Trying to avoid the letdown coming off a huge road win, a classic trap game at a neutral site, a turnover-prone offense, and we don’t even get to yell at Gary Danielson…What, me worry?
Happy Halloween, Bulldog fans! Whether you’re pushing a stroller and doing the heavy trick-or-treat lifting, manning the door and candy bowl, or standing watch on the sidewalk with an adult treat in hand, we hope it’s a safe and fun time for all. But our traditional Halloween rivalry is upon us, and there’s nothing more horror-inducing than a potential loss at the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. In fact, I will run screaming if I see a Danny Weurffel costume, or almost as bad, someone dressed as Faton Bauta jersey. But let’s get back to the present.
Here’s what I’m NOT worried about when we meet the orthodontically-challenged and unintentionally-ironic mullet wearing Gainesvillians:
1. How do we feel about Kirk Herbstreit taking over Gary Danielson’s color duties on the broadcast? Against other teams or other game, I don’t mind so much, knowing he will just try and passive-aggressively manifest penalties against the Bulldogs. But this is the Cocktail Party – dare I say I miss ol’ GD?
The intro music won’t be the same, there’s zero chance of Uncle Verne popping in, and we’re left with Herbie. But we’re riding a winning streak with ABC’s A-team, having dispatched #1 Texas decidedly with those guys. So I’m not worried, I’m just disappointed. And somehow I’m actually nostalgic for Gary freakin’ Danielson.
2. No one is afraid to run on Florida. In fact, only about 30 teams nationally have defended more rushing attempts, well over 30 times a game on average. And this has resulted in the 15th ranked rushing defense in the SEC, giving up 160+ yards a game on the ground (Georgia is only surrendering 107).
With Etienne on a heater (and possibly a point to prove), Stacy Searels figuring some things out, and Tate Ratledge ready for action, this could be a great chance to resurrect the ghosts of RBU.
3. Score more than 20. When the Gators have given up 21 points or more this season they’re 1-3 and were 1-6 in such contests back in 2023. Other than the Kentucky game, Georgia has comfortably exceeded this tally, and did it all 14 times in Mike Bobo’s return as OC last season. We’re 35th in the nation at 33 points per game, so it looks like a typical 2024 Georgia Bulldogs offensive performance will do the trick.
We can all agree we’d like to see more explosiveness, and rarely has someone commenting that we’re scoring too much. But it does bring comfort that it shouldn’t take anything extra special to take the Okefenokee Oar back to the Tate Center.
Now forgive me, as I was weaned at the nipple of Larry Munson’s scratch and learned to break metal chairs in this annual contest. Here’ are the spooky and scary things I fear as we face the Sunshine State Saurians:
1. Penalties. False starts are frustrating, but they aren’t 15 yards apiece. The big flags are the ones hurting the Bulldogs the most of late. The first Texas touchdown was aided by a facemask and a defensive pass interference call on the same drive. A couple of possessions later, Dan Jackson was called for targeting (saved by Mykel Williams stripping Quinn Ewers). Same thing on the next to last Longhorn drive, only it was targeting called on Joel Aguero (UGA stopped UT on 4th down, but deep in our own territory thanks to the penalty).
Georgia is gifting over 70 yards/game in penalties to the opposition, and 4 times have exceeded 75 yards in flags. And to reiterate, the UGA defense has provided a whopping 20 first downs via penalty, which is in the bottom 10% in all FBS. A clean game is nigh impossible, but cleaning up personal fouls is important. The last thing we need to do is give free yards to an improving Gator offense.
2. Drops. As Kirby Smart siad, it’s to the point of “comical”. I understand that Carson Beck is leading the nation in lost yardage due to receiver drops. If anyone has access to PFF premium or another site tracking this data, I’d love to see it in the comments if you can.
Not reeling in a high fastball can be expected, the same if a receiver has to lay out – those are tough. But we need Carson Beck to hit a few more passes in stride, which will give the receivers confidence, and lessen the chance of unforced drops. He’s currently about 5-6 points lower in completion percentage compared to 2023, and a lot of that is due to balls hitting the ground after they hit the receivers hands.
3. Trigger Warning: This point includes discussion of the first half of the Alabama game. Said content may induce acid reflux, involuntary twitches, vocal profanities, and declarative emotional statements about Nick Chubb and Roquan Smith.
The Gators have a mobile quarterback. The last time a dual threat had a week to prepare he ran all over us, to the tune of 117 yards, a score, and over 7 yards each carry. Most of that damage was done in the first half, and Georgia did improve in both scheme and containment the last 30 minutes. But as macondawg alluded to yesterday, Florida’s DJ Lagway is a freshman and is prone to freshman mistakes in the passing game. If we can take away his legs, and make him have to throw, we can continue this winning streak we’re on.
Call me crazy, just don’t call me late for dinner. Sound off in the comments below what worries you about the Bulldogs of Georgia versus the Gators of Florida. And as always…
GO ‘DAWGS!!!