Ok so hard to get really excited about New Mexico State this weekend in Athens BUT, because of the suspensions of the three top backs, the injury to Richard Samuel, it will be VERY interesting to see how we move the ball on Saturday. In a sense, this game carries much the same type excitement as the spring game every year-you are not so much worried about the outcome but more interested to watch some of the lesser known players get some playing time. Now, granted, this game does count and New Mexico State is not nearly as bad as Coastal Carolina, but unless the team decides to turn the ball over about 4-5 times all of which lead directly to NMST TD's, I can't see this game being in doubt. The boys need to come to play EARLY, put the game away and then it becomes a watch Harton, or watch the white RB get some carries. It becomes watch Hutson Mason throw the ball, watch Ray Drew and Stripling making some plays, watch Bogotay kick the ball!! Ok, you all get the point.
Of course the big games are Saturday night, and honestly, everyone points to LSU/BAMA but I am more interested in ARK/SCAROLINA. Many have said this year is reminding them a lot of 2007 and yes, that very well could be the case except remember, that year our two losses were within the conference while this year we have a chance to go 7-1 in league play with wins over AU and UK. I have to say, IF South Carolina beats Arkansas tomorrow, there is no doubt they will beat UF at home in my mind and will claim the SECe. Will that be a shame, yeah because as we all know, we should have NEVER lost to SC earlier this year. But then again, in 2007, we should have never lost to them either. This could become a matter of, for UGA to make the SEC title game, they must beat SCarolina and lose to UF. If history is true on our appearances in the title game, this would be case. 2002, 2003, 2005-we beat SCarolina but lost to UF but still played for an SEC title. 2004 and 2007, we beat UF and did not play for the title, course 2007 adds the lost to SCarolina while in 2004 we actually did beat them. Bottom line as far as I am concerned, if South Carolina beats Arkansas on Saturday, then turns around and beats UF, they will DESERVE to win the east and I will say congrats to them. IF they lose to Arky on Saturday, I think there is a chance they lose to UF the next week-especially if their game is after we play AU and we are able to beat Auburn. Back to the game at hand this week-Arkansas has not lost at home thus far in the year, course SCarolina has not lost on the road all year. Arkansas has a good QB in Tyler Wilson, and if you look at how most teams have moved the ball against SCarolina, it would seem to play into the Hogs favor. East Carolina threw for 260 against them, UGA for 248, Miss State for 165 (high amount for them) but then again, SCarolina has also given up some rushing yardage at times as well, 246 against AU, 274 against Navy, 188 to UGA, 131 to Miss State and 151 last week to UT. The Arkansas D likewise has had some games where they have given up some rushing yardage but they appear most suspect against the pass, and I am not sure Connor Shaw is good enough to beat them throwing the ball-he did have a great game against UK with 351 passing yards and 4 TD's but had 155 yards passing against Miss State and last week 87 against UT. I think it will come down to turnovers as most games usually do. If Arkansas can limit turnovers, I think they have too much offensive firepower for SCarolina. We had too much offense for them as well but we killed ourselves with turnovers and sloppy special teams play. This one should be VERY interesting needless to say.
As for LSU/Bama, I personally like Bama to win this game because they are at home and because I like Richardson better than any weapon LSU has on offense. Now, that being said, I think LSU is more battle tested. I think both have incredible defenses but just think Bama is slighly better. I will be watching this game closely because I have not watched much of either team this year honestly. Assuming we do get a shot in the SEC title game, I want to see this game and figure out how we might match up. One thing is for sure, with the way ESPN has promoted this game as the national title game, we will likely be about a 14 to 17 point dog against either team. It appears a forgone conclusion that the winner of this game has a cake walk to the national title game, even though Bama still has AU to play, LSU still has Arkansas to play, and then the SEC title game. I would LOVE nothing more than for say LSU to win this game and then Ark beat them a few weeks from now. I can't stand either of these teams and I think it would be great if both suffer losses-course what would be the best thing, say Bama beats LSU, then we beat Bama for the SEC title-that would be so sweet for me personally, there are enough Bama folks around my area, it would be very special indeed.
So there you have it, my preview of the weekend. I hope after Saturday night, we have a clear path Atlanta, and of course hopefully have EVERYONE back next week, including our RB's and top WR, also we avoid any injuries against the Aggies. I can't see AU beating us if we are at full strength. There should be PLENTY of motivation to beat these guys, regarless of the outcome of the SCarolina game tomorrow. I know Nick Fairley is not playing for AU this year but let's keep fresh the memory of that classless jerk in our mind and use that as motivation-not to mention the other dirt bags that took swings at us late in the game last year. Hope everyone has a great weekend, remember Saturday night to set your clocks back. One extra hour of sleep-gotta love that!
No comments:
Post a Comment