Just Do It

10 straight calls for celebration.

In all likelihood, LSU will comfortably beat Georgia for the SEC Championship next weekend. LSU has more talent, big game experience, plays with better discipline, and has plenty of confidence coming into this game. Aside from Alabama, the Bayou Bengals haven't been challenged since the opening week of the season against Oregon. If Georgia ends up losing by three touchdowns, no one should be too surprised.

On the other hand, I think the Dawgs have a chance to pull the upset. After reeling off 10 straight wins, it's obvious this is a different team than the one that opened the season with a terrible performance in the Georgia Dome against Boise State. Aaron Murray is playing his best ball of the season and has multiple weapons at receiver as well as the ability to make plays with his legs. And the Georgia defense is playing with an aggressiveness reminiscent of the days when Brian Van Gorder was the defensive coordinator.

Initially, I thought Georgia would have an advantage by not having to deal with any additional pressure. It looked like LSU would be playing with a spot in the National Championship on the line while the Dawgs would be playing with house money. I was hoping this would give the Georgia a chance to play loose and aggressive while LSU might struggle with the pressure and play tight. Unfortunately, it looks like LSU has already wrapped up a spot in the title game, regardless of what happens in the SEC Championship. Still, if Georgia can keep the game close until the 4th quarter and force Les Miles to make some tough decisions, you have to wonder if the Tigers will begin to feel the pressure of an undefeated season.

For Mark Richt and Georgia, I think they are in a great situation (or as good as it can be having to face LSU). The Georgia fan base is ecstatic with the current 10 game winning streak and the goal was to win the SEC East and see what could happen after that. A season where the Dawgs are playing for a championship and record victories against Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, & Georgia Tech will provide Mark Richt with some much-needed job security. Now, unlike the pressure filled game to open the season, UGA can head to the Georgia Dome and have some fun. Let it all hang out and see what happens - it's not like anyone actually expects them to win anyway. It reminds me of when VCU made the Final Four this past season and Shaka Smart told his team, "Now that we've shocked the world and made it here. Let's go try and win the * thing!"

Go Dawgs!