It's not the defense...?!1?!?
It's a team game. Look at these numbers and tell me how we can pin this entirely on the defense:
Georgia's offense:
2nd in scoring (32.6 ppg)
1st in total offense (436.8 ypg (ahead of Florida at #2 by almost 30 yards per game))
5th in rushing offense (163 ypg)
1st in passing offense (273.8 ypg)
2nd in passing efficiency (149.9 - nobody knows what that means, but still)
4th in sacks against (13 - which is astoundingly good given our o-line injury situation)
1st in first downs
2nd in third down conversions
2nd in time of possession
2nd in turnovers lost (14 - Florida has only given 8)
5th in redzone scoring % (85%)
2nd in redzone touchdowns (27 - Florida has 29)
So, the offense is among the top half of the SEC in every statistical category, and in the top 2 in all but 3. I don't know about you, but I give the sacks against category a pass [pun intended], considering the injury situation.
Georgia's "defense" (I put the categories that I feel carry no field position component in bold. If you disagree, feel free to say so.):
11th in scoring defense (24.9 ppg)
8th in total defense (308.9 ypg)
3rd in rushing defense (102.6 ypg - woowoo!)
10th in passing defense (206.3 ypg)
10th in passing efficiency against (125.9)
9th in interceptions (9 - which, admittedly, carry a significant luck component)
10th in sacks (17)
11th in opponent first downs (17.7 per game!!!)
9th in opponents' third down conversion % - (36.4)
t-10th in turnovers gained (13)
9th in redzone scoring % allowed (81.6 %)
12th (dead freakin' last) in redzone touchdowns allowed (26 - Arkansas @ 11th has allowed 20, Mississippi State @ 10th has allowed only 16.)
So, clearly, the defense has done their part. I mean, they are ranked above 8th in the conference in one, single, solitary category. I mean, c'mon. What do you want from these guys?
In all seriousness, some of the defense's woes may have been contributed to by poor special teams play and short fields from the offense. But the offense ranks 2nd in turnovers lost, so that argument loses steam fast. I think the only reason the defense is ranked as high as 8th in total defense is because they only defend a short field. If they had to defend 80 yards instead of 60 or 70, they would give up at least 20 more ypg which would put them on the cusp of 10th in total defense... which is about where they rank in the rest of the defensive categories.
You want special teams?
Georgia's "special" teams:
8th in kickoff returns
2nd in punt returns avg.
6th in punting (36.4 net)
10th in kickoff coverage (you mean there are two teams that are worse?)
5th in field goal %
And... the penalties:
12th in penalty ypg
11th in opponents penalty ypg
So, Georgia is the most undisciplined team in the league. And they play, on average, the 2nd most disciplined team in the conference every week. Go figure.
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For a follow-up...
I did a comparison of what Georgia allowed its SEC opponents this year compared to what those opponents average for the year. It’s not all that great.
Basically, Georgia has held all but LSU and Kentucky under their season-long total offense averages by an average of 11. The Kentucky stats are most troubling to me, because UGA gave up 14 points more than their season average, 90.2 yards rushing more than their season average, and allowed a 47.1 3rd down conversion percentage compared to their season average of 31.8%.
The defense really is as bad as it looks. When you consider the fact that some of these season averages are bloated due to non-conference cupcakes, it drives home the point that Georgia is one of the worst defenses in the SEC. This is proven out by the numbers. Forget injuries, forget penalties, forget bad field position. Georgia’s defense is just bad. I have my own opinion why that is, but the truth is in the numbers. And these numbers do not bode well for Georgia’s success going forward.
The dude abides.
by imarealist on
Nov 10, 2008 11:38 AM EST
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That's supposed to be 11%.
"Georgia has held all but LSU and Kentucky under their season-long total offense averages by an average of 11%.
The dude abides.
by imarealist on
Nov 10, 2008 1:27 PM EST
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Lies, damned lies, and statistics
The scoreboard knows all. Thirty eight points or more in three straight weeks. Say what you will about special teams or turnovers, its still unacceptable.
by SG Standard on
Nov 10, 2008 1:30 PM EST
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Never mind
I read the first line of the post and reacted unfavorably. My bad.
by SG Standard on
Nov 10, 2008 1:33 PM EST
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