Georgia-Arkansas game day thoughts

The tenth-ranked team in the country takes on a team on a fifteen-game conference losing streak… and to hear many of the pundits speak, none of that seems to matter.  Because (1) Arkansas is a physical football team and because (2) Arkansas is due.  With regard to the first item, I can only refer you to the Razorbacks’ less than impressive effort during the fourth quarter in its last five SEC games.  As for the latter, what makes Arkansas due now, as opposed to, say, its last three or four conference games?

My favorite part of the talking heads’ spin is how many of them admit they picked Missouri last week, but this week they’ll surely get it right.

The pundits may be full of shit, but if you’re a Georgia fan, there’s still reason to be nervous about today’s game.  The main reason for concern is because, unlike last week, the Gurley situation has had another week to play out, with no resolution.  I have no idea how that plays with the team’s psyche today, but I remember how the AJ Green suspension slowly sucked all the oxygen out of the room.  You hope the team plays with the same chip on its shoulder that was there in Columbia, but there really is no telling.

There is a certain truth to strength facing strength today.  But there are also key areas where Georgia is clearly better.  Special teams being one.  Fourth quarter play being another.

If Georgia keeps it close late, controls field position and doesn’t lose the turnover margin battle, I don’t see how the Dawgs lose today.

Your thoughts?

171 Comments

Filed under Georgia Football

171 responses to “Georgia-Arkansas game day thoughts

  1. Dawg Vegas

    While I agree with you on the whole, I (sadly) can easily see how the Dawgs could lose today. I don’t think we will, but there have been too many losses that I later can’t explain for me to not be able to imagine a scenario where we fall short. Columbia this year being the most recent example. That loss just looks worse by the week.

    Last week’s complete game does give me confidence, but ain’t nothing for sure these days.

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  2. What fresh hell is this?

    “…I don’t see how the Dawgs lose today.

    Oh shit, now you’ve done it!

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  3. Minnesota Dawg

    Depending on what Georgia team shows up, we’re fully capable of winning this game by 20….or losing by 14. Have a feeling that Mason is going to have to make some big throws today (and continue to avoid the turnovers) in order to win. Time for Malcolm Mitchell to have an impact. Have a feeling that our running attack is going to have a very tough time on first and second down, so we’ll need some play-action on those downs (early in the game) to open things up a bit.

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  4. WF dawg

    For fans, it’s a cumulative effect of years of Munson conditioning, inexplicable losses in the past few years, and Gurley suspension angst. Also, I think psychologically, fans would rather set their expectations low and at worst, have them confirmed, than high and at worst, have them dashed. But even the most pessimistic of us has to admit that our degree of pessimism was even greater last week, and look how that turned out. At any rate, go Dawgs!

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  5. Rusty

    Two things I want to see.
    1) the Dawgs win. Hopefully big.
    2) the pundits eat their words.
    Its trendy to count the Dawgs out. Watching Jason Sehorn roll his eyes and shake his head the other day tells me all I need to know.
    As far as what we need to do to win, it’s been said already.

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  6. JT

    I would say this team top to bottom is a better team than the 2010 team. I would submit that man for man we are more talented at almost every position to include RB without the one’s that are out.

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  7. The other Doug

    There is a reason the spread is 3.5

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  8. Scorpio Jones, III

    “The pundits may be full of shit, but if you’re a Georgia fan, there’s still reason to be nervous about today’s game. ”

    The first is certainly true…the second? Nervous? Nervous? I am way beyond nervous…looks like a set up for breaking my heart.

    My God those guys there, they are huge, and our little guys…and our tailback is a freshman, just a little guy.

    And off-field distractions…Nervous? I am scared to absolute death, bless my heart.

    The next two hours are gonna be agony, just agony I tells ya.

    Hunker it down one more time you guys.

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  9. South FL Dawg

    So basically don’t beat ourselves….I agree.

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  10. Good game thoughts here from everybody, and I disagree with nothing.

    I do think this is the toughest game yet. And IMO, the toughest test. The aforementioned thing .. the timing, Gurley thing, and so on, all indicate that it will.

    I don’t believe for a minute last year’s team could have handled it. Can this one? It’s a physical challenge, #1. And very much a mental challenge. There’s no denying Arkansas is close. And they’re in the throes of The Itch. So we can’t be giving them any gifts, as past teams would have done. We have to play a smart, solid game.

