Bulldogs Get to Stay Home for Sugar Bowl

The BCS bowl previews continue, looking at the Sugar Bowl. The Georgia Bulldogs already have an edge over West Virginia and they get to play the Sugar Bowl just down the road from home, thanks to Hurricane Katrina.

The Georgia Sports Blog stepped up again for us, this time answering my five BCS questions. Make sure to check out GSB for all information on the Bulldogs and their SEC opponents. Thanks for your help!

(My questions in bold, GSB answers in italics)

What are you initial thoughts on West Virginia?

On offense, West Virginia has solid team speed and a great misdirection
running game. Battling *this* version of the spread option run by a
gutsy QB is much tougher than defending the candy ass version that Meyer and Leak are running. A version that Georgia held to 14 points and stone cold stopped after the first two drives. It's the most physical spread option in the country. Closer to what Clemson ran with Dantzler than what Northwestern, Utah or Florida currently run. However, their passing game will be one of the weakest that Georgia has faced this year. If not THE weakest.

On defense, they have good speed as well. However, Georgia is faster.
The last team WVU faced with comparable team speed was Virginia Tech, and VT worked WVU silly. Granted White, their QB, is much further along now, but still. Their schedule has been incredibly weak. They haven't played the sort of competition that would properly prepare them for this game.

What is the best match-up advantage for Georgia in this game?

Leonard Pope vs. whoever they try and cover him with is always the best
matchup for Georgia. How do you cover an 8'3" Tight End with Olympic
Sprinter Speed who can speak to the ball in mid-flight and coax it into
his arms using only his will and imagination?

Seriously, I like most of the match-ups. Georgia has done exceptionally well vs. one dimensional offenses over the past five years.

What is the worst match-up advantage for Georgia in this game?

Georgia's Attitude vs. WVU's Attitude. There is no doubt that the
Mountaineers will come into this game 100% pumped. There is always a risk in a bowl game like this of coming in flat as the heavy favorite. Coming in flat for a bowl game will get you beat.

Which coach do you want on your sideline, yours or your opponents?
Why?

Georgia's. It isn't even close. 52-12 in 5 years. 2 SEC Titles. 3 SEC
East Titles.


Give your prediction of the outcome of the game.

27-17 Georgia

Good luck to West Virginia.