After this game, some time to think about what I see as the overall, comes down to this pretty much . . . .
We knew coming into 2016 that we had the tight end area covered, and I think it safe to say, talented. Questions have been asked about why we did not use the tight ends more on pass routes, including me. It became obvious “again” against Missouri that the coaches “knew” the lack of strength on the offensive line. Example of that . . . . Kindley was mentioned in reports this past week of moving up the ladder and practicing with the “starters”. Comes down to more than “depth”, don’t have to say too much more about that, except for this . . . . quarterback would have been beaten up time and again. Not a good way to bring in a freshman, regardless of his high school heroics. Believe that our coaching staff actually measured up to “reality”. The same “stuff” that Kirby Smart said on arrival in Athens. In my way of thinking, that is top notch coaching.
Comes down to the outside and slot receivers having to be more than “average”. Short time for a pass play to develop, heavy pressure on the quarterback.
Much more could be said. Will say this . . . . Kirby Smart gets a pat on the back from me for the way he handled the clock in the final 3 or 4 minutes of the game. If we had a different head coach, thinking along the lines of prior to 2016, time and game management were never handled as a “process”. That coming from me is not being “ugly”, simply the truth proven over and over for all of us to recall.
Has been said that we are “building” and that is being said again. Looking over the incoming players, can see patterns of thought have been applied to our recruiting efforts. Our patience will be tested in 2016, and even 2017. Offensive lines are not built in quick order.
For all of that . . . . we got a “W”. Accepted without prejudice. Feel sure all FANS will freely discuss the merits of this win and others, I hope.
Go Dawgs, good clock management Kirby.