On a single night, one could plainly see all the major weaknesses that have caused almost all of Georgia's losses over the past six years. All those pesky things that plagued the team last year, and the past six years, resurfaced acutely and remained all night, eventually costing the Dawgs the game and perhaps their chance at the SEC East. It is puzzling how these same issues keep coming up, over and over, some occurring every year, without cure.
First, our receivers continue their problems with receiving. Stafford's passes continue to bounce off the hands of our receivers. Some balls could have been placed better, but if it hits your hands, you should generally haul it in. Second, the familiar red zone problems resurfaced. Brandon Coutu is a long range weapon. It pains me to see him kick inside the 20. Bobo seemed to have cured the red zone woes toward the end of last year, but they were out in all their glory Saturday. Third, I understand our offensive line is young, but we cannot run between the tackles. Practically every run that had any success was a sweep to the outside with Southerland leading the way around the corner. We were mostly stoned inside. Fourth, we continue to have crucial play calls that leave everyone scratching their heads. The play fake, hide-a-ball call on 4th and 2 in the fourth quarter was mystifying. The decision to kick a field goal, while plausible, was another controversial decision. I'm happy that Richt is our coach, but these issues continue to cost us.
I kept waiting for two things to win us the game, one is expected in every close game, the other specific to the Cocks. First, I just kept waiting for the defense to make a big play. In close games we win, we seem to always get some sort of break caused by the defense, a timely interception in opposing territory or a forced fumble. That play never happened Saturday. Second, the Cocks always seem to make a critical mistake late in the Georgia game, a fumble, a drop, or just a bone headed play. To their credit, Carolina played a solid game, free of glaring error.
This loss stings and it may be difficult to take a positive impression from the game. While we have our weaknesses, I think we will improve as the year goes on. Our offensive line should gel with more game experience. Bobo will find ways to get Knowshon in a position to make more big plays (a la the wheel route Stafford missed Saturday). Our defense should keep us in every game. We will certainly find it difficult to win the East, but that doesn't mean it is impossible. We still have a very favorable SEC schedule when compared with Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. There is, however, no room for error. All is not lost. Kyle gives reasons for hope, but it looks to be a rocky road to Atlanta. It is still possible, but as Coach Richt has said, we are behind the eight ball.
Quinton
First, our receivers continue their problems with receiving. Stafford's passes continue to bounce off the hands of our receivers. Some balls could have been placed better, but if it hits your hands, you should generally haul it in. Second, the familiar red zone problems resurfaced. Brandon Coutu is a long range weapon. It pains me to see him kick inside the 20. Bobo seemed to have cured the red zone woes toward the end of last year, but they were out in all their glory Saturday. Third, I understand our offensive line is young, but we cannot run between the tackles. Practically every run that had any success was a sweep to the outside with Southerland leading the way around the corner. We were mostly stoned inside. Fourth, we continue to have crucial play calls that leave everyone scratching their heads. The play fake, hide-a-ball call on 4th and 2 in the fourth quarter was mystifying. The decision to kick a field goal, while plausible, was another controversial decision. I'm happy that Richt is our coach, but these issues continue to cost us.
I kept waiting for two things to win us the game, one is expected in every close game, the other specific to the Cocks. First, I just kept waiting for the defense to make a big play. In close games we win, we seem to always get some sort of break caused by the defense, a timely interception in opposing territory or a forced fumble. That play never happened Saturday. Second, the Cocks always seem to make a critical mistake late in the Georgia game, a fumble, a drop, or just a bone headed play. To their credit, Carolina played a solid game, free of glaring error.
This loss stings and it may be difficult to take a positive impression from the game. While we have our weaknesses, I think we will improve as the year goes on. Our offensive line should gel with more game experience. Bobo will find ways to get Knowshon in a position to make more big plays (a la the wheel route Stafford missed Saturday). Our defense should keep us in every game. We will certainly find it difficult to win the East, but that doesn't mean it is impossible. We still have a very favorable SEC schedule when compared with Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee. There is, however, no room for error. All is not lost. Kyle gives reasons for hope, but it looks to be a rocky road to Atlanta. It is still possible, but as Coach Richt has said, we are behind the eight ball.
Quinton
1 comments:
That big defensive play was negated by a bogus illegal shift penalty on the fumbled punt.
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