Another satisfying victory for the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday night. Like many others have written, it was certainly one of the most unusual games I have ever witnessed. From long possessions that resulted in few points to the 3rd and 56, just a strange game. But, this game felt a lot like the last few games for the Dawgs, in that the school remained somewhat close but the final outcome was never really in doubt. Here's my thoughts on this week's game:
The kind of bads (there were no real "bads" this week)
- Murray is still on his deep balls. Now, we can forgive because he was able to hit Mitchell deep twice, but he over shot TK twice wide open in the first half. If he hits other of those two passes, this game would not have been close.
- Mike Bobo, here's a little lesson: Calling a QB draw on third down once = Brilliant. Calling a QB draw again on third down later on the drive = Dumb. Also, Orson Charles is a mismatch, all the time. Just throw him the ball.
- Letting Simms complete that pass to the 1 on fourth and long. We had been pressuring his the two plays before, why we suddenly decided not to bring pressure on third and long is beyond me.
- The penalty marathon. It was horrible. From first down at the 23 and a sure fire 3 score lead to punting from around our own thirty. It did not matter here, but we can't waste good field position. This is why we continue to not put teams away when we clearly have the opportunity to.
- Injuries - Thank god it is just Vandy and the bye week coming up. We need Malcom Mitchell and IC healthy to beat Florida.
On to the goods!
- The linebacker play continues to get better each week. Just imagine what it will be like with Ogletree back in there. Gilliard was named SEC defensive player of the week and the Tennessee fans already hate Herrera and he's only a freshman.
- Grantham's D continues to get better each week. And they are mean. We injured their running back and their QB, and I am not sure how Da'Rick survived that brutal hit from Branden Smith.
- If I had to name a defensive MVP this season, it may go to Shawn Williams. Boykin is the best all around player on the defense, Jarvis Jones is an absolute beast, but ever ytime there is a key play, Shawn seems to be there.
- Crowell was pretty banged up, but he stayed in there and made some great runs in the second half. The second touchdown was a thing of beauty. Carlton Thomas continues to impress me as well and I definitely think he should be moved up to #2 on the depth chart.
- Malcom Mitchell is awesome. Great hands, great speed, and good routes. If he doesn't pull the hammy, that is a 93 yard touchdown.
- While Murray is still off, he made some good decisions to tuck and run and only made one bad throw (by my count).
Overall, it was a great night for the Dawgs. They are such a different team than they were 5 weeks ago. I have no crazy expectations of Georgia running the table, but I expect we will at least win a share of the SEC East title this year (even if we don't get the honor of getting smoked by LSU or Alabama). Saturday we go for the sweep of the state of Tennessee and then a much needed week to recover for the Gators. I'll have my mid season assessment of the team up on the blog later this week.
Showing posts with label Tennessee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tennessee. Show all posts
Monday, October 10, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Tennessee Prediction
The question for the Georgia Bulldogs this week is do they continue to climb the mountain back towards national prominence or do they fall all the way down Rocky Top back to mediocrity. Predictions have been across the board and with the Vegas line at only a 1.5 point Georgia favorite, it appears this game is a toss up.
I think Georgia has come a long way from the sad looking team we saw in the Dome to start the season. The defense has played at a such high level that I cannot see a Volunteer team that is so one dimensional putting up a lot of points. That being said, this will be a night game on the road in Neyland. I think the Dawgs come out with a win here, but it will be close until the end.
Georgia 27, Tennessee 17
I think Georgia has come a long way from the sad looking team we saw in the Dome to start the season. The defense has played at a such high level that I cannot see a Volunteer team that is so one dimensional putting up a lot of points. That being said, this will be a night game on the road in Neyland. I think the Dawgs come out with a win here, but it will be close until the end.
Georgia 27, Tennessee 17
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Rocky Top Tumble
Last week, I wrote about the importance of the Mississippi State game and how it could be the key to a successful season for Georgia. Following the Dawgs two touchdown victory over the West Bulldogs, Georgia will travel to Knoxville to take on Derek Dooley's Tennessee Volunteers. Thanks to losses by Florida and South Carolina on Saturday, Georgia is now tied for first place in the SEC East. But in recent years, the trip to Knoxville has not been a kind one for Georgia.
2009 was an absolute disaster. Once erratic Jonathan Crompton looked like a Heisman Trophy winner and the only Georgia offense came from Brandon Boykin. But that was not a good Georgia team. Two years earlier, Georgia lost 35-14 to Tennessee in a game that was no where near that close. The game ended up being the deciding factor in keeping the Dawgs out of the SEC Championship and ultimately out of the national championship game.
The last victory for Georgia in Knoxville came in 2005, when DJ Shockley and Thomas Flowers played key roles. Georgia totally dominated Tennessee last year, but that was before Tyler Bray became the quarterback. And maybe we are to blame for eventually taking the job. Late in the game last year, Bray took over for Matt Simms and promptly went 8 of 12 for 81 yards. He gradually saw more playing time and eventually took over the starting job.
And while Bray is off to a fast start this year, don't forget that Tennessee has played arguably the easiest schedule in the SEC so far. They lost their only meaningful game so far to Florida and lost their best player (Justin Hunter) to a season ending injury. They are incredibly thin on both lines and running back Tauren Poole only averages 4.5 yards a carry despite the poor competition they have faced.
The key for Georgia this weekend is to continue to play the way that has brought them success the last three weeks. Solid defense and ball control offense should limit the time that Bray has to throw to Da'Rick. If the Dawgs can stay grounded, they will find themselves at 4-2 with Vandy and a bye week coming before Florida. Otherwise, it is going to be one hell of a rough fall down the mountain to 3-3.
2009 was an absolute disaster. Once erratic Jonathan Crompton looked like a Heisman Trophy winner and the only Georgia offense came from Brandon Boykin. But that was not a good Georgia team. Two years earlier, Georgia lost 35-14 to Tennessee in a game that was no where near that close. The game ended up being the deciding factor in keeping the Dawgs out of the SEC Championship and ultimately out of the national championship game.
The last victory for Georgia in Knoxville came in 2005, when DJ Shockley and Thomas Flowers played key roles. Georgia totally dominated Tennessee last year, but that was before Tyler Bray became the quarterback. And maybe we are to blame for eventually taking the job. Late in the game last year, Bray took over for Matt Simms and promptly went 8 of 12 for 81 yards. He gradually saw more playing time and eventually took over the starting job.
And while Bray is off to a fast start this year, don't forget that Tennessee has played arguably the easiest schedule in the SEC so far. They lost their only meaningful game so far to Florida and lost their best player (Justin Hunter) to a season ending injury. They are incredibly thin on both lines and running back Tauren Poole only averages 4.5 yards a carry despite the poor competition they have faced.
