Just how good is Georgia

[OklahomaDawg]

Florida matches up with Georgia better than SC did.

Hell, I can think of one spot where I like UGA’s players better, the o-line. I think Swift is a stud too. Fromm is supposed to be all-world but he’s looked average in large part because UGa is weak at WR and TE.

Trask is outplaying Fromm right now and Florida’s WR’s and Pitts at TE are excellent. I also think Florida doesn’t have to take a back seat to Swift with its own RB combination of Perine and Pierce.

On defense, Florida has the better DB’s, better MLB, and if Greenard and Zuniga are back, the best pass rush.

And Florida has the better head coach.

L-O-L

Hope you enjoyed that L on Saturday. It’ll be a long time before Florida beats Georgia again.

 

[Dudleys87]

Good call there.

I was wrong but don’t sit on your high horse and say Georgia is a good team.

They’ll be knocked back down to reality in the SECCG. The East will know just how far the two are apart unfortunately

 

[OklahomaDawg]

I was wrong but don’t sit on your high horse and say Georgia is a good team.

They’ll be knocked back down to reality in the SECCG. The East will know just how far the two are apart unfortunately

Guess we’ll see. I think we have a better chance against LSU. Florida went up and down the field on their D.

 

[Jaws]

L-O-L

Hope you enjoyed that L on Saturday. It’ll be a long time before Florida beats Georgia again.

I missed it, drops my accuracy rating to 99.7%. I like how you glean “it’ll be a long time” after a 7-point, 4th quarter game. It could have been last Saturday with a few more plays here and there.

Fromm is the difference in the two teams right now, he was clutch Saturday as he has been most of his career. Good luck winning out, if y’all slip up Florida will be there to step in. Until next year....

 

[CAVPUT]

I was wrong but don’t sit on your high horse and say Georgia is a good team.

They’ll be knocked back down to reality in the SECCG. The East will know just how far the two are apart unfortunately

Hell, if they're good enough to make the SECCG, that's pretty damned good IMO. And yes, that makes them a good team. A darned good team.

 

[Cartervol]

He’s Dan Mullen’s daddy so if Kirby sucks I’d hate to know what that makes Mullen.

I don't really care either way. Maybe the Dawgs get it done this year. Good for them. I doubt it though. Dam Mullen is a good coach with less talent than Georgia. That will probably change. Florida is a hotbed for recruiting and he'll find himself a QB eventually. That's the Vols problem. Better QB play and this team is at the very least 6-3. Maybe better than that. A good QB cures a lot of what ails you.

 

[Jaws]

He’s Dan Mullen’s daddy so if Kirby sucks I’d hate to know what that makes Mullen.

Mullen will take flack from Georgia fans until he has some success against Georgia. That’s his cross to bear along with Florida fans. It’ll take some time, Kirby had a two year head start in addition to inheriting far more talent than Mullen. Given all that, Mullen is hot on Kirby’s heels and Kirby (and all honest observers) know this.

I thought Kirby and his staff out coached Mullen and staff last Saturday. It’s tough to admit that but it’s true. I also think Mullen is ultra-competitive and will work his butt off until he overtakes Georgia in the East. It’s amazing he’s as close as he is given the inherited roster and Kirby’s head start.

Although Kirby has had several high profile coaching gaffes, I think he’s a good coach and a great recruiter. I also think Mullen is a great coach and good recruiter. When Florida’s roster is where Mullen wants it, this Florida Georgia thing is gonna produce some hellacious battles for the SEC East.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

The SEC is a "line of scrimmage" conference. You got the talent on the lines, you win. Dynamic players on the front 5 on offense, or the front 7 on defense, are where the game is won or lost. Yes, having a dynamic QB, RB, WR, or DB can tip the scales, but for the most part it's all about what you've got up front. Witness Alabama over the last decade.

Right now, UGA is the Beast of the East. They have the horses up front on both sides. Fromm is a game player, not a game changer. USCe proved that point. Florida is running a close second. Mullen will always have a good offense. The state of Florida is a gold mine for talent on both sides of the ball. If Mullen recruits well, UF will always be in the hunt.

Right now, UGA is a more complete team than UF. Choose whatever excuse fits you best; UGA proved it on a not-very-neutral field in Jacksonville this past Saturday. There's a reason why UF, and to a lesser extent UGA, wants to keep the game in Jax. Truckloads of money, and not having to go to Athens every other year. Or Gainesville. Personally, I'd love to see it go back to home and home.

