Reasons Not Excuses
The 'Dogs were without 4 of it's top players Saturday against Arkansas. Much has been made of A.J. Green's absence. His big-play ability could have turned both of these close SEC losses. But not a lot has been made of one other player missing last Saturday. And his absence was perhaps more impactful that Green.
CB Branden Smith is a valuable piece in the secondary. He and Boykin give Grantham two guys that can match up and cover. Smith might the most gifted player on the team (after A.J.). And with Branden out, there was some drop-off. I'd be willing to bet, if you told Grantham that Branden was going to miss one game. And you asked Todd to pick the one game he'd want him to be out the least...it would have been Arkansas. Petrino's passing scheme is one of the best in CF. And Arkansas has the top passing QB in CF. Hogs also had 2-3 legitimate weapons at receiver. Got to have your top corners for that match-up.
Last week at practice, Smith got thumped and had concussion like symptoms later in the week. He got held out for precautionary reasons. Richt had the young man's best interests at heart.
Branden's absence also impacted punt returns and eliminated some big-play opportunities on offense.
Not having Caleb hurt in pass protection. Maybe he breaks a couple of runs off too (we had missed opportunities there).
Chapas out also hurt in pass pro.
Right now for the players, it's about digging down deep and fighting back with a vengeance. There is much to be salvaged. And more than ever, the supportive fans are appreciated more than ever. I've had grown men scream at me, with spit flying and evil in their eyes. That's ugly stuff.
That happened back in 1979, when we opened the season with 3 straight losses (2 were at home). As these nuts screamed, I was thinking several things: we're better than this...that man screaming is a nut and he's had too much to drink this early in the day... wonder if he lost a lot of money on the game?... let's retreat to the locker room and get with the small group of people that still believe in us.
There is some serious soul-searching going on right now. And it's time to bounce back.
CB Branden Smith is a valuable piece in the secondary. He and Boykin give Grantham two guys that can match up and cover. Smith might the most gifted player on the team (after A.J.). And with Branden out, there was some drop-off. I'd be willing to bet, if you told Grantham that Branden was going to miss one game. And you asked Todd to pick the one game he'd want him to be out the least...it would have been Arkansas. Petrino's passing scheme is one of the best in CF. And Arkansas has the top passing QB in CF. Hogs also had 2-3 legitimate weapons at receiver. Got to have your top corners for that match-up.
Last week at practice, Smith got thumped and had concussion like symptoms later in the week. He got held out for precautionary reasons. Richt had the young man's best interests at heart.
Branden's absence also impacted punt returns and eliminated some big-play opportunities on offense.
Not having Caleb hurt in pass protection. Maybe he breaks a couple of runs off too (we had missed opportunities there).
Chapas out also hurt in pass pro.
Right now for the players, it's about digging down deep and fighting back with a vengeance. There is much to be salvaged. And more than ever, the supportive fans are appreciated more than ever. I've had grown men scream at me, with spit flying and evil in their eyes. That's ugly stuff.
That happened back in 1979, when we opened the season with 3 straight losses (2 were at home). As these nuts screamed, I was thinking several things: we're better than this...that man screaming is a nut and he's had too much to drink this early in the day... wonder if he lost a lot of money on the game?... let's retreat to the locker room and get with the small group of people that still believe in us.
There is some serious soul-searching going on right now. And it's time to bounce back.
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