UGA SPORTS BLOG: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt

I was satisfied yet disappointed with the Dawgs 24-14 win over Vanderbilt this week. We'll start with the positives.

First, the run game was great. I was pleased with Moreno's 172 yards and the commitment to the run throughout the game. There were very few plays where I was left scratching my head afterwards which is the first time I can say that this season. In terms of play calling, I was pleased with the first quarter. Georgia came out and ran the ball 5 out of 8 plays which was capped off by a missed field goal. The second drive began with another run play to Moreno. After 6 out of 8 plays were runs, Georgia went deep to A.J. Green for a 50 yard gain. That drive was finished with a touchdown. This type of play call is what I've been screaming about all season. When Georgia establishes the run, their wideouts have little difficulty getting open.

I was also pleased with the ability of Georgia to run the ball in the 4th quarter. With about 8:30 left in the game, Georgia ran the ball downfield with ease, 8 of 9 plays were runs and the lone pass being a screen to Shaun Chapas. This drive resulted in another missed field goal but I was still impressed by Georgia's march down the field late in the game.

Now to the negatives.

This new habit of throwing the ball away in the red zone is worrying. I hate having to settle for field goals down there but Stafford throwing interceptions really shoots us the foot. Through the first six games, red zone offense was our specialty and Georgia will need to find that form again in the upcoming weeks. The second was Blair Walsh's missed chip shots this week. What was that about? Third, getting pressure on the quarterback is the last remaining issue that has not been addressed this season. The Dawgs desperately need to find a way to get to opposing quarterbacks particularly when they play the Gators in a couple of weeks. If Tebow has time in the pocket, he will eat us alive. Finally, Georgia needs to put its opponents away. I'm tired of doing just enough to win. This is true for the victories against South Carolina, Tennessee and now Vanderbilt. I thought and hoped this would happen against Vanderbilt but Georgia blew two separate 14-point leads. LSU is the kind of team that if Georgia lets hang around, they will find a way to punish us. More on that game as the week goes on.
- www.northfulton.com

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