ROLL CALL: SMU v NAVY!

[SMUPhil]

I'm in section 28, there will be 4 of us.

So, both coaches at this game were once UHawaii QB's, huh?

[HB Pony Dad]

I'll be in Baton Rouge for LSU-UGA. Geaux Tigers.

Georgia vs. LSU

By Scouts, Inc
Insider

Friday, October 24, 2008

Georgia at LSU Matchups
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach Overall



Georgia offense vs. LSU defense
RB Knowshon Moreno is one of the most talented and productive backs in all of college football. He can pick up tough yards between the tackles, can turn the corner quickly and is a slippery open-field runner. However, he's running behind a very young offensive line and that's reason for concern because true freshman C Ben Jones, true freshman LG Cordy Glenn and redshirt sophomore RG Chris Davis face a deep and talented LSU defensive tackle rotation. Charles Alexander, Marlon Favorite, Drake Nevis and Al Woods should all see playing time and the Tigers are hoping RDT Ricky Jean-Francois returns from a groin injury that's forced him to miss the past two games. In addition, the Tigers moved DEs Tyson Jackson and Tremaine Johnson inside in passing situations last week. With as many as five defensive tackles contributing and two ends sliding inside at times LSU's interior defensive line should stay fresh, active and disruptive throughout this game. On the outside, the 290-pound Jackson is big and strong enough to set the edge working against redshirt freshman RT Justin Anderson. Opposite Jackson is Kirston Pittman, whose quickness should cause problems for sophomore LOT Clint Boling. With the front four wreaking havoc the Tigers' linebackers should be able to flow to the ball without fighting through much traffic.

Georgia QB Matt Stafford has the arm strength and field vision to pick defenses apart and that doesn't bode well for LSU because CBs Chris Hawkins and Jai Eugene, along with nickel back Danny McCray, are going to have a hard time matching up with Bulldogs WRs Mohamed Massaquoi, A.J. Green and Michael Moore. Keep an eye on Green in particular. The true freshman has the body control to make jaw-dropping catches and his above-average top-end speed makes him a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball. However, the ability of that young offensive line to keep Stafford upright will be tested. Rahim Allen replaces Jackson at defensive end when Jackson slides inside, and he has four sacks this year. If the Bulldogs try to bolster their pass protection by keeping backs and/or tight ends in to help out it will only make it easier for LSU to adjust its coverage to account for receivers downfield. Look for Georgia to keep the Tigers on their heels by running screens and quick-hitting pass plays, especially on first and second down. In addition, LSU's back seven must be careful not to underestimate Stafford's underrated mobility and outstanding arm strength. He can buy time in the pocket and he's one of the few quarterbacks in the nation who puts excellent zip on the ball even when he doesn't step into the pass.

No. 7 Georgia vs. No. 13 LSU
Georgia vs. LSU

When: Sat., Oct. 25, 3:30 p.m.
Where: Baton Rouge, La.
Preview: Plenty on the line
LSU offense vs. Georgia defense
RB Charles Scott has stumbled in recent weeks but backup Keiland Williams did a good job of picking up the slack last week. Expect both to produce this week. The 233-pound Scott and 229-pound Williams have good speed for their size but are at their best running between the tackles, and injuries have depleted Georgia's depth at defensive tackle. Kade Weston is expected to play this week but missed the Vanderbilt game last week with an undisclosed injury. Further complicating matters, head coach Mark Richt suspended Brandon Wood earlier this week for an off-the-field incident. Oh, and MLB Dannell Ellerbe missed the past two games with a knee injury and is questionable this week. As a result, LSU should be able to control the middle of the line and is an excellent position to wear the interior of Georgia's run defense down over the course of the game. That being said, the Tigers must find a way to get a body on WLB Rennie Curran when they runs outside. Curran is quick enough to make plays in the backfield and he shows great closing speed in pursuit.

Like most inexperienced quarterbacks, Jarrett Lee and Andrew Hatch don't always make sound decisions and they throw into coverage at times. The question is whether the Bulldogs will be able to turn mistakes into turnovers. Georgia dropped three passes it could have intercepted last week and CBs Prince Miller and Asher Allen simply aren't making enough big plays. In addition, an LSU team that has surrendered just six sacks so far should be able to keep the Bulldogs' pass rush at bay. A dominant pass rusher has yet to emerge up front so Georgia will bring pressure from a number of different areas of the field. Problem is, LSU C Brett Helms keeps an experienced offensive line on the same page and playing this game at home will make it easier for him to communicate. As a result, Lee and Hatch should have time to scan the field and space to step into their throws. That's bad news for Allen and Miller because WRs Demetrius Byrd and Brandon LaFell both have excellent speed. However, Lee and Hatch must be careful when over the middle because FS Reshad Jones has picked off two passes this year and that should limit the production of TE Richard Dickson.

