FanNation - The Republic of Sport

     Yesterday Georgia played Georgia Tech in a game to remember. The Bulldogs dominated the first half, leading 28-12. Then all heck broke loose, and the Dawgs D forgot how to tackle. The Yellow Jackets just took the game and never looked back. Georgia Tech ran the clock out in the end, and won the game for the first time since George O'Leary was head coach. This gives both teams 9-3 records, very impressive for Tech in Paul Johnson's first year and pretty disappointing for a Georgia team that started this year ranked #1 in the nation. 

     The one thing that killed Georgia's chances (as it has all year) was penalties. During the game there was a stat showing that Georgia was 2nd in the country in penalties, only behind TCU. I've heard the commentators talking about how Richt runs the team for penalties, but it ain't working. My idea is to hire a drill sergeant (how about R. Lee Ermey) and scare the living crap out of the Dawgs. Hey, you gotta try something.

      Something that has been bothering me happened early in the game. In field goal range, Georgia went for it and didn't get it. If the Dawgs would have kicked the field goal and made it, the game would have been 45-45 at the end and would have went into overtime. Maybe the wind was strong, or maybe the field was too torn up to attempt it, but I can't help but look back and say "what if?"

      Speculation has arisen that yesterday's game might have been the last regular season games for Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. Stafford, a junior, is speculated to be a Top 10 NFL pick, while every one knows how great Knowshon is. So, what are they going to do? I predict that Stafford leaves, but Knowshon stays. For some reason, I feel like he hasn't done enough to go high in the draft. If he stays one more year, puts up huge numbers, contends for the Heisman, and THEN leaves, he would go in the first round, while if he went this year he wouldn't go until the second or third round.

       I wrote a blog earlier this week about how I suddenly like Tech. Screw it, I'm already over that phase. Tech sucks, and so does losing to them. This is the first time I've ever seen Georgia get beat by GT, and it hurts me. Call me too emotional, but man, I would have rather lost this game by 45 then lose it by 3. Georgia might still be playing in a Jan 1st bowl game (possibly Capital One against Ohio St), but label this season a disappointment.