2010 Ole Miss Rebels

Its a weird year in Oxford. A lot of good players return from what was a very solid defense last year. They were 4th in total and scoring defense in the SEC. But on the flip side they lost a lot of the offense including the first 1,000 yard receiver in school history, Shay Hodge, the first 1,000 rusher and 500 yard receiver in SEC history, Dexter McCluster, all three interior lineman, and a guy who had 20 touchdown passes, Jevan Snead (and also had 20 interceptions). The fanbase is cautiously optimistic we won’t be terrible, but cautious is the key word as we’ve sold about 5,000 fewer season tickets this year.

OFFENSE

At quarterback its one of three options and I somewhat expect all three to play in varied amounts. The man that everybody’s watching to see if he’ll start (I’ll do the joke for you “or steal something”) and if he’ll be effective in the SEC is Oregon transfer Jeremiah Masoli. He’s touted as a former Heisman candidate but I don’t think he was a serious candidate. The SEC’s also a much stronger league with much tougher defenses than the PAC 10. Masoli’s even acknowledged the big upgrade on the defensive side in interviews. Still he’s getting good reviews from everyone that’s seen practice for his poise in the face of a blitz, ball security, and ability to make something happen when the play breaks down. He’s a very effective runner and the early word is he’s be running a similar offense to the one Houston Nutt used for Matt Jones while at Arkansas. Still he has his limitations so there will be at least a two quarterback system with sophomore Nathan Stanley quarterbacking the pro-style offense. And that’s if the NCAA approves Masoli’s waiver. [Added: they didn't, then they did. -- MT] Stanley’s strength is throwing deep ball and he’s got good touch on the ball. Will hold on to the ball too long and take a sack at times. Oddly he’s the youngest and least experienced of the quarterbacks but the only one to go through spring training or take a snap for the Rebels last year. Nutt has said that if opening day was today Stanley would be the starter. Finally there is Juco All American Randall Mackey who another great runner. He’s an accurate passer if he throws on the run but does not run the offense well if he stays in the pocket. His lack of height is very detrimental here as is the lack of experience taking snaps directly from center. He’s third on the depth chart and one day it sounds like he will see snaps in the Wildcat formations and other packages. The next it sounds like he could redshirt all together. And then it sounds like he’ll have to play if Masoli’s transfer waiver is not approved. Honestly with Masoli arriving as late as he did the whole offense, but especially the passing game, is still a work in progress.

Depth is a huge issue at receiver. Its hard to say who’s really going to get the ball much since only two guys return that have played meaningful snaps. I fully expect us to rely on the running game primarily this year. The main returning wide receiver is senior Markeith Summers who’s been a solid player for the last three years mainly serving as the deep threat but never been a standout. He’s got the tools to be a solid receiver and the coaches are asking a lot from him this year to step up an be the leader of the group. The other receiver who returns with experience is Lionel Brauex. Not much is expected from him other than to be the usual fourth or fifth receiver as he has been his whole career. The breakout guy in fall camp has been redshirt sophomore Melvin Harris. Harris is very tall and was signed years ago as a red zone threat. His first two years he really struggled with his hands. This fall something clicked and now he’s catching the ball and making great plays with it. During the scrimmages he’s completely outperformed expectations by being more than a possession receiver and breaking long plays and making plays after the catch. However its yet to be seen if he’ll be able to do it in live games. True sophomore Jesse Grandy will start at the slot position and is the most explosive receiver. After these three its really a grab bag of converted tailback Korvic Neat, converted defensive back Derrick Herman, and true freshman Vincent Sanders.

At running back we lose Dexter so there is going to be a significant drop off. Doubtful there is another running back with his explosiveness. If there is one its true freshman Jeff Scott who has really impressed the coaches during fall camp. He will not start but its sound more and more like he’s going to get a lot of carries and be the primary change of pace back. The starter will be Brandon Bolden who has started off and own the last two years. He’s a solid back who does everything well but nothing at an elite level. Behind him is former blue chip recruit and fellow junior Enrique Davis. Davis has not lived up to the billing the first two years and barely played as a sophomore. The coaches are saying that he’s finally improved his flexibility and he’s prepared to finally break out. Devin Thomas looks to also get carries in special formations, which I would assume is the option sets with Masoli.