    Is this team different? I thought so early on, and still do. If so, we should be able to handle this.
    ~~~

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  11. Rp

    Arkansas’ kicker is 2-4 on the year. His longest FG is 22 yards. He missed both attempts of 40-49 yds. I don’t believe either team will move the ball into the end zone at will today, so that could be an important factor.

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  12. JCDAWG83

    Seeing Richt coached teams become the go to “springboard win” for teams that need a victory against an SEC team is the main reason I am nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs about this game. On paper, Georgia is clearly the better team, on the field, who knows what might show up.

    One only need look at Boise, UCF, CO, Miss St, etc to realize why Georgia fans are so nervous about this game.

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  13. Castleberry

    Two thoughts from me. I hope the intangibles play out like they did last week and, to that end, I am really happy all of the pundits picked Arkansas. On the other end, I am curious to see their massive offensive line match up against our small speedy defensive players. I’d like to think that we can cause them a lot of problems up front with our speed. I hope we roll, but I am expecting something very close and very nerve-racking.

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    • Beakerdawg

      After we win this game,what will the talking heads say? If FL wins today, will they all pick the reptiles in that game too?

      It’s time to eat some pig… GATA

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  14. Scorpio Jones, III

    It’s gonna be one a those cliff-hanging, nail-chewers…one of those things where if your wife speaks to you afterwards it will be a surprise.

    A test of will, manhood…yours, mine, team’s, bloggers, coaches.

    No matter what happens early, don’t give up, don’t quit on them.

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  15. CannonDawg

    Mason finally cuts it loose today. He’s the key in this one, We get the vertical game we’ve been lacking and Chubb goes over 100 yds. Defense takes yet another step up. Dawgs 27-20.

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  16. dudemankind

    I worry about the long travel two weeks in a row taking it’s toll and equating to a sluggish start on our part in the trenches. On the other hand, those guys just banged heads with Bama, so they should be tired as well. I would guess a low scoring, tight game with our Dawgs stealing a TD off an INT or punt return late to seal it. Go Dawgs!

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  17. charlottedawg

    I’m still pissed at the total ineptitude out of Butts Mehre which has once again put our team and coaches in a bad spot. We won at Mizzou in spite of our administration not because of them. We need Gurley if we’re to make this a special season. If Arky can hold Bama to less than 100 yards on the ground you better believe they can do it to us.

    Not that football has anywhere near the same gravity as war but McGarity is telling Richt and his troops to storm yet another beach and refusing to provide them with air cover out of pure cowardice and incompetence. It might work once or twice but it’s only a matter of time before it catches up to you.

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    • Rocket Dawg

      Why? Bama is clearly no where near the team they were last year or two years ago. I think our o-line is better and our backs are at least equal.

      Lay off the Saban love for awhile and you might see the mighty red elephants aren’t quite as good as advertised

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  18. FarmerDawg

    When UGA wins this game will we as fans then believe in our team? Does how we win this game effect how you feel about this team?

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  19. 3rdandGrantham

    I keep getting the feeling that this will either be a comfortable, blowout win….or a close loss on which the breaks/bounces we got last week go Arkansas’ way today.

    I hate to say it but, these are the types of games we often lose (next game after a big win), but let’s hope that things are different with this team. BTW, Bama made a ton of mistakes last week that kept that game close; otherwise it really should have been a fairly easy win. Yet the various pundits are talking as if Ark went toe to toe with the ’12 Bama team, hence the reason why most are picking them.

    I swear, it really seems like most of the talking heads even bother watching the games given some of their comments.

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  20. 81Dog

    UGA isn’t good enough to take anyone for granted, but we’re good enough that there isn’t anyone on our schedule we can’t beat. Hard for me to see how we get outcoached by a guy who hasn’t won an SEC game in 11 tries, at a program that hasn’t won a conference game in two years. If we play anything close to what we’re capable of producing, I’m not scared of Arkansas. I feel lots better that the pundits are sure we can’t win. I look forward to their dismissing another solid UGA win with “well, Arkansas just isn’t that good.”

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    • Dawgfan Will

      I’m waiting for Bama to still be ranked ahead us after we beat Arkansas more convincingly.

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    • JCDAWG83

      Everything you say is absolutely correct. My fear is, we are due for giving a team a springboard win against a “quality” SEC program. We have lost to much worse teams than Arkansas who needed/wanted a win against a traditional SEC program.

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  21. If arky can stop bama from running they can stop us. Not sure if defense can hold them for what I expect we will need based on our passing game ability.

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  22. stuckinred

    Arkansas is going to get to the top of the valley!

