Stanford at Oregon — this game is a good matchup between the top two teams in the Pac-10. It is a matchup that features two Heisman candidates in Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck and Oregon running back LaMichael James. 

 Oregonian beat reporters, John Hunt and Ken Goe, offer a preview of the Stanford versus Oregon game(video).

LEAN- Oregon

Miami at Clemson — this is a good game between the two top teams in the ACC featuring two of the best quarterbacks in the ACC in Miami’s Jacory Harris and Clemson’s Kyle Parker.  

LEAN- Clemson

Alabama at Florida– this is clearly the game of the week. Will the Gators using that “heavy formation” be able to stop the rushing attack of Alabama? Will Alabama be able to contain Florida’s new found star Trey Burton?

LEAN- BAMA

Texas vs.Oklahoma-  will Texas be able to bounce back from a loss to UCLA? Will Oklahoma finally get their defense to get a handle on itself after a few close games versus less talented opponents(Cincy, Air Force, Utah State)?  According to Austin-American-Statesman sports reporter Kirk Bohls based on the previous history of this game, the game will be decided by the team that defends the run the best and forces the other team to turn the ball over. Texas has turned the ball over nine times in the last two games while Oklahoma enters this game ranked fourth in the country in turnover margin(+8). 3:30 ABC.

Lean– SOONERS

Tennessee at LSU –   Last week, UT allowed UAB quarterback Bryan Ellis to throw for 373 yards. UAB gained a total of 544 yards on offense despite losing the game. You would think this would be good news for LSU QB Jordan Jefferson who has failed to break the 100 yard pass mark for 3 straight games. Despite the troubles on offense, LSU defense remains strong along with Special Teams where corner Patrick Peterson has shined as a returner.  3:30 on CBS.

LEAN- LSU.

Wisconsin at Michigan State- If you’re an SEC fan and you like to dog the Big Ten about having boring offenses this would be the wrong opportunity.  Both offenses have loads of weapons both in the backfield and at receivers not to mention two talented QBs in Wisconsin’s Scott Tolzien and Michigan State’s Kirk Cousins.

 In addition to featuring two undefeated teams, this game features two of the best group of running backs in the Big 10—John Clay and Montee Ball of Wisconsin and Edwin Baker and Le’veon Bell of Michigan State.   Plus, this is Mark Dantonio’s first game back after the mild heart attack he suffered two weeks ago hours after the victory over Notre Dame.  3:30 ABC/ESPN2.

LEAN- Wisconsin

Penn State at Iowa— Iowa is led by their Senior quarterback Ricky Stanzi, running back Adam Robinson, and defensive end Adrian Clayborn.  Penn State’s leader Evan Royster started the season a bit asleep but last week versus Temple exploded for 187 yards rushing which was a career high.   Iowa has had Penn State’s number going 7-1 since the year 2000 and it appears this year that Iowa might have it again.  According to ESPNInsider, Iowa star DE Adrian Clayborn will be rushing the passer against a first time starter in Left Offensive Tackle Quinn Barham.  Also, they pointed out that Penn State’s normal starter at Right Tackle, Lou Elisades, tore his ACL and is out.     

LEAN- IOWA

Other Games of Interest

Auburn vs ULM, Tech at Wake Forest, Michigan at Indiana, Virginia Tech at NC State, Ohio State at Illinois, Boise State at New Mexico, FSU at Virginia, Notre Dame at Boston College, UNC vs East Carolina, and Vanderbilt at UCONN.

I think the new SEC television schedule absolutely blows. The current set up has a bunch of SEC conference games all bunched close together usually all at night around the same time. It’s one thing if you only want to watch your team play but if you want to watch your team plus a few other important games in the conference, your DVR on your television better have the capability to record more than two games at a time. If your TV doesn’t have DVR, God help you.

 I’ll give you an example. Last weekend, Georgia was playing Mississippi State at seven o’clock on Fox Sports South. At the very same time, Mississippi was playing Fresno State on the SEC network(the Comcast channel in Atlanta). Also at the same time, the Florida Gators were playing the Kentucky Wildcats in Gainesville. At 7:45pm Auburn would host South Carolina. Now, obviously since I’m a Georgia fan the Georgia game was the priority but you always want to watch the other games just to keep up with the other teams in the conference not to mention any other nonconference games that you might want to watch.

