Thanks for five great years so far; Football picks
A quick word of appreciation
Folks can read into this however they want because that is their right, but I’m going to go with it anyway. Plus, I haven’t done this type thing in a while so it’s way overdue.
I just want to say how appreciative I am of this entire community, especially everyone at the three local high schools, that have been so great to me over my five years here. (It’s crazy now that I put it into writing that I’ve actually been here five years as of last week.)
I have grown to have great relationships at Calhoun, Sonoraville and Gordon Central, and those relationships are essential to me being able to do my job. The athletic directors, coaches, support staff and parents have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome, and for that I am truly grateful.
I do my best to provide equal coverage to all the schools. I promise there is no bias from me to any of the three. As a matter of fact, if the teams I cover could win every game they had, that would be the result I wished for the most. It’s a whole lot easier to write a story about a win than a loss. (And it’s a lot easier to ask coaches questions after a win than a loss.)
Just know that I never do anything in the sports section with intent of bringing negative attention on any local team or athlete. And as I’ve said many times, I appreciate your feedback, whether good or bad, as well as your suggestions. My email is always open to you, the reader. That’s why I put it below my byline on all my stories. Feel free to write me if you have a critique or criticism, and I will take it without question. You probably see it elsewhere in the section, but I’ll give my email address again here. It is afarrer@ calhountimes. com, and I check it all the time.
Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. I just wanted to show my appreciation for how I’ve been treated and all the kind words that you have given me over the last few years.
I look forward to being a part of this great community and watching the incredible teams and athletes it produces for a long time. So this was just my long-winded way of saying -- Thank You!
Weekend football picks
Another week and another good schedule of football games in college and the NFL. Here’s my picks for a few college games as well as the Falcons hosting the Packers on Sunday:
Georgia vs. Florida (Jacksonville)
I’ll start with the one many of you have circled on your calendars every year. And this matchup is no different on the importance scale for the Bulldogs, maybe even more so to get the season back on track.
Georgia has been a different team almost every week, and their running game has been underwhelming for a majority of the season despite having some studs carrying the football. The offensive line has played a huge role in that, and Jacob Eason’s receivers haven’t done him a whole lot of favors to balance things out on the offensive side.
Florida has a lot of good players on defense, but a little like Georgia, they’ve been offensively challenged this season. The Gators do have quarterback Luke del Rio back after an early-season injury, but even with him they haven’t exactly been dynamic.
Georgia needs this game, no doubt about it. And Tennessee might need the Bulldogs to win it even more for SEC East purposes. The running game is a huge key in what should be a low-scoring rivalry affair.
Score: Florida wins, 21-19.
Duke at Georgia Tech
Who knows what to make of Georgia Tech’s 4-3 start to the season. Even I, a Tech fan, have no idea how to feel. A part of me says there is still hope for a good season, but the other part says Paul Johnson has once again proven how inconsistent his system is and raises questions to if he should continue as the long-term solution for the Jackets.
Either way, Duke presents a great opportunity for Tech to get right. The Blue Devils have improved their program by leaps and bounds over the last few years under David Cutcliffe, but this year they have taken a step back closer to where they were.
I think the Jackets offense gets back on track and puts up a big yardage total to lead the way to an ACC win. But even so, do we know any more about what kind of team Tech really is?
Score: Georgia Tech wins, 35-17.
Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have had one taken away from them and given one away in the last two weeks, but I’m still encouraged by what this team has shown early in the season.
Matt Ryan and Aaron Rodgers will match up in this one as two dynamic offenses get together. Both will put up points, but as crazy as it sounds, the Falcons defense will make the plays that make the difference in this one.
Atlanta’s pass rush has come a long way in a short amount of time. They’ll get to Rodgers a few times when it matters most on Sunday.
Score: Falcons win, 38-28.