Rose Bowl - could time of possession be the game's biggest factor?

If we can agree that this Rose Bowl isn’t likely to be the high scoring affair that Sooners have gotten used to with Mayfield at the helm of its offense, and if we can agree that the Georgia coaching staff is likely to want to slow this game down and limit the Sooner possessions as much as possible, then we might start to look for 2017 games for each team that could serve as a crude, yet convenient barometer for what each team wants to avoid.

Never fear, I did just that last night.

October 14th, the Red River Shootout, Oklahoma 29   Texas 24. (And yes, that’s considered low scoring by their standards.) Time of possession is pretty even with the Sooners possessing the ball for just under 32 minutes. Here’s a recap of the highlights:

What I see is a lot of big plays breaking down (for both offenses really) to the point where the quarterback and his playmakers have to improvise. Both quarterbacks do a remarkable job of moving the pocket, using their feet for both time and yards (points), and simply waiting for the secondary to break down to the point that a receiver was open or there was room to run.

In the end Baker made one more play than Ehlinger. Otherwise it might have been the Longhorns running out the clock at the end instead. And in the end Texas surrendered 174 yards on 39 carries. The Longhorns were essentially beaten by Mayfield’s arm because they weren’t effective enough in stopping Trey Sermon and Rodney Anderson on the ground.

November 11th, Iowa State 38   Oklahoma 31. The Cyclones handed the Sooners their only loss, and ISU too held the OU just below their season average in time of possession. Unlike the Longhorns though, the Cyclones were able use enough screens, score late, or play some defense late to hold off another Sooner rally.

There’s no question that Georgia’s secondary should provide a more difficult task for the Heisman winner and this Sooner offense. But the last thing we want to see is Tucker’s defense struggling to balance when to rush extra men and when to drop them back. Because Mayfield is the type of quarterback that will expose a defense that is playing on its heels.

And he’ll do it with ease.

Baker dominated the Buckeye midfield logo. What a champion!

If 2017’s version of the Red River Shootout and the loss to the Cyclones at home are the types of games Oklahoma wants to avoid playing again, then without question Georgia wants to avoid what happened on the Plains about a month ago even more.

November 11th, the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, part one, Auburn 40   Georgia 17. This was, obviously, the Dawgs’ worst game in terms of controlling to game’s momentum and possessing the ball - 26:54 to 33:06. (We only held the ball for 25 minutes in Jacksonville, but that was all you needed to whip the gators’ ass this year, so…)

The Tigers were undoubtedly the more physical team at the point of attack. They gashed Tucker’s defense for 237 yards, and made it feel like double that.

However you feel about the Big 12 being a finesse league and full of soft defenses and cute passes, make no mistake that this Sooner o-line is legit. They’ve got a Heisman winner that has helped them win some awards and gain some recognition. Plus they’d love nothing more than to contain Georgia’s pass rush and open up holes for their running backs in front all those NFL scouts that will be out in full in Pasadena.

I like the fact that our offense could really complement our defense well on this grand stage in the Rose Bowl. Fromm will definitely have to make some throws, but there should be plenty of yards to gain on the ground against a defense that is 40th nationally in rush defense.

Hand the ball off. Tick tick tick tick tick tick...Keep the Baker man cold on the sideline as much as possible.

Go Dawgs!

But is Kirby a chess master?

Bear with me here...

We've seen the program take a giant step forward. The 9-0 record speaks for itself. But there's also the following to consider: an enormous uptick in recruiting, the starting quarterback gets injured and we respond by going on the road and beat the Fighting Irish, the fact that a starting linebacker can get popped for pot hours before a road trip and it's buried at the bottom of a sports page under the NHL standings, divisional rival programs are chomping at the bit to fire their coach just to keep up with a second year head coach from Bainbridge GA.

But what's most intriguing to me here leading up to the Auburn game is that Kirby and his staff are out-coaching those across the field. Tucker's halftime adjustments are second only to his pre-game game plan. Jim Chaney has gone from an inept doof with a whistle in between buffets to a bonefied game caller that dares defenses to stop the same play he just ran just so he can show you what his freshman quarterback can do with his arm.

