THE “GREEN MACHINE” VS “CORN ON THE COBB”

As referenced in the prior blog, Kentucky, next up, is going to give us fits, and it will probably be a close game, assuming our team decides to play as they have the last two weeks.  Kentucky’s losses for the most part have been within a few points, and another close one went their way with them beating South Carolina last Saturday, and we are going to “blue grass” country to play them on their home court.  Trust me, you think we have a “rejuvenated” team and fan base?  Theirs is at that level or higher.  You must realize if they keep on and tie South Carolina in SEC East for losses, Kentucky wins the tie breaker and goes to Atlanta.  If they win Saturday they have a better chance of going to Atlanta than we do if we win.  Result, they have a more realistic incentive to go forward than we do.  They do not have to rely so much on what South Carolina does the rest of the season.

Today, let’s take a look at the Wide Receiver battle.  Kentucky has their 5’11”, 186 lb, Junior, Randall Cobb #18.  This last game against South Carolina he had 8 receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown passing, and 27 yards rushing and 0 rushing touchdowns.    Our 6’4”, 212 lb, Junior, A. J. Green #8 had 3 receptions for 64 yards and one touchdown passing, and 06 yards rushing and 0 rushing touchdowns Saturday against Vanderbilt.

Randall Cobb, for the season, so far, has 40 receptions for 466 yards, 5 passing touchdowns, 195 yards rushing, and 3 rushing touchdowns.  A. J. Green, for the season, so far, has 16 receptions for 279 yards passing, 4 passing touchdowns, 46 yards rushing, and 0 rushing touchdowns.  However, as we all know, A. J. missed the first four games for an NCAA infraction.  So, he has these stats just from playing in the Colorado, Tennessee and Vanderbilt games. (Source of Statistices: ESPN College Football Online).

Here is the difference between these two guys; Green is obviously a pure prototype wide receiver.  He has the perfect body build and height, as well as “Spiderman” hands that can catch anything thrown his way within six feet up, down, or sideways.  He will make mega-millions in the NFL and, as an aside, no matter what kind of “B.S.” he is spouting out now of how “he just doesn’t know what he will do,” he will definitely go out after this season.  Cobb on the other hand is a utility player, who because of his athleticism, is used as a wide receiver, back, and is used quite a bit in their “wild cat” formation.  So, you are really forced to keep your eyes on him because his position adapts to the play instead of the reverse.  He is a very dangerous talent because of this.  He actually reminds me a lot of Hinds Ward when he played at Georgia (now a successful wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers).  Hinds played about every position except center, and even ended up as our quarterback.  But then again our quarterback, Aaron Murray, reminds me even more of Hinds in terms of his running ability.

A. J. Green, WR, Georgia (source: Yardbarker)

Bottom line is that we have two very good talented wide receivers, with totally different styles and assets who will be battling it out this coming Saturday.  However, the advantage and value that A.J. brings to the Bulldawgs far outweighs what Cobb can do in his multiple positions.  Why?  First, as a pure receiver, you cannot compare the two.  Especially with A.J.’s height his lateral jump will take the balls right out of the hands of most defenders.  Secondly, however, A.J.’s true value for the rest of this season is the balls that will not be thrown his way.  All the teams will have to double up coverage on A.J. and this will open passing lanes to our tight ends, Chris Durham (who has been a super dude this year) and Aron White, as well as our other wide receivers, Orson Charles and Marlon Brown, who have been utilized the most in this position this year.

The passing in this game will open up the run, instead of vice versa.  So, this will give Washaun Ealey (TB), Carlton Thomas (TB), Fred Munzenmaier (FB), and Shaun Chapas (FB), some holes to pop through (assuming our “O” line decides to show up).

So, “drum roll”, the team with the Wide Receiver edge is Georgia!  As good and diverse an athlete as Randall Cobb is, there is no comparison to the pure talent A.J. Green brings as a receiver, and the value his abilities gives us in terms of opening up the game for our other players to shine.

Tomorrow we will look at the running back position.

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WHAT DO YOU THINK???????????????????

By: Dawgman1973 (Gary K.) Lead-Blogger “Dawn of the Dawg”