Orange Bowl Thread - #3 Georgia vs #2 Michigan

[putnam6]

 

[putnam6]

Dammit I wanted to not like them but **** I couldn't, at least not these 2 guys. Wouldn't mind either one on the Falcons defense next year.

 

 

[007dawg]

Can’t get a good feel for how the game will go, so just gonna put on my red and black glasses and say 24-10 Dawgs!

[putnam6]

Me either, was up all night..

but I will say this the Wolverine fans seem supremely confident, like they are winning the Natty kind of confidence. 

Id say they are more confident than a lot of Georgia fans.

Dawgs in a nail biter 28-24

[Carter]

39 minutes ago, putnam6 said:

Me either, was up all night..

but I will say this the Wolverine fans seem supremely confident, like they are winning the Natty kind of confidence. 

Id say they are more confident than a lot of Georgia fans.

Dawgs in a nail biter 28-24

Michigan fans confidence is not unfounded. They are one of the few teams that historically has done very well against top/comparable SEC competition. Between 2016-2018 they played Florida three times and won two by blowout. (Lost the third by blowout.) They also played Florida during their run with Urban Meyer in 2007-2008 and beat them 41-35.

Also a lot of people (including some UGA fans) seem to be completely dismissing the Dawgs after the loss to Bama. I am hopeful that this has put a legitimate fire of underdog “disrespect” in the team. I’ve seen several fan polls with UGA getting the least votes of all four teams in who will win the natty. That Bama loss really hit the perception hard.

Of course every game and season is different. On paper there is a lot about this matchup that favors UGA, particularly the quality of depth. But I think Dawg fans would be wise to expect a tight game. On paper this is a matchup similar to Kentucky with better players at a few spots, though Michigan doesn’t have a WR as good as UK’s Robinson imo. But we know football is not played out on paper. Should be a great game!

Also Harbaugh is a freaking weirdo lol

[SacFalcFan]

What are you predictions?  I have UGA winning 34 to 20.  Should be a fun game today.  Go Dawgs!!!

[Carter]

Here is a solid breakdown for anyone interested. Fairly long thread but a very thoughtful and mostly unbiased analysis. Tap/click on the tweet below to read the full thread.

 

[putnam6]

1 hour ago, Carter said:

Here is a solid breakdown for anyone interested. Fairly long thread but a very thoughtful and mostly unbiased analysis. Tap/click on the tweet below to read the full thread.

 

The link didn't work for me, but I found it and yes Id suggest any nervous UGA football nutter to read it...**** Im going to memorize it and have it printed for quick reference

https://twitter.com/DawgOutWest/status/1476821679150034945

[SacFalcFan]

8 minutes ago, putnam6 said:

The link didn't work for me, but I found it and yes Id suggest any nervous UGA football nutter to read it...**** Im going to memorize it and have it printed for quick reference

https://twitter.com/DawgOutWest/status/1476821679150034945

Not nervous at all myself.. We win by a few touchdowns today.. Michigan is a heck of a team, but we match up very well with them IMO.   Thanks you and carter for posting that breakdown. 

[putnam6]

Should be mandatory reading for serious UGA football fans

Graham Coffey
@DawgOutWest

I’m emptying my notes ahead of UGA-Michigan in the Orange Bowl with 15 Pregame Thoughts (THREAD)

1. On UGA’s secondary: These two teams ended their seasons in an opposite manner, and I think that has skewed the perception of both a bit too far. UGA got “exposed” Vs Bama but they changed their defensive philosophy in that game and started Poole for the 1st time ever (9 rec allowed on 11 tgt’s for 164 YDS & 2 TD’s). The talk about the back end of this D is that it’s a liability. There’s no Williams on the UM roster. There’s not a Metchie either. UM hasn’t shown it’s equipped to do what Bama did to UGA from a personnel or scheme standpoint. Brini should return to the lineup in a big way and his presence in the run will be huge. Kendrick and Ringo are plenty good enough on the boundaries. I don’t expect Michigan to have many guys running free in this game and as charted this week, this UM pass catching group isn’t great with contested catches. The Wolverines have good TE’s and covering them will be key for UGA. If Michigan can’t run consistently they’re in big trouble. Can they?

2. Corum/Haskins are strong RB’s, but this OL isn’t great on the interior. The dominant LOS performance over OSU is stuck in everyone’s heads, but Kentucky had more YPC this year than Michigan. The last team UGA faced who was this pull heavy were those Wildcats and the DL group from Georgia blew up those schemes before they ever got going on most rushing downs. That could be a problem for UM too.

3. Michigan has used #3 AJ Henning in end-around and other misdirection type packages this year to get to the boundaries on the ground against team. That’s a
tough ask against Tindall/Dean/Walker.

