Does Georgia have the horses?, part one

I think my favorite national statistic right now is defensive passer rating.  Georgia ranks fourth in that.

The Dawgs are also fourth in the SEC in defensive passer rating.  That’s right – the four best teams in the country at shutting down opponents’ passing attacks (all four with ratings under 100) all play in the same conference.  And you wonder why there aren’t many good quarterbacks in the SEC this season.

Anyway, LSU ranks third.  The Tigers are going to be a huge challenge for the second best passing attack in the conference.  Can Georgia cope?

The comparison that’s already being made is with the one SEC team ranked higher in passing offense than Georgia.

… The challenge for LSU is a wide array of receivers that are nearly a match for the Arkansas group, plus perhaps the best tight end in the SEC, Orson Charles, who has 40 receptions for 530 yards and five touchdowns.

“They’re very talented and a very fast group,” LSU safety Brandon Taylor said. “A lot of people say Arkansas receivers are the fastest group in the SEC, but Georgia, they are very fast. I know (Tavarres King), I played against him my sophomore year, and he actually kind of got away from me that year, too. They actually have the most talented tight end in the SEC.”

If that’s valid, there’s good reason to hope that the Dawgs can be effective throwing the ball.  Arkansas had by far the best showing against LSU’s defense from a passer rating standpoint this season.  And somewhat surprisingly, it was only the fifth lowest passer rating the Hogs compiled in 2011.

If there’s something which gives me pause for thought about the comparison, though, it’s that Georgia’s passer rating has fluctuated much more than Arkansas’ has this year.  The Hogs’ low point came against Alabama (110.39) and their high against Southwest Missouri State (195.64).  Georgia’s passer rating has run from 99.41 (Florida) to an otherworldly 255.64 in the Auburn game.  (And, yes, that was by far the worst showing Auburn’s defense had this season.)

So Georgia can throw the ball on LSU.  But Aaron Murray and his receivers need to be having one of their “on” days for that to happen.  Easier said than done, but it’s something LSU has to be legitimately concerned about.

And while I’m on the subject of pause for thought, I sure hope somebody in the Georgia offensive brain trust is working on a way to give Justin Anderson some help handling Barkevious Mingo.  That is one scary match up if you’re trying to keep Aaron Murray upright.

87 Comments

Filed under Georgia Football, Stats Geek!

87 responses to “Does Georgia have the horses?, part one

  1. Brandon

    Yes, and we MUST be able to run the ball to set up the play action game, we got away with not having a legitimate, every down run threat these last couple of weeks against GT and UK but we won’t be able to get away with that this week. If LSU knows we have to pass to win we are toast.

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  2. Biggus Rickus

    Justin Anderson against anyone is a scary matchup. If memory serves, it was he who was beaten on the play in the Tech where Murray was hit during the throw, causing his interception.

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  3. Lrgk9

    Bean has done better than I expected for a guard impersonating a tackle.

    Help he will need !

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    • hailtogeorgia

      If that’s the case, then I’d hate to know what your expectations were. The kid’s a DGD, and he’s put up with a lot of shuffling and Tripping, but in my opinion, he’s always been lacking in the performance department. He’s been causing problems for us the entire year, from the first snap of the Boise game onward.

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      • AthensHomerDawg

        Cut him some slack… he’s still learning. If he had always played Tackle and not guard then defensive nose you might have a gripe. The only player I’ve seen moved all over the field to different positions with success was Hines Ward. Sorry, but there just ain’t that many Hines Wards in the world.
        just sayin’

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        • hailtogeorgia

          I did cut him some slack. I fully understand the hindrances he’s faced throughout his career, and I touched on those with the shuffling and Tripping statement, but ultimately, he’s still going to be judged by what he does on the field. I’m sorry, but he’s continuously been the cause of false start penalties from the first game until now, and there are times he looks like nothing more than a revolving door on the outside. Against LSU, he could get Murray seriously injured if he doesn’t do better than that and Mingo.

          The protection pieces I was okay with early in the year, but in the last game of the regular season, Attaochu (sp?) was torching him. On two separate plays, I saw Attaochu blow by him on the outside one play, and then completely fake him out with an outside move and blow by him on the inside like two plays later. He’s had a full season to get it together for that part, and the penalties themselves are inexcusable. He’s a fifth year senior, he should not be committing that many false start penalties.

