Punt on 3rd Down: David v. SEC

Blessed we are to have a seminal moment in week 1, when the SEC faces a critical out of conference matchup. No, I’m not referring to the game in Jerry World that matches up what could very well be the best two teams in the nation. My focus Saturday will be at the Georgia Dome when Boise State comes to visit (and yes, it is a home game for them) UGA.

In January 2007, the landscape of college football changed in two separate games played in the same stadium. Little known (outside of gamblers) Boise State capped a dream season by not only beating mighty Oklahoma, but did so in a manner that would top the most creative screenplay Hollywood could offer. Days later, Florida defied all experts and pummeled #1 Ohio State in the national title game.

Since that month, Boise State has become the poster child for all ‘daywalker’ college football fans, and sportswriters (especially those in the northeast). They’ve continued to put together impressive seasons year after year, and every pundit hoping to turn God’s Sport into the NFL uses their program as the biggest reason college needs a playoff.

SEC fans, never ones to feel inferior about their product, have enjoyed the golden years by seeing the crystal ball stay in conference for 5 straight years. There have been countless arguments about why the SEC has dominated (team speed, great coaching, cheating), but there is no doubt that the game in Glendale in 2007 is Exhibit A as to why your shitty conference sucks.

Last year Boise would have lost its statement game had Va Tech not decided to integrate the Les Miles Clock Management System, and the Bob Pruett Bend Don’t Break Defense. However, they did pull it out, and gave us 10 weeks of Bob Ryan-types whining about the system until Nevada thankfully restored order.

This year is different. Boise plays the SEC. Not just Georgia, but the SEC. A win over perhaps the 6th best team in the conference, and the madness will start again. Of course, SEC fans thinks even Ole Miss can pound Boise State using a team comprised of the first 11 frat boys with Ducks Unlimited stickers on their Z71’s driving 18 mph past the Grove.

The stakes are high – Richt’s job, the SEC’s reputation, a possible trip to New Orleans for Boise. How does it look?

Matchups:

Coaching: Boise State is the clear winner here. Chris Peterson is not only one of the best game day coaches, he is also one of the best game week coaches. His teams execute better than anyone in the country, and they are fundamentally sound in all facets. Richt coaches well when expectations are low, but seems to fold in critical games, and against teams wearing Orange and Blue. Uh-oh.

Advantage: BSU

Boise St Offense vs UGA Defense: The Broncos return their QB, 2 RB’s, and 3 lineman. They lost 2 very good wideouts, but Kellen Moore is simply fantastic in this offense, and only Case Keenum has more experience at this position. Georgia returns 7 starters from a shaky unit that was under a new scheme last year. Year 2 typically yields better results, and they had better since Richt has gone all in with the 3-4. Few WAC teams use the 3-4, and none do so with linebackers as big and fast as the Bulldawgs. Can Moore distinguish which guys are rushing, and who is in coverage? The game may very well hinge on this.

Advantage: BSU

UGA Offense vs BSU Defense: Aaron Murray has been described as – “being a very good for his age”, “having great potential”, and “not Joe Cox”. He has the tools, but he had better since they are starting a 4 year old at tailback, and are a hot mess along the line. Charles and King will be the most talented eligible receivers BSU will have to cover this year. Boise is athletic and fast, but undersized on the D-line. They have always succeeded in disguising coverages and blitzes, and I expect that to continue. They should be able to get pressure on the edges, but can they stop the run?

Advantage: UGA

Special Teams: Boise is breaking in a new kicker, punter and returner. UGA is returning senior starters at all three.

Advantage: UGA