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A few weeks back after UGA hired Brian Schottenheimer, a graphic was tweeted by the Georgia Football twitter account touting “The Georgia Way … Balance … Consistency … Pro-Style … NFL Ready”. Of course, the tweet was popular with many, but there were also some who weren’t so impressed. Immediately, I found myself wanting to explore this deeper, but bookkeeping was rearing its ugly head. Thankfully, the accountant’s demands have been met, so now I’m ready to tackle this one. In each of the next four days, I will discuss The Georgia Way as marketed by our football office. First up …
BALANCE
[break] [break]Without question, all of Mark Richt’s offenses over the last 14 seasons have in fact been VERY balanced between rushing and passing attempts. Richt (and his offensive staff) are steadfast in this philosophy. I know this to be true because in the years when Georgia has had top-notched running backs, we at Bulldawg Illustrated have always raised the question as to whether the balance might lean more heavily towards the run game. I personally asked the question in Knowshon’s last season and Murray Poole explored the issue before last season in reference to Todd Gurley. Never has Richt and company wavered from talking nothing but balance.
[break] [break]Obviously, when you can both run and pass the ball effectively, you make it hard on opposing defenses. My only concern with the philosophy is does it sometimes cause you to lack a true identity? I am a big Mike Bobo fan and appreciate his services while at Georgia, but found his offenses to struggle sometimes in the biggest moments, just like when Mark Richt was calling the plays. As I say, their offenses are hell between the 20s, racking up big time yards. But can go cold, when 1 yard is needed to move the chains or score a touchdown.
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Enter Brian Schottenheimer.
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What I’m most excited about UGA’s new OC is the fact that he brings his own identity to Athens. Yes, I know he will use the same terminology that Georgia has used the last 14 years, but when crucial games are on the line, I’m hopeful he will look beyond balance.
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Big games are won by your best playmakers, not your best plays! This upcoming season (much like in 2014), Georgia’s strengths on offense are a veteran offensive line and several great running backs (Nick Chubb and Sony Michael). Please Coach Schottenheimer don’t overcomplicate things … pound the rock and then pound it some more. You can bet the passing game will then be plenty open, when opposing teams are having to find ways to slow down Georgia’s stream-roller express!
[break] [break]What are your thoughts on the balance philosophy of the Georgia Way? I’m confident that Georgia’s new OC is going to figure out the hottest hand (in each game) and that won’t be placated by whether rushing and passing attempts/yards are around the same vicinity.