For the final time in 2009, Georgia will be lining up on the field -- this time in Shreveport, La. in the Independence Bowl against Texas A&M. The Aggies are a bit of a mystery to most of us SEC folks, so in what will be the last '09 installment of our regular feature, we go behind enemy lines with Texas A&M beat writer Robert Cessna of The Bryan/College Station Eagle to get the inside scoop on all things Aggies.
David Hale: Georgia has played a couple of hurry-up teams this year in Auburn and Oklahoma State, but A&M might take the tempo to an even faster pace than that. What can you tell us about the Aggies' approach offensively? Which teams have done the best job of adjusting to the tempo this year and how'd they do it?
Robert Cessna: A&M has worn down several defense in the second half, but its fast-paced approach also has led to defensive breakdowns, because teams can't substitute as much. Arkansas, Oklahama State, Kansas State and Colorado did not allow quarterback Jerrod Johnson to make a lot of big runs. Johnson has been sacked 20 times in A&M's losses and only seven times in the victories. Bottom line, you have to contain Johnson.
DH: Just how good is Jerrod Johnson? From what Georgia's players have said, he reminds them of Tim Tebow, only with shiftier moves and possibly a better arm. Sounds dangerous.
RC: He might be the best quarterback back most of the nation hasn't seen. He's a 6-foot-5, 243-pounder who can throw the ball 60 yards flat-footed, yet nimble enough to run away from most defensive linemen and over and through or around linebackers and safeties. He's made amazing progress in one year in Mike Sherman's pro-style attack. He also throws the deep ball well.
DH: We've heard plenty about Von Miller, who led the nation in sacks. But A&M's defense ranks 107th nationally for a reason. So where are the Aggies vulnerable? What's been the biggest issues on that side of the ball this year?
RC: Miller is the only player opposing coordinators probably scheme for. Power teams have been able to run right at A&M, and the Aggies have given up huge chunks of yardage through the air. Arkansas' Ryan Mallett and Texas' Colt McCoy each threw for four touchdowns and Oklahoma's Landry Jones threw for five. A&M just doesn't have playmakers on that side, though they had interceptions in five straight games until not getting one against UT.
DH: Special teams seem to be in Georgia's favor in this game. A&M's kicking game has been spotty and while UGA has an All-American punter, the Aggies are averaging only about 34 yards per punt. Has this been a focus for Mike Sherman & Co. during practice? Or might this just have to be an area A&M cedes to the Dawgs?
RC: Sherman said this would be a concern, and you can bet it will be addressed, but since they couldn't fix it in 12 games, you'd think Georgia
has an edge. Then again, how many punts can these defenses force? A&M has given up several long kickoff returns, which has to be the Aggies' main concern.
DH: It's been said this game might come down to motivation. A&M has a young team that has a chance to get a somewhat signature win against an SEC foe in a game relatively close to home. Georgia's traveling to a bowl that is far short of its preseason expectations after three defensive coaches were fired. Seems like A&M should have the edge when it comes to motivation. Is that the sense you get?
RC: Without a doubt. A&M players are pumped to be playing, which wasn't the case when the Aggies visited Shreveport in 2000. Players and coaches are going to give the party line, but you can tell the players are excited to be playing a big name SEC school. This is a chance for them to beat a name program and on TV. A&M is 0-6 on TV this year.
DH: OK, brass tacks... what's your prediction for the game? The over/under is around 66, so is it safe to say a shootout could be brewing?
RC: The first one to 40 will have the lead entering the final quarter. I just can't see either team stopping the other. It might get down to which offense has to settle for too many field goals. I'm picking Georgia, 49-42. UGA's defense will have a little more to play for and the Bulldogs have an edge in special teams.
Big thanks to Robert for his help in answering our questions. You can read all of his A&M coverage HERE.
And don't forget, the game kicks off at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Monday on ESPN2.
Showing posts with label Behind Enemy Lines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Behind Enemy Lines. Show all posts
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Georgia Tech
Before we get started, some news on Georgia's substitute mascot this week, from a UGA release...
“Russ,” the five-year old half brother of Uga VII, will serve as the Georgia Bulldogs’ mascot for the game against Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlanta.
Russ may also serve as the mascot in Georgia’s bowl game but will not be next in the line of permanent Uga mascots. Uga VIII will not be selected until sometime after the first of the year.
The most famous previous substitute for a game was “Otto” who in 1986 served four games for his younger brother, Uga IV. Uga IV had injured ligaments in his left hind knee prior to the 1986 game with Vanderbilt. Otto led the team to a 3-1 record and also served as co-mascot (along with Uga IV) in a victory over Georgia Tech.
So the good news is that, after an 0-1 record without a mascot, Georgia will at least have a Bulldog on the sideline this week. Now, if he could just make some tackles on the perimeter, they'd be set.
And speaking of what the Dawgs need to do to pull out a win, it's time to take our weekly look behind the scenes of Georgia's opponent. This week, we check in with Georgia Tech beat writer for the Macon Telegraph, Mr. Coley Harvey.
David Hale: OK, let's get this one out of the way right off the bat: Is there any chance that Georgia slows down the Tech running game this week? What is it that teams like Clemson, LSU and Miami did well to slow down the triple option that Georgia could imitate?
Coley Harvey: Of course, there's always a chance that anybody, any week could slow down Georgia Tech's option. But the thing is, the Yellow Jackets have added so many wrinkles to it and have gotten so proficient with the offense since last season, that it seems to be pretty tough to stop. They are averaging 314.1 yards rushing per game, ranking second nationally behind Nevada. So the option is definitely working.
What should worry Georgia Tech is that Georgia's defensive line in many ways is a lot like Clemson's given the talent, speed and size that comprises that line. Early on in this year's first Clemson game, the Tigers actually had a lot of trouble with Georgia Tech because the Yellow Jackets kept running pitches to the outside and occasional triple option plays that the defensive linemen couldn't catch up to on the edges. But as that game wore on, Georgia Tech abandoned that and began running reads and dives into that line, and it was like running into a brick wall. That's much the same thing that happened against LSU in last year's Chick-fil-A Bowl, although I'd contend that lack of offensive production (they lost 38-3) was more a result of not getting into any kind of game rhythm and playcalling rhythm. (And of course, they were going up against another very talented defensive line).
The Miami game is a hard gauge mainly because the Jackets -- as head coach Paul Johnson said, and I actually agree -- looked like they were "running in quicksand." That was their third game in a two-week span that included that emotional 30-27 win over Clemson. They definitely looked beat up and worn down to me, and that only amplified the Hurricanes' ability to get to B-back Jonathan Dwyer (who was even knocked out of that game with a shoulder injury; he didn't even crack the 10-yard mark).
But needless to say, the key in stopping Georgia Tech's option could reside in Georgia's defensive line. It also depends on just what the Bulldogs can do about Dwyer. As we've seen in the past, the more Dwyer is neutralized, the tougher it can be for the Jackets to get going. But then again, this year, Tech has proven that there are still several other players who could easily pick up the slack at any given time (i.e. QB Josh Nesbitt, A-back Anthony Allen, A-back Roddy Jones, etc.)
DH: The last time we saw Josh Nesbitt, he was busy completing a whopping one pass on six attempts against the Dawgs. This year, he's still not throwing often, but he and Demaryius Thomas have hooked up 39 times for 950 yards -- including a ton of big plays. So how much more dangerous is the Tech passing attack this year, and how much of it are we likely to see Saturday?
CH: Georgia is very likely to see a more expanded passing game this year. The Jackets are averaging a whopping 10 passing attempts per game this season, four greater than the tally they had against the Bulldogs last year. Of course, this is a run-first offense and it will always be a run-first offense, but the key in making it go this year is indeed the threat of the pass.
As defenses start putting more and more players into the front box to load up and stop the run (Virginia Tech played a constant eight-man front against Georgia Tech in the Hokies' 28-23 loss this year, which also featured one completed Jackets pass), they will have to make sure their safeties and corners can still get back in the event of an unexpected pass. Because that's Tech's offense; it will lull you to sleep with run, run, run up the middle, and then when you least expect it, the Jackets will go long with a bomb to Thomas.
Of course Thomas, who they affectionately nickname "BeBe," has the exact same number of catches he finished last season with, and he has some 200 more receiving yards than what he had all last year. So there's proof that the passing game is working a lot better.
Also, in terms of the passing game, you won't see any short crossing routes from him or true freshman Stephen Hill (who chose Tech over Georgia at Signing Day), you won't see them run 10-yard curls or five-yard outs. Instead, you will see them go streaking down the field on every pass play almost as if Georgia Tech is running continual Hail Marys. The reason for that is because Paul Johnson wants passing efficiency. He wants to make sure that when the team throws it, that they mean it. He wants them to rack up yards and hopefully scores whenever the ball is in the air. In fact, Nesbitt currently has the second-highest passer's efficiency rating in school history for a season at 156.4 and set a school-record two weeks ago when he threw for 195 yards and two touchdowns -- including a 75-yarder -- on just six completions against Duke.
DH: Georgia fans won't soon forget the name Roddy Jones, but I wonder if Tech fans might have. The kid had 214 yards against the Dawgs last season, but has totaled just 241 all year this season. What's happened to him, and what are the odds he puts on a repeat performance against Georgia?
CH: Oh no, the Tech faithful very well remember Roddy Jones. In fact, in speaking with him recently, he said that the first thing most people mention when they meet him is last year's Georgia game. In particular, they mention his 54-yard touchdown run in which two Bulldogs couldn't corral him to set up what became Tech's final score for the win.
The thing about Roddy this season is that he's battled a wrist injury which has finally pretty much gotten 100 percent healed. He suffered it in an offseason workout accident. That's part of what's hindered his playmaking ability, but the primary reason has to do with the other guys around him.
For the first time, fellow A-back Anthony Allen is starting at Tech and is enjoying much the role that Roddy did last year as Tech's primary option behind Nesbitt and Dwyer. Two years ago, before transferring to Tech, Allen was the starting tailback for a Louisville team that played in the Orange Bowl and won. He had two touchdowns in that game. So as defenses likely have loaded up to neutralize Roddy (likely based mostly on his success against Georgia last year), they've kind of forgotten about Allen. In turn, Paul Johnson has worked in pitches and triple option plays to Allen's empty side that have translated into big games for Allen. Allen currently is the team leader in runs greater than 20 yards. So because of Allen's success, and because of the fact that even more A-backs are getting touches this year, Roddy has kind of been left out of the loop.
It's just kind of happened that his production has been down, but again, that doesn't mean that he is having a down year. Just based on what Tech sees from opposing defenses dictates how often he and others get the ball. So if matchups favor Roddy this week, he could enjoy another big game against Georgia once again. If not, it could easily be someone else.
DH: The Bulldogs' O line hasn't been great this season, but they've done a decent job of protecting Joe Cox. That job gets tougher this week, however, against Derrick Morgan. How much is Tech's defensive scheme going to be founded on pressuring Cox into making some mistakes?
CH: Every week that is the objective: to fluster quarterbacks, especially inexperienced ones who are prone to make mistakes. The Jackets are quite familiar with Cox's struggles and will probably be in his face early and often. But whether they get the sack or not, the key will be to force that pressure.
Now, I'm not going to act like that's going to happen often, because it may not. Excluding Morgan, there have been very few other Jackets who have pressured quarterbacks at all this season, and the linebacker corps has really struggled trying to get past the line on blitzes, too. There is of course a chance that the Bulldogs' line holds just long enough for Cox to get time to slice up Tech's secondary (which other quarterbacks have done with relative ease at times this season). But yes, watch for Morgan -- a junior who is potentially the best defensive end prospect for next year's draft class -- and watch for Ben Anderson on the interior of the defensive line. Anderson had a pair of sacks on another prolific passer two weeks ago, Duke's Thaddeus Lewis.
DH: Without A.J. Green, is Tech's secondary taking a big sigh of relief or are they getting concerned about the success Georgia had a week ago using tight end Orson Charles?
CH: Tech is concerned about anyone Georgia trots out at receiver or tight end. The secondary has had plenty of problems corralling pass catchers all season, and its interception numbers aren't quite where most expected them to be.
Now, in terms of speed, I believe the Jackets have the speed to stay with Georgia's receivers and make plays on the ball depending on where and how it is thrown. But when it comes to receivers getting in space and going uncovered in zone packages, it seems the Jackets have trouble minding their assignments and that's where they get lit up.
Of course, a tight end like Orson Charles will make for an interesting matchup for Tech's constantly changing linebacker corps. There are linebackers (like senior Sedric Griffin) who can stay with a receiver or running back on a pass play, and then there are others who struggle. And then there are others like Macon's own Julian Burnett who are on the shorter side of the measuring chart and could have problems going up high with such a tall pass catcher like Charles. But of course, without having to play a talent like Green, you've got to breathe somewhat easy.
DH: A year ago, this was the game Paul Johnson circled on the schedule to put Georgia Tech back on the map. He succeeded with a big win in Athens. So, has the win in Year 1 of Johnson's regime reduced the emphasis, or is Tech as up for this matchup as they were a year ago?
CH: It's kind of a half-and-half thing. In one way, the team has reduced the emphasis you could say. Last year, it was on their team goal board to "Beat Georgia," and this year, there is no mention of beating the Bulldogs anywhere. The only real mention on the board is to "Go undefeated at home." The reason for all of that is because Johnson has gotten his players to understand that while important, this game is more of an exhibition every year in the sense that it will do nothing to help their BCS bowl hopes this year. A win over Georgia as Tech is ranked No. 7 won't vault the Jackets into the national title game. They realize that. But what they really realize is that a win next week in the ACC championship, and they will go on to that BCS bowl and likely exorcise some demons in Miami.
