More stats for ya:
USC is ranked No. 2 in the nation in sacks with 22.
Murray will get pressured.
FalconFANatic
October 5th, 2012
10:17 am
Nothing Could Be Finer- You must forget how big the Georgia D-line is and the SC o-line is far from great…I bet Shaw gets knocked out of the game after one of our 360 lb. DT’s falls on him. Too many stars on this UGA team to lose to the chickens! Just wait for the draws and the screens to Gurshall to offset that speed rush from Taylor and Clowney….Murray will have an outstanding game and Gurshall will run wild! Just wait, you will see!
35-14 DAWGS!!!! GO DAWGS!!!!
Joey
October 5th, 2012
10:18 am
Now that makes sense, Finer. Absolutely. We’ve got to protect Murray or it’s over quickly, especially if you can stop the run too. Doing both is easier said that done, though.
Good of you to make a post that can be resonably debated . . .
Nothing Could Be Finer
October 5th, 2012
10:21 am
Joey
October 5th, 2012
10:18 am
Now that makes sense, Finer. Absolutely. We’ve got to protect Murray or it’s over quickly, especially if you can stop the run too. Doing both is easier said that done, though.
Good of you to make a post that can be resonably debated . . .
————————–
Can your freshmen rb’s catch balls out of the backfield?
You might have some success with that, along with your TE’s.
Joey
October 5th, 2012
10:23 am
FalconFANatic,
I hope our front 3 on the D-line shows up big for this game. They have been a bit disappointing in parts of every game this season.
Gonna need 4 quarters in this one – Spurrier can spot a weakness, and make you pay.
CubanDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:23 am
Nothing, you’ve also given up 13 sacks to your opposition including 7 to powerhouse Kentucky.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:24 am
I am going to make a prediction that Murray is the difference maker in this game and not in a good way. He just isn’t very good under pressure.
Nothing Could Be Finer
October 5th, 2012
10:25 am
I’m just messing with you guys. I know UGA will end up winning this game. Just like giving you guys a hard time. Plus, I have no life or anything better to do. Congrats on the upcoming win! We are used to doing nothing when it comes to football.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
10:26 am
GT Bob
Murray is the difference maker in the Tech game
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:26 am
Sorry for getting on here so late. Went out last night to find someone who would talk to me and ended up having to pay $500 to some man with one tooth to spend time with me at my house. It was worth it though!
USC601
October 5th, 2012
10:28 am
Although I am a Gamecock fan I think I can be objective. Carolina has not seen an offense like this in quite a while. UGA’s defense does not have to be spectacular to slow down USC. UGA has the ability to blow out SC. SC does not have the offensive firepower to blow out UGA. IF UGA eliminates silly mistakes they win the game. Sad but true.
Joey
October 5th, 2012
10:30 am
They’ve both caught a few, looked like good hands, but did little with them. Our TEs both are huge 6-5, 6-6, 270, and Lynch especially has been really good in receiving.
We will have to do more of that stuff, especially if y’all get a big pass rush with just your front 4. If you have to blitz, Murray will hurt you though.
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:30 am
Guys, don’t pretend to be GTBob or Chicken Lips. Bob was going over his SAT scores last night at home, and Chicken Lips was staring at Clowney pictures and stats because he couldn’t sleep.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:31 am
Murray is the difference maker in the Tech game
There really are no difference makers in the Tech game. Tech will lose if UGA sends the band out there. South Carolina matches up well against UGA though.
Nothing Could Be Finer
October 5th, 2012
10:36 am
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:30 am
Guys, don’t pretend to be GTBob or Chicken Lips. Bob was going over his SAT scores last night at home, and Chicken Lips was staring at Clowney pictures and stats because he couldn’t sleep.
————————-
Funny because your QB does the same thing.
