Athens Experience

[volbound1700]

Just got back from Athens, here was the thought:

1. We were pretty close to the field, a lot of Tennessee fans showed up and atmosphere was great with both Georgia and Tennessee fans
2. I love how you can walk down almost onto the field around the hedges and go get concessions, watch game, etc. You are supposed to "keep moving" but Georgia was very liberal about it
3. UGA staff was great and they tend to like have visiting fans trying to please us and had notes about being respectful to opposing fans
4. UGA fan base wasn't that bad (the online fan base can be rough but when you get around real fans, they were cool). A few people squawked at half and after and will bark at you but most were alright.
5. Several Tennessee players came over and high fived or fist bumped before half time. You could see all the players very well from the field
6. Band and Cheerleaders interacted with us quite a bit. When you are the "away fanbase" it seemed you have more access to things
7. UGA felt less like a big time game atmosphere than I experienced and more accessible to the fans which I enjoyed
8. There are NOT a lot of food options in Athens. Stadium is in the middle of the campus and the town is slightly across the river
9. University Blvd between Athens and Atlanta was a backed up mess
10. We parked in an Event Parking Lot South of the Stadium and discovered it was free. There were also cards taking us to the car. Thought that was a nice touch.

Overall, glad I went and enjoyed the experience. First time I went to a football game in Athens and really enjoyed it. It felt more accessible to the fans than what you see at Neyland.

About game itself:

1. I felt like Nico played a great game. He was in charge and confident
2. Georgia's offensive line held up very well. Not sure if our D-line just didn't play well or couldn't adjust to their system
3. Offense looks impressive at times but is challenge to put up points
4. Carson Beck played his best game. Part of what work was UGA did quick passes (less than 2 seconds). UGA's WRs and TE were IMPRESSIVE with their speed. On one pass to the Tight End, he was already 15-20 yards down field in less than 2 seconds. Based on this, I am wondering where this play-calling/game play was all year long for Georgia (frankly their fans should be more angry than Tennessee. Tennessee doesn't have that speed).
5. The stadium got loud. Just like in 2022, Tennessee was UGA's only meaningful home game so the fanbase zeroed in on it. Georgia's other 3 major matchups (Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss) were all on the road.
6. UGA had a ton of recruits there and does a great job bringing back former players (Tennessee does as well)
7. UGA's blitzes really took advantage of Sampson. If you go back and watch, Sampson was the blocker and he is too small to block some of those DL/LBs that Georgia was bringing and could not hold leading to Nico sack.
8. Defensive play calling was too timid. They got more aggressive in 4th quarter but it was too late by then.
9. Secondary had some busts but wasn't our main problem. The lack of pressure was the issue. Very little pressure was put on Beck.

 

[volbound1700]

EDIT: I did not see many issues with the ref. There was a pass that they called incomplete that the camera angles were terrible and you could not tell watching it. It didn't matter as we scored on that drive later anyways.

The fumble had me scratching my head. It was an odd looking "forward" pass. It looked like a pitch to me.

 

[vol94]

EDIT: I did not see many issues with the ref. There was a pass that they called incomplete that the camera angles were terrible and you could not tell watching it. It didn't matter as we scored on that drive later anyways.

The fumble had me scratching my head. It was an odd looking "forward" pass. It looked like a pitch to me.

It was the rt call. It’s similar to a reverse as qb pitches the ball forward, as it’s considered a pass.

 

[loservol]

That sucks, because I want them to hate the Vol's guts! They are only being nice, because they don't consider the Vols a real threat anymore. In the last few years, Bama stopped being real nice once the Vols started beating them again.

 

[bleedorange0037]

That sucks! They are only being nice, because they don't consider the Vols a real threat anymore. In the last few years, Bama stopped being real nice once the Vols started beating them again.

I don’t think that’s the case. I went in 2006, back when we still beat them pretty regularly, and had a great experience as well.

