The Junkyard

Hey everyone! I said I'd be back here win, lose or draw. Here are my observations:

1) UGA fans were fantastic at the game, truly a class act, much like your players and coach. Georgia is now my favorite SEC team.

2) I've always thought that it was front 7 speed that set the SEC apart from the Big 10, but this time around it was perimeter speed. Boykin exceeded my expectations several times over; kid will have a great NFL career.

3) Georgia has offensive line issues. The biggest advantage either team had was the MSU front 7 v. the UGA OL/running game, and that's really what ended up winning the game for MSU.

4) Good lord is your team talented and athletic, particularly on defense. There were times it seemed like UGA was playing with 15 guys on defense. I was impressed MSU only gave up 1 sack, but the lack of a running game kept the offense stagnant for much of the game.

5) On that note, I felt that both squads lived up to their rankings: top 5 Ds and top 30-ish overall Os. Both QBs faced aggressive pass-rushes and ball-hawking secondaries, leading to two of the rougher statistical performances of the season for both. Very impressed with Aaron Murray, really reminds me of a young Drew Brees. He'll grow from this experience for sure and should be the best QB in the SEC over the next few years. Ironically enough, the CB that picked Murray twice (Darqueze Dennard) was a 2-star prospect from GA that no BCS conf. team in the South wanted. Just goes to show you that sometimes good players slip through the cracks.

6) Both OCs had some pretty big brain farts in this one. MSU calling a behind the LOS pass from their own 1/2 yardline?! UGA running draws up the middle on 1st and 2nd down when they were being stuffed for either no gain or a loss? Felt MSU was totally out of sync in the 1st half (mostly due to UGA's D) and UGA's O was really out of whack with the exception of those 2 long pass plays. Both squads struggled to put a decent drive together, which I think vindicated both defenses, despite the score being in the 30s.

7) I really feel bad for Blair Walsh. Not sure why he's struggled this year, but that's a terrible way to end a great career.

8) I felt that both squads had chances to ice the game before OT, but the opposing Ds were just too good. This game was played at a high level overall and I expect we'll be seeing many members of both defenses pop up on NFL rosters in the next few years.

9) Off of #8, would anyone in their right mind object if MSU - UGA was the Sugar Bowl instead of the Outback? After watching that game last night I'm convinced either the Spartans or Bulldogs would have beaten either UM or Va. Tech by 2 TDs+.

10) Thank you all for allowing me to post on your site over the past month. You showed me nothing but class and respect; something that I'll always appreciate and reciprocate. I'd expect UGA to start out next season somewhere in the top 15 and to be in contention for the national title. Another year in the 3-4, the maturation of the running backs and Murray (as well as those young WRs) should have you guys winning your division with ease and set up an epic clash in the SEC championship game.