As recently as Wednesday, I considered watching this week's game from the comforts of my couch. I allowed those feelings to run their course and recognized them as momentary lapses in judgement. Then I focused on getting my spirit straight. On Wednesday night, I sat down to watch the Bama game on Tivo.
These were my thoughts:
It was a cathartic experience. I was surprised by my strong sense of dread as I flipped through my recording list. I watched the opening minutes of the first quarter with a sickening feeling of anxiety. But, slowly, something began to change.....
Now, I need to be clear: The team that played the best won. The referees were not to blame. Alabama deserves all of the credit for a dominating first half, in a hostile environment, to secure an SEC road win.
But it wasn't as bad as I had originally thought. Every break, in the first half, went Alabama's way and they were able to capitalize. Which most good teams are going to do. I thought these four were key:
- Ellerbe goes down on the third play.
- The 18 yard punt by Mimbs allowed a short scoring drive.
- The AJ Green fumble (which looked more like an INT to me) would have converted a crucial third down. Had he held onto the ball, there wasn't a single defender between him and the goal line. That led to another Tide score.
- Durham had two great catches on consecutive plays. On the second, he rolls his ankle and is out indefinitely.
There were too many penalties (again) that are the result of a lack of judgement (roughing the passer) or concentration (false starts and whatever it was that Chandler was called for to open the second half). They killed our drives, kept our D on the field, and contributed to great field position for the Tide.Prince Miller, as a defender, did not have a good game. Justin Anderson, at offensive tackle, had a poor performance. I thought Stafford and the receivers had some great moments. He has an incredible arm and threw a lot of nice balls. Michael Moore had a few key drops but also made some difficult grabs in traffic. Ben Jones played great at center. But he wasn't getting very much help. When he was called for holding on the 4th and 18 that we converted, I was screaming at the TV. Bama was only rushing three or four guys. Both of our guards stood straight up and touched no one. With a little help from either side, that play doesn't get called back.
A few thoughts that I hope CMR/Bobo/etc would take into consideration:
1. There are 93,000 fans that have been tailgating all day, dressed in black, that have the stadium feeling like it is about to explode. The perceived strength of this team is an offense with many weapons, including a Heisman candidate. Why do you defer to the second half?
2. You have Moreno (and King) in the backfield with Chapas as FB (who has been playing well). Southerland returns this week. Why is it the second quarter before you line up in the I-formation to run the ball? Further, why is the second play from scrimmage a screen pass? I realize that Saban likes to blitz and we want to counter. I realize that you want to get this Heisman candidate the ball, in space, where he can make a play. But why not hand him the ball, as you would do later, and let him be productive. I think we tried to be a little too cute too early in the game.
3. We have many weapons in the backfield and at each pass-catching position. I NEVER want to see a QB sweep again. Ever. Stafford got his bell rung. I think, as a direct result, he made poor decisions to finish that series and the next. It's just not worth it. When he has been forced from the pocket, he has made a few plays with his legs. Which I like to see. But in my opinion, he should never get his number called on a running play. The risk does not justify the reward.
I was proud to see this team continue to fight for the rest of the game. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, we had a game to watch - the difference was only two scores. One more key stop by the defense and the results MIGHT have been different.
Which brings me to this week. After last year's Tennessee game, there was a lot of bewilderment. Little did we know, there was a lot of excitement to come. I expect nothing different this year. All of our goals are still in sight. How sweet would it be to have the opportunity for a rematch in December?
The Vols
I have said it more than once: There are only two teams that I truly hate. Sure, we like to refer to the Tech game as "Good Ol' Fashioned Hate." But my feelings for the Gnats are nowhere near the level of disgust I feel for the teams from Gainesville and Knoxville. (Truthfully, I would be happy if the North Avenue Trade School only lost one game per year -- as long as that loss continues to ruin their Thanksgiving dinner.)
As for the Volunteers? I'd be happy if Fulmer never won another game. I wish he would have to spend the rest of his life in bewilderment looking up at the career win mark for General Neyland that he is so desperately chasing. I want Vanderbilt to be considered the best football program in Tennessee. And I would like to see the folks in eastern Tennessee so fed up with their team that they refuse phone service for their precious 865 area code. (If you need to, spell it out on your phone).