The key for Georgia this weekend is to continue to play the way that has brought them success the last three weeks. Solid defense and ball control offense should limit the time that Bray has to throw to Da'Rick. If the Dawgs can stay grounded, they will find themselves at 4-2 with Vandy and a bye week coming before Florida. Otherwise, it is going to be one hell of a rough fall down the mountain to 3-3.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Countdown 2011: 97 Days to Go
Georgia Rivals: Tennessee
All-Time Series Record: 17-21-2
Last Ten Years: 6-4
Last Year: Georgia 41, Tennessee 14
Memorable Game: 2001 – Georgia 26, Tennessee 24
Mark Richt’s first game against Tennessee remains one of the greatest victories in Georgia history. When Tennessee took the lead on a screen pass late in the 4th, all hope looked lost for Georgia. But freshman quarterback David Greene led the Dawgs quickly down the field and found Verron Haynes for the game winning touchdown:
2011 Preview – October 8 in Knoxville
Georgia and Tennessee’s 2010 seasons were very similar in the results on the field. Both teams finished with 6-7 records after failing to win their bowl games at the end of the season. Freshman quarterbacks Aaron Murray and Tyler Bray appear to be budding superstars in the SEC. This year’s contest will be critical for the Bulldogs if they hope to remain competitive in the SEC East. Georgia crushed the Vols at home in 2010, payback for the beat down the Dawgs got in Knoxville in 2009. Since 2005, the closest game between these two has been 12 points.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Struggle Bowl 2010: Thoughts on Tennessee
Coming into the game on Saturday, Tennessee and Georgia looked to be two teams with bad records who had major issues with their teams. After the Dawgs 41-14 victory, it is clear as bad as the Georgie Bulldogs may be this season, they have no where near the issues that Tennessee has right now. Tennessee is a bad football team, plain and simple, but let's not discount the performance that the Georgia Bulldogs put up on Saturday.
A common complaint of Georgia football over the last few years has been that despite its overall success in the won-loss department, the Dawgs rarely beat bad teams as badly as they should. Games against school like UAB, Marshall, and Georgia Southern immediately come to mind when I think about Georgia underachieving against an inferior opponent. And while Georgia was playing Tennessee, a conference rival who destroyed the Dawgs in Knoxville last year, they did exactly what you are supposed to do to a bad team: get out to an early lead and never look back.
I've already written a lot this season about Aaron Murray. The kid is an amazing talent and he definitely seems to have "it". The 35 yard touchdown run was great for two reasons:
1. All of receivers were covered. Instead of trying to squeeze a pass into coverage, he made the logical choice to tuck the ball and run
2. It really showed his athleticism. He blew right past a couple of defenders and found his was into the end zone. Stafford could run a little bit, but he had no where near the quickness that Murray has.
I can honestly say, Murray really only made one bad throw all day (when he missed an open Orson Charles over the middle of the field). the pass that was almost picked off was tipped by AJ and Tavarres King dropped an easy touchdown in the end zone. If there wasn't a kid named Lattimore over at South Carolina, we would be talking about the leader for SEC freshman of the year.
We all have criticized Bobo's playcalling in recent weeks, but this was an excellently called game. Recievers over the middle, 3 and 4 wide sets, and running the ball outside of the tackles. Because of the Tennessee turnovers, Georgia had a short field for much of the first half, or the offensive numbers may have been a lot higher than they ended up.
Grantham's defense also showed that they can definitely stop teams from running it down our throats. Even if you took out the -20 yards on the bad snap, the Vols would only have around 30 yards rushing. The thing I like most was the tackling. We did not see the plague of missed tackles we had seen in recent weeks.
While there were a lot of positives, Georgia still needs a lot of work if we hope to get bowl eligible this year. When Justin Houston missed a sack on Matt Simms, a receiver was left wide open for one of the two Tennessee touchdowns. We still can't cover the wheel route and for some reason, there still seems to be way too many wide open targets. On offense, the running game struggled to get going again. King looked good, but his arrest for failing to appear in court puts his status in question for next week. Ealey once again fumbled the ball inside the 5 yards line (luckily, it went out of bounds this time).
This game was about redemption for Georgia. They got a little revenge for the beating in Knoxville last year and finally beat a team that clearly has less talent. While this doesn't heal all wounds, it certainly helps. I would expect the same intesity this Saturday with Vandy coming to town, but unfortunately with this team, you never know.
A common complaint of Georgia football over the last few years has been that despite its overall success in the won-loss department, the Dawgs rarely beat bad teams as badly as they should. Games against school like UAB, Marshall, and Georgia Southern immediately come to mind when I think about Georgia underachieving against an inferior opponent. And while Georgia was playing Tennessee, a conference rival who destroyed the Dawgs in Knoxville last year, they did exactly what you are supposed to do to a bad team: get out to an early lead and never look back.
I've already written a lot this season about Aaron Murray. The kid is an amazing talent and he definitely seems to have "it". The 35 yard touchdown run was great for two reasons:
1. All of receivers were covered. Instead of trying to squeeze a pass into coverage, he made the logical choice to tuck the ball and run
2. It really showed his athleticism. He blew right past a couple of defenders and found his was into the end zone. Stafford could run a little bit, but he had no where near the quickness that Murray has.
I can honestly say, Murray really only made one bad throw all day (when he missed an open Orson Charles over the middle of the field). the pass that was almost picked off was tipped by AJ and Tavarres King dropped an easy touchdown in the end zone. If there wasn't a kid named Lattimore over at South Carolina, we would be talking about the leader for SEC freshman of the year.
We all have criticized Bobo's playcalling in recent weeks, but this was an excellently called game. Recievers over the middle, 3 and 4 wide sets, and running the ball outside of the tackles. Because of the Tennessee turnovers, Georgia had a short field for much of the first half, or the offensive numbers may have been a lot higher than they ended up.
Grantham's defense also showed that they can definitely stop teams from running it down our throats. Even if you took out the -20 yards on the bad snap, the Vols would only have around 30 yards rushing. The thing I like most was the tackling. We did not see the plague of missed tackles we had seen in recent weeks.
While there were a lot of positives, Georgia still needs a lot of work if we hope to get bowl eligible this year. When Justin Houston missed a sack on Matt Simms, a receiver was left wide open for one of the two Tennessee touchdowns. We still can't cover the wheel route and for some reason, there still seems to be way too many wide open targets. On offense, the running game struggled to get going again. King looked good, but his arrest for failing to appear in court puts his status in question for next week. Ealey once again fumbled the ball inside the 5 yards line (luckily, it went out of bounds this time).
This game was about redemption for Georgia. They got a little revenge for the beating in Knoxville last year and finally beat a team that clearly has less talent. While this doesn't heal all wounds, it certainly helps. I would expect the same intesity this Saturday with Vandy coming to town, but unfortunately with this team, you never know.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mustain: The Once and Future Starting QB?
