UGA v UK

I do a blog for a local paper so I figured I'd post here too.

This weekend, the almighty Kentucky Wildcats strolled into town in what promised to be an exciting game: The Dawgs were undefeated at Fort Stegeman while the ‘Cats had yet to win on the road.

I arrived at the Coliseum two hours early to ensure my place in the front row. The crowd slowly filtered in and excitement grew amongst the crowd. Free t-shirts were provided to boost a sellout crowd as well as the promise of Mark Richt presenting the Sugar Bowl trophy at halftime.

The Wildcats came out early to a chorus of boo’s and heckling fans (I amongst them). The main difference I noticed between the two teams in the early preparation was the focus of Kentucky compared to the loose demeanor of Georgia. The Bulldogs were talking and joking during the shoot around but I did not really notice any of the ‘Cats talking: each was preparing and getting mentally ready.

Dennis Felton then came through the student section and interacted with the crowd. I shook hands with him and he told me he appreciated my support. Felton has been receiving a lot of criticism lately for the team’s poor results but I stand by our Coach. He’s a good guy who is turning this program in a positive direction. Felton knew he would cost his team several wins by cutting Mercer and Brown but did it anyway. He cares about the prestige and class of UGA and I fully support that.

As the game was about to start I called out to my favorite player, Troy Brewer, and pointed at him. Yes, he pointed back. I was also selected to participate in the “dizzy bat race” during a T.V. timeout! It was very exciting to be out on the court in front of 10,000 people making a fool out of myself. Even better was that I got to talk to Knowshon Moreno and Matt Stafford! They were hanging out by the sideline and I asked Knowshon for some pre-race advice. He told me to “Finish the Drill.” Matt came up to me, shook my hand and asked who I was going against. I pointed and he said “Oh, you got him, man.” Well, turns out I didn’t…but the other guy cheated!

Before tip-off I wanted to note a few matchups: Ramel Bradley against Sudiata Gaines – two senior guards battling for pride and a late NBA draft pick -- and Jeremy “Big Dawg” Price against Patrick Patterson – two up and coming freshman with a lot of hype surrounding them. Unfortunately, neither one occurred. Bradley took a nasty fall about five feet away from me, hit his head hard on the court and never returned. Price didn’t get the minutes I expected (see below) and the match-ups became a moot point.

Overall the game was a thriller. There were so many lead changes I lost count. Once Georgia was down 11, I thought the game was over but the Dawgs came storming back late to take the lead. However, the win was not to be had. Patrick Patterson was a monster down low and Joe Crawford was so cool under pressure. Georgia had no answer for the dynamic tandem.

I was happy to hear Stegeman erupt at a few big three pointers, something I had yet to witness. A big UK fan who has been to Rupp Arena many teams (seats 24,000) said it was a hostile environment. That was quite the compliment

Two players I was impressed by: Terrance Woodbury and (you’ll never guess) Dave Bliss. Yes, Dave Bliss. I ragged on him hard in my last article (which he may have read…it can only explain his turnaround) but since then has performed better than ever. He’s scored double figures in his last three games and has been staying out of foul trouble. Woodbury took some of the heat off an anemic shooting performance from Billy Humphrey (2-9 FG, 8pts) chipping in twelve. Sundiata Gaines did exactly as expected: led the team in scoring and took over in clutch situations. He is The Man.

I do have to call into question the lack of playing time for our young forwards. Jeremy Price is our “highest-profile Bulldog newcomer” yet played three minutes. Three minutes. Jeremy Jacob is a four star recruit who I am a huge fan of did not leave the bench (but did flex his arms upon my request from the stand). I’m actually starting to wonder if he is in some academic trouble or doesn’t practice well because the guy can move in the paint. Troy Brewer came in with four minutes left and hit a three. Where was he the whole game? Humphrey had an off night!

Pretty soon, the coaches may have to come to an unfortunate realization: we’re not that good. The future of this program lies with the development of our prize recruits. Price is a big body who can use some work playing with the big boys. What better practice than against tough SEC power men? Jacob needs some playing time. From what I saw of Chris Barnes this weekend, he needs more minutes too! Playing Dave Bliss and Albert Jackson may get a couple more wins this season but long term; we need these young guys to get some experience.