Another year, another bowl campaign for the Bulldogs of Georgia. Beginning with the '97 Outback, this marks the 13th straight year that the 'Dawgs have extended their season into late December, & beyond. A year ago, they were pegged as the 2nd best team in the nation in the pre-season, as they returned 17 starters from '07's 11-2 campaign. But it wasn't to be, as their normally solid "D" allowed 44, 38, 49, 38, & 45 pts in a 3-5 regular season windup, before riding 3 Stafford TD passes to a win over MichiganSt in the Capital One Bowl. This season, 8 lost starters, including Stafford & Moreno, had the 'Dawgs placed no higher than 13th in any pre-season poll. And it proved out, as this edition's 5 losses are the most-ever in Richt's 9-yr reign. And again, that "D", which ranked 10th in the SEC, has been the culprit. Thus, 3 defensive coaches have been dismissed, & won't be around for this one, which makes it all the more difficult for Richt, whose main forte is offense. Cox has been a decent replacement for Stafford (56%, 2,426 yds, 22/14), but just 8 overland TDs this season. By the way, the 'Dawgs have been superb bowl plays, covering 9-3 in their current run. The Aggies of Texas A&M, are led by prolific QB Johnson (61%, 3,217 yds, 28/6). He was a brilliant 26-of-33 for 342 yds & 4 TD passes, along with 97 RYs (6.9 ypr) vs a Texas "D", which ranked #1 in the nation, at game time. So it could be another headache for that underachieving Georgia defense. Also note 'Dawgs' penchant for turning it over (2nd worst in nation). However, the Ags rank 104th in pts allowed, ceding 47, 62, 65, 49 pts over the course of the season. This one has all the makings of a barnburning shootout. PROPHECY: Georgia 38 - TEXAS A&M 36 RATING: 6
Pointwise Newsletter 12/28
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