I'm normally nervous about this game, but much less so this year. Part of it is mellowing out with age and the other is, I just don't see it as that critical. Let me say, I see a good bit of upside if we win, but very little down side if we lose. Therefore, I am hopeful of a W, but will not be bummed if we lose. The reason?
We are obviously still a very flawed team this year. IMO, the issue is primarily a consistency issue at OL. Some good players there for us, whom I will always admire, but injuries and intangibles seem to have sapped any consistency from the group. As a result, our OL has under-performed for two years running now, however, our young OL appear to have the right stuff and the future is bright. This is really the major issue with our O, but it is not a non-starter. We have won 7 games with this group, and have basically an even chance to win this Saturday. A 9-win season is not a long shot at all, and that's not a bad place to be with a flawed team.
For this Saturday, on O we have to pound the ball and wear down this UGA D. They are good athletically, but have shown themselves vulnerable this year. Last week, MM had 97 yard at the half, including the long TD run, but he consistently made positive yardage. I would pound UGA's front 7 with MM and DM until they hurt. Give each of them 20 carries and make UGA bring everyone into the box, then pop it over them. We absolutely cannot give up negative plays on sacks, bad pitches, and lost yards. Quick hitting stuff will wear that D down. I'd also play MJ some and let him show them what a midline is all about. Just really mix it up between the tackles. The quick rocket toss to MM, the off-tackle play, and the counter option could be money plays for us. if we turn the ball over more than once, we're toast. UGA is +7 in TO margin. They cannot come out of this game at +9 or more.
On D we have to refuse the big play and make them settle for as many FG's as possible. If we can dial up some pressure on Eason against that middling OL of theirs, it would be a benefit getting them off the field, and getting a gift or two. They are not scary on O, but with their running game they can hold the ball on us, if we do not show up to play. They are a dangerous passing team, especially if we let Eason sit in the pocket forever, but they have been too inconsistent to be feared. Our D just needs to show up ready to hang it all out and play inspired ball.
ST's need to show up. No big returns by Mckenzie. Field position will be critical. Also, FG's won't win this game. It's going to take TD's. Butker has to hit his shots, though. Every point will be crucial. This will be a close one, and may be another low-scoring game like last year.
Like I typed above, I feel good about the game. Not terribly confident, but not unconfident either. i think it will be another ugly, ugly game. The team that is willing to play with guts to the final whistle will win. May it be the good guys.
We are obviously still a very flawed team this year. IMO, the issue is primarily a consistency issue at OL. Some good players there for us, whom I will always admire, but injuries and intangibles seem to have sapped any consistency from the group. As a result, our OL has under-performed for two years running now, however, our young OL appear to have the right stuff and the future is bright. This is really the major issue with our O, but it is not a non-starter. We have won 7 games with this group, and have basically an even chance to win this Saturday. A 9-win season is not a long shot at all, and that's not a bad place to be with a flawed team.
For this Saturday, on O we have to pound the ball and wear down this UGA D. They are good athletically, but have shown themselves vulnerable this year. Last week, MM had 97 yard at the half, including the long TD run, but he consistently made positive yardage. I would pound UGA's front 7 with MM and DM until they hurt. Give each of them 20 carries and make UGA bring everyone into the box, then pop it over them. We absolutely cannot give up negative plays on sacks, bad pitches, and lost yards. Quick hitting stuff will wear that D down. I'd also play MJ some and let him show them what a midline is all about. Just really mix it up between the tackles. The quick rocket toss to MM, the off-tackle play, and the counter option could be money plays for us. if we turn the ball over more than once, we're toast. UGA is +7 in TO margin. They cannot come out of this game at +9 or more.
On D we have to refuse the big play and make them settle for as many FG's as possible. If we can dial up some pressure on Eason against that middling OL of theirs, it would be a benefit getting them off the field, and getting a gift or two. They are not scary on O, but with their running game they can hold the ball on us, if we do not show up to play. They are a dangerous passing team, especially if we let Eason sit in the pocket forever, but they have been too inconsistent to be feared. Our D just needs to show up ready to hang it all out and play inspired ball.
ST's need to show up. No big returns by Mckenzie. Field position will be critical. Also, FG's won't win this game. It's going to take TD's. Butker has to hit his shots, though. Every point will be crucial. This will be a close one, and may be another low-scoring game like last year.
Like I typed above, I feel good about the game. Not terribly confident, but not unconfident either. i think it will be another ugly, ugly game. The team that is willing to play with guts to the final whistle will win. May it be the good guys.
