So here it is, the final two games of the season approaching. Up next, a game against #2 Alabama, win that and we get #1 Notre Dame. In this era of everyone wanting a playoff in college football, this year comes pretty close to offering just that. Granted, I myself would rather see a 16 team tourney, with conference champs the top 8 seeds and then 8 at large-which could include champs of smaller conferences-but in my mind the SEC, Pac12, Big12, Big10, ACC, BigEast, and then maybe Mtn West and then best Independent, those would be top 8, then have 8 at large-that would be the ideal system becuase it would allow more SEC teams which I think is what needs to happen-this year is yet another example of that. But, I am sure people could poke holes in my thought process so I will not waste time going any further. Back to what I was saying before, first up is #2 Bama, then if we win, #1 Irish.
I am one that firmly believes UGA has a great shot to win tomorrow. I am fully aware that Bama is a very good team, not only that, but they played and won a national title last year-some could argue though they should have NOT received that second chance to play LSU. But, for some reason, maybe because I bleed red and black, I just think we match up well against Bama. Our former QB Zach Mettenberger a few weeks back nearly threw for 300 yards on them, Johnny Manzell, or Johnny football, threw for over 250 yards on them. I think our QB passing wise, is better than those two, I also believe our backs, WR's and the emergence of our TE combo, all are better than LSU or Texas A&M. I also believe our defense is better than those two schools, so I guess I am drinking the kool-aid but honestly, I think UGA can and will win the SEC title. This game reminds me a lot of the game this year in Jax, both teams we are facing were/are ranked #2, very few give us a chance to win the game, but yet we did win that game and when you go back and look at that game and remember all the HUGE plays in that game, to see how we have played since the Rambo pick of Driskel right before half, you just see a dominant team. Rambo picks that ball off, if not we are looking to be down 9-7 at the half, instead we remain up 7-6. In the second half, Murray throws zero picks, is an efficient 10-16 for just over 100 yards, throws a TD pass, and we win the game. You look at the pass INT called rightfully on UF to keep a drive alive, Mitchell catching passes on the TD drive, including the TD grab itself in which he split defenders and then outran the UF defenders to the endzone. Then you have the Jarvis Jones play to clinch it, ever since that game this team looks much like that 2007 team that we all hoped would get a chance for the title but didn't, reason being because we didn't play in the SEC title game that year.
The key to this game to me will be the play of the OL, along with Aaron Murray. The OL did a good job against UF for the most part, after struggling against SCarolina. But remember, against SC, we were down 21-0 and the offense had only run 5 plays, one of which was a tipped Murray pass that was picked off. Down 21-0, that TOTALLY changes your gameplan and of course it allows SC DE's who happen to be two of the best in the nation, to know what you are doing most plays, throw the ball. Also keep in mind, that was the week we lost Michael Bennett who to that point had been Murray's security blanket. Bama has a STRONG front 7 but I personally don't believe their front 7 is any better than the two tough oppponents we have played thus far in SC and UF. I think Bama has shown to be suspect in the secondary, and again, if Murray has time to throw and doesn't turn the ball over as has been his norm in big games, he can and WILL pick Bama apart. Also of course, we need Gurley and/or Marshall to give the offense just enough balance with the run game to keep Bama guessing. We have to avoid crucial penalties and turnovers obviously as that always goes without saying.
Our defense will go from facing the option two weeks in a row back to a normal pro style offense with a high emphasis on the power run game. The way Jarvis Jones, Alec Olgetree and Bacarri Rambo typically play in BIG football games, I feel comfident they can stop Bama. Bama also just lost their most experienced WR, they will rely on a FR WR to provide them balance on offense, I just see our D playing a very solid and complete football game. We have so much talent and leadership on that side of the ball, I just think we can hold Bama to around 20 points.
Prediction, I say UGA 24-20. I was 11 years old when UGA last won a national title, little did I know I would have to wait until I was 43 to potentially see the next title. We played for a title in 1982 against Penn State, so I was really 13 the last time UGA played for a title, but that would still make it 30 years for me. For all the Dog fans that have never experienced this, it is a special time to be a Dog fan. My 8 year old son attended his first game this year, how cool for UGA to win the title the year he first attends a game. There are just so many reasons to be excited about the CHANCE. If we fall short, it will be disappointing, because we have waited so long. But, we can at least say we finally go the shot again. I personally think we will win, and then go beat the Irish and claim the title. I just have a feeling and I hope that feeling turns out to be what actually happens. Time will tell now, as I type this, we are nearly 27 hours until the biggest game for UGA football in 30 years. I can't wait to see how it turns out, win or lose, always a Dog fan. Hope you all have a great weekend. GOOOOOO DOGS!!!
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