So I finally got a chance to watch the Alabama debacle and came up with a few thoughts about the importance of that game as it relates to the Florida game and some enduring issues from that game. I know it is kinda like beating a dead horse at this point, but I think most of what I have picked put is still somehow relevant beyond the 27th of September.
Thoughts on Alabama and going forward from there after I watched the first half.
1. Losing Ellerbee on the third play of the game was a huge blow not just because he is such a good player but also because we lost a real field leader. This has been solved by now but especially with the stories that came out after the game about the lack of real vocal leadership in the locker room, especially on defense, I dont think this can be underestimated.
2. Two big momentum plays that could have change a lot of the game were the fumble negated by roughing the passer and AJ’s fumble, either of those goes the other way or especially if both do you are looking at probably at least a 14 point swing.
3. I really think a lot of the game plan in the first quarter/half was based on lack of trust in the Oline against the Alabama front and I think you see that as well with some of the passes that Stafford threw. Part of this is Terrence Cody is a beast on the inside.
4. Pretty clear we just came out way too “up” and then things just started bouncing the wrong way and we just pressed too much. I think being too “up” is a direct cause for the two big roughing the passer penalties in the first half. Also think it effected Mimbs as well.
5. Not pressuring JPW was huge, but that pass to Julio Jones for the touchdown toward the end of the 1st half, he could throw that 100 more times and he makes it probably say 5-10?
6. Team didnt quit. Granted it seems like Bama kinda called off the dogs on D a little in the 2nd half but they kept going, and in the next few games they really began to put it together, especially on the Oline
7. Watching closely could see R. Jones really going for the big hit rather than a fundemental tackle a number of times. Didnt hurt us here, from what I read was a little more evident against LSU. Hopefully he’s been working on that this week.
Florida game:
Maybe we will all be wrong and this will be a low scoring slug fest but that is hard to believe. I think that UF prob comes out a little too up and as long as we can force them into one early mistake or get a favorable bounce early on could allow us to go up 2 touchdowns quick.
Ball control will be important. Those long 10+ play drives. Goal should really be one a quarter and while you want TDs if it is a drive over 6 min a FG is fine. We get one of these a quarter we win. Part and parcel of this would be Knowshon (or king/samuel) has to go over 100 yards, and as a team we need 150+
Third, must finish at least even on turnovers.
Cant give up more than 1 <2:30 scoring drives per half. Big play prevention.
Cant fall behind by more than 21 in the first half, 14 in the second. This is more an overall fact given the clock rules this year. Just too easy to run lots of time off the clock if you want to.
Final note: people not leaving the stadium and keeping somewhat positive inside the stadium was great to see and I know Richt has talked about not ragging on your own team, not booing, staying with them even when losing makes a real impression on recruits and doing the opposite makes a massive negative impression.
The hate is strong over at the Georgia Sports Blog, Dawg Sports, and Hey Jenny Slater, be sure to check them out if you get a chance. And also, while he is a gator and is doing his level best to make fun of the Dawgs this week, Orson at EDSBS has some classics this week and really if you cant laugh at yourself from time to time there is probably something wrong.