Took last week off because, well, the team had an off week. The last time this Tiger team took the field they upset the Gamecocks in South Carolina. A game I MISSED on. Let me make that crystal clear again right up front. I LOST the game. Now, I want to add one more little item. The result of that game out in Columbia was also a pleasant surprise to many within that program and team. As a fan I was great with the result, as a bettor and professional handicapper it was not at the top of my list for sure. As always when a big game goes sideways there were people screaming **** murder. I guess they thought it was a sure thing or something although I go to great pains to explain I don't deal in locks. But anyway, I've addressed it more than once and it's time to forge ahead.
Oh to have that damn Indiana game back. The team is kicking themselves for not taking the Hoosiers seriously enough. The coaches preached to the kids until they were blue in the face that they would have to play a legit game that saturday but sometimes these youngsters listen and sometimes they just nod but don't really buy into it. That was the case. They should be unbeaten going into this weekends showdown with Mark Richt's Bulldogs. Last year the Tigers knocked off the Bulldogs down in Athens by a 41-26 final, but that game was closer than the score indicted and Todd Gurley was not in action so Tiger fans and the team itself aren't feeling too frisky over that one. They know this saturday Georgia will be bring their full array of weapons of course led by Gurley. The team is healthy going into this thing with wide out Darius White slowed somewhat by a hammy but he should be good to go as of now. All indications I get is the team is confident and has a definate swagger going into this weekend. They respect Georgia, but are not in awe of them. It's sure nothing like two years ago when Bama came into town and the team stared across the field at them like they were about to go get their autographs. The self esteem of this football team is more than healthy. Sometimes it borders on arrogance to be candid but the staff would prefer that to a team lacking in self confidence. I have a strong feeling we are in for a very, very good football game this saturday. The disparity between the SEC East and West is stark but as far as I am concerned these two clubs are the heavyweights of the east and this saturday could easily determine who captures the division. I will be frank, once again I have some reservations about the Tigers secondary. They play soft, don't close well and their tackling issues are a seemingly never ending pain in DC Dave Steckels ass. But, Mason is not exactly Aaron Rogers back there either. Key for Georgia will be keeping Golden and Ray at bay, easier said than done. Missouri happens to rank number 2 in the entire nation in total sacks with 18, does not bode well for Mason if Golden and Ray are having their way. Should be a helluva battle and I certainly will be on hand to watch it unfold.
In conclusion there should be no excuses. The air around the facility is brimming with confidence. The staff has had two weeks to prepare the team for battle. They are off a huge road win at South Carolina and know the stakes are high come 11 am this saturday morning. Georgia is a battle tested, salty outfit that will be hell bent on some pay back for last year in Athens. Has all the ingediants of an instant classic provided both teams bring their A games.
Good luck this weekend with your action guys. I have a featured release in play for tonight actually and also for saturday. Should have the sunday NFL Triple package loaded by later today. It's a busy time. Take care!