But then there is that other half of thought. And that is that the emphasis that this game is still chock full of meaning. Yeah, in some sense it impacts in-state recruiting. But most importantly, it is a rivalry, and you don't want to lose. Paul Johnson has done a great job of having his players keyed into each and every game they've played this year. They have honed in each week on whatever opponent they are set to play and do not seem to be looking too far forward. So I don't think that because of their success the Jackets are ready to get to Tampa. They know what a win in this series means to their fans, and they want to get to about 11:30 p.m. Saturday night before their minds shift back to the ACC. So in a nutshell, it's kind of a two-pronged thing. This game isn't the important one on dictating the full measure of success Tech has this season, but it does hold importance. As Roddy Jones and Dwyer both said earlier this week, it still feels like the vast majority of the state is against Tech in this rivalry. They are still out to change that.
DH: Lightning round: What's your prediction for the game?
CH: Paul Johnson's second-half tactics will be too much for the Bulldogs (sorry, Red-and-Black Nation). Georgia Tech 45-28.
Big thanks to Coley for some detailed answers. You can read his Tech coverage HERE and follow him on Twitter HERE.
“Russ,” the five-year old half brother of Uga VII, will serve as the Georgia Bulldogs’ mascot for the game against Georgia Tech on Saturday in Atlanta.
Russ may also serve as the mascot in Georgia’s bowl game but will not be next in the line of permanent Uga mascots. Uga VIII will not be selected until sometime after the first of the year.
The most famous previous substitute for a game was “Otto” who in 1986 served four games for his younger brother, Uga IV. Uga IV had injured ligaments in his left hind knee prior to the 1986 game with Vanderbilt. Otto led the team to a 3-1 record and also served as co-mascot (along with Uga IV) in a victory over Georgia Tech.
So the good news is that, after an 0-1 record without a mascot, Georgia will at least have a Bulldog on the sideline this week. Now, if he could just make some tackles on the perimeter, they'd be set.
And speaking of what the Dawgs need to do to pull out a win, it's time to take our weekly look behind the scenes of Georgia's opponent. This week, we check in with Georgia Tech beat writer for the Macon Telegraph, Mr. Coley Harvey.
David Hale: OK, let's get this one out of the way right off the bat: Is there any chance that Georgia slows down the Tech running game this week? What is it that teams like Clemson, LSU and Miami did well to slow down the triple option that Georgia could imitate?
Coley Harvey: Of course, there's always a chance that anybody, any week could slow down Georgia Tech's option. But the thing is, the Yellow Jackets have added so many wrinkles to it and have gotten so proficient with the offense since last season, that it seems to be pretty tough to stop. They are averaging 314.1 yards rushing per game, ranking second nationally behind Nevada. So the option is definitely working.
What should worry Georgia Tech is that Georgia's defensive line in many ways is a lot like Clemson's given the talent, speed and size that comprises that line. Early on in this year's first Clemson game, the Tigers actually had a lot of trouble with Georgia Tech because the Yellow Jackets kept running pitches to the outside and occasional triple option plays that the defensive linemen couldn't catch up to on the edges. But as that game wore on, Georgia Tech abandoned that and began running reads and dives into that line, and it was like running into a brick wall. That's much the same thing that happened against LSU in last year's Chick-fil-A Bowl, although I'd contend that lack of offensive production (they lost 38-3) was more a result of not getting into any kind of game rhythm and playcalling rhythm. (And of course, they were going up against another very talented defensive line).
The Miami game is a hard gauge mainly because the Jackets -- as head coach Paul Johnson said, and I actually agree -- looked like they were "running in quicksand." That was their third game in a two-week span that included that emotional 30-27 win over Clemson. They definitely looked beat up and worn down to me, and that only amplified the Hurricanes' ability to get to B-back Jonathan Dwyer (who was even knocked out of that game with a shoulder injury; he didn't even crack the 10-yard mark).
But needless to say, the key in stopping Georgia Tech's option could reside in Georgia's defensive line. It also depends on just what the Bulldogs can do about Dwyer. As we've seen in the past, the more Dwyer is neutralized, the tougher it can be for the Jackets to get going. But then again, this year, Tech has proven that there are still several other players who could easily pick up the slack at any given time (i.e. QB Josh Nesbitt, A-back Anthony Allen, A-back Roddy Jones, etc.)
DH: The last time we saw Josh Nesbitt, he was busy completing a whopping one pass on six attempts against the Dawgs. This year, he's still not throwing often, but he and Demaryius Thomas have hooked up 39 times for 950 yards -- including a ton of big plays. So how much more dangerous is the Tech passing attack this year, and how much of it are we likely to see Saturday?
CH: Georgia is very likely to see a more expanded passing game this year. The Jackets are averaging a whopping 10 passing attempts per game this season, four greater than the tally they had against the Bulldogs last year. Of course, this is a run-first offense and it will always be a run-first offense, but the key in making it go this year is indeed the threat of the pass.
As defenses start putting more and more players into the front box to load up and stop the run (Virginia Tech played a constant eight-man front against Georgia Tech in the Hokies' 28-23 loss this year, which also featured one completed Jackets pass), they will have to make sure their safeties and corners can still get back in the event of an unexpected pass. Because that's Tech's offense; it will lull you to sleep with run, run, run up the middle, and then when you least expect it, the Jackets will go long with a bomb to Thomas.
Of course Thomas, who they affectionately nickname "BeBe," has the exact same number of catches he finished last season with, and he has some 200 more receiving yards than what he had all last year. So there's proof that the passing game is working a lot better.
Also, in terms of the passing game, you won't see any short crossing routes from him or true freshman Stephen Hill (who chose Tech over Georgia at Signing Day), you won't see them run 10-yard curls or five-yard outs. Instead, you will see them go streaking down the field on every pass play almost as if Georgia Tech is running continual Hail Marys. The reason for that is because Paul Johnson wants passing efficiency. He wants to make sure that when the team throws it, that they mean it. He wants them to rack up yards and hopefully scores whenever the ball is in the air. In fact, Nesbitt currently has the second-highest passer's efficiency rating in school history for a season at 156.4 and set a school-record two weeks ago when he threw for 195 yards and two touchdowns -- including a 75-yarder -- on just six completions against Duke.
DH: Georgia fans won't soon forget the name Roddy Jones, but I wonder if Tech fans might have. The kid had 214 yards against the Dawgs last season, but has totaled just 241 all year this season. What's happened to him, and what are the odds he puts on a repeat performance against Georgia?
CH: Oh no, the Tech faithful very well remember Roddy Jones. In fact, in speaking with him recently, he said that the first thing most people mention when they meet him is last year's Georgia game. In particular, they mention his 54-yard touchdown run in which two Bulldogs couldn't corral him to set up what became Tech's final score for the win.
The thing about Roddy this season is that he's battled a wrist injury which has finally pretty much gotten 100 percent healed. He suffered it in an offseason workout accident. That's part of what's hindered his playmaking ability, but the primary reason has to do with the other guys around him.
For the first time, fellow A-back Anthony Allen is starting at Tech and is enjoying much the role that Roddy did last year as Tech's primary option behind Nesbitt and Dwyer. Two years ago, before transferring to Tech, Allen was the starting tailback for a Louisville team that played in the Orange Bowl and won. He had two touchdowns in that game. So as defenses likely have loaded up to neutralize Roddy (likely based mostly on his success against Georgia last year), they've kind of forgotten about Allen. In turn, Paul Johnson has worked in pitches and triple option plays to Allen's empty side that have translated into big games for Allen. Allen currently is the team leader in runs greater than 20 yards. So because of Allen's success, and because of the fact that even more A-backs are getting touches this year, Roddy has kind of been left out of the loop.
It's just kind of happened that his production has been down, but again, that doesn't mean that he is having a down year. Just based on what Tech sees from opposing defenses dictates how often he and others get the ball. So if matchups favor Roddy this week, he could enjoy another big game against Georgia once again. If not, it could easily be someone else.
DH: The Bulldogs' O line hasn't been great this season, but they've done a decent job of protecting Joe Cox. That job gets tougher this week, however, against Derrick Morgan. How much is Tech's defensive scheme going to be founded on pressuring Cox into making some mistakes?
CH: Every week that is the objective: to fluster quarterbacks, especially inexperienced ones who are prone to make mistakes. The Jackets are quite familiar with Cox's struggles and will probably be in his face early and often. But whether they get the sack or not, the key will be to force that pressure.
Now, I'm not going to act like that's going to happen often, because it may not. Excluding Morgan, there have been very few other Jackets who have pressured quarterbacks at all this season, and the linebacker corps has really struggled trying to get past the line on blitzes, too. There is of course a chance that the Bulldogs' line holds just long enough for Cox to get time to slice up Tech's secondary (which other quarterbacks have done with relative ease at times this season). But yes, watch for Morgan -- a junior who is potentially the best defensive end prospect for next year's draft class -- and watch for Ben Anderson on the interior of the defensive line. Anderson had a pair of sacks on another prolific passer two weeks ago, Duke's Thaddeus Lewis.
DH: Without A.J. Green, is Tech's secondary taking a big sigh of relief or are they getting concerned about the success Georgia had a week ago using tight end Orson Charles?
CH: Tech is concerned about anyone Georgia trots out at receiver or tight end. The secondary has had plenty of problems corralling pass catchers all season, and its interception numbers aren't quite where most expected them to be.
Now, in terms of speed, I believe the Jackets have the speed to stay with Georgia's receivers and make plays on the ball depending on where and how it is thrown. But when it comes to receivers getting in space and going uncovered in zone packages, it seems the Jackets have trouble minding their assignments and that's where they get lit up.
Of course, a tight end like Orson Charles will make for an interesting matchup for Tech's constantly changing linebacker corps. There are linebackers (like senior Sedric Griffin) who can stay with a receiver or running back on a pass play, and then there are others who struggle. And then there are others like Macon's own Julian Burnett who are on the shorter side of the measuring chart and could have problems going up high with such a tall pass catcher like Charles. But of course, without having to play a talent like Green, you've got to breathe somewhat easy.
DH: A year ago, this was the game Paul Johnson circled on the schedule to put Georgia Tech back on the map. He succeeded with a big win in Athens. So, has the win in Year 1 of Johnson's regime reduced the emphasis, or is Tech as up for this matchup as they were a year ago?
CH: It's kind of a half-and-half thing. In one way, the team has reduced the emphasis you could say. Last year, it was on their team goal board to "Beat Georgia," and this year, there is no mention of beating the Bulldogs anywhere. The only real mention on the board is to "Go undefeated at home." The reason for all of that is because Johnson has gotten his players to understand that while important, this game is more of an exhibition every year in the sense that it will do nothing to help their BCS bowl hopes this year. A win over Georgia as Tech is ranked No. 7 won't vault the Jackets into the national title game. They realize that. But what they really realize is that a win next week in the ACC championship, and they will go on to that BCS bowl and likely exorcise some demons in Miami.
But then there is that other half of thought. And that is that the emphasis that this game is still chock full of meaning. Yeah, in some sense it impacts in-state recruiting. But most importantly, it is a rivalry, and you don't want to lose. Paul Johnson has done a great job of having his players keyed into each and every game they've played this year. They have honed in each week on whatever opponent they are set to play and do not seem to be looking too far forward. So I don't think that because of their success the Jackets are ready to get to Tampa. They know what a win in this series means to their fans, and they want to get to about 11:30 p.m. Saturday night before their minds shift back to the ACC. So in a nutshell, it's kind of a two-pronged thing. This game isn't the important one on dictating the full measure of success Tech has this season, but it does hold importance. As Roddy Jones and Dwyer both said earlier this week, it still feels like the vast majority of the state is against Tech in this rivalry. They are still out to change that.
DH: Lightning round: What's your prediction for the game?
CH: Paul Johnson's second-half tactics will be too much for the Bulldogs (sorry, Red-and-Black Nation). Georgia Tech 45-28.
Big thanks to Coley for some detailed answers. You can read his Tech coverage HERE and follow him on Twitter HERE.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Kentucky Wildcats
As we do every Friday, it's time to take a trip behind enemy lines and get the inside scoop on what's happening with this week's opponent, the Kentucky Wildcats. This week, the news comes courtesy of Chip Cosby, the UK beat writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader.
David Hale: Kentucky will be without Mike Hartline for the remainder of the season. What can you tell us about Warren Newton? How much will Rich Brooks ask him to do in this game?
Chip Cosby: Morgan Newton was one of the gems of UK's 2009 recruiting class, a four-star prospect by Scout. He's got great physical tools, 6-4, 220, good mobility, live arm. But he's very raw in the passing game when it comes to making reads and going through his progressions. Brooks and the coaching staff didn't ask him to do much last week against Vandy, instead relying on the running game. But if UK is to have a chance to win at Georgia, they'll have to take the handcuffs off and give Newton a chance to throw downfield some.
DH: Looking back at last year's game in Lexington, Randall Cobb nearly beat Georgia by himself. Kentucky has certainly put him to use all over the place this season, but with Hartline out, are we likely to see a little more of Cobb in the Wildcat and maybe even used a bit as a passer? And what's his health status at the moment?
CC: It all depends on health. Cobb is coming in with a bruised shoulder and is officially listed as questionable. It'd be a shock if he didn't at least try to play, but the bigger issue is how healthy he will be. If he's OK, he'll be Kentucky's No. 1 target in the passing game and will get plenty of snaps at quarterback in the Wildcat formation. Whenever Kentucky needs a big play, expect to see the ball in his hands in some way, shape or fashion.
DH: Kentucky runs for more than 200 yards per game, but Georgia's defensive line has been strong and the Dawgs have yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season. How do you see the matchup of Derrick Locke & Co. going up against Georgia's big defensive line playing out?
CC: That will be the most intriguing matchup of the night. The Kentucky offensive line has been very good so far this season, not only in pass protection, but opening holes for Derrick Locke and the running game. But Brooks said this week that they'll face their biggest challenge of the year in Georgia's D-line, calling them better than both Alabama and Florida. Kentucky's going to come out and try and establish the run. Whoever wins the battle at the line of scrimmage will likely win the game.