UF loses against Bama or LSU in the SECCG. UGA can play with either one. There's your difference.

Will they? I have no idea. But UGA can, and UF can't. JMO.

Go Vols.

 

[Jax_Vol]

The SEC is a "line of scrimmage" conference. You got the talent on the lines, you win. Dynamic players on the front 5 on offense, or the front 7 on defense, are where the game is won or lost. Yes, having a dynamic QB, RB, WR, or DB can tip the scales, but for the most part it's all about what you've got up front. Witness Alabama over the last decade.

Right now, UGA is the Beast of the East. They have the horses up front on both sides. Fromm is a game player, not a game changer. USCe proved that point. Florida is running a close second. Mullen will always have a good offense. The state of Florida is a gold mine for talent on both sides of the ball. If Mullen recruits well, UF will always be in the hunt.

Right now, UGA is a more complete team than UF. Choose whatever excuse fits you best; UGA proved it on a not-very-neutral field in Jacksonville this past Saturday. There's a reason why UF, and to a lesser extent UGA, wants to keep the game in Jax. Truckloads of money, and not having to go to Athens every other year. Or Gainesville. Personally, I'd love to see it go back to home and home.

UF loses against Bama or LSU in the SECCG. UGA can play with either one. There's your difference.

Will they? I have no idea. But UGA can, and UF can't. JMO.

Go Vols.

I agree!

And, I think UGA is ready to beat the West Champ

 

[ABINGDON VOL FAN]

Another good one. Dan Mullen has never beat Kirby Smart.

Everything pointed to a Florida win. Georgia deserves credit for winning on the road. Now if you just convince your QB to win with some class.

 

[BigOrangeAl 1979]

Georgia might win the SEC this season

 

[Glocker_Alum_2005]

Georgia might win the SEC this season

Yeah...no Hurts to bail Tua out this year. Bama D is weaker than usual. Ga just needs to let Fromm throw it like last year's SECCG.

 

[Jaws]

The SEC is a "line of scrimmage" conference. You got the talent on the lines, you win. Dynamic players on the front 5 on offense, or the front 7 on defense, are where the game is won or lost. Yes, having a dynamic QB, RB, WR, or DB can tip the scales, but for the most part it's all about what you've got up front. Witness Alabama over the last decade.

Right now, UGA is the Beast of the East. They have the horses up front on both sides. Fromm is a game player, not a game changer. USCe proved that point. Florida is running a close second. Mullen will always have a good offense. The state of Florida is a gold mine for talent on both sides of the ball. If Mullen recruits well, UF will always be in the hunt.

Right now, UGA is a more complete team than UF. Choose whatever excuse fits you best; UGA proved it on a not-very-neutral field in Jacksonville this past Saturday. There's a reason why UF, and to a lesser extent UGA, wants to keep the game in Jax. Truckloads of money, and not having to go to Athens every other year. Or Gainesville. Personally, I'd love to see it go back to home and home.

UF loses against Bama or LSU in the SECCG. UGA can play with either one. There's your difference.

Will they? I have no idea. But UGA can, and UF can't. JMO.

Go Vols.

Fair takes.

Only thing I’d add is I’d like to see the game stay in Jax, mostly because I’m from Jax and it has a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t be all broken up if they went to a cycle of Jax, Athens, Gainesville, Jax... variation but I’m opposed to taking it out of Jax completely.

Another thing, Florida can play with LSU and Georgia. Florida went toe to toe with LSU at their place, at night, and that game was in doubt well into the second half. Same with Georgia, 7-point 4th quarter game where Florida played really poorly for most of the game (credit to Georgia). But anyone who watched those two games didn’t walk away saying Florida cant play with LSU or Georgia.

 

[05_never_again]

The SEC is a "line of scrimmage" conference. You got the talent on the lines, you win. Dynamic players on the front 5 on offense, or the front 7 on defense, are where the game is won or lost. Yes, having a dynamic QB, RB, WR, or DB can tip the scales, but for the most part it's all about what you've got up front. Witness Alabama over the last decade.

Right now, UGA is the Beast of the East. They have the horses up front on both sides. Fromm is a game player, not a game changer. USCe proved that point. Florida is running a close second. Mullen will always have a good offense. The state of Florida is a gold mine for talent on both sides of the ball. If Mullen recruits well, UF will always be in the hunt.