He won’t sleep a wink tonight thinking about Clowney, especially because of what happened last year.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
10:37 am
Im confused where does SC match up well
Clowney and their other D-end and Lattimore is all they have
We have two RB’s better than Lattimore and 4 WR and a QB not to mention better LB’s, CB’s Safety. Yea I will give you their DE’s
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
10:38 am
I forgot Spurrier is the better coach
If UGA doesnt turn the ball over more than 2 times this is a 2 TD victory for UGA plain and simple
PaperChamps
October 5th, 2012
10:41 am
THE GAME IS PLAYED ON THE FIELD. If 5 and 4star recruits were the only basis for predicting games then UGA should be undefeated against SCAR. UGA consistently has more talent but lately, SCAR has had better coaching.
I love that ESPN is giving SCAR no respect! Spurrier loves it. This will be an unpredictable game because no one knows how bad the SCAR O or UGA D is.
Keep in mind SCAR beat UGA, FL, TN, Clemson, and Nebraska last year so these days – we know a thing or two about BIG GAMES.
I can tell that UGA is searching for a place to find confidence but they need to go back to 2009 and figure out when they last beat a ranked team. Looking forward to a big time game at WB.
UGA offensive line faces tall task vs. Gamecocks – Georgia – Dawg News
October 5th, 2012
10:43 am
[...] UGA offensive line faces tall task vs. Gamecocks ← Back to Home Tags: aaron, aaron murray, carolina, david andrews, defense, devin [...]
7576DAWG
October 5th, 2012
10:44 am
If we have no turnovers that are deep in our territory Georgia will win this one 24-17. We are use to trying to kill the clock in the 4TH Quarter and really don’t know how to finish a game but hopefully Bobo will let Murray play for 60 minutes . The key to who wins will be how we both play the 4TH Quarter. I hope it is cool and not humid because Conditioning will decide this one. Which team has something left in the 4TH Quarter.
World Beaters
October 5th, 2012
10:45 am
We are going to win 2 NC’s in a row because we have done nothing in over 100 years of football. Why do we have to win the SEC CG. We are awesome because we are 15-46-2 against an average UGA program. We barely beat UK & Vandy, but we will destroy UGA.
Carolina fans on crack!! They are the best in the world. UF, LSU & UGA will beat Carolina. Bet on it!
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:45 am
Chicken Lips, you don’t keep up, do you? If he gets sacked a bunch, he won’t have to lay out all of that money on the Vermonsters for the freaks of nature/eating machines who block for him. He wins financially one way, and on the field the next. He will sleep fine.
RedandBlackDAWG
October 5th, 2012
10:47 am
The question needs to be asked. What team will be less tired by the fourth quarter. I don’t think S.C. can wear down UGA as much as UGA can them. It is going to be a good game, but I think UGA can play the full 60 minutes, and by the 4th quarter, the gamecocks will have a lot of players with their hands on their hips.
david
October 5th, 2012
10:48 am
dont turn ball over we will win
World Beaters
October 5th, 2012
10:48 am
“I can tell that UGA is searching for a place to find confidence but they need to go back to 2009 and figure out when they last beat a ranked team.”
_______
Nice going Einstein!!! Please educate yourself before saying / typing anything. Last year UGA beat 2 ranked teams! Please tell me the last time SC won the SEC Championship???? Bueller……Bueller
That’s what I thought!
Jimmy
October 5th, 2012
10:48 am
These two teams are so evenly matched, it will come down to which QB makes a big play to win it at the end. Even though he doesn’t have a great track record versus Top 25 teams, I’ll take Aaron Murray everyday of the week (and twice on Sunday), over Connor Shaw – who is more of a game manager.
J
October 5th, 2012
10:49 am
Bobo’s going to have to do better on the play calling; we can’t be so predictable with the run in this game. If that D gets a handle on Bobo’s patterns like Tennessee’s did, we’re done for. I liked the old days, when CMR would go into a big game and call a long pass to start the game, like against Clemson in ‘02 or ‘03, when Greene bombed it to Freddy Gibson on the first play. Mitchell reminded me of Freddy last year – we oughta go out there and bomb one early, just to set the tone, show ‘em we’re not going to be the same old conservative UGA.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:50 am
If UGA doesnt turn the ball over more than 2 times this is a 2 TD victory for UGA plain and simple
You really think UGA is some kind of unstoppable juggernaut don’t you? They were lucky to win last week by 7 at home against an awful team.
