Pound for Pound: Truth or bottle

Published 10:30 am Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Like the childish Texas fans and their bottles, I’m here today flinging truths from Georgia’s big win Saturday at you.

Let’s start here. Given every possible break at home, the No. 1 Texas Longhorns could not withstand the Georgia Bulldogs. I haven’t spoken to any UT fans, but everyone I’ve talked with who watched the marquee game has pointed out how bad the officiating was – not just during the drink-throwing debacle – and how it tilted Texas’ way. Not saying it was a concerted effort by the officials or the conference to stack the deck against UGA, just that if there was a judgment call to be made, the Bulldogs were going to wind up on the losing end. Too bad for the Longhorns, Georgia was just too strong.

Here’s a harsh truth for the rest of the country. No opponent can handle Georgia when the defense is playing that well. The UGA defense went on the road and surrendered only 15 points to the top-ranked team. Seven points were solely due to great field position after a turnover. Hopefully by now you’ve seen the photo of Texas quarterbacks Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning looking bewildered on the home sideline. They had plenty of reason to be. Jalon Walker posted a hat trick of sacks. Mykel Williams, as healthy as he’s been all year, had two and affected the game in other ways. The Dawgs had seven sacks total and forced four turnovers. Playing at that level, the defense is unbeatable.

Next truth: Texas fans’ hissy fit late in the third quarter was college football at its worst. Not just in the hurling of drinks, but with the inconsistency of the officials and the message they sent by bowing down to the crowd’s demands. Referees pick up flags every few games. One official will throw some dirty laundry and another will quickly come over to tell him he saw things differently. Fine. That’s why there are multiple officials on each side of the field.

But when a fanbase causes a delay long enough for that reconsideration to happen and the call is changed after the fact – big problem. Precedent-setting. I probably shouldn’t throw bottles in glass houses, though. I give in to a screaming toddler’s demands daily.

Not sure if any action will be taken against that officiating crew, but word did come down from the SEC Monday that Texas is being punished. It starts with a $250,000 fine and requires the UT athletic department staff to use video and other resources to try and identify individuals who threw objects onto the field. Texas will ban them from athletic events for the remainder of this school year if they are found. *Law and Order sound*

Congratulations Longhorn fans, your athletic department staff now has a ton of busy work this week!

Couple of truths to go. Let’s give the offense some props. Georgia’s drive after the Texas TD that made it 23-15 was championship material. On the road and momentum squarely on the other side of the field, the Dawgs traveled 89 yards to provide more cushion. The defense locked back down from there. Those are the kinds of things title contenders do.

Sidebar before we close: let’s give Carson Beck a break. The man has to endure throwing the football to receivers who keep dropping it. You would be in your own head a little if even the perfect balls weren’t caught. Two of his interceptions Saturday weren’t on him. Love the one you’re with, folks.

Final truth. Radio is the way to go after a big win. Georgia legends Jeff Dantzler and Kevin Butler allow you to relive all the great moments you just witnessed. Turn the TV off or the volume down and tune the radio dial to 102.3 FM here in Milledgeville and bask in the glory a little longer. There’s nothing better.

Go Dawgs.