Great road win against a reasonably talented rival, 8-0 in the SEC for a third straight year (never done before), and barring what would be a monumental upset next week, a third straight undefeated regular season. Hard to ask for more.
To get the abundantly obvious out of the way, the Dawgs defense once again gave up an opening drive touchdown, offering the least resistance possible. This is becoming a bigger mystery than how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop. Might need to bring in Dr. Jack Llewellyn. But, again, Georgia answered the call by responding with a FG, getting a 3 and out, and driving for a TD to take the lead for good. It's quite astonishing, though, that this keeps happening.
Carson Beck was nigh on unstoppable. He completed 80% of his passes for the second time this year, which was aided by a couple of great catches, but also hurt by a drop and a half (Delp's killed a drive, Bowers' was a 4-seamer that he couldn't react quickly enough to). He sits 8th nationally in ypg as well as passer rating. Aside from his marksman-like accuracy, I'm increasingly impressed by his ability to maneuver in the pocket, sliding away from pressure, creating throwing lanes, and also taking off when necessary.
Tykee Smith continues to have one or two plays where he looks like he's wearing cement loafers (not in the mafia way, of course), but then responds to make several elite plays. The play where he shed a block and made an open field tackle for basically no gain was huge. 10 tackles, 8 solo is a good night.
Hated that Ladd couldn't go, for the most part. I thought his back issues were behind him (see what I did there?), but apparently, it tightened up on him again. Thankfully, NMU is the continued mindset for the Dawgs. Dillon Bell had his best game as a Bulldog. I was really hoping he'd have a chance to get a rushing TD to add to his passing and receiving ones. Not sure that's been done a whole heckuva lot, and especially by a non-QB. Each week, seems there's a different receiver that becomes a focal point for Beck and the offense. Great to see Bell get his, and be a bit of a Swiss Army Knife. Another reason this Georgia offense is so difficult to defend.
Despite being 'held' below their season average coming in, Georgia is now 4th nationally in offensive ypg at 501.8. Last year, the Dawgs finished 5th at 501.1, although that was after 3 monster games to finish out the year. I suspect this year's offense will eclipse what was a record-setting offense for the Dawgs last season.
After the 75 yd run by Jaylen Wright, the speedy RB managed just 15 yds on 8 carries the rest of the way. UTjr had just 55 yds total on the ground after that as well, and much of that came later on in garbage time. I believe that, entering the 4th quarter, they actually had negative rushing yards after the initial bust. Crazy.
Pursuant to that, and not to be a wet blanket, it's worth noting that the last two teams we've played have been more or less decimated by injuries on their O-Lines. Take nothing away from Georgia's defense, but something to keep in mind. Tech has a pretty solid O-Line. Bama, not so much.
Was hard to tell what got Bowers that riled up later in the game. We come to find out he apparently got spit on? Stay classy, Tennessee.
Thought Daylen Everette played respectably yesterday. Still gave up a couple plays, but overall seemed like a good game from him. We are obviously going to need him to play with confidence and consistency going forward, especially if Humphrey is out until/throughout the playoffs.
It is interesting to me how much we continue to rotate O-Linemen. Normally, I would be against it because it often seems to lead to discontinuity in the offense. But, it's working for us, and keeps guys engaged, prepared, and fresh.
The running game had some trouble getting untracked after our best game on the ground last week. Aside from a few nice runs and the reverse (or end-around, can't recall) to Arian Smith, it was tough sledding. Obviously didn't hurt our offense overall, though, and we have the epitome of a 'pick your poison' offense going.
Officiating was a bit better yesterday. I think a couple calls were missed for both teams. I was mildly perturbed watching the telecast when Gary and Gene were acting like the hold on Arian before the interception was ticky-tacky. It was evident on the live feed that he was being held. Just glad they gave the other angle that showed clear holding. Not a huge deal, but all the 'Georgia gets all the calls' talk would have been annoying.
Not to be forgotten, Rosemy-Jacksaint also had his best game, with the 7 catches and 2 TDs being career highs. Beck continues to spread the wealth, as 8 different players caught a pass. Although, UTjr also had 8 different players catch a ball, but I digress. MRJ is likely improving his prospects of being drafted, given his always steady blocking and now increased play-making and consistency catching the ball.
The Bulldogs now sit #5 in both scoring offense and scoring defense nationally. The only team that is even in the top 10 in both. We finished #4 and #5, respectively, last year. Not sure where we'll end up with hopefully 4 games left to play, but how's that for elite consistency? In 2021, we were #9 and #1. So, basically, these two rankings 'add up' to 9 or 10 over the last 3 years. Kind of an odd stat to point out, but still interesting.
To that end, I don't know if the CFP committee (or certain members thereof) take into account basic or advanced statistics, or to what degree. But, Assuming we maintain or improve on these rankings against Tech, it would be hard to deny that Georgia is the most dominant and best team in the nation. We will, in all likelihood, still need to beat Bama to make the CFP, but I do think our overall domination and resume will make it tough for them to leave us out if we lose.
I was glad Mizzou (somewhat luckily) held on against UF, and Ole Miss got it going in the second half against ULM. Again, probably need to beat Bama, but if those two win again next week, that will likely be two top 10-12 teams that we have victories over. Key for CFP.
So, one more regular season game left. Tech is certainly not an offensive juggernaut, but they are far better than they have been in recent years (#30 ypg). No defense to speak of, though. Here's hoping we can find a stop on defense to start the game for a change, break their will within the first 30 minutes, and get rested for Bama.
