Is Smart the type of coach to run up the score?

[G8R8U2]

I don't know where anyone got the impression Saban took it easy on anyone; never has looked to me like he was ever calling off the dogs... not against us with Muschamp or McElwain coaching.

With Smart, I have no idea.

 

[livefaith]

Maybe it's just the hangover from the Richt years of being talented and falling flat, but I do not have the confidence that UGA is going to steamroll the Vols like I did last year. The team is highly talented but feels really raw - and we are missing some key starters with experience on the o-line, front seven on defense and our #1 running back was mysteriously absent last week for most of the game with some 'groin' issues. Last week the o-line couldn't get a push against MU when they needed too. And there is not a chance UT gives the ball away 6 times again. I would be sorely disappointed if UGA couldn't find a way to win this game, but I just don't see them winning by a margin close to the spread, it feels like it might be half of that.

OK, you're probably right. UGA 50, UT 10

 

[Johnnyreb#VFL]

What concerns me is the fact that a lot of media memebers are picking us to cover which is complete and utter stupidity based off of this year’s prior performances. Georgia is banged up, Ut got humiliated last week, no way they have 6 turnovers again. I call Bull on ALL of that. UT will get thoroughly embarrassed on Saturday. Whether is be 35-7 or 49-17 or worse. I could care less about a covering the cover.

 

[VOLnMiami]

He'll run it up if given the chance...He wants that #1 spot in the rankings.

 

[SD189]

Don't give a chit about Kirby, but I hope JPru does it to them when he has the opportunity.

 

[ZippyMorocco]

Be honest. What do you and your other Dawg buddies think about us Vols fans having a serious discussion about this?

I think it's kinda sad.One of my best friends is a UT grad. I'm an old guy, so UT isn't a rival to me. We didn't play that often until the expansion.

Smart doesn't run up the score. He is more interested in developing the younger players. Against MTSU Fromm played the 1st quarter, Fields played the 2nd and 3rd quarters, and a walkon played the 4th.

 

[SaltyBro]

Maybe it's just the hangover from the Richt years of being talented and falling flat, but I do not have the confidence that UGA is going to steamroll the Vols like I did last year. The team is highly talented but feels really raw - and we are missing some key starters with experience on the o-line, front seven on defense and our #1 running back was mysteriously absent last week for most of the game with some 'groin' issues. Last week the o-line couldn't get a push against MU when they needed too. And there is not a chance UT gives the ball away 6 times again. I would be sorely disappointed if UGA couldn't find a way to win this game, but I just don't see them winning by a margin close to the spread, it feels like it might be half of that.

Richt always had a "thing" with UT. No matter how much more talented UGA was it seemed like he always struggled against inferior UT teams.

 

[GrizzlyVol]

I don't think he'll have to intentionally run up the score, by the time our defense has seen 60-70 plays and are absolutely gassed it'll just happen. If by some sort of miracle our offense does something our defense can keep us in the game for a short period of time. Unfortunately our oline has had a horrible time really doing anything right and that doesn't seem like it'll change anytime soon so I feel real bad for JG and our Rbs

 

[Evol]

We all know we have a huge spread for Saturday's game but I am still thinking Tennessee will cover because Smart is a Saban disciple and Saban is really good about calling off the dogs in a mismatch. For evidence Saban is a little over 54% lifetime in covering the spread but only 33% when the spread is over 35 points. I think that is one reason so many coaches respect Saban when they should resent his success. In fact, I am fairly confident that Saban will do his best not to humiliate Pruitt considering their previous relationship and Saban's history of pulling back when the lead gets substantial. My only concern with Smart is I have heard he and Pruitt did not get along so if this becomes a sibling rivalry type thing Smart might take a lead and run with it.

One other thing, I wonder if our guys play with a chip on their shoulder. Everyone, especially in the media, have written them off as inferior to everyone else in the SEC. I think this either makes them quit kind of like we saw against Florida if they get down early or whips them into proving everyone wrong. I am hoping for the latter of course.

Just curious, where did you get those numbers on Saban? The 54% and 33%