It occurs to me that the two halves to today’s game are likely to play out about as differently as you might expect. Georgia’s offense versus South Carolina’s defense is going to be largely about which side is more successful in imposing its will on the other. Georgia wants to run the ball; the ‘Cocks want to stuff the run. Somebody’s going to come out on the short end of the stick on that one, but it’s pretty much what we fondly refer to in these parts as old man football.
On the other side of the ball, though, there’s going to be one helluva chess match. Spurrier will throw the kitchen sink at the Dawgs and Jeremy Pruitt is going to have to figure out a way to keep up. I expect to see Spurrier test the middle of the field with his passing game, much as he did last year. I don’t know what Pruitt’s going to come up with as a counter to that (could we see more Roquan Smith, at least on obvious passing downs?), but you know he’s got to do something about it. But Spurrier can’t ignore running the ball, because that’s where more of the strength of his offensive unit lies, and the more pressure he can take off Orth, the better. If Georgia can figure out how to control the South Carolina running game, that’s going to make things a lot more difficult for the OBC.
I also hope Pruitt’s got a game plan to deal with Pharoh Cooper, whom I expect to see lined up just about everywhere today except offensive line and the concession stands (he could probably do a better job there than most of the people manning those).
Bottom line: we’re about to get some real data to check the progress of how both coordinators are bringing their units along.
It’s a huge line we’re looking at for the game, and you can count me in what I expect is the majority that doesn’t expect Georgia to cover. You can also count me in the even bigger majority that will be thrilled with any kind of win today. Beating South Carolina would put the Dawgs at 2-0 in the East and pretty much cut the ‘Cocks from serious divisional contention. If you’re Mark Richt, that’s a good day’s work.
Get The Picture 
SC and Vandy are the 2 weakest teams in the SEC. When was the last time the line on this game was over 15? The line is more a result of SC’s weakness instead of the Dawgs strength.
LikeLike
I can’t refute the facts you stated. But dang, son, it’s game day. Put a smile on your face! Be happy. We UGA fans can be a sad bunch sometimes, but Saturday morning before a big home game ought to be the one time a week when we are all smiling and happy to be Dawg fans. 🙂
LikeLike
I know the pundits Dawgrade our opponents but ,come on folks , the Dawgnation is Dawgrading our opponents before we even play them . USC is coming off what? an 11 win season coached by the best Coach in America but now they are the worst team in the SEC. South Carolina has recruited some of the best Junior College transfers in the US and they beat UNC (a flawed but talented team.) Knock it off with they are bad and we’ll still find a way to shit the bed crap. They are a good team and but for the 2-point scoop and score last week might have beaten a much improved KY team. Worst in the SEC my ass ,at least they haven’t lost to Toledo. Talk about self-flagellation. If we win it won’t be big enough or pretty enough, if we lose we’ll get an “I told you so” but now with this idea that they are just a bad team, than if we do win big it is just no big deal and any decent team can beat the Cocks because they suck. Knock it off people this is team with solid running backs,the best returning wide out in the SEC and a creative Coach. Just win and quit dawgrading/down grading the opposition
LikeLike
This is your response to my light-hearted post about how all of us UGA fans should be happy on a Saturday morning before a big home game?
LikeLike
Perhaps I can help…
Go Dawgs!
LikeLike
I think he was talking to Steve.
LikeLike
correct
LikeLike
My apologies, sir.
LikeLike
Get your game face on son.
LikeLike
im not sure how many times this needs to be repeated before some people understand: the line has nothing to do with either team’s actual strength or weakness and has everything to do with the public’s perception of strength and weakness of said teams.
LikeLike
I admit I don’t gamble, but if what you say is the only factor, then the line should not be so heavily favored towards UGA. I feel loke most people who watch college football would wager that this game will be tighter. Just my two cents…
LikeLike
and when people do that, the line moves. the ultimate goal of the bookie is to create 50% of the money to be bet on either team so no matter the outcome they are guaranteed a 50% take. so in your case, and many others, that would expect usc to cover – more money would be bet on usc (say 60/40). because of that, the line would go down so more action would be placed on uga to get the $ split 50/50.
LikeLike
Steve what are you doing cruising the opposition’s blogs? Shouldn’t you be focused on your game today?
LikeLike
This kind of reminds me of our fear at the Ron Zook-coached Florida teams. The talent gap between the two teams is overwhelming, and everybody knows that. But SC, like Florida, is in our heads, and we would probably worry about their JV beating us, frankly. There is no matchup that is not in our favor, and even Spurrier has lost a step and has a totally unproven QB. Why would this game not be a beatdown?
LikeLike
Not in our heads they are in your head. Don’t forget to wear your depends so you can safely piss yourself when the old ball sack runs out on the field.
LikeLike
When you wear Depends, you piss in’em no matter who runs onto the field.
LikeLike
Like Steve Martin in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, you always know the old farts at the game wearing Depends because they get that look on their face between beers.
LikeLike
Like the look Joe Pa got on his face when he had to run across the field in front of a hundred million people to try and make the shitter before he became one.
LikeLike
That was memorable.
LikeLike
I’ll take a 3 point win right now and not deal with the need for the Tums this afternoon. I could care less about what the spread says about the two teams. I think about 2005 after we blew Boise’s doors off. Everyone thought we’re going to get SOS back and embarrass him. Instead, we struggled against against a USCe team that was outmanned and missed an missed extra point to lose.
