From Athens-Game Day Friday # 5

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.

Stats mean nothing. But if they DID mean something -

Total Offense: UGA 45.5 ppg, Alabama 35.8 ppg
Total Defense: UGA 13.5 ppg, Alabama 17.5 ppg
Passing Offense: UGA 233.5 ypg, Alabama 257.5 ypg
Rushing Offense: UGA 257.8 ypg, Alabama 202.5 ypg
Pass Defense: UGA 166.0 ypg, Alabama 210.3 ypg
Rushing Defense: UGA 107.3 ypg, Alabama 56.8 ypg
Turnover Margin: UGA +2, Alabama -1 (positive is good)

Against their only common opponent:
Alabama 34, ULM 0
Georgia 51, ULM 14 (lightning shortened game)
Alabama rushing yards 303, ULM 9
Georgia rushing yards 243, ULM 45
Alabama passing yards, 166, ULM 83
Georgia passing yards, 192, ULM 206

You might think Ole Miss was better than Alabama. They were NOT. Alabama pretty much did whatever they wanted with Ole Miss, except KEEP THEM FROM SCORING. Ole Miss ran for 92 yards against 'Bama - we are better than Ole Miss at running the ball. Ole Miss put more yards passing and more points on 'Bama than they did against Vandy - maybe a little let down, but hard to say.

I wish I could use all of that to give me a better feeling for tomorrow. Can't.

On the menu -

Smoked Elephant Meat (steaks smoked over Mesquite)
Soggy Sanford Hedge Clippings (asparagus, probably smoked with generous butter and Italian seasoning)
Baked Elephant Eggs (since the Rooster Eggs were a huge hit last time! Going for more!)

Everyone have a great weekend!

GOOOOOOO DAWGS! Sic 'em!

What a Week Win the end!!!!!!