Week 3 Predictions

Week 3 Predictions 

Week 2 of college football certainly did not disappoint and gave us a little bit of everything. From low scoring, defensive struggles to high scoring shootouts, upsets, blowouts, Saturday had it all. Georgia is back in the headlines again this week! However, this time they are on the winning side as they took care of South Carolina at home 41-30 to take over the drivers seat in the Eastern division. Both USC and Texas fell out of the AP Top 25 after their losses to Washington State (ouch!)  and BYU, respectively. Clemson took care of business against South Carolina State at home despite a slow start and last but not least, the ACC picked up another big win over the SEC as Miami upset (then) #12 Florida (21-16). Hard to believe its already week 3! With Clemson on their first bye week I'm gonna enjoy watching other games stress-free. Here's a few that I'll be keeping an eye on this weekend....

Week 3 Predictions: Take Your Pick 

#2 Oregon vs Tennessee 

Both squads enter this game undefeated at 2-0. The Ducks high powered offense will be looking for its 22nd straight victory at home. Oregon is averaging just over 62 points per game right now and are simply too much for this Volunteer defense to handle. The Ducks will take care of business and leave no doubt they are worthy of their #2 ranking.

The Pick: Oregon 

#13 South Carolina vs Vanderbilt 

This is a game South Carolina should handle with ease. They are the better team and get the Commodores under the lights in Williams Brice Stadium. The key here is to get an early start and not allow Vanderbilt to build any confidence. Shut the door on them early. If South Carolina has any hopes of making it to the SEC Championship they will need some help but they have to take care of their own business first and win out. Bottom line...if you are looking for an upset, look elsewhere.

                                                                                    The Pick: South Carolina

#25 Ole Miss @ Texas 

The Rebels, who currently lead the West division, are on the rise and catch a struggling Texas squad that may very well be looking for a new coach after this weekend. Mack Brown's days at Texas are numbered. A change in Defensive Coordinators isn't going to save the Longhorns season and probably won't save them Saturday either.  Ole Miss picks up the road win and the Rebels start to make a little more noise in the SEC-East.

                                                                                    The Pick: Ole Miss

Boston College vs USC

Another head coach finds himself on thin ice out in California as the Trojans fell to Washington State last weekend. Boston College is 2-0 and hoping to make some strides this year within the ACC and beyond. A win Saturday against USC could go a long way in building this team's confidence down the stretch. Look out for the ACC as they pick up another big win early in this 2013 season.

The Pick: Boston College 

**Bonus Pick of the Week**

Presbyterian  vs Furman

The Blue Hose travel to Greenville to take on the Paladins this weekend. Last year, Furman came into Bailey Memorial Stadium and left with a 31-21 victory. The year before, Furman had a field day on the PC defense en route to a 62-21 woodshed beating. I promise you these guys have not forgotten about those games. With revenge on their minds and a better overall team taking the field, I think PC finds a way to get it done against the Paladins.

The Pick: Presbyterian 

And last but not least.....

Christopher's Game of the Week

#1 Alabama vs #6 Texas A&M

Preview: 

We've been waiting for this one since last year's showdown ended. The winner of this game not only can make a statement to the SEC but to the rest of the college football world as well. Last year's contest was quite the ball game with Texas A&M sneaking out of Tuscaloosa with a stunning 29-24 victory. This game has huge SEC and BCS title implications and ticket prices are higher than ever for a regular season game. This one is going to be another classic. No matter who you pull for, if you aren't intrigued by this game, there has gotta be something wrong with you. Here we go! 

 Players to Watch: 

Texas A&M-

QB Johnny Manziel, WR Mike Evans, RB Tra Carson, RB, RB Ben Malena

Alabama- 

QB AJ McCarron, RB T.J. Yeldon, WR Christion Jones

My Thoughts: 

Johnny Manziel has been in the spotlight all offseason and most of the time it wasn't a good thing. I'm interested to see how he plays in the first major game of the season. Mentally and physically will he be ready? Texas A&M has been dubbed a BCS title contender by more than a few and we could be watching either of these teams play in Pasadena in Janurary. I think this is going to be another relatively low scoring game as it was last year with the game coming down to late in the fourth quarter. Alabama didn't look so hot against a not-so-great VT squad in week 1. I'm sure Saban has address those issues during their bye week last weekend. 