Right now, UGA is a more complete team than UF. Choose whatever excuse fits you best; UGA proved it on a not-very-neutral field in Jacksonville this past Saturday. There's a reason why UF, and to a lesser extent UGA, wants to keep the game in Jax. Truckloads of money, and not having to go to Athens every other year. Or Gainesville. Personally, I'd love to see it go back to home and home.

UF loses against Bama or LSU in the SECCG. UGA can play with either one. There's your difference.

Will they? I have no idea. But UGA can, and UF can't. JMO.

Go Vols.

The Gators on this board can add more color, but supposedly UGA wants to keep that game in Jax just as much as UF does. The schools bring in more dough by having it at the neutral site and splitting 50/50 every year than getting 100% of the revenue one year then 0% the next. I've never been to that game myself, and I imagine the "feel" in the city and around the stadium on a gameday feels more like a Florida home game, but the seats are split 50/50. Neither school should have a numbers advantage inside the stadium. Florida has a shorter travel distance, but I can't imagine that makes much difference. The City of Jacksonville obviously will fight like hell to keep it there.

I'm not a fan of either school obviously so I'll never "get it," but I've always thought it weird how UF players never play "between the hedges" and UGA players never play in The Swamp. That's just odd to me that it's such a huge rivalry but the game is never played at either of their home stadiums. UF and UGA people will tell you though that they could never imagine the game not being in Jax, because it's always been there.

 

[Lawrence Wright]

The Gators on this board can add more color, but supposedly UGA wants to keep that game in Jax just as much as UF does. The schools bring in more dough by having it at the neutral site and splitting 50/50 every year than getting 100% of the revenue one year then 0% the next. I've never been to that game myself, and I imagine the "feel" in the city and around the stadium on a gameday feels more like a Florida home game, but the seats are split 50/50. Neither school should have a numbers advantage inside the stadium. Florida has a shorter travel distance, but I can't imagine that makes much difference. The City of Jacksonville obviously will fight like hell to keep it there.

I'm not a fan of either school obviously so I'll never "get it," but I've always thought it weird how UF players never play "between the hedges" and UGA players never play in The Swamp. That's just odd to me that it's such a huge rivalry but the game is never played at either of their home stadiums. UF and UGA people will tell you though that they could never imagine the game not being in Jax, because it's always been there.

The feel in the city and around the stadium is anything but a UF home game.

It’s more like a high stakes bowl game.

 

[GreyWolf1129]

The feel in the city and around the stadium is anything but a UF home game.

It’s more like a high stakes bowl game.

Yep. I've been there. I don't see it leaving Jax, but an Athens - Jax - Gainesville - Jax rotation would give the players one at home, one on the road, and two in Jax. Assuming they stay for 4.

Like I said...or thought I said...right now UGA is a (bit) more complete team than UF. So it's UGA, UF, and then pick any team but Vandy for 3-6. By next year, or the year after at the latest, the SEC East is going to be a very fun place to watch football.

Go Vols.

 

[secking]

Mullen will take flack from Georgia fans until he has some success against Georgia. That’s his cross to bear along with Florida fans. It’ll take some time, Kirby had a two year head start in addition to inheriting far more talent than Mullen. Given all that, Mullen is hot on Kirby’s heels and Kirby (and all honest observers) know this.

I thought Kirby and his staff out coached Mullen and staff last Saturday. It’s tough to admit that but it’s true. I also think Mullen is ultra-competitive and will work his butt off until he overtakes Georgia in the East. It’s amazing he’s as close as he is given the inherited roster and Kirby’s head start.

Although Kirby has had several high profile coaching gaffes, I think he’s a good coach and a great recruiter. I also think Mullen is a great coach and good recruiter. When Florida’s roster is where Mullen wants it, this Florida Georgia thing is gonna produce some hellacious battles for the SEC East.

Please expound on Mullen is hot on Kirby’s tail. As bad as refs were on both sides, if not for the questionable holding call it’s 23-3 and the route is on. Everyone has said this, and it’s true but wanted your take on Mullen’s recruiting. His philosophy seems to differ than the rest of the elite teams in the SEC, why do you think that is? Not as much attention given to the LOS as the others, do you think that’s due to his system or lack of recruiters on staff?