Even though conference expansion/implosion is the topic du jour, USC’s sanctions any other week of the year would be the main focus of media and college football blogs alike. As has been widely reported elsewhere, USC Trojan underclassmen are beginning to resemble rats on a sinking ship, looking to flee a crippling 2 year bowl postseason ban handed down by the NCAA. While UGA is in the running to land former AJC Super 11 Jarvis Jones and Florida/Alabama are purportedly committing recruiting infractions in pursuit of USC RB Dillon Baxter, we have yet to hear any rumblings on transfers from any of the upperclassmen of Troy.
NCAA bylaws directly allow players who would otherwise be barred from postseason bowls for the rest of their collegiate career to transfer without sitting out a year. One particular Trojan who squarely falls in this group and is well-known by SEC fans happens to be Mitch Mustain, formerly of Springdale, Arkansas and the one-time Razorback starting quarterback.
Coming out of high school, Mustain was named the 2005 Parade All-American Player of the Year, 2005-06 Gatorade National Player of the Year and the 2005 USA Today National Player of the Year.After following his high school coach, Gus Malzahn, to Arkansas, he transferred to USC after being benched mid-season (with an 8-0 record) and followed out of Fayetteville high school teammate Damian Williams and Malzahn in pursuit of a more pass-oriented offense.
Mustain is currently buried on the USC depth chart, having made only 16 passing attempts in his 2 seasons as backup QB, is stuck behind returning sophomore Matt Barkley and could also potentially fall behind the newest incoming prep QB All-American, Jesse Scroggins. Mustain might mentally be planning on following USC alum Matt Cassel‘s roadmap from perennial benchwarmer to NFL starting QB, but that road is haphazard and much less attractive without Pete Carroll donning the headset in the Coliseum this fall.
While Mustain’s official position thus far in the sanctions upheaval is that he has no plans to leave, there are several teams who desperately could use a QB. For obvious reasons (see Nutt, Houston), Ole Miss has to immediately be dismissed as a candidate, as well as any Pac 1X members, given the inter-conference transfer restriction rules, sanctions or not.
UNC, Tennessee and a darkhorse Auburn are among several viable destinations should Mustain decide on pursuing a transfer for his final year of eligibility. UNC is projected in the top 25 in multiple preseason magazines but is held back mainly by their offense (Phil Steele even predicts that QB TJ Yates, a 3 year starter, could lose his starting roll to a redshirt freshman); up in Knoxville, beyond the joy that UT fans would get from the coup of stealing a player from the Kiffster, the cupboards are relatively bare, with recent JUCO transfer Matt Sims the only serious candidate for playing time at QB behind a patchwork O-Line. Auburn could be attractive for Mustain, given the familiarity of HS Coach Gus Malzahn’s offense, and Mustain could be only one stolen laptop away from serious playing time.
While USC is currently appealing the sanctions, it may be a bit of an uphill battle to get the sanctions overturned. It is possible that USC upperclassmen being in play to transfer this year could be a moot point, as the waters are still murky as to whether the NCAA will allow a USC upperclassman to transfer out during the ongoing appeals process. A comparable sanction/appeal timeline should approximate Alabama’s recent appeals process, which ran roughly 9 months. I would imagine that the NCAA would ultimately come down on the side of the student-athlete in this instance, allowing players to transfer during any ongoing appeals, given the institutional actions that led to this transfer window opening in the first place.
While the conference musical chair game will continue to garner the most press attention, expect to see a slow trickle of transfers and decommitments throughout the summer, as USC prepares to lose 10 scholarships a year for 3 years. Hopefully UGA will be able to bring Jarvis Jones back home to Georgia, as well as plucking a few extra recruits away from USC’s top 5 2011 recruiting class.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Signing Day - Why I am not worried about losing Da'Rick Rogers
As everyone knows by now, five star recruit Da'Rick Rogers from Calhoun switched his commitment from Georgia to Tennessee this morning. Rogers had been committed to Georgia for nearly a year and, according to Claude Felton, this is the first time a five star recruit has switched away from Georgia on Signing Day. While losing Rogers may make Georgia's 2010 recruiting class suffer in the rankings, is the loss of Rogers really that big of a deal?
While losing a 5 star receiver always sucks, wideout is one position where Georgia has enough young talent to make up for the loss. In case you have a short memory, Georgia picked up a commitment from Marlon Brown on signing day last year. Brown, who like Rogers was rated a 5 star recruit, appeared poised to sign with the Vols. (Maybe it is Karma?) While Brown did not make a huge impact in 2009, he did appear in a number of games and appeared to be solid in the run block department.
Rontavious Wooten enjoyed a successful first year in Athens, catching 10 passes, and scoring twice in the Kentucky game. His speed makes him a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. And many people forget that Tavarres King will only be a sophomore in 2010. He caught two passes in the '08 season, but received a medical redshirt from the NCAA.
With Wooten, King, and Brown all around for the next seasons and the addition of Michael Bennett, I think the Dawgs still have a bright future in Athens. Just as I did with Kirby Smart, I wish Da'Rick Rogers the best of luck at UT. I just hope he remembers that he could have been playing in red and black when Alec Ogletree lays him out over the next few years.
GO DAWGS!!!
While losing a 5 star receiver always sucks, wideout is one position where Georgia has enough young talent to make up for the loss. In case you have a short memory, Georgia picked up a commitment from Marlon Brown on signing day last year. Brown, who like Rogers was rated a 5 star recruit, appeared poised to sign with the Vols. (Maybe it is Karma?) While Brown did not make a huge impact in 2009, he did appear in a number of games and appeared to be solid in the run block department.
Rontavious Wooten enjoyed a successful first year in Athens, catching 10 passes, and scoring twice in the Kentucky game. His speed makes him a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. And many people forget that Tavarres King will only be a sophomore in 2010. He caught two passes in the '08 season, but received a medical redshirt from the NCAA.
With Wooten, King, and Brown all around for the next seasons and the addition of Michael Bennett, I think the Dawgs still have a bright future in Athens. Just as I did with Kirby Smart, I wish Da'Rick Rogers the best of luck at UT. I just hope he remembers that he could have been playing in red and black when Alec Ogletree lays him out over the next few years.
GO DAWGS!!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
Dawgs get their DC, Vols still looking
Todd Grantham has been hired as the new defensive coordinator of the Georgia Bulldogs today. Grantham, who is currently the defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys, has had coaching experience at both the collegiate and NFL level. Grantham was a member of Nick Saban's staff at Michigan State and later served as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. He runs a 3-4 defensive scheme and it should be exciting to see how he brings this defense to Athens.Meanwhile, Tennessee tried to go the safe route by offering their vacant head coaching position to former Vol OC David Cutcliffe. While some media outlets reported the deal as done, it turned out to be as real as the deal Georgia had with Kirby Smart (in other words, a final deal never existed). They have now whiffed on Muschamp and Cutcliffe, let's see if they make it 3 strikes with their next target.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Hi, my name is Kippy Brown....
