We backed into the SECCG, we still can’t run the ball, we can’t tackle, we can’t catch, and we’re facing probably the nation’s #1 defense. And their backup QB is the most popular player in the country and that never works out for us. All inside the one stadium that hates us in December. What, me worry?
Here’s what I’m NOT worried about when we face the Matthew McConaughey’s Pleather Jackets:
1. Beef on dog crime. That damn steer better not travel to Atlanta. But if he does, I can guaran-damn-tee you that there is at least one Bulldog fan in attendance who has sworn a blood-oath to protect Uga against any possible barnyard shenanigans. When that red mist descends, horns won’t be the only thing sawn off. and that bloodline might be ending.
2. Keeping it clean. No way stuff gets thrown onto the field in this game, right? I’m sure that University of Texas administration in Austin was diligent in identifying and punishing all those responsible for the last hullabaloo – of course they did. Their DKR Stadium privileges were assuredly revoked, but does that carry onto neutral sites?
3. We’ve played a lot of orange this season, and we’ve won them all. Clemson, Auburn, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and we came out victorious each time. Two of those were home games, two were neutral site games, and one west of the Mississippi. Well, we’ve got another neutral site game against an orange team, one we’ve already burnt this season.
Now forgive me, as I was weaned at the nipple of Larry Munson’s scratch so here’s what does worry me about trying to beat the Hill Country Heifers for a 2nd time:
1. I can’t define a Quintrevion, but I know one when I see one. The UT sophomore running back has really come on of late, having been pushed into service when multiple carriers in front of him went down with injuries. His 33 rushes for 186 yards against Texas A&M almost single-handedly pushed the Aggies down 9 spots in the national rankings of rush defense. Steve Sarkisian obviously trusts him, and has been calling his number a lot the last few games.
Just a month ago, Wisner toted only 4 times for Zero yards against the Gators in that romp. In the 3 games since, #26 is averaging over 25 carries a game and racking up over 125 yards. And this is against a Bulldog defense that is increasingly susceptible to the running game. In Austin, Georgia surrendered only 29 yards on 27 carries (dozens of sacks included). Then 115 to Florida, 133 to Ole Miss, 226 to UMass (UMASS!) and 260 to the Yellow Jackets just last week. This is, as they say, not trending positively.
2. Let’s keep running with the running theme. Georgia’s rushing offense is ranked #101 in the nation. RBU is more STFU when it comes to the ground game. They’ve surpassed the 150 yard mark rushing exactly 3 times this season (Clemson, Tennessee Tech, and UMass). Georgia accomplished that 10 times last year, and 11 times in 2022. The 4.24 yards per attempt is the lowest in the Smart era.
Let’s be honest: Georgia has found itself behind in many, if not most, games this season. As a result, Mike Bobo is summarily directed (or confirmed) to start chucking it instead of grinding it out on the ground. And the Texas defense is used to playing with a lead. Even though they’ve defended 10% more rushes than the UGA offense has attempted, they still have only allowed 150 yards in a game twice this season. In fact they’re #12 in rushing defense nationally. If the Bulldogs are to have a successful offense, it doesn’t look like it will be from handing it off.
3. Strength on strength. For a game that everyone thinks will be close (Texas a 2.5 point favorite at a neutral site), this might come down to which team is best at what it’s best at. UGA is the SEC’s #1 red zone offense; Texas is #3 in red zone defense.
Carson Beck has successfully executed the offense inside the red zone 50 of 54 trips (including field goals – but I can recall at least 2 RZ trips where he threw interceptions). Georgia is scoring touchdowns almost 75% of the time, and Peyton Woodring is the next best thing to automatic kicking from this close.
The Longhorn defense has only allowed opponents inside their red zone 24 times. Of that, opponents scored a mere 11 touchdowns and 5 field goals for a success rate of 67%. They haven’t played exactly a murderer’s row of offenses, sure, but they’re also 5th nationally in getting turnovers, so they don’t give offenses much of a chance. No wonder they have the 2nd best scoring defense in the country.
Call me crazy, just don’t call me late for dinner. Sound off in the comments below what worries you about the Bulldogs of Georgia versus the Longhorns of Texas. And as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!