 

[Rocky Top T]

Just got back from Athens, here was the thought:

1. We were pretty close to the field, a lot of Tennessee fans showed up and atmosphere was great with both Georgia and Tennessee fans
2. I love how you can walk down almost onto the field around the hedges and go get concessions, watch game, etc. You are supposed to "keep moving" but Georgia was very liberal about it
3. UGA staff was great and they tend to like have visiting fans trying to please us and had notes about being respectful to opposing fans
4. UGA fan base wasn't that bad (the online fan base can be rough but when you get around real fans, they were cool). A few people squawked at half and after and will bark at you but most were alright.
5. Several Tennessee players came over and high fived or fist bumped before half time. You could see all the players very well from the field
6. Band and Cheerleaders interacted with us quite a bit. When you are the "away fanbase" it seemed you have more access to things
7. UGA felt less like a big time game atmosphere than I experienced and more accessible to the fans which I enjoyed
8. There are NOT a lot of food options in Athens. Stadium is in the middle of the campus and the town is slightly across the river
9. University Blvd between Athens and Atlanta was a backed up mess
10. We parked in an Event Parking Lot South of the Stadium and discovered it was free. There were also cards taking us to the car. Thought that was a nice touch.

Overall, glad I went and enjoyed the experience. First time I went to a football game in Athens and really enjoyed it. It felt more accessible to the fans than what you see at Neyland.

About game itself:

1. I felt like Nico played a great game. He was in charge and confident
2. Georgia's offensive line held up very well. Not sure if our D-line just didn't play well or couldn't adjust to their system
3. Offense looks impressive at times but is challenge to put up points
4. Carson Beck played his best game. Part of what work was UGA did quick passes (less than 2 seconds). UGA's WRs and TE were IMPRESSIVE with their speed. On one pass to the Tight End, he was already 15-20 yards down field in less than 2 seconds. Based on this, I am wondering where this play-calling/game play was all year long for Georgia (frankly their fans should be more angry than Tennessee. Tennessee doesn't have that speed).
5. The stadium got loud. Just like in 2022, Tennessee was UGA's only meaningful home game so the fanbase zeroed in on it. Georgia's other 3 major matchups (Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss) were all on the road.
6. UGA had a ton of recruits there and does a great job bringing back former players (Tennessee does as well)
7. UGA's blitzes really took advantage of Sampson. If you go back and watch, Sampson was the blocker and he is too small to block some of those DL/LBs that Georgia was bringing and could not hold leading to Nico sack.
8. Defensive play calling was too timid. They got more aggressive in 4th quarter but it was too late by then.
9. Secondary had some busts but wasn't our main problem. The lack of pressure was the issue. Very little pressure was put on Beck.

Nico played ok, but not great

 

[VolsSportsFan]

It was the rt call. It’s similar to a reverse as qb pitches the ball forward, as it’s considered a pass.

This, I wasn't aware there was any controversey with it. The minute he dropped it I knew it was an incomplete pass because that's considered a pass.

 

[Vol_in_NC_1999]

Just got back from Athens, here was the thought:

1. We were pretty close to the field, a lot of Tennessee fans showed up and atmosphere was great with both Georgia and Tennessee fans
2. I love how you can walk down almost onto the field around the hedges and go get concessions, watch game, etc. You are supposed to "keep moving" but Georgia was very liberal about it
3. UGA staff was great and they tend to like have visiting fans trying to please us and had notes about being respectful to opposing fans
4. UGA fan base wasn't that bad (the online fan base can be rough but when you get around real fans, they were cool). A few people squawked at half and after and will bark at you but most were alright.
5. Several Tennessee players came over and high fived or fist bumped before half time. You could see all the players very well from the field
6. Band and Cheerleaders interacted with us quite a bit. When you are the "away fanbase" it seemed you have more access to things
7. UGA felt less like a big time game atmosphere than I experienced and more accessible to the fans which I enjoyed
8. There are NOT a lot of food options in Athens. Stadium is in the middle of the campus and the town is slightly across the river
9. University Blvd between Athens and Atlanta was a backed up mess
10. We parked in an Event Parking Lot South of the Stadium and discovered it was free. There were also cards taking us to the car. Thought that was a nice touch.

Overall, glad I went and enjoyed the experience. First time I went to a football game in Athens and really enjoyed it. It felt more accessible to the fans than what you see at Neyland.

