Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween in the SEC

Last week, UGA had a bye. I did too. To be honest, I didn't feel like writing, so I didn't write. Well, this Saturday is Halloween, and things are getting scary in the SEC. Mark Richt takes his 4-3 Bulldogs down to Jacksonville, where Georgia will face its most sinister foe, the Florida Gators.

Georgia has had two weeks to prepare for this game, but the Gators have a Heisman trophy winner at QB and a defense that actually laces up their boots. As painful as it is to say, Florida will destroy my Dawgs. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 kickoff on CBS.

A couple hours earlier, you might be able to catch Ole Miss @ Auburn. The game starts at 12:21 on the SEC Network and ESPN360.com. This could be a good one. I'm picking the traveling Rebs to pick up the victory at Jordan-Hare. Why? They've got Dexter McCluster.

Mississippi State goes to Lexington to take on the Kentucky Wildcats at 7 PM on ESPN360.com. Dan Mullen's Dogs showed a lot of potential, as they stayed within striking distance of the champs last week. But, Florida won the game 29-19. The potentially good Dogs are currently 3-5. These Bulldogs have garnered victories over 2-5 SWAC school Jackson State , 2-6 Vandy, and Middle Tennessee State, who is 3-4 on the year. Looking at their resume' is very therapeutic for this Dawgs fan. It may be a tough year for my Dawgs, but at least they're not these dogs.
Kentucky wins 27-14.

Also at 7 PM, Eastern Michigan travels to Arkansas. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU. No need for a pick. We all know who's gonna win this one.

Back to games that count... Tennessee hosts Sloth Carolina at 7:45 PM on ESPN and ESPN360.com. Spurrier needs another big win, just as much as Lane Kiffin needs humility. Gamecocks win.

ACC power, Georgia Tech travels to Nashville to take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at 7:30 on ESPN360.com. Tech wrecks 'em... bad. This one won't be close.

Almost forgot the LSU Tigers. The Golden Band from Tigerland will be celebrating all night long. LSU crushes Tulane at 8 PM on ESPN360.com.

In closing, let's talk about THE game this weekend. What's your favorite Georgia-Florida moment?
You can click on the title of this post to view my nomination.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Strange Days

Folks, something strange is going on inside the state of Georgia. The Dawgs are unranked, with an un-Richt-like record of 4-3. Meanwhile, the Georgia Tech Yella Jackets are 6-1 after defeating #4 Virginia Tech on the flats. This ain't 'sposed to happen. Sometimes, your little brother grows up and kicks your butt. It ain't right, but I guess it can occur.

As strange as it sounds, Paul Johnson has already elevated his program past UGA. While the Jackets continue to improve, Georgia is fighting to stay above 500. The poor play of Willie Martinez's defense, the lack of a rushing attack, and many untimely special teams snafus are plummeting Georgia's program into the ground. Yes, the Dawgs beat Vanderbilt. They were supposed to do that. Georgia rushed for 172 yards. On the surface, that's encouraging. But, there's no evidence to believe Georgia's running game is improved. Vanderbilt is porous against the run and they simply did what they do. The Commodores allow 170 yards rushing per game, which ranks them 11th in the SEC in stopping the run. Georgia didn't have a breakthrough performance in this aspect of the game. Sure, there were a couple of long runs. But, for the most part, Vanderbilt contained Georgia's lack luster rushing attack. The final numbers were skewered by a 39 yard run by WaShaun Ealey and some big plays by Dontavious Jackson, when the game was out of reach.

Meanwhile, Paul Johnson's Jackets continue to pummel opponents into the ground. Georgia Tech has become a serious contender in the ACC. They are in second place in the Coastal Division standings with a 4-1 record in conference play. GT only trails the lowly Virginia Cavaliers. Al Groh's squad is 2-0 in ACC action, but displays its true identity with a 3-3 overall record.

In summary, these are some very strange days in the state of Georgia. While UGA hopes to lift its season out of the toilet, Georgia Tech is one step closer to playing for the ACC championship. How has this happened so fast? Just last year, Mark Richt's Dawgs were the preseason #1 team in America. But, halfway through the next year, there's only one relevant team in Georgia. And, it's the one with the 55,000 seat stadium. Once again, these are some strange days, ya'll. Maybe the ghost of Bobby Dodd is up to no good.