Bottom Line: 

College Station is going to be rocking and the 12th man will definitely be making its presence known Saturday afternoon. Manziel caught many of us off guard last season but I think teams will be better prepared this year. However, Johnny Football is still going to make plays and put up some points. Lets not forget that Alabama is coming in well rested off their bye week and they will be ready to give the Aggies everything in the tank.....and then some. I think this comes down to who can come up with a big turnover or have that one game-changing play that sways the momentum. Hard to judge a team so early in the year and if this game was played two weeks from now, I might have a different choice. However, for now, looks like its going to be two in a row over Alabama for Texas A&M. 

The Pick: Texas A&M

Week 2 Predictions

Coach Dabo Swinney and his Clemson Tigers stole the show in opening weekend as they knocked off (then) #5 Georgia, 38-35 (the exact score I predicted, might I add) in front of a full capacity and electric crowd in Death Valley Saturday night. The win propelled Clemson to the #4 spot in the polls and has Tiger nation buzzing about making a run for a BCS title. In other tidbits from the weekend, South Carolina took care of business Thursday night against North Carolina (27-10). Alabama had a far from impressive showing against VT in the Georgia dome and new signal caller Jameis Winston showed that he's the real deal in FSU's 41-13 win over Pittsburgh. Overall it was a great opening weekend of college football. Now lets see if Week 2 can can top it! Not sure I can nail a score like I did last weekend but here goes nothing....

Week 2 Predictions: Take Your Pick 

#14 Notre Dame @ #17 Michigan 

For only the 2nd time ever, Michigan will be playing under the lights in the Big House. We all remember how exciting the first game was back in 2011. The Wolverines won an exciting high scoring battle 35-31. Hopefully this one will shape up to be just as good. ESPN's College Gameday will be there to watch it all unfold. Death Valley was rocking last weekend and now Michigan will get another chance to show the nation just how loud it gets in the Big House at night. 

The Pick: Michigan 

#2 Oregon vs Virginia 

Oregon has one of the best offenses in the country and when it comes to speed, they take things to another level. Virginia barely had 200 yards of total offense last week in their win over BYU. No need to sugarcoat this one or even begin to say the Oregon could get knocked off. The Ducks are stacked on offense and will score early and often on this Caviler defense. This one is going to get ugly, folks. No way around it. 

The Pick: Oregon 

#12 Florida @ Miami 

This should be a good one. Another old classic rivalry in the Sunshine State. Duke Johnson is set for monster year for the Hurricanes as he rushed for 186 yards on 18 carries last weekend. If Miami is ready to make its comeback they'll need to keep pounding the ball with #8. Florida is hoping to make some noise this year in the SEC. They showed signs of promise last season finishing 11-2 highlighted by wins against Texas A&M, LSU, South Carolina and Florida State. The ACC could use another big win over the SEC. However, I don't think it happens here.

The Pick: Florida

#4 Clemson vs SC State

The Tigers answered a lot of questions Saturday night in their win over Georgia. Although the defense gave up a few big plays, they made stops when they had to and put the pressure on Aaron Murray when it mattered most. The offense didn't disappoint either and it appears that the Tigers running game will be just fine this year without Andre Ellington. With a bye week and a Thursday night road trip to NC State looming, Clemson just needs to pour it on early, get the reserves into the game as soon as possible and head into their bye week healthy. No need to even entertain the idea of an upset here, the Tigers are 26-0 against Division 1-AA teams since 1978. 

The Pick: Clemson 

**Bonus Pick of the Week**

Presbyterian vs Brevard

The Blue Hose drew first blood against Wake Forest Thursday night but the lead was short lived as they fell 31-7 to the ACC foe. This week PC should be on the other side of a rout and notch their first win of the 2013 season. Look for them to get an early lead and cruise through the second half with relative ease.

The Pick: Presbyterian 

And last but not least......

Christopher's Game of the Week

#11 UGA vs #6 South Carolina

Preview: 

Georgia finds itself in yet another huge showdown in week 2 when they welcome in Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks Saturday afternoon "Between the hedges". South Carolina has had Georgia's number as of late, winning the last three meetings. Last season South Carolina dominated the game in nearly every aspect and send the Dawgs back home to Athens with a 35-7 loss. This year's game should be much closer and more entertaining. With the best defensive player in college football going up against one of the best quarterbacks, this game, like the Clemson-UGA game last week, should be one for the ages. This game has become quite the rivalry matchup. The winner will be in the drivers seat in the Eastern division while the loser will have to play catch-up. 