The offensive line returns two and a half starters. I say two and a half because junior right guard Rishaw Johnson started about half the games last year before being suspended for the remainder of the year for team rules violations. However, he’s the best run blocker on the team. Right tackle Bobby Massie returns and is expected to be a solid player. Bradley Sowell also returns at left tackle. He struggled initially last year in his first attempt as a starting left tackle in the SEC. However he greatly improved as the season went on and this fall he’s become the most consistent offensive lineman and the leader of the group. Center is still not settled with Evan Swindall and AJ Hawkins battling back and forth to become the starter. One reportedly has trouble snapping but is the better blocker. Nutt has said its his biggest concern right now. Left guard for now appears to be Alex Washington. There is some depth here but its all very young and inexperienced. Ferbia Allen will start at tightend. Last year he was essentially an extra lineman. This year the coaches have indicated they will throw to him more but that remains to be seen. There is virtually no depth at tightend in part because Orgeron never signed an eligible one in in three seasons.

Bottom line. The offense is a work in progress that does not return many play makers. Hopefully some will emerge as the season progresses but I’m not expecting a lot of points.

DEFENSE

The defensive line is the absolute strongest part of the team. Of course this is the only position that Orgeron could recruit at all so it makes sense that this is where all of the veteran leadership and experience resides. Senior folk hero defensive tackle Jerrell Powe returns and is getting some publicity as a potential first round draft pick next April. Behind him at nose guard is senior Ted Laurent who would start for most of the teams in the SEC and is also getting praise as a potential NFL guy. Defensive tackle also has two seniors in Lawon Scott and LaMark Armour. Scott has started the last couple of years and is very solid in stopping the running game. At end the player that is possibly the leader of the defense is Kentrell Lockett. He’s started for a couple of years as well and is very disruptive. The other end spot is maned by JUCO transfer Wayne Dorsey who has gotten a lot of praise from the coaches that he belongs with the rest of the starters. The depth is not as experienced at end as it is at tackle with the next two being a redshirt sophomore and a greyshirt freshman. The coaches like the potential of both they just don’t have the experience. All in all though this is a group that could compete with anyone in the conference outside Alabama and Florida. The rest of the team couldn’t. But the defensive line could.

The linebacker corps also returns a lot of experience and should be one of the team assets. This group is not loaded with future high draft picks like the line is but it does have solid SEC players who have started for three years in middle linebacker Jonathan Cornell and strong side linebacker Allen Walker. The other starter is true sophomore Joel Kight who got a lot of playing time in reserve last year. The most talented of all is sophomore DT Shackelford who is considered a starter by the coaches and plays all three positions. Outside DT the backups are true freshmen that the coaches like the potential from but we hope they don’t have to be counted on to start.

The weak spot on the defense, at least initially, will be in the secondary where the Rebels have to replace three starters including both cornerbacks. They have two veterans in Marcus Temple and Jeremy MacGee slated to start at this point. However redshirt freshman Charles Sawyer has the most talent at the position just lacks the experience. Its expected that he will be a starter by the time SEC play opens. Behind him the coaches are still searching for a fourth corner between a converted safety, Frank Crawford, who has a lot of promise but is very raw and a true freshman, Tony Grimes, who’s got a lot of ability but was cleared late. Johnny Brown returns at strong safety and he’s a solid player with plenty of experience but is not an elite All SEC type. Free safety was won by default when Fon Ingram hurt his knee causing him to miss the first three games. Instead it will be Juco transfer Damien Jackson who has looked very good in spring and fall camps. He’s probably got the most ability of all three but doesn’t have the experience of trying to cover SEC receivers and is still a work in progress. The fourth safety is a name to remember. Not necessarily because of his talent, although it looks like he’ll be a pretty good player. No because true freshman Brishen Mathews looks like either Jesus or Bo Bice. Take your pick. But there will be many a message board joke about Mathews before the season is over so this is your chance to jump on that early.

