From Athens-Game Day Friday # 5

Buc, what you wrote about richt doing what he knows is not ugly, and it is the absolute truth.
I think we have the edge in talent, asst coaches, and of course the home field. If we tank on this one, I think we'll have a pretty good idea why.
I imagine richt has the weather tucked away as a ready made excuse just in case, but I won't buy it, since bama will be enjoying the same weather we are.

sadlerdawg, would be a "hoot" if we come out of 2015 and make either one of the major bowls or . . . . the Final Four.

Tomorrow when Alabama takes the field, bet this . . . . They know that there will be no Final Four if they lose. They will play that way.

One advantage that I think I see is Alabama having played a real good football team in 2015 . . . . Ole Miss.

Was worried somewhat about South Carolina, before we played them. They proved to be nothing short of coming apart at the seams.

Would much rather take the path that Alabama has been on for several years, not the path that South Carolina is on now.

You are definitely right about talent. Have mentioned talent a few times "over the years". Some how or some way we have not been able to capitalize. Tomorrow would be a good place to change "how things have been".

VD beat the Bear when it was thought to be impossible. There will be some Hound Tooth Hats in Athens this weekend, would like nothing better than to send them back to Tuscaloosa the same way VD's players did back in the day.

I men this sincerely . . . . Go Dawgs, COACH'EM UP! This time meaning, apply that message to those COACHING.

Was that ugly? Guess I am slipping.

Buc I agree I wish we would have played some real competition before tomorrow's game. Sad when 4 games into the season and Vanderbilt is the stiffest competition we've faced.
Still, from what I've seen, we have the talent advantage. The only area we may be weaker in is as usual, special teams. Again that falls at the feet of the head coach, as it has been a problem for so long.
I'm sincerely hoping the game does not come down to ST, or that if it does, our guys dig deep to make it happen. The head coach had neglected the big uglies for so long, and the special teams for just as long. I'm just not sure what is ever going to make it click to him that ALL aspects of the game need to be firing on all cylinders to get to that next level.

sadlerdawg, much truth in your post #8.

I do believe this . . . . the recent coaching hires are peddling as fast as they can to get UGA where it should be with the "talent available".

I would bet this . . . . Mike Ekeler will turn his portion of the Special Team coverage around.

Know that myself along with you and a few others have harped about the offensive and defensive lines. grantham tried to improve the defensive line play, little else.

All the while Coach Will Friend was as I mentioned above, "peddling fast" trying to catch up with "years" of and I dislike using this word . . . . "neglect".

I don't believe we are where some of the new hires want us to be, they have made that evident.

I do believe we are closer and I really want to see how Schottenheimer handles the weather and play calling. He could not be in a bigger college game than the one he is facing tomorrow. Coaches on the other side of the field (bad guys) are well versed in weather and grown man football.

Show time.

Is it possible that for once, not having an indoor practice facility might be an advantage??? I know we've had some practices that got pretty soggy, while the Tide has been enjoying 72 degrees and bone dry. Our practice jerseys get muddy - theirs look nice and clean, every day.

Everyone has been focusing on their defense stopping OUR run. I think if our defense can stop THEIR run . . . we win. The thing that is bothering me right now - Alabama's lines are HUGE. If they line up and run right at us . . . could be a VERY long day.

If it rains in buckets, which would dampen the passing game, will it cause our defense to stay on the field for too long, and speed the game up too much?

This isn't Tennessee's stadium - we actually have a fantastic playing surface that drains well and has a strong bermuda sod. The "G" in the middle of the field might be pretty muddy by the 3rd quarter, but overall I think the field won't mind the rain. Nice crown on it. Water that doesn't soak in will run off. Traction may not be as bad as many think.

In the end, I think the better football team is going to win, period.