Players to Watch: 

Georgia- QB Aaron Murray, RB Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall, FB Quayvon Hicks

South Carolina- QB Conner Shaw, RB Mike Davis, WR Bruce Ellington, WR Shaq Roland

My Thoughts: 

Georgia fans have gone into deep depression and panic mode following their loss to Clemson. But they have to move on. The Dawgs can still technically make it to the BCS title game if they win out and get some help along the way. However, the road won't be an easy one. South Carolina took control of this game last season and put the pressure on Aaron Murray. The UGA offense couldn't do much of anything, especially in the running game. Luckily this game isn't on the road so the Bulldogs will have the crowd on their side this time around. Georgia desperately needs this win if nothing more from a morale standpoint. This time last week, UGA fans were calling for a BCS title. But if South Carolina can come to Athens and leave with a win, that puts the Dawgs out of the BCS title talk, puts SEC title dreams on hold and could be the last straw for head coach Mark Richt. There will be more guys like this calling into radio shows Monday morning (or Saturday night) with their heads hanging low. 

Bottom Line: 

Although Clemson's defense is still a bit suspect, they won the battle up front for the majority of the night and recorded four sacks on Aaron Murray. If Clowney comes ready to play (which I'm sure he will) UGA could be in trouble. I'm looking for a low scoring affair in Athens this weekend and it'll come down to who can step up and make that one play to make a difference. As good as Georiga's offense is, South Carolina's defense still might have the upper hand. This one will go down to the wire with a defensive stand or last minute drive making the difference. At the end of the day, I gotta go with my gut on this one. Sorry, Georgia fans. 

The Pick: South Carolina 

Week 1 Predictions

Are You Ready For Some Football? 

The wait is FINALLY over and football season is here! Time for a day full of tailgating, sitting around a TV and watching football all day long. Its my favorite part of the year and this year promises to be another great season for college football. Doing things a little different this year and going with straight picks for 4 games per week, My Bonus Pick of the week featuring my school, Presbyterian, plus one big preview for my "Game of the Week". Week 1's game of the week is an easy choice but each week I'll pick one game that I want to break down for that week and make it my featured game of the week. I feel like I'm just rambling on and on now so lets just get to business, shall we? 

Week 1 Predictions : Take Your Pick

#1 Alabama vs Virginia Tech 

Alabama begins their quest for 3 straight BCS titles when they open up the season in Atlanta against Virginia Tech in Chick-Fil-A Kickoff game. VT has struggled the past few seasons after dominating the ACC when they hit the scene in 2004. Alabama is literally too good to slip up against a mediocre VT squad. This one is easy. Roll Tide, Roll! 

The Pick: Alabama

#12 LSU vs #20 TCU

It feels like LSU lost their whole team to graduation/NFL. Zach Mettenberger isn't that great of a QB and the Tiger's offense and play-calling was very suspect at times last season. LSU better hope they take care of business in week 1 because with four top ten opponents looming in UGA, Florida, Texas A&M and Alabama, there is little room for error. However, Tiger Stadium at night isn't for the weak at heart and that will ultimately be the difference.

The Pick: LSU

North Carolina vs  #6 South Carolina

Its amazing that these two schools don't meet up more often. The battle of Carolina's. Maybe this game will tell us who the REAL Carolina is and help avoid confusion when "Carolina" is discussed. Some people have the Gamecocks on upset alert for this game but I'm not buying it. As much as I'd love to see it, I don't believe the Tarheels have enough to get the job done, or more importantly, keep Clowney out of their backfield. 

The Pick: South Carolina  

#11 Florida State vs Pittsburgh 

The Seminoles have some gaps to fill as they take on the 2013 season. A new QB under center in Freshmen Jameis Winston leaves many with questions with what this team can accomplish. Defensively, the Noles will be among the best in the nation and should help keep the pressure off this offense to put up big numbers. This one might be close, but the better team will prevail. The defending ACC champs start off their path to Charlotte on the right foot.

The Pick: Florida State

**Since I'm a student at PC I also have to show some love for Blue Hose every weekend and include them in my weekly predictions. It will be a bonus to the normal five predictions I make weekly. Check those out in the "Bonus Pick of The Week " section!** 

*Bonus Pick of The Week* 

Presbyterian @ Wake Forest 

The Blue Hose open up the season on the road at ACC foe, Wake Forest.The two teams met up in 2010 and the Demon Deacons walked away with a 53-13 victory. Although I expect this game to be much closer, I don't think PC can pull the upset. I think it will be a very competitive game early with Wake Forest pulling away in the 2nd half. Perhaps Coach Nichols has another trick-play up his sleeve. We shall see.

