Vols Need Turn Around Against Georgia

The last time the Dawgs took the field they were embarrassed, outplayed, and overmatched against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Play was sloppy and the team looked fatigued to a three week stretch which they faced SEC rival South Carolina, a #15 west-coast Arizona State team, then Bama.

Going 2-1 in such a daunting stretch is not bad. BUT it wasn’t just a loss, it was a massacre. The defense gave up a season highs in yardage, rushing, and the ultimate: points. Now, following the bye Mark Richt says his team is refreshed and prepared for the next segment of the schedule, which begins Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers.

As Georgia is anxious to take the field and avenge their past performance, the story is different on old Rocky Top. The program is in crisis. Boosters and fans are calling for Coach Fulmer to be fired and internet sites are already listing possible candidates for his replacement.

The reason for the uproar and anger in the Vol Nation is their offensive woes. Tennessee brought back their entire offensive line and had a running back in Aarian Foster that was looked at as to have an outside shot at the Heisman early in the season. But the “O” has struggled and ranks 9^th in total offense in the SEC. The lack of offensive production caused a change at quarterback last week, and the Volunteers STILL struggled as Northern Illinois as they could only muster up one offensive score late in the 13-9 victory.

But, although the sky is FALLING in Knoxville, should be reminded of last season’s East Conference championship squad. The Volunteers struggled early last year but were able to turn the season around against the Georgia Dawgs. Georgia was ranked 13^th in the country and Tennessee dominated the Bulldogs in a 35-14 beat down.

Mark Richt is all to aware of what occurred last year and is hoping that such a let down does not happen again.

“I think you realize what kind of team they are and I think the situation, especially last year, is kind of the same as far as us being ranked and them not being ranked. I think hopefully our team can be mature enough to know that it was the same situation last year. Hopefully we will be able to use that as a sign that we need to get up and get ready to play.”

With the Bulldogs aware of the Volunteer struggles entering the game, it will be interesting to see the amount of fight the Vols have left. If Georgia doesn’t come out and squash the Volunteers spirit early, it might be a second straight win and turnaround for the Vols.