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          • AthensHomerDawg

            He’s a fifth year senior not a fifth year starting OT. I hear ya that you don’t think he is performing. Gotcha! I watched a Peach Bowl game where Stinchcomb was getting beat and beat often by a DE until Donnan held Orlandis Gary in to chip on him. We starting completing some after that. Stinchcomb still managed to play some pro ball. Still… we are skinny on the O line depth chart so you will just have to roll with it ok? It ain’t gonna get better this season.
            We good?

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            • hailtogeorgia

              We’re good, but I don’t care if he’s a fifth year senior or a fifth year starting OT…a fifth year anything with any decent amount of playing time (which he has) shouldn’t be committing that many penalties, ESPECIALLY on false starts. False starts are inexcusable.

              Like I said, the protection thing I could give him a pass on early in the year, but he’s had plenty of time to get that shored up this year and he still hasn’t done it. We’ll agree to disagree on this one.

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              • Cojones

                Acknowledging he is the best we have for that position and that in differing games, problems pop up throughout the line. But don’t lay negative shit on a player trying very hard. He deserves our plaudits the same as IV who sacrificed his natural playing position for the good of this team. Under other circumstances, Bean might perform much better with guys to each side, but he bravely plays in a position that rarely gets accolades because that’s where the sackers come from. He doesn’t need any fan to highlight him as the blametaker if Murray gets hit. Murray can see to that side and can evade better than if the tackler is coming from his blind side. You really unintentionally slur the line coaches as if to say you see something they don’t know about. Don’t you give credit to coaches who know all available players and play the best at each position? We have Figgins there as well and he can chip and block as well as anyone. Many of our players have slowing injuries you know nothing about, but they continue to play with handicaps. Lay off the individual fingerpointing. These guys have earned a spot in the SEC Championship Game and most of us know they aren’t going to waste it.

                AthensHomerDawg gave you good info. Try to process it along with what he didn’t say while being respectful of your concern. Untimely coaching advice isn’t appreciated by many of us and pointing at the play of individuals who need all the confidence that they can get might lead to some Dawgs on here saying they might like to reach through the ephemeral world of the intergiggies and snatch a knot in your neck. But not me. I’m the peaceful sort.

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                • Cosmic Dawg

                  Cojones, you are one of my favorites here, in part because we can always depend on you to put the positive spin on the team. However, you have GOT to let people talk about the team as they see it – what’s the point of coming here if we’re not going to analyze the team?!?! To lie to each other? Nobody’s coming down on The Bean, they’re just saying that he’s not been particularly effective stopping the outside rush. Everybody above was *very* respectful in making their points.

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                • hailtogeorgia

                  Did you read what I wrote? Where did I say anything about the coaching staff? Where did I say anything disrespectful about Bean? Are you seriously saying that I’m not even allowed to point out that Bean has problems with causing penalties and he’s not the best pass blocker? Jesus Christ, man, come off it.

                  Go back and read what I said…I never suggested that the coaches replace him with another player, because I know that we’re thin on line depth and he’s the best we have. Also, I wasn’t doing “individual fingerpointing”, I was responding to someone saying that Bean had done better than they expected…a statement with which I don’t agree. AthensHomerDawg didn’t really give me any information I didn’t already know, and if you think that sending Figgins to help Bean block Mingo on every passing down is a solution, then you’re delusional. Murray’s pick last week was a direct result of the end flying past Bean…I’m sorry if you think me saying that is disrespectful to Bean, but that’s what happened.

                  Finally, if you want to ring my neck based on the fact that I wrote something that wasn’t 100% positive about a member of the team, then I think you need to take a step back from the keyboard for a while.

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                • Cojones

                  Probably, but if your judgement of an individual player trying his best is to point out his downside, what analytical point are you making? To not say that the coaches know best with all their players is just a back door snipe at them and ,yes, the fans as well, for not accentuating the friggin’ negative. Obvious negative factors known by all fans on here don’t constitute the right to insensitivity toward the player. What new analytical fact or stat did you draw our attention to? Poor coaching by Will Friend? Garner not doing his job? Stigmatizing a player certainly doesn’t cut it.

                  If you can’t come on here prepared to take shots like you give them, then you might be a little too thin skinned to make them.

                  Your everlovin’ peaceful servant.

                  Cojones

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                • … if your judgement of an individual player trying his best is to point out his downside, what analytical point are you making?

                  How is what he said any different from my point that Bean would need help with Mingo?