The Pick: Wake Forest

And last but certainly not least........

Christopher's Game of the Week

#5 Georgia vs #8 Clemson 

Preview: 

Old school rivalry renewed. These two teams meet up for the first time since 2003, a 30-0 Georgia victory in Death Valley. In my opinion this should be a game that is played every single year. The history of this rivalry goes back for years. Back in the 1980's Clemson-UGA was THE Rivalry game to watch and I'm thrilled its being revived. This is what college football in the south is all about. Two teams that hate each other with very passionate fans. This is going to be an instant classic. From a ticket standpoint, I've never seen demand so high for a Clemson football game. Camping out for tickets 11 days before they are distributed? That's insane. But I absolutely love it. Shout out to Clemson students for that! That's what I call being "All In"

Players to Watch: 

Georgia: QB Aaron Murray, RB Todd Gurley, RB Keith Marshall, WR Malcom Mitchell, CB Damian Swann*

Clemson: QB Tajh Boyd, WR Sammy Watkins, WR Gerome Hopper, RB Roderick McDowell, LB Spencer Shuey. 

Notable Suspensions/Injuries: 

Georgia- K Marshall Morgan, SS Josh Harvey-Clemons, TE Ty Flournoy-Smith, FS Tray Matthews*, SS Corey Moore.*

Clemson- TE Sam Cooper, TE Jordan Leggett, TE T.J. Green

 (*-denotes injured player with status TBD) 

My Thoughts: 

We know both of these teams have explosive offenses that can light up the scoreboard. However, both have questions on defense. Inexperience is an issue for both secondaries, especially the Tigers. Coach Swinney has praised the effort and performance of his Offensive and Defensive lines and feels they could actually be a strength of this team this season. With ESPN College Gameday and the rest of the college football world watching, can the Tigers focus and take care of business despite all the distractions? This game could easily turn into a high scoring shootout. With two high power offenses  tied with a defense that has problems with depth, experience, and health...don't be surprised to see a lot of points. And I hope it does (turn into a high scoring affair) for two reasons. 1. Just imagine how fun it would be to see these teams go punch for punch all night long in a high scoring frenzy. 2. A high scoring game as opposed to a low scoring affair favors the Tigers. The atmosphere is going to be second to none and I expect the crowd to be a MAJOR factor in this game as well. This one could easily go down to the wire and a FG could be the difference in the outcome. If that's the case, you have to feel good as a Clemson fan. We know Chandler Catanzaro is more than capable of being clutch but UGA will be without the services of Marshall Morgan who was arrested earlier this summer for BUI (Boating Under The Influence) and will have to look elsewhere for help. Most likely from either sophomore Patrick Beless or RS Freshmen Thomas Pritchard. The key for Clemson will be a good start early to keep the crowd rowdy and on their feet as well as putting the pressure on Aaron Murray. South Carolina showed us last year just how effective a good pass rush can be in stopping UGA. Its vital. In the end, I think this one simply comes down to who wants it more. With South Carolina looming next weekend, will the Bulldogs be fully focused at the task at hand? Looking ahead could cost them greatly. One thing is for sure, this is going to be a good one.

Bottom Line: Both secondaries have some major concerns heading to this game. We know both offenses can move the ball but will they be able to stop the other team? I'm torn over a prediction. My gut tells me Clemson's secondary issues are going to cost them this game but another part tells me we are in for a pleasant surprise with this defense. I've gone back and forth but I'm committing now and think somehow, someway, the Tigers find a way to get it done in Death Valley.

The Pick: 

Clemson 38 Georgia 35

Keys To Victory

Its About That Time........


The long wait is almost over and in just a few days #8 Clemson will welcome rival #5 Georgia to Death Valley for the first time since 2003. This game has all the ingredients for an instant classic and will draw viewers from across the nation. All eyes will be set on Clemson, SC Saturday night. Who will rise to the occasion? Who will be the game-changer? Those questions will be answered Saturday. But as for now, I'm going to give my two cents on what I believe the Tigers must do if they want to take down the Bulldogs.

