09: Georgia Bulldogs-Oklahoma State Cowboys

Written by Mark | 31 August 2009

College Football 9/5/09

#13 Georgia Bulldogs (SEC)-#11 Oklahoma State Cowboys (Big 12)

By Mark • Saturday, September 5th, 2009 3:30 PM EST

Oklahoma State (0-0) vs. Georgia (0-0)
Line-Oklahoma State -6

This has the feel of a championship bowl game with all of the hype, anticipation and excitement surrounding it. These teams have played each other just once and that was a 35-14 Georgia win in 2007 at home. A win by either squad could propel the victor into a top ten spot and a step closer to championship glory. Nobody will talk National Championship on opening day because it's foolish with the entire season left to be played but you can bet many are already thinking that way.

The Georgia offense had a banner year statically in 2008 behind NFL bound Knowshon Moreno's running and Matthew Stafford's passing. The two of them combined for almost 5,000 yards, as the Bulldogs ate up the yardage on the way to the end zone. Georgia was ranked at #22 in the country in total yardage (427) and #29 in points with 32. With Stafford leaving school early the door was kicked open for senior QB Joe Cox who did little but hold a clipboard in four years. Cox will lean heavily on WR AJ Green who set a freshman record with 963 receiving yards and will be expected to do even more in his second year. Georgia's defense was stout, allowing only 312 yards per game good for #22 in the country, but their scoring 'D' was only #59 giving up 25 ppg. Part of the reason is now the Detroit Lions problem, as Stafford laid his share of eggs at some inopportune times last season.

Oklahoma State shredded defenses for 488 yards a game earning the #6 spot in the nation. The end zone was a spot that the Cowboys visited regularly, pounding opposing defenses at ease through both the air and ground. With Kendall Hunter's running and Zac Robinson's passing, the Cowboys were equally lethal on the attack. An encore performance could give Okie State a shot at the Big 12 Title with an even bigger prize within reach. I say ‘could' because they can score every time the ball is snapped but opposing offenses had very little problem dissecting the Cowboys defense. Defense was something Oklahoma State had little of, allowing 117 points to Oklahoma and Texas Tech alone. The Cowboys brought in DC Bill Young to improve the unit but I wonder if there is enough time and talent to make difference in one year.

Oklahoma State was outstanding ATS going 8-4 for the season and a sparkling 5-2 at home. Conversely, Georgia struggled against the number posting a regular season mark of 4-7-1 and 2-2-1 on the road. The Trends favor neither and we're left to ponder which team has an advantage. Under Richt, Georgia is 10-2 against teams in the top 25 and has a road winning percentage of .882. Tough decision but I'll take the points and see if the Dawgs can keep it close.