I understand the nervousness for this next game. Auburn is better than they were last year when they seriously considered punting on second downs in Athens because their offense was so offensively incompetent. Stidham is a vast improvement over their disaster at the quarterback position in 2016.

But it's still Malzahn. He's dangerous only when he has the tools that he took from Richt's tool belt. As much as an improvement as Stidham is I still like our defense which has proven they can cover the entire field in big games, then they throttle down and pin their ears back.

Which is why I ask the question: Kirby has shown he can play the entire coaching game, from Mama's supper table to developing entire game plans designed to suck the life out of hostile stadiums. But is he two, three, or even four moves ahead of his opposition?

In other words, we were so vanilla on defense Saturday against the Gamecocks. Was that on purpose? We didn't need to blitz in Jacksonville, but Bentley could've used some pressure in his face. He has the arm to hurt you. Was Kirby just thinking, "No, we can handle these guys with the basics. Let's save those sexy looks for when we might need it, whether that's the fourth quarter today or next week on the plains."

It's only Wednesday, but I'm thinking we match up really well against this Auburn team. I think we can generate as much if not more of a pass rush that Clemson did the second week of the season. Despite only managing two field goals in last season's game, Chaney's offense still had Eason throw for over 200, and Chubb had over 100 yards as well.

Kirby knows Auburn. Tucker knows Malzahn. And if nothing else, they are still Auburn. And we're Georgia.

Why there’s not a quarterback controversy in Athens

I’ve heard this topic pop up in both casual conversation as well as in formal ones in and around the media. So let’s nip this in the bud shall we?

First, the illogical opinion will be framed around concepts derived outside of the football field. People will say things like the following even though they’re not based in what’s real:
- “Well, Eason was the starter before the injury. So he should get the QB1 spot when he’s ready for action again.”
(Reality - Sorry, this is SEC football and not a five year old tee ball team. Georgia is 4-0, 1-0. Every snap must be earned, from the placeholder on field goal attempts to the quarterback.)
- “Fromm has looked like a freshman at times and that scares me.”
(Reality - Without two drops and one throwaway Saturday evening Fromm would’ve finished a perfect 11-11, 250+ yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs. What exactly about that is scary? Maybe you should watch a nice Hugh Grant romantic comedy on Saturday nights.)
- “Eason worked hard for this chance and deserves the opportunity.”
(Reality - I agree with you...but that was a month ago. We’ve won four games since Eason went down. He can work his way back and earn it again.)
(Bonus reality - Small sample size, but before he was injured Eason wasn’t exactly in sync and hitting on all cylinders. Similarly, people saying that Fromm has under performed are basing that on a small sample size. Who has the most data, experience working with both young men, and best vantage point to make the decision as to which player has earned the next snap? The coaches. Not you, and certainly not me. Kirby, Chaney, and the offensive staff are no doubt putting every effort into determining which player, 10, 11, or 12 gives us the best chance to score points.)

And that brings me to my last point. When we fired a 10 win a year coach a couple years ago we told the world we were ready to adopt a new mindset. Remember? That new mindset isn’t anything about giving a player time on the field just because it feels right or because one has another year of experience on the player behind them. It’s about winning, not about hunches and what feels like it’s just the right thing to do.

Like it or not, that’s where we are. If this mindset doesn’t get us to Atlanta this year or next I’ll be screaming for a new mindset to take over. Nothing against Eason, I hope when he’s ready he pushes Fromm to get better or pushes himself past Fromm to get the start.

Either way, it makes the team better. Go Dawgs!

Sunday Thoughts on being the much, MUCH better Dawg in the fight

It’s hard to know where to start, and time is short for me this morning. But I know this - I can’t wait to rewatch this game!

Probably the best way to break down my thoughts this morning is in these three parts:

Crowd 

Loudest and involved Sanford’s crowd has been since 2013 LSU. Now as usual, a lot of that had to do with what was happening on the field, which was in a word, spectacular. And we’ll get to the coaches and the players in a minute. But whenever the crowd noise can impose its will on an opponent it’s with more than a mention.

The level of engagement matched the intensity on the field. (Well, except for the crew behind me that spent 10 minutes having everyone check under their seat for a phone that ended up being in one of their pockets. Hahaha) It was a night to remember as a fan of Georgia football.

