Bama or Bust

All summer long when the topic of this game would come up, I would always say that I’m not worried about this game in the least. I figured, Bama has sucked pretty consistently for the last few years and I didn’t think even the great “Nick $atan” could get things clicking enough to beat us in week 4.

Scene from tomorrow: “Will that be paper or plastic?”

Well, Miss Cleo I am not; clairvoyance is just not my thing. I’m also not an expert (by any stretch of the imagination) on college football. I’m just a girl who loves the game and the Dawgs! So take my game preview for what it’s worth…very little.

If you want a real preview, then check out the posts from these guys.

Last Saturday my brother and I watched most of the Bama / Arkansas game. During the second half when the Hogs finally wised up and put the game on DMac’s shoulders, I honestly started to feel good about our chances. But then the last Bama drive came, as well as the reemergence of my dinner. Let’s just say neither was welcome or pleasant.

Since then I’ve been dreading this game and have been pretty pessimistic about our chances of leaving T-town with a ‘W’. But yesterday my Dad reminded me of a few things:

a. Never bet against Mark Richt on the road
b. Every year under Richt the Dawgs have a signature win
c. The Dawgs play better as the underdog
d. Practices weren’t closed this week for nothing

He’s right, no doubt. Optimism is creeping it’s way back in. Now, I’m not naive enough to think his points will necessarily be the difference makers, but I do think they’re proven variables in a winning formula.

Add to that some thoughts, in no particular order, on what the Dawgs will have to do to give themselves a fighting chance:

1. Matt Stafford – We’ve seen him play with command and confidence (Auburn ‘06) and we’ve seen him play without it (SCUm ‘07). He is a different quarterback when he knows he can lead his team, and when he knows he can win. His talent, focus, and drive are unquestionable. If he can come out firing on target with successful results, then we win. If he’s having a great day, then we grab momentum early and hang on for the win. It’s as simple as that.

2. The O-line’s Gotta Hold – Everybody’s talking about how Trinton Sturdivant and Clint Boling may have trouble with their first SEC road game in a hostile environment. Honestly, I think the noise in Bryant-Denny is gonna be a shock for maybe the first few plays, but after that I expect they’ll focus & get to work. Velasco, Big Cheese, and Coach Searels will make damn sure of it, I promise. The big question mark for me is really whether the line can open up holes for the run and hold off Bama’s D from getting to Stafford.

3. Kick Return Coverage –  Bama is gonna no doubt look to exploit this very obvious weakness in our special teams game. In my WCU rant last week, I talked about how this part of our game, or lack thereof, ticked me off the most. It’s just unnecessary at this stage in the season & shouldn’t be happening with our level of talent. Period. If we GIVE them good field position because we forgot how to wrap up the returner, then we might as well just go ahead and add 6 points to the Bama scoreboard.

4. Give The Ball To Knowshon – There are still a few unanswered questions about this team, but one glaring certainty is Knowshon Moreno. This kid is a beast and deserves the carries. Alabama proved last week in the second half against Arkansas that they are vulnerable defensively against the run. Hopefully, Bobo will use Knowshon and TB to wear down the Bama D, as well as the clock, and set up the pass.

5. The Defense Has To “Do Work” – The Georgia D has to wreak havoc on the Bama O-line, which is no small order, and set up shop in their backfield. Against the cowboys there was GATA from our defense. Against the lamecocks there was none, as Kit so aptly pointed out. Supposedly, the starting lineup of linebackers for tomorrow will be: Ellerbe, Washington, and Dent. If we have a prayer of stopping Bama’s offense, then the defense must “do work”:

a. Rattle QB JP Wilson into making mistakes by BLITZING!
b. Cover up WR DJ Hall and stop the big, downfield plays
c. Create some freakin’ turnovers (try to recover a fumble boys)
d. Stop the run: aka Terry Grant

Just play smart defense! That’s all! This isn’t rocket science, Coach Martinez.

We have some of the most talented players in college football. We also have some of the most talented and winningest coaches in college football. Beating Bama tomorrow is not only doable, but should be expected damnit!…..regardless of what the media has to say.

So, here’s my prediction: I say we win this one for Munson… UGA 31 Bama 24.

Btw, right now my family has touched down in God-forsaken Tuscaloser for tomorrow’s game. Look for my Dad (aka the mustache) & brother on ESPN GameDay – those fools think they’re actually gonna get on camera. Anyways, Rob will be the tall blonde in red & black hitting on a Bama hottie. You have ZERO loyalty bro

Go Dawgs!

P.S. – Uga always gets the last word…

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