University of Georgia football is probably my fourth favorite thing. (1. Food. 2. Chasing things. 3. Sleep.) I was named after Champ and Boss Bailey. College football season started again this week. I will write here about Georgia football every weekend. I like to prognostificate.
This year I expect big things from Georgia. We have an experienced and potent offense, led by Aaron Murray, Todd Gurley, Keith Marshall, Malcolm Mitchell, and more. We have a talented defense that will get better every game. And we have a veteran and, for once, healthy, mascot.
I think we go 11-1 in the regular season. That sets up a rematch with Alabama. Those damn elephants are tough, so I don’t know how that will go.
Today the Dawgs begin their season against the Clemson Tigers at 8pm on ABC. Tigers are fine as animals go.
Tiger fans, on the other hand, are generally obnoxious.
Conventional wisdom on TV and in the blogosphere is that this game will be a high-scoring affair because the offenses are good and the defenses suspect. That’s probably right. But the over/under is 71. 71! The highest over/under EVER for a Georgia game. I’m taking the under. (I’m quite the offshore gambler. Don’t tell my people.)
I see two key matchups: our running backs vs. the entire Clemson D (because it will take all of them to stop Gurshall), and Clemson’s receivers vs. our secondary, which is good but really young.
My prognostifications: Keith Marshall runs wild, with at least one long run or reception for a score. One of our freshmen in the secondary gets a pick at an opportune time. Sammy Watkins makes them look silly another time. Georgia doesn’t attempt a single field goal because our starting placekicker got caught drinking beer on a boat. And we also miss an extra point.
Final score? Georgia 44, Clemson 30. Wait. That means I need to take the over. Gotta talk to my bookie. See you later.
Grumpy Dog Grumps 