...and I am the current head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers.I wonder if Junior ever actually learned the words to Rocky Top. With the fact that Tennessee will now be replacing pretty much its entire staff, I don't feel so bad about our Defensive Coordinator search.
Wonder if Kirby is a candiate? (just kidding)
Friday, October 9, 2009
Time to Topple Rocky Top: The Tennessee Preview
Following the loss to LSU, the Dawgs hit the road to face their old rival the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. For both teams, this game will be key between getting their season back on track or continuing their fall from grace.
Who are these guys?
Tennessee is not a good football team. After struggling through their second losing season in the last 3 years, Tennessee fired long time head coach Phil Fulmer and replaced him with Lane Kiffin. Kiffin has ruffled many feathers in his short time in Knoxville, particulary jawing with Florida coach Urban Meyer. They have a solid coaching staff, including Lane's dad, Monte Kiffin, engineer of the Tampa Bay defense that won the Super Bowl earlier in the decade.
If football was only played on defense, Tennessee may be among the better teams in the country. Led by All-American Eric Berry, the Tennesse defense has proven its worth time an again. They even held Florida in check in Gainesville this year, a game many thought the Gators would put up 50 on the Vols. In my opinion, Eric Berry is the best player in the country and is a real threat to make a play every time he is on the field.
Conversely, the Tennessee offense is a complete train wreck. Running backs Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown give the Vols a decent one-two punch on the ground. The two have combined for over 800 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns this year. If the Dawgs can shut down the Tennessee running game, they should have a good chance to win this game because the UT passing offense is anemic. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton is horrible and they have a lack of experienced play makers at receiver.
What are the Dawgs going to do?
Hopefully, the Georgia offense shows up early in this game and doesn't wait until the second half like it did last week. Georgia clearly has more talent on the field than Tennessee right now, but if we get into a defensive battle, it may be one that Tennessee can win. Despite the struggles, Georgia must try and establish a running game early. Without Caleb King, look for Washaun Ealey to get more carries this week and we may see Carlton Thomas for the first time in a few weeks as well.
Losing Tavarres King for the week will also hurt the Georgia passing game, as he has proven to be a viable down field option opposite AJ Green. That means that Rontavious Wooten and Marlon Brown may see an increase in their playing time. I know Brown will be hungry to play in his home state and show the Tennessee fans what they are missing out on. Despite the threat of Berry in the secondary, I think the Dawgs will continue to try and stretch the field with long passes to AJ Green and passes to the middle of the field to the tight ends.
Defensively, Georgia should apply a similar game plan to that it used last week against LSU. Crompton has proven to be shaky in the pocket, and if Georgia is able to get the kind of pressure it did last week, they should be able to produce a couple of turnovers. Rennie Curran will need to be everyone, as Tennessee will try to pound the ball with Hardesty.
What is going to happen?
If Georgia can come out and get a lead early in the game, they have a chance to blow Tennessee out. But if Tennessee can keep this game as a close defensive struggle, the Dawgs will be in for another close battle. I think the Dawgs will come out fired up after the loss last week and put Tenneesse away early.
Georgia 31, Tennessee 17
Who are these guys?
Tennessee is not a good football team. After struggling through their second losing season in the last 3 years, Tennessee fired long time head coach Phil Fulmer and replaced him with Lane Kiffin. Kiffin has ruffled many feathers in his short time in Knoxville, particulary jawing with Florida coach Urban Meyer. They have a solid coaching staff, including Lane's dad, Monte Kiffin, engineer of the Tampa Bay defense that won the Super Bowl earlier in the decade.
If football was only played on defense, Tennessee may be among the better teams in the country. Led by All-American Eric Berry, the Tennesse defense has proven its worth time an again. They even held Florida in check in Gainesville this year, a game many thought the Gators would put up 50 on the Vols. In my opinion, Eric Berry is the best player in the country and is a real threat to make a play every time he is on the field.
Conversely, the Tennessee offense is a complete train wreck. Running backs Montario Hardesty and Bryce Brown give the Vols a decent one-two punch on the ground. The two have combined for over 800 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns this year. If the Dawgs can shut down the Tennessee running game, they should have a good chance to win this game because the UT passing offense is anemic. Quarterback Jonathan Crompton is horrible and they have a lack of experienced play makers at receiver.
What are the Dawgs going to do?
Hopefully, the Georgia offense shows up early in this game and doesn't wait until the second half like it did last week. Georgia clearly has more talent on the field than Tennessee right now, but if we get into a defensive battle, it may be one that Tennessee can win. Despite the struggles, Georgia must try and establish a running game early. Without Caleb King, look for Washaun Ealey to get more carries this week and we may see Carlton Thomas for the first time in a few weeks as well.
Losing Tavarres King for the week will also hurt the Georgia passing game, as he has proven to be a viable down field option opposite AJ Green. That means that Rontavious Wooten and Marlon Brown may see an increase in their playing time. I know Brown will be hungry to play in his home state and show the Tennessee fans what they are missing out on. Despite the threat of Berry in the secondary, I think the Dawgs will continue to try and stretch the field with long passes to AJ Green and passes to the middle of the field to the tight ends.
Defensively, Georgia should apply a similar game plan to that it used last week against LSU. Crompton has proven to be shaky in the pocket, and if Georgia is able to get the kind of pressure it did last week, they should be able to produce a couple of turnovers. Rennie Curran will need to be everyone, as Tennessee will try to pound the ball with Hardesty.
What is going to happen?
If Georgia can come out and get a lead early in the game, they have a chance to blow Tennessee out. But if Tennessee can keep this game as a close defensive struggle, the Dawgs will be in for another close battle. I think the Dawgs will come out fired up after the loss last week and put Tenneesse away early.
Georgia 31, Tennessee 17
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
BigVolDaddy's Reaction to the UCLA Loss
Warning: Language and Hand Gestures.
But I agree with Assessment 1 and Assessment 2.
"I'm BigVolDaddy and I'm a loser today." I agree with that too, but don't just limit yourself to today. I would extend that to tomorrow, next week, next month and next year too.
Nothing Sucks Like a Big Orange. Except for maybe Jonathan Crompton - he's f'ing terrible...
But I agree with Assessment 1 and Assessment 2.
"I'm BigVolDaddy and I'm a loser today." I agree with that too, but don't just limit yourself to today. I would extend that to tomorrow, next week, next month and next year too.
Nothing Sucks Like a Big Orange. Except for maybe Jonathan Crompton - he's f'ing terrible...
Tennessee Notes
Tennessee leads the all-time series vs. UGA 20-16-2. The Dawgs are 8-10-1 in Knoxville and 6-8-1 at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee leads the SEC in penalties with only 18 on the year equaling 144 yards and an average of 28.8 penalty yards per game. Georgia averages 74.6 penalty yards per game. An interesting note is that Georgia's opponents average 83.6 penalty yards per game.