                  It’s one thing to harp on a kid’s shortcomings. But it’s just as bad to ignore them completely merely because he’s trying his best, IMO.

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  4. Spence

    If a-Ron can stay confident tht he’ll stay upright, or just pay through the Justin Anderson allowed sacks, then we can throw the ball. But if he gets continuously pressured and gets happy feet, it’s going to be a long evening.

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  5. Go Dawgs!

    If Murray’s jersey stays clean… er… free of those little specks of rubber in the Georgia Dome turk, that is… then I think Georgia’s got an excellent chance on Saturday, especially since I think the first segments of the game are going to be played with LSU leaving our receivers in single coverage as they deny the ‘Dawgs the run. The fact that Georgia’s lowest passer rating game came in the Florida game is hardly a surprise, it’s the mind-f*** game. Hopefully, there won’t be any spiders in anyone’s mind at the Dome.

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    • adam

      I’m sure Murray’s 0-9 streak and the interception caused by Crowell’s decision to use his facemask to catch the ball played a big part in that low rating.

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  6. I haven’t looked it up, but I am wondering how Richt/Bobo offenses fared against Chavis defenses when he was at UT. Obviously we won a few lost a few (2004, 2006) but from a statistical standpoint, how did we do compared to the other top defenses we played in those seasons. It doesn’t seem to me, from memory, that Chavis outright has our number like Cutcliffe owned Willie. But I also don’t recall us lighting them up with Chavis there. Lastly… would this even be relevant?

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    • Rocketdawg

      Chavis has MUCH better players at LSU. There were some really talented UT defenses in his time but nothing along the same lines as this year’s Tigah squad. I dare say half the ’98 UT defense wouldn’t start on this year’s LSU defense.

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      • BMan

        I dare say that half of LSU’s defense wouldn’t start for…LSU. And they don’t, they back up the starters. That’s the problem with LSU, they’re so f-ing deep at nearly every position. One for one, Georgia has the talent to match up, but when fresh legs are needed, LSU’s got ’em in droves, and we don’t.

        And I’m also worried about Bean. In my head, I keep hearing, “the Mingo ate your baby.”

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        • AthensHomerDawg

          “And I’m also worried about Bean. In my head, I keep hearing, “the Mingo ate your baby.”
          +1
          That is pretty good ..right there! I wish I would have said that! 😉

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      • Darrron Rovelll

        Really … which of these players 7 players would not start on LSU defense? Al Wilson (1st round pick, 8 NFL Seasons), Raynock Thompson (2nd Rnd pick, 8 NFL seasons), Shaun Ellis (1st round pick, 12+ NFL seasons), Dwayne Goodrich (2nd round pick, 2 NFL seasons, recently out of prison), Darwin Walker (3rd round pick, 10 NFL seasons), Eric Westmoreland (3rd pick, 4 NFL seasons), and Deon Grant (2nd pick, 11+ NFL seasons). That is seven guys of the 98 team right there drafted in the 1st three rounds of the NFL draft with a combined 48 seasons in the NFL. So you are telling me that 3 or 4 of them would not be starters at LSU?

        LSU’s defense is very good but I doubt it is filled with more 7+ NFL players or heck even 8+ players who will be drafted in rounds 1-3.

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    • Did I really just leave out the 2007 loss at Knoxville? Shows the effectiveness of repressing painful memories.

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  7. Scorpio Jones, III

    It appears to me this game will come down to depth on both lines of scrimmage. Georgia’s O line has appeared strong in the second half, but not against teams able to substitute liberally on the defensive line…read Boysee, and of all things, Kentucky, although that may be an emotional aberation. From what I see we are a year away from being able to play nose to nose with an LSU for an entire game. Does this mean we can’t win…of course not, but we do have to be able to run the ball more than just for show. I don’t know if Crowell is all he was said (by people who really don’t know) to be or any of that, but we still have to run the football and not just a little. Frankly, Samuel helping Bean with Mingo to open up the tight end is part of the running game, so 22 may be more important than Crowell.

    Could be a pretty good football game.

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    • AthensHomerDawg

      Maybe… but I think it is special teams play myself.

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      • Cojones

        Right again, my friend. Nerve pills for Walsh won’t hurt. Our hopes may lie in his right leg before this is over. This may be the game where he straps it on and boots that long one. Bogotay can do kickoffs to save Walsh’s leg.

        Point of attack on kickoffs can be problematic especially with Miles using a double reverse on a runback. I’m sure they will be coached up for this game; just as sure that the Dawgs will be too. Nothin to lose, play loose and on to glory, Dawgs.