Special Teams
Key individual matchup
Georgia QB Matt Stafford vs. LSU S Curtis Taylor

It's been an up-and-down season for Taylor but he is coming off arguably his best game of the year, picking off a pass and recording a sack in the fourth quarter of LSU's come-from-behind win over South Carolina last week. While he doesn't have elite ball skills Taylor plays the ball fairly well, shows good closing speed when the ball is in the air and rarely gets caught out of position when he's playing well. Stafford must make sure to look Taylor off when attacking downfield. If he puts too much faith in his arm strength and tries to zip the ball past Taylor the result could be a costly turnover. In addition, Taylor shows excellent closing speed when asked to blitz so Stafford must locate him before the snap and make sound adjustments to the protection when he sees Taylor creeping up.
Georgia PK Blair Walsh has connected on 11 of 15 field goal attempts and has a long of 52 yards, but two of his four misses came against Vanderbilt last week. Walsh also kicks off for the Bulldogs, averaging 60.8 yards per kickoff and just four of his 41 kickoffs have ended in touchbacks. PT Brian Mimbs is averaging 42.5 yards per punt and he's placed 11 of his 25 punts inside the 20-yard line. While the Bulldogs have done a sound job of covering kicks and punts thus far, they can't afford any letdowns this week. LSU's Trindon Holliday is a dangerous return man who has two career kickoff returns for touchdowns and returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown against North Texas earlier this year.

LSU K Colt David has connected on seven of eight field goal attempts and his only miss came from 50 yards out. Backup Josh Jasper, who has connected on his only two field goal attempts this year, handles the kickoffs. Jasper is averaging 58.7 yards per kickoff and only two of his 35 kickoffs have resulted ended in touchbacks. While his inability to consistently boot the ball into the end zone is somewhat of a concern, no FBS team is giving up fewer yards per kickoff return than LSU and Georgia return men Richard Samuel and Ramarcus Brown have been merely adequate thus far.

Tigers P Brady Dalfrey is averaging 40 yards per punt and has dropped 10 of his 23 punts inside the 20. Jasper has also averaged 43 yards on three punts and one of the two will punt to Prince Miller, who returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown against Alabama earlier this year. As a result, an LSU punt cover unit that's giving up a disappointing average of 14.8 yards per return must turn in a strong performance.

Scouts' Edge
The importance of having superior experience and talent at quarterback in big games such as this one cannot be overstated, and Georgia clearly has the edge there. However, injuries along the defensive line and inexperience along the offensive line will be too much for the Bulldogs to overcome on the road. Look for LSU to take pressure of Lee and Hatch by establishing its power ground game early and staying committed to it as the game progresses. On the flip side, the Tigers' front four will make it difficult for Georgia to create seams for Moreno and will apply consistent pressure on Stafford. It all adds up to an important SEC win for the Tigers.

Prediction: Tigers 27, Bulldogs 24

[RGV Pony]

Prediction: Tigers 27, Bulldogs 24

Hope so.

[Uberkommando]

Tulsa fan here, I'll be at the SMU-Navy game cheering yall on. What colors are the fans wearing for this one?

[mrydel]

Tulsa fan here, I'll be at the SMU-Navy game cheering yall on. What colors are the fans wearing for this one?

Red to start out. It is usually black and blue afterwards.

[mathman]

I am packing as we speak. Going to stop by Barnes and Noble on the way to DFW to pick up two ponchos. Red is the color of choice for the game.

[smupony94]

JUst finished packing and I am heading to the airport in an hour or so. See you there.

[KnuckleStang]

Leaving in 30 minutes, does anybody know is there a licka stoh close to the Doubletree?

[Arkpony]

We're driving up from Arlington this evening and staying with the group at the HIlton. All we could find were two blue ponchos at Target.

Forecast is 70% rain with 1/2 inch accumulation drizzle, thunder and 61 degrees. Also a wind from 20-25 MPH!!! Not good for our passing offense.

[PonyLove]

First plane of Pony fans is about to depart DFW--we're on our way! Go Mustangs!

[mrydel]

We're driving up from Arlington this evening and staying with the group at the HIlton. All we could find were two blue ponchos at Target.

Forecast is 70% rain with 1/2 inch accumulation drizzle, thunder and 61 degrees. Also a wind from 20-25 MPH!!! Not good for our passing offense.

If it is the right direction we can try our hail mary from farther out this time.

[EastStang]

Leaving in 30 minutes, does anybody know is there a licka stoh close to the Doubletree?

In Maryland there's pretty much a liquor store nearby everything. I suspect you'll find one without searching too long. Just ask the Bellhop.

[smupony94]

I am in a cab in NYC that smells like [deleted]

[SmooBoy]

I am in a cab in NYC that smells like [deleted]

Say hi to Latka and Nardo for me.