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4 things: Kirby Smart provides clues for Georgia to beating Notre Dame in Sugar Bowl
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4 things: Kirby Smart provides clues for Georgia to beating Notre Dame in Sugar Bowl
ATHENS — Kirby Smart doesn’t get caught up in pleasantries when it comes to talking football.
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Not a lot of information, but the information is crucial.
We must play hard, not make mistakes, and beat them physically.
Games are won in the trenches.
Notre Dame is tough and will be a tough out. Whether we can get it done is uncertain.
As usual, Kirby is blunt and transparent.
Go, Dawgs!
Yep, it's going to come down to ball control on offense (effective running game is crucial), controlling the LOS, keeping it out of Leonard's hands as much as possible, and avoiding big plays & mistakes. Kirby will be leaning on our defense as much as possible. Both teams have an advantage- the Dawgs because Stockton is an unknown entity- and the Irish because of Riley's experience and ability. The Irish have a better secondary and my biggest concern might be if our WRs can create separation.
Coaching and execution will be paramount. Which team will perform better? You can never bet against Kirby when it comes to big games and adjustments, but Freeman is a formidable opponent.
Notre Dame will be a tough nut to crack. They are very talented and play with great desire and motivation. Let's hope the Dawgs are equally as motivated !!
People always say games are won in trenches. Never more true than in this one.
I think we edge them in talent upfront on defense, especially because Rylie Mills will be out. And our OL is clearly more talented than there's; if they play up to their abilities., they will dominate .
One caveat: Games are often lost at the skill positions, especially with turnovers. That puts a lot of pressure on Stockton. He doesn't have to be Jayden Daniels or even Carson Beck. But he does need to limit mistakes, add another dimension with his legs, and complete enough downfield passes to make them pay for loading the box. Plus, he needs to avoid throwing anywhere near Xavier Watts.
Gunner has to protect the ball and himself. Heard he's a football player first, a QB second. Might want to level that. Can't afford to dig deeper in the depth chart. And yes, he's more than capable of leading this offense. But for Stockton to be successful the O-line has to step up and play four quarters worth. We know about the drops, and how we seem to fumble on big runs (lucky a couple bounced our way last game). Gotta clean all that up. There's time. The staff will have these guys ready. Think Gunner's going to create some headaches out there for the opposing team.
Good comments. Arian Smith can separate, as ND is likely man-to-man, but cannot catch the ball with any certainty? I believe Cash Jones will be a good fit..he can run out of the backfield and has good hands. Frazier and Etienne will smoke that tight ND defense. A bit of razzle-dazzle will help. I see UGA opening up that tight defense and allowing some good runs. Also, I have seen Gunner in high school and now college…..he is as fast as Bennett! Not as shifty, but is as fast. You will see once he breaks through the ND defensive holes and hits open ground..mark my word. This will be a good game. Bruising. GO DAWGS!!!
I can see Gunner as a perfect mix of Fromm and Bennett, thus he will be up to the challenge but will need an excellent OL and the WRs catch what is catchable.
one position few are talking about is UGA running backs. The Robinsons do not have much film due to injuries but should be healthy and can push for those short yardage downs. Plus ETN and Nate will dash for enough yards to open the play action pass. Keeping Gunner tossing high percentage throws that we hope the WRs can hold on to
OK I’m definitely NOT saying this will make Gunner be Tom Brady vs ND. It’s just some info from his HS career. But some Dawgs fans might not have seen it so I’m posting it for info. purposes only. From the Internet (CBS Sports) : Stockton torched the Georgia high school record book, setting all-time records for
passing touchdowns (177), passing yards (13,652) and rushing touchdowns (77)
. He passed Clemson legends Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence to capture the state records
Gunner Stockton will be the focus for this game, but the key for UGA is running the ball successfully early and stopping the run. Hopefully with a healthy OL and healthier RBs, UGA will be able to run and open up play action for GS. Defensively, they have to pressure Leonard and limit the explosive plays from ND. This should be a good one. Go Dawgs!
I haven't seen any sports writers indicate who is #2 QB? If QB1 gets injured, who are the coaches prepping?
It won't matter.
@navydawg "I don't think we're in Kansas (high school) anymore , Toto". Sorry couldn't resist. But it seemed so fitting.
Actually, if you go back to UGA's '22 recruiting class in Rivals and click on GS there is a 14 min video of his HS highlights. 14 minutes. I only had time to get half way through it. But it was pretty impressive. He is not as fast as I thought. And he was playing against smaller school comp. But he threw the ball accurately for the most part. Especially when he was in rhythm with his footwork right. Nice long ball. Nice zip on his passes. Comfortable in the pocket. Didn't rush, panic or force the action. He did have some receivers make some circus catches for him. Saw some better catches than we saw on the field this season from UGA WR's.
I also noticed that, for some reason, GS HS Rivals ranking free fell right before signing day. For a year before his signing he was a Top 36 ranked recruit. Then fell to 174 right before signing day. Rivals probably did a re-rank and because GS was not a participant in elite exposure events/competitions Rivals dropped him down. Ratings drop warranted? I guess we'll all find out on 1/1.
Interesting side note on UGA's 30 player, #3 ranked recruiting class from '22. 30 players signed, 16 transferred out.
I couldn’t agree more ! Dawgs having a great running game, Yet limiting the ND running game is Absolutely essential. Will be huge comfort and confidence to Gunner that it’s not All on him with passing.
Love to see Both the Robinsons back, that would be Awesome, but if only R. Robinson is back and fully healthy will be a great help. Need both our O Line and D Line to perform really well.
IF this Dawgs team is pretty healthy and Hopefully they are by now, even with Gunner getting his first ever start they will be formidable contenders. ND is a good team and well coached but if the Dawgs bring their A game and execute they can beat ND. Go Dawgs !!
Merry Christmas to You and your family and All Dawg Nation !! Semper Fi !! Thank You for your service !! Prayers for all our military away from home this time of year. I know how it feels I missed five Christmas times during my time.
@87Dawg_11 I’m disabled and not able to even cut my grass or maintenance on my home anymore. I’ve got a young Marine ( notice I didn’t say ex) doing all that. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, Purple Heart from wounds received. He’s a fine young man.
I had the great Honor and Privilege of serving with Marines in a joint service Honor Guard/Burial Detail. Ole Sgt. Major was one more tough ole leatherneck !! Did quite a few funerals with them and the families were always so grateful . We have SO Much to thankful for in this great country. “Freedom is not Free” Thanks again for Your service and all our veterans, active duty, reserves, national guard. Hearing the ole song I’ll Be Home For Christmas always puts a lump in my throat.