Death by Bobo Screens: Week 2 Recap
by Chito Chibuye
Dawgs OTL Writer/ UGA Alumnus
If you joined us for the Sunday Scary Reaction podcast you already know that we had some fun at Mike Bobo’s expense. Yes, Saturday’s 28–6 victory over FCS Austin Peay was impressively underwhelming, and yes Bobo’s play-calling drives me insane most of the time. Still, you’d have to be blind or new to the game of football to not see how intentionally vanilla & repetitive the playbook was. I’ll admit, I’m well aware of how polarizing Bobo is within Dawgnation, but the truth of the matter is none of it matters in the bigger picture until this weekend when Georgia travels to Knoxville.
Concerns from Georgia’s Week 2 Win
Cupcake Opponent and Ugly Conditions
A “cupcake” opponent, a beat-up offensive line, an early kickoff, and a rain delay was the perfect recipe for the disaster of a game we saw on Saturday. For Georgia’s trouble they were dropped to No. 6 in the country. Even though on the flip side we saw other teams (LSU and Clemson) have similar games and not penalized. I don’t care about any of that.
Turnovers and Ball Security Issues
What I do care about is the lack of ball security I’m seeing from trusted players on this team. The weather was a factor, no doubt, but butterfingers on the road next week or at Auburn—not to mention Bama and Texas—could easily be the difference in those games.
The Bubble Screen Debate
Secondly, let me address the “everyone in football runs bubble screens” crowd. You’re right, they do. Let’s look at the NFL: teams are so skilled offensively that defenses will play two-high safeties and do everything they can to stop explosives because there is a vertical threat forcing teams to work drives meticulously.
It shouldn’t be the cornerstone of the offense the way it is for UGA right now. To Bobo’s credit, there have been WRs getting open downfield that Gunner isn’t seeing before taking off to run, which could become a big concern as early as next week.
Reasons for Confidence Going Into SEC Play
Georgia’s Defense Is Still Elite
Kirby has built another monster on defense. While we may be young, we’re mean, we’re fast, and this team loves striking the ball carrier. Not to mention our D-line, EDGE players, LBs, DBs—staying hunkered down in constant pursuit, all the while attempting to remove your helmet off your headtop.
They gave up only two field goals and less than 200 total yards with their “bend never break” style of play, as evidenced by an impressive goal-line stand early in the 4th quarter.
Emerging Playmakers on Offense
I’m also really coming around on the run game this year. I like the way Bobo is using TEs as de-facto fullbacks and springing RBs Dwight Phillips Jr. and Chauncey Bowens for big gains. Let’s keep an eye on who steps up as Ethan Barbour recovers from a nasty ankle injury.
Additionally, It was a good feeling to see Daylen Everette return and Colbie Young get some good burn in prep for Tennessee (Noah Thomas as well).
Final Thoughts: Bubble Screens and Beyond
It’s fun to lean on Bobo sometimes because he makes it incredibly easy. He’s been the low hanging fruit/knee jerk thing to pick at for quite some time. That aside, I saw some things in the playbook Saturday that I think he’s going implement more of in the coming weeks. If we can get Gaston and Greene back at RG and RT, Gunner to see his targets downfield, and the defense continue to be lights out, we will forget all about Weeks 1 and 2 like we do every year.
SEC play starts now, and the Vol defense better get ready because our bubble screen game is filthy and stupid sharp.
Go Dawgs.