DH: Kentucky's overall stats against the run look pretty bad, but much of that was done against Mississippi State and Florida's spread-options. How do the Wildcats stack up against a more traditional I-formation backfield like Georgia runs?
CC: The Kentucky defense usually performs better against more traditional I-formation teams. They completely shut down Vanderbilt, have done a decent job against Alabama the past two years and bottled up South Carolina's running game.
DH: Trevard Lindley is obviously an NFL talent, but Kentucky's pass defense has been exceptional all season, ranking ninth nationally. Add to that the fact that A.J. Green won't play in this game and Joe Cox's propensity for turnovers this season, and that looks like a matchup the Cats have to like. Do you expect the game plan to be to stack the box and dare Georgia to test that UK secondary?
CC: What's been remarkable is that the secondary has performed at such a high level with Lindley basically being hurt since the Alabama game. He missed four games and hasn't really been healthy since he's returned. With A.J. Green out, you can definitely expect for Kentucky to zone in on the run and see if Joe Cox can beat them downfield.
DH: What's your prediction for the game?
CC: I really thought Kentucky had a good chance to win this game, but with Cobb hurting I don't see it. I'm going with Georgia 27-17.
Big thanks to Chip for his help on this. You can read his UK coverage for the Herald-Leader HERE or view his Wildcats blog HERE.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Auburn Tigers
It's Friday, another rival comes to town, so that means it's time to check in behind enemy lines with Auburn beat writer Andy Bitter of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
I zipped off a few pointed questions to Andy earlier this week, and he was kind enough to give us the inside scoop on how the Tigers are preparing for tomorrow's showdown between the hedges...
David Hale: So Auburn wins five in a row to start Gene Chizik's career there. Then they drop three in a row, including an ugly one to Kentucky at home. Now they've won two more in a row. Looking deeper at the home/road splits, it looks like the Tigers play much better at Jordan-Hare than they do on the road, too. So what Auburn team are you expecting to show up Saturday?
Andy Bitter: That's tough to tell. This is certainly a streaky team, and right now it's in one of it's hot streaks. That three-game losing streak really came out of nowhere, though. And it's hard to figure out why the offense, after dominating the first five weeks, suddenly dropped off the face of the earth. But now Auburn appears to have shored things up on the offensive side, so it would surprise me if it laid an egg in Athens. And it's true that the Tigers have played poorly on the road, especially their last time out at LSU, a 31-10 loss that wasn't even that close. But Auburn has historically played well in Athens (the road team in this series always has), so I think you'll see at the very least a competitive team out there Saturday.
DH: Chris Todd certainly seems to have blossomed this year and Auburn is now one of -- if not the -- most potent offenses in the SEC. What's been the key to the turnaround?
AB: A lot of people began to question the health of Todd's surgically-repaired shoulder when Auburn struggled through that rough patch last month, but he's bounced back with two games where he's thrown the ball well, particularly downfield. I don't know how much of his bad performances were based on Todd as much as it was the entire offense not clicking. He had very little protection in those games and other teams appeared to have a better idea of what Auburn was trying to do on offense (ie. they were jumping bubble screens, etc). So as much as people want to pin those problems on Todd and Todd alone (it's a popular thing to do on the Plains), I think that's unfair. He's a fairly resilient quarterback who's gone through a lot in his career. This seems to be one of those bounce-back times.
DH: Teams have made a habit of rolling a safety over the top to help stop A.J. Green this season, with limited success. What's Auburn's plan, and will someone like 5-9 Demond Washington be up to the challenge of going up for jump balls against someone like Green?
AB: First of all, Washington is 5-9 in high heels. I'd put him more around 5-7 or 5-8. But he does have cover skills. He was a cornerback prior to moving to safety, so matching up with a receiver, even one as physically gifted as Green, won't necessarily be daunting to him. Despite Washington's limited size, he still shows pretty good ball awareness when it's up there. (That being said, I don't like anybody's chance of going up for a jump ball against Green.) But Washington had pretty well established himself in a rotation at cornerback before moving back there. And he's pretty fearless when it comes to sticking his nose into the mix. Will that hold up over the long haul? For someone his size, probably not. But for these next two games, Auburn hopes he can get the job done.
DH: Auburn ranks 93rd nationally, allowing nearly 170 yards per game on the ground. Georgia ranks 83rd nationally, mustering just a shade over 130 yards per game on the ground -- although they have looked improved recently. So which unit might be in line for the better day?
AB: The Tigers fared a little bit better on the ground against Ole Miss, save for one bust when Dexter McCluster broke off a 79-yard touchdown run. But it's still an ongoing problem. Tackling issues have been a constant problem all year. And although Auburn has shored up its weak-side linebacker spot with Eltoro Freeman, he's still out of place on occasion, leaving the defense open to big gains. The only real ground game Auburn has shut down this year is FCS Furman. I think Georgia is quite a bit better than the Paladins, so I'll say the Bulldogs get healthy on the ground this week.
DH: Wes Bynum is one of the SEC's best kickers, but the rest of Auburn's special teams have been a mixed bag, particularly in the punt-return game. Given that Georgia has one of the country's top punters, is that a concern for the Tigers?
AB: I think Auburn's almost to the point where it will do punt returns high school style, with a guy back there under instructions not to touch the ball under any circumstances. It's comical. I think Philip Pierre-Louis had three punt return attempts last week against Furman. Two went for negative yards and a third was muffed for a turnover. It's an overlooked part of the team that hasn't cost it a game yet but probably will. Gene Chizik has taken a bigger role in deciding the punt returner and claims to have made it a top priority this week, but if you don't have anyone with that particular skill set that you can trust, there's not much you can do to hide it. All four of the guys the Tigers have tried back there have looked shaky. I can't imagine that suddenly changing this week.
DH: Any injury updates? Will Onterio McCalebb play?
AB: Wide receiver Travante Stallworth (knee) is out. McCalebb doesn't sound like he will, judging by the coaches' comments (they won't come out and say anything definitive, of course). They're preparing Anthony Gulley to be the speed sweep guy in his place. He scored two touchdowns last week despite having never played running back before. So I don't know if McCalebb's absence is that big of a deal other than just his raw speed.
DH: We heard Lane Kiffin say that he thought the Georgia game was the most important of the year for his program in terms of getting things rolling in the right direction and helping with recruiting. Auburn has dropped three in a row to Georgia, and they have a first-year coach who needs to recruit Georgia heavily, too. So where does this one rank for Chizik? How about for the players, some of whom stand to graduate without ever having beaten the Bulldogs?
AB: To steal a Chizism, "it's huge." Then again, he says that all the time. I think it's an important game, like you said, but still ranks behind the Iron Bowl, obviously. Chizik has made recruiting the state of Alabama such a priority that he hasn't really said much about recruiting Georgia, where Tommy Tuberville pulled a lot of talented players from during his 10-year run. Six of Auburn's 20 commits are from there, so it's obvious they're not ignoring it altogether. I think, as you pointed out, the greater motivating factor is beating Georgia for the first time in a while. It doesn't sit well with a lot of seniors that they haven't notched a "W" against the Bulldogs. And the whole Soulja Boy fiasco still bothers a bunch of them to this day. So yes, I think a win here would be doubly satisfying for Auburn, especially since it would likely lock up a trip to one of the SEC's premier bowl games.
Big thanks to Andy for some great insight. You can check out more of Andy's Auburn coverage at the Ledger-Enquirer HERE, read his excellent Auburn blog HERE or follow him on Twitter HERE.
I zipped off a few pointed questions to Andy earlier this week, and he was kind enough to give us the inside scoop on how the Tigers are preparing for tomorrow's showdown between the hedges...
David Hale: So Auburn wins five in a row to start Gene Chizik's career there. Then they drop three in a row, including an ugly one to Kentucky at home. Now they've won two more in a row. Looking deeper at the home/road splits, it looks like the Tigers play much better at Jordan-Hare than they do on the road, too. So what Auburn team are you expecting to show up Saturday?
Andy Bitter: That's tough to tell. This is certainly a streaky team, and right now it's in one of it's hot streaks. That three-game losing streak really came out of nowhere, though. And it's hard to figure out why the offense, after dominating the first five weeks, suddenly dropped off the face of the earth. But now Auburn appears to have shored things up on the offensive side, so it would surprise me if it laid an egg in Athens. And it's true that the Tigers have played poorly on the road, especially their last time out at LSU, a 31-10 loss that wasn't even that close. But Auburn has historically played well in Athens (the road team in this series always has), so I think you'll see at the very least a competitive team out there Saturday.
DH: Chris Todd certainly seems to have blossomed this year and Auburn is now one of -- if not the -- most potent offenses in the SEC. What's been the key to the turnaround?
AB: A lot of people began to question the health of Todd's surgically-repaired shoulder when Auburn struggled through that rough patch last month, but he's bounced back with two games where he's thrown the ball well, particularly downfield. I don't know how much of his bad performances were based on Todd as much as it was the entire offense not clicking. He had very little protection in those games and other teams appeared to have a better idea of what Auburn was trying to do on offense (ie. they were jumping bubble screens, etc). So as much as people want to pin those problems on Todd and Todd alone (it's a popular thing to do on the Plains), I think that's unfair. He's a fairly resilient quarterback who's gone through a lot in his career. This seems to be one of those bounce-back times.
DH: Teams have made a habit of rolling a safety over the top to help stop A.J. Green this season, with limited success. What's Auburn's plan, and will someone like 5-9 Demond Washington be up to the challenge of going up for jump balls against someone like Green?
AB: First of all, Washington is 5-9 in high heels. I'd put him more around 5-7 or 5-8. But he does have cover skills. He was a cornerback prior to moving to safety, so matching up with a receiver, even one as physically gifted as Green, won't necessarily be daunting to him. Despite Washington's limited size, he still shows pretty good ball awareness when it's up there. (That being said, I don't like anybody's chance of going up for a jump ball against Green.) But Washington had pretty well established himself in a rotation at cornerback before moving back there. And he's pretty fearless when it comes to sticking his nose into the mix. Will that hold up over the long haul? For someone his size, probably not. But for these next two games, Auburn hopes he can get the job done.
DH: Auburn ranks 93rd nationally, allowing nearly 170 yards per game on the ground. Georgia ranks 83rd nationally, mustering just a shade over 130 yards per game on the ground -- although they have looked improved recently. So which unit might be in line for the better day?
AB: The Tigers fared a little bit better on the ground against Ole Miss, save for one bust when Dexter McCluster broke off a 79-yard touchdown run. But it's still an ongoing problem. Tackling issues have been a constant problem all year. And although Auburn has shored up its weak-side linebacker spot with Eltoro Freeman, he's still out of place on occasion, leaving the defense open to big gains. The only real ground game Auburn has shut down this year is FCS Furman. I think Georgia is quite a bit better than the Paladins, so I'll say the Bulldogs get healthy on the ground this week.
DH: Wes Bynum is one of the SEC's best kickers, but the rest of Auburn's special teams have been a mixed bag, particularly in the punt-return game. Given that Georgia has one of the country's top punters, is that a concern for the Tigers?
AB: I think Auburn's almost to the point where it will do punt returns high school style, with a guy back there under instructions not to touch the ball under any circumstances. It's comical. I think Philip Pierre-Louis had three punt return attempts last week against Furman. Two went for negative yards and a third was muffed for a turnover. It's an overlooked part of the team that hasn't cost it a game yet but probably will. Gene Chizik has taken a bigger role in deciding the punt returner and claims to have made it a top priority this week, but if you don't have anyone with that particular skill set that you can trust, there's not much you can do to hide it. All four of the guys the Tigers have tried back there have looked shaky. I can't imagine that suddenly changing this week.
DH: Any injury updates? Will Onterio McCalebb play?
AB: Wide receiver Travante Stallworth (knee) is out. McCalebb doesn't sound like he will, judging by the coaches' comments (they won't come out and say anything definitive, of course). They're preparing Anthony Gulley to be the speed sweep guy in his place. He scored two touchdowns last week despite having never played running back before. So I don't know if McCalebb's absence is that big of a deal other than just his raw speed.
DH: We heard Lane Kiffin say that he thought the Georgia game was the most important of the year for his program in terms of getting things rolling in the right direction and helping with recruiting. Auburn has dropped three in a row to Georgia, and they have a first-year coach who needs to recruit Georgia heavily, too. So where does this one rank for Chizik? How about for the players, some of whom stand to graduate without ever having beaten the Bulldogs?
AB: To steal a Chizism, "it's huge." Then again, he says that all the time. I think it's an important game, like you said, but still ranks behind the Iron Bowl, obviously. Chizik has made recruiting the state of Alabama such a priority that he hasn't really said much about recruiting Georgia, where Tommy Tuberville pulled a lot of talented players from during his 10-year run. Six of Auburn's 20 commits are from there, so it's obvious they're not ignoring it altogether. I think, as you pointed out, the greater motivating factor is beating Georgia for the first time in a while. It doesn't sit well with a lot of seniors that they haven't notched a "W" against the Bulldogs. And the whole Soulja Boy fiasco still bothers a bunch of them to this day. So yes, I think a win here would be doubly satisfying for Auburn, especially since it would likely lock up a trip to one of the SEC's premier bowl games.
Big thanks to Andy for some great insight. You can check out more of Andy's Auburn coverage at the Ledger-Enquirer HERE, read his excellent Auburn blog HERE or follow him on Twitter HERE.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Florida Gators
It's the biggest game of the season for Georgia, but this year seems to have a bit different feel to it. Normally, this is the battle for control of the SEC East. While a win would keep Georgia's faint title hopes alive, this year is more about salvaging a season and erasing some bad memories more than it is about getting to Atlanta.
Vegas has Georgia as a 16-point underdog, so a win will be an uphill challenge. But the Gators have some troubles of their own, too. To find out more about what's going on with Florida, we checked in with Jeremy Fowler, the Gators beat writer for the Orlando Sentinel. Here's what he had to say...
David Hale: So Florida's passing game looks dismal, and Tim Tebow wouldn't talk to the press after last week's game. What gives?
