Saddle Up!

Well boys and girls it's that time again, we are but a mere four days and 15 some odd hours away from what we all have been waiting for...REAL sports. For the first time since I can remember, the Metallic Trousers will be heading way out west for the season's inauguration with the Cowpokes from Murkywater. The hype surrounding this game is moreso than that of any season opener since going to Clemson to open the 2003 campaign. Not to say that facing the 'Pokes in 2007 wasn't highly anticipated, but two years ago, the visiting team hadn't established themselves as they have in the last year plus, and they certainly didn't have the potency they now posess on offense.

Keeping this offensive unit contained is quite a tall order for any defensive coordinator, but, with the recent success of DC WM (textual sarcasm), it will certainly prove to be a monumental task. The 'Boys have three remarkable weapons the opposition will have to key in on: dual threat QB Zac Robinson who lead an offense that averaged nearly 41 points and 490 YPG last season, WR Dez Bryant who racked up 1,480 yards in snatches in '08 (and also returns kicks on ST), and the mighty mouse that is Kendall Hunter at RB, a 5'8" brick (Thomas Brown anyone?), who scatted around on the ground for an impressive 1,555 yards last season. Those three, combined with an experienced offensive line, and a very thoughtful OC who really knows how to spread D's, we will undoubtedly have our hands full.

Defensively, the 'Pokes have been as equally impressive as our group of late. Last year alone they managed to finish a reprehensible 93rd of 119 major-college programs in total defense, allowing a scant 405 YPG to the opposition. Speaking matter-of-factly, scoring shouldn't come at a premium, and we should be able to hang our fair share of scores on a pretty lackluster eleven.


Our offensive unit will be led on the field by the Big Red Cox for his first meaningful appearance since a heroic effort against Colorado a few years back. He has the support of his teammates, and that of the fan base, so let's just hope support will translate into results. He won't be without help up front, as we will be fielding what could most likely be our best group of big uglies since the 2002 season. Returning plenty of experience on the line could make Red look like a miniature version of Staff if he can keep his cool in the backfield, and having number 8 on the outside certainly doesn't hurt. Speaking of, Greenie is coming off what many considered one of the best Frosh performances by an SEC receiver in quite some time, and that will assuredly draw him attention in two's for the better part of the season. While his numbers may not equal those of the season past, his success will undoubtedly open the door of opportunity for others such as talented true Marlon Brown to emerge as playmakers. Right now it looks as though Caleb won't be making the trip west, and Richy Sam will be getting the primary touches from the backfield. The youngster has put on about seven pounds of muscle this offseason, coming into the year at a stout 225, weight that could help carry the young'n through the fourth quarter.

Defensively speaking...honestly...who the hell knows? So long as WM is the DC (or co-DC as it is this year), can we really expect anything but mediocrity? The return of Owens on the line and Rennie in the middle certainly won't hurt, but then again, personnel has never been the problem, it's been the scheme. Hopefully, the numbers will improve enough to hold opposing O's to less than 30 points for the majority of games this season (something that HASN'T happened 11 times in the WM era).


So, where does that leave us? In a game exhibiting two offensive defenses, will either side be able to halt the opposition? I doubt it. The two overmatched defensive units will assuredly allow their share of scores, and I can't see either coming up with enough stops to keep this game below four endzone celebrations for each side. No, in this game, a game featuring two lackluster D's and (hopefully) two above average O's, I'm saying it comes down to special teams. Which side can manage points OUT of the endzone (assuming there actually is a hold at some point)? I say six points from the kicking game, excluding extra points, and Mr. Walsh (you heard it here first) puts us over the top.

Prediction: UGA 41 OSU 35

GO DAWGS!!!


***As a side note, I just read on ESPN.com that the only returning starter in OSU's secondary, Perrish Cox, was arrested last week for driving with a suspended license. This could turn out to impact the game significantly if Cox is indeed suspended for the opener, as he would have been the defender in charge of covering A.J. Green. I will keep an eye out for what's to come of the situation and post as soon as I hear anything more.