Georgia Bulldogs: 4 Things Learned From UT Loss
By John Buhler
Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) rushes against Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Tim Kimbrough (42) and Bulldogs linebacker Roquan Smith (3) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Tackling is a Major Problem for the Dawgs
The consistently poor tackling tactics cost the Georgia Bulldogs this game. Seemingly every run or completed pass by the Vols broke at least one tackle, allowing Tennessee to get extra yards on every positive play from scrimmage.
It first became clear in the screen passing game of Tennessee QB Joshua Dobbs. UGA would have UT in 3rd and long situations and Dobbs would dump the ball over the front seven’s heads and the Vols would move the chains on 15+ yard screen pass completions.
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Then it started to fall apart for the Georgia Bulldogs when the linebackers and defensive backs couldn’t wrap up on runs off tackle or quick passing routes near the sidelines. It became maddening to routinely see plays that should have gone for a yard or two turn into 20+ yard gains.
The reason the poor tackling ruined Georgia on Saturday is that the Dawgs had to play over 90 snaps on defense. While I’ll give credit to the Volunteers’ offense for wearing down the UGA defense, a team should never play over 90 snaps on defense and expect to win a football game.
Mark Richt may seriously need to consider taking his boys down to Flowery Branch and learn how to tackle from the State’s professional team. The Atlanta Falcons have done a marvelous job in 2015 of wrapping up and striking with authority at the initial point of contact.
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