Jeremy Fowler: Tebow said he had other obligations after the game, including visiting with former Gators OC Dan Mullen and attending a team meeting. The speculation, of course, is that he was just frustrated. Who really knows. It is curious he dodged the media since he's never done that before.
The struggling passing game is a combination of lack of depth at wide receiver, Tebow's suddenly poor decision-making and Florida's insistence to run with Tebow in the red zone. Ten of the 17 red-zone snaps last week either resulted in a Tebow rush or a Tebow sack. Absolutely no predictability. Tebow just doesn't seem to have a chemistry with any receiver save TE Aaron Hernandez and WR Riley Cooper. If he can just get it going with maybe two other receivers -- primarily Deonte Thompson and David Nelson -- that will take pressure off everybody.
DH: Obviously the struggles in Florida's passing attack began before the concussion occurred, but what's Tebow's status right now? Is he still rounding into form following the injury, is he being exposed a bit or is it simply a matter of fixing the problems will take more than one man -- even if that one man is Tebow?
JF: Doctors wouldn't have let Tebow back onto the field unless he was 100 percent healed from the concussion, but it's possible he's just hesitant. Maybe the hit against Kentucky mentally affected him more than we all thought. He's either taking off in the pocket too quickly or he's staying in there too long. Tebow's a rhythm quarterback, so he just needs to find it. His running game always helped him because he could just barrel over people, but defenses are sitting on his run and he's getting nowhere.
DH: Florida's pass defense ranks second in the nation, allowing just 135 yards per game. Of course, the Gators have yet to face someone of the caliber of A.J. Green. What's the game plan for stopping Georgia's star wide receiver?
JF: Florida will likely push one of their safeties to Green's side for most of the game, but Florida likes to play receivers one-on-one with either CB Joe Haden or Janoris Jenkins. Coaches feel those guys are good enough to do that every week, and they both shut down LSU's receivers. Jenkins handled Green pretty well last year. But that was last year. Florida safeties will be huge in containing Green because he can go over the top of either corner. They will need help.
DH: Brandon Spikes has missed the past couple of games and has really been dogged by numerous injuries so far this season. He's always a burr in Georgia's side, so what's his status for this week's game?
JF: Spikes is listed as probable. Coach Urban Meyer seems to think he'll play. The only tricky part is the groin injury. Those can linger. So he might be a game-time decision. But I think they didn't play him last week to save him for Georgia. Expect him out there.
DH: In Bulldogs Country, a lot has been made of Georgia's bye week coming into this game. The last time the Dawgs had an extra week to prepare, they looked pretty dominant in 2007. Florida had the bye-week advantage for years and looked just as dominant. So from the Gators' side of things, how big of a deal is the week off? Does Urban Meyer & Co. really think it's a significant advantage for Georgia? Are they expecting a few new looks that the Dawgs haven't shown so far?
JF: Absolutely it's a Georgia advantage, because the track records of Meyer and Richt performing after bye weeks are pretty stellar. These are smart guys, so they game plan well with the extra week. Georgia's got to show Florida something new since the Gators' front seven should be able to stop Georgia's running game at face value. That bye week was perfect timing for Georgia, too, because they had all week to think about how much they hate Florida.
DH: Two-part question: Motivation isn't usually a problem in this game to begin with, but how much have the 2007 celebration and last year's timeouts been a topic of conversation again this season? Secondly, might all the questions about Tebow and Florida's vulnerability this week be all the motivation the Gators need? What are the odds Urban Meyer is secretly loving (and maybe even fueling) all the criticism? (Sorry, I guess that was a three-part question.)
JF: First part: Florida is still fuming over the end-zone stuff. Georgia will never live that down, at least to the players who were on the field that day. They have no problems talking about it two years later.
Secondly: Yes, I think there's something to that. There's not a more motivated guy than Tebow, so you know he's frustrated beyond comprehension that he's not getting it done. Every time he's been questioned in his career, he's responded. And the Gators, especially the defense, keeps track of every little thing said about them on message boards and in the media. It's like the instant coffee of motivation for them -- just pop in the microwave for a minute and stir.
Big thanks to Jeremy for his help. You can check out his Florida coverage for the Sentinel HERE or read his excellent Gators blog HERE.
Vegas has Georgia as a 16-point underdog, so a win will be an uphill challenge. But the Gators have some troubles of their own, too. To find out more about what's going on with Florida, we checked in with Jeremy Fowler, the Gators beat writer for the Orlando Sentinel. Here's what he had to say...
David Hale: So Florida's passing game looks dismal, and Tim Tebow wouldn't talk to the press after last week's game. What gives?
Jeremy Fowler: Tebow said he had other obligations after the game, including visiting with former Gators OC Dan Mullen and attending a team meeting. The speculation, of course, is that he was just frustrated. Who really knows. It is curious he dodged the media since he's never done that before.
The struggling passing game is a combination of lack of depth at wide receiver, Tebow's suddenly poor decision-making and Florida's insistence to run with Tebow in the red zone. Ten of the 17 red-zone snaps last week either resulted in a Tebow rush or a Tebow sack. Absolutely no predictability. Tebow just doesn't seem to have a chemistry with any receiver save TE Aaron Hernandez and WR Riley Cooper. If he can just get it going with maybe two other receivers -- primarily Deonte Thompson and David Nelson -- that will take pressure off everybody.
DH: Obviously the struggles in Florida's passing attack began before the concussion occurred, but what's Tebow's status right now? Is he still rounding into form following the injury, is he being exposed a bit or is it simply a matter of fixing the problems will take more than one man -- even if that one man is Tebow?
JF: Doctors wouldn't have let Tebow back onto the field unless he was 100 percent healed from the concussion, but it's possible he's just hesitant. Maybe the hit against Kentucky mentally affected him more than we all thought. He's either taking off in the pocket too quickly or he's staying in there too long. Tebow's a rhythm quarterback, so he just needs to find it. His running game always helped him because he could just barrel over people, but defenses are sitting on his run and he's getting nowhere.
DH: Florida's pass defense ranks second in the nation, allowing just 135 yards per game. Of course, the Gators have yet to face someone of the caliber of A.J. Green. What's the game plan for stopping Georgia's star wide receiver?
JF: Florida will likely push one of their safeties to Green's side for most of the game, but Florida likes to play receivers one-on-one with either CB Joe Haden or Janoris Jenkins. Coaches feel those guys are good enough to do that every week, and they both shut down LSU's receivers. Jenkins handled Green pretty well last year. But that was last year. Florida safeties will be huge in containing Green because he can go over the top of either corner. They will need help.
DH: Brandon Spikes has missed the past couple of games and has really been dogged by numerous injuries so far this season. He's always a burr in Georgia's side, so what's his status for this week's game?
JF: Spikes is listed as probable. Coach Urban Meyer seems to think he'll play. The only tricky part is the groin injury. Those can linger. So he might be a game-time decision. But I think they didn't play him last week to save him for Georgia. Expect him out there.
DH: In Bulldogs Country, a lot has been made of Georgia's bye week coming into this game. The last time the Dawgs had an extra week to prepare, they looked pretty dominant in 2007. Florida had the bye-week advantage for years and looked just as dominant. So from the Gators' side of things, how big of a deal is the week off? Does Urban Meyer & Co. really think it's a significant advantage for Georgia? Are they expecting a few new looks that the Dawgs haven't shown so far?
JF: Absolutely it's a Georgia advantage, because the track records of Meyer and Richt performing after bye weeks are pretty stellar. These are smart guys, so they game plan well with the extra week. Georgia's got to show Florida something new since the Gators' front seven should be able to stop Georgia's running game at face value. That bye week was perfect timing for Georgia, too, because they had all week to think about how much they hate Florida.
DH: Two-part question: Motivation isn't usually a problem in this game to begin with, but how much have the 2007 celebration and last year's timeouts been a topic of conversation again this season? Secondly, might all the questions about Tebow and Florida's vulnerability this week be all the motivation the Gators need? What are the odds Urban Meyer is secretly loving (and maybe even fueling) all the criticism? (Sorry, I guess that was a three-part question.)
JF: First part: Florida is still fuming over the end-zone stuff. Georgia will never live that down, at least to the players who were on the field that day. They have no problems talking about it two years later.
Secondly: Yes, I think there's something to that. There's not a more motivated guy than Tebow, so you know he's frustrated beyond comprehension that he's not getting it done. Every time he's been questioned in his career, he's responded. And the Gators, especially the defense, keeps track of every little thing said about them on message boards and in the media. It's like the instant coffee of motivation for them -- just pop in the microwave for a minute and stir.
Big thanks to Jeremy for his help. You can check out his Florida coverage for the Sentinel HERE or read his excellent Gators blog HERE.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Vanderbilt Commodores
As we've done each week, we spend Friday chatting with a beat writer from Georgia's opponent for the week, and today we were lucky enough to hear from The Tennessean's Jeff Lockridge.
Jeff has been covering Vandy all season, and while Georgia fans are probably hoping for some good news, I must say, his answers should probably create a bit more concern than confidence. From special teams to the passing game, Vandy looks like it might match up well with the struggling Dawgs, even if they don't match up particularly well against anyone else.
David Hale: Vandy has been among the worst passing teams in the country -- averaging just 146 yards per game through the air. We heard this about
Tennessee last week, too, though, and the Vols killed Georgia on play-action and bootlegs. Larry Smith has the arm and athleticism to do some similar things, so what's the offensive plan this week? Does Vandy think it can exploit many of the same defensive problems for Georgia that Tennessee did last week?
Jeff Lockridge: Vanderbilt is putting in a couple of offensive wrinkles this week, but don't look for that to have a large impact in the total passing yards. Larry Smith is not getting great protection, his targets in the passing game are limited and the offense is making a lot of silly penalties to stall drives. The Commodores will run some "Stallion" -- their version of the Wildcat -- with true freshman tailbacks Warren Norman and Zac Stacy. Both have shown flashes of brilliance in their first seasons and will anchor the running game.
DH: Tennessee did a nice job of shutting down Georgia's big-play attack last week, and Vandy has an exceptional corner in Myron Lewis. How is he approaching taking on A.J. Green this week?
JL: Lewis is a savvy veteran in this league, so while taking on a future NFL player like Green is a huge task, it's not the type of assignment he's going to lose sleep over. Vanderbilt's cornerbacks had to deal with Army's 6-foot-10 receiver Alejandro Villanueva last week and held him without a catch. Ole Miss' Shay Hodge is the only receiver that has really torched the Vanderbilt secondary this year, and a big chunk of his 122 yards came after his eight catches. Hardly any of that was against Lewis.
DH: The Commodores' D has probably been overlooked quite a bit given the team's overall performance, but they really haven't allowed many long, sustained drives. Given Georgia's struggling offense, what will be the approach defensively for the 'Dores this week?
JL: Given the amount of time Vanderbilt's defense has been on the field because of this offense's struggles, the strategy is to get stops on third downs and create turnovers when possible. The defense will give some different looks to Georgia, but it's still going to rely on its front four to get penetration and create pressure most of the time. There are guys on that line like DE Tim Fugger and DT T.J. Greenstone who have played bigger roles than anyone expected. Middle linebacker Chris Marve is a heck of a talent.
DH: Georgia is among the best punting teams in the country. Vandy ranks near the bottom in both net punting and punt returns. In a game with two struggling offenses, how important could the field-position game be in this matchup, and is there much Vandy has done to try to improve its numbers?
JL: That was another of the odd and disturbing trends we saw last week when Vanderbilt lost at Army. The punt returners caught the ball and ran backwards trying to avoid tackles. It doesn't work. That particular Vanderbilt unit is a problem right now. On the flip side, the kickoff returns have been great thanks to Warren Norman -- he brought one back for a touchdown last week, the Commodores' first in 11 years. Brett Upson, a senior punter, has been steady since a rocky start to the season. He should be fine.
DH: Both of these teams are pretty desperate for a win right now. What's the confidence level in Nashville? Are they shaken following the loss to Army or are they looking at Georgia as ripe for the picking -- similar to what happened in 2006?
JL: Confidence has dipped severely among the fans. For the most part, hopes of back-to-back bowl games went out the window with the loss to Army -- if they hadn't already after the Mississippi State and Ole Miss losses. The dejection on players' faces was very telling coming out of the locker room at West Point. If there is a rallying point, it's that Vanderbilt beat Georgia in 2006, should have won in 2007 (if not for a late fumble) and played the Bulldogs competitively last year. So this is not a team that scares the Commodores.
Big thanks to Jeff for his time. You can read his Vandy coverage HERE or check out his blog HERE.
Jeff has been covering Vandy all season, and while Georgia fans are probably hoping for some good news, I must say, his answers should probably create a bit more concern than confidence. From special teams to the passing game, Vandy looks like it might match up well with the struggling Dawgs, even if they don't match up particularly well against anyone else.
David Hale: Vandy has been among the worst passing teams in the country -- averaging just 146 yards per game through the air. We heard this about
Tennessee last week, too, though, and the Vols killed Georgia on play-action and bootlegs. Larry Smith has the arm and athleticism to do some similar things, so what's the offensive plan this week? Does Vandy think it can exploit many of the same defensive problems for Georgia that Tennessee did last week?
Jeff Lockridge: Vanderbilt is putting in a couple of offensive wrinkles this week, but don't look for that to have a large impact in the total passing yards. Larry Smith is not getting great protection, his targets in the passing game are limited and the offense is making a lot of silly penalties to stall drives. The Commodores will run some "Stallion" -- their version of the Wildcat -- with true freshman tailbacks Warren Norman and Zac Stacy. Both have shown flashes of brilliance in their first seasons and will anchor the running game.
DH: Tennessee did a nice job of shutting down Georgia's big-play attack last week, and Vandy has an exceptional corner in Myron Lewis. How is he approaching taking on A.J. Green this week?