Coaches

The score clearly indicates that MSU was out-played. But it doesn’t take much to realize that in between the lines to see that it was the Georgia coaches preparation and game plan that set the tone. From the perfect play call on our first offensive series to having an answer for everything they asked Nick Fitzgerald to do, it was quite a statement for Smart and his staff.

As amazing as the game plan and play calling were (and yes, it’s time we give Chaney a break y’all; even I can see he’s earned it) it’s the physicality and the discipline on the field that is just as nice to see.

Take this for instance:

“We play physical and we practice physical,” Bellamy said. “Sometimes you’ll be like, ‘Gosh, coach, we’re going full pads again?’ But on Saturdays it shows how physical we are and I think that’ll keep carrying over.”

We might be a long way from realizing our dreams since it’s still just September, but it’s clear something is going right in Athens with Georgia football.

Players
I think I would start with Deandre Baker. His game last night is a welcome sight considering all those years we suffered under Willie Martinez with defensive backs out of position and never, ever, ever turning to the ball to make a play (not to mention avoid the interference penalty). There were times when Fitzgerald made the right decision to throw Baker’s way, but it was never because 18 was out of position, just in single coverage.

And that interception was just a thing of beauty. The defensive front seven has earned every bit of praise and headline they’ve made, but it’s time the secondary earned some props. They held their own while Parrish was out, and now they are their own force to be reckoned with.

Offensively, anytime you can use the program’s second all time leading rusher as a lead blocker for a true freshman sensation, you’re living life right. Even though we have trouble running in between the tackles, Chaney is using the players he has to find production outside of that. On Chubb’s direct snap touchdown run, great downfield block by pulling Wynn into a hole that Jayson Stanley opened up.

Fromm had his best game thus far (and again you have to commend Chaney for putting a true freshman in good positions to make safe throws. Perhaps the experience of trying to do the same thing last year for Eason helped in that regard). He started by completing his first eight passes and ended up  4-5 for 143 yards on throws of 10+ yards. So it’s not just checking down and throwing the ball away.

And I’ll end with the execution on special teams. Nizialek (sp?) is amazing. He’s now averaging 44.5 yards per punt and the ball is up in the stratosphere forever! Blankenship wth six more kickoff and guess what? Six more touch backs. I cry tears of joy every time it happens. What a time to be alive!

And just like that it’s Tennessee week. Let’s go help the UT brass write out Butch’s pink slip!

Eason's offense, questions and maybe some answers

It's pretty easy to feel comfortable with a defense that returns so much talent and experience, especially up front. Trent Thompson will lead a unit backed by promising stars such as Roquan Smith and Natrez Patrick. And there's also a couple senior linebackers that put off professional dreams for one more season to try and live up to their potential in Davin Bellamy and Lorenzo Carter.

And I've also pointed out some reasons to feel pretty comfortable with the 2017 slate of games. The home schedule may not offer much at first glance, but I'm encouraged that playing teams like App State and Samford under Sanford Stadium's lights should provide a better atmosphere than last year's game against Nicholls State. And hopefully the scoreboard takes it easy on our nervous system as well.

So most of the questions/concerns I have are on offense and special teams:

• What will Eason in year two look like?
• If When a game comes down to a kick, do we have someone the coaches trust and have prepared for just such an occasion?
• Will Chaney call plays for an offense that is working on the same page consistently?
• The offensive line can't be worse than last year, but exactly how much better will it be with so much youth?
• Can Mecole step in for McKenzie in both the return game as well as the dependable slot receiver position that we depend on so much?

Those are the big ones right now. For that last question, I'm encouraged when I read things like this from Terry Godwin:

“Whenever the ball is up, he’s going to go get it,” Godwin said of Hardman. “When you see that burst of speed, I mean, I haven’t seen anything like that in a long time. He has something special.”

A lot of people were wondering last year where Hardman was and why he wasn't getting more looks with the ball in his hands. I certainly hope he makes the coaches sorry they kept him on defense last year. It might leave a sour feeling in our guts for what might have been last year, but it could sweeten our tea a bit if he can produce like we seem to be counting on him to.