His offense does work for the most part but what would concern me is the lack of success vs Smart. It’s been enough to see the trend. Since 2017, Mullen has only had 3 games where his offense was held under 300 yards, and yep, all 3 vs UGA. ‘17 ‘18 ‘19, all as HC of UGA. Further back and against his O, Mullen had 67 points in 7 games. He obviously has his offense figured out, do you think Mullen will change it up before next season or is he too stubborn?

I don’t understand the great coach speak of Mullen either, he now has the all time worst record vs top 10 teams And top 25 teams. Which brings me back to when he faces the big teams, do you think he needs to change his recruiting philosophy or just needs better recruiters on staff? I do think he is a “good’ coach, I just believe his ceiling is limited unless he decides to put effort into recruiting and being honest, being THE school in Fla, you should always be top 5 without breaking a sweat. Lakeland was loaded this year with elite talent, hasn’t that always been UF and only UF territory?

 

[Jaws]

Please expound on Mullen is hot on Kirby’s tail. As bad as refs were on both sides, if not for the questionable holding call it’s 23-3 and the route is on. Everyone has said this, and it’s true but wanted your take on Mullen’s recruiting. His philosophy seems to differ than the rest of the elite teams in the SEC, why do you think that is? Not as much attention given to the LOS as the others, do you think that’s due to his system or lack of recruiters on staff?

His offense does work for the most part but what would concern me is the lack of success vs Smart. It’s been enough to see the trend. Since 2017, Mullen has only had 3 games where his offense was held under 300 yards, and yep, all 3 vs UGA. ‘17 ‘18 ‘19, all as HC of UGA. Further back and against his O, Mullen had 67 points in 7 games. He obviously has his offense figured out, do you think Mullen will change it up before next season or is he too stubborn?

I don’t understand the great coach speak of Mullen either, he now has the all time worst record vs top 10 teams And top 25 teams. Which brings me back to when he faces the big teams, do you think he needs to change his recruiting philosophy or just needs better recruiters on staff? I do think he is a “good’ coach, I just believe his ceiling is limited unless he decides to put effort into recruiting and being honest, being THE school in Fla, you should always be top 5 without breaking a sweat. Lakeland was loaded this year with elite talent, hasn’t that always been UF and only UF territory?

A lot to respond to but I’ll touch on the key points. Mullen is indeed hot on Kirby’s heels, isn’t that evident? Mullen has had Florida in the top 10 something like 13 weeks of his 26 week tenure. Mullen last year, and nobody doubts he inherited a far inferior talented team in terms of depth, led Georgia midway through the 3rd and was within one score with 8 minutes left in the game. The game last Saturday, although controlled by Georgia, was a one score game, and still in doubt until the very end. The last two Florida Georgia games have decided the East. Florida was ranked higher than UGA going into the game. Florida finished ahead of UGa in the 2018 final coaches poll. I’m not sure how much more evidence one needs in order to conclude that Mullen has Florida right there, on Georgia’s heels. I’m not sure why “on Georgia’s heels” seems to trigger people, as I’m admitting Florida is behind Georgia, but fighting to close the gap. And you can’t mention officiating without mentioning the horrible call of a “good catch” on a 3rd down red zone play that led to a Georgia TD. That changed the entire complexion of the game, the 4 point difference between a TD and FG was huge in this game.

Regarding Mullen’s recruiting, I don’t see that he doesn’t recruit offensive linemen. Heck, he signed 7 o-linemen in the 2019 class and has 4 committed so far in 2020 and will likely add at least 2 more. That’ll be 13 o-linemen signed in two cycles. That’s a ton. And he seems to be landing some serious talent, no 2-star projects on the o-line, but several 4-star guys plus some 3-star guys with the right measurables, unlike the 3-star guys he inherited who were not ready for SEC football. 13 o-linemen in two cycles does not indicate “a different philosophy in recruiting that doesn’t emphasize o-linemen.”

Regarding Lakeland, Mullen has done extremely well in Lakeland since he got to Florida. He was 3 of 3 in getting the guys he wanted in 2019, and he’s 1 of 2 in getting the two he wants in 2020. He currently has Fenley Graham’s commitment, the only Lakeland kid he doesn’t have in the fold is Demarckus Bowman who is committed to Clemson. That one isn’t over. Bowman is a stud and Mullen has not stopped recruiting him. Even if he loses Bowman, he’s 4/5 on Lakeland kids.