Click on the title of this post.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

James' Picks

James' Picks:
Bama over South Carolina,

Florida over Petrino's Pigs,

Auburn over Kentucky

Vanderbilt over GEORGIA

James, thanks for the picks. Got something for ya. Click on the title of this post.

P.S. Someone should tell this dude, "It's just football."

Where in the World is Ryan Perriloux?

The once troubled and perilous LSU Tiger has found a home at Jacksonville State University. After sitting out the first game of the season, Perriloux has led the Gamecocks to 4 wins in their last 5 games. To be honest, JSU could easily be the Appalachian State of 2009. It was very late in Tallahassee, as the Gamecocks clinged to a 9-7 lead over FSU on September 12. But, Bowden's squad put up 12 points in the final minutes of that contest, to squeak out a hard fought 19-9 victory.

Since then, Ryan Perriloux has led JSU to a rampage through FCS opponents. He has thrown for 1,284 yards including 15 TDs with just 1 int on the year. The Former LSU QB has shown great precision, by completing 61.2% of his passes. During the same span, Jacksonville State has outscored opponents 198-37 in FCS football. The Gamecocks have a bye this Saturday. Then, they face the Eastern Illinois Panthers for Homecoming on October 24.

To see highlights of Perriloux at JSU, click on the title of this post. About halfway through the video, there's a great shot of him, as he de-helmitizes a Florida State Seminole. The dude didn't go down, but it ain't very often you see a QB blast somebody like that.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Matt's Picks

Matt's picks:
Alabama @ South Carolina
Even though I'm a Florida fan, I don't think anyone is playing better ball than Alabama. With the speed and talent they have especially with the running game. I pick Alabama to run over the cocks.

Arkansas @ UF
I'll be at the game and for homecoming, UF will be putting on a show. UF by 30, and continue being stingy with giving up touchdowns.

Kentucky @ Auburn
Auburn has been exposed, but @ home, and coming off a poor performance last week, I think they pull out a W this week.

Georgia @ Vandy
Hoping that being vandy's homecoming will pump UGA up to actually show up and execute. I'm picking Georgia.

UAB @ Ole Miss
Ole miss is obviously not the team that was hyped up in the pre-season, but I think they will have no problem with UAB.

Matt, thanks for your help. This one's for you. Click on the title of this post.

Reader's Choice

This week, I'm giving you, the readers the honor of predicting the outcome of Saturday's games in the SEC. Let's be honest. My picks have been stinkin' up the place, just a bit. Maybe, I'll spray them with Febreeze before I post 'em next week. Anyway, a breathe of fresh air would be quite refreshing. Here's the list. Send me an email, and I'll post your thoughts.

Bama @ South Carolina.

Petrino's Pigs @ Florida.

Kentucky @ Auburn.

Georgia is the Homecoming opponent for Vanderbilt. 'Nuff said.

UAB @ Ole Miss.

Mississippi State @ Middle Tennessee.

*Florida and UT have a bye.

Thanks for your time,
Rob.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

WTF

What The Football? Last week, I wrote an article titled, "Disappointed But Proud." Well, I couldn't have been more wrong in my analysis. So, here's what I'd like you to do. Grab a sheet of notebook paper, wad it up, and throw it the hell away! You see, this blog could use a ceremonial cleansing from that erroneous post. Now that we've gotten that outta the way, let's talk football.

On Saturday, the national champs faced a tough challenge in Death Valley. But, their defense and previously seriously concussed QB Tim Tebow led the Gators to victory. That ain't good for Gator haters. Why? Because there are zero formidable foes left on the UF schedule. Looks like the chumps will be undefeated in December, when they play in the SEC Championship Game.

As far as UGA goes, many of you are wondering what I have to say about the nightmare in Knoxville. Well, I'm gonna take my mother's advice on this one. She often told me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
So, I ain't sayin' shyte about those dogs.

Staying inside the league, Arkansas stunned my senses, by blowing out the resurgent Auburn Tigers and Vandy let me down...again. I should have known better, but they were playing ARMY! Come on, Commodores. Just please don't upset me this Saturday.

Back to Georgia for a minute. I don't call for coaches to get fired, but you can click on the title of this post, to hear what most UGA fans want to say to their Defensive Coordinator.

See ya'll later.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

October 10 in the SEC

Vanderbilt @ Army. 12:00, no coverage. Vandy wins.

