The Importance of Blair Walsh

Many sites have already commented on Blair Walsh being named #1 kicker on the depth chart per-Richt. Given that the coaches haven't officially seen the kid practice yet, it's a very unusual move by the staff.

How critical is it that this kid have a tremendous first year? The following games under Richt were decided by three points or less or required several key field goals to win:

• 2001 - UT and GT (Billy hit 6 in the game)
  
• 2002 - Clemson, Bama and Auburn
  
• 2003 - LSU (away...Billy missed 3) and UAB
  
• 2004 - SC, UT (Bailey missed a FG early. If he makes it, UGA can kick a FG to win on the last play instead of the ill fated pass to Pope with 1 second left), and Wisconsin
  
• 2005 - SC, ARK, UF (we missed 2 FGs and lost by 4 points)
  
• 2006 - Vandy (miss a FG and lose by 2), MSU and UK (miss 2 FGs and lose by 4) and GT (a missed FG almost killed us)
  
• 2007 - Alabama, Vandy

It's unavoidable. Two or three games next year are coming down to the leg of a Freshman kicker. Kinda scary.

PWD

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