Clemson's Keys to Victory: 

1. Get Physical 

This game is going to be a hard-hitting, physical, match-up and it will ultimately be won in the trenches. Swinney has praised the play of his offensive and defensive lines during spring ball, fall camp and heading to the opener against UGA. That is exactly what the Tigers need. On offense the guys have to be zoned in and protect Boyd in the pocket. Defensively, Clemson has to get off the ball fast and put some pressure on Murray. Marshall and Gurley are going to get their yards but keeping that to a minimum and blocking up those holes will be key. And when you get your hands on a ball carrier, wrap up and bring him down. Bottom line....play angry and make UGA earn every inch of that football field all night long. No free gifts!!!!

2. Protect Your House 

This is a big one. We don't get many night games in Death Valley these days so we MUST take advantage and show the nation why Clemson has one of the greatest stadiums and crowds in college football. Fans need to arrive to the game early (Stay the ENTIRE game) and be loud. Really loud. I have been at games where I couldn't even hear what my friend next to me was saying. We need to blow the top off of Death Valley Saturday night. I think its embarrassing when you let another team come into YOUR house and leave with a win. You don't let that one neighbor you dislike walk in your house, sit down and take the remote control and start flipping the channels do you? Didn't think so. Likewise, you shouldn't let someone come into Death Valley, control the game and leave with a win. It just shouldn't happen. Period. 

3. Weather The Storm

Emotions will be running high all night and it will be extremely important to remain focused and be able to move on quickly from each play; no matter how positive or negative it is. Move on. Play the next down. The valley will be rocking but you can only play off emotions for so long and eventually you have to settle in and play football. Keep fighting hard all night long and don't allow a bad play or decision turn into a bad quarter, half or game. Keep a short memory and be prepared for a roller-coaster, physical game. Staying poised and calm will help keep the ship stable even if the waters become a little rocky during the game. 

4. Get Off The Field

This is another key point in my opinion. When the Tigers are on defense and its 3rd down, we have to get the stop and get off the field. Georgia's offense can score on you at any given time from anywhere on the field. That being said, when we are given the chance to get our offense back on the field, we have to take advantage. Time of possession will be huge and keeping the ball in the hands of Tajh Boyd while also having a rested defense will pay huge dividends down the stretch. This offense literally wore down LSU with its tempo in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. But if the defense isn't coming up with big stops all night long and allows UGA long, clock-eating, and productive drives, time could run out on the Tigers. 

5. BELIEVE!!!!!

This one may be the most important of all and is completely mental. If the Tigers want to win this game they have to believe they can do it. Forget what the "experts" say, forget what the fans have to say and when calls on the field don't go your way, tuck your head and move on. But above all things, believe that you can take down the #5 team in the nation and make a bold statement to start the 2013 season. Right now the sky is the limit and we control our own destiny. Don't stop believing...this just might be our year.

Season Preview: Clemson

Clemson Tigers 

Head Coach: Dabo Swinney

40-21 at Clemson (5 years) 

Review of 2012 Season- 

The Tigers were just a few defensive stops away from being undefeated last season. The loss to Florida State on the road cost them a trip to the ACC Championship and despite losing to rival South Carolina for the fourth year straight, Clemson was still close to playing for a BCS bowl bound last season. A win over LSU in the Chic-Fil-A Bowl shocked much of the college football world and gives the Tigers quite the momentum heading into this season. (If you believe in that kind of thing, that is.) Clemson's offense was arguably the best in the nation last season but at times its defense was arguably the worst. The Tigers will have to improve greatly defensively this year. The offense is more than capable of putting up big numbers again. However, if the defense can get off the field and give the ball back to the offense, it will not only allow them more chances to score but will also help alleviate the pressure to score 40 points every time they step on the field.  

Key Losses/Key Returners- 

The Tigers lost some significant contributors on offense in RB Andre Ellington, WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Jaron Brown, TE Brandon Ford, and C Dalton Freeman. On defense, Clemson is now without DE Malliciah Goodman, LB Johnthan Willard, and S Johnathan Meeks. However, like UGA, Clemson returns one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Heisman trophy contender Tajh Boyd. In addition, RBs Roderick McDowell and D.J. Howard, WRs Sammy Watkins and Martavis Bryant all return and will get significant touches throughout the season. In addition, the Tigers also will put Red-shirt Freshmen WR Gerome Hopper on the field to give this offense yet another dangerous player with "big play" capability.  Defensively, DT Deshawn Williams, DE Tavaris Barnes, and LBs Quandon Christian and Spencer Shuey will help anchor the Tiger defense under the direction of 2nd year defensive coordinator, Brent Venables.   