About game itself:

1. I felt like Nico played a great game. He was in charge and confident
2. Georgia's offensive line held up very well. Not sure if our D-line just didn't play well or couldn't adjust to their system
3. Offense looks impressive at times but is challenge to put up points
4. Carson Beck played his best game. Part of what work was UGA did quick passes (less than 2 seconds). UGA's WRs and TE were IMPRESSIVE with their speed. On one pass to the Tight End, he was already 15-20 yards down field in less than 2 seconds. Based on this, I am wondering where this play-calling/game play was all year long for Georgia (frankly their fans should be more angry than Tennessee. Tennessee doesn't have that speed).
5. The stadium got loud. Just like in 2022, Tennessee was UGA's only meaningful home game so the fanbase zeroed in on it. Georgia's other 3 major matchups (Alabama, Texas, and Ole Miss) were all on the road.
6. UGA had a ton of recruits there and does a great job bringing back former players (Tennessee does as well)
7. UGA's blitzes really took advantage of Sampson. If you go back and watch, Sampson was the blocker and he is too small to block some of those DL/LBs that Georgia was bringing and could not hold leading to Nico sack.
8. Defensive play calling was too timid. They got more aggressive in 4th quarter but it was too late by then.
9. Secondary had some busts but wasn't our main problem. The lack of pressure was the issue. Very little pressure was put on Beck.

Very good assessment and write-up. Much appreciated!

 

[Mem10vol]

I can respect your take brother!

 

[Buster1972]

Just got back from Athens, here was the thought:


8. There are NOT a lot of food options in Athens. Stadium is in the middle of the campus and the town is slightly across the river


Did you go downtown? What town across a river are you referring to? Downtown Athens has like 50 times whatever the strip in Knoxville has devolved into. I do have to tip my hat to Athens in that regard. Downtown Athens right off their north campus is an awesome college town environment. Over hundred drinking and food options.

 

[volbound1700]

It was the rt call. It’s similar to a reverse as qb pitches the ball forward, as it’s considered a pass.

I didn't see any major ground breaking bad call in this game. Not buying ref excuse, we just got flat out beat.

 

[volbound1700]

We did NOT go downtown. We arrived South of Campus so that was issue. Downtown isn't close to stadium, they need a bridge.

Atlanta traffic going there was part of our issue. We might have enjoyed it kore had we stayed in Athens.

 

[volfan411]

Nico played ok, but not great

I think the average fan wants him to be the 5 star QB that is being paid 2 million a season that they pretend what he has done this season is great.

I will say this Nico played great the first 2-3 series of the game but after UGA adjusted he was just average and you don’t win on the road in the SEC with average play. I still think he has a bright future and may end up being the next great at UT but at this point I have to remind myself that he is just a RS freshman who as making his first start in that type of environment.

 

[volbound1700]

I think the average fan wants him to be the 5 star QB that is being paid 2 million a season that they pretend what he has done this season is great.

I will say this Nico played great the first 2-3 series of the game but after UGA adjusted he was just average and you don’t win on the road in the SEC with average play. I still think he has a bright future and may end up being the next great at UT but at this point I have to remind myself that he is just a RS freshman who as making his first start in that type of environment.

Watching it, most of it wasn't Nico. Now, I think Nico wasn't very good earlier in the season (notably against Arkansas) and deserved heat then but he did not look like a freshmen against Georgia.

The WRs were not getting open and were dropping catches. Offensive line played all right but Georgia got pressure on Nico. Nico had some solid runs and, frankly, anyone at the game (both Georgia and Tennessee fans) spoke highly of Nico's play.

 

[onevol74]

Our defense was not very good last night. No pressure in the QB Killed us. UGA was just the better coached team and Bobo had a great night with the play calling.

 

[vol81]

We did NOT go downtown. We arrived South of Campus so that was issue. Downtown isn't close to stadium, they need a bridge.

Atlanta traffic going there was part of our issue. We might have enjoyed it kore had we stayed in Athens.

Next time park a few blocks north of the Broad Street area on the north side of campus tons and tons of food options and bars there. less than 20 minute walk to the stadium.

 

[volbound1700]

Next time park a few blocks north of the Broad Street area on the north side of campus tons and tons of food options and bars there. less than 20 minute walk to the stadium.

Is the parking free? We saw some on Google that were ridiculously high and felt lucky to find anything.

