Friday, October 16, 2009

Struggle Fest 2009: The Vanderbilt Preview

The Dawgs head to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt this Saturday hoping to get its season back on track before the date with the Gators in Jacksonville on Halloween night. Following the heart breaking loss to LSU, the Dawgs looked flat as they got crushed by a Tennessee team that had struggled to beat Ohio University. Vanderbilt, who reached a bowl game last season for the first time since the 80's, comes in at 2-4 and struggling worse than the Dawgs. This match up is not worthy of a normal preview, so instead I present to you a quick preview of the game I have dubbed Struggle Fest 2009.

What have you done lately?
Georgia got crushed by Tennessee on the road. Vanderbilt lost to Army. As bad as the Dawgs loss was, Vandy's is worse. Advantage: Georgia

Who has played a tougher schedule?
All of Georgia's games this season have been against opponents from BCS conferences, including 3 teams currently ranked in the top 25. Vanderbilt has victories over Western Carolina (1-AA) and Rice. The only common opponent is LSU, who Georgia lost to by 7 on a late TD and Vandy lost to by 14. Advantage: Georgia

Can anyone move the ball on offense?
Georgia is 97th in the country in total yards, Vanderbilt is 86th. Georgia cannot run the ball this year (104th in the country) but Vanderbilt cannot pass the ball (113th). Neither teams score a lot, but Georgia has the lead (75th in the country to 110th in the country). Georgia is -11 in turnovers, Vandy is +6. Advantage: Push

Who can make a stop on defense?
Vanderbilt has not allowed more than 23 points in a game this season. Georgia has only allowed less than 23 twice and has allowed more than 38 three times. Advantage: Vanderbilt

Who has more to play for?
If the Dawgs lose this game, the season will essentially be over. At 3-4 with games left against Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech, there would be little chance for the Dawgs to even make a bowl game. After a season where they made a bowl game, finishing under .500 is just the norm again for Vanderbilt. For Georgia, this game is life or death, for Vandy it is just another Saturday in Nashville. Advantage: Georgia

Final Score: Georgia wins, 3-1-1

I think (hope) the Dawgs come out pissed off. The loss at Tennessee last week was embarrassing and they need a good game to get that out of their system before the bye week. It is desperation time for the Georgia coaching staff and hopefully they unleash the talent on the team this week. I think the Dawgs win this one fairly easy.

Georgia 27, Vanderbilt 10

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