JL: Lewis is a savvy veteran in this league, so while taking on a future NFL player like Green is a huge task, it's not the type of assignment he's going to lose sleep over. Vanderbilt's cornerbacks had to deal with Army's 6-foot-10 receiver Alejandro Villanueva last week and held him without a catch. Ole Miss' Shay Hodge is the only receiver that has really torched the Vanderbilt secondary this year, and a big chunk of his 122 yards came after his eight catches. Hardly any of that was against Lewis.
DH: The Commodores' D has probably been overlooked quite a bit given the team's overall performance, but they really haven't allowed many long, sustained drives. Given Georgia's struggling offense, what will be the approach defensively for the 'Dores this week?
JL: Given the amount of time Vanderbilt's defense has been on the field because of this offense's struggles, the strategy is to get stops on third downs and create turnovers when possible. The defense will give some different looks to Georgia, but it's still going to rely on its front four to get penetration and create pressure most of the time. There are guys on that line like DE Tim Fugger and DT T.J. Greenstone who have played bigger roles than anyone expected. Middle linebacker Chris Marve is a heck of a talent.
DH: Georgia is among the best punting teams in the country. Vandy ranks near the bottom in both net punting and punt returns. In a game with two struggling offenses, how important could the field-position game be in this matchup, and is there much Vandy has done to try to improve its numbers?
JL: That was another of the odd and disturbing trends we saw last week when Vanderbilt lost at Army. The punt returners caught the ball and ran backwards trying to avoid tackles. It doesn't work. That particular Vanderbilt unit is a problem right now. On the flip side, the kickoff returns have been great thanks to Warren Norman -- he brought one back for a touchdown last week, the Commodores' first in 11 years. Brett Upson, a senior punter, has been steady since a rocky start to the season. He should be fine.
DH: Both of these teams are pretty desperate for a win right now. What's the confidence level in Nashville? Are they shaken following the loss to Army or are they looking at Georgia as ripe for the picking -- similar to what happened in 2006?
JL: Confidence has dipped severely among the fans. For the most part, hopes of back-to-back bowl games went out the window with the loss to Army -- if they hadn't already after the Mississippi State and Ole Miss losses. The dejection on players' faces was very telling coming out of the locker room at West Point. If there is a rallying point, it's that Vanderbilt beat Georgia in 2006, should have won in 2007 (if not for a late fumble) and played the Bulldogs competitively last year. So this is not a team that scares the Commodores.
Big thanks to Jeff for his time. You can read his Vandy coverage HERE or check out his blog HERE.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Tennessee Volunteers
Well, we're one day away from a game that probably means a lot more to Georgia than we might have thought a couple weeks ago and a game that means a ton to Tennessee. It doesn't look right now like either team is going to be a world-beater, but it's definitely shaping up like a matchup between two hungry teams with something to prove. That usually makes for good football.
We've talked a lot this week about the issues facing the Bulldogs, so I figure it's time to find out what the hot topics are in Knoxville. To get answers, I tracked down Tennessee beat writer Wes Rucker of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
David Hale: Obviously Jonathan Crompton isn’t exactly intimidating opponents yet, but his numbers have been better the past two weeks. Are there signs of improvement?
Wes Rucker: There have been signs of improvement, but how much does that really say?
Crompton has done nothing this season to soften the vitriolic feelings Big Orange Nation (as they call themselves) have for him. He’s a talented, smart young man who simply looks like he won’t put the pieces together before cementing his legacy as one of the biggest busts in college football history. And that will obviously be a major disappointment for the long list of well-respected coaches who never thought they’d see Crompton’s career take this route.
Crompton’s numbers have somewhat improved from the UCLA and Florida disasters, but a vast majority of his damage against Auburn came after the Tigers backed off into soft zone coverage in the fourth quarter. Even UT’s late second-quarter touchdown drive came in a hurry-up setting, with Auburn sitting back to avoid the big play.
If Crompton starts putting up similar numbers (and avoiding turnovers) against defenses in normal situations, then he’ll have started showing real improvement — in my opinion, anyway.
DH: Despite Crompton’s problems, Tennessee hasn’t had too many problems running the ball. Is it the O line, the combination of Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown or a little of both?
WR: Like I’ve tried telling people for years, a healthy Hardesty is an NFL tailback who can run exceptionally well, block exceptionally well and catch-and-run better than you think. In the right college offense, and with the right number of postseason games (SEC championship, bowls), he’d be a 2,000-yard, all-purpose back. Without his injury history, he’d already have locked himself into the first day of the NFL draft. But ... he’s been hurt. A lot. And in different areas. Hardesty is a tough kid who pushes himself into injuries because he runs and plays the game so hard. He is by no means a “soft” player. Just watch the way he finishes runs.
Brown was seriously pushing Hardesty for the starting position until getting thudded in the hip during a preseason practice. The freshman phenom hasn’t been the same since. His explosive strength and speed just isn’t quite what it was, but he’s still a capable player at 80 percent. If UT develops an offensive line the next few years, Brown and shifty-quick David Oku will rack up yards.
The offensive line has been a patchwork unit ravaged by injuries. Of the four proven, solid seniors who were supposed to anchor that group, only left tackle Chris Scott is still standing at 100 percent. Right guard Jacques McClendon is less than 100 percent (high ankle sprain), but he’s gotten by. Center Josh McNeil’s latest knee injury might have ended his promising career, and left guard Vladimir Richard could miss his third consecutive Saturday with Achilles' and knee issues. But the line has managed OK despite using primarily a group of formerly inexperienced players. The fifth-year senior Sullins twins, Cody and Cory, are former walk-ons who start at center and left guard.
But that combination has been enough, obviously, especially after a full-speed, full-contact spring and fall camp focused on running and stopping the run — the two things Lane Kiffin said any first-year team must do.
DH: Georgia has had some trouble against mobile QBs in the past two years, and Jordan Jefferson burned the Dawgs for a few big plays in the second half last week. So might we see a bit more of Nu’Keese Richardson in the Wild Cat this week?
WR: I would certainly expect to see more “Pahokee Package” this week. The Vols named it after Richardson’s talent-rich Florida hometown, though my vote was always “Nukular.” (No one ever listens to me around here. Not even my girlfriend. Sigh.)
UT wants to put the offense on Hardesty’s shoulders Saturday, but they’ll need others to help. The less they need from Crompton, the better. Putting those factors together, I think there’s a great chance we’ll see Richardson playing his old position for a few plays Saturday.
And be careful, Dawgs’ defenders. Richardson can throw it all over the yard. I saw it in camp. I don’t know how the little guy’s hands got around the ball — he’s listed at 5-foot-10 and is closer to 5-7 — but he can throw it.
DH: Georgia’s running game has been brutal recently, while A.J. Green has been great. So will Eric Berry be spending a bit of extra time shadowing Green or will we see him more in the box as he has been routinely this season?
WR: This is one of the day’s biggest questions, and one for which I can only speculate at this point, since we in the media aren’t allowed to watch the team periods in practice.
My guess is that UT will continue using Berry as essentially a fourth linebacker — or “bafety,” or “sacker,” as he laughingly calls the position. The Vols have to stop the run and keep their defense off the field to beat Georgia, and without junior middle linebacker Nick Reveiz (torn ACL), they’ll be hard-pressed to stop the run without Berry’s linebacker-like skills in the box.
The Vols have a nice set of defensive backs, led by criminally underrated junior Dennis Rogan, but certainly Berry would be their best shot to contain Green.
My bet is you won’t see Berry on Green all that much, because he’ll be in the box. But the bottom line is Berry plays free safety, strong safety, cornerback and a few linebacker spots during the course of most games, so who knows where he’ll be Saturday? All we know is that he’ll usually be somewhere hitting someone hard, and occasionally taking that ball from them and scoring.
DH: We all know about Berry, and Monte Kiffin is obviously a legend among defensive coordinators. But Mark Richt was very complimentary of freshman safety Janzen Jackson. What does Jackson bring to the table, and who else should Georgia fans be looking out for on the defensive side of the ball?
WR: Jackson is an intriguing player to watch. Athletically, in some ways, he’s superior to Berry. He doesn’t hit quite as hard as his role model — who does? — but he brings it pretty hard. His hit on Florida’s Brandon James is a YouTube classic.
I don’t think Jackson will be as good as Berry in the long run, but I think he could be an All-American or at least All-SEC player in his own right. Like Berry, he comes from a football family and was raised the right way. He stays out of trouble and stays in his playbook, so he knows where to be (and how to act) on and off the field.
Berry is an exceptionally rare player, but Jackson can still be a star. And some think he’s already there.
DH: It was obviously a controversial offseason at Tennessee, and there’s been drama that has continued into the season, most recently the dismissal of receiver Brandon Warren. Add to that three losses without an SEC win to start the season, and it can’t be exactly the start Lane Kiffin was hoping for. So what’s the atmosphere like in Knoxville right now? Still some excitement or a bit of disappointment?
WR: This is a complicated question that requires a complicated answer, but I’ll shorten it the best I can.
Kiffin certainly hasn’t been perfect since taking this job, but he’s repeatedly said that nothing he’s seen so far has knocked his plan off course. He knows what he wants to do with this program, but one of his main challenges will be keeping the win-starved locals at bay for a year or two.
More than 10 players have voluntarily left or been dismissed from the program since Kiffin arrived, and most of those players would have made this season’s team better. But Kiffin said he didn’t come to UT with a quick-fix in mind. He wanted to transform this program into what it was from 1995-2004. The Vols went 101-25 in that dominant, 10-year stretch, winning two SEC championships, one national championships and coming oh-so close to more of each.
It will take time to even approach those gaudy records, but Kiffin got off to the right recruiting start in February. He’ll likely sign another top class this winter, and it likely won’t be long until he puts a large group of his prized prospects on the field every Saturday.
With that said, I have no idea what will happen in the meantime. And I don’t know how long that “meantime” will last. People around here simply do no tolerate losing, with few exceptions. How long the UT fans and influential boosters can stomach the rebuilding process remains to be seen.
I can say with certainty that many fans will feel better when someone else — anyone else — is under center. Fair or not, Crompton has become the face of UT’s football calamity, and his mistakes have drawn the loudest boos I’ve heard at Neyland Stadium.
Huge thanks to Wes for his time. You can read his Tennessee coverage HERE, check out the TFP's Vols blog HERE, follow him on Twitter HERE or just be his Facebook pal HERE.
We've talked a lot this week about the issues facing the Bulldogs, so I figure it's time to find out what the hot topics are in Knoxville. To get answers, I tracked down Tennessee beat writer Wes Rucker of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
David Hale: Obviously Jonathan Crompton isn’t exactly intimidating opponents yet, but his numbers have been better the past two weeks. Are there signs of improvement?
Wes Rucker: There have been signs of improvement, but how much does that really say?
Crompton has done nothing this season to soften the vitriolic feelings Big Orange Nation (as they call themselves) have for him. He’s a talented, smart young man who simply looks like he won’t put the pieces together before cementing his legacy as one of the biggest busts in college football history. And that will obviously be a major disappointment for the long list of well-respected coaches who never thought they’d see Crompton’s career take this route.
Crompton’s numbers have somewhat improved from the UCLA and Florida disasters, but a vast majority of his damage against Auburn came after the Tigers backed off into soft zone coverage in the fourth quarter. Even UT’s late second-quarter touchdown drive came in a hurry-up setting, with Auburn sitting back to avoid the big play.
If Crompton starts putting up similar numbers (and avoiding turnovers) against defenses in normal situations, then he’ll have started showing real improvement — in my opinion, anyway.
DH: Despite Crompton’s problems, Tennessee hasn’t had too many problems running the ball. Is it the O line, the combination of Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown or a little of both?
WR: Like I’ve tried telling people for years, a healthy Hardesty is an NFL tailback who can run exceptionally well, block exceptionally well and catch-and-run better than you think. In the right college offense, and with the right number of postseason games (SEC championship, bowls), he’d be a 2,000-yard, all-purpose back. Without his injury history, he’d already have locked himself into the first day of the NFL draft. But ... he’s been hurt. A lot. And in different areas. Hardesty is a tough kid who pushes himself into injuries because he runs and plays the game so hard. He is by no means a “soft” player. Just watch the way he finishes runs.
Brown was seriously pushing Hardesty for the starting position until getting thudded in the hip during a preseason practice. The freshman phenom hasn’t been the same since. His explosive strength and speed just isn’t quite what it was, but he’s still a capable player at 80 percent. If UT develops an offensive line the next few years, Brown and shifty-quick David Oku will rack up yards.
The offensive line has been a patchwork unit ravaged by injuries. Of the four proven, solid seniors who were supposed to anchor that group, only left tackle Chris Scott is still standing at 100 percent. Right guard Jacques McClendon is less than 100 percent (high ankle sprain), but he’s gotten by. Center Josh McNeil’s latest knee injury might have ended his promising career, and left guard Vladimir Richard could miss his third consecutive Saturday with Achilles' and knee issues. But the line has managed OK despite using primarily a group of formerly inexperienced players. The fifth-year senior Sullins twins, Cody and Cory, are former walk-ons who start at center and left guard.
But that combination has been enough, obviously, especially after a full-speed, full-contact spring and fall camp focused on running and stopping the run — the two things Lane Kiffin said any first-year team must do.
DH: Georgia has had some trouble against mobile QBs in the past two years, and Jordan Jefferson burned the Dawgs for a few big plays in the second half last week. So might we see a bit more of Nu’Keese Richardson in the Wild Cat this week?
WR: I would certainly expect to see more “Pahokee Package” this week. The Vols named it after Richardson’s talent-rich Florida hometown, though my vote was always “Nukular.” (No one ever listens to me around here. Not even my girlfriend. Sigh.)
UT wants to put the offense on Hardesty’s shoulders Saturday, but they’ll need others to help. The less they need from Crompton, the better. Putting those factors together, I think there’s a great chance we’ll see Richardson playing his old position for a few plays Saturday.