4. Cade McNamara is a good QB who excels at throwing intermediate balls in-stride and turning them into big plays. He’s not lethal on the boundary shots deep downfield but he hasn’t had to be with the run game. If a big play is going to pop for the Wolverines it’s probably going to come from a crossing route or a missed run fit followed by a missed tackle. UGA has been one of the best tackling teams in CFB since Kirby Smart arrived and it will need to be in this game as well.

5. Early downs are HUGE in this game. We saw against Alabama that UGA can’t live behind the sticks. Get in an obvious passing situation against Michigan with Stetson Bennett under Center and you’re dead in the water. Todd Monken has to keep UM off-balance in this game and Georgia has to be effective enough running

6. To be effective in the run game what does UGA need to do? Well, you don’t want to run at Hutchinson too often, but your Guards have struggled all year. The good news for Georgia is that UM’s DT’s aren’t great, especially if their 2nd teamers rotate in. UGA can get push behind Sedrick Van-Pran and I think that tempo will allow Georgia to keep those 2nd teamers on the field for some downs where UM would rather they sub out. Ericson/Shaffer will whiff some blocks, but they’ll have some good moments too.

7. The weak spot for UM imo is the ILB position.When chunk runs happen against the Wolverines they happen around the edge or by backs busting through the line and quickly cutting toward the boundary. Zamir will pound away with body blows, but I think Cook has big play potential in this game.

8. Those same ILB’s have struggled in coverage. Angle routes to Cook and Wheel routes to McIntosh could pop for Georgia, but I think the spot to watch is the TE position. If Dax Hill can’t go that’s an uh-oh for UM versus Brock Bowers, but in 2 TE sets you’re going to see Darnell Washington inline a lot. He will
have to help out with Hutchinson and Ojabo more often than not, but at some point there’s going to be a seam route with Washington blowing past one of those inside backers. Can UGA protect it? Can Bennett see it? TBD, but it could be a big play in this game.

9. What does UGA have to do to protect? The Dawgs did a pretty great job on Will Anderson even when they got into obvious passing situations, but they will have to scheme some things to keep Ojabo/Hutchinson from teeing off. Some of the concepts from the Clemson game that were designed to get the ball on the edges came close to popping, but Clemson’s LB’s were fantastic that night. Against Michigan, some screen plays and quick routes could have a better shot of busting open. MSU did some things with H-Backs in the run game and ran play-action off of them for big plays. Watch for those.

 

11. If UGA’s interior lineman are able to penetrate consistently it’s hard to see a path where Michigan wins this game. A lot of Michigan’s 3rd down routes are available because teams can’t take LB’s out of the box and can’t move safeties out of the middle 3rd,McNamara is very good with timing routes. I think he can do a lot of damage if UGA is worried about runs busting to the 2nd and 3rd levels of the defense consistently. Michigan is good at climbing to the LB’s in their run blocking. Scraping and filling at LB will be huge for UGA

12. Michigan has had to score from far to be successful for much of the year. UGA is really good at stopping that. With a month layoff both teams will have some tricks up their sleeves. If UGA lets someone behind them or a run breaks free it’s CRUCIAL for them to make that tackle inside the red zone instead of letting Michigan cash in a long TD. UGA’s great in the red-zone and UM struggles when they can’t just run inside the 20. I think the red-zone will be huge for both teams. Whoever cashes in TD’s will win this game.

 

13. McNamara is great presnap but I wonder if UGA can use that to their advantage at some point in this game. McNamara will identify matchups presnap and predetermine his throws from time to time. Can UGA show him a LB in man and bring a robber or disguise a buzz or strong hook zone as a blitz to create a INT?

 

14. Unlike a lot of folks, I don’t think UGA is going to accept a sputtering offense in this game. There’s too many good athletes at the skill spots for Georgia to have a Clemson game repeat. There’s matchups on the field UGA should be able to exploit, even more so with a healthy George Pickens. If Bennett comes out and isn’t seeing the field I don’t think Georgia rides with him like they have in the past. This offense will look smooth early or changes will be made. I know many are expecting a tight defensive struggle, and I am to an extent but I think Georgia’s depth might overwhelm Michigan at some point. 15. Michigan’s kicker has been automatic, and Jake Camarda has been great at giving opponents long fields. A mistake in the return game, a blocked kick, etc could break this game for either team. Y’all have fun tonight

 

Poole still never should've played as much as he did at the star position. Any idea why Brini wasn't in there to begin with? Think he was ruled a healthy scratch?

[LawDawg]

Since it's not Nick Saban, I expect us to win.