As for Eason, I'm not concerned at all really. It's good to have Ramsey back as insurance, and I think Fromm has the talent to step in if needed this season. And he certainly has the game to challenge Eason in the future.

But this is Eason's season to shine. On the latest Waitin' Since Last Saturday podcast, Lietch and UGA beat writer Emerson discuss the pressure on Eason in the offseason. They point out something that we tend to forget - #10 won a game against Missouri with his arm, and should've won one against Tennessee as well. I would also add that it was his throw to McKenzie that turned the tide against the Tar Heels in the opener.

So we know what he can do in pressure situations and we've seen him make all the throws. Can he have the time to make all the reads this season? Will his deep ball provide a more consistent threat to stretch the opposing defense? Will the receivers drop less passes that are on target?

I think our quarterback is poised for a great season. I think our offensive line is built more for what Pittman and Chaney are aiming for up front. Hopefully that means we can use Nauta and Blazevich as receivers more. And it sounds like Chubb 2017 is back to his old 2015 self, and behind him is enough talent to fill the entire SEC East with starting tailbacks.

We saw what quarterbacks like Greene, Stafford, and Murray were able to do in their second season. They all did so with a competent if not good offensive line, well rounded running backs and receivers to keep defenses honest. If Eason is afforded the same luxuries those guys had, it could be a lot more fun to watch the offense this season than it has since Murray graduated.

Go Dawgs!

Tennessee - early thoughts

I'm not too concerned about Chubb, for two reasons. One, I think he'll be fine to play by Saturday. And two, truly running back depth is the least of our concerns. Sony, Holyfield, and Herrien all looked good against Ole Miss. I think Chaney will spread the carries between those three while limiting Chubb.

I'd also like to see us challenge the edge with toss sweeps and quick screens. Our talented backups at tailback are quick enough to mask some of our blocking woes, More so than Chubb is able to. Throw some screens in there and eventually Eason is going to have a lot of room to work with with his tight ends.

On defense Tucker should sell out to contain their run game. Force DeBord's hand into putting more of the load towards Dobbs' arm. Yesterday sUGArdaddy mentioned that we've most likely faced the best quarterbacks on our schedule. I'd also add that we've most likely faced the biggest, most talented receivers on the schedule as well. Josh Malone is dangerous and will get opportunities to make plays, but our secondary isn't going to be challenged as a whole like we were in Oxford.

Lastly, I hope the crowd really comes in with an understanding of the weight of this game. Sure, Butchie got his big signature win over the gators last week. But the pressure is still on them at this point. The crowd can be a major factor. If the fans can come in with the energy of 2013 LSU, one of the more recent times I've heard Sanford at its loudest, then it could be a really good night in Athens.

Go Dawgs y'all!

Three keys to a win in Oxford

Tall order today. Look for the coaches to try and set the tone for the players with aggressive game management and play calling.

via OnlineAthens

1. Kirby should take some risks on field possession decisions when faced with fourth and manageable yardage around midfield and certainly deeper into their territory. And when in field goal range develop a mentality that three point tries probably aren’t going to help you beat a high scoring offense like the Rebels’. (Until maybe late in the game if it’s close, then Lord have mercy let’s kick that thing through the upright fellas!)
2. Quick pass options for Eason to try and slow down their pass rush. Another tough day in the trenches this week against this Ole Miss defense. So Chaney has to help his offensive line out with some quick throws and screen plays to slow down their pass rush.
3. Blitz early and then also often as long as it’s effective. Kelly is probably the most talented quarterback we’ll see, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his faults. The more he has to think and the less comfortable he is the better.

In short, I’m looking for Smart and his staff to show the players that their all in on winning this thing. This is the toughest test of the season thus far. Don’t just wait on the game to settle in. Go out there swinging and let’s give them our best shot.

Go Dawgs!

- --------------

PS - After taking in yesterday's Misery, Nama just texted me this video from the 2011 game. I'll try and embed it later this morning after I've had a Bloody Mary or three. Great times!

Pulling Catalina

I find myself continually baffled by how we can go from this in the opener...

...to barely getting 100 yards total against Missouri. And yes, I get that we threw more Saturday night because it was what was working. But even when Chaney came back to the run there was zero ingenuity nor imagination in the sets used and the direction we tried to run the ball.

