Lilly’s Dawg Blog
The Dawgs took a hard-fought win over a strong Missouri team for our second SEC win of the season, and our second SEC East win of the season. You would think a 14 point win would be accepted and celebrated. However, the Dawg Nation is now not satisfied with just winning games anymore under coach Smart. The fans want to win big, or it is not a satisfying victory. Things have for sure changed under this coaching staff regarding expectations, but come on a win is a win. I could not be more happy with our season so far, and I am excited about how we are playing. I, for one, am not going to let naysayers ruin this season for me!
Two years ago the Dawgs were in Columbia for a night game that we won on the last play of the game. I was so upset and worried about the outcome that I punched the TV and ruined it forever. I say this to my complete shame. This time I was not 100% calm and collected, but I knew we were the better team and that we were going to win. That is the change in attitude coach Smart has brought to my life. I must say it is a welcome change for my family and me. Let’s all enjoy being 4-0 and 2-0 (EAST) in the ultra-tough SEC Conference. Jake Fromm looked great leading the team and on his touchdown passes. The team is in good hands with this quarterback. Our receivers ran great routes to get open and then made some great catches. Our stable of running backs looked good once again, and we did not make big mistakes on both sides of the ball. Our secondary played great and shut down their best receiver. However, a few things need to change.
First, we have got to stop dropping the ball before the end zone! JJ Holloman made one heck of a catch and run only to, in my opinion, fumbled the ball on the one-yard line. A very well coached Missouri player picked up the ball and ran it back for an apparent touchdown. The Tigers had just scored on their previous possession so the mistake could have been a 14 point swing in the game. We got lucky that the replay was not enough to overturn the call of touchdown on the field. I got a good feeling poor JJ got a knock on his door at about 4:00 AM Sunday morning. A coach was probably there to take him to run and roll around in some wet grass for about an hour or so. Then on Monday, I feel good the whole team had to run while JJ watched. Just hand the ball to the ref and act you have scored a TD before guys!
Why is Swift not playing more? I love this guy. I think he must still have a lingering hamstring problem. Those take forever to go away truly. If he is not hurt I can’t imagine why he is not getting more touches. We need his playmaking in the big games.
The unnecessary roughness calls are getting out of hand. We had a fifteen-yard penalty on Jonathon Ledbetter that allowed Missouri to continue a drive that leads to a score. All he did was put his hand on the QB and nudge him. I am all for protecting players because the game is rough enough for all who play, But, that was a lame call for nothing. If that had happened against a Bama or LSU, it could have been very damaging.
The offensive line must be able to block and get one yard on fourth and one. I was very surprised to see the Missouri defensive line stop us behind the line of scrimmage. Even worse was how our defensive line allowed there talented running back to just pound his way into the end zone twice. Work needs to be done on both lines, but I have no doubt the problems will be fixed by next Saturday. This will be a very rough weak of practice because our play was sloppy in some areas. I would not want to be a UGA player this week, and a dang sure would not want to be Tennessee!!
I got a feeling this will not go well for the Rocky Top singers!