 

[Williamb]

11 hours ago, putnam6 said:

Reminds what my Dad (RIP) used to say quite often, I taught you everything you know, I didn't teach you everything I know. Its from a movie and dammit now I can't remember which one... Might have been The Color of Money

I remember the quote but can't place it either. Yeah, people forget that it took saban 10yrs and 3 football programs to win his first natty. And michigan state had won 6 in their past so no fluke program. It just takes a while for a hc to learn and build the program he wants. And kirby has done exceptionally well in his short time. Better than saban in his first 6 seasons.

[ATL58]

3 hours ago, Carter said:

Michigan fans confidence is not unfounded. They are one of the few teams that historically has done very well against top/comparable SEC competition. Between 2016-2018 they played Florida three times and won two by blowout. (Lost the third by blowout.) They also played Florida during their run with Urban Meyer in 2007-2008 and beat them 41-35.

Also a lot of people (including some UGA fans) seem to be completely dismissing the Dawgs after the loss to Bama. I am hopeful that this has put a legitimate fire of underdog “disrespect” in the team. I’ve seen several fan polls with UGA getting the least votes of all four teams in who will win the natty. That Bama loss really hit the perception hard.

Of course every game and season is different. On paper there is a lot about this matchup that favors UGA, particularly the quality of depth. But I think Dawg fans would be wise to expect a tight game. On paper this is a matchup similar to Kentucky with better players at a few spots, though Michigan doesn’t have a WR as good as UK’s Robinson imo. But we know football is not played out on paper. Should be a great game!

Also Harbaugh is a freaking weirdo lol

Dawgs had an easy regular season schedule and we’re never tested. Bama was the first team that tested them and blew their doors off. Jordan Davis was exposed as a mediocre fat guy, and we learned that Stetson Bennett is not the guy than can put a team on its shoulder and has serious limitations. And of course if was further confirmed that Kirby is no Saban and will always get outcoached. 

As far as Michigan goes, I see Harbaugh as a guy that has the ability to fire up his guys with his craziness. Lots of talent over there too. 

Stetson Bennett is my biggest concern. I’m not critical of him because he is what he is, a walk on that should never have had to be put in this situation. It’s on Kirby that he has failed once again to get a quality quarterback or two ready to lead this team. With the resources he has to work with its quite unacceptable 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Hugh Janus

[SacFalcFan]

1 hour ago, Williamb said:

I remember the quote but can't place it either. Yeah, people forget that it took saban 10yrs and 3 football programs to win his first natty. And michigan state had won 6 in their past so no fluke program. It just takes a while for a hc to learn and build the program he wants. And kirby has done exceptionally well in his short time. Better than saban in his first 6 seasons.

I remember this movie and great interchange..  There is also a very similar line in the movie Maverick.  

[putnam6]

29 minutes ago, Hugh Janus said:

Dawgs had an easy regular season schedule and we’re never tested. Bama was the first team that tested them and blew their doors off. Jordan Davis was exposed as a mediocre fat guy, and we learned that Stetson Bennett is not the guy than can put a team on its shoulder and has serious limitations. And of course if was further confirmed that Kirby is no Saban and will always get outcoached. 

As far as Michigan goes, I see Harbaugh as a guy that has the ability to fire up his guys with his craziness. Lots of talent over there too. 

Stetson Bennett is my biggest concern. I’m not critical of him because he is what he is, a walk on that should never have had to be put in this situation. It’s on Kirby that he has failed once again to get a quality quarterback or two ready to lead this team. With the resources he has to work with its quite unacceptable 

Not gonna lie I understand that sentiment, after tonight I might be posting it as well. 

and Im serious who would they get if they canned Kirby? 

I hear Dan Mullen is available

[ATL58]

9 minutes ago, putnam6 said:

Not gonna lie I understand that sentiment, after tonight I might be posting it as well. 

and Im serious who would they get if they canned Kirby? 

I hear Dan Mullen is available

Haha. Not saying there’s a better option than Kirby. His biggest issue is that Saban is still coaching. I think once he retires, Kirby and a lot of coaches will have less issues dealing with unrealistic expectations from the respective fan bases. 

And the Stetson issue (and his overall handling of QBs in general) is the only beef I have with him. Everything else he has accomplished is the best ever in UGAs history and should be recognized as such. 

Edited December 31, 2021 by Hugh Janus

[putnam6]

2 minutes ago, SacFalcFan said:

I remember this movie and great interchange..  There is also a very similar line in the movie Maverick.  

**** thats has got to be it, Dad liked Colburn not to mention he would often tell us that as he beat his kids at 9 ball as we bet our paychecks from whatever jobs with had at the time.  Seriously he took my first paycheck ever $187.32 and he kept it for a week too, even then I think Mom made him give it back.  