Bottom line. The defense should be one of the better units in the SEC especially if the offense does not leave it on the field all day. I fully expect the team to lean on the defense all season and try to win a lot of low scoring games with field position and avoiding turnovers.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Rebels return punter Tyler Campbell who had a pretty good freshman season. Averaged over 40 yards per punt. Has worked on directional punting and increasing his hang time during the off season. Kickoff specialist Andrew Ritter also returns. If a kickoff specialist can be solid I guess he was last year and is expected to be again. The Rebels lost to graduation a four year starter at kicker, and he is replaced by redshirt sophomore Bryson Rose. Rose has looked good in practice in mid-range and in kicks in practice. Nobody expects many long kicks out of him. Remains to be seen if he can perform under the pressure of thousands of fans and big time SEC opponents.

Bottom line. Campbell better be ready this year because they are counting on him to flip field position and help the defense. Same with Ritter. With the expectations on offense Rose will have to hit the manageable field goals to win the close games that we hope the defense keeps us in. If he falters it could be a rough season.

SCHEDULE

The Rebels got a bit lucky in the scheduling department this year. Of the non-conference opponents they face Jacksonville State, Tulane, La-Lafayette, and Fresno State. All but Tulane at home. Fresno is easily considered the toughest of them and the Rebels get in the Mississippi heat during the fourth game of the season. The Rebels should win the other three. Ole Miss also draws about as favorable Eastern Division slate as can be asked of with Vandy, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Vandy and Kentucky are also at home. Granted each have beaten Ole Miss in recent years and could very well do it again. But on paper it is more favorable than playing South Carolina, Georgia or Florida. This makes the first five games of Jacksonville State, at Tulane, Vandy, Fresno and Kentucky very manageable with four at home. It should also help with a young team as the schedule gets progressively harder in those first five to prepare for the Western division games. Where the schedule does not help the Rebels is against its traditional Western opponents as Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU are all on the road this year. Auburn and Mississippi State travel to Oxford.

Ole Miss has not gone undefeated in September in my lifetime. So I fully expect to lose to one of Vandy, Kentucky, or Fresno if not two of them. Ole Miss has won in Tuscaloosa once in my life time. Even against non bowl contenting Bama teams. I see no way whatsoever the Rebels win that game. Auburn also has Ole Miss’s number for the most part as the defense struggles against spread option teams more than any other offense. So I do not feel positive about that game at all. We always play LSU tough, except Orgeron’s first season, and always in Baton Rouge. Granted that does not mean a win. Tennessee will likely depend on if the team is still playing hard for Dooley or not. If they surprise prognosticators and are playing well and look to be in bowl contention in November that is going to be a hard game. Arkansas is improved and will play up for Nutt returning to Fayetteville. With Mallett at the helm hard to predict a win there. MSU is very improved and will play for a bowl this year. But the Rebels will be a bit revenge minded after last years humiliating loss. Home team has won this game for the last decade outside Eli’s senior year.

Bottom line. Ole Miss got a bit lucky, by SEC standards, with the schedule this year. They could make a bowl just because of a lucky schedule even after getting swept against SEC west opponents.

So final prognostications I see 7-5 with three wins over the non Fresno non conference games, two wins out of Vandy, Kentucky, and Fresno, an upset win over either LSU or Tennessee, and another one somewhere sending the Rebels to lovely Orange Mound to play the CUSA champs in the Liberty Bowl. Hopefully. Bama is a sure loss, and Auburn and Arkansas look pretty close at this point. If the offense steps up 8-4 is possible. If it does not, 5-7 is also very possible.

– Jorgbacca

2010 Georgia Bulldogs

The 8-5 season the Dawgs had in 2009 will easily be viewed as the worst of the Mark Richt era. Even in his first season in 2001, he finished a game better. There were several games you can look back at that would have drastically changed the view. The first game at Oklahoma State, Quarterback Joe Cox played with the flu, combined with the fact that Oklahoma State’s best player played illegally in that game, since (now) Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant would be found ineligible a few weeks later after contact with an agent.

The game that most sticks in the craw for Georgia fans last year (well, besides losing at home to Kentucky) has to be the home game with LSU, when officials made one of the worst calls of the entire college football season, calling an “excessive celebration” penalty against wide receiver AJ Green, who did absolutely nothing. It gave LSU incredible field position and they were able to win the game because of that call.

