Sports Page Atlanta

I wanted to direct your attention to a blog called Every Day Should Be Saturday, and in particular, a post today where they talk a bit about UGA football, Matt Stafford, and the road to the SEC Championship. You can read their post here, and I’ll comment on a few of their stances. Their conversation begins on the topic of the pre-season USA Today Top 25 Coaches poll, where Georgia is ranked number 1.

• Georgia at number one. The g stands for “Going down a slot to the winner of the Ohio State USC game.” They’ve got a built-in pressure valve right thurr, since they can slide down and therefore avoid the full heat of the bullseye for a bit.

  First off, there is a bit of truth to this statement. By the time the USC/Ohio State game is finished on September 13th, USC will have played Virginia and Ohio State, Ohio State will have played Youngstown State, Ohio and USC, and Georgia will have played Georgia Southern, Central Michigan, and South Carolina. USC has the toughest schedule there with Virgina just outside the Top 25 and OSU at #3. So, if USC beats Ohio State you may see them leapfrog Georgia. But to say that UGA will be able to “avoid the full heat of the bullseye” sounds like someone who just doesn’t understand how tough it is to play in the SEC. And I say this knowing that the two guys who write for EDSBS are Florida graduates. Go figure…

• No real problems with them [UGA] in the top spot, but I think Florida will have an easier path to Atlanta in December. And I really, really hate Matt Stafford.

  Once again, I agree here. Florida plays Mississippi, Arkansas, and LSU from the West this season. Mississippi and Arkansas should be no brainer wins for the Gators. Georgia plays Alabama, LSU, and Auburn. ‘Bama is ranked right outside of the Top 25 and LSU (#6) and Auburn (#11) are firmly entrenched in the Top 25. So, clearly based on pre-season rankings, Florida’s path is easier to Atlanta. Both teams could even be undefeated in the SEC prior to the Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party on November 1st. The winner would then own their own destiny, but UGA would still have to travel to Auburn two weeks later. I suppose my only problem with this statement is all the hate for Stafford. Why’s it gotta come to that?