1) AU OL (plus HB) vs UL front 7:
UL's front 7 is by far and away their most dangerous unit. They have three, possibly four NFL players in that group, and more to the point excel at bringing pressure from all angles - this is a speed-based 3-4. Those boys will provide a stout test for our OL this weekend - we need our bigs to show up big, open run lanes and protect JJ.
This is more than Shon needing to show marked improvement, going against Fields and Burgess and those guys. Just as important, if not more so, is how our right side handles Rankins and how Kam handles Burgess and Kelsey.
2) AU front 7 vs UL OL: With UL potentially starting two true freshman along the OL, including one at RT, it is imperative we put them on blast, early and often. Win 1st downs and then apply pressure on 3rd downs. LB communication and tackling to prevent big runs will also be key.
3) Ball security/turnovers:
In an opener, ball security and turnovers can wreck the best of gameplans and curb stomp momentum. We need JJ, Roc and the gang to protect the football and make smart decisions. Roc needs to keep his emotions in check and know when to go down, when to press the 0 button and when not to. JJ needs to take what is given to him, play smart and not try to force the game.
*I believe if JJ's stat line gets off to a good start, he'll settle in nicely, but a mediocre stat line late in the 2nd Q to 3rd Q would test his resolve, maturity and ability to stay the course.
4) Coaching:
This is going to be a battle of two of the top offensive-minded coaches in the game. Petrino is a seasoned vet by now, with Gus still an up and comer, expected to become one of the biggest names in coaching over the next 5-10yrs. These boys can flat out coach, and one of them is going to do a better job than the other. Play-calling and adjustments in a season opener are paramount, especially the latter.
And despite what some on this board may think, Todd Grantham is a very good DC who specializes in pressure and has produced not one, but two national top 10 defenses (total defense) in the past four seasons. His 2011 and 2012 units at UGA were nasty. Although anyone would take Muschamp over Grantham any day, we aren't the only team with a top-notch DC running the show on defense.
There will be some extremely skilled, innovative and productive coaches going head to head this weekend.
5) WRs vs Secondarys: *I'm just lumping both of these matchups into one.
Both teams possess strong WR units with a blend of talent and experience, capable of exploiting weaknesses and/or communication breakdowns in an opposing secondary. Duke's presence alone should be enough to tip this one in our favor, as having a reliable go-to target for Jeremy in his debut as AU's starting QB will be paramount, however we will need Rico, Melvin, Marcus and Tony will all need to step up, get open and limit drops.
In our secondary, communication is key. I think we all believe our starting five DBs are capable of holding their own against UL's WR corps, but they will win their share of battles and it is critical our guys are communicating effectively to limit 15-20 yard gains from turning into game-changing explosion plays.
*ST units just need to take care of business, plain and simple. We shouldn't need kick or punt return TDs, or 60 yard FGs - just protect the football, hit the kicks inside 40 and play sound fundamentals on kick and punt teams, stay in your lanes and wrap up.
Bottom line: if we handle business in the trenches, we win the game. If we handle business in the trenches and Gus and Will are on their A-games, we win handily.
I'm going with 37-24, with points being a grind due to the fact their front seven will cause our OL headaches until they gel and the pace begins to wear on the UL bigs.
UL's front 7 is by far and away their most dangerous unit. They have three, possibly four NFL players in that group, and more to the point excel at bringing pressure from all angles - this is a speed-based 3-4. Those boys will provide a stout test for our OL this weekend - we need our bigs to show up big, open run lanes and protect JJ.
This is more than Shon needing to show marked improvement, going against Fields and Burgess and those guys. Just as important, if not more so, is how our right side handles Rankins and how Kam handles Burgess and Kelsey.
2) AU front 7 vs UL OL: With UL potentially starting two true freshman along the OL, including one at RT, it is imperative we put them on blast, early and often. Win 1st downs and then apply pressure on 3rd downs. LB communication and tackling to prevent big runs will also be key.
3) Ball security/turnovers:
In an opener, ball security and turnovers can wreck the best of gameplans and curb stomp momentum. We need JJ, Roc and the gang to protect the football and make smart decisions. Roc needs to keep his emotions in check and know when to go down, when to press the 0 button and when not to. JJ needs to take what is given to him, play smart and not try to force the game.
*I believe if JJ's stat line gets off to a good start, he'll settle in nicely, but a mediocre stat line late in the 2nd Q to 3rd Q would test his resolve, maturity and ability to stay the course.
4) Coaching:
This is going to be a battle of two of the top offensive-minded coaches in the game. Petrino is a seasoned vet by now, with Gus still an up and comer, expected to become one of the biggest names in coaching over the next 5-10yrs. These boys can flat out coach, and one of them is going to do a better job than the other. Play-calling and adjustments in a season opener are paramount, especially the latter.
And despite what some on this board may think, Todd Grantham is a very good DC who specializes in pressure and has produced not one, but two national top 10 defenses (total defense) in the past four seasons. His 2011 and 2012 units at UGA were nasty. Although anyone would take Muschamp over Grantham any day, we aren't the only team with a top-notch DC running the show on defense.
There will be some extremely skilled, innovative and productive coaches going head to head this weekend.
5) WRs vs Secondarys: *I'm just lumping both of these matchups into one.
Both teams possess strong WR units with a blend of talent and experience, capable of exploiting weaknesses and/or communication breakdowns in an opposing secondary. Duke's presence alone should be enough to tip this one in our favor, as having a reliable go-to target for Jeremy in his debut as AU's starting QB will be paramount, however we will need Rico, Melvin, Marcus and Tony will all need to step up, get open and limit drops.
In our secondary, communication is key. I think we all believe our starting five DBs are capable of holding their own against UL's WR corps, but they will win their share of battles and it is critical our guys are communicating effectively to limit 15-20 yard gains from turning into game-changing explosion plays.
*ST units just need to take care of business, plain and simple. We shouldn't need kick or punt return TDs, or 60 yard FGs - just protect the football, hit the kicks inside 40 and play sound fundamentals on kick and punt teams, stay in your lanes and wrap up.
Bottom line: if we handle business in the trenches, we win the game. If we handle business in the trenches and Gus and Will are on their A-games, we win handily.
I'm going with 37-24, with points being a grind due to the fact their front seven will cause our OL headaches until they gel and the pace begins to wear on the UL bigs.
