- Oct 5, 2017
- 2,306
- 6,270
For the first time in weeks, I have a preview. I am looking forward to the trip to Jacksonville. I am taking an unorthodox route to Jacksonville as opposed to my usual route. Granted the last times I did that were 2015 and 2016. I will be sure to have Popeye's for lunch on Friday like I have had every Friday this season, except one...Anyone care to guess? You would be right if you guessed the game at Louisiana State University. Does it really matter? Probably not, is it superstitious? Yes. Also, speaking of rare things, my uncle, from Jacksonville, is currently in Germany due to a vacation planned by his mother months ago without his notice. He has attended almost every Florida-Georgia game since the mid-80's (and before when he wasn't off to college). The last time he wasn't in the Stadium? I'm 90% sure it was 2008. In '08 he stayed outside, met up with his friend who is a higher up with Monster, and got smashed...like UGA got smashed that day. So maybe we have some superstitious and random things working for us?
There are several things about this game that are true:
Even an 80% Toney would be a nightmare for UGA. One more guy to keep an eye on and cover. With the emergence of big Kyle Pitts, it would be hard to double either playmaker, much less anyone else on the field with these guys at the same time. If our line gives any time for pass blocking, Trask should be able to have at least a decent day.
Our running game may end up better than the Chuck Oliver's in the world are predicting. I'm not saying its 2014 and I'm meeting Fred Taylor and him telling me I answer trivia questions too fast (and all those people thinking Kearse wasn't and LB at UF), asking about when his son will get a chance, only to watch us run up and down all day on UGA, but I do think we've seen growth the last few weeks. If the growth continues, along with Toney to freeze a defense for just a split second longer, we could average 4+ a carry. I know that might be asking a lot, but I thinking its possible. I think we will see more Jones as well, even if I think Mullen does it at the wrong times.
Defense
I hope we see a lot more man on the outside to attack the run more. Also, the playing soft zones or off the man 5+ yards killed us at LSU along with the blitzes that take the 5th man more than a second to reach the line. Come early, often, and quickly with numbers. If UGA is forced to beat us through the air, let's just pray that Stiner is on the sideline.
An 80-90% Greenard and Zuniga is better than starting the back ups. These guys can set the edge and demand double teams. Hendo and Wilson can either make or lose a lot of money in this game. Reese will have to be the leader of the defense facing an UGA running attack that we shut down on 6 plays from the goal line last season with not much less talent and that is debatable looking at the difference between the two squads.
***
This game is for the East. If we win, book your tickets to ATL because we would have to lose to Vandy and Mizzou and have Mizzou win out to not make it. Technically, we could just lose to Mizzou and not make it, but that requires Mizzou, who lost to Vandy and UK without a QB, to win out and I don't think they are capable of that. Nvm the possibility of a post season ban for Mizzou (last I heard appeal was still pending). There is a lot on the line this week. No excuses.
Yes, UGA will hit a big play. Yes, this team will do a few things to drive you nuts, BUT we have seen UGA struggle against lesser competition. We also might see UF's most complete line up of the season. Have faith, even at LSU we moved the ball, moved the ball, moved the ball until coaching slowed us down. Perhaps we've learned, now if Grantham could be consistent too. Have Faith.
Go Gators!
Florida 28 UGA 20
There are several things about this game that are true:
- UGA has not faced an offense near our talent yet. No, I'm not going to give Ian Book any credit so quit asking.
- We have not faced an offense with UGA's running prowess. Granted their passing game isn't LSU's so the defensive scheming will be different.
- Our defense has yet to play with everyone healthy (the early departures at LSU showed this).
- Our run defense and pass defense can be shaky at times, but has also shown up big at times.
- We haven't seen UF with this much talent available (IF Toney/Greenard/Zuniga can go) since Week 2.
- I expect like the Mud Dogs in the Bourbon Bowl, Dan Mullen will not hold anything back.
Even an 80% Toney would be a nightmare for UGA. One more guy to keep an eye on and cover. With the emergence of big Kyle Pitts, it would be hard to double either playmaker, much less anyone else on the field with these guys at the same time. If our line gives any time for pass blocking, Trask should be able to have at least a decent day.
Our running game may end up better than the Chuck Oliver's in the world are predicting. I'm not saying its 2014 and I'm meeting Fred Taylor and him telling me I answer trivia questions too fast (and all those people thinking Kearse wasn't and LB at UF), asking about when his son will get a chance, only to watch us run up and down all day on UGA, but I do think we've seen growth the last few weeks. If the growth continues, along with Toney to freeze a defense for just a split second longer, we could average 4+ a carry. I know that might be asking a lot, but I thinking its possible. I think we will see more Jones as well, even if I think Mullen does it at the wrong times.
Defense
I hope we see a lot more man on the outside to attack the run more. Also, the playing soft zones or off the man 5+ yards killed us at LSU along with the blitzes that take the 5th man more than a second to reach the line. Come early, often, and quickly with numbers. If UGA is forced to beat us through the air, let's just pray that Stiner is on the sideline.
An 80-90% Greenard and Zuniga is better than starting the back ups. These guys can set the edge and demand double teams. Hendo and Wilson can either make or lose a lot of money in this game. Reese will have to be the leader of the defense facing an UGA running attack that we shut down on 6 plays from the goal line last season with not much less talent and that is debatable looking at the difference between the two squads.
***
This game is for the East. If we win, book your tickets to ATL because we would have to lose to Vandy and Mizzou and have Mizzou win out to not make it. Technically, we could just lose to Mizzou and not make it, but that requires Mizzou, who lost to Vandy and UK without a QB, to win out and I don't think they are capable of that. Nvm the possibility of a post season ban for Mizzou (last I heard appeal was still pending). There is a lot on the line this week. No excuses.
Yes, UGA will hit a big play. Yes, this team will do a few things to drive you nuts, BUT we have seen UGA struggle against lesser competition. We also might see UF's most complete line up of the season. Have faith, even at LSU we moved the ball, moved the ball, moved the ball until coaching slowed us down. Perhaps we've learned, now if Grantham could be consistent too. Have Faith.
Go Gators!
Florida 28 UGA 20