And be careful, Dawgs’ defenders. Richardson can throw it all over the yard. I saw it in camp. I don’t know how the little guy’s hands got around the ball — he’s listed at 5-foot-10 and is closer to 5-7 — but he can throw it.
DH: Georgia’s running game has been brutal recently, while A.J. Green has been great. So will Eric Berry be spending a bit of extra time shadowing Green or will we see him more in the box as he has been routinely this season?
WR: This is one of the day’s biggest questions, and one for which I can only speculate at this point, since we in the media aren’t allowed to watch the team periods in practice.
My guess is that UT will continue using Berry as essentially a fourth linebacker — or “bafety,” or “sacker,” as he laughingly calls the position. The Vols have to stop the run and keep their defense off the field to beat Georgia, and without junior middle linebacker Nick Reveiz (torn ACL), they’ll be hard-pressed to stop the run without Berry’s linebacker-like skills in the box.
The Vols have a nice set of defensive backs, led by criminally underrated junior Dennis Rogan, but certainly Berry would be their best shot to contain Green.
My bet is you won’t see Berry on Green all that much, because he’ll be in the box. But the bottom line is Berry plays free safety, strong safety, cornerback and a few linebacker spots during the course of most games, so who knows where he’ll be Saturday? All we know is that he’ll usually be somewhere hitting someone hard, and occasionally taking that ball from them and scoring.
DH: We all know about Berry, and Monte Kiffin is obviously a legend among defensive coordinators. But Mark Richt was very complimentary of freshman safety Janzen Jackson. What does Jackson bring to the table, and who else should Georgia fans be looking out for on the defensive side of the ball?
WR: Jackson is an intriguing player to watch. Athletically, in some ways, he’s superior to Berry. He doesn’t hit quite as hard as his role model — who does? — but he brings it pretty hard. His hit on Florida’s Brandon James is a YouTube classic.
I don’t think Jackson will be as good as Berry in the long run, but I think he could be an All-American or at least All-SEC player in his own right. Like Berry, he comes from a football family and was raised the right way. He stays out of trouble and stays in his playbook, so he knows where to be (and how to act) on and off the field.
Berry is an exceptionally rare player, but Jackson can still be a star. And some think he’s already there.
DH: It was obviously a controversial offseason at Tennessee, and there’s been drama that has continued into the season, most recently the dismissal of receiver Brandon Warren. Add to that three losses without an SEC win to start the season, and it can’t be exactly the start Lane Kiffin was hoping for. So what’s the atmosphere like in Knoxville right now? Still some excitement or a bit of disappointment?
WR: This is a complicated question that requires a complicated answer, but I’ll shorten it the best I can.
Kiffin certainly hasn’t been perfect since taking this job, but he’s repeatedly said that nothing he’s seen so far has knocked his plan off course. He knows what he wants to do with this program, but one of his main challenges will be keeping the win-starved locals at bay for a year or two.
More than 10 players have voluntarily left or been dismissed from the program since Kiffin arrived, and most of those players would have made this season’s team better. But Kiffin said he didn’t come to UT with a quick-fix in mind. He wanted to transform this program into what it was from 1995-2004. The Vols went 101-25 in that dominant, 10-year stretch, winning two SEC championships, one national championships and coming oh-so close to more of each.
It will take time to even approach those gaudy records, but Kiffin got off to the right recruiting start in February. He’ll likely sign another top class this winter, and it likely won’t be long until he puts a large group of his prized prospects on the field every Saturday.
With that said, I have no idea what will happen in the meantime. And I don’t know how long that “meantime” will last. People around here simply do no tolerate losing, with few exceptions. How long the UT fans and influential boosters can stomach the rebuilding process remains to be seen.
I can say with certainty that many fans will feel better when someone else — anyone else — is under center. Fair or not, Crompton has become the face of UT’s football calamity, and his mistakes have drawn the loudest boos I’ve heard at Neyland Stadium.
Huge thanks to Wes for his time. You can read his Tennessee coverage HERE, check out the TFP's Vols blog HERE, follow him on Twitter HERE or just be his Facebook pal HERE.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: LSU
We're a little later than usual getting to this, but it's time to go behind enemy lines to get a read on what LSU has been up to in the run-up to its game at Sanford Stadium this weekend.
For answers, we went to the New Orleans Times-Picayune's LSU beat writer, James Varney, who gives us the lowdown on the Bayou Bengals.
David Hale: When we got our first real look at Jordan Jefferson last year, he looked like a future star. So far this season, the results have been mixed, at best. Is he failing to develop as planned or has this been the product of a rather lackluster performance by the O line and little help from the running game?
James Varney: I think Jefferson is very good and getting better. He has only thrown one interception and he manages the game well, overall. The o-line has been the team's biggest weakness, and that is true in both the running and passing game.
DH: Speaking of the running game, LSU was supposed to have one of the best backfields in the conference this season. Instead, they've struggled badly, culminating with just 30 net yards on the ground against Mississippi State last week. What gives?
JV: Again, the o-line isn't moving anybody. Both Charles Scott and Keiland Williams have proven they can run in the SEC. The loss of Quinn Johnson at fullback has also been a factor, but I put the lion's share of the blame on the o-line which returns three starters.
DH: If there's one stat that jumps off the page separating these two teams so far, it has to be turnovers. LSU is plus-7, while Georgia is a dreadful minus-9. How much has ball security been talked about so far this week, and do you expect this could be the deciding factor in the game?
JV: After last year LSU is extremely paranoid about interceptions. That's been a factor in Jefferson's development, too, as the team simply doesn't throw over the middle. But LSU's new defensive coach has instilled a risk/reward mentality I think the team lacked last year and that shows in the plus seven. LSU never got interceptions last year, this season they have 7 and have returned two for touchdowns.
DH: The special teams have been none too special for the Tigers so far, save Chad Jones' big return. How have the coaches been addressing these issues?
JV: Well, most of that has been the punting. Prior to the third quarter against Miss. State, kicker Josh Jasper hadn't missed, including a 52-yarder. His kickoffs have been better, too, and so has the team's kickoff returns in general. Again, the punting has been an adventure, with both the long snapper Alex Russian (now apparently replaced by Joey Crappell) and punter Derek Helton getting off to bad starts.
DH: Last week was a struggle for LSU against what we thought was probably a bottom-feeding SEC team in Mississippi State. The next two weeks, however, get tough. With Florida looming, is LSU focused on this week's game or is there some danger of the players looking ahead to that date with the No. 1 team in the country?
JV: For both LSU and Georgia this game strikes me as gigantic so I doubt anyone is looking past it. I had Georgia pegged as the hinge game for LSU all year and nothing has changed my mind. If LSU loses it is looking at back-to-back SEC losses and everything falling like it did last season. If Georgia loses it goes to 3-2 on the year. I expect the intensity level Saturday to reflect such stakes.
DH: It's not often you'll hear about an undefeated coach of the No. 4- ranked team in the country coming under siege, but from the blogs and message boards, it sure sounds like folks aren't too happy with Les Miles right now. How important is this week's game against Georgia for Miles in particular, in terms of regaining some fan support and going into the Florida game with some momentum?
JV: The latter issue, momentum against Florida, is big. A win against Georgia would go a long way there, but it would also give LSU some breathing room that it won't have if they lose. It is true there is grumbling about Miles, which is surprising not only because of current rankings but because he's won four bowl games in a row, including two BCS games. But LSU has gotten spoiled recently and wants to stay there, and Miles himself declared 8-win seasons unacceptable. Thus, everyone knew going in LSU would have beat Georgia, Alabama or Ole Miss on the road, and now this is the first prong of that test.
Great thanks to James for his help on this. You can read his work for the Times-Picayune HERE or check out his LSU blog HERE .
For answers, we went to the New Orleans Times-Picayune's LSU beat writer, James Varney, who gives us the lowdown on the Bayou Bengals.
David Hale: When we got our first real look at Jordan Jefferson last year, he looked like a future star. So far this season, the results have been mixed, at best. Is he failing to develop as planned or has this been the product of a rather lackluster performance by the O line and little help from the running game?
James Varney: I think Jefferson is very good and getting better. He has only thrown one interception and he manages the game well, overall. The o-line has been the team's biggest weakness, and that is true in both the running and passing game.
DH: Speaking of the running game, LSU was supposed to have one of the best backfields in the conference this season. Instead, they've struggled badly, culminating with just 30 net yards on the ground against Mississippi State last week. What gives?
JV: Again, the o-line isn't moving anybody. Both Charles Scott and Keiland Williams have proven they can run in the SEC. The loss of Quinn Johnson at fullback has also been a factor, but I put the lion's share of the blame on the o-line which returns three starters.
DH: If there's one stat that jumps off the page separating these two teams so far, it has to be turnovers. LSU is plus-7, while Georgia is a dreadful minus-9. How much has ball security been talked about so far this week, and do you expect this could be the deciding factor in the game?
JV: After last year LSU is extremely paranoid about interceptions. That's been a factor in Jefferson's development, too, as the team simply doesn't throw over the middle. But LSU's new defensive coach has instilled a risk/reward mentality I think the team lacked last year and that shows in the plus seven. LSU never got interceptions last year, this season they have 7 and have returned two for touchdowns.
DH: The special teams have been none too special for the Tigers so far, save Chad Jones' big return. How have the coaches been addressing these issues?
JV: Well, most of that has been the punting. Prior to the third quarter against Miss. State, kicker Josh Jasper hadn't missed, including a 52-yarder. His kickoffs have been better, too, and so has the team's kickoff returns in general. Again, the punting has been an adventure, with both the long snapper Alex Russian (now apparently replaced by Joey Crappell) and punter Derek Helton getting off to bad starts.
DH: Last week was a struggle for LSU against what we thought was probably a bottom-feeding SEC team in Mississippi State. The next two weeks, however, get tough. With Florida looming, is LSU focused on this week's game or is there some danger of the players looking ahead to that date with the No. 1 team in the country?
JV: For both LSU and Georgia this game strikes me as gigantic so I doubt anyone is looking past it. I had Georgia pegged as the hinge game for LSU all year and nothing has changed my mind. If LSU loses it is looking at back-to-back SEC losses and everything falling like it did last season. If Georgia loses it goes to 3-2 on the year. I expect the intensity level Saturday to reflect such stakes.
DH: It's not often you'll hear about an undefeated coach of the No. 4- ranked team in the country coming under siege, but from the blogs and message boards, it sure sounds like folks aren't too happy with Les Miles right now. How important is this week's game against Georgia for Miles in particular, in terms of regaining some fan support and going into the Florida game with some momentum?
JV: The latter issue, momentum against Florida, is big. A win against Georgia would go a long way there, but it would also give LSU some breathing room that it won't have if they lose. It is true there is grumbling about Miles, which is surprising not only because of current rankings but because he's won four bowl games in a row, including two BCS games. But LSU has gotten spoiled recently and wants to stay there, and Miles himself declared 8-win seasons unacceptable. Thus, everyone knew going in LSU would have beat Georgia, Alabama or Ole Miss on the road, and now this is the first prong of that test.
Great thanks to James for his help on this. You can read his work for the Times-Picayune HERE or check out his LSU blog HERE .
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Arizona State
Georgia is just two days away from taking on the Arizona State Sun Devils in Sanford Stadium, and since Dawgs fans don't get to see too much of the Pac-10 foe, I figured we'd better get some firsthand info from someone who knows the team inside and out. So, I traded some emails with Arizona Republic beat writer Jeff Metcalfe, who was kind enough to share his insight on this week's game...
David Hale: In two games since the Rudy Carpenter era, Arizona State's offense has looked pretty impressive. The opposition, however, was hardly top-notch. So... what do we really know about Danny Sullivan and how good is the Sun Devils' offense really?
Jeff Metcalfe: Sullivan, a first-year starter as a senior, is proving to be a capable game manager, which is what is being asked of him. He has no interceptions in two games and is throwing the ball away when necessary to help a still young/developing offensive line. He is not mobile but playing mostly out of the shotgun in ASU's new spread offense is limiting his negative plays. In the big picture, much still needs to be learned about the offense, but there seems little doubt that it's improved from a year ago.
DH: Georgia was burned badly by the deep ball against Arkansas a week ago. Has Dennis Erickson been drooling over the film, and what are the odds the Sun Devils try to air it out early and often this week?
JM: ASU's offense is designed to get the ball into the hands of playmakers underneath and on slants more than to stretch the field. I don't expect that to change against Georgia. It makes the most sense for ASU to play ball control/field possession, rely on its defense and not get into a shootout, which it almost certainly would lose.
DH: The offensive line has been an ongoing problem for ASU for a couple of years, and now two of the starters are battling injuries. What is the status of Zach Schlink and Garth Gerhart for this game, and how do you think the line might fare against Georgia's big defensive tackles?
JM: Gerhart (turf toe) is expected to play against Georgia but probably will continue as the backup center to Thomas Altieri. Schlink remains out due to his latest knee surgery. The left side of ASU's line -- tackle Shawn Lauvao and guard Jon Hargis -- is the strength although out of the spread the tailbacks seems to be finding a variety of holes. It will be a major challenge to step up to the likes of Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens and could require ASU to play some double tight end, which it really doesn't want to do.
DH: Most people know Dexter Davis at this point, but who are a few of the other playmakers to watch on Arizona State's defense? The Sun Devils kept the game relatively low scoring a year ago. Do you think they can do the same this season against Georgia's apparently explosive offense?
JM: ASU probably has its best defense since the Pat Tillman era (1996-97). DT Lawrence Guy was a Freshman All-America; the linebacker corps is talented and deep with seniors Mike Nixon, Gerald Munns and Travis Goethel backed by Brandon Magee, Shelly Lyons and Vontaze Burfict, the latter trio from Corona (Calif.) Centennial High School. Burfict is the highest rated recruit ever to sign with ASU (No. 9 overall, Rivals). Nixon led the Pac-10 in interceptions last year and is No. 2 nationally this season. With improved speed, ASU is able to blitz more and play more nickel coverage. The secondary is the most vulnerable area, clearly a concern against Joe Cox, and ASU must keep pressure up front to help the back.