I'm not going to editorialize the penalties called during Georgia games. That's been done enough this week.
Senior RB Montario Hardesty leads the SEC in rushing, averaging 115 yards per game.
Junior S Eric Berry and senior LB Rico McCoy are third and fourth respectively in the SEC in tackles, averaging 9 and 8.8 tackles per game. Rennie leads the SEC at 11.2 tackles per game. UT's McCoy has also forced 2 fumbles.
Junior DE Chris Walker is second in the SEC in sacks with 4 solo's on the year.
1937
The last time UGA met Tennessee when both teams were unranked. Like this Saturday, the game was played in Knoxville.
Tennessee won 32-0. I pray for the mental health of the Bulldawg Nation that doesn't happen this Saturday.
The Dawgs and Vols have met 25 times since that 1937 meeting. An impressive streak of at least one program being ranked between the two. Something you might expect when discussing the program with second most SEC titles (Tennessee - 13) against the program with the third most SEC titles (Georgia - 12). These are the kind of historical streaks that Florida doesn't have. Both UT and UGA have actually played football for 100+ years at a quality level.
Tennessee won 32-0. I pray for the mental health of the Bulldawg Nation that doesn't happen this Saturday.
The Dawgs and Vols have met 25 times since that 1937 meeting. An impressive streak of at least one program being ranked between the two. Something you might expect when discussing the program with second most SEC titles (Tennessee - 13) against the program with the third most SEC titles (Georgia - 12). These are the kind of historical streaks that Florida doesn't have. Both UT and UGA have actually played football for 100+ years at a quality level.
From 1972: UGA QB and Athens High School's very own Andy Johnson squares off against UT LB Art Reynolds at Sanford Stadium. #13 UT would win 14-0. Yet another UGA-UT matchup in which at least one team was ranked. Courtesy of UPI and govolsxtra.com.
The 1937 Georgia team finished 6-3-2 and was Coach Harry Mehre's last Georgia team. Mehre coached the Dawgs from 1928 to 1937, recorded an overall record of 59-34-6 (.626), and led Georgia as an initial member of the Southeastern Conference in 1933.
Coach Joel Hunt would lead the Dawgs for one season in 1938 before Coach Wally Butts took over in 1939 and would be the head man for 21 seasons.
Side note: The 1937 Tennessee team was led by the famous General Robert Neyland. They finished 6-3-1, shutting out 7 opponents. Yes, the tie was 0-0 with Duke. The 1938 Vols would go on to shut out 8 opponents, while the 1939 Vols would shut out 10 opponents and the 1940 Vols would shut out 8 opponents.
Neyland left after 1940 as he was recalled to military service during World War II. He returned to coach the Vols from 1946 to 1952.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Perfect Drive Against Tennessee in 2008
Coming off of two straight straight beatdowns by the Volunteers in 2006 and 2007, the Dawgs met Tenneesse in Athens last year after the failure that was the Blackout against Alabama. While Georgia was clearly the better team on the field, they could not seem to put the Vols away. Leading 23-14, the Dawgs took over at their own 13 yard line with 13:48 left on the clock. What followed was one of the best drives I have ever witnessed while watching Georgia football. Here is the play by play account:
1st and 10 at UGA 13
Moreno rush for 11 yards to the Geo 24 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at UGA 24
Chapas rush for 4 yards to the Geo 28.
2nd and 6 at UGA 28
Stafford pass complete to Green for 5 yards to the Geo 33.
3rd and 1 at UGA 33
Moreno rush for 3 yards to the Geo 36 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at UGA 36
Moreno rush for 1 yard to the Geo 37.
2nd and 9 at UGA 37
Stafford pass complete to Green for 14 yards to the Tenn 49 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 49
Moreno rush for 6 yards to the Tenn 43.
2nd and 4 at TENN 43
Moreno rush for 6 yards to the Tenn 37 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 37
King rush for 7 yards to the Tenn 30.
2nd and 3 at TENN 30
King rush for 7 yards to the Tenn 23 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 23
King rush for no gain to the Tenn 23.
2nd and 10 at TENN 23
King rush for 9 yards to the Tenn 14.
3rd and 1 at TENN 14
Stafford rush for 3 yards to the Tenn 11 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 11
Chapas rush for 6 yards to the Tenn 5.
2nd and 4 at TENN 5
King rush for no gain to the Tenn 5.
3rd and 4 at TENN 5
Moreno rush for a loss of 1 yard to the Tenn 6.
4th and 5 at TENN 6
Georgia penalty 5 yard delay of game accepted.
4th and 10 at TENN 11
Walsh 28 yard field goal GOOD.
DRIVE TOTALS: 17 plays 76 yards, 10:59
This drive was old school SEC football. The Georgia line chewed the Tennessee line apart as the Dawgs ran 15 running plays. The longest gain on the drive was 15 yards on a pass to AJ Green. The Dawgs were 2 for 3 on 3rd down and while they failed to get a touchdown, by running nearly 11 minutes off the clock they essentially put Tennessee away. While it may not have been flashy and most of the plays were not included in the highlight reel, this drive was about as good as it gets.
What I wouldn't give to see another drive like this on Saturday.
1st and 10 at UGA 13
Moreno rush for 11 yards to the Geo 24 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at UGA 24
Chapas rush for 4 yards to the Geo 28.
2nd and 6 at UGA 28
Stafford pass complete to Green for 5 yards to the Geo 33.
3rd and 1 at UGA 33
Moreno rush for 3 yards to the Geo 36 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at UGA 36
Moreno rush for 1 yard to the Geo 37.
2nd and 9 at UGA 37
Stafford pass complete to Green for 14 yards to the Tenn 49 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 49
Moreno rush for 6 yards to the Tenn 43.
2nd and 4 at TENN 43
Moreno rush for 6 yards to the Tenn 37 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 37
King rush for 7 yards to the Tenn 30.
2nd and 3 at TENN 30
King rush for 7 yards to the Tenn 23 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 23
King rush for no gain to the Tenn 23.
2nd and 10 at TENN 23
King rush for 9 yards to the Tenn 14.
3rd and 1 at TENN 14
Stafford rush for 3 yards to the Tenn 11 for a 1ST down.
1st and 10 at TENN 11
Chapas rush for 6 yards to the Tenn 5.
2nd and 4 at TENN 5
King rush for no gain to the Tenn 5.
3rd and 4 at TENN 5
Moreno rush for a loss of 1 yard to the Tenn 6.
4th and 5 at TENN 6
Georgia penalty 5 yard delay of game accepted.
4th and 10 at TENN 11
Walsh 28 yard field goal GOOD.