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  23. Charles

    More nervous about this game than any other so far this year, South Carolina. Not convinced yet our defense has turned a corner as much as we’ve just played two poor offenses. Here’s hoping I’m wrong. No idea what to expect on O. It’s the defense I’m worried about really.

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  24. Beautiful drive, Bobo! 7-6.

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  25. dudemankind

    Never thought I would say this, but slow down Dawgs, let our D catch some wind!! Crazy respose.

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  26. Scorpio Jones, III

    Two sacks, two fumbles….c’mon Girls….

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  27. Scorpio Jones, III

    Allen looks like he is favoring his throwing shoulder on the sideline.

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  28. Chuck (with due respect to The Other One)

    Must. Make. That. Throw. Hutson.

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  29. Chuck (with due respect to The Other One)

    All that good fumble karma from last week caught up to us on one play.

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  30. Last week I picked Mizzou Until I had a change to the Dawgs on Friday.
    This week I picked Arkansas until I again changed to the Dawgs on Friday.
    Not as confident this week as I was last week. GATA.

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  31. Americus Dawg

    Chubb bails out Bennett … after Arky bailed us out with the Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. I’ll take it!

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  32. Scorpio Jones, III

    #Gurley….Nick, can I have your autograph!!!!!

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  33. Scorpio Jones, III

    Hutson Mason is coming into his own as a leader on the offense…Go you Hairy Hutson.

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  34. stuckinred

    Where’s all the whiners this afternoon?

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  35. What fresh hell is this?

    Is this the same Arkansas squad that played bammer to a 1 point game…or is there another one?

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  36. Scorpio Jones, III

    Don’t let up Dawgs…long way to go.

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  37. What fresh hell is this?

    Woooooohooooooooo! Somehow I don’t think Arky is built to come back from 25 down.

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  38. AusDawg85

    Every damn Hutson Hater needs to come here and take their GFY medicine. Kid is a playa.

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  39. Scorpio Jones, III

    Oh you Quincy Mauger.

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  40. Scorpio Jones, III

    I am fucking speechless….thank you Ladies. Thank you Dawgs….long way to go…DO NOT LET UP!!!!!!

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  41. Americus Dawg

    Go for it on 4th down and Sanders takes the fumble to the house! How ya like them apples?!?

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  42. AusDawg85

    Pruitt might need a raise.

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  43. What fresh hell is this?

    Allow me to be the first to say… F@%K You Jason Sehorn.

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  44. Scorpio Jones, III

    Undermanned, undersized and underestimated….GATA!!!

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  45. Rp

    Apparently Gurley is the worst player in the nation. We are much better without him. Wtf is happening?

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  46. Chuck (with due respect to The Other One)

    I’m not ready to declare Pruitt the second coming of Erk, but consider that Quincy Mauger has become a more than adequate safety and that speaks volumes about CJP.

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  47. Americus Dawg

    Swann has been all over the field today and makes a great pick to end the first half. Keep bringing the heat, Dawgs!

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  48. Scorpio Jones, III

    Oh you Damian Swann.

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  49. Debby Balcer

    ,Damien Swann has shown all the naysayers. What a difference a good defensive coach makes!!!

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  50. IndyDawg

    Somebody alert PETA. The Dawgs are blubbin’ baby seals!

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  51. Just enjoy, fellas. No room for intra-Dawg BS today. Great half!

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  52. I see Bama has awakened. Guess they want to get to the Final Four after all.

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  53. Scorpio Jones, III

    Ok, ok, ok….got a long half to go…don’t get cocky….just GATA!!!!!

    God almighty…this looks like a TEAM!!!!!

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  54. stuckinred

    Is it time to start freaking out about the gators or wait until tomorrow?

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  55. Bob

    I am stunned.

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  56. Senator, I am sorry but your recipe for success won’t come true. We have’ kept it close!

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  57. PatinDC

    I have to say this team has really grown on me. 🙂

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  58. Scorpio Jones, III

    Ok…gotta get ready for the second half….My God have you seen the size of their offensive line?

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  59. Scorpio Jones, III

    Thank God Hutson won the toss…we get the ball first.

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  60. This is why I don’t bet on football. Last week I sat at mizzou for 3 quarters waiting for the other Shoe to drop. This week I said if bama could not run on arky we cannot. Wtf do I know.

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  61. Scorpio Jones, III

    We got to get it back now……

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  62. Scorpio Jones, III

    Ok…I am now officially nervous again…come on Dawgs GATA!!!!!!

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  63. Chuck (with due respect to The Other One)

    Momentum is one fickle mother.

