Dabblin’ With the Cockspur: Crushing the Gamecock Defense
posted by Roger Olivieri, 9/16/2009 05:27:00 PM
The backbone of this team for years and one of the top units in the nation gave up 41 points this past weekend and everyone quivered, but some went a step further – some complained.
Again, shame on you.
Let’s look at the breakdown of those 41 Georgia points, shall we?
The first seven points don’t count. Let’s not all relive the moment. Let’s just agree that a 100 yard kickoff return has nothing to do with “the defense.” Like you and I, they were all watching. That takes the 41 down to 34.
The second Georgia touchdown came on a 52 yard drive after another HUGE kickoff return. If starting on your own 48 yard line was the norm, college football scores would resemble those of the Arena League. Yes, our defense failed, but spotting the Dawgs 52 yards away is no help.
The next Georgia touchdown comes on a reverse that caught the defense sleeping. Good call, 61 yard run… Seven points for Georgia. Last I checked, everyone gives up a BIG play every now and again.
The next grouping of Georgia points comes after they intercepted a pass and proceeded to “smash mouth” their way all of one yard in six plays. The result – a field goal. In my opinion you don’t put this one on the defense. That takes us down to 31 points, seven of which were scored on a monster drive of 52 yards (feel my sarcasm).
The proceeding Georgia touchdown comes just before the half. Again, about as feeble a drive as one could conjure up – eight plays and forty yards. Forty yards? Why? The return following Carolina’s field goal was returned fifty eight yards!
Here are another seven points we can hang on special teams – not the defense. This brings the defensive responsibility down to 24 points.
Arrives the half and, by the way, Georgia has already set a school record for kickoff yards in an ENTIRE GAME – right, yes, they broke that record before half time.
Not until the opening drive of the second half does Georgia finally put together a drive to be proud of. They go eighty yards in nine plays. The Dawgs differentiate the run and pass effectively – a 34 yard hook-up with A.J. Green being the difference.
After this, the remaining Georgia score comes on a 12 play, forty seven yard drive that results in a forty two yard field goal.
The Gamecock defense recovered a fumble, had a “pick six” and held the Georgia offense to ten less first downs. The 107 Georgia rushing yards were helped a tad by the 61 yard play. The Georgia kickoff return team netted 252 yards – ridiculous!
Now, you tell me that the defense should be worried, is too young and in trouble. Not!
By the way, while we’re at it, keep in mind that I never even brought up the absence of Nate Pepper, Rodney Paulk and Ladi Ajiboye. Excuses are for losers and this defense has none.
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If you clicked on the link ready to annihilate the Gamecock defense after allowing 41 points, shame on you. If you were one of the many to throw up your hands in disgust towards the defense, shame on you.
The backbone of this team for years and one of the top units in the nation gave up 41 points this past weekend and everyone quivered, but some went a step further – some complained.
Again, shame on you.
Let’s look at the breakdown of those 41 Georgia points, shall we?
The first seven points don’t count. Let’s not all relive the moment. Let’s just agree that a 100 yard kickoff return has nothing to do with “the defense.” Like you and I, they were all watching. That takes the 41 down to 34.
The second Georgia touchdown came on a 52 yard drive after another HUGE kickoff return. If starting on your own 48 yard line was the norm, college football scores would resemble those of the Arena League. Yes, our defense failed, but spotting the Dawgs 52 yards away is no help.
The next Georgia touchdown comes on a reverse that caught the defense sleeping. Good call, 61 yard run… Seven points for Georgia. Last I checked, everyone gives up a BIG play every now and again.
The next grouping of Georgia points comes after they intercepted a pass and proceeded to “smash mouth” their way all of one yard in six plays. The result – a field goal. In my opinion you don’t put this one on the defense. That takes us down to 31 points, seven of which were scored on a monster drive of 52 yards (feel my sarcasm).
The proceeding Georgia touchdown comes just before the half. Again, about as feeble a drive as one could conjure up – eight plays and forty yards. Forty yards? Why? The return following Carolina’s field goal was returned fifty eight yards!
Here are another seven points we can hang on special teams – not the defense. This brings the defensive responsibility down to 24 points.
Arrives the half and, by the way, Georgia has already set a school record for kickoff yards in an ENTIRE GAME – right, yes, they broke that record before half time.
Not until the opening drive of the second half does Georgia finally put together a drive to be proud of. They go eighty yards in nine plays. The Dawgs differentiate the run and pass effectively – a 34 yard hook-up with A.J. Green being the difference.
After this, the remaining Georgia score comes on a 12 play, forty seven yard drive that results in a forty two yard field goal.
The Gamecock defense recovered a fumble, had a “pick six” and held the Georgia offense to ten less first downs. The 107 Georgia rushing yards were helped a tad by the 61 yard play. The Georgia kickoff return team netted 252 yards – ridiculous!
Now, you tell me that the defense should be worried, is too young and in trouble. Not!
By the way, while we’re at it, keep in mind that I never even brought up the absence of Nate Pepper, Rodney Paulk and Ladi Ajiboye. Excuses are for losers and this defense has none.
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Roger Olivieri. Roger began working with GamecockCentral in December of 2007. He currently serves as the site's chief videographer. He may be reached by email at roger(at)gamecockcentral.com. Replace (at) with @.