Killin Time

Well, it was a less-than-stellar performance by the visiting Bulldogs last Saturday that resulted in the lopsided 29-7 score against LSU. If only the Dogs had taken to heart what I said in my last blog about taking care of the football... but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

No matter. It's a new week and time for a new foe... and of course, a new theme song!

Killing Time - Hed (P.E.)

I keep my eyes on the stars,
That's where I come from.
Belt of Orion.
Son of a sun God.
You know my name, I'm the conqueror...
The Lion-King,
Kamehameha, come.
Twenty-twelve, come 12 tribes, come 12 strands, come 12 lives.
12 steps, 12 months, 12 muthafuckers...
All make bail, kicked 'cause of the crowded jails.
Sex and violence sells...
12 serial killers, 12 dead without a trail or trace,
It's prime time, the fight night, pay-per-view, suicide,
The Bee-Sting-Butterfly!

So... is MSU just killing time? This weekend will tell the tale...the Bulldogs face a Georgia team that began the season ranked in the top 25 before putting together a 1-2(0-2) record. Georgia and Mississippi State have played eerily similar opponents thus far in the season, with Georgia losing at South Carolina, and again at home in a heartbreaker against Arkansas. Meanwhile Mississippi State first lost at home in a close game to Auburn before going on the road to Tiger Stadium where they all but handed the game to LSU.

This match-up is one that both fan bases are viewing as a "must win" game, and no one knows that better than the coaches and players.

KEYS TO THE GAME -

OFFENSE - It's not Christmas yet, so for Christ's sake STOP GIVING THE BALL AWAY! Chris Relf and Tyler Russell combined to throw SEVEN interceptions in last week's game. I couldn't find any record of a collegiate football team winning a game after giving up 7 turnovers... but I did find this. Guess that last one was just a bit too much, huh?

DEFENSE - The MSU defense looked great in the second half against Auburn, and carried much of that momentum forward to the first half of their match-up with LSU, holding the tigers to 4 field goals and no TD's in the first half. However they could not keep up the pressure in the second half, whether it was due to effort, mistakes or coaching. The defense will catch a break with prospective-NFL receiver AJ Green being suspended for this weekend's game, though.

QUARTERBACKS - Will Chris Relf finally emerge as a true starting quarterback? Will Russell usurp Relf and take the helm? Will EITHER of them manage not to throw any INT's? Why do I sound like the end of an episode of Soap? The 2 QB system has it's advantages, and they will likely be easier to see this weekend than in the past three games. Still, it's up to the QB's to get the ball in the hands of the right guys at the right times.

BOTTOM LINE - Who wants it the most? That's who's going to win this weekend. Obviously taking care of the ball is key, so if the Bulldogs are plagued by turnovers again this weekend look for some drastic changes on the offensive side of the ball. But both Georgia and MSU badly need this win to make their way towards the post-season.

WILD AND WOOLLY PREDICTION -
MSU 21 GA 14

REALISTIC PREDICTION -
MSU 14 GA 21