To get the abundantly obvious out of the way, the Dawgs defense once again gave up an opening drive touchdown, offering the least resistance possible. This is becoming a bigger mystery than how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop. Might need to bring in Dr. Jack Llewellyn. But, again, Georgia answered the call by responding with a FG, getting a 3 and out, and driving for a TD to take the lead for good. It's quite astonishing, though, that this keeps happening.
Carson Beck was nigh on unstoppable. He completed 80% of his passes for the second time this year, which was aided by a couple of great catches, but also hurt by a drop and a half (Delp's killed a drive, Bowers' was a 4-seamer that he couldn't react quickly enough to). He sits 8th nationally in ypg as well as passer rating. Aside from his marksman-like accuracy, I'm increasingly impressed by his ability to maneuver in the pocket, sliding away from pressure, creating throwing lanes, and also taking off when necessary.
Tykee Smith continues to have one or two plays where he looks like he's wearing cement loafers (not in the mafia way, of course), but then responds to make several elite plays. The play where he shed a block and made an open field tackle for basically no gain was huge. 10 tackles, 8 solo is a good night.
Hated that Ladd couldn't go, for the most part. I thought his back issues were behind him (see what I did there?), but apparently, it tightened up on him again. Thankfully, NMU is the continued mindset for the Dawgs. Dillon Bell had his best game as a Bulldog. I was really hoping he'd have a chance to get a rushing TD to add to his passing and receiving ones. Not sure that's been done a whole heckuva lot, and especially by a non-QB. Each week, seems there's a different receiver that becomes a focal point for Beck and the offense. Great to see Bell get his, and be a bit of a Swiss Army Knife. Another reason this Georgia offense is so difficult to defend.
Despite being 'held' below their season average coming in, Georgia is now 4th nationally in offensive ypg at 501.8. Last year, the Dawgs finished 5th at 501.1, although that was after 3 monster games to finish out the year. I suspect this year's offense will eclipse what was a record-setting offense for the Dawgs last season.
After the 75 yd run by Jaylen Wright, the speedy RB managed just 15 yds on 8 carries the rest of the way. UTjr had just 55 yds total on the ground after that as well, and much of that came later on in garbage time. I believe that, entering the 4th quarter, they actually had negative rushing yards after the initial bust. Crazy.
Pursuant to that, and not to be a wet blanket, it's worth noting that the last two teams we've played have been more or less decimated by injuries on their O-Lines. Take nothing away from Georgia's defense, but something to keep in mind. Tech has a pretty solid O-Line. Bama, not so much.
Was hard to tell what got Bowers that riled up later in the game. We come to find out he apparently got spit on? Stay classy, Tennessee.
Thought Daylen Everette played respectably yesterday. Still gave up a couple plays, but overall seemed like a good game from him. We are obviously going to need him to play with confidence and consistency going forward, especially if Humphrey is out until/throughout the playoffs.
It is interesting to me how much we continue to rotate O-Linemen. Normally, I would be against it because it often seems to lead to discontinuity in the offense. But, it's working for us, and keeps guys engaged, prepared, and fresh.
The running game had some trouble getting untracked after our best game on the ground last week. Aside from a few nice runs and the reverse (or end-around, can't recall) to Arian Smith, it was tough sledding. Obviously didn't hurt our offense overall, though, and we have the epitome of a 'pick your poison' offense going.
Officiating was a bit better yesterday. I think a couple calls were missed for both teams. I was mildly perturbed watching the telecast when Gary and Gene were acting like the hold on Arian before the interception was ticky-tacky. It was evident on the live feed that he was being held. Just glad they gave the other angle that showed clear holding. Not a huge deal, but all the 'Georgia gets all the calls' talk would have been annoying.
Not to be forgotten, Rosemy-Jacksaint also had his best game, with the 7 catches and 2 TDs being career highs. Beck continues to spread the wealth, as 8 different players caught a pass. Although, UTjr also had 8 different players catch a ball, but I digress. MRJ is likely improving his prospects of being drafted, given his always steady blocking and now increased play-making and consistency catching the ball.
The Bulldogs now sit #5 in both scoring offense and scoring defense nationally. The only team that is even in the top 10 in both. We finished #4 and #5, respectively, last year. Not sure where we'll end up with hopefully 4 games left to play, but how's that for elite consistency? In 2021, we were #9 and #1. So, basically, these two rankings 'add up' to 9 or 10 over the last 3 years. Kind of an odd stat to point out, but still interesting.
To that end, I don't know if the CFP committee (or certain members thereof) take into account basic or advanced statistics, or to what degree. But, Assuming we maintain or improve on these rankings against Tech, it would be hard to deny that Georgia is the most dominant and best team in the nation. We will, in all likelihood, still need to beat Bama to make the CFP, but I do think our overall domination and resume will make it tough for them to leave us out if we lose.
I was glad Mizzou (somewhat luckily) held on against UF, and Ole Miss got it going in the second half against ULM. Again, probably need to beat Bama, but if those two win again next week, that will likely be two top 10-12 teams that we have victories over. Key for CFP.
So, one more regular season game left. Tech is certainly not an offensive juggernaut, but they are far better than they have been in recent years (#30 ypg). No defense to speak of, though. Here's hoping we can find a stop on defense to start the game for a change, break their will within the first 30 minutes, and get rested for Bama.
