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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > October > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNot enough game balls to go around
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Wow, 52 points on LSU in Death Valley.
A lot of heroes came off the field for Georgia at the end of Saturday’s coming-of-age for the Bulldogs in Baton Rouge, with Matt Stafford, Knowshon Moreno and A.J. Green all having big days, as we’ve come to expect. And Mohamed Massaquoi, Kenneth Harris, Demiko Goodman and Michael Moore snagged a few key passes, as they’ve been known to do before.
There also were the unexpected names called. Fred Munzenmaier (two career carries; two touchdowns). Aron White (injured in practice and not supposed to make the trip but a clutch 48-yard reception when it seemed like years since we’d thrown to a tight end).
And Darryl Gamble’s star turn was spectacular. Two interceptions and 13 tackles. As Mark Richt said after the game, “If we gave game balls, he’d be the one to get it.”
But I don’t think enough can be said about the game that the Dawgs’ much maligned offensive line put together Saturday. With the Georgia OL riddled by injuries, having played fruit basket turnover in positions and starting three freshmen and two sophomores, the expectation among media observers and, yes, fans was that LSU’s strong, veteran defensive front would overwhelm the young pups and make life miserable for Stafford and Moreno. Especially when the Tigers’ much-feared LSU Express formation, rushing four defensive ends simultaneously, was utilized in most third-down situations.
The reality was something quite different. Yeah, at times it was almost impossible for Georgia to run up the middle, but that didn’t stop Moreno from dancing through what holes the Dawgs linemen managed to pry open. And the pass protection was nothing short of phenomenal, with the Tigers only getting to Stafford one time all day and the junior QB making some big strikes with LSU blitzing its brains out.
So, Mr. Gamble, please let the OL guys hold your hypothetical game ball for a while, OK?
POOCH KICKS: That final score looked like something from the Big 12. And it was mostly a day of big plays, good and bad, for the Dawgs. The one major negative to take out of this game was the Georgia defense’s susceptibility to the big play, especially the yards they gave up to LSU receivers after the catch and LSU runners after the first hit due to poor tackling. … A.J. is benefitting from some on-field coaching by his quarterback. After being held without a catch in the first half, the frosh dropped one in the second half. You could clearly see an exasperated Stafford say to him, “C’mon!” Next play, Stafford hit Green for a 49-yard touchdown that is one of this week’s nominees for the Pontiac Game Changing Performance (to vote for it, go to ESPN.com and search “Pontiac”). … Besides Moreno’s “call me” gesture to the LSU student body after his touchdown run (taking a cue from Tim Tebow last year, who also was victimized by Tiger fans calling his cellphone the week before the game), my favorite TV shot Saturday was head cheerleader Knowshon fanning and toweling off Gamble after the linebacker’s second interception-touchdown. (A sidenote: One of my son’s roommates found a cellphone in front of their house near the UGA campus this week and she punched the most recently called number to try and identify the owner. Knowshon answered; turns out the lost phone belonged to a friend of his who lives next door). … My son, seated in the upper level Saturday, noted that the noise made by the famed Death Valley crowd wasn’t all that fearsome, probably because it was an afternoon game and they hadn’t gotten all likkered up yet and also due to Georgia’s fast start. … It was obvious the Dawgs put on the brakes in the fourth quarter offensively, trying to keep the ball on the ground against a stacked box to try and eat clock, and also that our defense was getting a little tired. It didn’t turn out to be a major problem, but maybe Richt and Mike Bobo ought not to try again to sit on a lead, even a three touchdown one, with six minutes left in a game. Especially against an explosive offense. … Brian Mimbs did a great job punting Saturday, and Georgia pretty much held LSU’s returns in check, but one of those short kickoffs, with a late-hit penalty tacked on, gave LSU the ball in Georgia territory and resulted in a quick scoring drive. That’s precisely what those of us who are critical of Coach Fab’s kickoff philosophy are talking about. Why make it easier for them in terms of field position? … Not only did Lou Holtz and Mark May not have any snide comments about the Dawgs on ESPN’s college football wrapup Saturday night, but Gamble got singled out for one of their helmet stickers at the end.