[Dawggone]

Bro, what in the world is going on with this board? A mediocre fat guy? And can Kirby??? For what? For whom? Where y’all not fans for Donnan & Goff? **** Richt and Dooley neither one came close to what Smart has done. Am I happy with the qb situation? Meh, not really but O don’t know everything either. Other than that and the defensive gameplay against Bama good luck finding anyone better, including Saban. It’s odd after finally reaching consistent perennial top 5-8 type teams we want to fire Smart. I just don’t understand that. 

[ATL58]

2 minutes ago, Dawggone said:

Bro, what in the world is going on with this board? A mediocre fat guy? And can Kirby??? For what? For whom? Where y’all not fans for Donnan & Goff? **** Richt and Dooley neither one came close to what Smart has done. Am I happy with the qb situation? Meh, not really but O don’t know everything either. Other than that and the defensive gameplay against Bama good luck finding anyone better, including Saban. It’s odd after finally reaching consistent perennial top 5-8 type teams we want to fire Smart. I just don’t understand that. 

Whoa! I don’t think he was serious about firing Kirby. I think he may have thought my critique of his QB handling meant I wanted him fired. He’ll no! 

But I do think Jordan Davis is nothing more than ordinary. I’ll stand by that. 

[putnam6]

3 minutes ago, Dawggone said:

Bro, what in the world is going on with this board? A mediocre fat guy? And can Kirby??? For what? For whom? Where y’all not fans for Donnan & Goff? **** Richt and Dooley neither one came close to what Smart has done. Am I happy with the qb situation? Meh, not really but O don’t know everything either. Other than that and the defensive gameplay against Bama good luck finding anyone better, including Saban. It’s odd after finally reaching consistent perennial top 5-8 type teams we want to fire Smart. I just don’t understand that. 

I don't believe anybody is seriously discussing that,  I know Im not. **** Im doing to get my mind off the game.... 

 

[putnam6]

Just now, Hugh Janus said:

Whoa! I don’t think he was serious about firing Kirby. I think he may have thought my critique of his QB handling meant I wanted him fired. He’ll no! 

But I do think Jordan Davis is nothing more than ordinary. I’ll stand by that. 

LOL I literally clicked like on the first part and un clicked it on the second part?

Davis is probably a top 15 pick, I like to have him on the Falcons and its not the biggest need. 

That said he needs to dominate to collapse the Michigan's run game

[SacFalcFan]

 

[putnam6]

2 minutes ago, SacFalcFan said:

 

Would definitely like to see Zeus/Cook do a Chubb/Micheal Semi Final impression. Think both are capable of having a big game, if they can run the ball Dawgs likely win.

[SacFalcFan]

17 minutes ago, Hugh Janus said:

Whoa! I don’t think he was serious about firing Kirby. I think he may have thought my critique of his QB handling meant I wanted him fired. He’ll no! 

But I do think Jordan Davis is nothing more than ordinary. I’ll stand by that. 

disagree with most of what you said above in addition to you comment that UGA wasn't tested.. Our strength of record was one of the best in the nation.  We played good competition and we were not supposedly tested because we dominated almost every team we faced minus clemson because we were hammered with injuries.. alabama played a very similar schedule and against similar competition they struggled mightily.  why?  because they played like crap in 5 games this year, but had enough talent to pull off those close wins.. No we lost a game to alabama.. that had nothing to do with our schedule being easy because you can say the same about alabama so that reasoning is just wrong IMO..   What happened was clear our coaches puckered up and changed our defense in the first half as I have said many times on this board and someone who was actually at the game 12 rows from our sideline I saw stuff you never saw on the screen.  Our dbs were clueless on where to line up.. why?  because we were playing zone and contain.  When we changed that our defense played a lot better including 3 straight 3 and outs of bama.. However our offense wasn't able to score enough especially after that pick 6..  We got up 10-0 early and then lost the game in the 2nd quarter.  Your crapping on Jordan Davis is ridiculous.  He is one of the best dlinemen in the nation and he has shown it time and time again.  He has the hardware to back that up so you just have a hatred for him.  Regarding Stetson most don't believe he can beat bama.. He has to prove most of us wrong and I hope he does.. Anyone who mentions firing of Kirby needs to go root for another team.. We have done more with Kirby in the past 6 years than in the previous 40 years combined.  We have some of the worst fans who go out of their way to trash our own.. 

[SacFalcFan]

1 minute ago, putnam6 said:

Would definitely like to see Zeus/Cook do a Chubb/Micheal Semi Final impression. Think both are capable of having a big game, if they can run the ball Dawgs likely win.

We are going to actually need to see our running game shine if we are to win.. honestly this oline has underperformed IMO.. Our running game needs to improve and hopefully it will and maybe milton can stop being mr. injury for a chance.. i swear he is about to end up being another keith marshall for us..