DRIVE TOTALS: 17 plays 76 yards, 10:59
This drive was old school SEC football. The Georgia line chewed the Tennessee line apart as the Dawgs ran 15 running plays. The longest gain on the drive was 15 yards on a pass to AJ Green. The Dawgs were 2 for 3 on 3rd down and while they failed to get a touchdown, by running nearly 11 minutes off the clock they essentially put Tennessee away. While it may not have been flashy and most of the plays were not included in the highlight reel, this drive was about as good as it gets.
What I wouldn't give to see another drive like this on Saturday.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Knoxville Memories
The Dawgs head to Knoxville this weekend looking to shake off the bad taste left in their mouths following the loss to LSU. Georgia has won 3 of the 4 meetings at Tennessee this decade, a place they had not previously won since 1980. Here's a look back at the memorable Bulldog victories in Knoxville since 2001:
2001- "We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose."
During Mark Richt's first season, the heavy underdog Dawgs travelled to Knoxville to take on the #4 Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee took the lead, 24-20 with just 44 seconds left on the clock. David Greene would lead the Dawgs down the field that would end with a touchdown pass to Verron Haynes and one of the most memorable Munson calls of all-time:
Georgia 26, Tennessee 24
2003 - Sean Jones Takes it All the Way
A close battle in the first half, the Dawgs were leading 13-7 when Tennessee took the snap at Georgia's goal line attempting to take the lead. The following play ensued:
The Dawgs would proceed to blow the Vols out in the second half, a win that would help the Dawgs back to the SEC Championship game that December.
Georgia 41, Tennessee 14
2005 - Thomas Flowers Breaks it Open
With the Dawgs clinging to a 6 point lead in the fourth quarter, Georgia forced the Vols to punt from inside their own 10 yard line. Thomas Flowers received the punt and the rest was Georgia history:
Georgia 27, Tennessee 14
2001- "We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose."
During Mark Richt's first season, the heavy underdog Dawgs travelled to Knoxville to take on the #4 Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee took the lead, 24-20 with just 44 seconds left on the clock. David Greene would lead the Dawgs down the field that would end with a touchdown pass to Verron Haynes and one of the most memorable Munson calls of all-time:
Georgia 26, Tennessee 24
2003 - Sean Jones Takes it All the Way
A close battle in the first half, the Dawgs were leading 13-7 when Tennessee took the snap at Georgia's goal line attempting to take the lead. The following play ensued:
The Dawgs would proceed to blow the Vols out in the second half, a win that would help the Dawgs back to the SEC Championship game that December.
Georgia 41, Tennessee 14
2005 - Thomas Flowers Breaks it Open
With the Dawgs clinging to a 6 point lead in the fourth quarter, Georgia forced the Vols to punt from inside their own 10 yard line. Thomas Flowers received the punt and the rest was Georgia history:
Georgia 27, Tennessee 14
Monday, August 31, 2009
Where's The Hardware? '95 UT Vols
Disclaimer: This list and subsequent blog posts were formed to create conversation between SEC fans about teams that were very close to having championship seasons. Looking at the teams listed and thinking about the teams that were left off further proves the depth of the SEC and the focus needed to win week in and week out. Teams were chosen and ranked based on significant wins/losses, star power and old school opinion (because we're opinionated SEC fans).
BNE's Top 10 List so far...
#10 - 2001 Florida
#9 - 1997 Florida
#8 - 2006 LSU
#7 - 2007 Georgia
#6 - 2001 Tennessee
#5 - 1998 Florida
#4 - 2008 Alabama
#3 - 1994 Alabama
BNE's best teams to not win the SEC title (post-1992): #2
1995 Tennessee Volunteers
AP Preseason #8
Final AP Ranking: #3
Final Coaches Ranking: #2
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses:
@ #4 Florida 62-37 (UT ranked #8)
Wins vs. Ranked Opponents:
@ #18 Arkansas 49-31
@ #11 Alabama 41-14 (Birmingham)
Citrus Bowl: #4 Ohio State 20-14
Star Power: QB Peyton Manning, RB Jay Graham, WR Marcus Nash, WR Joey Kent, DE Leonard Little, DT Bill Duff, CB Terry Fair, S Tori Noel, K Jeff Hall
Why Ahead of '94 Alabama?
Tennessee had the star power in 1995, but more importantly had the knack for the big play to put the opponent away. That big play knack would continue for the Vols throughout the mid-'90s, although playing second fiddle to Florida the entire time. Other than '07 Georgia, this '95 version of the Vols was the only team on this list to finish as high as #2 in either the AP or Coaches final poll, thanks to Nebraska's absolute thrashing of Florida in the national championship game.
BulldawgJosh (childhood Tennessee fan and resident Bama hater) says: The '95 UT season was absolutely epic. After the mixed bag '94 season that saw Peyton become the starting quarterback for the Vols, there was some high feelings for '95. There was concern having lost "Little Man" James Stewart to the NFL, but Jay Graham filled that role by running for his best season at UT (he would later gain a considerable case of fumbleidis near endzones). When Tennessee lost to Florida, it at first seemed as if things were going to fall off. This was the third year in row Tennessee had lost to Florida, and a repetitive feeling was beginning to emerge (they wouldn't beat Florida until the overtime win in '98 that paved the way for the national title).
Everything about this season would change against Bama. Bama had won 9 in a row over UT, and you knew Bear Bryant was smiling in hell (yes, hell). There wasn't an overwhelming confidence about going down to Birmingham given that streak. However, Tennessee would march into the furnace town and light up Bama 41-14 in one of the most spectacular victories in school history, decimating every elephant they could find in the stadium. This win over Bama made every Vol fan believe again.
This first pass of the Bama game was so thrilling because it was the exact opposite of what you always expected from Tennessee. The second Joey Kent scored that touchdown, you knew Tennessee was going to win, it didn't matter what Bama did (it was very similar to '07 Georgia/Florida and The Celebration).
Beating Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl that year topped off this great '95 season. While some were disappointed at not being able to make it to the Sugar Bowl, there's nothing like stuffing a Heisman Trophy winner to make him go out a loser. Suck it, Eddie George.
Bubba says: This Tennessee team was really good. It should have lost to UGA in Knoxville. Robert Edwards has the frail feet of a weak ballet dancer.
Manning to Kent on the first play vs. Bama. Uncle Ron Franklin with the call. We miss Uncle Ron in the SEC.
Earl says: 1995 was John Chavis' first as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. In the second game of the season, both Georgia and Tennessee were discovering just how good of a running back Robert Edwards was before he got injured, and Tennessee escaped 30-27. Chavis was quickly put on the hot seat in UT's next game after allowing 62 points to Florida in the Swamp, a game in which Tennessee led 30-14. But, 14 years later we know that he was one of the most respected defensive coordinators in Tennessee's history. The '95 Tennessee team would bounce back from the Florida loss to win every game left on its schedule behind the star power of Peyton Manning and making big plays at the right time.