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Comments
By 74Dawg
October 26, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
This week is what College football fans look forward to all year - the game will decide who wins the toughest division in all of football, and it’s one of the greatest rivalry games too. The really nice thing about this year’s Fl/Ga week is I don’t have that nervous feeling that the Dawgs will play well but find a way to lose , like has so often happened in this series, on both sides. I really believe the Dawgs have exorcized that. My feeling is that the Gators are on the wrong side of whatever mojo exists in this rivalry now.
By dawgforlife
October 26, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Yes, I think sitting on a lead that early is every bit as dangerous as putting the ball in the air at that point.
Knownshon pulling away from that Tiger defender on the long TD run needs to go in the Sanford highlight reel for sure!
I get the feeling the game in Jacksonville may turn into another game with a Big 12 kind of score.
By Dogbyte
October 26, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Yes, it was a win and I applaud it. BUT…the secondary got torched by a red-shirt freshman(and their poor tackling) that is not really that good. If they don’t improve by at least 50%, Tebow and company will deep fry them.
By big o
October 26, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
One hell of a game !!! As I said on Wed. our passing game would dominate I knew if they could not stop Garcia the previous week they were in trouble. Now on to the reptiles where our running game will dominate but we must limit them to no big plays on special teams. go Dawga !!!!
By BCS Champs Again
October 26, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Got to break off some props for the Dogs and how they beat up on my Tigers…I saw it with my own 2 eyes down on the bayou…and have to say Stafford is the best QB in the country and the Moreno is the best RB. We can’t make turnovers against a team like UGA and expect to win espcially 3. Good Luck next weekend with the gators….
By 2N4YEARS
October 26, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks BCS Champs Again…Class act.
By Doug
October 26, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Great game! Ellerbee just lost his starting job and CAN WE PLEASE JUST KICKOFF DEEP! We will out score the Gators and get another shot at Alabama. Doug UGA 1983
By dawg in J-ville
October 26, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
Class act “bcs champ” appreciate the kind words about the team without whining like most fans do after they lose. You are 100% correct, the team with turnovers will lose to a good team.
That said, I sit here in Jacksonville week after week listening to the pathetic crying bed-wetter Gayto nation about last year. If their not b-i-t-c-h-i-n-g and whining about poor Timmy being hurt that game, they are inevitably still crying about the TD celebration. They actually believe that they must and will embarrass UGA on saturday. They are so rattled by this they will be their own worst enemy. Yes, UF is extremely loaded and talented, but if they can’t get it right between the ears and persist on thinking about last year they will surely be a cog off and ultimately lay an egg. UF fans, you are absolutely the biggest bunch of MULLET HEADS and rednecks in all of college football….I know because I live down in Gaytor land and I witness it everyday Prediction: UGA 38 UF 20
By BullDawg Rick
October 26, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
No team had played the last 2 MNC’s back to back…
Dawgs win in the Bayou…
Dawgs can win in Jax!!
Go Dawgs!!!
By tommysteele
October 26, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Texas Longhorns (OVERRATED) Alabama Crimson Tide (LEGITIMATE) Penn State Nittany Lions (OVERRATED) Oklahoma Sooners (LEGIT) Usually-Sucking-C++k Trojans (YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING) Georgia Bulldogs (LET YOU KNOW NEXT SUNDAY) Texas Tech Red Raiders (?) Florida Gators (LEGIT) Oklahoma State Cowboys (OVERRATED) Utah Utes (NAH).
By Gators lying in wait
October 26, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
hey Doug,
Are you really sure you want another shot at bama? You win one big game and start talking smack after they raped your football team in your own house. You want even get that chance though because you are about to get violated by the Gators. If LSU put up 500 yards offense but lost on a couple of long interception returns then that just means the mighty gators will put up 700 yards. Only Tebow isn’t a freshman who will gift you 2 tds.