I would love for us to drop 50+ on the OBS in what may be his last visit to Sanford, but I just don’t want him to walk out with that smirk on his face after his team pulls an upset.
LikeLike
You Dawgs, just do it, WIN.
LikeLike
The Dawgs should win and should win comfortably. As mentioned above, SC is arguably the worst or second worst team in the conference. If Georgia can’t handle them, between the hedges no less…then something is awfully wrong.
I don’t believe something is awfully wrong..although there are areas of concern.
Steve Spurrier will try to expoit those areas.
(It’s kind of amazing to realize that Georgia has to have a monstrous skill advantage to overcome the perceived coaching advantage. To further that point..if the talent level was perfectly even..how much confidence would you or I have that the Dawgs would win this one? The guy’s a great coach and though we may loath him, we all know how capable he is).
My prediction..Dawgs cover…CJP’s defense shows up huge and gives the offense plenty of possessions to work with.
LikeLike
Vegas doesn’t see the coaching advantage.
LikeLike
Nor do I. Dawgs roll today.
LikeLike
I do. But Dawgs talent will rule the day.
If all other things are equal..talent, field advantage, etc..except coaching…you don’t see an advantage for USC? Not intended to be snarky or argumentitive..but there has to be some reason for all the angst in the Bulldawg nation about this game.
As I said..Dawgs cover…I think.
LikeLike
To qualify that last remark,, as I pointed out in my first remark..the Dawgs have the advantage by enough to carry the day. Dawg talent..Sanford on a Saturday evening and lofty goals will more than carry the day.
I’m not dismissing CMR..he is a very good coach.
Spurrier, though is in a seperate class..but he may be in his “post greatness stage”.
LikeLike
A team can have a coaching advantage and still be underdogs to a much more talented team.
LikeLike
LikeLike
Its really simple, Greyson. Are YOU man enough?
LikeLike
This game shouldn’t be close. Yeah, Spurrier is going to get creative, but so are a lot of teams we play. Our defense will struggle a bit with Cooper, but should adjust. Our offense should force them to load the box, and Lambert had better not be throwing at WR’s shoe laces.
LikeLike
“This game shouldn’t be close.”
Agree. Then again, at this time a year ago I thought there’s no way we lose. Considering what the schedule holds for us in October, this is a must-win game. A loss to scu would be devastating.
LikeLike
Nervous as hell. Once just once I would love to see richt put his foot on the OBC throat and never take it off. I can tell you that coach JP will do it!!
LikeLike
This story has been told before and bears repeating. Several years ago, Katherine Richt was being treated for a life threatening illness. Spurrier and his wife traveled to ATL and spent the day visiting the Richt’s at the hospital.
Mark Richt will not run up the score today. He may score 100, but it would be with third string players.
LikeLike
Pharoah Cooper should NEVER leave the line of scrimmage untouched. Jam him, re-route him and make Orth find some other outlet.
Time for the Dawgs to show championship traits….we cover.
LikeLike
Finally, someone says something football concerning this game.
Amen, Aus, and we stick to him like the Velcro speed we have in the secondary says we can. If our D-line does it’s trick, I look for LBs and S to choke down Pharoh’s presence in the backfield. Pharoh is more than WR and can be utilized as RB, QB and on D against our passes. Don’t be surprised to see his # all over the field and not just as a receiver. That’s what is meant by Spurrier pulling out the stops. I’m sure both O and D coaches are ready for him.
Sic’em with vengeance , Dawgs!
LikeLike
OK, SC has a shot to win, after all, it is Saturday and weird things do happen every week of the season. I give everyone that as a disclaimer, but the game will be decided on the field, not on the sidelines. UGA has better talent, and the match ups all favor us. SC didn’t just play Kentucky and lose, they had to virtually “Hail Mary” UNC to win. They are around 112th in defense against the rush, and we are 9th in rushing offense. Both teams are motivated and will come out swinging. Barring a lot of UGA mistakes (turnovers), Dawgs will win. May not cover, but who cares except those who have given the points or worry about polls?
BCFToys’ website, which uses the FEI analysis system many love, gives UGA an 82% probability to win, a 41% chance to win by 17+, and a 64% chance to win by more than 9 points. I understand the angst, we all have some degree of of that on almost every gameday, but we have every right to confident, just not careless. The only chance I see SC having is winning the turnover battle by 2+, and patiently relying on the short passes we have been vulnerable to the first two games. Our guys know a championship could hang in the balance of this game and I don’t see them overlooking that. We have a home crowd at night against an opponent that eked out a W against us last year, I think they get it. We are better on both offense and defense, we win this game. I see it about 34-13 but will take 20-17…..just win baby!
LikeLike
Mac, well said. I just want the Chapel Bell ringing about 10 pm tonight.
LikeLike
Great points there, Mac. I too think the Dawgs have too much talent for the Cockatoos to handle.
LikeLike
I agree with the Senator that a 1 point win works for me. (24 to 21 Dawgs ?).
LikeLike
Last year our safeties played so far back they weren’t even in camera range. For most of the game it was essentially 9 defenders against 11 on scu’s offense. Now that we have seasoned safeties, I’m hoping to see them make plays. I expect scu to score considerably less than last year. We certainly can’t allow them to get anywhere near 94 plays (like vandy week).
On O and STs, please just show up and do a reasonably effective job.
LikeLike
In my group everyone has Dawgs to win large. I picked Georgia by 10 and received a few frowns in return.
LikeLike