In a Record Setting Day, Navy Sinks Notre Dame and the Dawgs Tree the Cats

It was a great day in football for me yesterday. Navy horse-whipped Notre Dame 35-17 in a game where Navy never trailed and looked as dominant on defense as they did on offense. Beginning with a sweet goal line stand on NDs first drive the Navy defense never gave the Irish any easy points. The Navy offense kept the pressure on all day as fullback Alexander Teich rushed for over 200 yards (a Navy record for a fullback). This was Navy's second straight over ND and their 3rd win in the last 4 tries. It was also Navy's 3rd win over the Irish in my lifetime. I sure do love the recent history in this series!

Later in the day, the Dawgs created opportunities early and capitalized on them jumping to a 28-10 halftime lead and held off Kentucky's second half comeback effort to win 44-31. Washaun Ealey rushed for 157 yards and 5 touchdowns (a UGA record). The Dawgs' other TD came on a Brandon Boykin 100 yard kickoff return.

I have heard some Dawgs fans grumbling about the Wildcats outgaining the Dawgs 423 to 290 yards. This stat means nothing to me as the Dawgs worked with short fields most of the evening and you can't get any more yards once you cross the goal line, which we did 6 times (which was more than Auburn or South Carolina scored against these Cats). I was impressed that we dictated our will on the Kentucky defense on the ground and only threw the ball 12 times, completing 9. Justin Houston racked up 3 more sacks putting him at 9.5 on the season and Sanders Commings got his 3rd interception of the season. The Dawgs forced 4 turnovers and surrendered only one which came on the late on-side kick that bounced off of Boykin's knee right back to the UK kicker.

There were a few trouble spots such as our propensity to continue to give up first downs on third and long. There are still some coverage issues to work on. The only other problem is one that I am glad happened in Kentucky so hopefully it won't happen this coming Saturday in Jacksonville. Blair Walsh missed a make-able field goal and also missed an extra point for the only time in his career. Get it out of your system Blair because we need you to be perfect at the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

All said... it was a thoroughly satisfying win as we scored over 40 points for the third consecutive week and did most of it on the ground and without Caleb King. Now, we prepare for the Gators in a game that I look forward to more than all the rest. Have a great week of practice Dawgs and get ready to Get After Some Gator Asses!