JD’s 5 keys to a victory

by Jeff Dantzler

1. Competent Kicking Game – Through the years of losses in Jacksonville, the Bulldogs have had a devil of a time with special teams. There have been a slew of costly missed field goals, fake punts and ill-fated kick returns. Even in last year’s win, the Bulldogs surrendered a 99-yard kickoff for a touchdown. For a team as talented as Florida, when the Gators can cash in and score on special teams, it makes the mountain all that much taller to climb. Georgia has had some plusses on special teams this year, but too many struggles as well. Caleb Sturgis is a wepon for Florida, one of the country’s top kickers. Georgia must make the plays and at least play Florida even in the kicking game to chalk up a second straight win in the series.

2. Avoid the Devastating Turnover –Through the drought of the
1990s and 2000s, the other constant in Georgia’s losses to the Gators were
catastrophic turnovers that the Gators turned into touchdowns. There
were enormous pick-six’s or fumble returns for Florida TD’s – or to set up
TD’s – in 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Again, as is the case
with the special teams, when a program as talented as Florida gets those
“extra scores,” they are awfully hard to beat. On the flip side, remember
back to the turnovers Georgia created last year and how huge they were,
especially the fumble with the Dogs trailing 17-3. The Bulldogs defense
came into the 2012 campaign praised as potentially one of the country’s
best units. This is the day, they can truly make their mark.

3. Red Zone TDs – Going back to Key Number One and the numerous
missed field goals through the years in windy Jacksonville, it is vital
for the Bulldogs to chalk up touchdowns when knocking on the door. In
1997, Georgia scored five touchdowns and won. In 2004, the Bulldogs
scored four touchdowns and won. In 2007, Georgia scored six touchdowns
and won. Last year, the Bulldogs scored three touchdowns and
ended the game inside the Florida five and won. If Georgia is forced to settle
for field goals, the Dogs have gotta make ‘em. But when the Dogs are
in close, it is essential to strike for six. Those two fourth-down touchdown
passes were game-winners for the Dogs a year ago. Simply going for field
goals in those spots would have led to defeat.

4. Win the Rushing Battle – This is another no-brainer. Richard
Samuel ran like a man possessed last year in the fourth quarter, and was
the Bulldogs offensive Most Valuable Player. In 1997, Robert Edwards
topped the century mark and scored four touchdowns. In 2004, Danny
Ware ran for over 100 yards. In 2007, Knowshon Moreno ran for 188
yards and three touchdowns. Georgia has a special back in Todd Gurley,
a big play counter-puncher in Keith Marshall and power with Ken Malcome
and Samuel. Florida has a senior stalwart in Mike Gillislee. It’s held pretty
strong in this series, the team that runs better wins. Georgia must stay patient.
The beauty of a strong running attack, even if it’s not going great, if
you keep pounding away, eventually you’ll break one – like LSU did to
South Carolina two weeks ago.

5. Pop a Long One – Another common denominator in Georgia’s
four wins over Florida dating back to 1997 has been hitting big plays in the
passing game. Strong running attacks lend a great advantage in play-action
passing. There were the fourth-down TD’s and the fourth quarter
completion last year. Mohammed Massaquoi and Mikey Henderson hauled
in long scores in ’07. Reggie Brown caught a deep pass to set up the game
clincher by Fred Gibson in ’04. Hines Ward and Corey Allen had deep grabs
in ’97. The Dogs must grind away, and take advantage with explosive
plays in a passing game that has several weapons – most notably Malcolm
Mitchell.

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