2013 Schedule- 

August 31st                     Georgia*

September 7th                 S. Carolina State

September 19th               NC State*

September 28th               Wake Forest 

October 5th                     Syracuse

October 12th                   Boston College 

October 19th                   Florida State*

October 26th                   Maryland 

November 2nd                 Virginia 

November 14th                Georgia Tech*

November 23rd                The Citadel 

November 30th                 South Carolina*

#- Home games in BOLD 

*-denotes key game 

Schedule Analysis- 

It doesn't get much bigger than the home opener against UGA on August 31st under the lights in Death Valley. A Thursday night road trip to Raleigh has trouble written all over it BUT I think Clemson's offense is just too powerful and talented to fall to the Wolfpack this season. However, that game will be closer than Tiger fans will like. The road trip to ACC-newcomer Syracuse should be a fun one for Clemson fans and having Atlantic division rival, FSU at home is definitely an advantage for Dabo Swinney and company. The 'Noles haven't won in Death Valley since 2001...that was back when it was called the "Bowden Bowl". Another Thursday night conference clash on November 14th against Georgia Tech will be the first Thursday night game in Clemson since 2002. (I'd rather not recall how ugly that game was.) As always, the Tigers end the regular season against South Carolina. They'll try to snap a four game skid against the Gamecocks but will have to find a way to win down in Williams-Brice Stadium....a place that hasn't been kind to the Tigers in the Spurrier era.  

My Thoughts- 

I really like this schedule and its setup. I believe Swinney is taking us in the right direction and to be honest, I'd be really concerned if the Tigers aren't able to win another ACC title this year. Playing UGA to open helps because it allows us the time to rebound (if needed) unlike a loss in late September or October would. This could be a very special year for Clemson and I'm excited to see how it turns out. That being said, we have to handle our business (especially at home) and not have our future in someone else's hands. Right now we control our own destiny so lets keep it that way. Lets give a new meaning to "pulling a Clemson" and gain back the respect of the college football world. 

Bottom Line- 

Clemson wins the ACC and returns to the Orange Bowl this year. First 12 win season in Tigertown since the Danny Ford era when Clemson captured its first National Championship in 1981. 

Season Preview: Georgia

Season Preview: Georgia

Georgia Bulldogs

Head Coach: Mark Ricth
118-40 Record at UGA (12 years)


Review of 2012 Season- 

From the outside looking in, one would be hard pressed to find something to complain about when it comes to Georgia's season last year. Yes, South Carolina made them look like a junior varsity team but that same South Carolina squad only had two losses themselves and are becoming a force in the SEC-East. The Bulldogs other loss came in down-to-the-wire boxing match with eventual BCS champ, Alabama, in the SEC Championship game. A game in which the Dawgs fell short by a score of 32-28. A strong showing against Nebraska in the Captial One Bowl pushed UGA to a 12-2 finish.






Key Losses/Key Returners-

Standout LB Jarvis Jones won't be anchoring the defense this year and on offense the bulldogs need to replace the likes of Tavarres King. However, the bulldogs have a great deal going for them when it comes to returners on offense. First and foremost, Aaron Murray is back for his senior year and with him is arguably the best backfield in college football with Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall. The duo has provided UGA with a nice one-two punch and have quickly gained the respect of their opponents.




2013 Schedule-

Aug 31st.               Clemson*
September 7th       South Carolina*
September 21st      North Texas 
September 28th      LSU*
October 5th           Tennessee
October 12th         Missouri 
October 19th         Vanderbilt
November 2nd       Florida*
November 9th        Appalachian State
November 16th      Auburn
November 23rd      Kentucky
November 30th      Georgia Tech

#- Home games in BOLD
*-denotes key game

Schedule Analysis- 

The probability of starting the season off 0-2 is a legitimate concern for Georgia with a road trip to Death Valley and a visit from South Carolina in back-to-back weeks to open the season. Both games will be extremely physical and have major BCS implications. The Dawgs will make two trips to the state of Tennessee in October but should handle their business on both of those road trips. The cocktail party will again be a huge showdown with all the marbles up for grabs and the chance for one of the teams to separate themselves from the rest of the Eastern division. All-in-All this schedule is a pretty favorable one. All of the Dawgs tougher opponents have to come to Athens except for Clemson. (Cocktail party in Jacksonville) Possible trap game with Auburn on the road two weeks before the annual showdown against rival Georgia Tech to conclude the regular season.