Auburn @ Arkansas on ESPN and ESPN360.com at 12:00. Tigers roar to 6-0. Afterward, they'll roll Toomer's corner.

Georgia @ Tennessee. 12:20 on SEC Network (WPCH in metro Atlanta area). Dawgs throttle Vols.

Houston @ Mississippi State at 12:30 on ESPNU. Don't know the true identity of either team. When in doubt, pick the SEC. So, I'll take Mullen's Dogs to win at home.

Kentucky @ Sloth Carolina. 12:30 on ESPN360.com. Rich Brooks is in trouble. Gamecocks win.

Alabama @ Ole Miss on CBS at 3:30. An upset would be sweet. But, it ain't gonna happen. Tide rolls the Rebels.

#1 Florida @ #4 LSU on CBS at 8:00. LSU don't lose underneath the lights in Death Valley. Florida will lose and Tebow's health will not be an issue. After the game, #15 will issue another apology to Gator Nation. What will UF fans think? Click on the title of this post to get the answer.

Monday, October 5, 2009

As the SEC Turns

As I type this article, every team in the SEC has already begun preparing for the second week of football in October. That means the season is getting late. Here's how the league currently stands.

SEC East:
#1 Florida 2-0 in SEC, 5-0 overall.
#25 South Carolina 1-1 in SEC, 4-1 overall.
UR Georgia 2-1 in SEC, 3-2 overall.
UR Kentucky 0-2 in SEC, 2-2 overall.
UR Tennessee 0-2 in SEC, 2-3 overall.
UR Vanderbilt 0-3 in SEC, 2-3 overall.

As of today, only 2 teams in the East are ranked in the top 25. Who would have thought Sloth Carolina would one of them? Evil Steve lost to Georgia, but that hasn't taken the wind out of South Carolina's sails. The Gamecocks host Kentucky on Saturday, then lose to 'Bama on October 17. Sloth Carolina could be 6-2 in league play, when they travel to Knoxville on Halloween.

SEC West:
#3 Alabama 2-0 in SEC, 5-0 overall.
#4 LSU 3-0 in SEC, 5-0 overall.
#17 Auburn 2-0 in SEC, 5-0 overall.
#20 Ole Miss 1-1 in SEC, 3-1 overall.
UR Miss State 1-2 in SEC, 3-2 overall.
UR Arkansas 0-2 in SEC, 2-2 overall.

With Ryan Mallett at the helm, many experts thought Arkansas could be a serious threat in the SEC West. But, an 0-2 start in league play has proven Petrino's Pigs to be the real fraud of the West. So far, the biggest surprise in this division is the Auburn Tigers. They are off to an incredible start. Honestly, I'm stunned by the immediate success Gene Chizik has seen on the plains. Looking at their schedule, Auburn should be 7-0 when they travel to Baton Rouge on October 24. But, this is the SEC. Stuff happens.

This Saturday, #1 Florida goes to Death Valley to face the #4 LSU Tigers. Who am I gonna pick to win? Click on the title of this post for a hint.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Disappointed But Proud

Although the final score of the Georgia-LSU game was something I didn't care to see, I saw something more important on Saturday night. I saw a Bulldogs squad that is worth believing in. I couldn't say that on September 6th. But, these Dawgs are different. Their abundance of inexperience on the field is diminishing more and more every week. We continue to see young guys, such as Rantavious Wooten, Orson Charles, Marcus Dowtin, and Brandon Boykin step up and make an impact.

On Saturday, the Dawgs were manhandled in the first half of football. But, despite LSU's constant presence deep within Georgia territory, the Bulldog defense hunkered the hell down. The Dawgs made some tremendous plays in crucial moments, that kept the Tigers stuck on 6 first half points. During the 4th quarter, Georgia got up off the mat, one more time. After a devastating Tigers touchdown put LSU ahead 12-7, UGA responded. With 7 seconds shy of 3 minutes remaining, a previously inept offense flew down the field and reclaimed the lead at 13-12. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to beat LSU.

I'm disappointed, but as a Georgia fan, I am very proud of this team. They continue to fight through adversity, regardless of the situation. This team plays with a lot of heart. You see, they've got some JunkYard Dog-ness in 'em. Such tenacity and fire will serve them very well in the future. Look for the Dawgs to bounce back this week with a victory over Tennessee.

Go Dawgs!!