The biggest play of Tennessee's season came on the first play from scrimmage against Alabama in Birmingham. Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent for 80 yards and a touchdown to lead 7-0. Tennessee never looked back, winning 41-14. It was the first time Tennessee had defeated Alabama in 10 years and Manning directed the band's playing of Rocky Top in the post game.
Ranked #5 in the country, Tennesse took down #4 Ohio State and Heisman winner Eddie George in the Citrus Bowl. As talented as Tennesee was, Ohio State was probably more talented with George, OT Orlando Pace, WR Terry Glenn, LB Mike Vrabel and CB Shawn Springs, all long-time NFL players.
It was the second consecutive year that Ohio State lost the Citrus Bowl to an SEC team from this list, and three of the past four years (in 1992 to Georgia, 1994 to Alabama, and 1995 to Tennessee).
BNE's Top 10 List so far...
#10 - 2001 Florida
#9 - 1997 Florida
#8 - 2006 LSU
#7 - 2007 Georgia
#6 - 2001 Tennessee
#5 - 1998 Florida
#4 - 2008 Alabama
#3 - 1994 Alabama
BNE's best teams to not win the SEC title (post-1992): #2
1995 Tennessee Volunteers
AP Preseason #8
Final AP Ranking: #3
Final Coaches Ranking: #2
Record: 11-1 (7-1)
Losses:
@ #4 Florida 62-37 (UT ranked #8)
Wins vs. Ranked Opponents:
@ #18 Arkansas 49-31
@ #11 Alabama 41-14 (Birmingham)
Citrus Bowl: #4 Ohio State 20-14
Star Power: QB Peyton Manning, RB Jay Graham, WR Marcus Nash, WR Joey Kent, DE Leonard Little, DT Bill Duff, CB Terry Fair, S Tori Noel, K Jeff Hall
Why Ahead of '94 Alabama?
Tennessee had the star power in 1995, but more importantly had the knack for the big play to put the opponent away. That big play knack would continue for the Vols throughout the mid-'90s, although playing second fiddle to Florida the entire time. Other than '07 Georgia, this '95 version of the Vols was the only team on this list to finish as high as #2 in either the AP or Coaches final poll, thanks to Nebraska's absolute thrashing of Florida in the national championship game.
BulldawgJosh (childhood Tennessee fan and resident Bama hater) says: The '95 UT season was absolutely epic. After the mixed bag '94 season that saw Peyton become the starting quarterback for the Vols, there was some high feelings for '95. There was concern having lost "Little Man" James Stewart to the NFL, but Jay Graham filled that role by running for his best season at UT (he would later gain a considerable case of fumbleidis near endzones). When Tennessee lost to Florida, it at first seemed as if things were going to fall off. This was the third year in row Tennessee had lost to Florida, and a repetitive feeling was beginning to emerge (they wouldn't beat Florida until the overtime win in '98 that paved the way for the national title).
Everything about this season would change against Bama. Bama had won 9 in a row over UT, and you knew Bear Bryant was smiling in hell (yes, hell). There wasn't an overwhelming confidence about going down to Birmingham given that streak. However, Tennessee would march into the furnace town and light up Bama 41-14 in one of the most spectacular victories in school history, decimating every elephant they could find in the stadium. This win over Bama made every Vol fan believe again.
This first pass of the Bama game was so thrilling because it was the exact opposite of what you always expected from Tennessee. The second Joey Kent scored that touchdown, you knew Tennessee was going to win, it didn't matter what Bama did (it was very similar to '07 Georgia/Florida and The Celebration).
Beating Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl that year topped off this great '95 season. While some were disappointed at not being able to make it to the Sugar Bowl, there's nothing like stuffing a Heisman Trophy winner to make him go out a loser. Suck it, Eddie George.
Bubba says: This Tennessee team was really good. It should have lost to UGA in Knoxville. Robert Edwards has the frail feet of a weak ballet dancer.
Manning to Kent on the first play vs. Bama. Uncle Ron Franklin with the call. We miss Uncle Ron in the SEC.
Earl says: 1995 was John Chavis' first as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. In the second game of the season, both Georgia and Tennessee were discovering just how good of a running back Robert Edwards was before he got injured, and Tennessee escaped 30-27. Chavis was quickly put on the hot seat in UT's next game after allowing 62 points to Florida in the Swamp, a game in which Tennessee led 30-14. But, 14 years later we know that he was one of the most respected defensive coordinators in Tennessee's history. The '95 Tennessee team would bounce back from the Florida loss to win every game left on its schedule behind the star power of Peyton Manning and making big plays at the right time.
The biggest play of Tennessee's season came on the first play from scrimmage against Alabama in Birmingham. Peyton Manning hit Joey Kent for 80 yards and a touchdown to lead 7-0. Tennessee never looked back, winning 41-14. It was the first time Tennessee had defeated Alabama in 10 years and Manning directed the band's playing of Rocky Top in the post game.
Ranked #5 in the country, Tennesse took down #4 Ohio State and Heisman winner Eddie George in the Citrus Bowl. As talented as Tennesee was, Ohio State was probably more talented with George, OT Orlando Pace, WR Terry Glenn, LB Mike Vrabel and CB Shawn Springs, all long-time NFL players.
It was the second consecutive year that Ohio State lost the Citrus Bowl to an SEC team from this list, and three of the past four years (in 1992 to Georgia, 1994 to Alabama, and 1995 to Tennessee).
Monday, August 24, 2009
Where's The Hardware? '01 UT Vols
Disclaimer: This list and subsequent blog posts were formed to create conversation between SEC fans about teams that were very close to having championship seasons. Looking at the teams listed and thinking about the teams that were left off further proves the depth of the SEC and the focus needed to win week in and week out. Teams were chosen and ranked based on significant wins/losses, star power and old school opinion (because we're opinionated SEC fans).
BNE Top 10 List so far...
#10 - 2001 Florida
#9 - 1997 Florida
#8 - 2006 LSU
#7 - 2007 Georgia
BNE's best teams to not win the SEC title (post-1992): #6
2001 Tennessee Volunteers
AP Preseason #8
Final AP Ranking: #4
Final Coaches Ranking: #4
Record: 11-2 (7-1)
Losses:
Georgia 26-24 (UT ranked #6)
- "We stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose!"
#21 LSU 31-20 (SEC Championship Game)
- UT ranked #2
Wins vs. Ranked Opponents:
#14 LSU 26-18 (eventual SEC Champion)
#12 South Carolina 17-10
@ #2 Florida 34-32
Citrus Bowl: #17 Michigan 45-17
Star Power: QB Casey Clausen, RB Travis Stephens, WR Kelley Washington, WR Donte' Stallworth, TE Jason Witten, DT John Henderson, DT Albert Haynesworth, DE Will Overstreet, LB Kevin Burnett, LB Dominique Stevenson, CB Andre Lott, S Reshad Baker
Why Ahead of '07 Georgia?