Also, this “record v top 10” narrative that Gator haters love to cite is heavily skewed by his Mississippi State years where he lost 9 games to a ranked Bama team. So sue him. What SEC west coach who has lasted long enough during Saban’s reign didn’t lose 8, 9, 10 (name the number) games to Bama? Throw in some losses to very good LSU and Auburn teams occasionally and you have a skewed record. Bottom line is his Florida record v top 10 teams, and that is 3-3, with wins over LSU, Michigan and Auburn.

I realize the need for Gator haters to knock Mullen. It makes them feel better and gives them hope. But the fact is, he’s had a miraculous start to his career at Florida. He stands to have UF win 10 games in his first two seasons, has UF as a mainstay in the top 10 and will likely take UF to its second straight NY6 bowl game. And he’s also very likely to follow up last years #8 recruiting class with around the same or better this year. He also has led the effort in a massive facility upgrade at UF which has already begun and will only help UF’s recruiting going forward.

The UGA loss was a tough one, but Gator Nation will be thrilled with a 11-2 finish or even another 10-3. Mullen is doing a fantastic job.

 

[secking]

A lot to respond to but I’ll touch on the key points. Mullen is indeed hot on Kirby’s heels, isn’t that evident? Mullen has had Florida in the top 10 something like 13 weeks of his 26 week tenure. Mullen last year, and nobody doubts he inherited a far inferior talented team in terms of depth, led Georgia midway through the 3rd and was within one score with 8 minutes left in the game. The game last Saturday, although controlled by Georgia, was a one score game, and still in doubt until the very end. The last two Florida Georgia games have decided the East. Florida was ranked higher than UGA going into the game. Florida finished ahead of UGa in the 2018 final coaches poll. I’m not sure how much more evidence one needs in order to conclude that Mullen has Florida right there, on Georgia’s heels. I’m not sure why “on Georgia’s heels” seems to trigger people, as I’m admitting Florida is behind Georgia, but fighting to close the gap. And you can’t mention officiating without mentioning the horrible call of a “good catch” on a 3rd down red zone play that led to a Georgia TD. That changed the entire complexion of the game, the 4 point difference between a TD and FG was huge in this game.

Regarding Mullen’s recruiting, I don’t see that he doesn’t recruit offensive linemen. Heck, he signed 7 o-linemen in the 2019 class and has 4 committed so far in 2020 and will likely add at least 2 more. That’ll be 13 o-linemen signed in two cycles. That’s a ton. And he seems to be landing some serious talent, no 2-star projects on the o-line, but several 4-star guys plus some 3-star guys with the right measurables, unlike the 3-star guys he inherited who were not ready for SEC football. 13 o-linemen in two cycles does not indicate “a different philosophy in recruiting that doesn’t emphasize o-linemen.”

Regarding Lakeland, Mullen has done extremely well in Lakeland since he got to Florida. He was 3 of 3 in getting the guys he wanted in 2019, and he’s 1 of 2 in getting the two he wants in 2020. He currently has Fenley Graham’s commitment, the only Lakeland kid he doesn’t have in the fold is Demarckus Bowman who is committed to Clemson. That one isn’t over. Bowman is a stud and Mullen has not stopped recruiting him. Even if he loses Bowman, he’s 4/5 on Lakeland kids.

Also, this “record v top 10” narrative that Gator haters love to cite is heavily skewed by his Mississippi State years where he lost 9 games to a ranked Bama team. So sue him. What SEC west coach who has lasted long enough during Saban’s reign didn’t lose 8, 9, 10 (name the number) games to Bama? Throw in some losses to very good LSU and Auburn teams occasionally and you have a skewed record. Bottom line is his Florida record v top 10 teams, and that is 3-3, with wins over LSU, Michigan and Auburn.

I realize the need for Gator haters to knock Mullen. It makes them feel better and gives them hope. But the fact is, he’s had a miraculous start to his career at Florida. He stands to have UF win 10 games in his first two seasons, has UF as a mainstay in the top 10 and will likely take UF to its second straight NY6 bowl game. And he’s also very likely to follow up last years #8 recruiting class with around the same or better this year. He also has led the effort in a massive facility upgrade at UF which has already begun and will only help UF’s recruiting going forward.

The UGA loss was a tough one, but Gator Nation will be thrilled with a 11-2 finish or even another 10-3. Mullen is doing a fantastic job.

Fair points.