 Why are they all crammed into the same time slot? Under the old system, the games would be spread out from noon to 8 PM or 9 PM and you would’ve gotten to watch multiple conference games without interfering or basically having to choose one over the rest.

This weekend they have screwed it up again. The Georgia game starts at 7 PM and the SEC game of the week/regular season game of the year — Alabama versus Florida — starts at 8 PM. So consequently I will not get to watch it. Maybe I will get to watch part of the second half but that’s not the same thing. I wish they would fix it.

Anyway, I hope Georgia beats Colorado this weekend and rights the ship.  Here are a few preview links of the game.

A View from 336- Preview Week 5-Colorado

Bernie’s Dawg Blawg Preview—Offense and Defense

A Bulldog in Exile—A Quick Guide to the Colorado Buffaloes

On Defense— 

1. The Nose Tackle–The success of the 3-4 defense(run or pass) largely depends on the nose tackles ability to not only command double teams but break through them and allowing the inside linebackers to get through to make the tackle(at least versus the run).  Whoever is playing nose tackle is getting the snot knocked out of him almost every play.  They need to search that junior college circuit for the biggest bastard they can find because what they have now ain’t cutting it.
2. Georgia’s Tackling is awful—In addition to just flat out not wrapping up, there seems to be a lot of hesitation and a lot of times a complete lack of aggression from our inside linebackers and safeties.  It almost reminds me of some of those 1980′s Atlanta Falcon tackling that was equally as effective.
3. Very little pass rush—despite a good pass rush versus U-Louisiana Lafayette and South Carolina, the past two games it has been none existent. Where did you go?
4. pass coverage is still nothing worth shouting about.  

On Offense—  I kind of expected the defense this year to be the Achilles heel of the Georgia football team.  What I didn’t expect was the offense to be an absolute disaster.  They had ten returning starters and the one position that improves is the rookie quarterback! That doesn’t even make sense! How is it possible that the red-shirt freshman quarterback is excelling despite the fact that everyone else around him is failing?  That is the most disappointing part about this season for me but here are a few others/general observations.  Regardless of how much yardage they are getting, watching Georgia on offense has been like pulling teeth for me.

1. Georgia’s running game after 4 games barely has a pulse. The run blocking just isn’t very good.  Rarely do you ever see a big path cleared by the line for a big play.  It almost seems that what ever yardage the Georgia backs get is because of their own speed and talent not because of blocking from the line. What happen to this “We are going to give one guy 25 carries.” That is not happening. As of this moment I believe QB Aaron Murray still owns the longest run from scrimmage.

2.The passing game has been what has been moving the ball for the Georgia offense. The numbers have actually been somewhat decent considering the situation they are in. QB Aaron Murray has only thrown 2 interceptions so far despite a few close calls. What is disappointing about the passing game is how many times they fail to take further advantage of a blitz by passing instead running right into it.  They need to take Murray off the leash.

3. Despite Kris Durham’s strong attempt to fill the void left by A.J. Green, Green’s absence has shown how under developed the other Georgia wide receivers are.

  How are any of these receivers supposed to move along in their development if they don’t get passes thrown to them in game situations.  Just think, as of right now based on whom they have returning, Marlon Brown has to be ready to be “the guy” next season.  Is he ready?  What about the other receivers who might be in the running to be “the guy” or even “one of the guys”?  Tavarres King has had a few bright moments, but they have not thrown to him enough either.  What happened to Rantavious Wooten?   They have all these talented wide receivers but they rarely use any of them. 

It’s possible, now that A.J. Green is coming back, that these past 4 games without him were the best thing that could ever happen to the Georgia offense.  A good smack of reality for them.   I hope they still keep throwing it to the other wide outs and I hope they don’t expect A.J. to just snap his fingers and suddenly everything will be better.  This is a problem that needs solving.