Ranked #2 in the nation, UT controlled its own destiny in the SEC Championship Game against LSU. Win it and play in the National Championship Game, only three years removed from Big Orange's 1998 National Championship.
Bubba says: This was a very talented group that played well as a team. These Vols featured a young Casey Clausen at QB and a hard working 5th year senior at tailback in Travis Stephens. They had their biggest moment of the year when they shocked the 2001 Florida Gators in the Swamp in December. Unfortunately, they couldn't finish the deed in Atlanta for the SEC title and a bad half of football cost them a chance to play for the National Championship. This was the second, and closest, chance the "iceman" had to beat UGA with one arm. I hated that clown.
You thought maybe we'd include some footage of that '01 UT-UF game...Nah...
Earl says: Hobnailed. This '01 UT team will go down in Dawg history as the team that helped Georgia turn everything around in Bulldog Nation. But this Tennessee team was legit. They beat Florida in Gainesville for the first time in 30 years. With Texas' loss in the Big XII Championship Game, the Vols controlled their destiny to play for the national championship if they could just beat LSU, something they had already done earlier in the season. But, a dentist came off LSU's bench to lead the Tigers to an upset victory.
It's great that Casey Clausen didn't get a chance at the national championship. But Travis Stephens was a really good running back. He destroyed Florida for over 200 yards that year, and who can forget the screen pass he took 70+ yards against the Dawgs, setting up Hobnail Time. I was in Neyland Stadium that day, sitting 11 rows from the endzone in which Verron Haynes scored. He literally caught the pass directly in front of me and the group I was with (and I still swear it was in slow motion, he was that wide open). It was a noon kickoff, but I had never heard an outdoor stadium that loud before as Stephens took it to the house, and I haven't since. Forty four (44) seconds in game time later, I've never heard a stadium so quiet. I've never been back to Neyland Stadium. That's hard to top, but I imagine the '03 and '05 games were very fun too. I'll get back there someday.
Does this '01 Tennessee team deserve to be ranked four spots higher than the '01 Florida team? I don't know. But the Vols had to be included if that '01 Florida team made the list. The Vols beat the Gators when it mattered the most that year. Maybe Tennessee should try to get that game moved to December every year.
Next installment: #5 - 1998 Florida Gators
BNE Top 10 List so far...
#10 - 2001 Florida
#9 - 1997 Florida
#8 - 2006 LSU
#7 - 2007 Georgia
BNE's best teams to not win the SEC title (post-1992): #6
2001 Tennessee Volunteers
AP Preseason #8
Final AP Ranking: #4
Final Coaches Ranking: #4
Record: 11-2 (7-1)
Losses:
Georgia 26-24 (UT ranked #6)
- "We stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose!"
#21 LSU 31-20 (SEC Championship Game)
- UT ranked #2
Wins vs. Ranked Opponents:
#14 LSU 26-18 (eventual SEC Champion)
#12 South Carolina 17-10
@ #2 Florida 34-32
Citrus Bowl: #17 Michigan 45-17
Star Power: QB Casey Clausen, RB Travis Stephens, WR Kelley Washington, WR Donte' Stallworth, TE Jason Witten, DT John Henderson, DT Albert Haynesworth, DE Will Overstreet, LB Kevin Burnett, LB Dominique Stevenson, CB Andre Lott, S Reshad Baker
Why Ahead of '07 Georgia?
Ranked #2 in the nation, UT controlled its own destiny in the SEC Championship Game against LSU. Win it and play in the National Championship Game, only three years removed from Big Orange's 1998 National Championship.
Bubba says: This was a very talented group that played well as a team. These Vols featured a young Casey Clausen at QB and a hard working 5th year senior at tailback in Travis Stephens. They had their biggest moment of the year when they shocked the 2001 Florida Gators in the Swamp in December. Unfortunately, they couldn't finish the deed in Atlanta for the SEC title and a bad half of football cost them a chance to play for the National Championship. This was the second, and closest, chance the "iceman" had to beat UGA with one arm. I hated that clown.
You thought maybe we'd include some footage of that '01 UT-UF game...Nah...
Earl says: Hobnailed. This '01 UT team will go down in Dawg history as the team that helped Georgia turn everything around in Bulldog Nation. But this Tennessee team was legit. They beat Florida in Gainesville for the first time in 30 years. With Texas' loss in the Big XII Championship Game, the Vols controlled their destiny to play for the national championship if they could just beat LSU, something they had already done earlier in the season. But, a dentist came off LSU's bench to lead the Tigers to an upset victory.
It's great that Casey Clausen didn't get a chance at the national championship. But Travis Stephens was a really good running back. He destroyed Florida for over 200 yards that year, and who can forget the screen pass he took 70+ yards against the Dawgs, setting up Hobnail Time. I was in Neyland Stadium that day, sitting 11 rows from the endzone in which Verron Haynes scored. He literally caught the pass directly in front of me and the group I was with (and I still swear it was in slow motion, he was that wide open). It was a noon kickoff, but I had never heard an outdoor stadium that loud before as Stephens took it to the house, and I haven't since. Forty four (44) seconds in game time later, I've never heard a stadium so quiet. I've never been back to Neyland Stadium. That's hard to top, but I imagine the '03 and '05 games were very fun too. I'll get back there someday.
Does this '01 Tennessee team deserve to be ranked four spots higher than the '01 Florida team? I don't know. But the Vols had to be included if that '01 Florida team made the list. The Vols beat the Gators when it mattered the most that year. Maybe Tennessee should try to get that game moved to December every year.
Next installment: #5 - 1998 Florida Gators
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Countdown 2009: 37 Days to Go
37
Number of times Georgia and Tennessee have faced off on the gridiron. Tennessee leads the all-time series with 20 wins, 15 losses, and 2 ties. Georgia has won 6 of the last 9 games in the series including a 26-14 victory in Athens in 2008.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Countdown 2009: 44 Days to Go
44
Seconds left on the clock when Georgia got the ball back late in the 4th quarter of the 2001 Georgia- Tennessee game. David Greene completed a five yard touchdown pass to Verron Haynes for the Georgia win. In the immortal words of Larry Munson, "We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose. We just crushed their face."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Spurrier: Teacher; Kiffin: Student
As many of you follow SEC football religiously, you've probably read about or even heard the audio from SOS dressing down Junior yesterday while waiting for an elevator at the SEC meetings in Destin. While the situation is truly funny and Spurrier taught Junior a lesson in just how to talk trash in the SEC, I'm glad our coach isn't involved in any of this. It just serves as another example of just how lucky we are to have Mark Richt as our head coach. Of course, if every coach in the SEC were like Richt, these meetings would be very boring...and the SEC meetings are usually far from boring.
"Mark, I just told him to go to his room and wait until I called for him."
God bless Georgia, God bless Coach Richt, and God bless the other SEC coaches being very entertaining.
We're close to 100 days left...
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