Jimmy
October 5th, 2012
10:50 am
..and I wouldn’t have said that last year, or two years ago, but like Ryan of the Falcons, Murray has matured into a great QB. He’s due for a great game versus a great team. Connor Shaw, while tough as nails, just can’t make the throws required to win once the Cocks running game gets shut down. Bottom line. UGA wins 28-24.
DIT
October 5th, 2012
10:51 am
Side note: I hop Nebraska totally kicks the crap out of the OSU!
OK, back to the regularly scheduled duel between UGA/SC people!
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:51 am
Last year UGA beat 2 ranked teams!
You can’t really brag about beating ranked teams before the season is over. There are always a few that never should have been ranked in the first place.
The Truth
October 5th, 2012
10:52 am
You silly SC fans…nothing gets y’all going more than being surrounded by a bunch of Cocks.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:53 am
Anyone free tonight for some lovin?
Richard Head GTBob
October 5th, 2012
10:53 am
Yes, I’m related to 5150 UOAD The Richard Head!.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
10:54 am
Paper Champs
UGA Clemson Nebraska Tennessee FL last year
LOL
again
LOL
Thats what you call knowing a thing or two about winning big games
LOL
Did I miss something or maybe I missed last season but tell me again those teams you listed were really good last year
because if you think they were then you must have just started watching football just the other day if thats what you think
joe jenkins
October 5th, 2012
10:55 am
Please richt for god’s sake…have the men ready to destroy sc!!!! i’m tired of all the chickens fans trash talk…they are the most delusional fans in america….they have never won anything.. being Dawg fan and living in carolina…this game means everything to me.!!! Its time for our beloved coach richt to put the hammer down on darth rooster….if we beat sc…all things in the world will be right again….btw fellow dawgs fans…i’m not going to stop being critical of our dawgs till we beat sc…i’m sorry i cant and wont stop….their is no excuse to lose to a pathetic team with an losing tradition like the poultry has….To all of our fans traveling to crack town usa…be carefull and be safe… Go Dawgs
World Beaters (GtBob just keeps beating himself)
October 5th, 2012
10:55 am
Not the point Bob. The poster said that we have not beaten a ranked team since 09. His facts are incorrect. Worry about your own team Tool!
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
10:57 am
GT Bob
“You can’t really brag about beating ranked teams before the season is over. There are always a few that never should have been ranked in the first place”
Yea I agree just like GT in 1990 playing #17 Nebraska in the Citrus Bowl for their joke UPI National Championship game
joe jenkins
October 5th, 2012
11:00 am
hey gtbob I have question? how does feel to lose mtenn st? well that is all..i will hang up and listen to your comments. lol
World Beaters (GTBob just keeps beating himself)
October 5th, 2012
11:01 am
Obviously UGA will not be able to say for a very long time that they beat a ranked tek team! Let’s back up, I guess it depends on how you use the word “ranked”. Ranked as in smell and awfulness of a team and fan base being…….. Then yes, we beat a “ranked” tek team every year.
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
11:02 am
The whole line on Murray is simply psychological warfare, trying to get in Murray’s mind. It won’t work. Murray is smart and tough. Murray does great against ranked teams. The whole team wins or loses. As a rf Freshman he played the National Championship winner and jumped way ahead with 21 points in the 1st quarter. He outgunned the opposing QB by a large margin–a QB who won the Heisman, the NC, and went at the top of the draft. Murray threw no picks, and racked up 100 more yards than Newton, while Newton had a pick–he did run three miles on our D. Murray led UGA to 31 points. The D failed to contain Auburn’s powerful O. That was as a Freshman! Murray has nerves of steel and he is a winner. I wouldn’t trade him for any QB in America!
Tech Sucks
October 5th, 2012
11:03 am
South Carolina has played NO ONE this season. They barely beat Vandy. They haven’t faced an offense like UT’s… Or UGA’s… People are going to be shocked at the final score of this game.