Special Teams—

Special teams continues to be a bright spot(one of the few) for the Georgia football team.  Drew Butler is averaging 44.26 a punt this season and Blair Walsh has made every field goal and extra point he has attempted so far.  Punt Returns and Kick-off returns have been about the same as last year but if your offense doesn’t do anything with it, it doesn’t really matter.

Is it possible for things to get better? 

You would like to think yes but I just don’t know.  Georgia goes through a line of games the next 4 weeks that are winnable – Colorado, Tennessee at home, Vandy at home, at Kentucky. The “One game at a time” theory has never sounded so good.   You figure Florida is a loss and Auburn is also likely a loss.  You win at Idaho State and you get a bit of a coin flip of a chance versus the Jackets who currently look as Paul Johnson said in the AJC very “Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde.”   Anything is possible.  It is a sad state of affairs when 7-5 has become a desired goal.

David Knox of the Birmingham News ranks all the games today with a 1 to 5 star rating system complete with their times if you need to check the schedule. 

Alabama is coming back to the Dome–Nick Saban said on his radio show that the Tide will open the 2013 and 2014 season at the Georgia Dome versus an ACC opponent likely in the Chick-fil-a Kickoff classic. Bob Bearden offers a preview of the Alabama vs. Arkansas game.

Florida Coach Urban Meyer has the opportunity to win his 100th game of his career today.  The Palm Beach Post asked how much longer can Meyer keep coaching?  If he were to do it(win his 100th game) he would be the sixth fastest coach to accomplish that feat(118 games).  The Orlando Sentinel list Meyer’s most memorable wins of his career.

Mike Strange offers 5 things the Vols need to accomplish to beat the UAB Blazers  Derek Dooley is still looking for leaders on offense. (hat tip–MR.SEC)  Three former Tennessee coaches are still talking smack about each other.

Evan Woodberry writes about how Gene Chizik wants his team to play more physical tonight versus South Carolina.  Charles Goldberg goes through the various national pundits picking the winner of tonight’s game.  This gambling site is giving the AU-SC game for free and are telling you to take Auburn to cover the 3 points they are favored by. I think it all depends on if Auburn can stop Marcus Lattimore–if they stop him they win and if they don’t they lose. If Auburn wins does that mean they are officially back?

In tonight’s game featuring LSU versus West Virginia, it will be the first time either school has met. LSU will enter the game with a 30 game win streak versus non-conference opponents.  If LSU wins, how close is Les Miles to being off the hot seat or has the fun not even started yet?

Twitter is dangerous.

Georgia-Bulldogs- at Mississippi State in what is being described as a must win for Georgia,  Georgia has many problems.  Their offensive line has had its issues, the running game is barely average at best, the young QB holds the ball too long, the defensive secondary seem to can’t stop the deep ball, and despite performing OK against Arkansas the Georgia rush defense was basically the sponsor of the “Marcus Lattimore, Welcome to the SEC” party in Columbia a few weeks ago where Lattimore rushed for 182 yards on 37 carries and breaking 8,234,000 tackles.  However, despite all the “ Awesome Crap-Tas-Tic-Ness ” of the Georgia football team, redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Murray has performed well under the circumstances.  I think Murray leads the Bulldogs to a victory in Starksville and helps turn this season around. Mississippi State hasn’t run the ball well either, they have QB issues, and they turn the ball over in bunches.  Hopefully, they will turn the ball over a few more times on Saturday night.

LEAN—GEORGIA

View from 336—Georgia vs Mississippi State preview pdf file.

Alabama at Arkansas—(3:30 pm Saturday afternoon on CBS)— Last season, the Alabama Crimson Tide had no trouble handling Ryan Mallet in Tuscaloosa but this year’s game is in Arkansas.  In my opinion, the Hogs have a much better shot at upsetting Florida later this season but they definitely have more than a puncher’s chance versus the Tide. In this matchup, win or lose, I believe Arkansas will be able to move the ball through the air versus Bama’s talented but young and inexperienced defensive secondary. 