My Thoughts-

With Aaron Murray at the reigns, Georgia has the pieces in play to make a run at a SEC title this year. The first two games will give us a great and insightful perspective on what to expect the rest of the season. A 2-0 start will have UGA fans calling for a National Championship run, and rightfully so. However, if they could just as easily be facing an 0-2 record heading into their bye week. I don't see Georgia getting through both Clemson and South Carolina without (at least) one loss.

Bottom Line- 
Should be another great year in Athens. Bulldogs will return to the SEC Championship if they can stay healthy. Expect at least 11 wins for the Red and Black this fall.

ESPN's College Gameday Headed to Clemson

Its Official!  

After months of speculation and rumors, ESPN finally made it official earlier today. While on campus filming a feature on the Tigers for College Football Live, they announced that they will indeed be back in Clemson August 31st to watch the Tigers battle the Dawgs in an old-school rivalry renewed. In one of the biggest season openers in recent history, both teams will enter the game in the top 10 with a veteran QB under-center. This game has all the makings of an instant classic and once you throw in the history and rivalry between the schools the game becomes even more intriguing. 

This will be College Gameday's second visit to Clemson. The first trip was back in 2006 when the Tigers hosted Georgia Tech in a Top 15 match-up. It was a beautiful day and game day atmosphere and Clemson fans showed up bright and early and made noise all day long. Although I can't say it was the absolute loudest game I've been to, it definitely was the most "electric". From the moment Gameday went live until they went off the air after the game, Clemson fans were making their presence felt. The vibe and atmosphere for the game was 2nd to none. The Tigers came ready to play and although it was a cool night with clear skies, "Thunder and Lighting" aka James Davis and C.J. Spiller struck multiple times in Death Valley that night. The Tigers took it to the Yellow jackets in a 31-7 victory over their rivals from the coastal division. Clemson had the nation's attention that night and they took full advantage and left a good impression on ESPN's gameday crew. 

A great deal has changed about this program since the 2006 season and I'm thrilled to have Gameday back in Clemson for all the nation to see what makes this school and town so special. From Howard's Rock, The Hill, Tiger Walk, The Esso Club, and the traditional rushing of the field after EVERY game to join at the Paw and sing the Alma Mater, Clemson is a very unique and special place. Glad to see that all that and much more will once again be on display for all of the College Football world to see. 

In Closing, I leave you with my top three favorite memories from that special night on October 21, 2006: 

3.  The Pick-

For those of you that aren't as familiar with College Gameday, at the end of each show the crew goes through a string of games for the day and predicts the winner. They conclude with the featured game and Lee Corso goes under the desk and pulls out the mascot head of the team he believes will win. He isn't afraid to pull against the home team and crowd but on this day he was "All In" with the Tigers and pulled out the Tiger mascot head and I remember the fans going nuts. 

2. Calvin Who?-

Clemson fans will remember all to well back in 2004 when GT came to Clemson and "stole" one from the Tigers the final moments of the game. A botched punt recovered deep in Clemson territory lead to a TD catch from then-freshmen Calvin Johnson that ended up being the game-winner. A young Calvin Johnson left Death Valley silent that night. On this night however, Clemson got their revenge and didn't allow "Megatron", as we now know him, a single catch. Shutting down such a quality receiver was a huge accomplishment and something for Clemson to hang its hat on. 

1. The Double-Move-

I remember this play like it was yesterday. Early in the fourth quarter, Clemson went to a familiar play in the ole playbook. A Rob Spence Special, as I like to call it. Yup, you guessed it, the bubble screen. In a play that seemed like it was going nowhere fast, CJ Spiller showed the nation just how athletic and quick he was. Spiller caught the screen pass along the GT sideline. Made on quick juke to the right making a defender miss, another quick juke to the left dodging another GT defender, and then it was off to the races. "Lighting" struck on a 50 yard TD pass that happened so fast if you blinked, you probably missed it.







The anticipation now grows even more with the official announcement. All eyes will be on Clemson, SC on August 31st. Will the Tigers rise to the occasion and prove all the "experts" wrong again and prove they are worthy of being talked of as National Champion contenders? Or will Aaron Murray and his stacked backfield be too much for the suspect Tiger defense? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, August 31st is going to be a memorable day for both Clemson and Georgia fans alike. Only 24 days until kickoff. And it simply can't get here soon enough! Operation: BEAT UGA is in full force! See you in the valley!!