The question many are asking inside and outside of the program is whether Mark Richt, now the dean of SEC coaches, is on the hot seat. It’s hard to say. The magical number for Richt to stay safe would seem to be at least getting the team back to double digit, 10 wins. Very very possible with this roster and this schedule. Because of an embarrassing offseason incident involving now former athletics director, Damon Evans, Georgia hired Florida Associate Athletic Director Greg McGarity, who spent the last 18 years working with Jeremy Foley in Gainesville and is going to be even less tolerable for anything other than top notch performance. My guess is Georgia needs to have a vastly improved season for Richt to hold off Will Muschamp or Kirby Smart to be the head coach next year.

Offense

Quarterback

The scariest and most unknown part of this offense is redshirt freshman Aaron Murray. Murray was a top 3 Quarterback recruit out of Plant High School in Tampa 2 years ago, and was heavily recruited by Urban Meyer. The kid has immense talent (far more than last year’s starter, Joe Cox, thankfully now graduated) and Murray is legend in Florida for winning the state high school championship game, playing on a broken leg. If ever a new starter was in place to succeed, with a good head on his shoulders and incredible talent around him, it’s Murray.

Offensive Line

Murray will be buoyed, first and foremost, by arguably the best and most experienced Offensive line in the country. (only Ohio State gets as high a mark from analysts). The line is loaded with veteran talent, many of whom will play on Sundays, led by All America candidates junior Ben Jones at center & senior offensive tackle Clint Boling. LT Trinton Sturdivant was supposed to be one of the best in the nation, but has lost 2 straight seasons due to injury. If he stays on the field, this will be the #1 offensive line in America, bar none. Junior Cordy Glenn & senior Josh Davis both have all SEC potential. It’s a fantastic unit – deep and very experienced. Murray will have lots of time to make plays.

Wide Receiver

The #1 target for Murray will be junior wide receiver, and the best wide receiver in the country, AJ Green. This is likely Green’s last year in Athens (since he’s a projected top 3 pick in the NFL Draft by Mel Kiper) and when Murray does go deep, he’ll be looking for #8. The receiving corps behind Green has huge potential, led by senior Kris Durham and sophomore Tavarres King. The other guys to watch for at receiver include Marlon Brown, who didn’t impress in his first year, but was a big time recruit and could break out in 2010. Rontavious Wooten showed flashes of brilliance in 2009 and is also expected to be a player. There’s a sleeper potential as super cornerback Branden Smith (another 5 star Richt recruit) could possibly play 2-way and be a big contributor. There is another sleeper in this unit: former backup quarterback Logan Gray, though injured at the moment, has apparently been very impressive since his offseason move to wide receiver. Gray is a tall, smooth, fast, player who simply wasn’t cutting it at quarterback but could break out at WR.

Tight End

The group of tight ends that Murray gets to throw to are, by far, the deepest pool of tight ends in the nation. Georgia essentially has 4 guys all of whom would be #1 TE’s on most teams. The leader of the pack is Murray’s Plant High School teammate, Orson Charles, who’s akin to a Jermichael Finley or Antonio Gates in the NFL, in that he’s such a smooth and good athlete, he’s more like a bigger, stronger, WR1. Junior Aron White last year was arguably the most consistent red zone threat for Joe Cox. White isn’t quite the athlete Charles is (very few are), but he’s also fast, big and strong and has Velcro for hands. Behind these two are junior Bruce Figgins and sophomore Arthur Lynch - again, 2 guys who would start on a lot of other teams.

Running Back

At running back, Georgia probably brings the 2nd best tandem in the SEC behind Alabama’s of Heisman winner Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Washaun Ealy and Caleb King broke out together for a huge 2009 season, and were especially big when it became apparent that the starter heading into the 09 season, Richard Samuel, was simply not the answer. (Samuel has since moved to linebacker). Now, as of today, Ealy was arrested for a rather stupid off field driving incident last week, but he’s only going to be suspended for the first game and will be in there sharing carries by the 2nd game at South Carolina. Behind King and Ealy is super speedy scatback, Carlton Thomas, the perfect compliment as a 3rd down alternative and change of pace option. At fullback, the Dawgs return beast Fred Munzenmaier, who’s impossible to bring down & has a knack for the end zone.

Between having the best group of tight ends, the best offensive line, the best wide receiver, and one of the best RB duos in the country, Aaron Murray has a cadre of weapons that will make his transition to first time starter a lot easier. The biggest question is in fact behind Murray. The #2 Quarterback should Murray get hurt is true freshman, Hutson Mason. Mason has impressed the Georgia staff with amazing poise, but the Dawgs have to have Murray stay on the field for a legit chance to make it to Atlanta.

