Speed vs. power

Just like the team, I’m thinking that Georgia’s emphasis on slimming down the defense will pay dividends this season in terms of being better able to play with high tempo spread attacks, but there is a price to pay for that, as Brandon Kublanow notes.

“They’re a lot quicker than they were in the spring, not as powerful but more speed and quick, but they’ve definitely been a lot better,” Kublanow said. “It’s almost like a new D-line.”  [Emphasis added.]

You go to war against the offenses you have, I know, and it’s a good thing that Georgia will face very few power attacks this season (at least if we take Boom’s word about Roper’s offense).  But when that day comes – I’m thinking Arkansas – I hope Pruitt’s got enough scheme to work around having less power.

Then, again, remembering how exhausted Jenkins and Geathers got being overworked, maybe it’ll be enough in the fourth quarter that they keep rotating fresh bodies in on the line.

 

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• Fans get to vote on where the Goodyear Blimp shows up opening weekend.  Georgia vs. Clemson is one option.
• Groo has some thoughts about the Star position.
• Phil Steele, the New York Times and conference predictions.
• Paul Myerberg has Auburn at #9 on his preseason preview list.  (He thinks Kansas State is more likely to beat the Tigers than Georgia.)
• It sounds like Ramik Wilson’s coaches are trying to send him a message.
• John Sununu thinks it’s time to tax college athletics.
• It’s a sign of what people think of the NCAA that some thought Oklahoma’s request for a waiver for Dorial Green-Beckham to play this season might be approved.  It wasn’t.
• Think there’s much of a talent gap in the ACC?  One conference coach does: “According to one ACC coach, FSU is so stocked with talent across its depth chart that he believes about half the league’s teams do not have one player who would start for Florida State this year based on what he’s seen on film.”

Pay the man.

The O’Bannon bill is due.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs in the Ed O’Bannon class-action antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA are seeking more than $52.4 million in attorneys’ fees and other costs from the association, according to a filing they made late Friday night.

Think that’ll come out of anybody’s salary?  Nah, me neither.

All hail Hale!

Those of you who’ve missed David Hale can dial up this episode of the Seth and Gentry Show to the ten minute mark and hear him discuss Jeremy Pruitt and Clemson.

Can we salvage the Nicholls State experience?

You were alerted to the exciting news in yesterday’s comments:

A home game against FCS team Nicholls State has been added to Georgia’s 2016 schedule, according to an agreement signed between the two schools earlier this month and obtained by Dawgs247 via an open records request.

No date has yet been determined for the game, and UGA is obligated per terms of the deal to pay Nicholls State $525,000 for the contest at Sanford Stadium.

The Colonels of Thibodaux, La., are members of the Southland Conference. They went 4-8 last season, losing their final six games.

When you’re only willing to release scheduling news in response to an open records request, it’s pretty obvious you’re not expecting a classic matchup.  Should make for must see watching on the SEC Network, right?

So, if you’re Greg McGarity, you know what you’ve got – a cheap cupcake game that isn’t going to generate much fan enthusiasm on its face.  But is it possible to make lemonade out of lemons?  I can’t say for sure, but it’s worth the effort, I would think.  So in the spirit of this post, here are a few suggestions to enhance the game day experience:

• Suspend the tailgating rules.  This game is gonna have an early kickoff time and life is too short as it is.  So why not let people set up like they used to before Michael Adams got a bug up his ass?  While you’re at it, spend some of the money you saved on the guarantee fee by putting out plenty of trash cans, Porta-Potties and people to keep those accessible.
• Roll back concession prices.  And make a big deal about it.  Another while you’re at it:  train plenty of staff to man the concessions and keep the lines moving efficiently.
• Create an online portal for ticket exchanges.  No matter what you do, there are plenty of ticket holders who ain’t coming.  So why not come up with a way to get their tickets in the hands of people who would jump at the chance to see a Georgia game?  Create a way for people to transfer their tickets freely to others.  Promote it heavily.  What’s in it for Butts-Mehre if there’s no charge?  Well, if you do it right, you get an online list of people registering for tickets who you can reach out to and promote the program.

Beyond that, work with the city/county and local business to make people feel wanted and appreciated.  Make a big deal out of the efforts you make, too.  Overall, treat us like valued customers instead of wallets and you might be surprised by the response.  What have you got to lose?

Any other suggestions?