Definitely suggest researching parking before going and probably leaving earlier than you expect.

 

[volfan411]

Watching it, most of it wasn't Nico. Now, I think Nico wasn't very good earlier in the season (notably against Arkansas) and deserved heat then but he did not look like a freshmen against Georgia.

The WRs were not getting open and were dropping catches. Offensive line played all right but Georgia got pressure on Nico. Nico had some solid runs and, frankly, anyone at the game (both Georgia and Tennessee fans) spoke highly of Nico's play.

I agree this loss wasn’t on Nico but he for sure didn’t have a Beck type performance. Beck started terrible then put that team in his back and willed them to a win.

I am not sure you can expect that type of performance from a freshman making his first start in that type of environment but until we find players that can make plays in those big games and that environment we are not going to win.

 

[Vol49er]

This, I wasn't aware there was any controversey with it. The minute he dropped it I knew it was an incomplete pass because that's considered a pass.

But it seemed to me it was completely possible he caught the pass and then fumbled, and I never saw a single angle that showed otherwise. That’s why I was upset

 

[volbound1700]

I agree this loss wasn’t on Nico but he for sure didn’t have a Beck type performance. Beck started terrible then put that team in his back and willed them to a win.

I am not sure you can expect that type of performance from a freshman making his first start in that type of environment but until we find players that can make plays in those big games and that environment we are not going to win.

Not saying fire coaches or anything crazy but Smart and his staff are outcoaching Heupel and his staff as well. Tennessee cannot run business as usual and beat Georgia, Heupel needs to drastically change things up and throw something at Georgia they haven't seen all year to beat them.

 

[vol81]

Is the parking free? We saw some on Google that were ridiculously high and felt lucky to find anything.

Definitely suggest researching parking before going and probably leaving earlier than you expect.

We paid $60 and parked at an Athens Park lot right next to Ted’s most best restaurant.
I’ve gone to many away games in Athens and we always park in that general area. Don’t remember it being quite as expensive to park but it’s very convenient. We were staying in the commerce area so it was pretty easy to get out after the game.

 

[volfan411]

Not saying fire coaches or anything crazy but Smart and his staff are outcoaching Heupel and his staff as well. Tennessee cannot run business as usual and beat Georgia, Heupel needs to drastically change things up and throw something at Georgia they haven't seen all year to beat them.

I don’t disagree and I think if Heupel is going to stick with his current system he is going to have to recruit players that can run it. It seems like the last two seasons we have went away from the hurry up that gave teams fits his first two seasons. I am not sure if it is intentional that we have slowed it down or the players just can’t execute the the hurry up.

I am an old guy who sat through many losing seasons so I will take 10-2 all day long but would love to see us win a NC again.

 

[volbound1700]

We paid $60 and parked at an Athens Park lot right next to Ted’s most best restaurant.
I’ve gone to many away games in Athens and we always park in that general area. Don’t remember it being quite as expensive to park but it’s very convenient. We were staying in the commerce area so it was pretty easy to get out after the game.

We would have been ok with 60. Bright side is we found free parking (we were shocked and it was marked as EVENT PARKING)

 

[volbound1700]

I don’t disagree and I think if Heupel is going to stick with his current system he is going to have to recruit players that can run it. It seems like the last two seasons we have went away from the hurry up that gave teams fits his first two seasons. I am not sure if it is intentional that we have slowed it down or the players just can’t execute the the hurry up.

I am an old guy who sat through many losing seasons so I will take 10-2 all day long but would love to see us win a NC again.

Agree, this was a good season. But we still need to get to that 10-2 mark .

 

[NcVolfan24]

I was in the upper deck last night and was surprised at how docile the crowd seemed for most of the game. It got loud a couple of times but not Neylan loud. I was in the next to top row of the 3rd deck, so maybe that affected my perception.

A few drunk college kids barked at us before and after the game but we didn't give them any attention and they kept walking.

Stadium was cool, more spread out and open, like a wide oval. Good light show, but nothing else stood out. Definitely more leg room which was a nice surprise.

I will say there was NO security check. We had to tip our baseball hats up, and walked right in. No metal detector. One guy on our row had a full bottle of crown. That was the biggest surprise of the night.