The University of Georgia kicked off its football campaign with a romping of Western Kentucky 48 – 12. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the game because I was in Seattle, but according to my reliable sources, Slick and Wubya, the game was never close. The outcome of the game isn’t surprising because the Bulldogs are simply more talented than the Division I-AA Hilltoppers. The sole purpose of the first game can be summed up in one word – observation. This game gave the UGA coaching staff an opportunity to observe players in real game situations, so the coaches can finally solidify the depth chart.
Unfortunately, the game may not have served its purpose. The quarterback situation is still a mess. We at least may have learned two things – Blake Burns may be out of the quarterback race, since he was the only one that didn’t get to play in the game and Matthew Stafford apparently will not be redshirted. According to my sources, Joe Tereshinski did not look impressive against the Hilltoppers and he lacks the “It” factor to be a starting quarterback in the SEC. He went 7 of 17 for 90 yards and had 1 touchdown. Although he split time, I would’ve thought his numbers would’ve been a bit better against a lesser opponent. Joe Cox, the number two quarterback went 2 of 3 for 29 yards and 1 interception, and highly touted freshman Matthew Stafford went 3 of 5 for 40 yards and 1 touchdown.
According to my sources, Stafford looked poised and crisp while on the field. He also possessed the “It” factor and looked ready for more playing time. I honestly believed Coach Richt was going to redshirt Stafford because Georgia supposedly had so much quarterback talent, but I guess Stafford must’ve shown Richt that he was ready to play now, or the other guys must’ve shown Richt that weren’t ready for the big time. I saw Joe T play against Florida and I heard about his performance against Western Kentucky and I think it’s fair to say that he has the brains and character to be the quarterback, but he may not possess the natural athletic ability to be the full time starter. If this is the case, why not give Joe Cox and Matthew Stafford more playing time since one of them is suppose to be the quarterback of the future. I think the beginning of the season is the perfect spot for both Cox and Stafford to take their bumps and bruises because when we play Tennessee, Florida, Auburn, and Georgia Tech, there won’t be much room for error.
Georgia’s running game once again proved to be consistent. Danny Ware had 68 yards and 1 touchdown on the ground, while Thomas Brown and Kregg Lumpkin both finished with 26 yards and 1 touchdown apiece. All three of these guys have started at tailback at some point in their career. As much as I love having three tailbacks, I wish one of them would step up and be the big dawg. Georgia hasn’t had a 1000 yard rusher since Musa Smith and it appears that none of these guys want to step up and earn the coaches trust so they can get a majority of the snaps.
Sometimes I feel like Coach Richt’s equitable approach to playing time hampers the development of some of the players because they never get enough time on the field to adjust to the pace of the game and build a rhythm with the offensive line. I fear that Richt’s three headed quarterback and running back system could result in this problem. Sports involve rhythm and muscle memory, and it’s hard to develop this when you’re constantly being pulled out the game.
Lastly, UGA’s special teams delivered with Brandon Coutu kicking 2 field goals and Mickey Henderson returning a kick and a punt return back for a touchdown, although the kick return was erased because he fumbled the ball in the end zone while he was showboating. I don’t mind showboating, but if you’re going to do it, practice palming the ball and running first and definitely don’t fumble while performing your trick. I’m sure the special teams coach will have him running for his gaffe.
Georgia travels to South Carolina for their first test of the season. For some reason, the Gamecocks always play the dawgs tough and I’m sure evil genius Steve Spurrier will have something up his sleeve. Talent wise, UGA should win this game by a touchdown or two as long as we get solid quarterback and tailback play, the G-Day defense continues to dominate, and the Georgia wide receivers remember how to catch the ball.
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