Overall, I was pretty pleased that my Tigers played hard for most of the game. The final score was ugly, but that doesn't tell the story of how close this game was for 3.5 quarters. I was really happy with our defense for the most part. They didn't get bullied around like I was worried they would, and did a decent job getting pressure on the qb and stopping the run "for the most part". I put at least 17 of the 41 points UGA scored on our offense/special teams (2 turn overs inside the 10 and a idiotic failed fake punt). The offense played well for 2 quarters (2nd and 3rd). They let their nerves get the better of them in the 1st (as did UGA), and had an abysmal final 8 minutes. I'm really disappointed in Franklin in that he seemed to fold under the pressure once we were down. I'm hoping he will get a lot better as the season progresses. Do keep in mind that he missed a LOT of practice in the off season due to shoulder surgery. I was happy to see that despite taking a pounding, he didn't seem the worse for wear (does need to buckle his damn helmet a little tighter though).
As for UGA, I think they may be the real deal this year. Not just because they beat Mizzou on the road (they were supposed to win)... but because they look like a complete team, especially once their suspended starters get back. They have a tough SEC style defense... have a strong running game... and also a very solid QB. Once the nerves settled down, Murray was clutch.
I hope the MANY UGA fans that attended the game had a good time and that you found Mizzou fans/Columbia very hospitable. I wasn't able to attend this game, but from what I've heard from friends and on the local message boards... the UGA fans seemed like good people. Hopefully some of you were able to visit my home town (KC) on Sunday to watch your Atlanta Falcons throttle my KC Chiefs.