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  8. Starbreaker

    My biggest concern about this game is it shaping up like Boise where our D held strong despite constant 3-and-outs in the first half, only the finally break down just before the half. The O really needs to at least move the ball early and take advantage of what little LSU’s D will give them when the opportunity presents itself. I am also very worried about our young/light receivers dealing with physical press coverage and getting open early enough to help Murray out.

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    • The Lone Stranger

      But for this game the Dawgs have an operable Ogletree messing up the middle of the LSU OLine; Rambo lying in wait for any weak-armed tosses down the middle; and J.Jones doing just about anything he wishes on the edges.

      I am more and more convinced that the BSU game was a confluence of unfortunate personnel issues combined with the 3-4 D system being not yet fully functional.

      If UGa played Boise tomorrow, I’d bet all over it…and Dawgs would beat them by 10.

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  9. stoopnagle

    The more I think about this game, the less confident I become that Georgia can hang in there. First, Anderson is going to be eaten alive and when he isn’t, he’ll get called for holding/false starts. I love him, but that’s the way I see it. Second, Murray won’t get away with anything resembling a bad throw. He has to be on target from the get-go and I’m fearful he’ll be over-juiced for his first SECCG. Third, and this is what I just can’t shake, we have to defeat them in the return game. I can’t get past our coverage team (yes, improved in recent weeks!) versus their return game. Am I alone in thinking that if we only give up one score on ST, we’re doing awesome?

    I hope I’m just belly-aching and being a downer. But to win, we have to shut down their special teams and win field position (this, I think, was Arkie’s problem – nobody is driving the field on LSU), Crowell has to play a complete game, and Murray has to be sharp from the start. I have to say, I feel pretty good about our defense’s ability to hold their offense in check. It’s the other phases that worry me.

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    • Grafton

      We have to have a respectable running game to set up the play action pass. If LSU doesn’t have to worry about the run… It’s going to be a long and painful game.

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    • gastr1

      I’m there with you 100%. I think we can play a game that is very even in yardage but ends up a blowout on the scoreboard–think back to the ’08 WLOOCP. Maybe not 49-10, but 41-17? Entirely possible.

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      • Junkyard Dawg '00

        I’ve been saying this throughout the year and I although I can see some very legit reasons not to deploy this strategy, especially against LSU, I believe we need to run AM a lot more this game. Two reasons- one, I like the idea of getting him in the game using his feet to get him settled in. And two, I doubt LSU is going to prepare for him as a dual threat QB and if we have some success with it early on then we may really get them off of their defensive game plan.

        Just my thoughts… what do ya’ll think?

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        • adam

          I would dig that if Murray hadn’t shown that he’ll take a shot when he should get out of bounds. Plus, he doesn’t have great ball security and Tyrann Mathieu forces a lot of fumbles.

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        • The Lone Stranger

          Or just scripted roll-outs with Charles or Bennett flowing for some dump-off options.

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          • Love it. Just like the first offensive play in Knoxville… That roll out was a thing of beauty and all them hillbillies in the stands thought AM handed it off so you heard the collective “boom” on TV when they thought IC was tackled and then to their surprise, AM throws to Charles (?) for the first down.

            I would like to see AM roll out and Bobo moving the pocket some to give AM more options against this DEF.

            Can’t wait. This should be a fun one.

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      • The Lone Stranger

        Dawgs must force Bengals into mistakes on their end of the field. All it may take are a couple TOs to set up short field TD drives and we’ll stay in this thing.

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    • Cojones

      In case you haven’t noticed, the number of false starts have diminished for Bean, but have gone up on the guy to his right. Don’t hear anyone flaying Murray’s favorite target.

      Be worried, but don’t do so for individual players. They are playing first string because they have earned it above other players and not one of them are perfect. We need some insane cheering for the Dawgs who are pitted against a team out to wreak havoc the same as we are. Who in hell made them better on the field before we have played the game. If you are that worried, go fishing Sat(don’t take a radio or laptop) and wait for the replay on Sun. Some of you are running around in circles debating who to surrender to and it’s just Tues. What the hell, it’s a college football game for an extended season reward. We don’t know who will win yet, but giving the game away before it’s played isn’t dignified for anyone with Dawg blood in their veins. We don’t give in to any ahole team out there. Quit taking a crap on this blog, pull up your trousers and wipe your nose. The sniveling is beginning to piss me off.