Defense

The big news this offseason was the firing of defensive coordinator, and longtime Richt pal, Willie Martinez. Most Georgia fans (including myself) felt that Richt waited 1 year too long to fire Willie and his “bend but not break” 4-3 scheme. With the hiring of Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham as the new DC, Georgia can get back to the attacking style of defense that can remind fans of the “Junkyard Dawgs” days of legendary coach Erk Russell, or more recently, the attacking style of the early Richt years under (now) Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Brian Van Gorder. 2 other defensive coaches were replaced as Georgia hired one of the best secondary coaches in the nation, Scott Lakatos from UConn, and Vandy’s Warren Belin as linebacker coach. Belin regularly took 2-star level linebackers at Vandy and got them to play way above their head. He’ll now have 4-star talent to work with in Athens.

Linebackers

The leader of the 2010 Defense is expected to be Junior outside linebacker Justin Houston. Houston is a big time talent and should thrive in his new role in the new defensive scheme. Also expected to step up big time in the new defensive scheme at linebacker are sophomore Cornelius Washington and senior Akeem Dent. Sophomore Christian Robinson isn’t big, but he’s incredibly fast and is also expected to breakout. Though not currently listed as a starter, Junior Darryl Gamble is a stud who will probably end up playing a ton, as he’s prone to make big plays. Belin gets to have a deep unit of guys to choose from. Junior Marcus Dowtin and Sophomore Mike Gilliam, especially, have star potential and will be weapons. Georgia’s loaded in this unit.

A sleeper in this unit to keep an eye on is former starting running back Richard Samuel. Samuel has impressed the staff with his work, since switching from offense, and his skill set is better suited here than it was at tailback.

Defensive Line

This unit will likely be led by senior Demarcus Dobbs. A consistent force on the Georgia defense, Dobbs is enjoying the new scheme and playing as well as ever this offseason. He’s expected to be a veteran leader for this unit, alongside Justin Houston.

The big news this offseason was one time offensive lineman Justin Anderson making the move to this unit. The offensive line was so deep, that Anderson filled a bigger need by returning to an area he had thrived when he was recruited by Georgia. (Anderson was a star on both the DL and the OL in high school).

The player who came out of nowhere in 2009 is now sophomore Abry Jones, who compiled some impressive numbers and should also thrive in the new scheme. A lot more is expected from once big time recruit Deangelo Tyson, though there is a question if he has enough size to be a big time nose tackle or not.

But the breakout star in 2010 is expected to be redshirt freshman Kwame Geathers. Geathers is a 6-6 monster and is expected to go out there and crush opponents in his wake. He has big time star potential. Unlike Martinez, Coach Grantham isn’t bound to playing seniors – Grantham will play the best players, so Geathers should be out there for immediate impact. His older brother Robert was a star at Georgia as well.

Though the Dawgs did lose two anchors to the NFL with the graduation of Geno Atkins and Jeff Owens, this unit has plenty of talent and the right coaching now to thrived and succeed.

Secondary

Nowhere was former Coordinator Willie Martinez’s fingerprints more apparent than the secondary. Martinez’s insistence on playing Senior Bryan Evans over more talented, younger players, was at the top of the list for why he’s no longer in Athens. Evans regularly got beat and is the last guy you want trying to deliver on a bend but not break style of defense.

The secondary lost 3 of 4 starters, but again, at least one of them shouldn’t have even been on the field. The player who is returning as a starter, junior Brandon Boykin, is an absolute stud and ball hawk and has big time all-SEC potential in 2010. Boykin is such a superior athlete, he also will continue his role as one of the best kick returners in college football. Boykin had a few highlight reel 100 yard returns for touchdowns last year. Boykin is a Dawg fans dream.

Sophomore Baccari Rambo is taking over for Bryan Evans at free safety, and what Rambo showed Dawg fans is that he probably should have started from day one last year. Rambo’s a beast and arguably the toughest guy on the team. He was stretchered off the field last year and returned some weeks later, playing again at a high level.