It was suggested that if Georgia had a more consistent and strong running attack that they might have beaten Arkansas.  Well, Alabama, unlike Georgia,  has an AWESOME running attack led by defending Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram and talented sophomore back Trent Richardson not to mention Eddie Lacy who has also played well early this season.  I believe Alabama will win this game by about two touchdowns or more.  We might get a score like Alabama 49 Arkansas 35.  Whatever happens, Along with Auburn-South Carolina this is clearly THE game to watch. (CBS 3:30 Saturday)

The Crimson Tide will answer questions—al.com

Anniston Star sports reporter Michael Casagrande breaks down the balance of Bama’s offensive attack.

NC State at Georgia Tech-  In the past, Georgia Tech had the Wolfpack’s number but think NC State might have a better shot this season.  NC State starting quarterback, Russell Wilson, despite playing minor league baseball the past few months, is playing better than ever and that is saying something. Wilson appears to be poised to defend his title as the 2009 ACC Offensive player of the year.  Last 2 years when I used to put the point spreads in these things, Georgia Tech and Florida were my most reliable and consistent winners.  The Jackets score lots of points by running the ball well with their Flex-bone option attack which consequently allows them to dominate the Time of Possession keeping the other team’s offense off the field. If the Tech defense can stop NC State QB Russell Wilson, Why should things change?

 LEAN—Georgia Tech.

AJC’s Doug Roberson offers 3 keys to a Tech victory

“The DVR SEC Games of the Week”

South Carolina vs Auburn(6:45pm on ESPN 2)-  Big Game. The winner if this game might find themselves inside the top 10 rankings.  The Auburn trio of Cam Newton, Ontarrio McCaleb, and freshman Michael Dyer are really going to have to give their best effort versus the strongest rush defense in the SEC.  Newton might have an opportunity for success versus a talented Gamecock secondary that has not been performing up to snuff (they are currently ranked last in the SEC in pass defense). There are plenty of other things going in Auburn’s favor.  Starting with the fact that South Carolina is currently sporting a 5 game SEC road game losing streak. Historically,  Auburn has won the last 4 meetings between the two schools, the last one being in 2006, and South Carolina has only won 1 time in the series history(1933).  Overall, Auburn is 10-1-1 on the date of September 25.

 I think South Carolina will win the game because they will not be able to stop Marcus Lattimore. I think the freshman running back is going to run over, around, and through the Auburn defense.  Also, despite being currently last in pass defense in the conference, South Carolina has a lot of talent in their secondary.  These South Carolina defensive backs are better football players than their stats represent and if South Carolina’s rush defense is able to stop Auburn’s 3 headed monster of a running attack(Newton, McCaleb, and Dyer) defending the pass should be a lot easier. Plus, South Carolina enters the game with 11 sacks versus an offensive line that has had its problems early this season.  I just think this is South Carolina’s year and I think they will beat Auburn on the road Saturday night.

LEAN—SOUTH CAROLINA. 

Kentucky at Florida—(7pm Saturday Night) This is the Gators final tune-up game before meeting Alabama next weekend.  Can the Gators finally get rid of the Tebow hangover and get their offense they way they want it? Florida has defeated Kentucky 23 times in a row.

 LEAN- Florida

 Pat Dooley Show/preview of Kentucky game/interview with Gator legend Reidel Anthony

LSU at West Virginia—(8pm Saturday night)West Virginia is led by their quarterback Geno Smith along with exciting playmakers running back Noel Devine and slot back/wide receiver, Tavon Austin. They will host a strong defensive led team in LSU at home on Saturday night. LSU has a strong defense but its offense has had it’s ups and downs.   A road win versus a good West Virginia would help quiet Les Miles’ critics who suggest his time has passed.

 LEAN- LSU 

Tennessee vs UAB—I thought Tennessee finished the 2^nd half strong against the Gators and I think they will rebound against UAB despite a few key players suffering injuries.  Vols in the Fall—UAB preview.

LEAN-VOLS

Fresno at Ole Miss-(6pm Saturday night) (A DVR Candidate)—Ole Miss host Fresno State at home Saturday night and hopes to put the season back in order with a win after starting the season with two embarrassing loses to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt. 

LEAN—FRESNO STATE

Parrish Alford Previews Ole Miss versus Fresno State.