Against Nicholls there was a feeling that portions of the playbook needed to be protected. On the road in the SEC opener, not so much. Right?

I've watched that toss sweep up there until my eyes cross. Chubb has to be patient for Catalina pulling out, and even with Payne clearing downfield he has to break three arm tackles to get into open space. But that play will work against anybody we play. 

Remember, UNC knew that play was coming and they still couldn't stop it. Surely it could've managed a few yards here and there last Saturday.

Anyway, this Ole Miss defense is fast and aggressive. We're going to need to meet that with some inventive plays and a hard-nosed attitude.

The Mizzou recap is pass heavy and undefeated

Just getting around to having the time to put these thoughts together. I think Kirby put it best in the post game press conference, we’re so close to being 0-3 really, but those guys are playing really hard and instead we’re undefeated. Unreal.

Eason

• Eason is growing up before our eyes. I know we came into that game hoping to be able to run more effectively. The game dictated that we go pass heavy, and 10 really stepped up. Couple bad balls and the one interception, but it’s obvious he’s something special.
• I mean we knew he was going to be special, but it’s different now. The comparison to Matt Stafford is no longer relevant because Eason has so much more composure than Staff did at this point.
• The bottom line is that Eason is working through his progressions which is why he’s starting. He’s reading things well and making plays with not just his arm but his head.
• I think the touchdown pass to Payne exemplifies this. Payne was open and it seemed an eternity passed before Eason finally decided not to throw to the receiver trailing in the back of the end zone. I was sure he'd waited too long, but he zipped that ball in there and Payne ran a great route to meet that throw.
• Just shows he has a different set of skills and his college football mind is developing up to his arm's talent level.
• Yes, he still has a long way to go, but you have to be encouraged with our quarterback’s growth, especially after that game winning 4th down throw.

McKenzie

• Kirby alluded to the only concern we can have about 16 at this point, and that is that there’s no way his body can handle carrying that much of the load the entire season.
• We’ll get to the offensive line in a minute, but Chaney has to find a way to get some yards using his stable of running backs and tight ends as well as guys like Godwin.
• 16 is dynamic and a game changer. We knew that before the season. But it’s more than a little uneasy seeing how much we have to rely on him.
• Still, McKenzie deserves all the accolades he should receive this week. The touchdown run is one only a few guys in college football can make. His first touchdown catch would have just been a long reception for many receivers, but he found a way to make it into a touchdown.
• And the game winner, whoa Nelly. Perfectly placed ball, but 16 went up and got it. Showed a lot of tenacity and grit.

Defense

via

• Defense struggled but made a ton of plays when we needed them to. Not sure what Drew Lock was thinking on Mauger’s  interception in the endzone, but that was a game saving pick.
• And Mauger is clearly the type of player Smart wants. He’s a senior that hasn’t played much but continues to practice hard and makes the most of his time on the field.
• Coach Tucker is going to have to find a pass rush this week if our secondary is to have a chance to keep up with Ole Miss.
• After getting picked on repeatedly Briscoe improved in pass coverage in the second half, but some of that may be attributed to Missouri leaning more towards running the ball once they had the lead. Huepel has to be kicking himself for the shift in his philosophy after halftime.
• I was hoping we’d be more physical than we were, especially considering our lack of pass rush. The next couple games are critical for this defense. As a fan you want both the front seven and the d-backs to dictate the play, but we need at least one facet to step up.

Special teams

• I’m glad we didn’t have to line up for another field goal, but if we had it would’ve been interesting to see if the coaches actually would’ve stuck with Ham or given Rodrigo a shot.
• I would expect more emphasis on this phase of the game this week in practice. You can’t give up return yardage and leave points on the field like we have and expect to beat Ole Miss on the road and Tennessee the following week.
• And there’s moments to build on for sure. For instance, Tyrique McGhee had a great tackle in kick coverage. Just seems to me we have some guys sticking to their lane and others not as conscious about it or trying too hard to make a play.

