Georgia-Alabama Weekend Thoughts

This weekend there's a huge game kicking off under the lights in Bryant-Denny Stadium between #22 Georgia and #16 Alabama. I like our chances based on JH4's theory of letdowns after big games and the fact that the Bulldogs are more talented than the Crimson Tide. Coaching is important in every game obviously but this game pits two of the best head coaches in college football today: CMR and CNS(greedy, lying bastard yes but also has a MNC to his name). We're also going to get to see a match up of two great, young offensive minds in CMB and CMA. Then of course you're going to get both extremes on the defensive side of the ball with CNS's blitzing scheme, my personal favorite, and CWM's "soft zone" which I absolutely hate. Granted CNS's D gave up a lot of yards and points last week against Run DMC and the Hogs so hopefully they will be a little worn down. I'll give credit where it is due, CWM's defense might not be my cup of tea but it seems to get the job done. With the exception of a couple of games (Tennessee last year combined with JT3) it has not been the defense's fault we've lost games but it's because our offense can't score.


5 Keys to the Game (some of these might sound obvious but I'm gonna throw them out there anyway):
1. Get 'Shon and 'Miko the ball: Simply put they're our two game breakers (and the only two guys that can catch the ball) and CMB has to find ways to get them the ball. Then MS has to deliver it to them.
2. Our offensive line against CNS's complex blitz packages: JH4's boy Velasco needs to be on top of his game in pointing out things to the younger guys. He needs to keep them calm as well. With the crowd I'm anticipating Saturday night I expect some false starts and motion penalties so 'Nando just needs to settle them down. I'm confident he can take care of this task.



3. Our front 7 against JPW and Terry Grant: Based on CWM's defensive scheme, the front four must pressure JPW or we could be in for a long night. He's got some weapons around him in terms of receiving (D.J. Hall) and rushing (Terry Grant- he's looked pretty damn good from what I've seen). However with a little pressure he will throw some picks (2 against Arkansas). Somebody in the linebacking corp besides Ellerbe must step up and make a play whether its Miller, Dent, Dewberry, or whoever. They need to take better pursuit angles as well as drop the number of missed tackles.
Honorary Horsemen Owens and Battle will take out the Tide's Offense


4. Secondary needs to find the ball better: Hopefully CWM took a little time in practice this week to teach his DB's how to have their head on a swivel. If he can't teach them, I know a couple of guys who can- CDC and CBVG.



5. Wildcard- MS: Now I'm one of the bigger Stafford supporters around but even I must admit he hasn't played so great this season and that MUST change for Georgia to win Saturday night. He's made some great throws so far this year, showing us flashes of brilliance, but he's also missed a lot of open guys and it has cost us TD's. Unfortunately this is where I'll tie in the receivers as well because accuracy doesn't matter when guys can't catch the damn ball. So CJE (a guy whose coming close to only having two options soon in my book) needs to use the tennis ball machine or whatever other techniques he can come up with to get these guys consistently catching the ball. If MS needs anymore motivation, Tide defensive end Wallace Gilberry had this to say:

The Tide senior was asked if he knew anything about Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford and Gilberry replied that he didn't -- because Alabama players don't watch film of their next opponent until Monday afternoon. "But after the game Saturday, I can tell you anything you want to know," Gilberry said. "His birthday, his telephone number, his home address. I'm serious, because I will know."

When asked why, he answered, "I've got to know where to send the flowers after the game."


My prediction: Georgia jumps on the Tide early, taking the crowd out of it... for a while. CWM's soft zone defense allows 'Bama back in the game but the Dawgs hold on in the end with a late field goal from BC. Final Score: Georgia- 23 'Bama- 20







Other planned weekend happenings:

CRP's Hoover Buc football team takes on Mt. Brook in a region game at the Hoover Met (Sidenote: Tyler Love, a 5 star OL recruit that picked Alabama over Georgia plays for Mt. Brook and in the words of "Scary Croissant" I hope one of the Bucs takes their helmet off and sticks it up Love's ass.)
Dreamland Barbecue in Birmingham, Alabama because JD and "Big Daddy" say it's real good.
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: 'Bama fans- the GOOD and the bad.