DH: Arkansas' DBs talked a little smack about A.J. Green before last week's game, and he responded with a 137-yard, two-touchdown performance. Any bulletin board material coming out of Tempe? Who gets the task of trying to stop Green this week, and how's he planning to do it?
JM: I don't know of anything flames coming from ASU, and most players know they have no room to talk even if so inclined. Last year was humbling, and they were very focused on not tripping up last week against Louisiana-Monroe like they did last year against UNLV before Georgia. No one here is fooling themselves into believing they proved much of anything in the first two games other than taking care of immediate business. ASU will try to play zone coverage in the secondary and stay out of man as much as possible. Omar Bolden is the most experienced corner and had an interception on the 1-yard line last week to stop a likely score. The safeties are new although the starters are seniors and untested at this level.
DH: Arizona State's All-America kicker missed last week's game. What are the odds he's back in time for the game against Georgia, and what do we know about the walk-on who might take his place?
JM: After a MRI, Thomas Weber is out for five or six games with a groin injury. That's a monster loss since he scored a school record 20 points including five field goals in the season opener. True freshman Bobby Wenzig made a short field goal and five extra points against Monroe but was short on kickoffs. He has 47-yard range. Nixon, who kicked in high school, could be called on for kickoffs against Georgia. Losing Weber for half a season is a major blow to a team that relies on its defensive/kicking game.
Big thanks to Jeff for his help. You can read his work at the Arizona Republic HERE or check out his blog HERE for all the latest news.
David Hale: In two games since the Rudy Carpenter era, Arizona State's offense has looked pretty impressive. The opposition, however, was hardly top-notch. So... what do we really know about Danny Sullivan and how good is the Sun Devils' offense really?
Jeff Metcalfe: Sullivan, a first-year starter as a senior, is proving to be a capable game manager, which is what is being asked of him. He has no interceptions in two games and is throwing the ball away when necessary to help a still young/developing offensive line. He is not mobile but playing mostly out of the shotgun in ASU's new spread offense is limiting his negative plays. In the big picture, much still needs to be learned about the offense, but there seems little doubt that it's improved from a year ago.
DH: Georgia was burned badly by the deep ball against Arkansas a week ago. Has Dennis Erickson been drooling over the film, and what are the odds the Sun Devils try to air it out early and often this week?
JM: ASU's offense is designed to get the ball into the hands of playmakers underneath and on slants more than to stretch the field. I don't expect that to change against Georgia. It makes the most sense for ASU to play ball control/field possession, rely on its defense and not get into a shootout, which it almost certainly would lose.
DH: The offensive line has been an ongoing problem for ASU for a couple of years, and now two of the starters are battling injuries. What is the status of Zach Schlink and Garth Gerhart for this game, and how do you think the line might fare against Georgia's big defensive tackles?
JM: Gerhart (turf toe) is expected to play against Georgia but probably will continue as the backup center to Thomas Altieri. Schlink remains out due to his latest knee surgery. The left side of ASU's line -- tackle Shawn Lauvao and guard Jon Hargis -- is the strength although out of the spread the tailbacks seems to be finding a variety of holes. It will be a major challenge to step up to the likes of Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens and could require ASU to play some double tight end, which it really doesn't want to do.
DH: Most people know Dexter Davis at this point, but who are a few of the other playmakers to watch on Arizona State's defense? The Sun Devils kept the game relatively low scoring a year ago. Do you think they can do the same this season against Georgia's apparently explosive offense?
JM: ASU probably has its best defense since the Pat Tillman era (1996-97). DT Lawrence Guy was a Freshman All-America; the linebacker corps is talented and deep with seniors Mike Nixon, Gerald Munns and Travis Goethel backed by Brandon Magee, Shelly Lyons and Vontaze Burfict, the latter trio from Corona (Calif.) Centennial High School. Burfict is the highest rated recruit ever to sign with ASU (No. 9 overall, Rivals). Nixon led the Pac-10 in interceptions last year and is No. 2 nationally this season. With improved speed, ASU is able to blitz more and play more nickel coverage. The secondary is the most vulnerable area, clearly a concern against Joe Cox, and ASU must keep pressure up front to help the back.
DH: Arkansas' DBs talked a little smack about A.J. Green before last week's game, and he responded with a 137-yard, two-touchdown performance. Any bulletin board material coming out of Tempe? Who gets the task of trying to stop Green this week, and how's he planning to do it?
JM: I don't know of anything flames coming from ASU, and most players know they have no room to talk even if so inclined. Last year was humbling, and they were very focused on not tripping up last week against Louisiana-Monroe like they did last year against UNLV before Georgia. No one here is fooling themselves into believing they proved much of anything in the first two games other than taking care of immediate business. ASU will try to play zone coverage in the secondary and stay out of man as much as possible. Omar Bolden is the most experienced corner and had an interception on the 1-yard line last week to stop a likely score. The safeties are new although the starters are seniors and untested at this level.
DH: Arizona State's All-America kicker missed last week's game. What are the odds he's back in time for the game against Georgia, and what do we know about the walk-on who might take his place?
JM: After a MRI, Thomas Weber is out for five or six games with a groin injury. That's a monster loss since he scored a school record 20 points including five field goals in the season opener. True freshman Bobby Wenzig made a short field goal and five extra points against Monroe but was short on kickoffs. He has 47-yard range. Nixon, who kicked in high school, could be called on for kickoffs against Georgia. Losing Weber for half a season is a major blow to a team that relies on its defensive/kicking game.
Big thanks to Jeff for his help. You can read his work at the Arizona Republic HERE or check out his blog HERE for all the latest news.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Arkansas Razorbacks
Georgia hasn't played Arkansas since 2005 when D.J. Shockley hurt his knee in a Bulldogs win, forcing Joe Tereshinski into his first start of his career a week later against Florida.
Needless to say, a lot has changed, so I sent along some questions about this year's Arkansas Razorbacks to beat writer Alex Abrams of The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas, and he sent back some very interesting responses...
David Hale: Ryan Mallet looked pretty sharp in his debut in Week 1, but it wasn't against top competition. Do we have a good idea yet of what we can expect from him in his first real SEC game?
Alex Abrams: It's hard to tell how Mallett will perform in his first SEC game, in part because Arkansas has played only one game this season and that was a 48-10 rout of Missouri State. Mallett, however, showed in his debut that all the hype about him is real. He's a big quarterback with a strong arm, and he was more accurate than many people expected after sitting out last season. But he has yet to face an SEC defense, so we'll have to wait to see how he does against Georgia's fast defenders.
DH: How much of a weapon can DJ Williams be in this game? Is Bobby Petrino drooling on the film after watching South Carolina dismantle Georgia's D using the tight end last week?
AA: Williams is definitely a target in Arkansas' offense, but I don't think he'll be used nearly as much as he was last season when he was the team's leading receiver with 61 catches for 723 yards. Bobby Petrino appears to have more confidence in his young wide receivers than a year ago, and that was evident by the fact that Williams caught only two passes for 20 yards in the season opener. But the tight end is still a big part of the offense, and Petrino will have no problem using Williams against Georgia if he feels there's a mismatch there.
DH: Arkansas finished last in the SEC against the run last season and, size-wise, the Hogs' D line doesn't seem like a great matchup against Georgia's big guys up front. What are the chances Arkansas can slow Georgia's running game? How has the rush D improved over last year?
AA: Arkansas' defense is still one of the team's biggest questions. The front line gave up only 82 yards rushing against Missouri State, but I don't think anyone is confusing Georgia with Missouri State. Defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard is from Bainbridge, Ga., so this is a game he admitted he has been looking forward to for some time. If the Razorbacks hope to contain Georgia's tailbacks, Sheppard must have a big game. But all of Arkansas' defensive linemen got bigger over the offseason, so I'd be surprised if they got pushed around as easily as they did last season. But we'll have to wait for an answer on that one as well.
DH: Georgia doesn't have a lot of big names on offense this year the way it did last season, but they still have A.J. Green. Who gets the burden of having to cover A.J. and what's the game plan to stop him?
AA: Cornerback Ramon Broadway will probably have the challenge of trying to defend A.J. Green, and the way Broadway made it sound on Wednesday, he's not that worried. The junior actually said that while Green is a wide receiver who's ahead of his time, he's not much different than the other receivers Broadway has faced at Arkansas. I'm not so sure that this is the case. But Arkansas' coaches and players have talked all week about Green, so they definitely have a plan to stop him. To do that, they must get pressure on Joe Cox and force the quarterback to make some mistakes.
DH: Arkansas had some problems on special teams last year, and Georgia's kick returners had a huge day against South Carolina last week. Are the Razorbacks worried about that matchup?
AA: Arkansas' players watched Georgia's win over South Carolina, so they know all about the 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Petrino has made special teams more of an emphasis in practice this year, and the coverage teams are filled with starters instead of just backups and newcomers. The hope is that the starters will be able to tackle and not give up as many big plays. But Arkansas' Dennis Johnson returned the opening kickoff of the season opener 91 yards for a touchdown, so the Razorbacks will try to counter with their own speedy return man.
DH: This will be my first trip to Fayetteville, so fill me and the Georgia fans heading to the game in -- what should we do to keep ourselves entertained until the 7:45 pm (Eastern) kickoff?
AA: Well, you could always stop by Wal-Mart's headquarters, but that's nothing impressive to look at. No, seriously, Fayetteville is a great college town that reminds me of a smaller Austin, Texas. Dickson Street is the main college strip and there are some good restaurants and bars on this row. The biggest problem with Fayetteville is that it doesn't have that one restaurant that every visitor must eat at when in town. But Herman's and Doe's are popular local spots if you're in the mood for some meat.
Big thanks to Alex for helping out with this. You can read his coverage of the Razorbacks HERE or check out his exceptional Arkansas blog HERE.
Needless to say, a lot has changed, so I sent along some questions about this year's Arkansas Razorbacks to beat writer Alex Abrams of The Morning News of Northwest Arkansas, and he sent back some very interesting responses...
David Hale: Ryan Mallet looked pretty sharp in his debut in Week 1, but it wasn't against top competition. Do we have a good idea yet of what we can expect from him in his first real SEC game?
Alex Abrams: It's hard to tell how Mallett will perform in his first SEC game, in part because Arkansas has played only one game this season and that was a 48-10 rout of Missouri State. Mallett, however, showed in his debut that all the hype about him is real. He's a big quarterback with a strong arm, and he was more accurate than many people expected after sitting out last season. But he has yet to face an SEC defense, so we'll have to wait to see how he does against Georgia's fast defenders.
DH: How much of a weapon can DJ Williams be in this game? Is Bobby Petrino drooling on the film after watching South Carolina dismantle Georgia's D using the tight end last week?
AA: Williams is definitely a target in Arkansas' offense, but I don't think he'll be used nearly as much as he was last season when he was the team's leading receiver with 61 catches for 723 yards. Bobby Petrino appears to have more confidence in his young wide receivers than a year ago, and that was evident by the fact that Williams caught only two passes for 20 yards in the season opener. But the tight end is still a big part of the offense, and Petrino will have no problem using Williams against Georgia if he feels there's a mismatch there.
DH: Arkansas finished last in the SEC against the run last season and, size-wise, the Hogs' D line doesn't seem like a great matchup against Georgia's big guys up front. What are the chances Arkansas can slow Georgia's running game? How has the rush D improved over last year?
AA: Arkansas' defense is still one of the team's biggest questions. The front line gave up only 82 yards rushing against Missouri State, but I don't think anyone is confusing Georgia with Missouri State. Defensive tackle Malcolm Sheppard is from Bainbridge, Ga., so this is a game he admitted he has been looking forward to for some time. If the Razorbacks hope to contain Georgia's tailbacks, Sheppard must have a big game. But all of Arkansas' defensive linemen got bigger over the offseason, so I'd be surprised if they got pushed around as easily as they did last season. But we'll have to wait for an answer on that one as well.
DH: Georgia doesn't have a lot of big names on offense this year the way it did last season, but they still have A.J. Green. Who gets the burden of having to cover A.J. and what's the game plan to stop him?
AA: Cornerback Ramon Broadway will probably have the challenge of trying to defend A.J. Green, and the way Broadway made it sound on Wednesday, he's not that worried. The junior actually said that while Green is a wide receiver who's ahead of his time, he's not much different than the other receivers Broadway has faced at Arkansas. I'm not so sure that this is the case. But Arkansas' coaches and players have talked all week about Green, so they definitely have a plan to stop him. To do that, they must get pressure on Joe Cox and force the quarterback to make some mistakes.
DH: Arkansas had some problems on special teams last year, and Georgia's kick returners had a huge day against South Carolina last week. Are the Razorbacks worried about that matchup?
AA: Arkansas' players watched Georgia's win over South Carolina, so they know all about the 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Petrino has made special teams more of an emphasis in practice this year, and the coverage teams are filled with starters instead of just backups and newcomers. The hope is that the starters will be able to tackle and not give up as many big plays. But Arkansas' Dennis Johnson returned the opening kickoff of the season opener 91 yards for a touchdown, so the Razorbacks will try to counter with their own speedy return man.
DH: This will be my first trip to Fayetteville, so fill me and the Georgia fans heading to the game in -- what should we do to keep ourselves entertained until the 7:45 pm (Eastern) kickoff?
AA: Well, you could always stop by Wal-Mart's headquarters, but that's nothing impressive to look at. No, seriously, Fayetteville is a great college town that reminds me of a smaller Austin, Texas. Dickson Street is the main college strip and there are some good restaurants and bars on this row. The biggest problem with Fayetteville is that it doesn't have that one restaurant that every visitor must eat at when in town. But Herman's and Doe's are popular local spots if you're in the mood for some meat.