By Kendall
October 27, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
gator in wait, do you really know that little about the game of football. Comparing the yardage of LSU to what UF will get is basic ignorance. If you knew, and you dont, you would know that UGA has big issues with big backs. Like Coffee from Alabama. UGA does NOT have issues with small, speed backs. The UGA defense was built to stop Floridas offense. Thats a fact. If you look back at the last few years, you will see how little UF has managed to score on UGA. Last year, remember, you got one gift TD and a defensive TD. So bone up on your knowledge a little and then we can talk like big boys.
By GBal
October 27, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this
Anyone know if the Uga Lsu game will be replayed this week when and where
By GO DAWGS!!!
October 27, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Gators in wait…. This Saturday, Dawgs A-S-S R-A-P-E Timmy “Two Fingers” Tebow again. Dawgs by a bunch!
By Red Clay Hound
October 27, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I can’t believe TM has not already published 10 stories today about last years end zone celebration and how Georgia has no class. Of course, I realize it is only Monday so he still has plenty of time.
Hey BDR you still sporting a mullet?
By HomeDawg
October 27, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this
Gators Lying: Don’t forget how many of your points against KY were set up by 2 blocked punts, a blocked kick and an interception. It’s all about matchups, and I am not worried about Saturday. And, yes, it’s not insane to want to see AL again. Great SEC team, but would like a shot at them to see what would happen if they don’t get so much early momentum. Besides, it would be for the SECC, so what’ wrong with wanting that.
By Too Easy
October 27, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
BullDawg Rick: Good point. How ‘bout this? We beat the defending NC in Jax last year, and we beat the defending NC in Baton Rouge this year. Oh yeah, and we beat the 1990 co-champion the year they defended, 14 of the last 17 times, the last 7 times, and soon to be 8 in a row. (Won’t even address the 1998-2000 games where they had to use ineligible players to win, or it would be 17 in a row, going on 18).
By Dr. Morpheus
October 27, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Footnote: I managed to get tickets at ground level and when the fans tried to drown out Matt’s snap count, I had to plug my ears. It felt like I was inside a speaker cone with heavy metal cranked up on the player. But it didn’t seem to have any impact on the offense as we kept racking up the yards. As for the Cocktail Classic, I’m with Mr. College Football- the team with the cool hand wins. That would be the Dawgs, of course. But it’s very evenly matched so mistakes and the bounce of the ball may prove the difference.
By gerry12
October 27, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
As a lsu fan i have to say you guys just took us to the woodshed good luck with fla if we can’t win this thing i hope the dawgs do go dawgs
By Fierce Dawg
October 27, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
as LSU fans would remmeber, the last time we “wanted another shot” at a team, and we got it, we got taken to the woodshed the 2nd time. lets concentrate on getting by the Gators first. We may have to win another 38-35 game.
By perplexed
October 27, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
to too easy…….did the doctor drop you when you were born??Enquiring minds want to know……….the Bullfrogs have only won three out of the last how many games against Florida??If your going to selectively manipulate history,be very very careful
By AltamahaDawg
October 27, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
we also beat the 97 defending NC gators, not that it matters, but since you were talking about such.
By murfdawg
October 27, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
It is nice to see the real LSU fans post this week. Thanks for your nice comments about UGAs win. The Dawgs will go into Jax on another business trip, like they approached the ASU and LSU games. GO DAWGS….TCB!!!!!
By perplexed
October 27, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
to murfdog…………how old are you guys???next we’ll hear that Steve Spurrier lost a high school game against Ray Goof!!,,,,,,get a life boys!!It’s all just a silly game………if they changed uniforms at half time ,who would you cheer for???……you’re cheering for a sweater………….
By Cuz
October 27, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
Dawgs win, Gators lose. Just plug in last years game on your DVR, minus the celebration for the first touchdown. Stafford and AJ will torch you worse than acetylene.
By ChiggerParks
October 29, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Moreno is the biggest hotdog to come along in a while, and the gator defense will hold him in check. The dog defense cannot contain the gators this year. As someone posted, the gators win over the tigers was more dominate than the dogs win over the tigers. Moreno will probably have that phone stuck in his watch pocket.
By Check out this site...
October 29, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
Twilb Dawg Blawg