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Friday, October i, aoio | The Red & Black
2
GAME BREAKDOWN:
BP Georgia at Colorado
Fblsom Field, Saturday 7 p.m.
OFFENSE
Though Georgia's total offense numbers don’t look terrible 352
yards per game the offense has averaged only 14 points per
game in the last three losses. But star receiver A.J. Green is
back, and should help with Georgia’s issues putting away drives in
the red zone. Colorado possesses a talented running game
147 yards per game —but quarterback Tyler Hansen has thrown
four interceptions in three games. The offenses thus far have
been a wash, but the return of Green tilts it in Georgia’s favor.
SLIGHT EDGE: GEORGIA
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GREEN
DEFENSE
Colorado looked respectable against Colorado State and Hawaii,
but safety Anthony Perkins and the Buffaloes’ defense gave up 52
points to California in its second game. Linebacker Akeem Dent
and the Georgia defense haven’t looked great under defensive
coordinator Todd Grantham, but they’ve done enough. Georgia
should be battle-tested for a Colorado offense that has seen only
one BCS-conference defense, which held it to just seven points.
EDGE: GEORGIA
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DENT
SPECIAL TEAMS
This category is a runaway for Georgia. Kicker Blair Walsh is 7-for-7
on the season, including a 52-yarder. and looks like a favorite for
the Lou Groza Award. Meanwhile, Colorado’s kicker Aric Goodman
is just 1-2 on the season, making only a 28-yarder. The numbers In
the punting game are similar. Colorado starts a freshman, averag
ing just 39.8 yards a kick, while Georgia has one of the nation’s
top punters in Drew Butler's 44.3 yard average.
EDGE: GEORGIA
WALSH
COACHING
Although Mark Richt says it is "obviously’ the most difficult time
of his 10-year tenure, not many Georgia fans would trade coaches
with the Buffaloes, which is led by Dan Hawkins and his 18-34
record at Colorado. For Hawkins, a win would be huge for getting
some of the Colorado supporters off his back. For Richt, a loss
would only further the declining confidence among the fan base in
his ability to turn the program around.
EDGE: GEORGIA
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THE KEY NPTCHUPS:
Bulldogs vs. buffaloes
Georgia offensive line vs. Colorado froiit seven
Colorado's pass rush and run defense has not been spectac
ular this season, but then again this is the Georgia offensive
line. Once considered one of the top units in the country, the
line has struggled with protecting Aaron Murray,
opening up holes for the running game and pre
venting yellow flags from hitting the ground. After
another dismal performance against Mississippi
State, the Georgia line is being granted opportu
nity No. 5 to live up to their hype. Whether
changes along the line, such as starting Tanner
Strickland at right guard, remain in place, the
Bulldogs could certainly use the extra help for
an offense that is averaging just 14 points per
game in conference play. But pass protection
aside, the running game has been a disappointment thus far,
and with the talent and experience along Georgia’s line, the
coaching staff should be able to run the ball at will. Then again,
a lot of things should have happened so far this season.
Georgia tight ends vs. Colorado linebackers
Excuses will no longer work after this game in Boulder, Colo.
The tight ends have submitted that they have been double- and
triple-teamed frequently throughout Georgia’s
first four games. Sometimes those excuses were
warranted, sometimes they were not. Tight ends
coach John Lilly has defended his unit by saying
his players have become better at blocking, but
the running game still ranks just 86th in the
nation so a lot of good that is doing. Perhaps
no unit stands the most to gain from A.J.
Green’s return than the visibly unproductive tight
ends, as opposing teams will no longer have the
extra players to devote to covering them as
closely. If the tight ends cannot have a breakout performance in
this game it may never come this season.
Brandon Boykin vs. Colorado’s kick coverage
Where has Georgia's explosive kick return game disappeared
to in 2010? Last season, cornerback Brandon Boykin broke onto
the national scene as a kick returner by taking
three kickoffs back for touchdowns giving
Georgia an additional scoring threat and allowing
for a spark on special teams. That spark has
dimmed to a mere flicker this season, as Boykin
has been unable to provide the same dynamic
for the return game. In the three conference
games, the Bulldogs' average starting field posi
tion has been just past the 24-yard line. Although
starting field position is subject to a myriad of
factors, it does not nullify the fact that Boykin
has not yet showed his ability in 2010. An improved game from
the junior could help the offense —one that has not begun a
drive in an opponent’s territory since Louisiana-Lafayette. If not,
Boykin’s placement on the preseason Thorpe Award watch list
will look more and more like a simple misunderstanding.
STRICKLAND
.ILLY
BOYKIN