Big thanks to Alex for helping out with this. You can read his coverage of the Razorbacks HERE or check out his exceptional Arkansas blog HERE.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: South Carolina
Georgia takes on South Carolina at 7 p.m. Saturday, but thanks to The State's Seth Emerson, you can get a taste of what the Gamecocks will bring to Athens now.
David Hale: Fans are up in arms around here after Georgia mustered just 10 points last week. Is the tone any different in Columbia after South Carolina scored just seven, but managed to win? And how is Steve Spurrier planning to get the offense going again?
Seth Emerson: I really get the sense that people were just happy to get a win, no matter how ugly it was. Maybe that's the hunger for a winner, or that they've gotten used to good defense/bad offense. Spurrier is talking about opening up the offense, and throwing downfield - it clearly irks him not to be able to win shootouts like he did at Florida. But it'll be interesting to see just how much he'll open up the playbook. I mean, they DID win at NC State with a ball-control offense, and this defense looks like it can carry them.
DH: There was some talk after the game debating how much control Stephen Garcia should have of the offense with regard to changing plays at the line of scrimmage, etc. What's Spurrier's take on that, and how ready is Garcia to handle a bigger role?
SE: Spurrier has said that Garcia had the power to call audibles, but that the coaches "didn't have him prepared as" they needed to in order to do that. In fact Garcia made a few run-call audibles, including one that resulted in a loss, as Spurrier pointed out this week. (Laughing as he said it). Garcia has the kind of personality where you expect him to be able to handle a bigger role, and the big-game atmosphere. I think that's why so many fans embraced him last year, rather than the more sedate Chris Smelley. But will he manage the game well, rather than try too many ill-advised throws or panicky scrambles? We still don't know yet.
DH: Clifton Geathers returns from a suspension this week, but Devin Taylor looked dominant against NC State. How are you expecting that position to shake out this week?
SE: Devin Taylor's giong to start. I mean he has to, after having the best defensive debut in recent memory for a Gamecock - he literally forced a fumble, what turned out to be the game's most important play, on his first play as a college football player. Then he blocked a punt, had a sack, two more tackles for loss. It was incredible. That said, Geathers is a talent, and has two years of experience so the missed practice might not hold him back too much. I expect Taylor to start but Geathers to see some time.
DH: Rodney Paulk went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 1, so who the heck is Shaq Wilson, and what will the injury mean to South Carolina's defense?
SE: Shaq Wilson is an undersized linebacker who will be making his first start on Saturday. The good news for him is he's surrounded by so much talent, and has Eric Norwood next to him, so the pressure's not as much as it would be for other middle linebackers making their starting debut. Plus he played all of the second half at N.C. State. Paulk was a guy with a nose for the ball, but he wasn't the world's fastest or biggest player either. I'm not sure there will be a huge drop-off from him to Wilson.
DH: This game is historically a defensive battle regardless, but after Georgia and USC combined for just 17 points in their openers, what are the odds that this one turns out to be anything but a "first team to 14 wins" scenario?
SE: The over-under is 38.5, at least on one gambling site I saw. (And gambling is evil, kids, remember that). But if I were a gambler, I'd put my life savings on the under. Not only is it historically low-scoring, but like you said both offenses stunk it up in the opener - or at least Georgia's did, and USC played it tight. ... Having said all that, there's two ways this could really open up: Georgia's struggles turn out to just be because of playing at a top 10 team, and they get it going, and/or Spurrier opens it up for USC, which either produces the desired results or has Garcia turning it over left and right.
Be sure to check out Seth's coverage of South Carolina at The State's Web site HERE or on his blog HERE.
David Hale: Fans are up in arms around here after Georgia mustered just 10 points last week. Is the tone any different in Columbia after South Carolina scored just seven, but managed to win? And how is Steve Spurrier planning to get the offense going again?
Seth Emerson: I really get the sense that people were just happy to get a win, no matter how ugly it was. Maybe that's the hunger for a winner, or that they've gotten used to good defense/bad offense. Spurrier is talking about opening up the offense, and throwing downfield - it clearly irks him not to be able to win shootouts like he did at Florida. But it'll be interesting to see just how much he'll open up the playbook. I mean, they DID win at NC State with a ball-control offense, and this defense looks like it can carry them.
DH: There was some talk after the game debating how much control Stephen Garcia should have of the offense with regard to changing plays at the line of scrimmage, etc. What's Spurrier's take on that, and how ready is Garcia to handle a bigger role?
SE: Spurrier has said that Garcia had the power to call audibles, but that the coaches "didn't have him prepared as" they needed to in order to do that. In fact Garcia made a few run-call audibles, including one that resulted in a loss, as Spurrier pointed out this week. (Laughing as he said it). Garcia has the kind of personality where you expect him to be able to handle a bigger role, and the big-game atmosphere. I think that's why so many fans embraced him last year, rather than the more sedate Chris Smelley. But will he manage the game well, rather than try too many ill-advised throws or panicky scrambles? We still don't know yet.
DH: Clifton Geathers returns from a suspension this week, but Devin Taylor looked dominant against NC State. How are you expecting that position to shake out this week?
SE: Devin Taylor's giong to start. I mean he has to, after having the best defensive debut in recent memory for a Gamecock - he literally forced a fumble, what turned out to be the game's most important play, on his first play as a college football player. Then he blocked a punt, had a sack, two more tackles for loss. It was incredible. That said, Geathers is a talent, and has two years of experience so the missed practice might not hold him back too much. I expect Taylor to start but Geathers to see some time.
DH: Rodney Paulk went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 1, so who the heck is Shaq Wilson, and what will the injury mean to South Carolina's defense?
SE: Shaq Wilson is an undersized linebacker who will be making his first start on Saturday. The good news for him is he's surrounded by so much talent, and has Eric Norwood next to him, so the pressure's not as much as it would be for other middle linebackers making their starting debut. Plus he played all of the second half at N.C. State. Paulk was a guy with a nose for the ball, but he wasn't the world's fastest or biggest player either. I'm not sure there will be a huge drop-off from him to Wilson.
DH: This game is historically a defensive battle regardless, but after Georgia and USC combined for just 17 points in their openers, what are the odds that this one turns out to be anything but a "first team to 14 wins" scenario?
SE: The over-under is 38.5, at least on one gambling site I saw. (And gambling is evil, kids, remember that). But if I were a gambler, I'd put my life savings on the under. Not only is it historically low-scoring, but like you said both offenses stunk it up in the opener - or at least Georgia's did, and USC played it tight. ... Having said all that, there's two ways this could really open up: Georgia's struggles turn out to just be because of playing at a top 10 team, and they get it going, and/or Spurrier opens it up for USC, which either produces the desired results or has Garcia turning it over left and right.
Be sure to check out Seth's coverage of South Carolina at The State's Web site HERE or on his blog HERE.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines: Oklahoma State
Last year, we checked in with opposing beat writers from time to time, but this season, we're making a habit of it.
Each Thursday before a game, we'll have a Q&A with a beat writer covering Georgia's opponent for the week and hopefully get some insight on what to expect in the upcoming game.
First up: Oklahoma State beat writer Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman.
You can check out Brandon's work HERE and read his OSU blog HERE.
David Hale: Zac Robinson's lingering injury during the preseason resulted in a media ban by Mike Gundy. From what you can gather, is he feeling 100 percent again? How crucial is it to Oklahoma State's offense to have him at full speed?
Brandon Chatmon: Zac appears to be OK. It was a injury he's dealt with before and I never saw him limping around or anything close to that. I think OSU was being extremely careful because it is crucial for him to be 100 percent against Georgia. Zac needs to be able to use his running ability to make teams play for the attention they give Dez and Kendall.
DH: There's been plenty of talk about OSU's Big 3 of Robinson, Hunter and Bryant -- and for good reason. But Brandon Pettigrew was such a big part of the Cowboys' offense last season, too. What does his loss mean to the OSU offense?
BC: It's huge. As Georgia fans can probably attest, you don't replace NFL first round picks. The Cowboys will be using a tight-end by committee approach to replace Pettigrew. Jamal Mosley is the favorite to start and he brings the ability to make plays in the passing game but is working to become more physical in the run game. OSU appears to be in a position where they sub tight ends based on the situation. With Pettigrew, who was regarded as the most complete tight end in the draft a year ago, they didn't have to do that.
DH: Defensively, the Cowboys have a new coordinator in Bill Young. What are the changes he's made this offseason from what most of us might have watched last year? Does having a guy like Young help OSU prepare for an offensive style that's pretty different from what the team is used to seeing in the Big 12?
BC: Young has come in with a focus on turnovers and has preached that since day one. He has said the goal of the defense when they come on the field is to score. If they can't do that, get a turnover, if they can't do that, get a three and out. Having Young with his experience in the Big Ten (as D-Coordinator at Ohio State from 1988-95) and going against physical running teams could help against Georgia.
DH: For all the talk about Okie State's offensive stars, the defense struggled last season. But it's a much more veteran group this time around. Who are some players on defense Georgia fans should be keeping an eye out for?
BC: Cornerback Perrish Cox is the main playmaker on defense. He'll be matched up with A.J. Green. Linebacker Andre Sexton is one of the main leaders on defense and sets the tone. Fellow linebackers Patrick Lavine and Orie Lemon are other defensive playmakers to watch. One young guy to keep an eye on is safety Victor Johnson, coaches and teammates speak highly of the sophomore.
(NOTE: Chatmon completed this interview before news broke that Lemon could miss the game.)
DH: Last year Georgia had its highest preseason rank in history, graced the cover of "Sports Illustrated," had a bunch of offensive superstars and high expectations. You know how that turned out. Is handling all the hype surrounding both this game and this season a concern for Oklahoma State, which is in a similar situation this year to what the Bulldogs experienced in 2008? What about the team makes you think they're capable of handling it better than Georgia did?
BC: Handling all the expectations is a big concern. OSU has seen more national coverage this preseason then ever. The coaches and players are saying all the right things but we won't know until Sept. 5. The "one-game-at-a-time" cliché has been in full effect. The Cowboys feel like they'll be helped by eight home games on the schedule and the big-game experience they got in 2008.
DH: I'm guessing many Georgia fans are like me and staying outside of Stillwater on Friday night. (I'll be in Tulsa.) So... any tips on some double-secret back roads to help us navigate our way to the stadium and avoid lines of traffic on game day?
BC: Sadly no. I don't think there are any such roads. No matter where you are coming from, you're going to hit traffic. Leave early, like Thursday... lol.
Each Thursday before a game, we'll have a Q&A with a beat writer covering Georgia's opponent for the week and hopefully get some insight on what to expect in the upcoming game.
First up: Oklahoma State beat writer Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman.
You can check out Brandon's work HERE and read his OSU blog HERE.
David Hale: Zac Robinson's lingering injury during the preseason resulted in a media ban by Mike Gundy. From what you can gather, is he feeling 100 percent again? How crucial is it to Oklahoma State's offense to have him at full speed?
Brandon Chatmon: Zac appears to be OK. It was a injury he's dealt with before and I never saw him limping around or anything close to that. I think OSU was being extremely careful because it is crucial for him to be 100 percent against Georgia. Zac needs to be able to use his running ability to make teams play for the attention they give Dez and Kendall.
DH: There's been plenty of talk about OSU's Big 3 of Robinson, Hunter and Bryant -- and for good reason. But Brandon Pettigrew was such a big part of the Cowboys' offense last season, too. What does his loss mean to the OSU offense?
BC: It's huge. As Georgia fans can probably attest, you don't replace NFL first round picks. The Cowboys will be using a tight-end by committee approach to replace Pettigrew. Jamal Mosley is the favorite to start and he brings the ability to make plays in the passing game but is working to become more physical in the run game. OSU appears to be in a position where they sub tight ends based on the situation. With Pettigrew, who was regarded as the most complete tight end in the draft a year ago, they didn't have to do that.
DH: Defensively, the Cowboys have a new coordinator in Bill Young. What are the changes he's made this offseason from what most of us might have watched last year? Does having a guy like Young help OSU prepare for an offensive style that's pretty different from what the team is used to seeing in the Big 12?
BC: Young has come in with a focus on turnovers and has preached that since day one. He has said the goal of the defense when they come on the field is to score. If they can't do that, get a turnover, if they can't do that, get a three and out. Having Young with his experience in the Big Ten (as D-Coordinator at Ohio State from 1988-95) and going against physical running teams could help against Georgia.
DH: For all the talk about Okie State's offensive stars, the defense struggled last season. But it's a much more veteran group this time around. Who are some players on defense Georgia fans should be keeping an eye out for?
BC: Cornerback Perrish Cox is the main playmaker on defense. He'll be matched up with A.J. Green. Linebacker Andre Sexton is one of the main leaders on defense and sets the tone. Fellow linebackers Patrick Lavine and Orie Lemon are other defensive playmakers to watch. One young guy to keep an eye on is safety Victor Johnson, coaches and teammates speak highly of the sophomore.
(NOTE: Chatmon completed this interview before news broke that Lemon could miss the game.)
DH: Last year Georgia had its highest preseason rank in history, graced the cover of "Sports Illustrated," had a bunch of offensive superstars and high expectations. You know how that turned out. Is handling all the hype surrounding both this game and this season a concern for Oklahoma State, which is in a similar situation this year to what the Bulldogs experienced in 2008? What about the team makes you think they're capable of handling it better than Georgia did?
BC: Handling all the expectations is a big concern. OSU has seen more national coverage this preseason then ever. The coaches and players are saying all the right things but we won't know until Sept. 5. The "one-game-at-a-time" cliché has been in full effect. The Cowboys feel like they'll be helped by eight home games on the schedule and the big-game experience they got in 2008.
DH: I'm guessing many Georgia fans are like me and staying outside of Stillwater on Friday night. (I'll be in Tulsa.) So... any tips on some double-secret back roads to help us navigate our way to the stadium and avoid lines of traffic on game day?
BC: Sadly no. I don't think there are any such roads. No matter where you are coming from, you're going to hit traffic. Leave early, like Thursday... lol.
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