Independence Bowl 2009

The University of Georgia Bulldogs football team did not have a pleasant 2009. That could probably be the understatement of the sports decade. In fact, after the 2007 Sugar Bowl victory over Hawaii, the Bulldogs have arguably had one of the worst slides of recent memory in college football.

Entering the 2008 season as the pre-season #1 ranked team in the land, injuries plagued the Dawgs even during the pre-season practices and the 10-3 record, including a January 1 bowl victory, just wasn't good enough. After all, two of the three losses were to arch rivals Florida and Georgia Tech.

The Bulldogs entered 2009 with less fanfare, yet started the season with four consecutive victories. A loss to then #4 LSU, followed closely by losses to Tennessee and a huge loss to Florida provided reason for the Bulldog faithful to get a bit irritable. The unthinkable happened when Kentucky came to Athens and beat the Bulldogs, and many were ready to write the season off and would not be satisfied until the entire coaching staff was replaced. That is, after the proverbial tarring and feathering, and running them out of the state on the nearest railroad, without cashing in their $200 for passing 'GO'.

Georgia got by Auburn, and looked decent doing it. Georgia Tech hosted the Bulldogs and everyone except Mrs. Richt expected the Jackets to make Georgia's season sting even more. The Bulldogs played the game of their season and chased the Jackets back to their clubhouse, stinger between their wings.

Coach Richt made the difficult business / athletic decision to fire three coaches, including Defensive Coordinator Willie Gonzales a couple of days after the Tech game. The defense just hadn't been getting the job done. Nevermind the turnovers, causing many short yardage fields for opponent's offenses to run. Or the penalties the Dawgs kept being assessed with at the most inopportune times.

Through all the difficulties of the season, a couple of constants seemed to remain. The kicker Blair Walsh and punter Drew Butler. They have been tremendous all season long for Georgia. Walsh has made 20 of 22 field goals this season, including an incredible 7 of 7 from the 40-49 yard range. Even more impressive is his streak of 92/92 career PAT's. The 2009 Ray Guy Award recipient, presented to the nation's best punter, went to Drew Butler. He averaged well over 40 yards per punt this season.

Most talk of successful teams includes all sorts of information about offense and defense. The quarterback, running back, and wide receiver are so often mentioned, as well as maybe a linebacker or defensive back. They have to do their jobs, but one can never, ever overlook the importance of special teams.

Case in point, consider the Georgia Bulldogs victory over the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2009 Independence Bowl. The Aggies had more first downs than Georgia. They outgained the Dawgs in total offense by more than 100 yards. The differences in this game, you ask? Georgia won the turnover battle, ending the game with a 2-1 advantage. Georgia has been one of the most penalized teams in the country the past two years. They only committed 6 penalties for 39 yards in the bowl game. Couple these two factors with the play of Georgia's special teams unit: One kick-off returned for a TD; a blocked field goal; a blocked punt deep in the Aggies territory, allowing a relatively quick score; plus recovering a foiled punt attempt when the snap went sailing over the Aggie punter's head, leading to another touchdown. On the flip side, Walsh made his 49 yard FG attempt, and nailed a record setting 5 PATs.

I sat and watched the Independence Bowl on pins and needles during the first 27+ minutes of scoreless football. I briefly sat in stewing anger as I watched the Aggies draw first blood after a long pass completion set up a touchdown. The kick return helped some, and then the blocked punt, setting up another TD made half-time bearable. The pins and needles came back in a hurry when A&M scored on the opening drive of the second half. Georgia made some halftime adjustments to the offensive line personnel, and it was obvious in the second half. This win gives Georgia a little something to ease the offseason pain of a less than average season by Georgia standards.

Special teams can teach us a pretty good lesson after this game. There are not two distinct parts to a football team. There are most assuredly three; offense, defense, AND SPECIAL TEAMS. Incidentally, many times special teams are made up of younger, less experienced players. The young man who ran the kick back for the touchdown ~ a sophomore. The young man who blocked the punt setting up another touchdown ~ a redshirt freshman. Even the "skill special teamers", punter Drew Butler is a redshirt sophomore and kicker Blair Walsh is a sophomore.

If you're a Georgia fan, I can't help but feel the future is bright. I am looking forward to seeing what 2010 holds. Is there a GO DAWGS in the house?