GAMECOCKS DEFEAT THE DAWGS IN CONVINCING FASHION

With all eyes on Columbia yesterday at high noon, it was apparent early on that this this year's team is one of Spurrier's best at USC.

 

Carolina got the ball first and drove straight down the field putting up a TD off a 16 play drive. They set the tone early with the capabilities of this Carolina squad. They let everyone know they can grind it out -- something Carolina fans have wanted for years. With Lattimore in, it is very apparent that these Gamecocks have balance, prowess, and innate ability to get a first down. Lattimore changes everything in Columbia, and it is an exciting time for the Gamecock Nation.

 

(Photo courtesy of Mike Zarrilli of Getty Images)

 

 

A lot of credit has to go to Shawn Elliott. He had the Offensive Line looking amazing. He comes from Appalachian State, where he helped guide steer the Mountaineers to 3 straight National Championships (2005, 2006, & 2007). While there he coached up 3 consecutive SoCon Jacobs Blocking Trophy recipients. In his first year at USC Coach Elliott has Lattimore is running behind one well coached line.

 

Combine that with a senior QB in Garcia and you have one excellent foundation for an Offensive explosion.

 

The Defense was no joke either. USC controlled both lines of scrimmage all day, and while Washaun Ealey got the ball for 19 carries for UGA, he never broke one big, never saw paydirt and found the ball stripped from him by #21 DeVonte Holloman inside the 5 yard line late in the game. It was a huge blow to UGA, and an amazing lift for the Gamecocks. It was the play of the day as the score at the time was 14-6 (Gamecocks).

 

Garcia finished the day 12-17, 165 yards and no TDs in the air. It was all Lattimore. He got the ball 37 times, racked up a whopping 187 yards and 2 TDs. He will always be considered the crown jewel of the most recent recruiting class for USC, and yesterday's performance was ample evidence why he was so highly regarded. He makes everyone look better.

 

In a losing effort, Justin Houston made is presence felt on the Georgia Defense. He was one of the bright spots on the Georgia defense, as he brought in 3 sacks on the day. He will continue to terrorize opponents all year. Grantham's defense is still a work in progress, and they had a tall order yesterday trying to slow down the Carolina offense. Georgia seemed to be a bit timid and seriously lacking in fundamental tackling -- very reminiscent of last year's squad. Arm tackles were prevalent, but things should get better for UGA if they can focus on wrapping up and swarming to the ball.

 

Game Stats:

 

3rd Down Efficiency

• UGA: 3-11
• USC: 9-14

 

Rushing Yards:

• UGA: 61
• USC: 189

 

Passing Yards:

• UGA: 192
• USC: 165

 

Carolina has Furman then a big test with a road trip to Auburn, then a week off, then Alabama.

 

Georgia has a huge home test with Arkansas coming to town, then they travel to Miss. State.

 

Expectations in Columbia could not be higher, and for good reason. If they Gamecocks can stay humble and hungry and focus on 1 week at a time, then they could be booking tickets to ATL. But that's another story for another day.

SO CLOSE YOU CAN ALMOST TASTE IT - PART III

With our first full Saturday of College Football Games rapidly approaching, we are going to break these down by time slot, as there are a lot of games on the slate. Up first, the Noon to 3:30 Games.

UGA OUTLOOK 2010

Judging by the numbers from last season, Georgia began to really take shape mid season as the ground game took full stride. It started upfront with a healthy offensive line for the Vanderbilt game. UGA was unable to harness that energy for remainder of season on a weekly basis. The DAWGS were stricken with penalties and really battled with sustained balanced production from the run and the pass. Sure there were some great victories in the 2nd half of the season, but look for a strong emphasis on smash mouth football in 2010.

It starts up front with Offensive and Defensive Lines.

First off, the O-Line brings the starting 5 all back. If the DAWGS handle themselves the way they ended 2009, as they rolled Georgia Tech and Texas A&M, then predictions going into Spring Practice centers around DAWG fans being very pleased. CALEB KING and WASHAUN EALEY will have good holes to run through. The fullback and tight end play will continue to hit them where it hurts, and A.J. will catch whatever is thrown to him. It should be nice to see A.J. Green catch the ball in stride this year. It seems like A.J. was having to make a ton of circus catches to bring in off-target throws last year.

Looking ahead at the D-Line, UGA is starting with a proverbial clean slate. As Grantham and company install the 3-4, everyone is focused on the future. No one is complaining about the new staff, and for good reason. Coach Richt and Damon Evans, have assembled an All-Star cast. Look for an aggressively sound Defense in 2010 with an emphasis on the fundamentals. Look for in-state defensive recruits to keep Georgia at the top of their list from here on out. Coach Grantham and company will lead the Georgia Defense back to national prominence.

(Photo courtesy Parker Moore)


There are new faces upfront and a number of returning players. Look for key players to step up big. A couple names come to mind. The defense is being re-crafted currently, and we will know a lot more after the spring game, but speedster JUSTIN HOUSTON is a standout. Whether he's rushing off the line or lining up a linebacker, he will impact games. He speed and rushing abilities should be a huge asset for 2010.

I'm also looking for big things from DEMARCUS DOBBS. I'm very excited about seeing what KWAME GEATHERS and DEANGELO TYSON bring to the table in 2010.

Georgia will have to work out the kinks quick as the season opener against Louisiana (September 4th). The DAWGS play the following week in "The Southern Man's Classic" against against South Carolina in the SEC opener. Both dates will be here before you know it.