Sugar Bowl Preview: Hawaii vs. Georgia

Marty  Z by Correspondent Written on December 14, 2007
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Don't underestimate this point. Although having NFL experiene isn't a prerequisite to success in college football, I think it can be a factor. Why is this important? Giving NFL quality coaches one month to game plan is huge. I am not discounting coach Richt's ability, but I think no one brings this up because UGA is just more physical and fast, plays in the SEC, and Richt has had success over his seven seasons as a head coach, but I think game planning will play a big role.

Just as an example, recently UGA HC Richt said at their Monday press confrence that they have looked at "several" UH games on tape.  Both the end zone and coaches tape, as well as the TV tape. Then I came across a quote from the UH DC McMackin saying that he has charted every single one of UGA's offensive plays that they ran this year. He said that UGA ran a total of 807 offensive plays this year and broke it down into percentage of runs to the left, right, and between tackles to passes on first, second, and third downs. Now that is paying attention to details and analyzing what they are up against. That was the first 2 days after the match up announcement. What will they do with the rest of the month?

How Will the game play out? 

If UGA gets the ball first THEY WILL SCORE on their first drive.  UH has started slowly against better oppenents because a lot of it has to do with not being able to simulate the matchup in practice.  Its one thing to simulate the speed (as UH has some speedy skill players), but another to simulate the power and aggressiveness that UGA will bring. As long as coach Richt does not get cutesy and try to pass that ball on 3 consecutive downs to try to "fool" the defense, they should score.

If UH get the ball first, THEY WILL NOT SCORE on their first drive.  Same things here in regards to the power that UGA will bring, primarily on the defensive front. There will be an adjustment period for UH to handle the pressure.

The big possession will be the second possession that each team has.  If UGA scores again, and UH doesn't I don't see UH making a valiant comback from more than 14 down.  However, if UH holds and is able to score on their next drive, then we will have a game. 

So, to wrap this up, my first BOLD prediction for this game and the results:

Drum roll please...

 

1) Hawaii will win the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, 42-34

 

My second and BIGGER BOLD prediction:

 

2) LSU will beat Ohio St, meaning every other team in the country will have at least two losses. Hawaii will be crowned the AP writers co-National Champs. They are not part of the BCS equation and they will probably do this for two reasons. One, because the biggest knock on UH was the lack of competition, but if they beat arguable the hottest team in football they will silence those critics (they will need to jump the likes of USC, WV, OK, etc, and I am guessing that the writers will) and two, so that they can stick it to the BCS boys.

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written on December 14, 2007 Sports

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