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      • hailtogeorgia

        Dude, you seriously need to chill. It’s okay to talk about things that might be issues on gameday…that doesn’t mean anyone is a bad fan, thinks we’re going to lose, or isn’t going to cheer for their team.

        Out of curiosity, would you have spoken to Larry Munson the same way in 1997 when we were down against Georgia Tech late in the game, and, when referring to Hap Hines, he said “…and we can’t go for the field goal…we don’t have a kicker!”? I guess he was just sniveling and needs to pull up his trousers and wipe his nose.

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        • MinnesotaDawg

          +1. My thoughts exactly. I’m sure Cojones must have repeatedly thrown his pom-poms at the radio listening to Munson’s call. Munson was so undignified–probably not enough Dawg blood running through his veins.

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        • Cojones

          Wow! Really? You compare your take on things to Munson? That’s a little over the top for my insensitive criticism of your insensitive criticism, don’t you think?

          Sorry to hurt any other Dawg fan’s feelings, but can’t help my Dawgmatic views. And you would be surprised that sometimes I agree with criticisms hurled at me, but I ain’t about to sit around, mark your name in my book and hunt for your remarks. I honestly don’t know the people who have criticized me, but for one or two who I have differed philosophically with concerning the definition of a fan. You bet that you have the right to say anything you want when analyzing plays, etc., but I also have a right to comment on your flavor. Most people show a sensitivity about what they analyze. You and I are exceptions to the word kindnesses shown others. Sometimes my comments are meant to slap someone back to saneness even though I know in their heart that they are good and righteous Dawg fans(you did get the little twist there, did you not?).

          Remember: I may not believe in a thing that you say, but I will defend to your death your right to say it.

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  10. Sanford222View

    Barkevious Mingo….that has to be one of the greatest names in college football history and good for at least one sack.

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  11. Red Blackman

    Bean starts slow. He finishes better. He has shown that all season. It’s almost like he has to get a feel for the guy across from him before he can block him.

    With that said, when Bean decides to get after your ass…..he brings it.

    There are ways to punish a fast, aggressive defense if you have the athletes. Georgia has the athletes.

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    • H-Town Dawg

      Exactly right. Guys like Bean will adjust and get into the groove. If the margin is less than a touchdown, either way, at halftime then I think LSU could have a real problem.

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  12. paul

    Barkevious Mingo. There just aren’t many better football names than that. We need to play the kind of game we did against Auburn. Everybody focused. In terms of mental preparation, perhaps the best thing we have going for us at this point is that no one outside the program believes we can be competitive. All the talking heads not only assume LSU wins, they say the Tigers still deserve to play for the national championship even if they lose. That mindset should work in our favor. Over at the Grit Tree, they compare our defensive statistics with those of Alabama and LSU against common opponents this year. I am cautiously optimistic.

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  13. Irwin R. Fletcher

    Did anyone else love the TE screen UGA ran against Tech? I just don’t see the bubble screen being an option against LSU with their secondary, but that TE screen looked awesome. Both backs ran short patterns left and right in the backfield and looked like the options to receive the throw, the LBs stayed on the backs, the middle defenders rush through the open hole in the middle and Charles was perfectly set up to catch and run….only a great 1 on 1 stop prevented a huge play.

    Anyway, I’d like to see that one again.

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  14. Grafton

    The folks down here in Baton Rouge feel Georgia has no chance at all and should not even be on the same field as LSU because UGA hasn’t played ANYONE. I hope LSU’s players feel the same way.

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  15. charlottedawg

    Relax people, we got this. losing to boise state to open the season means you go on to win your conference look it up. but in all seriousness the keys to the game for Georgia will be: 1) turnovers 2) special teams and 3) being able to have a some sort of running game. Looking at LSU that is a VERY tall order. The things we’ve struggled with all year they’ve exploited perfectly. Not saying we can’t win but LSU is really that deserving of all the hype.

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  16. Bevo

    “But Aaron Murray and his receivers need to be having one of their ‘on’ days for that to happen.”

    Exactly. The biggest question in my mind has been whether it will be a Kentucky day for our offense or an Auburn day for our offense. If #11 and company play a great game, anything could happen.

    By the way… Barkevious Mingo is a great football name.