Georgia received a huge boost this offseason with junior college transfer Jakar “Hitman” Hamilton. Hamilton is going to start immediately and also has All-SEC potential, along with Boykin and Rambo.

The other starter in this unit is senior Vance Cuff. Cuff is a solid player who hasn’t started before, & could thrive with new coach Lakatos, but Cuff is also the most susceptible to being challenged by sophomore Sanders Commings, a big time talent in his own right.

The X-Factor is sophomore Branden Smith. Smith was a 5-star recruit who will be a jack of all trades for Georgia – punt returns (where he excelled), the secondary and may possibly start, and wide receiver where has the potential to be the 2nd best player there behind AJ Green. When Richt & offensive coordinator Mike Bobo occasionally tried the now popular “wildcat” formation last year, it was usually involving Branden Smith or Logan Gray.

Special Teams

No team in America has a better kicking combination than Georgia, with punter Drew Butler (son of legendary Georgia kicker Kevin Butler), the winner of the Ray Guy award in 2009, and junior Blair Walsh, had an incredible 2009 season, kicking 20 of 22 field goals and was a finalist for the Lou Groza award.

The Walsh-Butler combination is easily the best combo in the country, and arguably the best combination of kickers in Georgia Bulldogs history. The only school that has close to this type of combo is UCLA.

As for the return game, Branden Smith and possibly Logan Gray will share kick return duties (both did very well in 2009) and Brandon Boykin will once again electrify stadiums across the south with his work as the punt returner.

Schedule

Georgia’s schedule is considerably easier this season, with Miss. State replacing LSU from the SEC West, and Colorado replacing Oklahoma State as one of the two big out of conference games. Furthermore, one of the dangerous opponents is Arkansas and they come to Athens a week before they head to Tuscaloosa, so there’s a good chance the Hogs will be “looking ahead”.

Of the 12 Game schedule, I am predicting 10-2 this year for several reasons. I am also going out on a huge limb and calling for a Georgia win in Jacksonville this year. The pre-season #23 ranking is silly. All it shows is the analysts have forgotten about us because of a down year. Please re-read my analysis. Georgia is loaded with veterans and stars on both sides of the ball and with the upgrade in defensive coaching, we won’t see the mental breakdowns this year.

Florida has a ton of new talent coming in, but the Gators lost a ton of starters on defense, arguably their 3 best players on offense (including Tebow) and as good as John Brantley might be, the #4 pre-season ranking is based solely on what the Gators have done the last 3 seasons. They’ve earned this overhype, but Georgia is a much more experienced team coming back and with the Dawgs offensive line, Florida will have a hard time getting to Murray.

My gut instinct for the 2 losses will be as follows: First, the home game to Arkansas in week 3. I still think we can win it, because it’s at home and Arkansas is questionable on Defense. However, Ryan Mallet is probably the best Quarterback in the country this year and it will only be our 2nd game under the new staff. There will be growing pains. One result could be a Game 3 loss to the Hogs.

The other loss I am predicting is the Auburn game. While I think Auburn, like Arky, is overhyped and has Quarterback question, based on the history of this series, it’s shocking that we’ve won 4 straight and neither school stays winning every year for too long. Plus, Gene Chizik has infused a ton of new talent in Auburn and will now be in his 2nd year. The Auburn game is the other loss.

But I am predicting a perfect 5-0 in the East which puts Georgia in Atlanta for the first time since 2005. We could end up with 8 wins again and people laughing at the notion, but you simply can’t ignore what Georgia brings to the table this year. Phil Steele thinks so, too. I think the Dawgs run the table in a weak East, win the 2 cupcake games of course, win at Colorado (which I will be attending in person October 2nd) win the annual game with the way, way overhyped bugs (Georgia Tech and Paul “Manboobs” Johnson…we own your fat ass) win what will be a tough game with Miss State – and take a 10-2 team to Atlanta as underdogs against Alabama in the Dome.

What this also means (if I am correct) is that Mark Richt will be removing himself from the hot seat. Even if we lose in the Dome, my prediction is Georgia is either 12-2 or 11-3 after all is sad and done (including the Bowl game) and I feel tremendous confidence in this prediction. 11 or 12 wins by the end easily puts 2009 behind us and re-affirms Georgia as one of the top 4-5 conference powers this year.

–Alex R.