I'm just trying to make it through the next thirty days. I mean, seriously...I have work to do. I have a family to take care of. My daughters start school next week. I'm trying to stay focused...really, I am.
I'm trying not to project David Greene circa 2001 stats on Aaron Murray, even though that was the last time a RFr QB started the season for us after spending two full offseasons with the team, and Aaron Murray is coming in with a much better pedigree and grasp of the offense than Greene had (remember - Aaron has spent two seasons learning Bobo's offense, while Greene's first year was also Richt's).
I'm trying to remember that TJ Stripling is a true freshman, and therefore not a realistic candidate for the All-American team...even though if Coach Grantham was tasked with creating the perfect OLB for his system, he would probably create something exactly like TJ Stripling.
I'm trying to temper expectations for the offense, since we have a first-time starter at QB...but I keep looking at the depth chart and seeing weapons everywhere I look. A.J. Green, Orson Charles, Aron White, Rantavious Wootentheballcarrier, Tavarres King...
I keep trying not to think about the potential that our running game has with two elite running backs and a veteran and extremely talented offensive line, but...I keep remembering WE RUN THIS STATE. And that Ealy was just a true freshman last year who didn't really know what he was doing until around late October.
I'm trying to keep in mind that we're running a brand new defense, and some growing pains are expected....but I keep thinking about how bad we would have to be for it to be an actual downgrade over the last couple of seasons, and how much more confidence I already have in this defensive coaching staff. And how much it sounds like our players on defense are embracing and quickly picking up the new scheme, and how when they talk about the new defense they sound like a man who has been starving to death describing the first few bites of a perfectly aged filet.
I'm trying not to think about all of the coaches who have reminded us that special teams is just as important as offense/defense...and how our special teams has the opportunity to be the best in the country, now that we are no longer hampered by the Czar of Directional Kicking. Groza Award finalist Blair Walsh. Ray Guy Award winner Drew Butler. Brandon Boykin. Branden Smith. Seriously...I'm trying.
I'm trying to pace myself, knowing that there are still 30 days to kickoff and if I don't calm down I'm going to be a wreck by the time kickoff actually arrives.
I'm trying.
And failing.
Miserably.
GO DAWGS!!!
3 comments:
Some rabid football fans are relieved this time of year. Media days are over and practice has started. This is the worst time of year for me, because we are so close, yet still so far away. At the end of the day, we get 2 shots of pass skel, and 2 shots of lineman doing walk-throughs. And this is much more than we got before Al Gore's greatest invention. We get Richt and players talking about new leadership and excitement. I've been deprived enough. I need football...now.
I feel the same way. Every year I think "man, this team might be really really great". The last two years have been disappointing. But, this year, there is so much that is NEW about this team. Coach Belin, Coach Grantham, Coach Lakatos, a veteran O line, 2 great running backs, the best receiver in the country with a great supporting cast, a highly touted QB.
Usually, Week One Cupcake games annoy me. Not this year. I'll be fired up just to see the Dawgs out there again, now NEW and improved. It just can't get here fast enough.
Sounds like you're doing a great job if you ask me. I mean, you're human...Dawg.
Imagine how loud the cheer is going to be when Walsh puts the opening kickoff in the back of the end zone.
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