12 months ago, we spent a wonderful weekend in the mountains of Asheville. The weather was ridiculous. We enjoyed a perfect hike. As usual, we enjoyed some tasty meals prepared by Wolfgang Malcom.....all to the sounds from another Sarah mix (think John Cusak in High Fidelity). And the hated Volunteers did their best to try to ruin it all.
For the past two years, we have entered this game with 1 loss and, either protecting or trying to climb into, a top ten ranking. Both games were disastrous losses. Last year, we faced a two-loss Vol team that had been beaten by two, top-ten teams and wasn't highly regarded by the rest of the country. This year, we face a three loss team that has looked ugly even when they have won - scraping by Northern Illinois last week in Neyland Stadium - that isn't highly regarded by the rest of the country.
Once again, Fulmer has his back against the wall. The decibel levels of the "Fire Phil" chants are rising. There is even a new website calling for the hire of current Texas defensive coordinator, (and former Dawg DB) Will Muschamp. Which I hope never happens.
But make no mistake: A desperate Fulmer will do everything he can for a win that will do a lot to turn down the heat. He knows how to beat Georgia and he knows how to do it in Athens. The Volunteers own a winning record against Georgia that includes an 8-5 advantage Between the Hedges. In 2006, the Vols scored 51 points, in Athens, against a Dawg D that entered the game ranked 5th in the nation for scoring defense. That was only the second time that a visting team had ever eclipsed the 50 point mark at Sanford Stadium.
All of this means that I don't really know what to expect on Saturday. I believe Georgia needs to have a strong showing. On paper, this is a game the Dawgs should control on both sides of the ball and produce a convincing win.
The Vols will be led by sophomore QB, Nick Stephens. This will be only his second start after replacing lackluster junior, Jonathan Crompton. He will be protected by a perenially strong offensive line -- all upperclassmen, all over 300 pounds (with the exeption of 280 at center - which is the only position under 300 on the two-deep chart).
Senior RB Arian Foster has punished the Georgia D for two straight years by scoring 6 times. He is chasing - and will likely eclipse - the career rushing mark for a Tennessee program that has put many great backs in the NFL.
Their most explosive player is likely Sophomore WR, Gerald Jones. There has been a lot of buzz about the "G-gun" formation they are expected to showcase with him in the backfield. Last year, Arkansas had a lot of success running this package with Darren McFadden. This year, the NFL caught a glimpse of this formation in Miami with Ronnie Brown scoring 4 TD's in a single game.
The Volunteer D is ranked fifth nationally in total defense, hasn't allowed a 100 yard rusher in any game, and hasn't surrendered a rushing TD since the first game. For the season, they have allowed only one rush over 20 yards. They have been forcing turnovers - 9 INT's thus far by six different defenders.
Word on the street is that CMR has implemented new rules regarding penalties. Apparently, no longer will the individual player pay the price - the entire team will feel the pain when someone draws a flag.
Injuries are taking a toll:
As I said earlier, Brannan Southerland returns for the first, full time action this season. This senior leader, both on the field and in the weight room, has been missed. He will provide a tremendous boost with his blocking abilities and has shown he knows how to find the end zone.
Ellerbe will be out, and will be missed, in his MLB position. Our two best LB's, counting Marcus Washington, will be watching in street clothes. Thankfully, we have a lot of talent at that position. I have confidence that Curran, Gamble, Dent, and Dewberry will fill the void.
Bruce Figgins will be fighting through the pain to play at least one more game at TE before making a decision to have season ending surgery to repair a torn labrum. Chandler is out.
WR Taveres King and DE Rod Battle might play. Both have missed significant time this year.
I don't need to mention the gaping holes caused by the season long absence of OT Studivant and DT Owens.
What can you do?
You can join us to feast on a northern tailgating tradition: the Spedie. Karinne (and Charles) will once again be bringing this tasty little meal for us to enjoy under the oaks on North Campus. The weather is expected to be beautiful and I am fired up about watching the latest edition of the Red River Rivalry at noon. #5 vs. #1. It should be a good one.
I look forward to seeing you there and watching the Dawgs GATA.
Go Dawgs,
a Dawg's Best Friend