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  64. Americus Dawg

    We need a defensive stop … now !!!

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  65. Scorpio Jones, III

    We have gone completely flat on offense.

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  66. uglydawg

    Should have challenged the fourth down spot on Chubbs last run of the first series of the second half. I thought the made it.
    Georgia i the second is looking like Arky in the first. Scary.

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  67. Americus Dawg

    QUINCY MAUGER … Thank you lawd!

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  68. Scorpio Jones, III

    I think that #14, there..he ought to be starting.

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    • AthensHomerDawg

      I just wish Mason could throw the over the shoulder pass. And if only Pruitt could coach up our secondary……sighs. At least I have something to whine about. 😉

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  69. DawginExile

    Get ready, Gators

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  70. Chuck (with due respect to The Other One)

    At some point we must cover the seams, somehow. It ain’t Wilson or Herrera.

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  71. Scorpio Jones, III

    Ok…I am now actually worried…tired defense making mistakes.

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  72. DawginExile

    Don’t worry. Chubb will close it out.

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  73. Scorpio Jones, III

    Ok…as the Fat Lady sings, I am not nervous. Gotta go scout the Gatorz….long season to go.

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  74. Chuck (with due respect to The Other One)

    As nervous as I was prior to this game I can’t even find it in myself to get too worked up about the 2nd half right now. Just glad we got the W.

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  75. Debby Balcer

    Saw Maxey was out in the second half with a neck injury any word on that?

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  76. Hogbody Spradlin

    Chris Conley is under-appreciated.

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    • playmakers in space

      I think he and MoMass are two very under-appreciated Dawg receivers.

      Conley is a great dude, obviously, but he’s also an excellent football player.

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  77. DawginExile

    Glad you made it.

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  78. Will Trane

    Got a call from a friend in Athens. He saind MIke Bobo was already there.
    No freaking damn kidding. The 2nd half why you everybody complain about his sorry damn ass play calling. That was the most chicken crapp play calling I’ve seen.
    The offense wasted a stellar performance and an opportunity to move in the polls. Once agains that freaking idiot wastes it.
    Noboby respects you Bobo!!

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  79. rchris

    Looks like the Dogs took your advice about keeping it close in the fourth quarter to heart.

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  80. DawginExile

    On a happier note, Gators getting killed by Missouri.

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  81. Due to a work event, I had to record and haven’t watched the 2nd half.

    What in the hell happened? Why did we fall apart so badly? Glad we came away with the W though.

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  82. DawginExile

    No way Boom survives.

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  83. If Gurley is back for UF, wonder if Bobo can work out a formation to get both of them on the field at once. No, I’m sure, but a pleasant vision.

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  84. 35-0 Mizzou halfway through the third quarter. Damn.

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  85. My 3 personal rival games in order are Fla., Tenn., & Auburn..
    Now win the East & beat the Hated Gators to make my day/year..

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  86. Maybe I’ve had too damn much too drink, but you know what I have to say to all those “experts” who picked Arky, and all those Dawgfans who have been whining and moaning the past 2 weeks? Just STFU. Yep, just STFU! The coaching, the playing, the intensity, our guys have shown these last 2 weeks, should make us proud of our institution’s flagship sports program. I sure am. And I’m all in on this team, for the duration, TG II or no TG II.

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    • I wasn’t happy about the Gurley situation for a few days but I’d never pull against the team. They have wildly exceeded my expectations the last two weekends and everyone deserves credit for that from the coaches to the gunner on the coverage team. Now I just hope Chubb can get at least one reinforcement back before UF. Michel I guess being the most likely unless TG3 comes back?

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  87. Damn FSU. But it was a hell of a game.

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  88. Scorpio Jones, III

    I think the off week is fortuitous.

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  89. Am I wrong to be MORE scared of the UF game if Boom doesn’t make it till then? I could see a nightmare scenario involving someone other than Driskel starting, penn wagers, team rallying around adversity, and the turnover fairy abandoning us.

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    • Hackerdog

      Anything can happen. But I can’t see how UF’s offense comes to life this season. It’s not like our defense where, even while struggling early, was showing signs of improvement and potential. I can’t think of anything redeeming about UF’s offense right now.

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  90. uglydawg

    Well, the Dawgs have flown through the Gurley suspension with the greatest of ease. Now what? If TG comes back (I I believe he’ll play against Florida), only Auburn looms as a team with a decent chance of beating Georgia.(not that any game is a “gimme”, I’ll grant). These Dawgs may very well be playing in Atlanta! KUDOS to this team!

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