Fade to Black
By now, you’ve probably read that UGA is going to pull the “blackout” for the Alabama game this weekend. You’ve probably also read all the other hoopla surrounding the blackout. Here’s my take on the blackout and the game itself.
First of all, when the black jersey’s were used in the Auburn game, it was a great way to get the team and the fans hyped up. And to some extent, it psyched out the Tigers. Then the black was used in the bowl game and it wasn’t quite as exciting. Now its being used for the Bama game and it seems to have lost a little bit more of its luster. I’ve even talked to many UGA fans who agree.
There’s a resaon that Notre Dame only wears the green jersey’s (and not just because they lose when they wear them) – it’s because they are meant to jack fans and players up for the game every few years that is hugely important to the program. For UGA, that was the Auburn game was last year – it helped keep the momentum going after the Florida win and carried the team for the rest of the season. But three times in the span of nine games? That takes something away from the experience.
What it really comes down to is who is the better, more prepared team. And both teams are good and will come in well prepared. Honestly, I think the media is reading too much into the give and take between Saban and Richt. They are just two coaches having a little fun, trying to keep things light going into a big game. In the end, laundry will have no bearing on this game.
Breakdown
UGA - The offense is solid. Moreno takes a load of pressure off Stafford with his ability to run the ball and AJ Green has emerged as a reliable threat at receiver, which UGA hasn’t had in several years. That being said, I’m still not sold on Stafford as the “best NFL QB prospect in the country”. From what I’ve seen of him this year, he still makes bad decisions and struggles against good defenses. You also have a young offensive line that is still trying to figure out how to play with each other after a rash of injuries have caused some shuffling of positions. The defense has been solid, but they haven’t faced a very good or balanced offense yet. The Dawgs are also the most penalized team in the SEC, averaging almost 11 per game, which is double the next closest team.
Bama – The offensive line is mean, nasty and is dominating. Andre Smith, Antoine Caldwell and Co. open up huge holes for the running game and they make John Parker Wilson look like Tom Brady with all the time they give him. Mark Ingram is the bruiser and Glen Coffee is the speedster and they combine to make one of the best RB tandems in the conference. Julio Jones and Nick Walker are excellent targets for JPW. The defense has been stingy this year, allowing only 9.2 points per game. They are lead by the disruptive Terrance “Mount” Cody, a 365 pound beast in the middle. The linebackers, while young, have been solid and the secondary has been good. Javier Arenas is the X factor on special teams, having already returned one punt for a TD and averaging 18.7 yards per return.
(In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that I’m a Bama alumni and psychotic Tide fan.)
Prediction
I think this game will be closer than either side wants to believe. It will be physical and relatively low scoring. In the end, I think penalties will kill the Dawgs and special teams will be the difference. Leigh Tiffin will kick the winning field goal in the final minute and Bama will win 27-24 in a thriller.
Filed under: Game Thoughts
Tags: aj green, alabama crimson tide, andre smith, antoine caldwell, auburn tigers, florida gators, georgia bulldogs, glen coffee, javier arenas, john parker wilson, julio jones, knowshon moreno, leigh tiffin, mark ingram, mark richt, matthew stafford, nick saban, nick walker, terrance cody