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  17. hailtogeorgia

    I honestly see this being a close game either way you cut it. Folks say we haven’t played anyone (when the more proper statement would be that we haven’t beaten anyone), but when it comes to great defenses, who has LSU played? Sure, they beat a good Oregon team, but that team is all offense…same for West Virginia. The only team with a defense better than ours that LSU has played is Alabama, and they scored six points on them in regulation. I think our defense keeps us in the game regardless of what happens…my hope is simply that we avoid mistakes and are still within one possession midway through the fourth quarter. LSU hasn’t had many close games in the fourth quarter (a tribute to the quality of their team, no doubt) and keeping the pressure on them to perform will be key. Regardless of what happens, Jarvis Jones is going to get his, and Bacarri has been a ball hawk all season. Let’s focus on winning the turnover battle and everything else will fall into place.

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    • Winning the turnover battle is going to be a tall order, as LSU is one of the few teams in the country superior to Georgia in t/o margin (+19 to +10).

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      • hailtogeorgia

        Oh, it’s definitely a tall order, but in this game, what isn’t?

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      • The Lone Stranger

        If you want to drive yourself nuts, check the Fumbles Forced/Recovered stat. UGa has forced the most in the country (32) but only recovered 12 which translates to 102nd in FBS. Back to the ‘lucky’ bounces again.

        Should some of those bounding pigskins find friendly hands, well, who knows what we’ll have in the Dome?

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  18. THE BIG QUESTION really is, “Will SLIVE and the SEC officiating allow the game without interference from them, such a excessive celebration, etc.??” LSU has been the beneficiary of these favorable calls forever. When you have a game wherein almost every pundits out there are calling a game with foregone conclusion, it is easier for the officiating not call penalties on LSU. LSU can hold or do pass interference the whole day, and Slive and his officials can just have blind eyes. JUST SAYING.

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    • TCD

      Well it would be advantageous the SEC to actually let us win so we could possibly get 3 SEC teams to BCS bowls equaling a huge payday for everyone in the conference.

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    • AthensHomerDawg

      I thought the same thing. Combination of Kevious and the first 3 initials of his Mom’s name (Barbara). I don’t get it either. Until I looked it up I thought it might have something to do with dingos in Australia.

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      • Cojones

        He was named after someone envious of a barkeep. Or after someone with a bad voice. He should have been named something simple like Abeecidy. That’s spelled A-b-c-d. Or given a muslim name like Sheeat Hiyad, spelled S-h-i-t-h-e-a-d. The more vowels, the better I would think. Better than whole names with differing vowel sets, like my Granny’s name; Martha Anne Matilda Miranda Roseanna Davis-Stroupe. I swear that was her name. I wanted to call her Ten A, but Mom wouldn’t hear of it. Her initials would have made a great pole dancer’s name; Mammrds. Sorta goes with Mongo, doesn’t it?

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  19. AthensHomerDawg

    “I sure hope somebody in the Georgia offensive brain trust is working on a way to give Justin Anderson some help handling Barkevious Mingo. ” Hark back to that Peach Bowl with Virginia? Reminds me of the lacrosse turned football player from Virginia (later played for Atlanta). He was wearing Stinchcomb out in the first half and Mr. Quicey was passing it to the players in the wrong jersey. Donnan finally held Orlandis Gary in to chip on him and help Stinchcomb out. Net result was we won the game in the second half and the DE spent some time on the bench early in the 4th quarter with an ice bag on his thigh. I wonder who can step up and chop block this DE. Yeah I said that. I don’t see Samuel playing. Come on sports fans…. we really won’t see Samuel play again until the bowl game will we?

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    • BMan

      It was Patrick Kerney, and as I recall, he ended up going out with an injury, which finally, mercifully, put an end to the bleeding.

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  20. JasonC

    You know the only reason LSU and Bama are in the top 3 for Def. Pass Rating is because of their schedule. I mean, they didn’t play Murray in the regular season, so you can’t really give them full credit. Soft scheduling, you know.

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  21. AusDawg85

    With but one week to prepare, the reality is that we’re going to go with what has been working and not any new significant wrinkles. But we’ve got a season full of good stuff. First, we have to establish IC running out of the I-formation. Kid grinds and squirms for extra yards. Murray will have to be accurate, and we’ll take shots deep to Mitchell & Co. Figgens & Tree will have to slow the LSU blitzes. Murray’s gotta run…some QB draws are in order.

    We are likely the only team other than Bama to smack LSU in the mouth on D. That flustered Lee into a couple of INT’s and he’s not been seen since. So Jefferson is a better runner, but has not been hit hard and Jarvis Jones is ready to explain how that works. LSU having to throw is to our advantage.

