After the most tumultuous offseason the sport has ever had, hopefully, all will be forgotten as the 2-time defending SEC champion and consensus #3 team in the land takes the field against the FCS Ohio Valley Conference Tennessee State Tigers on the hallowed sod of Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium. Let’s get to the first look.
Series record / last meeting
First meeting … I’m going to use this space to grind an ax about scheduling. I understand we need to play these games against FCS and Group of 6 opponents (I don’t really agree but anyway). What I don’t understand is why we don’t schedule them with programs in our state first.
Gambling degenerate facts
According to DraftKings (at ESPN), Georgia is a -46.5 point favorite with a point total of 56.5. The money line is off the book. Said differently, Georgia is -infinity. If you’re a betting man, pounding the under in a game like this where the 4th quarter could be played with a 12:00 running clock may be a good idea.
Interesting statistic: 180 (Rushing yards allowed last week)
I didn’t know until yesterday morning TSU played in week 0 against Jackson State. Their defense gave up 180 yards rushing at a 4.7 yards per attempt clip to JSU. That’s probably not a good omen for the Tigers as they step on the field against a top 5 Power 4 opponent built to run the ball and stop the run.
If we don’t generate 225+ on the ground, the game day thread is not going to be pretty.
Early outlook
There’s a reason the money line isn’t posted. The Dawgs are going to win and win big. Whether they win by 47 or more is a completely different question. I expect the starters to run up a margin in the 30s before they go to the sidelines to rest from the mid-90s heat at kickoff.
If this defense is as elite through the depth chart as we believe it is, a 2nd digit on the scoreboard without some turnover or special teams snafu will be a serious disappointment. I do wonder who will be the first QB off the sideline when 14 leaves the game on offense. I really want to see if Zykie Helton is as good as advertised up front.
Dawgs win and look sound doing it. Kirby will have enough on film to chew on his team before a step up in competition next Saturday.
What’s your thought right now for Saturday? What’s your game day food and drink choice? Mine right now is a food truck (hopefully, Cafe Racer) at Creature Comforts with a cold Classic City Lager with my daughter and son-in-law.
Let us know in the comments below.
The Senator usually posted this one. Still brings a smile.
All I want is for us to handle our business and not slop around and not get anybody hurt. That’s what games like this have historically been good for.
I’ll be watching RG and whoever backs up Drew Bobo at Center when he goes out after the first quarter (for rest), the new WR starters and the DL. Love the under as a bet in that heat. And great call on the pregame meal! I’ve done that a few times.
Take the under and pray for no injuries.
“What I don’t understand is why we don’t schedule them with programs in our state first.”
It goes back to the Georgia Southern cheap shot on Robert Aarnaud. The in-state school players are too envious of not getting offered by the Dawgs and try to prove something and then resort to Bush League tactics because they can’t handle the beating. It’s a shame too, I’ve seen A LOT of graciousness from our fan base to opposing out of conference fans that would make the experience one for the books in their eyes. Instead, they roll in with a Knoxville Hillbilly’s lack of class all smothered in South Carolina’s trophy case sauce. Currently, our student body HATES and pretty ruthlessly dismisses kids that don’t get into Georgia. Funny stuff but pretty mean. Also, I’m not in the meetings, but I once heard an in state school made some ridiculous demands.