Tuesday, August 26, 2008

08 Dawgs

So, the Georgia Bulldogs are college football's preseason #1 team. Although I can't fathom the concept of crowning a new king before the first snap, I ain't complainin' either! The question being asked all throughout Dawg Nation is "Can they handle the hype?" The incredibly high expectations have provided much excitement over the start of the 2008 season. Well, maybe some of us fans should just slow down a bit. Injuries are already making an impact on the depth chart. The loss of LT Trinton Sturdivant has caused the O-Line rotation to be reshuffled. Key reserves, LB Marcus Washington and talented young LB Charles White, will also miss the season. But...as far as the Offensive Line is concerned, there's really no need to panic. UGA has one of the nation's premiere line coaches, in Stacy Searels. He will have his unit ready to compete, regardless of what names are on the back of those traditional Georgia jerseys.

During the Mark Richt era, UGA has thrived on overcoming adversity. Yes, injuries are a concern, but they will not have a major impact on the success or failure of this breed of Bulldogs. Look for Chris Davis to become a leader on the Offensive Line, and provide this unit with their missing "rudder." Matt Stafford's poise in the huddle will be the calming presence his young blockers need.

So, what should UGA fans expect from the Dawgs in week one? Well, they all understand that Bulldog bread is buttered with a strong run/play action pass combination. Will the young line be able to provide holes for Knowshon and his fellow running backs? Yes, and you'll see plenty of it. Georgia will dominate both lines of scrimmage, and launch enough bombs to keep the Eagles guessing. Joe Cox and Logan Gray will both get some reps, because the game will be out of reach by the start of the 4th Quarter. Don't expect to see too much razzle, dazzle. OCMB will keep things simple, and save the big guns for South Carolina (or if needed, use them against C.Mich.).

UGA will crush little bro from Statesboro. Go Dawgs!

2 comments:

tcm850 said...

I think they will do fine with the hype. The main problem they will have to overcome is playing in the SEC. Every team has to worry about injuries and showing up for every game, but even more so in the SEC, where the competition is significantly greater, day-in and day-out.

For example, your Dawgs have to face 6 ranked teams, while still having to face unranked teams such as Sout Carolina, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt, then rival GT.

Or my team Florida who plays only 3 ranked teams but has to play @ Tennesee, @ Arkansas, @ Vanderbilt, @ Florida State, and still have to play Miami, Hawaii, Kentucky and South Carolina.

While teams like Ohio State plays 4 ranked teams, Michigan, then 4 High school teams. Look out for Troy though. Although I seriously doubt they can pull off the appalachian like upset here, I am looking forward to the sept 20th showdown.

And of course we have seen now for two years in a row what happens when they go against an SEC team.

will this be 3 years in a row?

Rob said...

tcm850 I agree. You seem pretty well informed...for a Gator fan. Just kidding. Welcome to the blog.