Weekly Column

The golf clubs are packed up and I’m off to see the ‘Dogs play in the Capital One Bowl against Michigan State.  Time to put a wrap on this season of disappointment.  This one was supposed to end down in Miami, where the BCS National Title game will be played. Or worst case, down in New Orleans at the Sugar Bowl. But as you know, it didn’t work out that way.

                The Georgia-Michigan State, SEC-Big 10 match-up is being marketed as a showdown of the all-around, 3-down running backs. Javon Ringer versus Knowshon Moreno. A match-up of two of the three finalists for the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back. Catch’m if you can defenses, on their way to the NFL. Word is Moreno is probably exiting early.  Ringer came back for his senior season and put up big numbers. Both can do it all…bust it between the tackles, bounce it outside, catch it and help protect the QB. NFL scouts love that about these two backs.

                Obviously, Georgia’s defense must do a better job of tackling than they’ve done late in the season. Missed tackles killed them in the Georgia Tech loss. Missed tackles were a factor in tight wins over both Auburn and Kentucky. Wrap up please. Try to block Ringer to the ground and he’s gone like Dwyer down the sideline. Richt has mentioned publicly that this is the focus heading into the 2009 season:  getting back to good, old-fashioned work on tackling in practice. The great Erk Russell would be happy to hear that.

                Slow down Ringer and the Michigan State offense stalls. The Bulldog defense needs to hunker down against this guy. Gang tackle is the theme.  So when Ringer makes the first guy miss, there are two more waiting. The Spartans passing attack is limited.

                Michigan State’s defense faces a bigger challenge going up against a balanced Georgia offense. Stafford & Company put up 101 points in their last 3 games. Moreno runs it. Matt throws it. And there are two elite receivers making plays.  Massa quoi and Green are both staring down 1,000 yard seasons, which would be a Georgia first.  Mo needs 90 and A.J. needs 49. The Spartans defense gave up big numbers against the best offenses they faced (Penn State 49/Ohio State 45).

                The big key for Georgia’s offense is to Execute the Mix. Get off to a clean start. Execution in the run game means: Get a hat on the defensive player and get Moreno some open space. Execution in the passing game is: Pitch & Catch. Don’t think the Spartans can stop’m. Only a messy, shoot yourself in the foot scenario can slow this offense down in this one.

                Of course, there is much going on outside the lines for Georgia right now. Stafford is doing his due diligence as far as the NFL Draft goes. Auburn’s new coach---Gene Chizik---is reportedly going to go after Garner and Searels, two of Richt’s most valuable assistants. That adds up to big distractions thrown into the mix heading into the bowl game season-ender. Mix that in with the season of disappointment, and I’m wondering if the ‘Dogs are capable of giving a quality performance.

                Michigan State is thrilled with this opportunity.  Motivated to be playing on New Year’s Day.  They also have a strong senior class looking for a memorable finish.  Coach Richt better come up with something special to get his guys ready. And I’m not talking about black jerseys or end zone celebrations. He’s got to stroke the emotions.