Offensive line

• I was legitimately optimistic after beating UNC. I saw real promise in the run blocking and thought we’d have some time to develop better pass protection.
• Nicholls showed our offensive front could be outworked. That was an eye opener.
• Then Saturday night we saw a great defensive front just dismantle them play after play. Charles Harris never stops. He might end up being All-SEC for sure and might be the best pass rusher we see, even better than Tennessee’s Barnett and Auburn’s Lawson.
• But we have to run the football more effectively. Just as McKenzie can’t carry us at receiver all season and survive, Eason can’t throw it 55 times a game. We just can’t rely on that week in and week out.
• The coaches know that. Chaney is in Athens because Kirby respected him as a play caller and developer of quarterbacks. If the line can’t run block we have to do two things: find guys who can and develop plays that get Chubb to the second level.

But in all honesty, what do I know? Seriously. I looked closely at our schedule in August and scoffed at Missouri being able to beat us. I truly believed we would go in there and run them out of the state.

So I don’t know squat, except that I have a bruise on my arm from pinching myself Sunday morning.

Did you see what we just did?

— Bernie (@BernieDawg) September 18, 2016

I know I love teams that fight hard. This team does. They believe in each other from start to finish. And that’s the biggest reason why we’re heading to Oxford undefeated.

Go Dawgs!

Jacob Eason will start the season

Hey, it's the big question everyone is asking. So it's only natural to weigh in with a few thoughts.

Some think Ramsey will take the reins until Eason's feet are sufficiently wet. I just don't see that happening. Let's face it, Ramsey is a junior. He couldn't unseat Hutson Mason after a redshirt year, which made some sense given that Richt/Bobo were so inclined to go with the veteran game manager after Mason had stayed and waited for the Aaron Murray Era to close. So that made 2015 Ramsey's make or break year. Maybe Schotty didn't give him a fair shot. Maybe Ramsey just didn't step up and want it enough. 

via Macon.com

Probably a mixture of both, but I tend to think it's heavier on the latter.

Others think Lambert will continue on as the starter since he has the most game experience as well as a coordinator that knows how to call plays that use tight ends. And this would be a safe choice to make. Hell. we won ten games last season with Lambert as quarterback. Why not let the veteran guy run things while the kid learns the speed of the game?

Nope. Lambert will back Eason up and just maybe spell him a series here and there. But the freshman will start, and here's why:

UNC has trouble stopping the run. And that's putting it lightly for a defense that finished 122nd nationally in run defense. Chaney can run-run-run and use passing plays Eason is comfortable with to balance things out just enough.

Yes, it's way, way early. But 100 plus days out this feels like a conservative offensive gameplan type of game where we only need Lambert to hold a clipboard. And if Chubb miraculously is able to play September 3rd...we won't even need a quarterback.

About Jim Chaney, and also Sam Pittman

I’ve heard for years from people outside of Athens that Georgia fans feel entitled to win. I’ve never been sure how I felt about that sentiment. But the knee jerk reactions to the Jim Chaney hire help me understand that viewpoint a little easier. Did people really think that Kirby Smart would just read the Dawgvent or Twitter for his list of candidates?

Is bringing the long term assistant a bit underwhelming? Sure. I guess. But what did we really expect? It’s situations like these - where we have days to watch plane logs and ruminate and pontificate and speculate - that make it easy to lose perspective. I think Smart wanted Enos and when that didn’t happen, he zeroed in on his next couple choices.

Chaney’s offenses may not jump to the forefront when you’ve been doing nothing but reading the rumor mill for a week. But I come back around to these two points:

1) The addition of Sam Pittman makes the Chaney hire much easier to understand. Georgia is about to get much bigger and more physical along the offensive front. These two coaches have worked well together at Tennessee briefly and then especially at Arkansas. They’ll do much greater things than Schottenheimer and Sale were (not) able to do this past season.

2) Everyone that is so quick to point to Pittsburgh being ranked just below Georgia in total offense this season...well, they have a point. But Chaney also has a track record for getting the most out of his players at key times. Jonathan Crompton comes to mind (all too easily). And so does Arkansas’ two 1000 yard rushers in 2014.

And you know, next season he’s going to have his hands full breaking in a young quarterback (most likely) while getting the most he can out of his backfield. In that frame, the Chaney hire makes perfect sense to me.