    But special teams….clear advantage to LSU. We could keep everything close and lose it here. This will show how well prepared CMR and staff are to make the adjustments this week and game time to give us a shot.

    Like in the Arky game, LSU may come out a little flat and give us an opportunity for a lead. I like our chances better at holding a lead with our D, but we can’t take the air out of the football the way we have all season, or we’ll fall behind too fast to catch up. THIS will be the biggest test of CMR’s resurgence…does he still know the hell what he’s doing?

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    • NRBQ

      +1 on the the I-formation, Dawg.

      Running the sprint-draw with a single back ain’t gonna cut it against LSU’s front seven.

      Like

    • Cojones

      My take is that it will be three and out for both teams with a few plays for yardage here and there. Second half will be entirely different after coaching adjustments on both sides. Look for the Dawgs to get more and more confidence that they are the better team as the game goes on. AthensHomerDawg and others have hit the key.;special teams play.

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  22. Scott

    Mark Richt has done pretty good against Les Miles. We upset LSU in 2005, beating them like a drum in the SEC title game when they were ranked #3 and we were ranked #13. In 2008, we hammered them 52-38 but it really wasn’t that close and not one of LSU’s better teams. And of course there was the 20-13 UGA loss where we scored to go ahead with 46 seconds, but 2 bogus celebration personal foul calls made us kick off from the 15– giving them starting field position at our 38.

    But you are right, Murray has to be “on” for us to have a chance.

    Like

    • Cojones

      You remember the correct history, sir. I think too many Dawgs have been listening to ESPN and don’t really believe we can kick ass and take names. I’m looking forward to Gilliard, Ogletree, Smith, Jones, Herrera,..etc,…laying a slobberknockin’ on a few of the purple, gold and bruise-purple people. I think they will know that they are in their game of the year by second qtr.

      Like

  23. W Cobb Dawg

    I think Mitchell, Bennett & Conley are all better than T. King. Will Samuel IV and Tyson be back? – we’ll need the depth. As always, I’d prefer to see more 2 TE sets.

    Like

    • jryu

      most things i’ve read have said Samuel is doubtful. not so sure on Tyson..

      Like

      • The Lone Stranger

        Don’t see them trotting out a rusty Samuel IV against the BlitzFest headed Murray’s way. Young IC is going to have to buck up and hopefully stand in there strong.

        Like

  24. Will Trane

    Let’s see…the past 3 games the Dawgs have just one rushing TD…that be against Tech, Kentucky, and Auburn. Yep, those are very tough teams against the run. They are also legit against the pass. Sorry, hell anybody can throw the ball on Tech.

    Do not think those 3 teams come anywhere close to LSU’s defense. It will be a very tough game if the Dawgs have no running game. Play-action pass sets are Bobo’s vogue sets. When the Richt said in a presser last week that recruiting a talented RB would be a priority, he was not saying that to fill a few minutes in a press conference.

    With no running game the Dawgs will have trouble throwing against LSU. What type of package do you John Chavez will bring re DL, LB, and secondary. The key will be the running game. If the Dawgs get one by Saturday it will be a miracle. Otherwise expect Murray to get hit hard and often by the Tigers. They are using a frosh on their practice squad this week due to his footwork rather than the kid who left UGA. The mad-hatter does not miss a thing. How much LSU’s OL/OC impacts the game could be an issue. He is supposedly at the top of Urban Meyers’ list at OSU.

    If Crowell wants to be premier TB, well this will be his opportunity. And Will Friend, you can not have those guys stand-up so much in blocking. Pad level and technique will be at the top of the list against the Tiger front line. The team who controls the line and masters the running game can have it all.

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  25. View from the Bench

    Look for LSU to concentrate on stopping UGA’s passing game. Murray throws two interceptions, fumbles once, and unravels before halftime. But the Dawgs D is stout, and the Dawgs O is able to rely on the run — shocking even themselves. Dawgs 16 – LSU 14.

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  26. View from the Bench

    After a miserable first half, and at the beginning of the second half, CMR grows a pair, puts Bobo in a corner, and begins to call the plays. He looks across the field at Les Miles and yells “we run this state”.

    Like

    • Cojones

      Or Miles grows a booboo, spits his rubber grass and begins to walk in circles. He yells across the field at CMR and asks, “What state are we in?”.

      Like

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