The Devils Came Down to Georgia

Ladies and gentleman, I'm going to finish my week with a bold prediction for the ages, and I haven't even started drinking yet. However, before I do that, I'm going to tell you what you need to know about the Sunflowers of AZ State.

As far as the all-time series is concerned, the Metallic Trousers are the epitome of dominance in this one, winning every meeting between the two schools and leading the series 1-0. As you may recall, last year our boys traveled out west for an early season showdown and handed the 'Flowers a 27-10 smackdown, and Knowshon handed us his best Superman impersonation.

This season, State is coming into the game flaunting a stout 2-0 record, having defeated two powerhouses hailing from Louisana-Monroe and Idaho State. In these two games the AZ offense has amassed a total of 98 points while the defense has surrendered a mere 17. Regardless of whom they have played and beaten, everyone out west thinks they can make a statement by jumping on an SEC opponent, so they will certainly be ready to play.

Offensively, the 'Flowers had to replace Rudy Carpenter, a three year starter at QB, with Danny Sullivan, who has managed to not thrown an interception yet this season. Actually, ASU leads the FBS in turnover margin thus far, while our boys rank 116th.

Defensively, State returns two big-time playmakers. DE Dexter Davis will be looking to put Cox on his back from his position on the line, while 26 year old senior LB Mike Nixon will be searching for the ball once it is airborn. Nixon tied for the PAC-01 (that's not a typo) lead with 5 interceptions last year. All in all, ASU appears to be fairly solid, yet largely untested. Just don't be expecting many 55 yard bombs this week.

Perhaps the biggest storyline of the game for ASU is the announcement that Thomas Weber will again be unavailable for the second week in a row. Weber, the 2007 Lou Groza Award winner as the nation’s top placekicker, has made 48 of 56 career field-goal attempts but he was unavailable last week because of a hip flexor injury.

As for our crew this week, everything seems to be going pretty well thus far. It turns out that Cuff only has a sprained MCL, not a tear, and as far as I know he will be available Saturday. Also, we have managed to make it through Wednesday without losing anyone during practice, knock on wood.

Willie Martinez did announce after practice yesterday that he will be giving some of our highly touted freshmen a look on the defensive side of the ball, so keep your eyes peeled for the new faces. Two names specifically mentioned were Bacarri Rambo and Sanders Commings (who is listed as a safety but will likely see some action as a corner this weekend).

When it comes to the prediction for this week, I've been tossing around a lot in this measly little head of mine, and have come to quite a scary conclusion. I think we have a good defensive showing on Saturday. I honestly feel that the players on the defensive side of the ball were genuinely ashamed of the way they performed last week, and will try to redeem themselves with a stellar showing against a somewhat formidable opponent this time around. Aside from that, I'm pretty sure DC WM understands the true meaning of "hot seat" right now, and with another poor showing he isn't long for the UGA world.

Prediction: UGA 34 ASU 14



Tailgating Recipe of the Week

El Grande Diablo Dip

2 cans of refried beans
1 pound of cooked ground beef
1 cup of chopped onion
1 large can of chopped green chilies
1 can Herdez sauce
3 cups of grated cheese, divided
1 cup of sliced jalapenos
sour cream
chopped green onions for garnish


1. Brown beef and onions in a large saucepan over medium heat. Drain and remove from heat.
2.Add all of the other ingredients except 1 cup of the cheese, the jalapenos, green onions and sour cream. Mix well.
3.Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
4.Top with remaining cheese and jalapenos.
5.Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly.
6.Remove from the oven and cool slightly.
7.Top with dollops of sour cream and green onions. Serve with torilla chips