William McFadden looks at the run production of Georgia’s 2016 season, and notes that
- Georgia ran the ball 533 times in 2016, the fourth most in the SEC
- Rushing yards per game (SEC rank): 191.23 (9)
- Rushing TDs: 18 (12)
- Yards/Carry: 4.66 (9)
From there, he states the obvious.
To do that, Georgia needs its backs to be productive and its maligned line to play better. That’s easier said than done, however.
With the talent that the Bulldogs have, any improvement along the line should produce significantly better results.
Without at least competent offensive line play, it’s hard to see how Georgia’s running game, even with what appears to be as impressive an amount of depth as any team in the country, significantly improves over last season’s mediocre production. And before you say that a better passing game would help the backs’ chances, remember somebody has to block for Eason, too.
Get The Picture 
I liked hearing Kirby say in the spring that there were some days when the offensive line whipped the defense during practices … gives me hope. Don’t think we heard any of that talk going into and during last season. Granted, Thompson and Roquan Smith weren’t around in the spring … but I’m still hopeful.
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the offensive line seemed to have multiple issues last year. They just weren’t good enough, for one, to execute the game plan that was given to them. They misfired in some of the most unfortunate situations. Young children have fried my brain, but I recall the dawgs getting an emotional first down in the other team’s 35 range, then a false start or hold moves them back.
Year 2 of Pittman ought to help with #2 in a big, big way as they aren’t having to think as much pre-snap.
Year 2 gives me great hope on #1, in that the game plan will be more tailored to what they can do, which helps everything.
Dadgum it, we’re 2.5 months away and I’m already mapping out a 12-0 season. Someone talk me off this ledge.
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The OL will be much better. Guaranteed. 2nd year in the system, more talent, more competition, more depth.
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It’s going to be better. I feel extremely confident in saying that. I would just be echoing what Atticus and Snoop said if I hashed it all out, but suffice it to say that there will be marked improvement for a myriad of reasons. Marked, I say.
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What worries me is just how bad the OL looked last year. I get that Pittman has an excellent track record…but it looked as if he had no clue what he was doing with our men last year.
I just….I hope it improves but last year has me wondering a bit
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I think it’s more a case of the opposite.
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THAT is the key underlying issue. I go back to Bobo’s early years as OC where he earned the label Coach Turtle. Then all of a sudden he is putting up crazy points. I don’t think he learned how to OC overnight — I think CMR trusted him to not screw it up and the players gaining traction made all the difference. (Not to mention CWF was an upgrade over CSS) All told, I think the players gain traction under Pittman as well as Chaney. I also think Smart will have more confidence in his offensive coaching staff and give them more leash than he did year 1.
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I’m going to defend last years line a little bit…it was there 3rd OC and OL coach in three years.
As for this years OL, some of this years starters didn’t beat out last years starters. Some This years starters will have a 2nd year under, while others may be freshmen with more talent but less experience. Therefore, I think this years Offense is very much in question.
This is not a reflection of Pittman, Kirby or recruiting, it’s just the current situation. The O line direction, from a recruiting stand point, seems to be the most positive of any position group through year 1 and to this point. Let’s hope the trend continues each year and Kirby/Pitman build the UGA Wall.
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