AJC > Sports > Tech > Blog > Archives > 2007 > November > 21
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thoughts on playing UGA
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Perceptions
Some internet football pundits are calling UGA the hottest team in the nation right now. People are saying that Tech is sliding and playing poorly down the stretch. I’m not entirely sold on either statement, after looking at the details a bit more closely.
Lets consider Tech first. The Jackets have won 4 of their last 5 games. The loss to VT left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, but the truth of the matter is that VT is arguably a legitimate Top 10 team with its only losses to LSU and Boston College … two teams who have been in the national title picture this season. Tech went into that game without Tashard Choice or Reshaun Grant … starting the third and fourth string running backs. Five INTs and a lost fumble sealed the Jackets’ fate in that game as much as anything.
Now lets consider UGA. Since getting dominated by Tennessee, the Bulldogs have defeated Vandy, Florida, Troy, Auburn, and Kentucky.
Vandy coughed the ball up on UGA’s 7 yard line while going in for the winning score and UGA was able to escape with a win. Florida was down when UGA caught them, suffering multiple injuries and playing an obviously hurt Tebow. Troy gave UGA more fight than expected and scored 34 points. Auburn threw an INT on their first possession and then three more in the second half to blow a tight halftime game wide open for UGA. And Kentucky, who has been on a major slide the last four weeks blew a 10-0 lead in Athens.
The way I look at it … these two teams are a few fumbles away from BOTH being 8-3 right now. If GT doesn’t fumble a punt return against UVA and Vandy doesn’t fumble inside UGA’s 10 … we’re looking at a pair of 8-3 teams that are both ranked in the Top 25.
Stafford vs Bennett
A well known internet analyst recently opined that “Matthew Stafford gets better and better with each start.” Stafford went 12 of 22 for 99 yards and 2 INTs against Kentucky last weekend. He amassed a monstrous 99 yards through the air.
Comparatively, Taylor Bennett went 13 of 24 for 196 yards and a touchdown.
On the season, Tech’s passing offense is ranked #100 nationally with 183 average yards per game. UGA’s is ranked #85 at 199 yards per game. So…essentially…UGA gets about 16 more yards per game in the air. That’s right…SIXTEEN more yards per game.
Beyond the QBs
UGA has the edge at the quarterback and wide receiver positions. GT has the edge on the offensive line and at running back. (Yes…Tashard Choice is better than Knowshon Moreno, even hobbled and playing hurt. His veteran experience and vision give him an edge.)
The Jackets have the #18 rushing game in the nation, despite missing Choice for large parts of four games. It’s reasonable to expect that Tech would be a Top 5 rushing team if Choice hadn’t missed parts of the BC, UVA, Army, and VT games on top of being pulled from the Samford game after 11 carries. It’s also arguable that the UVA game would have been won with Choice running more than 5 times.
UGA has the nation’s #36 rushing offense and have played well down the stretch as Mark Richt has finally learned to stick with a running game when its working without getting cute while trying to channel his pitch and catch FSU days in Tallahassee.
Two Excellent Defenses
Both teams have played excellent defense over the course of the season.
UGA has the #22 total defense and #28 scoring defense with 21 points allowed per game.
GT has the #7 total defense and #16 scoring defense with 18 points allowed per game.
Both teams defend the passing game about the same. It’s too close to consider one defense better than the other. Both are good…as long as they don’t give up a homerun play…
So what is the key defensively?
Well…Tech has a Top 10 rushing defense and the leads the nation in sacks and tackles for a loss. And honestly…this is the key to the game for the Jackets. Stop Moreno and pressure Stafford into having a game like he did last week against Kentucky.
How GT Can Win
Run the ball…stop the run…control the clock…win!
Old school, smash mouth, football…its the only way.
UGA “Dawg Walk” Furor?
I don’t get the angst I’m seeing in GT circles over the fact that Richt wants the UGA fans to be there when UGA gets off the buses and heads into their lockerroom. It’s going to be on the opposite side of the stadium from our Yellow Jacket Alley.
I’ve been involved in similar GT oriented “welcomings” for our team at FSU, Clemson, Auburn, and etc. Lots of teams do it. And lots of GT fans have done it for our team in the past.
