AJC > Sports > Blog > Archives > 2007 > October > 26
Friday, October 26, 2007
Georgia’s defense must rise to the occasion
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We dropped to 6-4 last week because Alabama destroyed Tennessee, Vanderbilt upset South Carolina, Michigan got better and beat Illinois and Florida State-well, I don’t know what Florida State was doing in a loss to Miami.
That puts us at 55-25 as we get ready to close out October with another version of the Fearless Friday Forecast.
1. Georgia vs. Florida: In the past Georgia has won this game as a more-than-a-touchdown underdog. But in those games it was because the defense rose to the occasion and decided that the game was not going to turn into a track meet. In short, Georgia is not going to out finesse or out score the Gators. Look at Auburn’s game plan when it won at Florida on Sept. 29: Run the ball, play great defense, steal the game at the end with a field goal or a long drive against a tired defense. That’s the plan. The problem is that Georgia can’t play great defense. Florida 31, Georgia 20.
2. South Carolina at Tennessee: For the second time this month, Phillip Fulmer and the Volunteers have their backs to the wall after an embarrassing loss. You should be able to rally the troops any time the Old Ball Coach comes to town. Both teams are still in the SEC East race. The loser is virtually eliminated. If South Carolina’s quarterbacks were playing a little better, it would be tempting to go with the Gamecocks. But it’s hard to see the Vols losing a game like this at home on a Saturday night. Tennessee 24, South Carolina 21.
3. Mississippi State at Kentucky: The Wildcats have had a remarkable two weeks, first beating LSU and then losing a shootout to Florida. Now that the national TV cameras are gone, how will Kentucky play against a solid team from Mississippi State? As long as the Wildcats have quarterback Andre Woodson, they will be just fine. Kentucky 35, Mississippi State 17.
4. Ole Miss at Auburn: Auburn has to recover from a heartbreaking loss at LSU last Saturday. The Tigers may be 5-3 but no team in the SEC has improved more since the beginning of the season. Ole Miss plays folks tough at home but the Rebels don’t have the same kind of zip on the road. Auburn 28, Ole Miss 10.
5. Clemson at Maryland: This is a huge game in the ACC Atlantic Standings. Both have two losses in the conference so the loser is virtually eliminated in the race. Both still have to play Boston College, the leader in the division. Both are capable of putting up a lot of points. This is a field goal game if ever I’ve seen one. Clemson 24, Maryland 21.
6. North Carolina at Wake Forest: Since starting the season with losses to Boston College and Nebraska, Wake Forest has won five straight and is starting to look like the team that won the ACC championship last season. North Carolina (2-5) has won two straight and is gaining a little confidence. I like the Deacons to become bowl eligible for the second straight season. Wake Forest 17, North Carolina 13.
7. Ohio State at Penn State: No. 2 Boston College had to perform a great escape to get out of Blacksburg with a (14-10) win Thursday night. What fate awaits the No. 1 Buckeyes at Happy Valley? The Buckeyes have rolled to 8-0 against an easy schedule but I hear the defense is very, very good. Part of me really wants to pick Penn State, which will lead most of the game before losing Ohio State 17, Penn State 14.
8. Kansas at Texas A&M: The Jayhawks, one of only five undefeated teams left, are a slight favorite as they go to College Station. But I think the Aggies (6-2) know how big a game this is. Texas A&M finishes with Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. If the Aggies don’t win Saturday, they might not win again. Texas A&M 24, Kansas 21.
9. California at Arizona State: This is what kind of year it has been. Two weeks ago California was ranked No. 2 and just needed a field goal against Oregon State to move to No. 1. But the Bears lost that game and then fell again last week to UCLA. Now they are No. 21. Arizona State (7-0) is ranked No. 4 in the BCS but has not been tested. That test comes Saturday and the Sun Devils will fail. California 31, Arizona State 27.
10. Southern Cal at Oregon: Oregon has scored 48 or more points in five of its seven games. Quarterback Dennis Dixon should be getting more love for the Heisman Trophy. Oregon has the best offense (550.86 ypg) in the Pac-10. Southern Cal has the best defense (252.14 ypg). I like the Ducks at home. Oregon 31, Southern Cal 17.