  I finally got to watch the DVR of the Georgia vs Arkansas game and while it wasn’t pretty it didn’t look as big of a clusterfuck disaster that it is being described as.  The problems varied from blown coverages by the defensive secondary on 3 TD passes to running back Washaun Ealey missing a few key blocks that resulted in Murray getting the crap knocked out of him;  However, the offensive line woes have garnered the most attention.  The blame for the protection went everywhere –it did not fall on just one person or group.  

  It is not completely the Offensive line’s fault, freshman QB Aaron Murray has a tendency to hold the ball a little too long—a couple times it was 6- 7 seconds a time which is an eternity for a quarterback.  However,(in Murray’s defense) a lot of those times the offensive line were just not holding their blocks long enough for him to get set where a lot times those six seconds that he held the ball he spent dancing around avoiding trouble as opposed to looking downfield for an open receiver. A few other times like a few 3^rd and shorts, offensive Mike Bobo called a pass play that sent the receivers 20 yards down field.  All things considered, I think for a freshman quarterback, I think Aaron Murray is doing a great job.  Think about the amount of freshman type moments that DID NOT HAPPEN to Aaron Murray on Saturday. He is surviving quite well and he looks to have a bright future as the leader of the Georgia offense for the next few years.  

  It appears that we are right where we were a year ago and Georgia and Mike Bobo must do the exact same thing they did then—they must go out of there way to run the ball.  Mike Bobo knows this and in the fourth quarter attempted to do just that.  I think if there was a stronger running game versus Arkansas that Georgia would have won that game.  If they make a concerted effort to establish the run will it solve all the problems? NO, but it might make Aaron Murray’s life a lot  easier and if successful it will keep the Georgia defense off the field.  Buck Belue was talking about the need for a stronger running attack on his radio show (and in his blog).  In the offseason, I mentioned the need to run the ball here.    I think it would be the natural thing to do in this situation—A freshman QB with a veteran offensive line, an above average running backs, talented receiving corps but is missing their superstar; and, on the other side the defense is young, inexperienced, and coming off 2 straight seasons were it looked like Clark Central could move the ball on them.  What better way to keep the defense off the field than to run the ball a bit extra.  This week it will not be easy but it won’t be impossible considering the amount of yards Mississippi State has allowed so far against the run.  Anything to keep the defense off the field.  Hopefully, things will get better.

The Georgia defense looked great. I know it was just the first game and just the University of Louisiana Lafayette, but I don’t care, I thought it was great. Numerous times I said to myself, “Well, we didn’t see that last year.”  

 It wasn’t just the blitzing(which was awesome) I also thought the containment was great as well. It was if they were always in the right place at the right time with the exception of the blown coverage on Chris Masson’s touchdown pass to Ladarious Green in the second quarter.  That being said, other than that one play, for the most part it was great and enjoyable to watch.

Offensively, I thought Georgia played really well especially considering the situation — your star wide receiver, A.J. Green is suspended and your leading rusher, Washaun Ealey, is suspended also not to mention wide receiver Tavarres King was out also. This had the potential to be the perfect recipe for freshman quarterback to have few extra freshman quarterback moments but that’s not what happened. I thought Aaron Murray performed well in his first start of his college career. He threw for 17 — 26 160 yards and three touchdown passes plus 4 rushes for 46 yards including a touchdown run with 8 seconds left in the first half. He probably should have thrown the ball away and let them kick the field goal but the touchdown run was exciting for us fans.

Wide receiver Kris Durham(5 catches 82 yards) caught a few nice catches including a touchdown catch.  I think Durham is going to have a great season.  I thought he filled in nicely for an absent A.J. Green and even Marlon Brown caught a couple of passes.  Think of how effective Durham could be with Green on the field as opposed to watching from the sidelines. Georgia running backs Caleb King and Carlton Thomas also ran the ball well.

 All in all, it was a satisfying day for the Georgia Bulldogs. Can’t wait for next week.

In the clip, Samuel jumps over the line and then jumps up again and bats down the football like he was spiking a volleyball. He then picks it up and returns it for a touchdown. It’s great! Any Georgia fan who hasn’t seen this should really check it out. You are really depriving yourself if you don’t. It’s awesome.