LSU Doesn't Want to Play Georgia

At least that's what can be inferred from LSU athletic director Skip Bertman, who was "noticeably excited" upon hearing about Tennessee's comeback win against Vanderbilt. Either Bertman (pictured, noticeably excited in his days as LSU's baseball coach) is a big Phil Fulmer fan, or he sees the Vols as easier fodder for his team in the SEC championship game -- as long as Tennessee continues to win, they'll face LSU in Atlanta, a Vol loss would send the 'Dawgs to the Georgia Dome. CBS Sportsline senior writer Gary Parrish says:

[I]t's probably better for the Tigers to stay away from the red-hot Bulldogs, or at least that's what I gathered from the reaction of LSU athletic director Skip Bertman, who was noticeably excited here in the press box when he heard the Vols had stormed back and won.

But Georgia blogger Senator Blutarsky, who has a dog in this fight (so to speak), has the appropriate reaction at his site:

You might want to dial back on the excitement, Skip. Your team just gave up 466 yards to the 90th ranked team in the country in total offense (Ole Miss moved up seven slots in the eleventh week of the season - which is statistically significant - thanks to LSU). Tennessee is ranked 59th right now in total offense. The Vols are number 67 in total defense, which doesn't sound too impressive - except Ole Miss is ranked #96. None of which is to say that Georgia isn't playing some impressive football right now. It's just that LSU may not be.

For the record, Georgia is ranked 71st in total offense right now, a few slots behind Tennessee. Bertman might also want to consider the fact that Tennessee beat Georgia pretty handily earlier this season. It's all moot for the moment anyway, as neither UT or UGA has punched a ticket to the championship game yet. And even though LSU has, they may want to keep in mind that they have a game this weekend against Arkansas a team with an offense statistically way better than either Tennessee or Georgia (#20 in total offense nationally, #4 in rushing offense).

If LSU doesn't play any better this weekend than they played the first half against Ole Miss, they might have their hands full against the Hogs.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

11-18-2007 @ 10:17PM

tigertexan said...

Senator Blutarsky, FYI, when LSU plays Ole Miss, it's a grudge match. All statitics go out the window; much like Texas Tech and Oklahoma. Did you not see Oher annoying Dorsey on the field and picking up at least two personal fouls? Both teams were playing for Pride.

11-18-2007 @ 10:50PM

George B Vieto said...

Tiger fans just beat Arkanasa and get ready for your SEC Championship opponent. Then take it from there and play for the national championship after taking care of your next two games.

11-18-2007 @ 10:56PM

Michael Mahl said...

LSU-OLE MISS has a long and historic rivalry which seems to go unnoticed by everone but these two schools.You can pretty much throw out records when they play.Other than Auburn, Ole Miss gives LSU the most fits of any other team in the SEC. Usually, the game is too close for comfort, but LSU seems to be the master of close SEC games this year. As for which team LSU prefers to play, I think it doesn't really matter. LSU somehow rises to the challange of whomever is next on the menu! Yes, they don't seem like the team they are rated in the polls, but it reminds me of the way football used to be like. Remember when games were decided by who ever had the ball last, or last second field goals that would rip your heart out! You people have become spoiled rotten on winning by 70 points or listening to these so called media football experts! Well,LSU won't overlook Arkansas, or Georgia,or Tennessee. They have ONE GOAL in mind,and its called THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!
So in the next few days,talk about how LSU will overlook Arkansas Friday,how Les Myles will be leaving for Michigan,How the Tigers are scared of playing Georgia in the SEC championship, or whatever else blows your dress up! At the end of the day on Dec 2nd, LSU will be one of the announced teams for the National Championship Janurary 7th.It's just up to the rest of you who the other victim will be! GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11-18-2007 @ 11:02PM

lsu1981 said...

To play Georgia is to play at home and not on a neutral field since it's played in Atlanta. I prefer to play Tennessee because I'm a Tennessee fan too. I am an LSU alum but my dad went to Tennessee, so I grew up on Tennessee football. The four years I attended LSU, we did not play Tennessee. I'd love to see the two teams I like best play each other for the SEC title. I'd just prefer an LSU victory this time.

11-19-2007 @ 12:55AM

carolinabuckeye said...

Well Hell NO LSU wouldn't want to play Georgia in Georgia, any more than anyone is jumping up and down at the prospects of facing the Media Darling Tigers in the Bayou. My, my ,my the tables are a turning now.....Go Dawgs! OSU fan here........smelling ROSES regardless!

11-19-2007 @ 7:53AM

mary said...

lsu is afraid to play the bulldogs cause the bulldogs are going to win. cant the sec go into an opponents field and play what is wrong with that a neutral field, is all games play at a neutral field that so sissified

11-19-2007 @ 9:36AM

Bill said...

Go Vols! Lots of UT fans and neighbors would like to see a change in the Head Coach position at UT as they are not too satisfied with the present HC's won-loss record against some of the team's most bitter rivals. However; UT should get past KY (with a lot of luck) and then continue their winning ways against LSU.

11-19-2007 @ 2:33PM

Patrick said...

If you want to be the best then it would only be Justice that LSU play Georgia in the SEC Championship. OK Tennessee did beat us ......but try that NOW. When Kentucky wins at home on Saturday the two BEST teams in the SEC will face. Anything less and the Game will be a bore. LSU will Destroy the lucky Vols should they actually meet. LSU's Fate will be different against a Georgia team hungry to redeem a loss to LSU in thier last meeting. This week I'm a WILDCAT/BULLDAWG fan. Get it done BLUE!!!!
GOOOOOO DAWGS!!!!!! UGA ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!

11-19-2007 @ 4:40PM

Justin said...

LSU doesn't want to play Georgia.....I wonder why.......Is it because that the game would be in Atlanta which is in Georgia or is it because they know that Georgia is the only team in the SEC that can actually beat them?

11-23-2007 @ 12:02PM

tigercat said...

Les Miles and LSU take it one game at a time. If they have to play Georgia, they'll think about that after they get pass Arkansas. Nobody's counting their chickens just yet.

11-26-2007 @ 5:58AM

RazzleDazzle said...

You guys are right, Tennessee has no chance at all against the biggest baddest LSU team i've ever seen. I give the Vols no chance at all. The score will be something like LSU 42 - 0 at the half. I shudder to think what the final score will be against this weak pathetic Tennessee team. They were real lucky when they beat Georgia. It was a real close game wasn't it?