Hoops: A couple of Nuggets

Newman and the gang celebrate their win vs. ARK (image: georgiadogs.com)

The Georgia Bulldogs are currently 3-1 in the SEC, and they are riding a three game winning streak in league play. How big a deal is this? Consider:

-- This is the first time the Dawgs have had a winning record in SEC play since the 2002-2003 season.

-- This is the longest SEC winning streak since the Dawgs won 4 in a row in Feb. 2003 against Vandy, Bama, SC and Ole Miss. The three game winning streak ties Felton's longest streak of three against UK, UF and UT at home in 2004.

-- Arkansas had won 16 straight and 24 of 25 going into Wed night. Bud Walton is a TOUGH place to win.

-- Georgia (3-1 in SEC) is currently third in the overall SEC standings behind undefeated UF and UK.

-- The Bulldog's SEC schedule appears to be favorably back loaded this year. We get Vandy (away), South Carolina (away), Auburn (home), Ole Miss (away), and MSU (home) in the second half of the SEC schedule. Those are all winnable games. Even on the road. Plus, after a win over Arkansas on the road, many of our games look much more winnable.

The Bulldogs face Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Saturday (1:30 pm EST on CBS). The Tide is coming off a complete beatdown loss to Vandy on the road. At first blush, you might assume the Tide is reeling.

However, a closer look shows that Bama has beaten LSU, Oklahoma and Iowa at home. It's the road where Alabama struggles getting blown out by Notre Dame, Arkansas and Vandy away from Coleman.

Regardless of what happens on Saturday, next Wednesday's game at home against Kentucky looms enormous. It's a game the Dawgs can win, and it's a game the program BADLY needs.

BTW -- Georgia is averaging 10-13 turnovers per game in its SEC wins. It's giving up 20 or so turnovers in the recent losses. If we don't turn it over, we have a shot against almost anyone. If we make unforced turnovers by the bucketload, we'll struggle to beat everyone.

pwd

Update: Check out Groo's thoughts on the Arkansas win.

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