Mullen basically had to scrap the entire running game, because the green OL could not run block AT ALL. To go 11-2, knowing you're going to be one-dimensional before each game is pretty good.
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You know this, but your top 20 defense cutoff is arbitrary and there's a big difference between the top of that list and the bottom of it. Georgia wound up #1 in total defense, thanks to Clemson having to deal with LSU.
So the Gators faced the #1, 14, 15, 17, and 23rd-ranked teams in total defense.
Georgia dealt with the #7, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 20th-ranked Ds.
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So what's tougher, 7th and 12th or 1st overall? Hell if I know.
I do know UGA had Fromm and Swift and a great OL, while UF had the backup QB, Perine, and an OL that could merely do half their job (pass block).
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And they wound up with the same records.
I'm not saying that Mullen isn't a good coach as much as i'm saying that UGA's offensive woes this year according to the folks who talk about such things is a little overblown especially considering the deficiency this year at WR and TE. Cager, Pickens (freshman) and Blaylock (freshman) were nice additions, but Cager was unavailable in all or parts of 7 games this year. (missed 2nd half of South Carolina, out vs Kentucky, most of the Auburn game, all of Texas A&M, all of Georgia Tech, LSU and Baylor) Teams were loading the box all year because they didn't respect our downfield passing attack.
Blaylock went down with a torn ACL in the SECC, Pickens was suspended 1st half, Cager was done for the season and Swift was a non-factor due to a shoulder injury in both the SECC game as well as the bowl game. (I was amazed our D only allowed 37 to LSU in that game with the attrition we had on the offensive side of the ball) Going 12-2 with that offense was a dang miracle in my opinion. Luckily our D was lights out.
Also, Franks getting hurt was the best thing to happen to UF this year. Trask was better so i take the backup QB excuse with a grain of salt. Your OLine, though, sure I can see that. So we can agree that both of our teams were dealing with a deficiency. Oline for UF, WR/TE for UGA.
Hell, UGA lost their top 6 (I believe) pass catchers from a year ago. That's hard to replace.
UF i think loses a good portion of WR production this year, as well, so it'll be interesting to see if they feel the effects of that next year. Not really sure how they've recruited in that area. UGA loses at least 3 starters on the Oline, plus Cade Mays who transferred to UT. We kind of saw what next year's oline will look like in the bowl game.
UGA had to deal with LSU, as well. How are 12-2 and 11-2 the same record?